AN: Phillip is Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora's descendant because I looked up online what time the two would have lived and it was in the 1400s while Cinderella was set to take place sometime in the late 1800s. Phillip was never a planned character – he sort of started talking in my head and I couldn't get him to shut up so he made it into the story. Needless to say, I love him. :)

To the guest who reviewed " love it love it love it" congrats on being my 300th review! 300 REVIEWS! *dies from happiness after crying for hours in joy* You guys are AMAZING! Thank you for all of your support, reviews, and love. I really loved the way this chapter turned out and I hope you do too.

Reviews are love! ;3

37

Kit was in ecstasy, plain and simple. The throne room echoed with the claps and cheers of his friends, the nobility, and the visiting royals but all he could see, all he could think about, was the angel in his arms. His darling Ella. Her nose was resting against his, her arms wrapped around his neck, a smile on her face. And then he kissed her again, uncaring of the fact that they were still in front of a massive crowd of royals, nobles, and personal friends. Lifting her into the air, he spun her around a couple of times, his laughter mixing with hers, ringing in his ears. Setting her down, he kissed her a third time before pulling away, his smile nearly splitting his face.

"Ella," he whispered, staring into her eyes, "you are now mine."

She smiled happily, a stray tear softly falling down her cheek. "And you are mine," she whispered.

Knowing that they now had to make an appearance to their people who were waiting outside despite the cold weather, Kit took his darling wife's hand and started to guide her down the red carpet towards the doors, passing the gathered witnesses who were still clapping and cheering. Several of the neighboring royals were good friends and held nothing but happiness and joy for Kit as he caught their eye. Even the Princess Chelina of Zaragoza was beaming at him, happy to see he'd been able to marry for love. He nodded politely to her before turning back to the love of his life. Ella was all smiles.

It was rather surreal when the two of them stepped out of the throne room into the hall, the sounds of the crowd behind them slowly turning from clapping to rousing chatter. Kit quickly pecked his wife on the cheek before gently guiding her down the hall towards the balcony where they were to make their grand entrance to the people.

"I can't believe this is real," Ella whispered, leaning into him.

Kit smiled, circling his thumb over her knuckles. "It's real, my darling. And before we go out to our people, I have a present for you!"

She glanced up at him curiously, her adorable smile lighting up her eyes again. "A present, my dear husband?"

Kit's whole body shivered in delightful pleasure at that one possessive, sweetly spoken word. He never thought he'd be addressed by this title and by the woman who had captured his heart since that fateful day in the woods. His eyes closed in pleasure as he let out a suppressed breath, savoring the word in his memory.

"Kit?"

He opened his eyes, grinning at her. "Yes, my darling wife?"

He was pleased to see the word had a similar effect on Ella, her body shivering and an involuntary smile climbing her cheeks. "I love you."

"As I love you," he whispered, kissing her knuckles. "Come." She allowed him to continue down the hall. "I took the liberty of taking these from the Ezzell estate," he said as they drew to the end of the hall.

Ella gasped and her hand covered her mouth. The wall had been painted a lovely sky blue, the base at the bottom paved with white like fluffy clouds. Two large pots containing hundreds of light colored roses stood under four portraits, the frames made of the finest gold. Kit's parents were on the left while Ella's were on the right. The sight even made Kit tear up a little, his heart swelling as he stared at the parents he loved so deeply and the other man and woman who had brought his Ella into the world.

Ella happily looked upon both sets of parents and sighed, "They would have loved each other."

Glancing away from the wall to stare at his bride, Kit smiled, remembering a conversation they'd had long ago on the night of their first ball. "We must have a portrait of you painted," he said.

Ella's eyes lit up as she thought of the memory too. "Oh no," she chuckled, "I do hate myself in paintings."

"Be kind," Kit grinned.

Ella smiled. "And have courage."

"And all will be well," he added as the two turned away from the paintings to look at each other.

Taking her hand, Kit guided her down the hall, his heart fit to bursting with the happiness he felt.

"Are you ready?" Ella asked with a smile, her veil flowing behind her.

"For anything," Kit answered, glancing at her adoringly as they strode towards the balcony, "so long as it's with you."

