Holy cow we're so close to the end! And all of you have given such wonderful love and attention to this story - it makes my heart sing. Thank you all so very much for reviewing, favoriting, and following this work. I hope that you will enjoy the climax chapters. I had a lot of fun writing them.

36

Kit was leaning against his balcony door, staring unseeingly out into the gardens. Darkness had already descended for the night and all was peaceful. The cold breeze of the autumn wind gently drifted past the curtains, fluttering them slightly, causing the torches on the walls to flicker but not in a fearful or menacing kind of way.

It had been two days since the ball. Kit could hardly believe it when Lord Andrew Duherst confirmed everything Count Welling had confessed without a fight. The loath in his eyes as he spat his thoughts in Kit's direction two nights ago had, at the time, made Kit's entire frame shake in barely controlled anger. He had insulted Ella, calling her the worst kinds of things, saying he would rather be banished from the kingdom than allowing a scullery maid to rule over him. Count Welling, however, looked completely penitent, proving to Kit that the poor man had only acted because of the threatenings given by Lord Duherst (who lived in the next town having a greater amount of power to his name).

Lord Duherst's father, Count Jefferson Duherst, had no idea that his son had committed such acts and harbored such feelings. He actually threatened to disown him. Being quite embarrassed, the Count practically begged Kit's forgiveness on his knees when the matter was made known to him. Kit told him that his son's fate was in Ella's hands and that the matter would be solved after their wedding. Until then, Lord Andrew Duherst was to remain in the dungeons. His father found this agreeable but feared what Ella would decide concerning the fate of his son. Kit assured him of Ella's compassion before sending the man on his way.

"You know, if you keep the window open you'll freeze to death," a snide comment came from behind him on the bed. "I don't know about you but I don't want to be responsible for telling your lady you died the night before your wedding."

Kit rolled his eyes as he turned to see Phillip lounging on his bed, wiggling his toes while his arms rested behind his head.

"You do realize you're lying on the king's bed?" Kit pointed out, frowning.

"Really? No wonder it's so comfortable."

"Phillip," Kit groaned, closing the window and drawing the drapes, "what are you doing here?"

"I thought that was obvious," Phillip said, resting his head in his hand, "I'm here to celebrate my best friend's wedding."

"That's not what I meant!"

"I know."

"Why are you being such a pest?"

Phillip grinned, shrugging. "No reason."

Kit rolled his eyes again, sitting down in a chair, rubbing his face. Despite showing irritation, he was actually really happy to see Phillip. It had been six years since they'd seen each other but even though all that time had passed, it seemed like it was only yesterday that the two were sparing in the guards practice arenas and riding their horses through the fields just outside the palace walls.

"Kit, what's on your mind?"

Kit looked over at his friend before letting out a heavy sigh. "Though it happened two days ago I'm still coming to grips with the fact that someone has been plotting to rape my future wife since he'd first laid eyes on her," he grumbled. "I can't believe it, Phillip. Lord Duherst started making advances on Ella but she spurned him immediately without a second thought. Then her poison tester ended up dying. Then we learned of the town of Durington experiencing neglect and we barely discovered all of it was connected at the masquerade! Lord Duherst was behind the whole thing! After Ella rejected his affections, he maliciously tried to poison her. When that didn't work, he tired to create a circumstance that would distract me. While I was tending to the needs of the people of Durington and dealing with Count Welling – who was in on the plot – he would steal Ella away, force himself upon her, and possibly kill her. All because she refused his affections! Can you believe this? I'm supposed to be getting married in the morning and yet all I can think about is how so much could happen under my very nose without me noticing. I came so close to losing Ella two nights ago. If you hadn't been there, Phillip…"

The prince sat up and grinned. "Well, at least there are a couple of good things I can deduce out of the horrors that took place."

Kit frowned. "Like what?"

"Well, for starters, you've stumbled upon a woman of gold if she was willing to reject Lord Duherst's affections. The man may be insufferable but even I can't deny that almost all the women in your kingdom have fawned over him. The only person they fawned over more was you."

Kit scoffed. "I doubt that."

Phillip chuckled. "Well then you need to pay better attention to gossip, my friend. I'm not even part of your kingdom and I know the man's highly sought after. Granted, I'm going off what I saw when I lived here with you for a summer six years ago but even then it was well known by the other nobles who the women fancied and who they didn't. I think Lady Ella seriously wounded Lord Duherst's pride by rejecting him."

"Even if what you say is true, why would he go to such lengths to retaliate her rejection?" Kit wondered.

