My second Ella story!!! –smiles at everyone- I can write and update really fast now, because test week is over, and there are only the little minor assessments due…most of the finished! So! It all works to your…advantage? Enjoy…this prologue.

:x:

Prologue

"Ella?" A small whisper broke through as the carriage drove down the road. She frowned, and looked under her seat, where the voice had came from.

"Areida! What are you doing here?"

The old school friend smiled at her.

"I couldn't let that evil Dame send you off alone to goodness-knows-where. I tell you, that was evil."

Ella couldn't help grinning, but the smile vanished almost instantly.

"Where am I going to go? You really shouldn't have come, Areida. What if they find out?"

"They won't." Areida seemed confident. "You'll smuggle me out, right?"

"Of course," Ella muttered, and quietly laughed.

"Why did she send you off in the first place?" Areida asked curiously.

Ella shrugged.

"She never liked me, anyway. I should have realised she wasn't going to keep me, now that my father's out of the way."

"But what about the ball Char's holding?"

Ella remained silent, and she could feel the undeniable regret, which rose up her throat like a huge wave.

"I- I don't know," she said finally. "I guess there's no way I can ever go."

She seemed so distressed, that Areida climbed out from under the seat, and embraced her affectionately.

"Don't worry about it; I'm sorry I mentioned it. Besides, Char loves you. He wouldn't choose anyone else."

Ella nodded, but still looked unconvinced.

:x:

Dame Olga smiled, with the word, "satisfaction," written all over her face. She was finally away, far away, and would never disturb her and her daughters ever again. Of course, she could always call her back, if and whenever Sir Peter returned from his tradings…

"Remember to give me the KJ's," a loud voice sounded. Hattie rolled her eyes.

"Whatever," she said carelessly. "When I marry the Prince, it won't matter how many KJ's you have."

Olive was about to protest something, but before she could come up with a retort, Dame Olga called.

"Come away, my daughters." She smiled graciously at Hattie, who smiled back, revealing her large front teeth. "The ball's about to begin. Everyone, put your masks on."

:x:

I know it's a bit weird, but basically, Dame Olga sends Ella away to somewhere random, and yeah…the ball begins…:x: Quizzes will start from chapter 1!!! Please review, and I will love you all the more!

Your Happy Writer,

-Evalia