Chapter 1

Ella held Kit's hand as they walked over to the guards where Ella's horse was waiting patiently. The Captain walked behind them and he was grinning like crazy. He watched as his king helped the lady onto her own horse. Kit had always been polite but never this much. The Captain could see why though. The woman had him infatuated. She was kind, wise, forgiving and full of life. It boosted her beauty more than those well-bred brats inside. The black haired man, dressed in green, turned around and looked at his friend.

"Captain. Make sure that the Grand Duke is left here with the women and a few guards. "

Kit was about to get onto his horse when he added one last thing to his request.

"Also. Strip him of his title. You will be the Grand Duke. You are more reliable I think."

"But Kit," Ella pointed out "There could be another side to this story that we don't know."

Kit could be seen thinking and finally he exhaled.

"Very well, fine." the king grunted "But he will stay here for one and ten days at the least. If we don't have anything from his mouth by then, then we will do as I requested at first."

Ella and the Captain agreed and Kit smiled, liking that they had made some progress. The two men nodded at each other and got onto their horses. The Captain made his orders for the arrangements and the party of people left after some of the guards stayed behind. Ella, Kit and the Captain lead the way down the gravely paths onto the track that lead to the kingdom. No-one had really been looking at the landscape earlier so they took their time to take everything in. The downside was that it was down to Ella alone to lead the way. She was a perfect leader though because she showed no anxiousness, gave everyone confidence and clear instructions. Soon enough the kingdom gates could be seen and the city could be heard.

The city guards opened the gates and the crowd of horses and humans flooded in. Ella had been to the kingdom many a time but this time was different. Last time it was just her by herself. This time it was with half of the male population, or it seemed to be anyway. As she and her escorts passed the people, Ella couldn't help but see all of the different reactions of the people. Some were smiling at her gentle nature while others were speculative. Some people even looked a bit disgusted at seeing a country girl become a queen when it could have been Princess Chelina. Ella just waved at the crowd and soon enough the crowd was warmed by her heart and they parted for her more graciously. Kit and the Captain shared a smile as people passed flowers to the bride-to-be

Finally, they reached the palace gates. Just as Ella was let down from her horse, a tired female voice shouted out "Ella."

Ella and Kit turned around to see who it was although the woman recognised the voice. The king was confused at why his fiancé had been addressed differently. Ella saw who it was, smiled and ran to her. The female was the same height as Ella with brown hair in a bun and cheerful looking. They hugged for a minute before parting. Ella smiled brightly.

"I can't believe you actually recognised and followed me. "

"Silly Ella. Of course I saw you. I just had to see if my eyes were fooling me."

Then the other lady seemed to remember whose company she was in. Ella's friend curtesyed elegantly.

"Forgive me my lord. That was very impolite of me. "

"The king dismissed her apologies with his hand and just smiled.

"No. It was not your fault miss... I didn't catch your name."

The friend of Ella forced back a blush and smiled.

"My name is Daisy, sir..."

"Please Daisy. Just call me Kit. Just as...Ella does."

Daisy bobbed once more and said

"Thank you."

"It is my pleasure. Now..." Kit directed his loving gaze to Ella "I have to make sure that this lady is well fed and dressed. My apologies."

Daisy smiled in understanding and departed after promising Ella that she would see her regularly.

The couple looked at each other and headed up the long staircase into the palace. When they passed through the great front doors, Ella was met by a warmth in her bones. It heated her cold and tense muscles. No more would she be forced to be a slave away in her own house. She could eat all she wanted and explore every nook and cranny without being shouted at. No cats, no stepsisters and most of all, no evil stepmothers.

The very moment Ella stepped inside, she felt every cell in her body relax. For the first time in two years, Ella uttered an almost forgotten word.

"Home."