A/N: Hi everyone! Here is chapter 2! I made this one a bit longer and such so overall it should be better. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Two

His Royal Highness King Kit was of two minds at this current moment in time. On one hand, he was overjoyed at having finally found the mystery girl who had plagued his mind and wormed her way into his heart from that first fateful meeting in the woods. And now she had just agreed to marry him! How could things possibly be bad?

Well, on the other hand, he was shocked. Absolutely appalled. He couldn't believe that Ella had had to endure all that she had. And the fact that her abusers were none other than those who were supposed to be family! Kit couldn't fathom it. It was inconceivable. Kit knew that they could not be allowed to continue going about daily life as if nothing had happened. Even though Ella had forgiven them, Kit knew that as King, this was one of those moments where he could not sit idly by and let things just go on as they would. For now though, he was content to spend the rest of the evening with the lovely Ella, who, as previously mentioned, had just agreed to become his bride.

And so the King decided to put away the matter for the evening. Taking Ella's hand in his, he smiled and said "Come, we must inform every one of the good news."

He led her out into main chamber of the palace, where he invited all those nearby to gather around. Raising his voice so as to be heard more clearly, he said :

"Everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment, I'd like to make a special announcement."

All the servants and those in the general vicinity immediately stopped what they were doing and gave their full attention to the King. Many of them having seen the beautiful maiden by his side and noted his joyful demeanor already had an idea of what he was going to say. Nevertheless, they all gave him their full attention and waited patiently on what he was about to say.

The King began to speak. "Everyone, I have some good news. I know you all have been waiting for me to find a bride, and I am here to tell you that the day has finally come. I am pleased to announce that this lovely creature here at my side, has agreed to become my bride and your Queen, and to stay at my side for the rest of our lives together. I hope that you would all embrace her and treat her with the respect and kindness that she deserves."

There was an immediate buzz around the room. Almost everyone had seen or heard of the mysterious young woman who had showed up the Ball a few weeks ago and captured the then Prince's attention from the moment she stepped in the room. Judging from the extensive search that had ensued in the days following the Ball to supposedly find this "mysterious princess", it appears that the young lady had not only captured the King's attention, but also his whole heart.

Now, anyone with eyes could see that from the way the King was gazing at this woman by his side, and her equally affectionate returning glances, that they had finally found each other and that the King was very happy. And anything that made the King happy, made his servants and subjects happy. So when the Captain of the guards stepped forward to say that he was most pleased with the news and to offer his heartiest congratulations to the couple, it was no surprise that the entirety of the room erupted in resounding applause.

For Ella's part, she was so happy she thought her face would split from all the smiling. If there was any doubt in her mind that she would be happy here or that she had made the wrong decision, it was quickly swept away by all of the love and warmth she felt from everyone in the room, especially from her intended, who kept a firm but gentle hold of her hand the entire time. It would be hard to miss the love and devotion in his gaze as well, especially since that gaze never strayed too far from her for long.

She felt her face grow warm from the intensity of his stare, coupled with the resounding applause that started up. Ella shyly smiled at the crowd. At the sound of Kit's voice, she looked towards him again.

"We'd be very pleased if you all would show your support by sharing in our union. The wedding will be held here in three days. That is all. If you would kindly excuse us everyone, my lords and ladies, we would like to have our dinner shortly."

Before the crowd fully dispersed, the King quietly asked a few maids to prepare a room for Ella and instructed a few other servants to prepare a small dinner for the two of them and have it set up on the table out on the small balcony. Then, still with a firm grip on Ella's hand, he started to lead her up the steps and out towards to balcony where their dinner would be set up.

Ella was vaguely aware of more buzzing from the lords, ladies and servants gathered but she was more concerned with what the King had just announced. Three days? Would there be enough time? She wanted to say something about it but felt that now in front of everyone was not the right time. As the crowd started to disperse, she decided to say something about it but then Kit was leading her off to the dinner table.

As they reached the balcony, the King turned to Ella. Before he could even open his mouth to speak, he heard her say:

"Did you really just say we were to be married in three days? Is that enough time? Isn't that a bit sudden?"

Kit was a bit taken aback. He had been so caught up in the moment that he didn't think to stop and consult with Ella before making such a declaration.

" Oh! I….I'm sorry…. I didn't realise…" Kit's face took on an earnest expression.
"My lady, I would marry you this second if I could. Those days following the Ball when I couldn't find you were torture. I felt like I'd lost you without ever really being given the chance to know you. I only decided to schedule the wedding three days from now to allow everyone to the time to make the wedding preparations. I never meant to make you feel rushed. It's just… I want you to be my Queen, to be by my side, as soon as possible. The King took Ella's hands in his and looked down into her face. "Will you allow me that honor?"

Hearing the King's confession and sincere plea, Ella's niggling anxiety dissipated. She nodded and smiled.

Seeing her consent, the King allowed himself to release the breath he'd been holding and offered a bright smile in return.

"Thank you. You don't know how happy this makes me"

Kit felt a strong urge to be close to Ella and he moved in closer to her. As they leaned closer together, however, a sharp tinkling sounded and it startled them enough to pull apart. As they looked toward the source of the noise, they saw one of the butlers holding a small silver bell. He cleared his throat, offered a quick apology and announced that dinner was now going to be served while indicating the table.

Ella and Kit realized that the table was now fully set and the servants were waiting for them to be seated before serving the food. They both grew a bit embarrassed but Kit recovered quickly and, clearing his throat, he moved to pull out a chair for Ella before moving to sit beside her.

Once both were seated, the servants began to uncover the dishes and serve the food. Ella and Kit enjoyed a delicious, comfortable meal together.

After dinner, they continued to talk for a bit. The King made Ella squeal with laughter with stories from childhood. All too soon, they heard the clock strike midnight. Of course, now with Ella living in the palace, the time had no bearing on them being able to spend time together…except that Kit caught Ella trying to stifle a yawn. Smiling tenderly at her, he rose and offered her his hand.

"Come," he said. "It's time we retire for the night, I think. You've had a long day , after all. I'll escort you to your room."

He led her down a hallway until he stopped in front of one of the doors.

"Well… this is your room," he said.

"Thank you," Ella replied, turning to look at him. "And thank you for a wonderful evening."

"No, thank you," The King replied. "For making this one of many wonderful evenings to come."

Ella blushed and shyly ducked her head as she turned the knob and moved to go inside.

"Ella-…I…."

"Yes?" She replied, turning back to him. As she looked up at him she could see that he was nervous. But why?

"Well I-..that is…." The King stammered…. "Never mind. Goodnight Ella." And he turned to walk down the hallway.

Ella suddenly could hear her mother's words echo in her ear. Be kind and have courage. Suddenly she felt a rush go through her.

"Kit!" she called suddenly.

"Yes?" Kit turned back at the sound her voice.

Before she lost all nerve, Ella took the few short steps that put her right in front of the King, stood up on her tiptoe and planted her lips firmly against his.

After a moment's stunned hesitation, Kit carefully placed his hands on her hips and began to gently move his lips against her soft, pliable ones.

All too soon, Ella pulled away, panting softly, a rosy tint to her cheeks. The King was in a similar state; his chest heaving, his eyes shining.

Ella quickly walked back to her room and as she turned to shut the door she offered the King a shy smile and said "Goodnight, Mr. Kit."

"Good-" Kit cleared his throat and tried again. "Goodnight Ella. Sleep well."

As Ella closed her and Kit turned to walk down the hallway to the royal bedchambers, he thought to himself, At least one of us has to.