Chapter Eight

Author's Note: Hey everyone! I *finally* finished Chapter 8! I'm sorry about the long wait, I actually had moved to France for a few months and then moved back home here in the Caribbean and I hadn't written at all while away. On top of that I had some difficulties with this chapter, it's longer than the others, for one thing, and Kit and Ella's relationship is getting more and more complex so that required more time to get it the way I wanted it.

I'm happy with how it turned overall and I hope you are too! So go enjoy!

Special thanks to OrelindeBlue for her review, which was the latest to be added and the one that helped motivate me to finally finish chapter. I've got my muse back so we'll see what happens.

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I just enjoy them

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

The third and final day of their engagement arrived. After today, Kit and Ella would be joined in marriage for the rest of their lives.

Ella woke up early as usual. Sitting up in bed, she yawned and stretched, then glanced over at the clock on the wall. Seeing that it was only around 6 am., she lay back down and went back to sleep.

Not too far from Ella's chambers, the King also awoke early, but rather than simply go back to sleep, he sat up, grabbed a bit of parchment and a pen off the bedside table and tugged on a rope which would signal to the servants that he had need of them. A short while later, one appeared by his bedside, gave a bow and asked what it was the King required of him.

Kit gave him the message he had just finished writing, as well as the instructions on whom to give it to. Bowing once again, the servant murmured a "Yes, sire" and backed away until he left the sleeping chamber. After Kit heard the door close behind him, he gave a small smile to himself and then he too lay back down with the intention of getting a little more sleep.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

The second time Ella awoke was to a soft knocking on the door to her bedchamber. She called out for the person to enter and was not at all surprised to find the two maids, Kate and Jane, smiling at her.

"Good morning, Miss Ella," They said unison.

"Good morning, girls, how are you today?" They both answered that they were well. Jane went to pull back the curtains, while Kate picked up Ella's robe and helped her into it.

"Shall I draw you a bath?" Kate asked her. "Yes, please."

As Kate turned to go into that bathroom, Jane came around to start making the bed, but started to protest when Ella moved to help her.

"No it's no trouble at all. I'm used to doing these sorts of things-"

"Please, Miss Ella, I've got it. It's my job. Besides, you should be getting ready for your big day."

Ella looked slightly confused. "But the wedding's not until tomorrow."

"Oh no not the wedding. I mean today, for your date with the King! He's planned a date with you today, and sent instructions on what you should wear."

Upon hearing that a huge smile broke out over Ella's face. "Really? Where are we going?" But Kate didn't know exactly. At that moment, Jane came back to say that the bath was ready. Ella turned to ask her if perhaps she knew, but she was equally vague.

Realizing that she had to wait until she met with Kit in order to find out for sure, she hurried into the bathroom to begin her daily ablutions.

When she emerged she found that, as usual, the maid had tidied up the room and set out her outfit for the day. They had laid out a dark blue loose fitting pants for her to wear, along with a cream colored top and a light jacket which matched the pants. Knowing her well enough by now, they let her get dressed on her own, but then insisted on helping her into her footwear.

Since they produced a pair of brown sturdy boots for her to wear, she decided not to protest, seeing as they had more experience with lacing them anyway. So while Jane helped with her boots, Kate brushed out her hair then pulled it back into a simple ponytail, complete with a dark blue ribbon in her hair.

After they had finished, Ella couldn't help but admire herself in the mirror. Though she wasn't even wearing a dress, she felt very ladylike and distinguished. She smiled first at her reflection in the mirror then turned that smile at the two maids.

"Thank you, girls," she told them. "I really appreciate it."

"Of course, Miss Ella, no need to thank us," Kate replied.

Ella moved to the door. As she turned back to wave at them before she closed the door, they both curtsied to her, and she gave them a small smile in return before heading off.

Upon entering the small dining room where she usually met Kit for breakfast, she found him there already seated as usual, but unlike previous mornings, he was in a much better mood. In fact, as soon as she entered, he looked up and locked gazes with her, his eyes beaming and a smile to match on his handsome face.

As she approached, he stood to greet her, and when she drew close to him he reached for her hand, raised to his lips and placed a small kiss to the back of it.

"Good morning, my lady," he said warmly

"Good morning, Kit,"

After they were both seated, Kit motioned for the servants to begin serving the food, while he asked Ella how she slept.

