A/N: Hello my lovelies! Back again with Chapter 7. Had a bit of a challenge with this so that's why it took so long. Hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter Seven

The next day, Kit woke up feeling great. As he took his shower and got dressed, he sent one of his servants on an errand. Anticipation bloomed in his chest as he thought of the surprise he had for Ella.

Fully dressed, he left his room with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. Today was going to be the first of many days spent making Ella forget her horrible past.

XOXOXOXOXOX

Not too far away from the King's chamber, Ella woke up in her own room. She was in a similarly cheery mood, but hers was due to the events that unfolded the previous day, particularly in the evening. Ella could definitely feel that they were getting closer and it made her have little flutters in her chest. Moreover, the fact that he had felt such pain at the way she'd been treated, and his subsequent attempt, thought a bit extreme, to punish the ones responsible and right the wrong inflicted on her caused a rush of warmth to go through her body. Ever since her mother died, her father had retreated into himself, and she'd no longer had anyone to stick up for her. Then when her father died, she didn't even have anyone to comfort her. Until now.

A wide smile on her face, Ella stretched and hurriedly got out of bed. She couldn't wait to see Kit today. As her mind filled with thoughts of what meeting him today would be like, she heard a knock at the door. Calling for them to come in, she wasn't surprised when the two maids, Kate and Jane walked in.

"Good morning, girls," she said to them.

"Good morning, Miss Ella. Shall I draw you a bath?"

"Yes please."

As Jane went off to fill the tub, Kate began to make the bed. When Jane came to announce that the bath was ready, Ella allowed them to help her disrobe because she was in such a good mood and she didn't want to waste any time arguing, which would delay her seeing her handsome king.

After she emerged from the bathroom wearing a fresh robe, she found that as usual, they already had an outfit prepared for her. However, as she looked at the dress they picked out for her, a puzzled look crossed her face. The dress was considerably less fancy than the one she wore the previous day. It was a white, knee length, fit and flare type dress with short sleeves. The only detailing in this one was the lace covering the bodice of the dress.

It looked much the same as many of the dresses she had grown up wearing- although this was much better quality- and normally Ella wouldn't have a problem in the slightest but she was feeling as if she wanted to dress up today, almost as a tribute to her growing attachment to the king.

At her confused look, Kate asked if anything was the matter. "No, it's just… Well it's a beautiful dress…but… I had expected something similar to one from yesterday, that's all."

"Oh, begging your pardon, Miss Ella, but we were told to choose something lighter for today."

More confused now, but also intrigued, Ella asked why that was the case, but the two maids themselves had no idea. They only said that that was what they were told. So Ella decided that the best way to get any answers was to simply ask Kit, since it seemed likely that he would be behind it. And since she had to get dressed to do that, she let the matter drop and allowed the young women to help her get dressed. Fully dressed, Ella thanked them and headed off in the direction of the small dining room to have breakfast with Kit.

As she stepped into the dining room this morning, Kit immediately looked up, and smiling, stood to greet her with a warm "Good morning." Ella could immediately tell that he was in a much better mood today. After returning his greeting and smile, she took the seat that he had pulled out for her and waited for him to sit. Kit motioned for the servers to begin sharing out the food.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked.

"I did indeed, my lady. And how did you sleep?"

"I slept well also. But this morning I woke up to a little mystery and I'm hoping you can help me solve it," Ella said, giving him a pointed look.

Taking a quick survey of her form from her face to where it disappeared behind the table, Kit locked eyes with her and asked "And what would that be?" all the while his eyes danced while sharing her gaze.

"This morning, my two maids, Jane and Kate, told me that they were told to pick out something…. Something like this for me to wear today," she said, gesturing to the dress. "Would you happen to know anything about it?"

"I might," Kit said, smiling mysteriously before taking another bite of his omelette. "But that would spoil the fun. If you really want to know why, I'll show you, after breakfast."

"Promise?" Ella asked.

Kit smiled indulgently at her. "I promise."

Ella returned his smile and, satisfied, dug into her breakfast.

