Chapter Two-

"Ella."

"Ella."

"Ella!"

She could hear their voices calling her name but she didn't respond. She never wanted to go back out there, to that bloody arena where men were getting hurt because of her. She saw Vincent and John, locked in a standstill again, and felt sick to her stomach.

"There you are," She looked up from her hiding place amongst the rose bushes and saw Alicia slide in next to her, taking her seat. "The duels have been going on still. Mother's had to hand out the roses though."

"Is anyone else dead?" Ella spat bitterly.

"No, and neither is the Viscount Letendre," Alicia said firmly. "The doctors say he'll be alright, well enough for the banquet this evening even. I saw the way you were watching him, Ella. You like him the best."

"I do not!" Ella retorted defensively. "He had been stabbed, of course I was concerned."

"Well naturally," Alicia murmured, but she was still smiling. "Are you ready to come back out now?"

"Sure," Ella got up and brushed herself off. She and Alicia walked back towards the grounds, where the duels were just finishing up.

"Ella," The Queen hissed. "Where in God's name were you?"

"Forgive me, mother," Ella smiled warmly, knowing exactly when to turn on the charm. "The violence was a bit too much for me."

"And the victor - Count Anthony of Malloch!" My father boomed, and the crowd roared as a triumphant red-haired man whooped and raised his sword high in the air. I took the rose, and presented it to the Count, and my father stood up to speak.

"With that being the last of the duels, I hereby proclaim the second trial to be over! I now hereby invite the victors to a banquet, honoring your victories, to be held tonight at the eighth hour. I do hope you will all attend."

Eight o'clock came sooner than Ella expected. She'd changed gowns and rearranged her hair, but she couldn't hide the butterflies in her stomach. This morning there had been a hundred men competing for her hand, and now there were only forty-six. And one of them had been seriously injured vying for her hand.

She thought again of John's face, soaked in sweat, blood running down his cheek with the sword piercing through his shoulder. Alicia was remarkably perceptive, he was her favorite, but Ella had to remind herself to keep an open mind about the others.

She met one of the maids in the hallway, who stopped her. "Your Highness, please wait a moment. His Majesty wishes to announce your entrance."

"Really?" Ella fought the whine creeping into her voice. She sighed. "Fine then."

She paused outside the dining hall, as the maid rushed in. Ella leaned against the old stone walls, staring out the window into the courtyard. She wasn't sure whether or not to feel excited or nervous or annoyed at this feast. She didn't like the fact that everyone was making her the center of attention at all, because that meant she had to be perfect every second of every day. It meant she couldn't be herself.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps clamoring down the hall, and turned to see a young man, presumably one of her suitors, finely dressed and racing down the hall as quickly as he could.

He stopped abruptly when he saw her and smoothed his fiery red air back. "Forgive me, Your Highness," He bowed, and Ella couldn't help but smile.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," She laughed.

"If I may, why are you in the hall?" He asked, catching his breath.

"They wouldn't let me inside," Ella rolled her eyes. "I'm supposed to 'make an entrance', or something. I don't know..."

"That's rediculous..."

"Wait a moment, I know you!" Ella pointed her finger at him. "You're Count Anthony of Malloch. You won the last duel."

"At your service," He bowed low, and Ella gave an uncharacteristic giggle. Just then, the same maid bustled in.

"Your Highness, your presence is requested," She said, and Anthony turned to the princess.

"May I have the honor of escorting you, Your Highness?" He asked, offering his arm gallantly, and Ella grinned, taking it.

"Yes, you may," The doors were opened, and Ella found herself standing before a massive table full of men, and at the head, her family. Almost at once, every single suitor arose to acknowledge her, and Ella felt herself blush.

"Presenting Her Royal Highness, Princess Ella!" The King announced, and Anthony walked her to her seat.

"Thank you," She whispered to him, and sat down. Once everyone was seated again, and the King had given the order to eat, Alicia leaned over to Ella.

"What was all that?"

"Oh, the Count was running late, and I met him in the hallway," Ella smiled. "And we spoke for a little bit and he escorted me in. That's all."

"You've got this giddy look about you, that's all," Alicia smiled. "Look, did you see the Viscount de Letendre? He's here!"

"Where?" Ella looked around and spotted him a few seats down from her. His shoulder wound was covered by his tunic, but the cut on his face was still clearly visible. She felt sorry for him, and was suddenly filled with an overwhelming desire to bandage his wounds, to hold him close. He looked so wounded, but so brave, standing through a sword through his body, fighting until the last minute.

After the meal was over, the King stood up for another announcement. "I would like to take time to thank all of you for attending. And as I am sure, you are all very anxious to spend some personal time with my daughter. And so I announce the third trial: chivalry. This will be your first time meeting with the princess, and she will see all of you through various events, so worry not." The King gave a small chuckle. "You must prove your manners and well-grooming to her. If she is displeased with you, you will be expelled from the competition."

"Competition," Ella muttered under her breath. "That's all it is to you, Father. Some big game."