The air that hit Kit's skin was oddly soothing despite how cold it was. The animals had somehow managed to beat them to the balcony; Kit wondered if Rhoswen had anything to do with that. Mr. Goose flapped his wings once while the mice and Mr. Lizard scurried around overlooking the palace courtyard below. Kit and Ella drew to its edge and looked down at the gathered crowd. The second the people noticed them in the square below, cheers rang through the air. Pink roses amidst vines decorated the balcony, which Kit finally noticed, were covered in a slight dust of snow.

Turning to Ella, the king took her hands in his own, his happiness and love radiating from his eyes. "My queen," he said, smiling warmly at her.

"My Kit," she responded as his hand rested against her neck and the two drew together to kiss.

The crowd erupted below them. Kit's heart beat wildly in his chest and it took every ounce of practiced propriety to gently break away from Ella, remembering he wasn't in their private chambers but in front of their people. He had to keep a lid on his desires for just a little while longer. He felt the need and longing from Ella as she too forced herself to part from his lips. The two searched the other's eyes, a silent communication coming between them that they would satisfy what they were currently feeling at a later time. Grinning, they turned to the crowd and waved as a light snow began descending from the heavens, allowing the people to also celebrate the happiest moment in either of their lives.

o0o0o

Kit stood stalk still, his heart pumping wildly in his chest, his mind flying in all directions as he tried to stay calm. He was standing just inside his inner chamber, his eyes trained on the door. He was a terrible mess. He'd arrived at his chambers half an hour ago, finding the place transformed into a scene of romance straight from a fairy tale. Rose petals of the most tantalizing red were littered all over the floor, an immeasurable amount of candles ranging from all different sizes sat on silver trays dominating every imaginable surface (though not all of them were currently lit, allowing the room to be bathed in a dim glow instead of a bright furnace), and a small array of chocolates and drinks stood on a bedside table that had never been in Kit's room before.

Kit himself wore a deep blue robe over a pair of soft white trousers, his feet completely bare. He was grateful for the soft rug he was currently standing on since the stone floor would probably chill his feet uncomfortably. The servants had everything in the room arranged before he'd even arrived, having the outfit he was currently wearing set near the door so as to leave the pedals on the floor undisturbed until Ella's arrival. Lance and Henry had helped him change, taking his wedding garb out with them and leaving him to stand in the doorway for his wife's arrival.

Kit's fingers were beginning to tingle as his desire to do something, anything, while waiting for the night's events became almost unbearable. He was reaching the end of his rope when there was a soft knock on the door. His heart shooting from the cavity in his chest into his throat, Kit wildly looked around to make sure everything looked perfect before opening it.

Ella stood before him, her body hidden beneath a thin robe that trailed around her, concealing her bare feet. Kit was pleased to see that she was alone; he didn't want to make a slip up in front of a servant and then have the entire castle gossiping. Her long golden hair that had been piled on her head all day now lay in loose tendrils around her shoulders and down her back, some pieces more curly than others. Devoid of jewelry, the finery of magnificent gowns, and painted lips, she stood before him in her natural beauty and Kit nearly forgot how to breathe for he was so stunned by her.

Her soft full lips parted slightly, revealing a gentle yet slightly nervous smile as her brown eyes slowly lifted to meet his blue ones. "Hello," she muttered.

Kit swallowed, the butterflies in his stomach traipsing around. "Hello," he responded with a smile. Taking her hand, he kissed the knuckles softly. "My queen."

Her face softened as she took a step closer, cupping his cheek with her hand. "My Kit," she whispered.

Smiling down upon her, his nerves slowly ebbing away from the comfort of her mere presence, Kit gently led her through the door over the threshold into his private chambers, now belonging to them both. Ella let out a soft gasp as Kit closed the door, enveloping them both in privacy. "Oh, Kit," she muttered breathlessly, looking around.

Kit looped his arms around her waist, his hands sliding across the outside of her robe, resting over her hips while his chin landed on her shoulder, his lips kissing her jaw. Ella's breathing hitched and a small gasp of pleasure escaped her lips as she leaned into him. Kit smiled.

"Do you like what you see?" he asked before breathing in her skin, the smell intoxicating him.

"It's beautiful," she answered, a hand coming up to allow fingers to play with his hair around his left ear, her back still to him.

"The servants did a good job."

"We should be sure to thank them."