Phillip's face darkened slightly. "Perhaps the man who he plays in public is not the man he plays in private. I hate to say this but I wouldn't be surprised if his maids had stories to share similar to what almost happened to your lady."

Kit shuddered. "I pray you're wrong."

"As do I," Phillip sighed. "But if what you say is true about how he verbally insulted her that should show how he feels towards those lesser of his station."

"If he feels that way concerning common folk then why lust after Ella at all?"

Phillip looked at him with incredulity. "Do you honestly have to ask? He's been in competition with you his whole life. Imagine the victory he would feel if he were to take the one woman you ever cared for and made her his own?"

Kit was both disgusted and saddened by this thought. "I never intended to be anyone's competition. I had no idea Lord Duherst felt this way."

"Men tend to hide things from their monarchs," Phillip answered. "But Kit, you can't let this get to you. Most of the nobility love and respect you. That I know without a doubt. There will always be those who don't, however, but you need to realize that you can't control their actions or their thoughts. The only thing you can do is continue to be the best you can be and pray good fortune finds you."

Kit stared at him a moment. "When did you become so wise? Last time I saw you, you were practically an idiot."

Phillip smirked before throwing a pillow at him. Kit dodged it easily, smirking back. "I guess I grew up," Phillip shrugged. "And so did you, apparently, finally settling down with a woman who charmed you with a shoe."

Kit grinned. "It wasn't her shoe that did the trick, you know."

"I've heard the story," Phillip assured, "and I believe all of it but I specifically wanted to ask about one thing, just to be sure."

"Go on then," Kit invited.

Phillip looked at him in all seriousness. "Was there really a Fairy Godmother involved?"

Kit raised an eyebrow. He figured that would be what Phillip's question was but he wasn't expecting it to be spoken without jest or humor. Phillip was completely serious and his desire to know was clear in his smoldering eyes. Sitting up straighter in his chair, Kit nodded. "There was. Why do you ask?"

Phillip leaned back, smiling as he got a faraway look on his face. "You know, the last time I heard of fairies helping a couple get together, they lived long and happy lives, their kingdom prospering not only for their reign but their children's as well."

Kit looked at him quizzically. "What couple are you referring to? I've never heard of fairies getting involved with royalty before - except for in fairytales."

Phillip laughed. "Where do you think the fairytales come from, Kit?" - Then he sobered - "The couple I'm specifically speaking of are my ancestors, Prince Phillip – whom I'm named after – and Princess Aurora. The story goes that an evil fairy by the name of Maleficent cursed Princess Aurora to die by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel on her sixteenth birthday. Three fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, changed the fate of death to a fate of eternal sleep which could only be remedied by true love's kiss. To protect the princess, her father, King Stephan, had the fairies take Aurora away from the castle to live in the woods until her sixteenth birthday. The fairies hid their magic from her until she was sixteen.

"As fate would have it, the day of her sixteenth birthday, she met Prince Phillip in the woods – she didn't know who he was at the time – and the two fell in love, promising to meet later that night. Aurora shared with the fairies her love for the man she'd met and the plans they'd made but the fairies, thinking this man was a simple stranger, confessed her true parentage and her engagement to Prince Phillip since birth. They took her back to the castle that night to once again become a princess but, shortly after their arrival, Aurora was led away by Maleficent's magic and ended up pricking her finger. To prevent any attempt of the spell being broken, Maleficent had also captured Prince Phillip and kept him prisoner in her castle.

"Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather decided to cast a spell upon King Stephan's entire kingdom where they too would sleep until Aurora awoke. They learned that the man Aurora had fallen in love with was none other than the prince and that Maleficent had him in her clutches. They bravely infiltrated her castle, freed Prince Phillip, who charged off to save Aurora. Maleficent used dark magic to prevent him from reaching her, even turning herself into a fire breathing dragon, but Prince Phillip – with the aid of magical weapons given him by the fairies – was able to defeat her.

"He lifted the enchantment on Aurora and the two lived happily, prospering both in children and in their kingdom, till the end of their days. It's said that the fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather would sometimes grace them with their presence but for the most part they faded into nothing more than stories after Aurora and Phillip died."

Phillip looked up at him, grinning. "All my life I've heard that story. Many of my relatives think it isn't really true but I've always believed it. Some may think magic is gone from the land but I feel it simply has retreated to a certain place and only when great things are about to happen does it reveal itself. The second I heard the story concerning the lady with glass slippers, I had to come and see for myself. I would have been at that ball but it was at the time of my father's birthday. Tell me, Kit, have you met her? The fairy that helped your charming young lady get to the ball?"