After the plates were cleared away, Ella asked if he would show her the surprise now. As Kit opened his mouth to reply, a servant came in with a message for the king. Leaning down, he whispered into the king's ear and a smile broke out on Kit's face. When the servant left, Kit turned to Ella smiling.

"I believe your surprise is ready now," he said to her.

Rising, he offered her his hand. Together, they left the dining room and Kit led her down a hallway. At the end of the hallway, they stopped before a set of double doors. Gesturing, Kit said to Ella "After you, my lady."

Nervous, curious, and a little excited, Ella grasped the handles on each half of the door and gently turned them. Then she stepped inside. She'd made it maybe three steps into the room when she gasped and stopped in her tracks.

Kit, who was close behind her, missed the way her face lit up in surprise, but from the rest of her body language, he could tell that his gift was well received and he smiled triumphantly at himself.

Inside the room- it was a large sitting room- there was a sea of white. On closer inspection, as Ella had already deduced, they were actually wedding dresses that were draped over and hung from every available surface in the room.

They were in every shape and size imaginable. There was lace, cotton, silk, feathers, beads and many more fabrics and textures that Ella could not even begin to identify. There were dozens of them, at least a couple hundred. Ella couldn't even imagine that these many dresses existed, far less that they were all meant for-

Ella turned to the King. "Kit," she breathed. Kit's heart skipped a beat. Ella's eyes were shining. Not just with unshed tears that she was desperately trying to hold back, but with love and joy. The wide smile on her lips left no doubt as to how she was feeling in that moment.

"Ella,"

"These… they're for me?" Ella asked breathlessly. Kit smiled and nodded.

"Oh Kit!" Ella was so happy she launched herself at him. Kit was barely able to brace for her before she was all over him, planting kisses all over his face first and then settling her mouth against his in a passionate kiss.

Then she pulled back as suddenly as she'd jumped in and shyly stepped back. Kit laughed and asked her "So, you like your surprise, I take it?"

Ella again gifted him with a dazzling smile and said "Thank you, thank you , thank you Kit! This means… so much to me Kit. I love it! I love it so much!" Her excitement was almost a tangible thing. Kit suggested that she take a closer look at them. As she started around the room to examine the dresses, stopping to reverently run her hands through what looked like a collection of feathery fluff, Kit watched her and felt his heart grow within his chest.

Most women would be happy with a surprise like this, but Kit knew that for Ella, this represented something more than just a chance to wear a fine gown. Just like with allowing her the chance to plan her wedding, giving her the opportunity to choose and try on her own wedding gown was also one of those things that gave her a sense of purpose, a sense of worth. Kit realized that for Ella, it went far beyond the materialistic sense. These kinds of gestures really got to her because, living with her stepmother and step sisters, she was reduced to nothing more than a servant girl.

No one cared about her opinion, her thoughts, her feelings, her dreams. They didn't consider her as an equal. They barely considered her a person. And so, these little gestures were Kit's way of showing Ella that she was worth much more than what they made her out to be.

He wanted to help her to regain that sense of control and purpose and worth that was slowly beaten out of her over all those years. And seeing how strongly she reacted to it, Kit knew he was on the right track.

Lost in their separate endeavors, neither one of them was aware of anyone approaching, until the light cough at the door called their attention. They both turned to find standing there a man and woman.

Stepping forward, the man spoke up. "Your majesty, allow me to introduce myself. My name is-"

"James Baron, of course! I've heard many wonderful things about your work. And this must be your wife?"

James, in the process of bowing, was so taken aback by the fact that the King knew his name that he stopped midway, his body at an odd angle, and snapped his head back up. The lady next to him quickly stepped in. "Yes your majesty. I'm the lady Baron. Please call me Beatrice." Then she curtsied.

Kit smiled at both of them. "Pleased to meet you. Allow me to introduce someone as well. Ella?" Hearing him beckon her, Ella walked back to stand by Kit's side.

"Mr. and Mrs. Baron, I'd like you to meet Ella, my intended. Ella, these are the Barons, they're the finest dressmakers in the entire kingdom." Turning to look in her eyes he added, "They're here to help fit you for your wedding gown."

Ella's eyes lit up all over again. She'd heard about the Barons before, but not even her stepmother and step sisters had enough money or influence to commission their work. Kit was really going all out for her. It warmed her heart to think that he cared so much.

