Author's Notes: I have decided that I will either have the epilogue right after this or one more chapter and then the epilogue. It'll probably be the latter. I feel that it's starting to drag on and I'm not liking the several billion times I've put it on hold. So, anyway, I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Chapter the Thirty-Sixth

"You can't see her. She isn't in the right condition."

"But she is my daughter!"

"Your stepdaughter, madam, now I will ask -"

"My apologies, Your Highness, but I must see her!"

"Madam, please."

There was a flurry of movement somewhere near the door. I groggily opened my eyes, feeling exhausted even though I had plenty of sleep. I dimly recognized the voice as Mum Olga's and slowly sat up. I could see Char blocking the doorway and felt instantly grateful for him. I knew I would have to face Mum Olga one way or another, however, so I pushed the comforter weakly off of me. The previous night's events had seemed to drain me of all my energy and I wondered - for a split moment - why I hadn't fought back. I assumed it was because I was afraid he would hurt me, or worse, Char.

I smoothed the wrinkles out of my dress, realizing I had fallen asleep in them. Usually, Mandy would have coaxed me slowly to get into my nightgown but I knew she understood that I was in no shape to do it.

"Char ...?" I asked quietly and he turned.

He looked relieved. "Ella, you're awake." he said softly and came over to me. Then I saw that Cecilia was attempting to reason with Mum Olga behind him. I was lucky to have them both.

"Did your father tell -" I started.

"Yes. Ella ... I'm so sorry. I was so blind to his faults."

Relief cascaded over me as he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. "Father is dealing with Francois," he added.

"What is he doing with him?"

"Well ... he has lost his position in line ... Last night, Father uncovered a murder plot. Apparently your stepsister had a part in it and she has been disgraced. That is why your stepmother is here, begging to speak to you. She's hoping you can find mercy in Hattie so she can marry well."

I stared. All that had happened in one night? That was impressive but it also sobered me. "Char, I should have just told you."

"Do you think I would have listened?"

"No ..."

"Then don't feel bad. Everything has been dealt with accordingly. Do you want to see your stepmother?"

I thought for a moment. I didn't want to see her but I felt I had to go see her. I would listen to her pleas like the future wife of a king. "I'll see her but I need to change."

"I'll walk her to a parlor. Cecilia can take you there as soon as you're dressed."

I nodded and with another kiss, he was gone.

x-x

Once I was dressed, I left my room to find Cecilia waiting for me. She smiled at me and hugged me; that was sisterly love. I knew I would be forever grateful for Cecilia and I would need to thank Andre later for following me.

Cecilia led the way down the corridor once we had pulled apart. She stopped in front of a closed door and turned back to me. "Are you certain you want to do this?" she asked and I knew she didn't exactly like this idea but I nodded.

"Yes," I replied, "I have to listen to her. It's only right."

"But she didn't show you the same courtesy, did she?"

"Well ... no ... but I like to think I am a better person than her."

Cecilia smiled. "You will be a great queen one day," she said approvingly and opened the door. I went inside and was momentarily stunned. The woman that sat across from was indeed my stepmother but she was unkempt to a degree that I didn't even think was possible. She perked up when she saw me.

"Ella! Oh, Ella ... there are things I must ask you."

"I know," I replied and sat down next to Char.

"Hattie doesn't deserve to be disgraced." Mum Olga immediately said the moment I sat down. "She deserves to marry someone wealthy, someone who will appreciate her. You know this, Ella. You know she isn't -"

"Madam, your daughter is an unpleasant conniver." I said pointedly, knowing that was what Father had said about Hattie. "And you must understand that someone who plots the death of a prince doesn't deserve to marry well."

Mum Olga's mouth hung open unattractively. "How could you say those things? She is your sister!"

"Stepsister," I corrected. "I say these things because they are true. I don't want my stepfamily to be disgraced but she very nearly committed treason."

Next to me, Char nodded. "We are sorry, madam, but this is out of our hands."

"You are the prince!" Mum Olga protested. "And Ella, you are his betrothed! You do have a say!"

"I don't feel I should say anything. I think everything is being dealt with properly." I said, glad I wasn't losing my nerve. "She is ruined. Francois is ruined. They got what they deserved."

"But -"

"Madam, there is nothing further you can say. Nothing will move us." Char interrupted. "I will have a guard escort you out."

"I am sorry, Madam." I added, standing as Char did. We left the parlor together and I did my best to ignore Mum Olga's sobbing. I knew we were in the right. Hattie and Francois would not be able to sabotage either of us now. And perhaps not all was lost for Hattie, she could marry Francois or her friend Blossom's uncle. Although he had seemed like a kind enough man, the earl. Perhaps I didn't wish Hattie on him. As far as I was concerned, Hattie and Francois deserved each other.

"Well," Char said, interrupting my thoughts. "I'm glad that's over with."

"So am I," I agreed.

It felt like victory and I loved the feeling.

"I'm going to go see Mandy." I told him and he nodded, letting me go.

Mandy was in the process of making lunch and she turned slightly when I walked in. She smiled brightly and enveloped me in a hug. As soon as she did, I thought back to one of our previous conversations and remembered how she said I was getting my happily ever after. I knew now, however, that it was true. It had been a struggle but I was going to marry Char. I was going to get my happily ever after.

End Notes: Read and review please!