Ella and I rode into town, amid the falling snow and greetings of Merry Christmas from the townspeople. I smiled and waved at as many people I could but most I could tell were enamored with Ella. She looked radiant on top of her mare, Lady. The horse had been a present from her father who, thankfully, had not come home for Christmas.

We slowly pulled up in front of the orphanage, on the far side of town. Children's faces were pressed against the glass, looking at us in wonder at our finery, and the presents we had. I dismounted and tied my horse to the bar. I turned to Ella and reached up to help her dismount. Placing my hands around her waist, I lifted her up, and off the horse. As I brought her down next to me she smelled like vanilla, apples and cinnamon. It was intoxicating.

"Char?" I looked down into her green eyes. I smiled, "Yes Ella?"

She smiled. "We have to deliver the presents Char." I inwardly groaned. Only a month away.

I turned my head and saw the head of the orphanage standing in the doorway, smiling at us.

Lady Marguerite lost her husband shortly into their marriage, and had found comfort in helping at the orphanage. A few years later she was running the daily operations, finding homes for the orphans and abandoned children in Frell. I waved, and Ella waved too.

We slowly walked towards the door, servants and my knights unloading the cart of food, goodies and presents into the manor.

"Merry Christmas Lady marguerite, may I present my fiancee, Lady Eleanor de Fees." Ella curtsied, not before glaring at me for using her full title. I smiled. Get used to it Ella.

Marguerite curtsied. "Your highness, my lady. It's a pleasure to see you and meet you. I hope that you'll stay for a while to visit the children." I nodded. "Of course madame."

I tucked Ella's hand into my elbow as we walked into the hall of the manor, where many children, from toddlers to teenagers stood or sat playing with games and each other.

"How many adoptions have you had this year madame?"

"Seventy-eight so far. There are still a few weeks till the new year, and I'm hoping to have a few year, but I've surpassed my original goal by ten if not more."

I nodded, and was pleased.

"I'm glad to hear of so any adoptions this year my lady." Ella said. "My mother enjoyed visiting you and letting me play with the children when I was younger." Lady Marguerite smiled. "I remember very well. You caused mischievousness among my children my lady." Ella laughed. "I'm sorry if I caused you any stress madame. Please call me Ella."

Lady Marguerite nodded, stopping before a young woman, about Ella's age. "This is Beatrice, my daughter." Beatrice curtsied, blushing profusely. I hate being the prince sometimes, it makes people flustered. I bowed, and Ella curtsied. "Your Highness, my lady. A pleasure to meet you both and Merry Christmas." I nodded again. Ella smiled. "Always a pleasure to meet people."

Lady Marguerite smiled. "Beatrice will take over the orphanage in a few years when I retire. Although I worry since she has so many suitors." Beatrice blushed even deeper. "Mother. Please, it's just Dimitri."

Ella smiled. "If he loves Beatrice madame, I'm sure he wouldn't dream of taking her away from you and her home." I smiled. My Ella, the romantic at heart.

"I suppose," Lady Marguerite said. "Now, let's hand out these presents and make sure you have your Christmas feast." I said.

"Time for presents children!" Beatrice called, to shouts of joy from the children.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Ella as holding a toddler in her lap, teaching her how to play with the doll she just got.

"How does your orphanage really fare madame?" I whispered to Lady Marguerite. she smiled sadly. "No matter how many adoptions I set up, there always seem to be more children in need of my help. And the worst part that I've heard is that people don't wish to adopt any more." I stared at her. "I'm afraid that I'll turn away children if this keeps up. I've reached out to other kingdoms for adoption purposes, but to no luck."

"There haven't been many deaths in families in Frell or Kyrria this year leaving that many orphans. What is really going on?"

Lady Marguerite looked down. "Many are bastards of prominent families your highness. Their mother gives them up, and their father won't claim them. I'm beginning to be known as the orphanage to give bastards to." She looked at me. "I'm thinking of closing my doors to those children, but at least here I can give them a chance without knowing their heritage."

I stared at the children. There were about eighty or so of them. Bastards of the nobles?

I sat up, determined to make it right. "Madame, you needn't fear. I'll tell my father of your dilemma. This behavior of dumping children won't be held up in his court."

"Your highness, I couldn't have you do that. They'll know I told you." I shook my head, "It's a deplorable habit that needs to be broken. For the sake of the children, and for yourself. Do they donate in any form to you?" She shook her head. "Then I'll tell my father that the nobles that have children there, need to donate money, or goods to you for the care of their children."

Marguerite smiled. "Thank you for interceding on behalf of the children." I smiled.

"It's the least we can do to help them."

I smiled and looked at Ella, playing with the little toddler.

"Sir," I turned and saw Sir Stephan standing there. "It's time to head back to the castle."

I nodded and stood assisting Lady Marguerite to her feet. "Thank you for having us madame."

She curtsied, and I bowed. I turned and walked over to Ella. Bending down I whispered in her ear, "Ella my sweet. It's time to go home." She looked up to me and nodded. Gently moving the toddler to the floor, she grasped my hand and stood up. Smiling at me, she walked over to Lady Marguerite.

Clasping both of her hands Ella thanked our host. "I hope that everything works out for you madame. The children are lovely." Marguerite smiled.

"Thank you my lady. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

They hugged warmly, and kissed each other on the cheeks.

I held out my arm for Ella, and tucked her hand into my elbow. I bowed to Marguerite and walked out the door into the falling snow. "Shall I help you onto your horse my dear?"

Ella nodded pulling up her hood. Wrapping my hands around her waist and lifted her onto her horse. Apples and vanilla filled my senses, her warm body and softness shocked my senses.

"Char?" I looked up into her gorgeous eyes. "Are you all right?"

I swallowed. "Yes Ella. I'm fine. Let's go home." She smiled.