"It's an honor to meet you, Ella. We are thrilled to be of service to the King and future Queen of the kingdom. I hope that we can do you justice," James said.

"Oh no! It's me who's is thrilled to have you here. I've heard only amazing things about your designs," Ella gushed.

Mrs. Baron looked pleased. "My! What a delight you are!" the older lady gushed. "Come! You must tell me all about yourself." Taking Ella's hand in hers, she led Ella away from the men and further into the room.

Kit and the Baron looked back to each other. Then Baron said "Not to worry, your majesty. We'll make sure to outfit your bride in the grandest gown ever made!"

"No!" Kit cut in. "That is…. Ella isn't the typical woman. She's very special, you see. She won't go for the most expensive looking piece. She's much more sentimental than that. I'd like you to work with her to create a piece that reflects her personality. Something tasteful and elegant, without being overdone. I know that she knows what she doesn't want, so it's up to you to help her find what she would like."

"Oh, of course, your majesty! I promise we'll make you both very pleased."

"Good," the king said. "I expect the very best for my future bride."

Kit turned to the women who were chatting away cheerily on the other side of the room.

Raising his voice, Kit called out, "Ella, I'll see you later, alright?" Turning, Ella looked at him in confusion. "You're not staying?"

"Of course not!" Lady Baron interjected. "It's bad luck for the groom to see the wedding dress before the ceremony. Besides that would spoil the surprise!"

Kit couldn't have missed the way her face fell if he was blind. Signaling, Kit bid Ella to move over to another corner of the room so they could speak privately.

"I'm sorry darling, but I have a few things to take care of today as well. There's a lot to do before the wedding. And besides," "taking her face in his hands, he continued "She's right. It's tradition that the groom not see the wedding dress before the bride wears it down the aisle. Also, you'll get to surprise me for once." Ella gave a small smile at that.

Kit gave her an answering smile before leaning in and brushing his lips against her forehead. "I promise I'll make it up to you. But I want you to enjoy yourself today, alright?"

Stepping back, he turned to the Barons, who had been doing their best to ignore the intimate moment between the king and his intended. "Mr. and Mrs. Baron, I'll be off now. I leave Ella in your capable hands." Turning to Ella again, he said, "I'll see you for dinner." Then he turned and exited the room.

Feeling a bit sad that, again, she wouldn't be spending the day with him, Ella let out a smile sigh. "Tut tut, none of that today!" Lady Baron lightly scolded. "Come along my dear, we've got a masterpiece of a wedding dress to create." And taking Ella's hand in one of hers, she began selecting some of the dresses with her other hand and holding them up against Ella's frame. "What about this one?"

XOXOXOXOXO

Kit wasn't lying when he said he still had things to do today. He himself had to go get fitted for his wedding attire. It was tradition among the kings of their kingdom to wear their royal robes to the ceremony, in place of a tuxedo or similar garment. It was also a tradition to have the royal tailor outfit him, rather than bringing in someone from the outside.

Kit met with the tailor, an older graying man by the name of Todrick Bailey. He outlined the specific style he was going for, got measured and was able to move on to his other tasks in under an hour, knowing that Bailey wouldn't let him down.

The king met with quite a few people over the course of the day, and they were all in some way or other related to the wedding preparations. There were many things still left to do. He had to make sure that the invitations were delivered to the noble guests and that the announcements were made to the villagers, who were also invited to share in the special occasion.

His last appointment for the day was a particularly special one. He was to meet with the jeweler. Kit had a very specific set of instructions for him and he was very precise in the exact detailing of his request. By the time they had finished, it was dark outside and the servants had no doubt already begun preparing dinner.

Kit wrapped up his meeting and after thanking the man for his time, went back to his chambers to take a shower and change into something more casual and comfortable.

When he actually made it to the dining room, he was surprised to find that Ella was already there waiting for him. She looked up when she saw him and a huge smile broke out on her face. He noted that she had also showered and changed.

Approaching her, he said, "Good evening, my lady."

"Good evening, Kit. How was your day?"
Taking a seat, Kit replied, "It was very good, my lady. And how was yours?"

