Author's Notes: I'm so sorry about the long wait on this chapter, but I've been so busy, and right now, I'm preparing for exams, but I thought I could take a little break.

Chapter the Fourth

The following morning, I was to be fitted for my wedding gown. The dressmaker and several of my handmaidens gathered around me, pinning and appraising me. Mandy watched from where she sat on my vanity, looking delighted.

"Oh, Ella," she breathed when they had left, "You looked so beautiful."

I smiled, hugging her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Oh, Lady … I can't believe you're getting married!"

I smiled again, silently agreeing with her. It did seem unreal. It was also unbelievable that I had escaped my stepfamily's tyranny. The image of Father suddenly flitted across my mind's eye.

"Mandy, does Father know?"

Mandy shook her head. "No, sweet, I don't think so."

"Does the royal calligrapher know that he needs to be sent an invitation?"

"Yes, your prince told him."

At the thought of Char, I found myself smiling dreamily. "Mandy, I can't believe it! I'm marrying Char!" I squealed.

I'd found my happily ever after! Even my stepfamily couldn't stop me now. No one could. Suddenly, I got a wild idea.

"Lucinda, come to my aid." I said.

"Ella!" Mandy cried, but it was too late – Lucinda had appeared.

She smiled, looking much like her old self. "I knew you'd be able to break that horrific gift I bestowed upon you, Ella of Frell. You've got yourself a prince now, I've heard."

I nodded. "Yes."

"Well, I must give you a wedding gift!"

"That won't be necessary. Char and I –"

"Nonsense!" Lucinda opened her closed hand to reveal a miniature lilac box encrusted with amethysts and diamonds.

I couldn't believe it. "It's exquisite!" I told her.

Lucinda smiled a knowing smile. "It's fairy made, and it's very special just like you, so I knew you would give it a fine home."

Even Mandy looked impressed as I thanked Lucinda many times until she left with the promise that she would attend the wedding.

Not only had I evicted change in my own life, but another's.

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More Author's Notes: I'm aware it's short, but the next chapter won't be.