"Fine, thank you, and you?"

"I had a great sleep. I dreamed of you," Kit said.

"What did you dream?"

"Nothing that could ever compare to the time I spend with you in my waking hours- speaking of which, I have a surprise for you."

"Oh?" Ella said before taking a bite of her toast. She hoped that his surprise had to do with the very specific outfit the girls had picked out for her to wear.

"Indeed. How would you like to go on a picnic today? With me?"

Ella's eyed grew wide. "Really? But, aren't you busy today? With the wedding being tomorrow and all... "

"No it's all been taken care of, don't worry. I've every confidence in the staff. They've been working extra hard to make everything perfect for you. So, since there's nothing urgent to take care of, and since I haven't been able to spend much time with you, I thought some quality time was in order. I know you like nature and being outdoors so-"

"Oh Kit,"

Ella's face held such a look of adoration that Kit felt his heart skip a beat. Then, when she reached over and gripped his hand, his heart started beating again... several times too fast.

Kit cleared his throat. "I'm glad the plan meets with the lady's approval. We can leave as soon as we've finished breakfast."

Ella could hardly contain herself. She'd resigned herself to spending today without Kit's company again, but having found out that he's planned a special day for just the two of them, well and the guards, she was too excited to finish eat. But mindful of her manners, she sipped her tea quietly while she waited for Kit to finish. But as soon as he'd put down his knife and fork and called for the servants to take the dishes away, (after thanking them of course). Then he turned to her and asked "So, are you ready to go?"

"Yes! I can hardly wait!"

Kit laughed and pushed back from his chair. He reached out a hand to help her up and then they were off to the main courtyard where the Captain was waiting with their horses.

The king had thought of everything. He'd had the servants outfit their mounts with saddle bags which were filled with all kind of goodies and finger food, perfect for their picnic, as well as some canteens of wine, juice and water, a blanket and some other knickknacks.

"Your horses, Sire, my lady," The Captain handed the reins to the King then helped Ella unto her horse. When she was settled she looked around, expecting to see the other guards mounted up and ready to go, but the only ones on horseback were herself and Kit.

"Aren't the guards coming with us?" Ella asked.

"Er, no...I thought it'd be nice with just the two of us, if that's alright with you..."

Ella looked over at Kit and smiled. "That's fine, I don't mind."

"Great! It's settled then." Kit turned to the Captain and told him they'd be back around sundown, and also gave him instructions to come looking for them if they weren't back by a certain time. Then, he grasped the reins, checked to see that Ella was ready and they were off.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Woah! Ella slow down!" Kit huffed out as he urged his horse a little faster to try to catch up with her.

A few minutes later he drew his horse to a stop next to hers. His heart was racing and he had to work on catching his breath. Ella, on the other hand... 'She looks incredible.' Kit thought to himself.

They'd set out at a trot at first. Kit knew she liked nature so he had an idea to take to some of the flower fields and meadows that he knew would be in bloom this time of year. It was not quite Fall yet, but the summer months were on their way out. The warm summer days and rich summer harvests would be over soon. Already, some of the leaves had begun to change colour and the nights were turning cooler and cooler. But luckily, today was nice and sunny, with just a bit of cool breeze coming in. Not too hot, not too cold. It would a good day for a picnic.

At first they'd just been meandering along, chatting. Kit shared with her many stories from his childhood. Very often, the late King had been too busy to go on many outings with his son, but he'd always made sure to put aside at least a few occasions where they could go riding out in the country.

Before they knew it, a couple hours had passed and they were quite a ways away from the palace. Kit had just suggested that they find a place to rest and have lunch when Ella had excitedly called out "Look there's a meadow over there! Is that a lavender field? Last one there has to groom the horses!" And off she went. Kit had been so surprised at the abrupt change of pace that he'd been momentarily rendered speechless and immobile.

Then what Ella said finally registered and he gave his horse a kick in the flanks and gave chase. He did his best to catch up to her but she was too fast and too far ahead so he called out for her to slow down. When they finally came to a stop in the meadow, Kit had to wait a minute or two to catch his breath before speaking, but when he looked up at her, all his words deserted him.

The hair around Ella's face had come loose out of her ponytail. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes danced in her face. And she was grinning from ear to ear, even as she panted, trying to catch her breath. She was a vision.