Kit looked upon his friend and smiled as he thought of Rhoswen. "Yes, I've met her."

Phillip's eagerness got the better of him as he leaned forward excitedly. "What is she like?"

Kit chuckled, amused that Phillip would become so childlike concerning the matter. "Honestly? She's beautiful, kindhearted, and incredibly peculiar. She isn't afraid to say what she thinks and her love and protection towards Ella might even be greater than my own."

Phillip leaned back, musing. "I would love to meet her. Perhaps she can tell me stories about my ancestors' fairies. I would love to know the reason as to why they disappeared after their deaths."

"Maybe you can ask her about that tomorrow."

Phillip started. "What?! You mean, she'll be at the wedding?"

Kit laughed over his enthusiasm. "Yes! Why would she miss it?"

Phillip looked beside himself with giddiness. "This is truly a wish come true! I've always wanted to meet a fairy!"

"Don't be too surprised by how unpredictable she can be," Kit chuckled, thinking of his previous encounters with Rhoswen. "She's an interesting woman."

"Yes… well... I suppose I should let you rest, hmmm? You do have a big day tomorrow. We can't have the king looking like he's about to keel over at the altar on his wedding day!"

"As if it were even possible for me to sleep in such an event!" Kit smirked. "I'm marrying the woman of my heart tomorrow!"

"And a fairly attractive woman she is," Phillip grinned.

"Don't get any ideas, Phillip," Kit warned, knowing that though his friend was honorable in most things, he did have a rather renowned reputation for being a philanderer.

"Why Kit, you accuse me of the most horrendous of crimes!" Phillip said, holding his heart, feigning sorrow. "I would never make a move on a woman who is already claimed by another man!"

Though it was spoken lightheartedly, Kit knew that Phillip really was telling the truth. Still, he felt the need to tease him. "Even so, if you even look at Ella…"

"Kit, relax," Phillip muttered, stretching unconcernedly, "she may be undeniably beautiful but she's meant for you, not me."

"Are you ever going to settle down then?" Kit questioned as Phillip put on his boots, preparing to leave for the night.

"When I find the right one," he said, smirking. "Perhaps I'll have to wait until a fairy gets involved, hmmm?"

Kit grinned. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'm sure it will be a day well remembered in years to come," Phillip replied, walking towards the door. "Don't worry about having to protect Ella," he said over his shoulder. "Every one of your friends is willing to die in order to prevent harm coming to her."

Kit looked at his friend, smiling gratefully. "Thank you, Phillip."

"You're welcome, Kit. See you in the morning!" And with that, he left, leaving Kit to his own thoughts.

o0o0o

Ella's heart was racing. She was standing in a large room in the palace, usually a sitting room but for the occasion it had been transformed into a type of preparation space for countless women to prim her so that she looked positively flawless. Today was her wedding day.

Ella's stomach clenched in excited knots from the very thought! At the end of today, she and Kit would be husband and wife. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined this moment on that day she had met her charming apprentice in the woods. She'd questioned the reality of everything happening around her all morning from the second she woke to the present where she now stood on a small stool, the elegant white gown covering her frame being adjusted by not only one but four different maids.

She glanced up in the floor length mirror before her. The reflection of the woman staring back at her was positively breathtaking. Her hair had been carefully piled high on her head, the usually loose tendrils now coiled in intricate pinned curls. Her face had been lightly painted, the coloring only enhancing the natural beauty she already possessed. The dress itself was the most beautiful thing Ella had ever worn – besides the dress given her by her Fairy Godmother of course. The long sleeves were made of pleasant organza silk, the solid beige colored gown made of silk as well. The fabric was as soft as a cloud and as fluid feeling as water. The bodice lined her body and the skirt flared gently from her hips, the fabric trailing yards behind her. The train placed over her hair was as long as the dress and just as soft, the whisper of the fabric barely noticed as she turned her head this way and that to admire the work the women in the room had done for her.

She was pulled from her musings when someone lightly gasped. Turning to the source of the noise, Ella's eyes brightened. "Fairy Godmother!"

The beautiful fairy had magically appeared in the middle of the room, wearing her usual sparkling white dress dazzling with shimmering crystals. Shimmers of white cascaded around her, signifying her magic as she walked towards Ella with her hands upward, wand in the air. Her dark yet cheerful eyes appraised her through her blonde curls and a splendid smile displayed her perfect white teeth.