"Hmmm," Kit responded, kissing Ella again just below her ear. She tensed a little. "Ella? Are you nervous?" he asked, drawing away a little.

His wife peeked over at him from over her shoulder. "A little," she admitted, her cheeks staining with a deep blush. "Prudence, Jane, and some of the maids told me what to expect… knowing this was my first time…" she faltered.

"Did what they say frighten you?" Kit asked, trying not to smile because Alistair, Peter, Phillip, and several other men had spoken to him too not even an hour ago. Though it was a conversation he'd been expecting, he couldn't deny that it was terribly embarrassing to have to endure their light teasing and knowing smirks through the whole ordeal.

"Somewhat," Ella answered, sighing as she turned to fully face him. "I'm still harboring that fear I told you about, the one I confessed when we were in the attic visiting my father's estate."

Kit placed both hands over Ella's shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes without blinking. "You have nothing to fear, Ella."

"How can you consol me concerning the unknown?" she questioned.

"Do you have so little faith in me?" Kit teased. "It should be obvious to you now that I'm unwilling to leave you alone. I did scourge an entire kingdom to find you with nothing to go off of but a shoe. Do you think I'm going to turn you away after fighting so hard not only to find but to keep you?"

Ella softly chuckled. "No," she sighed, wrapping her arms around his torso, "I suppose not."

Surprising her suddenly, Kit swept her off her feet and carried her through the sea of rose petals passed the bed to the couch. He could see that the time was not yet right to consummate, both were too nervous about what to do next to be able to fully enjoy it how they should. Alistair had said that should this happen, they both needed to relax by becoming more comfortable with each other.

Kit sat down, keeping Ella in his lap as he did so. The fact that her body was resting atop his in this way was enough to excite him but he needed to keep in mind that Ella needed to be just as excited if the moment was to be as blissful as he hoped.

"You surprised me," Ella gasped, her words shortened from her nerves. Her body trembled and her fingers shook slightly as she released her arms from around his neck.

"I'm sorry," Kit admitted. "I just thought you'd want to sit down for a while."

"Oh," she breathed. "I thought…"

Kit kissed her cheek. "Ella, I'm not going to force myself on you in any way. Consummating should be a journey we make together not something where one of us forcefully drags the other along behind them."

She sat in his lap in silence. Kit contented himself by playing with her long blonde locks, lifting them occasionally to kiss and smell them. After an immeasurable amount of time, Ella took one of his hands and began playing with it softly, allowing her fingers to glide little by little over his skin. Even this caused Kit to close his eyes and smile as pleasure leapt through his veins.

"Hmmm," he sighed, "that feels good."

He could almost feel her smile as she replied, "Thank you… for being so patient with me…"

"You are worth all the wait in the world, my darling," Kit responded, peeking at her with one eyelid open.

Ella giggled from the action and lifted herself lightly to kiss Kit on the nose. "You're adorable."

"I should hope so," Kit grinned, "since you decided to marry me."

"The best decision I ever made," she sighed, resting her head against his shoulder.

Kit smiled and leaned back, resting his head against the back of the couch. He'd wait for as long as Ella needed. Though he desperately wanted to satisfy his needs, hers were more important to him. He would be patient, show compassion, and possess an iron will to keep himself in check until she gave him the consent to proceed. Besides, it wasn't so bad having her rest against him. Her body heat was pleasant, not too hot nor too cold – perfectly balanced with his temperature.

Ella's head suddenly shifted and all at once her lips softly grazed the flesh of Kit's exposed neck. The unexpected contact made him jump. "I'm sorry!" Ella murmured, sitting up, staring at him nervously.

Kit shook his head. "No, it's alright... I just wasn't expecting it."

Ella smiled hesitantly. Kit returned the gesture with reassurance. He didn't move however. He instinctively knew that he needed to remain still until the opportune moment. Ella's timid demeanor shifted into a look of inner courage. Twisting her body a little atop him, her hands slowly slid up his shoulders to his neck before resting against the sides of his head. Kit swallowed, his hands shaking slightly in an attempt to control himself. He had to remain still!

Ella looked deep into his eyes before her irises began shifting, combing his features. "Don't move," she more asked than commanded.