'She looks incredible, ' Kit thought to himself. He became aware that she was saying something and had to quickly snap himself out of his reverie and concentrate.

"Sorry? What were you saying?"

Ella laughed. "I was saying how much fun that was. I haven't felt like that in ages."

Kit felt that all-too-familiar pang in his chest that he got whenever she said anything like that.

"Well," he said, swallowing past the lump in his throat, "We'll have to do these things more often."

The way her face lit up made him swear there and then that he would carve out time in his schedule to take her on more outings like this.

As Kit saw her move to dismount, he hurriedly climbed off his horse and moved to assist her with her dismount. After they were both solidly on their feet, Kit unloaded the food bags from the horses and handed them to her while he lead the horses a bit closer to the nearby stream and secured them to a tree. When he came back he found that Ella was already sitting on the spread blanket and was busily unpacking the food for their picnic. Kit came and sat next to her.

"It's such a lovely day today" Ella sighed. "I wish every day could be like this." Kit just gave her a wide smile. He was thinking the same thing but he had a feeling it was not exactly for the same reason. Although the air was still sweet with the scents of summer, it was coming on to the end of the season and the leaves on the trees were just beginning to change colour. The scent of change was heavy in the air. But this was not what Kit had on his mind.

He was glad to be spending time with his beloved. The truth was, Ella was not the only one who was disappointed that they could not spend more time together before now. Kit also would have loved to spend more time with her, but he also understood that certain things had to be put in place, in terms of the wedding as well as other matters he had to attend to as King. And he was well aware that he would be taking a few days after the wedding to devote to just spending time with Ella and getting to know her a little better. Of course, other activities would also be expected to occur during this time, but Kit tried to steer his mind away from that for the moment.

He reached out to help her unpack the last of the food from the packs. Mario had really packed a proper picnic spread. There were fresh rolls, just baked this morning, Kit was sure, salami, dried ham and sausage meats, 2 types of cheeses, a whole vanilla cake, also freshly prepared, grapes, apples and strawberries, a bottle of wine, a bottle of cider and 2 bottles of sparkling water. Kit had to remember to give Mario a big thank you for this spread.

"Wow!" Ella exclaimed, when everything was laid out before them, "Look at all this food! I'm sure we won't be able to eat it all" Kit laughed. "No I suppose we won't. We can save the rest for later of course. What would you like to eat first?"

"I'll take some sausage and bread please." Kit busied himself with dishing out the food for Ella before fixing something for himself. While they were eating, Ella looked at Kit and asked "Did you do stuff like this with your father when you were younger?"

Kit laughed. "Picnics? No not really. My father would not have enjoyed anything as mundane as a picnic." "But he loved the outdoors," Kit hastened to add when he sensed her disapproval.

Ella was very good at suppressing and hiding any kind of negative reaction in her face or body language but Kit was coming to know her better and better all time and he could sense that she disapproved because maybe she thought that his father hadn't spent enough time with him as a child. Kit decided to reassure her.

"Well what I meant was, my father didn't think much of picnics, but he took me with him hunting all the time. He taught me how to ride when I was about 4 or 5 years old. And then we'd go for rides all year long, even during the Winter. Then when I got older he started taking me hunting with him as well. We had a lot of fun times."

Kit looked at Ella. "I can see why you enjoy the outdoors so much. It's so free and refreshing out here. I always loved when we were in the middle of a hunt and we'd suddenly spot the target. I loved that mad dash through the woods, I loved the sun my face, the wind in my hair. I loved it."

Ella was gazing back at him; her eyes shining in admiration. She could feel the passion he felt as he recounted his childhood memories. Ella had no doubt that most if not all the memories of his childhood were happy ones and she was glad for him.

She smiled and said "It sounds wonderful. You had a beautiful childhood."

Kit's contented expression clouded a bit when he heard her say that. He felt that now-familiar pang in his chest whenever he reflected on her experiences versus the ones that he had growing up. But as he opened his mouth to speak, an object was pushed into his hand. Looking down he saw that he was holding a wooden goblet and that Ella was busily trying to open the bottle of wine that they'd brought with them... but with limited success. Kit laughed and took the bottle from her.