"Oh! It was wonderful! Even better than yesterday! Did you know the Barons have been married for 18 years? They even finish each other's sentences! It must be wonderful to have a bond like that!" Ella's eyes shone as she spoke. Her cheeks were beautifully flushed.

Kit also noted the slightly wistful tone in her voice. Leaning forward, he took her hand in his and looked into her eyes. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

Ella looked away for a moment. Then she said "Before my mother died, my father would take us on picnics all the time. My mother taught me that there's beauty in nature; the warm sunshine, the soft murmur of the stream, the cool, crisp air after the rain falls… And she loved flowers. All kinds. She would always take us to the flower meadow to see what flowers were in season. And whenever my father came back from one if his trips he'd always have a bouquet for her, even though the pollen had him sneezing his head off til he got dizzy."

Ella looked up into Kit's eyes. "I always knew that my parents loved each other. And I knew that they loved me. I never had to question it. I never had to beg for it. It was just there. That would be the kind of love I want."

Kit looked at Ella thoughtfully. Each day she revealed another part of her. And it made him fall even deeper in love with her. Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips and kissed it, then smiled at her.

"Then you shall have it."

Ella's eyes flew to his face. Seeing the question in her eyes, he continued. "Ella, I've never met anyone like you before. You have this bright shining light and you always try to let it shine through, even when others would see it put out. You see the best in everyone, in everything, even when other think there's none to see. You see the world, not as it is, but as it could be. You have the spirit of a warrior, the patience of a saint and a heart of gold. How could I not love you and want to make you happy?"

"Ella, I promise, that as long we are together, as long as I live, I will try to do all in my power to make you the happiest woman alive. And anything that I can do to make that happen, I will do it. I give you my word."

By this point, Ella's eyes had filled with tears. The loving embrace she'd felt when her parents were alive was so far buried under the horrible years she'd spent under her stepmother's heel that she'd almost forgotten how reassuring it felt to be loved and cherished. But now, here with Kit, she had no doubt as to how genuine his feelings for her were.

"Kit," Ella said breathlessly. Then, rather than try and put her feelings into words, she did the only thing she could think of. Kit suddenly found himself with a lapful and armful of soft but firm female flesh as Ella planted kisses all over his face, even as her tears spilled over to land between them.

To say that Kit was taken aback was an understatement. Even with their headway in physical displays of affection, this reached a new height. None of the kisses they'd shared up to this point were anything like this. This kiss set his blood on fire. Kit realized belatedly that letting this continue would definitely not be a good idea.

With a gentle but firm motion, he disentangled his lips from Ella's and pulled back, but not before hearing that barely there whimper that escaped from Ella's lips. 'Good,' Kit thought to himself. 'At least I'm not the only one affected.'

Out loud he said, "My lady," He had to stop to clear his throat and try again. "Ella, I think it's time we called it a night, don't you?"

It was as if Ella all of a sudden returned to her senses. Her gently flushed cheeks now flamed red as she took stock of the situation. She hurriedly stood up. "Ye- Yes. Of course."

Kit also got to his feet. "Shall I walk you to your room?"

As they reached her door, Ella shyly looked up at Kit. She wanted to apologise for her behavior earlier. She didn't know what had come over her. But as she opened her mouth to speak, Kit beat her to it.

"Well, here we are then. Goodnight, my lady. I wish you pleasant dreams."

Relieved that the king had chosen to let it go, Ella softly replied with a "goodnight" of her own and as Kit turned and walked down the hallway, she let herself into her room and practically fell into bed. Sighing tiredly but contently, she thought to herself 'today has been a great day.'

As Kit got back to his room, he hurriedly stripped off his clothes and jumped into bed. As his head hit the pillow, his desires rushed back to him full force and he huffed in frustration and thought: 'this is going to be a looooong night….'

A/N: There you go guys! Chapter 7 done! I'm sorry for the long wait. I had a bit more trouble with this chapter. As you can tell, they're getting longer and additionally, they're getting more complex. I had a challenge getting the emotional parts done right so that took more time. I hope you enjoyed it though, and I hope you'll leave me a review for my efforts. Thanks!