Chapter 1

Authors note: I'm not going to go through all the scenes from the film again so in this chapter and possibly a couple others, there will be some time skips however as the story goes in, there will be a lot less. Some of the scenes are the same but I have made some changes to fit my ideas. This chapter starts just after Kit and Ella first meet in the forest and goes on to the end of the movie (just before the wedding - which will be included in the next chapter). After this chapter the story will continue from after the wedding and Ella and Kit's lives after that.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or the movie.

"Wait! Miss!" Kit calls, riding after Ella, who slowed and turned to see who was calling her. Kit had been taking daily rides out into the forest to see if he could find the mystery girl but had had no success, until now.

"Mister Kit!" Ella exclaims.

"Your majesty, we must go." Captain calls, riding up behind Kit, who sighs.

"Your majesty?" Ella repeats and gasps. Kit nods. "You're the Prince! You're not an apprentice?"

"I am, of sorts. An apprentice monarch, I'm learning my trade. I'm sorry for not telling you straight away, I didn't want you to treat me any differently." Kit replies, glancing behind him to the Grand Duke and Captain. "I'd like to see you again, Miss ..."

"Ella." She says and he smiles.

"Miss Ella," he repeats. "Will you be at the ball tomorrow?" Ella nods again as Captain calls again for the Prince. "I must go, but I shall see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow." Ella repeats and smiles as Kit turns his horse and heads off back out of the forest.

"It's you isn't it?" Kit greets Ella the following evening at the ball, kissing her hand softly. "Miss Ella."

"Mister Kit," Ella says, dropping down into another curtsy. "Sorry...your majesty." She says, correcting herself and blushing.

"Kit's fine." He says. "It would give me the greatest pleasure to lead you through this first..." Kit trails off, looking into Ella's eyes.

"Dance?" Ella finishes for him and they both laugh.

"Yes dance, that's it." He says, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"They're all looking at you." Ella whispers to Kit during the dance, who smiles at her.

"Believe me, they're looking at you." He whispers back.

*In the secret garden*

"I must go!" Ella exclaims, jumping off the swing and running towards the gate as a gong sounds.

"Ella wait!" Kit shouts. "Where are you going?"

"I'm sorry!" Ella calls. "I have to go! Lizards and pumpkins and things!" She calls, laughing as she runs.

"Lizards and pumpkins?" Kit repeats, shaking his head and laughing as he runs to follow Ella. "Ella! Wait, please! Tell me where I can find you again!"

"I'm not who you think I am Kit. If I told you, things would be different."

"When will I see you again?"

"Thank you for tonight Kit," Ella calls in reply, turning to face Kit who slowed to a walk as she did too. "I will always remember it, but most importantly, I will always remember you. Have courage and be kind Kit." And with that, Ella turns and continues to run through the palace grounds.

"We must find her!" Kit exclaims, walking through the halls of the palace, with the Grand Duke and Captain close behind him.

"We shall try our best your majesty." Captain says as Kit sits on the throne.

"But if we don't find her..." The Grand Duke starts, only to be cut off by Kit.

"We will find her." He says and the Grand Duke nods.

"But if we don't, you shall marry the Princess Chelina of Zaragosa. Do we have a deal your highness?"

"We do." Kit says reluctantly, the Grand Duke nods and turns away. "We must find Ella." Kit whispers to Captain, who nods and bows before turning away as well.

*After the slipper scene - outside Ella's house*

"The carriage will be here shortly your highness." Captain says to Kit who smiles and thanks him. "Congratulations."

As soon as the carriage arrives, Kit helps Ella in and then gets in behind her, taking her hand in his once more as he sits down beside her.

"What happened to marrying the woman your father wanted you to marry?" Ella asks as they ride off towards the palace.

"My fathers dying wish was for me to be happy and marry the woman of my dreams." Kit replies softly, lifting Ella's hand to his lips. "You."

AN: So what do you think? Do you like the story so far and want to read more? Please review! :)