"My darling Ella, how lovely you look!" she praised, ignoring the shocked women around her.

"I didn't think I'd see you so soon," Ella said as she turned a little on the stool, the fluid fabric of the dress slightly tightening around her waist as she did so.

"I couldn't miss getting a chance to look at you before you marched down the aisle!" Rhoswen laughed, eyeing her up and down. "Yes, yes, lovely handiwork. I compliment the dressmakers on a job well done. However, do you mind if I add a little… magical touch?"

"Of course not," Ella said without hesitation. "If it hadn't been for your magical touch I wouldn't be standing here in the first place."

"I have no doubt that fate would have worked out another way for you to get here if I didn't intervene," Rhoswen smiled as she walked around, appraising Ella's dress from all angles. "Right! I have just the thing!"

The women in the room held their breath. None of them dared voice their concerns over a fairy adding something to the future queen's wedding dress even if it disconcerted them. They'd slaved away for over an hour to dress Ella and were terrified over the possibility of all that work going to waste. Ella tried to reassure them with her eyes just as Rhoswen took a couple steps back and held her wand aloft.

Without words, Rhoswen guided her wand through the air and magic danced from the tip at once in a dazzling, breathtaking spiral of happy yellow, pale pink, soft blue, light green and pure white. The colors fluttered around the dress starting at the hem, weaving around across the surface, staining the gown in the shapes of blue, yellow, white and pink flowers surrounded by tiny green leaves. The bottom of the gown contained most of the flowers while several thin upside down arches reached for the waist, leaving most of the bodice untouched save for the top lining Ella's chest and her left shoulder. A comfortable warmth kissed Ella's earlobes and the crown of her head as the magic cast settled upon her, completing its task.

The gasps in the room were exclamations of awe and when Ella turned back to the mirror, she joined them. The dress was simply stunning. Ella couldn't even find the words to express how positively -breathtakingly- beautiful it was. The flowers now resting upon the fabric, painted by magic, also held tiny colored crystals which shimmered delicately with each move she made. These crystals were nothing, however, compared to the ones now dangling from her ears and resting on her hair. The flower earrings were blue and gold and the crown on her head consisted of golden leaves woven around crystal flowers of blue, pink, and yellow.

Her soft brown eyes filling with unshed tears, she turned around to her Fairy Godmother and gasped through choked emotion, "I don't know what to say… thank you so much."

Quite pleased with her wandwork, Rhoswen beamed as she stepped close to Ella to allow her charge to satisfy the desire of an embrace. "The magic merely reflects the beauty you naturally possess, Ella," she said, rubbing her back affectionately.

Ella pulled away. "You are too kind."

"There is no such thing," Rhoswen gently chided, tapping Ella's nose. "Now, how are you feeling?"

"Excited," Ella admitted.

"As well as a little nervous, I imagine," Rhoswen said knowingly, smiling all the while.

"Yes," Ella confided.

Rhoswen chuckled. "It's only natural, my dear. Your dearest heart is also fretting in the next room. He can hardly stand still!"

"Kit is nervous too?"

"More so than you are," the fairy laughed. "The poor man's servants are having a difficult time getting him to hold still so they can finish dressing him."

"Oh dear," Ella muttered. "He's not having second thoughts?"

Rhoswen scoffed. "Not at all, Ella, just pre-wedding jitters. Everyone gets them. I'll see if I can go straighten things out, hmmm? We can't delay the fateful moment you two are destined to be joined together any longer." She paused in mid-step, swinging around to stare at Ella lovingly. "Your parents are proud of you, Ella, and will be watching over you for the rest of your life."

Ella's heart skipped a beat as the tears once more threatened to fall down her cheeks. "Thank you," she whispered before Rhoswen, smiling affectionately, took her leave through the door, literally walking through it in a small burst of white glitter.

o0o0o

Kit was beside himself with worry. He had heard from Alistair the second he woke that the Ezzell estate had been restored to its former glory, the servants who used to work there now living once more inside the cozy walls. But he had yet to hear of the status of the portraits of Ella's parents. He was petrified the other half of his gift wasn't going to be ready in time and as a result he was endlessly pacing while his menservants followed after him attempting to get him dressed.

"Sire, if you do not stop pacing we'll never have you ready in time!" Lance complained as Kit swerved around before he could successfully stuff his arm into a light blue jacket.

"Your servant is right, dear," a woman's voice peeled from the corner, causing all the men in the room to gasp. Women weren't allowed in this room.

Kit, however, recognized the voice of the woman at once, screeching to a halt. "Rhoswen!" he cried in surprise.