Kit remained perfectly still. Ella's fingers ran lightly across his eyes, his nose, his cheeks, his jaw line, and finally his lips, tracing his skin, every touch leaving a trail of tingling warmth. When her fingers touched his lips, they parted slightly. Ella's thumb ran across his lower lip before she moved her hands slowly into the thick locks of his hair. As she did this, Ella's body shifted, twisting beneath him until her knees rested on either side of his thighs, her legs spread open a little. Kit's hands had stayed on her hips through the entire movement but oh how he wanted to lower them down the sides of her legs. Swallowing, he closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply, before looking up at the woman who had captured every ounce of his heart.

Ella tossed her hair out of her eyes, the long loose locks flinging over one of her shoulders. Lowering herself downwards, she stopped moving when her lips were only a breath away from Kit's and he knew, instinctively, that now was the time, the opportune moment he'd been waiting for. Ella's nerves had relaxed – her confidence growing as he allowed her to find it herself – and now she was ready. His control all but snapped and Kit leaned forward, claiming her lips.

Ella gasped into his mouth, her breath stirring his inner emotions. Kit pulled her closer to him, desperate to press her body fully against his. His hands wound around to her back and he shifted his entire body so he could lounge out, Ella falling a little on top of him but refusing to break the kiss they'd started. Kit threaded his fingers through her long golden hair as his lips broke away from hers to travel to her neck. Ella let out a moan of pleasure as he began to establish another love mark, her fingers tightening in his hair in a fierce but not unpleasant grip.

Finishing his work, Kit raised his lips to her earlobe and gently kissed it. Ella's breath hitched before she buried her head into the crook of his neck and began kissing it, her soft lips dancing across his skin until they rested just below his ear. Kit's whole body shivered when she stopped there and began tasting his skin.

After both had marked the other, a series of delightful deep kisses stirred Kit's urges to the breaking point and he sat up, bringing Ella with him. She broke away only because of need for air. Both stared into each other's eyes, their arms wrapped around each other. Ella's robe had fallen off her left shoulder and Kit found himself eager to see more than just that little amount of exposed flesh. With a remarkable about of strength, he lifted Ella into his arms while rising to his feet. She lovingly wrapped her arms around his neck and stared up at him with all the love and trust in the world.

Setting her down gently on the bed a moment later, Kit stood over her, adoring the way her skin glowed Her eyes danced in the candlelight, the color of molten chocolate. Kit lovingly ran his thumb across Ella's lips similar to how she'd done to him earlier and happily discovered that simply by doing so his entire being lit with a liquid fire. He couldn't take his eyes away from her face, her features of such exquisite beauty that all other creation on earth paled in comparison. His hands slowly traced down the sides of her neck, reaching her robe. Ella sent him a smile of encouragement and that was all Kit needed to slip his hands underneath the fabric and gently pull it away from her shoulders. As the garment moved, Ella rose to her feet, allowing the cloth to slip completely from her body, slithering to the floor.

She stood in a simple nightgown, the sleeveless material leaving almost nothing to Kit's imagination. Before allowing him the pleasure of removing it, however, Ella raised her arms and took hold of his robe, pulling it free from Kit's shoulders, exposing his chest completely to the cool air as the garment hit the floor, settling around his feet. Ella's eyes widened in pleasure as she beheld his bare skin and her hands immediately reached out to explore.

The second they touched Kit's skin, a shock wave of pleasure erupted through his whole body and an eagerness took hold of his senses. To his joy, the same emotion must have occurred within Ella for in no time at all the two ended up on the bed while their clothing lay abandoned on the floor. Kit hovered over her, taking in her natural beauty with tenderness, before lowering himself down to claim her lips.

"My Ella," he breathed against her skin.

"My Kit," she whispered back.

And then he kissed her with all the love and passion available for him to portray, beginning the journey he'd yearned to take with her since the moment he'd first realized his heart had been captured by the maiden of the forest.

Some of you might be upset I skipped to after the wedding ceremony took place but the more I tried to write out a ceremony scene the less inspiration I had so I went on to the Honeymoon stuff and boy, I had a lot of thoughts going for that one! In case some of you might be upset with what I have and haven't written, I'd like to take the time to tell you that I personally feel that there are some things that are meant to be left unsaid. When it comes to romance, as a writer I have decided that my writing will build up the scene to something great and then allow the reader to imagine whatever they choose. I hope what I have accomplishes this and that all of you will be happy with what has been written.