All rights of this amazing book go to Gail Carson Levine.

After I had agreed to marry Char I was filled with such happiness that I have not known since mother had died. But as I thought about staying the night in a household with a crazy depressed girl, whose hopes and dreams went up in smoke, there was a little uncertainty about it. As if Char could read my mind he said, "Ella, you must come with me to the castle my parents need to meet you." My happiness became better once again. "Char, what will your parents think of my disguise, will they be angry?" I asked. "I highly doubt it; my parents will overlook it I'm sure." Char laughed.

Little less than a half hour later we were off to the castle. I had traded my servant's clothes for my dress I had been wearing that night. Before we left, I went and took back my necklace from Hattie. She looked at me in disgust as I calmly walked into her room and asked nicely for it. Without a word she gave it to me. After that I gathered what little possessions I had. My fairy book and mother's in a carpet bag. For the last time I climbed on top of the stair railing and cheered myself down were Char caught me in his arms and swung me around. I gave Mandy a hug, for she would be coming tomorrow. "My sweet I'm so proud of you, you are the strongest person I know." Mandy said. "Now you go have fun and I'll see you tomorrow." She grinned.

I found Char on his magnificent horse. "Are you ready to go my love?" Char said. "I am more than ready to go." I exclaimed. He grabbed me by the hand and pulled me up behind him. Char and his guards kicked their horses and we went off on a steady quick pace to the castle.

It was different arriving at the castle without my mask on. It was as if I was viewing things for the first time in my life. Trust me the fountains and plants look a lot more spectacular without a mask blocking the tiniest details. "Wait here while I go and inform my parents I need to meet with them." Char said sweetly and he ran off. A little while later a servant asked me to follow her to meet with the king. "Here I go." I said to myself as the doors were opened for me to enter.