He grasped the corkscrew that she'd managed to screw into the cork, gave it a twist and easily pulled it back out. He filled her glass before pouring some in his glass as well.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Ella could sense the shift in Kit's mood when she commented on what a wonderful childhood he had had and she didn't want to cloud this beautiful day with thoughts of her past. As she saw it, it was over and done with, she'd survived, they couldn't hurt her anymore and she was now away from them and moving on with her life which included becoming the wife of this wonderful man beside her. So to distract him before he could get sad for her again, Ella decided she would keep him in the here and now and so she reached for the wine bottle to wash down their food. Luckily he could probably sense her intentions and he was happy to go along with it.

Kit set down the wine bottle after he had poured them some wine. He swirled the wine around the glass as he regarded her, then softly clinked it against hers and took a sip, while she did the same. He delighted in watching the colour rise in her cheeks as she swallowed, but the humor quickly died on his lips as it was replaced by a pinch of lust that hit him when she opened her eyes and he saw that her pupils were dilated from the alcohol. Couple that with her delightfully rosy cheeks and Kit was unable to resist.

When she set her wineglass down, Kit leaned in and quickly gave her a peck on the lips. When he pulled back she was even redder in the face and her face adorably scrunched up in confusion set him laughing. "What? We've shared kisses before. Are you suddenly having second thoughts?" Although Kit was joking, he saw Ella's face abruptly sober up and as she turned to him she took his hand and said earnestly, "Oh Kit, never! I want to marry you! I want to be your wife!"

Kit's faced turned serious and he tightened his hands around hers. "Ella, Sweetheart, I know that. I know that, darling. I'm sorry I made you think that I was doubting you, I'm not. I'm going to marry you tomorrow, and I'm not letting you go after that. Not ever."

Ella leaned into him and sighed in relief. Kit started to curse her relatives in his head. All of this was their fault. If he never set eyes on them again it would be too soon.

Kit continued to hold Ella close. After a time she seemed to calm down but she continued to lean against him and of course he was content to continue to hold her. He leaned in to her to breathe in the scent of her hair and then Ella shifted to look up into his eyes.

Kit could feel the pull, drawing him closer and closer to Ella's lips. She seemed to be caught up in the same pull as he was because she was also leaning in closer to him.

Their lips touched. The kiss, like many before, started out slowly, then some unknown signal from her had Kit deepening the kiss.

It was like fireworks went off inside Kit's head. Up to this point, they'd shared quite a few kisses. Some chaste, some more than chaste, but none were quite like this. It was as if some previously closed door had now suddenly been busted open and a deeper more intense level of emotion came pouring out.

Kit's lips practically fused to Ella's. His hands moved from her shoulders down to her arms and then around to her back, where they held her and pulled her flush against him.

Ella, similarly was caught up in the kiss. Even with her extremely limited experience, she knew that this was deeper than anything they had shared previously.

She could feel the heat in Kit's lips as they moved sensually against hers, taking control of her mouth, and, it seemed, her senses and sense of self. She could feel the heat of his chest where it touched hers even through the shirts that they both wore.

Kit pulled back from the kiss for a split second, just enough to take a quick breath and allow Ella to do the same before diving back in. Somehow, before he or she knew what was happening, Ella felt herself being gently laid back and then she was on her back on the blanket with Kit resting lightly on her. He stopped and looked at her again, to check for confirmation that this was alright and when he go her wordless agreement, he started to trail light kisses down her neck and chest.

Ella's eyes opened for 2 seconds as Kit's mouth left hers but fluttered closed again as soon as his lips reconnected with the delicate skin of her neck. As Kit's lips moved lower to skim the tops of Ella's breasts, presented enticingly in a scoop necked cream coloured top, her skin flushed a rosy red which only encouraged Kit more. As he moved lower however, Ella's soft moan at his ministrations seemed to break through his trance and he froze, blinking back into focus the little cream coloured button at the top of Ella's blouse that had just come undone.

He looked up to see Ella's flushed face. As he took in her chest which rose and fell under his mouth, her open, softly panting lips, the gravity of the situation hit him like a bucket of cold water. He realised they'd gotten more than a bit carried away. He hastened to disentangle from her and sit up, but then immediately moved in close again to help her sit up as well.

Even after he had helped her up, it was a few seconds before he eased his hands off her, and even then his body stayed close to hers, probably against his better judgment. When the two were sitting up and facing each other, a kind of awkward silence settled between them.