Phillip, who had been shaking with soft laughter in the corner over the scene immediately stilled, his youthful face shining in awe as the beautiful woman glided across the floor as if she were floating. Kit saw the slightly reproachful brow raised over her dark amused eye and sheepishly grinned.

"You're fretting is entirely pointless you know," she said with a smirk, eyeing him up and down. "The portraits are being hung in the hall as we speak."

"How do you know what is bothering the King?" Harry asked curiously before he could stop himself. Lance smacked him in the arm and made a 'shhhing' noise.

"I have my secrets," she grinned before turning back to Kit. "I chanced a glance before coming here. They look lovely. Now, Kit, relax and allow your men to do their job."

"But –" he began but she brandished her wand at him.

"Don't make me use magic to finish dressing you instead," she warned, though there was a playful edge in her voice and her eyes danced.

Kit stilled. "Oh, very well then."

Her laugh peeled through the air as the menservants leapt into action, rushing as fast as they could to finish what they started before their king changed him mind and started moving again.

Phillip decided to make his presence known by shuffling hesitantly towards the fairy. "Um, excuse me?" he voiced, his words breathless.

Rhoswen turned to face him while Kit looked on in silent amusement. "Yes, dear?"

Phillip swallowed. "Well, that is, I was wondering… do you know of any other fairies besides yourself?"

Kit snorted but tried to cover his laugh by coughing slightly. Rhoswen sent him an amused glance before turning back to the prince. "I'm not a hermit, if that's what you're wondering."

Phillip nodded. "Of course you're not!" he chuckled nervously, shifting back and forth on his feet. "Well, since that's the case, I was wondering… have you ever heard of the fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather?"

Rhoswen's eyes widened in pleasant surprise as she replied, "Goodness, I haven't heard a man utter their names for over a hundred years. How do you know them?" Then she peered into Phillip's face, scrutinizing him. "Ahhh!" she cried with sudden delight, the magic in her wand sparking dangerously close to Phillip's face. "You're a descendant of Phillip and Aurora!"

Kit's jaw dropped just as much as Phillip's. "How do you know that?" Phillip asked, awed.

Rhoswen flicked her wand slightly while waving her other hand unconcernedly in the air. "My dear, it's plain to see! When a family has been graced with magical protection it is passed down for many, many years. It only took me so long to recognize it because it is very faint to the eye. But I would know Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather's magic anywhere. They're quite famous in the magical world, you know, almost as famous as Merlin himself!"

"You know them then?" Phillip asked excitedly.

"Of course I do!" Rhoswen laughed. "They're cousins of mine!"

Phillip's jaw dropped. "Truly?" he gasped.

Rhoswen's smile widened. "Yes, young man, truly."

Phillip turned to Kit, his eyes shining. "Your lady's fairy godmother is related to my grandmother's fairies!"

Kit smirked. "I believe that's what she said, yes."

Amused, Rhoswen patted Phillip on the cheek. "You have a good soul, though some unruly habits. Perhaps I could ask my cousins to meet with you sometime. You can hear the story you love firsthand from them."

Phillip opened and closed his mouth in absolute shock. Kit snickered. "I'm sure he would love that."

"Y-Yes," Phillip sputtered. "I very much would, yes! Oh, thank you!"

Rhoswen laughed. "I can't make any guarantees but I can give you a warning. Don't wear anything pink or blue when they decide to visit."

Phillip pulled a face. "I would never wear pink!"

"Then don't wear blue." Turning to Kit, she praised, "You look lovely, dear."

Kit blinked. In the time Rhoswen and Phillip had their little moment, Kit's menservants had finished their work. Turning to stare at his reflection in the full length mirror, Kit had to admit he did look rather regal. He wore a soft blue jacket made of fine wool, the braided threads over his shoulders crafted out of fine gold. Thick gold embroidery wove intricately across his collar, cuffs, and down the front of his chest, the thread soft. The long tailcoats were hidden mostly from view by his legs covered in white breeches and knee length top-rounded black boots. A white sash rested against his left shoulder, outlined in blue.

"Every inch a king," Phillip commented, "and fit for a wedding, I might add."

Kit smiled as he turned to his servants, all of them looking upon him with praise, adoration, and smiles. "Thank you all for everything you've done for me over the years," he said.

"It is a pleasure and an honor, Your Majesty," Lance replied, speaking for the others who nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Hmmm," Rhoswen mused, "It looks like it's time. Are you ready?"

"For anything," Kit said, beaming happily.