"Ella, I-" Kit broke off and looked away, laughing awkwardly. How could he explain that he had gotten so caught up in the scent and taste of her, that she had taken over his sense so completely that he had briefly lost all sense of reason and had he not come to his senses in time, the situation would have escalated a lot further than it did, which was already quite far.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Ella giving him a small but reassuring smile. "Kit," she began, "It's ok. You didn't do anything wrong. We're to be married tomorrow. I'll be your wife. This is normal. There's nothing wrong."

Kit turned uncertain eyes on her. Her smile remained in place. It made his heart clench. Even though they were only a day from being legally joined in marriage, they weren't yet, and with everything that had happened in Ella's life, having almost no control over anything in her own life, it made him feel terrible to have almost put her in a situation like this, where one more thing would have been taken away from her. And amazingly, despite everything, she was reassuring him, looking out for his wellbeing before her own.

And of course that would only serve to make him feel worse. Looking her in the eye he said to her, " I know, but still. I shouldn't have let things get that far. Tomorrow is soon enough."

"Ella," he said, taking cup her cheek in his palm, "I love you, and I want to do right by you, and make you happy. More than anything, or anyone I've ever known, you deserve to be happy."

"But I am happy, Kit. I'm so happy I'm not sure this is real. It's almost like the Ball all over again. I keep waiting for the clock to chime midnight and for me to wake up from my dream. But it's not a dream. It's real. I'm really here, with you, and we're about to be married tomorrow! I get to spend the rest of my life here with you, and that scares me because I'm not sure I deserve to be happy like that, that I'm allowed to be that happy after everything that's happened to me. But you love me, and you believe in me and that makes me willing to fight to hold on what we have, what we will have in the future. Do you understand?"

Kit thought he finally did. He took her hands in his "I do, Ella. I understand, and I promise you that I will spend the rest of my life committed to making you happy and showing you that you deserve all that happiness and more. " He kissed her again firmly on the mouth then pulled away.

It was getting dark now so Kit figured they should pick up and prepare to head back. He stood up then helped her to her feet as well. They gathered up the remains of their picnic and the blanket and headed over to the horses to pack the saddlebags. Then Kit helped Ella unto her horse before going over to mount his, and then they headed off back to the palace at a comfortable pace.

When they got back to the palace, Kit helped Ella dismount and they walked hand in hand back to into the palace while the servants tended to the horses and cleared away the remains from their picnic. Kit walked Ella back to her room, where he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek and left her, promising to meet her for dinner in about 2 hours.

Ella went into her room and lay on her bed. She was feeling a bit weary and more than a bit overwhelmed. Now that the heat of the moment had passed, the gravity of the situation today had hit her like a ton of bricks. Ella knew that she loved Kit, but today made her fully appreciate the entirety of the situation. She was going to be married to Kit, tomorrow, and they would be joined for the rest of their lives.

Ella was so happy about this she could hardly believe it was real. Since her father's death, there hadn't really been anyone around willing to stick up for her or show her any compassion, far less, any love. Then her fairy Godmother had changed her life drastically in just a few hours, it really was like a fairy tail. But then after that night was over, Ella thought that was all the happiness she would be alotted in her adult life, and now this.

But today with Kit had slammed home another poignant point that she had not really given much thought to before... that subject of being husband and wife in all aspects of the word...including the intimate sense. She had the tiniest bit of knowledge regarding that particular area, but in reality, the only experience she'd had had been the kisses she'd shared with Kit, the man with whom she'll be doing much more than just kissing after they're married.

Ella certainly didn't mind the kisses that they had been sharing and she more than enjoyed the ones they had shared today as well. And when she realised that things were getting a bit more intense, she was a bit nervous but she figured she would trust Kit to look after her and guide her through it. Now another fear started to worm its way into her mind. Since she was so inexperienced, Ella only had the slightest bit of knowledge of what to really do when it came to that sort of intimacy. So she wasn't sure what exactly she should do or say or how she should react. She wasn't even really sure of the mechanics of it and this was making her a little nervous.

Ella thought back to the way Kit had reacted to the way she had responded to him as he kissed her. She closed her eyes and the memory of his groan echoed in her mind. And now, just like then, her body flushed with warmth at the thought of it. Ella smiled softly to herself. She might not know much about it but even her limited experience recognized a sound of pleasure when she heard it and that was the sound that Kit made.

Ella breathed a small sigh of relief. Even without really knowing what to do, she knew that she seemed to be doing something right, something that pleased Kit and in the end that was what she desired most of all. With that thought in mind, Ella rose to her feet, a spring in her step as she danced off to the bathroom to take a shower. She would have a short nap after her shower and wait until Kate and Jane came to wake her and help her get ready for dinner.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

An hour or so later, there was a soft knock at the door then Jane and Kate came in and helped her get ready for dinner. They selected a frilly pink dress with short sleeves for her to wear. Ella thanked them and went off to meet Kit in the small dining room.

When she came in, Kit's eyes lit up as they landed on her and he jumped to his feet and was at her side in an instant. Taking her hand in his, he raised it to his lips, then moved in to place a kiss on her cheek as well.

"My lady," Kit said, "You look amazing as usual."

Ella smiled shyly. "Thank you, Kit. You look great yourself." Beaming, Kit led her to her seat and helped her into it, then took a seat next to her.

In between bites of food, they talked about the wedding prep. Kit told her how everyone was busily preparing for the big day tomorrow. Ella could sense his excited energy from his body movements and the little gleam in his eyes. She herself was a bundle of nerves and excitement. She couldn't believe that in less than 24 hours she would be married to this man sitting next to her and she would be his wife and his Queen. They would be joined from that day until their last day, which hopefully would be a long time from now.

"Ella?"

Ella blinked. She's gotten caught up in her musings and didn't realise Kit had asked her something.

"Yes? I'm sorry, what were you asking?"

"Well...I was asking if there was anything in particular that you wanted... you know... as a wedding gift."

Ella blinked once, then again over and over and covered her face with her hands.

"Ella?! What's wrong, love?" Kit grew alarmed. He moved to her and put his hand on her shoulder, trying to gently move her hands away from her face so he could see what was wrong.

"What's wrong honey?"

Finally Ella looked up at him, her cheeks stained with tears that she's tried unsuccessfully to hold back. She dried her eyes with the napkin Kit handed her and started to speak.

"Kit-" breath hitching, she took a deep breath and started again.

"Kit, I don't deserve this. I don't deserve to marry you. I'm just a little servant girl, who got to play princess for a night. How could I ever be truly deserving of a love like yours? I'm not worthy."

"Oh, Ella," Kit pulled her close and let her work off some more of the tears that had began to escape again, but after a few more minutes he eased her away and gently tipped her chin up to face him.

"Ella, love, look at me. I promise you, that I will spend every moment from this day until my last day, making you see yourself the way I see you through my eyes. I'll spend the rest of my life showing you what a caring, compassionate, selfless, generous, kind, warm, loving, lovely creature that you are. The truth is that it is I who is undeserving of the love of such a person as yourself, but I promise, I'll absolutely do my best to become worthy of your love, to become worthy of loving you and caring for you. You deserve so much happiness, I wish you could see that, but I'll just have to do my best to show you."

"So please, please, don't ever say things like that again. Don't ever say anything about you not being worthy ever again, because if you do... I'll have to do this."

Kit grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her hard towards him and in the next instant his mouth was moving hard over hers, his lips pressing against hers with bruising force. He lightly bit her bottom lip and when she opened her mouth on a gasp he slid his tongue inside to play with hers. The slow, sensuous glide of his tongue against hers had the desired effect and Ella let out a soft moan and clutched his shoulders in her hands. In response, Kit gripped her hips and pulled her even closer to him; they were practically fused together, in the chair, Ella pretty much sprawled all over his lap.

Just as abruptly as he'd begun, Kit pulled away, but not before giving Ella a not-so-gentle- nip on her bottom lip.

Ella's pupils were fully dilated, her face sporting a lovely rosy flush. Her lips looked thoroughly kissed out, swollen and slightly wet, while she panted softly. Ignoring the fact that he himself was probably in a similar state, Kit smiled as he looked her over. He was quite proud of himself for having her in this state, without losing his own head, although it was damn close, he had to admit.

"There," Kit said, his voice just a bit hoarse, "Now you know what will happen if I ever hear you saying anything about you not being deserving of love. Because, if there's anyone who's deserving of love, my love, in particular," Kit's voice grew softer at this point, and he grasped her hand firmly in his, "It's you." As he said this, he firmly but gently placed her hand to the front of his not so comfortable breeches so that she could feel just how much love he had to give her.