"Then come with me," Rhoswen said, walking towards the door.

Kit swallowed, the bundle of excited nerves in his stomach flying around inside as he followed after the fairy to where Ella undoubtedly was waiting for him. The door opened and Kit didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until he noticed Ella wasn't on the other side. However, his best friend and faithful confidant, Alistair, stood in his finest uniform of olive green smiling widely at the sight of his king. Peter and Prudence also were there, the former in his usual uniform and the latter in a rather remarkable green dress. What was also incredibly surprising was that Prudence's hair was down from its usual bun, making the woman look ten times younger than she actually was. The usual hardened frown on her lips was replaced with a beaming smile and her eyes were soft - and remarkably wet.

"You look superb, Your Majesty," she praised, curtsying to him.

"As do you, Prudence," Kit grinned. "What's the occasion?"

Alistair laughed openly while Peter smirked. Prudence gathered her emotions but her voice remained thick. "This is a day I've waited to see for quite some time! We were beginning to think you'd live alone until you'd gone the way of all the earth!"

"Then I'm glad to have proven your worries false," Kit chuckled as he lightly fingered the sash around his shoulder. He tried not to show his eagerness but his face betrayed him.

"She's just on the other side of this door, Your Majesty," Alistair said, chuckling.

"Right," Kit muttered, swallowing a little.

The others shared unconcealed smirks before Rhoswen took charge. "Well, off you all go!" she said, waving her hands and causing her wand to spark a little. "We'll be waiting in the main hall for the two of you."

"Don't you find it a little strange for you to escort your own bride down the aisle?" Phillip asked.

"It was Ella's request and I'll deny her nothing on this day," Kit replied.

Phillip smirked, shrugging before walking down the hall after Prudence and Peter. Alistair, however, had stayed behind to envelope his king in a warm embrace. "I am very happy for you," he muttered, " Both of you. And I couldn't be more proud!"

Kit grinned. "Thank you, my friend."

Rhoswen cleared her throat, gaining their attention. "Come along, Alistair. Kit and Ella will reach the throne room shortly. And I still have to make sure the animals all made it safely. Oh! There you are!" she suddenly said, looking down at Kit's feet. Jacqueline, Gus Gus, Matilda, and Teddy had gathered around the king's boots. "Do come on," Rhoswen called. "You'll want a descent seat, will you not?"

The mice squeaked out happily before scuttling across the soft red carpet towards the fairy. Alistair and Kit shared a glance, both grinning from ear to ear. Patting his king one last time on the shoulder, Alistair wandered away, leaving Kit alone in the hall to retrieve his future wife.

He waited until the corridor was deserted before taking a deep, calming breath. This was it. Taking a step forward, he knocked on the door. It opened a moment later and the sight before him left Kit completely breathless. For a moment he even though he was beholding a rare and sacred scene of heaven itself, with one of its most glorious angels gracing him with her presence. The form fitting gown was not white but still pure and the flowers painted across the fabric simply enchanting. The crown of crystal flowers resting over her golden hair sparkled with every move she made but paled in beauty to the actual woman who wore it.

Her face was lit with natural beauty, so pure and innocent, untainted despite the cruelty Kit had known she had endured in the past. Her eyes, though the color of the earth, sparkled with soulful joy. A smile as dazzling as the radiating sun displayed her inner happiness. She stepped forward, the veil in her hair trailing behind her with the slightest movement like the wings of an angel. Reaching for his hand, Kit managed to find himself again just in time to take it. The moment her hand rested in his Kit felt his body ache with longing.

"My precious darling," he whispered, his eyes beholding her with all the love in his heart, "You are undeniably exquisite."

A soft blush accented Ella's face, her eyes brightening, if possible, even more. "You are positively handsome yourself, Mr. Kit."

Kit's grin felt as if it was going to split his face. Lifting her hand to his lips, he tenderly kissed it. "I have waited so long for this day," he whispered, breathing in the sweet scent of her skin.

"As have I," Ella sighed, closing her eyes in pleasure.

"Shall we," Kit asked, gesturing with his head towards the throne room.

Ella searched his eyes. Beaming happily, she eagerly nodded her head. Squeezing her fingers, Kit placed her hand in the crook of his arm before leading the way down the hall to the throne room where the rest of their loved ones were waiting to see the union of the century.

Okay, I know I said this was going to be the wedding chapter and it kind of is. It's the start. Part two ALONG WITH THE HONEYMOON is up next! It's the climax, folks. Are you ready? :)

Reviews are love!