Ella blinked in surprise. She was having hard time doing anything more than that since Kit's... kiss...had short circuited her brain. Kit set her gently down in the chair next to his so that they could both take a breather.

After a few minutes Ella's breathing returned to somewhat normal and gave a shaky laugh to herself. She felt warm all over. There was no denying it now. They were definitely into that territory now. But strangely, despite the intensity of his kiss and the resonant feelings coursing through her, Ella felt... settled. Any nervousness or anxiety that she had felt concerning her lack of experience with these kinds of matters was completely gone. Even though physically a kiss, toe-curling as it was, was as far as they had gotten intimacy-wise, they were well on their way with that.

It was clear to Ella that Kit had everything under control. He was in charge and there was nothing she needed to worry about. She could now clearly see that she had no reason to worry about their lovemaking or any kind of intimate situation like that. Kit would take the lead and guide her through it. And if Ella allowed herself to think about it thoroughly, she would see that she was doing a hell of a job arousing him already and that there was no reason in the world to think that he would not be pleased with her sexually.

Mind made up, Ella smiled warmly at Kit.

"What are you smiling about so slyly?" Kit asked her.

"I'm just excited to marry you tomorrow, that's all. I'm happy to become your wife and princess."

"I'm happy too, my lady. I'm ready to be your husband, and declare our love to the whole world, but more than that, " -Kit took her hand in his- "I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with you, showing you how much you're loved, each and every day, and being loved by you in return." Kit raised her hand to his lips and placed and warm kiss to the back of it.

The clock on the wall chose to moment to chime and remind the young couple that it was already 11 p.m.

Rising from his chair, Kit offered Ella his hand and helped her to her feet. He walked her back to her room as he'd done every night since she'd been here, but this time when they stopped outside her door, they were both aware of the fact that this would be the last night that Kit would be escorting Ella to a room different from the one where he slept.

"Well, this is it." Kit said. "Make sure you get a good night's sleep tonight, my lady, you're going to have a big day ahead of you tomorrow."

Ella smiled up at him. "And you too, Kit. Tomorrow is a big day for both of us."

Kit returned her smile with one of his own, then he moved in close and took her chin in his hand to gently tilt her face up to his. He took her mouth in a slow, but thorough kiss which left them both breathless when he pulled away a few minutes later.

"Goodnight, my lady, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Kit."

Kit waited until Ella's door closed softly behind her before he turned and headed off to his room, aware that this was the last night he would be doing so without her.

It was a sobering thought that occupied his mind as he closed the door to his rooms, undressed and climbed beneath the covers.

'I won't be alone anymore.' The thought made Kit smile widely at the ceiling. His mother had died when he was little, and his father, though loving, had always placed more emphasis on teaching Kit how to be a good king for his people, rather than on spending quality time with Kit as a normal father and son would.

Then as he grew up... Kit hadn't realized how increasingly lonely his life had become as he got older and drew closer to inheriting the throne, and then when his father had died, it was up to Kit to shoulder all the responsibilities of a king and make sure the needs of his kingdom were met. It was only after he had met Ella that and found himself laughing and smiling more did he realize how much those small but significant things were missing from his life. Much like Ella herself; she seemed simple and unassuming but the impact she made on his life was monumental.

The realization that Kit would now have her by his side for the rest of his life made a warm feeling come over him and he fell asleep with a smile on his face and a warm feeling in his heart. Tomorrow was going to be a big day indeed.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Ella similarly was thinking about tomorrow as she got ready for bed. She was nervous but also excited. She reflected upon how her life had taken a huge blow, first when her mother died, and then when her father also passed and she was basically forced into slavery by her stepmother and stepsisters.

At least when her mother had died, she still had her father, but after he passed...she had no one to stick up for her, to comfort her when she was sad, but now all of that was about to change and Ella couldn't be happier.

"Tomorrow, I'll become Mrs. Kit," Ella gave a little happy chuckle to herself as she thought this.

With this warm feeling inside her, she rolled over and snuggled into the covers. Within a few minutes, her breathing deepened and she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Author's Note: There you have it guys, my completed Chapter 8. I hope you can see the labor of love that went into this chapter... I *did* struggle with it in parts, but all in all I'm happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think! Do you have any ideas for Ella's wedding dress? Or what should Kit give her as a wedding gift? I welcome your input so don't be afraid to leave a review letting me know what you think.

Best,

Shoi.