"I hate this, I hate this, I hate this!"
The phrase was running through Ella's mind all through the "wedding preparations." To bad there would not be a wedding. She had obeyed all orders so far, in case a chance to escape presented itself. So far, though, nothing. If the time for this wedding actually came, Ella would sacrifice her secret if it meant she did not have to marry this- for lack of a better word- man. If Ella were to get out of this, she would have to think of something, and fast.
Right now, though, thought was hard. She was standing on a stool, arms out, being fitted for her "wedding gown." The gown in question was a hideously capacious gown with more lace flounces than one could count. The effect was one similar to a wedding cake, only instead of tiny figurines at the top, there was Ella's head. It was the most revolting thing Ella had ever seen. While she had to try it on, people came up to her and asked her for her color preference for napkins, whether she wanted chilled quail eggs or if she preferred a different kind of appetizer.
In the middle of this all stood Sir Bowen, looking his part, the evil groom about to force a poor girl into a horrible marriage.
Too bad he wouldn't get Ella.
She looked out the huge picture window to the open field beyond. If only she could get out there. Preferably with a horse. She could out run them all and be safe. If only… If only…
A plan was beginning to form.
"Sir Bowen?" Ella queried.
"Yes, my dear?"
Ella groaned inwardly at the pet name. "Where will this wedding be taking place?"
"So you've finally grown fond of me, have you?"
"Oh, no, of course not. I still detest you. Let's just say, I've bowed to the inevitable."
"Of course. The wedding will be wherever you want it to be, dear."
"Well, I was just thinking. I've always wanted to get married outside, near nature. I have always loved nature. Would it be possible if we could do that?"
"If I didn't know any better, I would think you were planning an escape, Ella dearest."
"Do you think I would?"
"Of course you would. You seem to be a conniving little wench. However, I shall grant your request. But you are not to run away."
Ella bowed her head and tried to look defeated. However, she was smiling inside. Escape had finally shown itself.
"Oh my! It's the prince! The prince is paying us a visit!" Uaxee looked positively atwitter with excitement. She bowed so low her head nearly touched the ground.
Char was not particularly in the mood for this. He had nothing against giants, but occasionally, they just got too-too cheerful. It was extremely trying.
For the umpteenth time, Char told Ella's tale. The sad words, combined with the woebegone expression on Char's face, soon had the giant in tears.
"That poor girl! I remember her! She was coming to surprise her father! Oh, she was extremely nice! And polite! Today's youth are not as nice to giants! But not that Ella! She knew how to respect others! Oh, I hope she found her father here…"
Char couldn't take too many more exclamation points. So he cut Uaxee off. "Thank you. Ella is indeed very kind. Now, I know you did not talk to her for very long. But- do you have any idea where she could be? I was instructed to go here- as well as other places- for answers."
Uaxee shook her head vehemently. "Oh, no, I'm sorry, your highness. I have no idea. But, surely such a nice girl will come back to you! I am sure of it! Don't worry, sir. Everything will turn out all right!"
Char smiled wanly and thanked her. Another place, another failure. At this rate, Ella would be lost to him forever.
The phrase was running through Ella's mind all through the "wedding preparations." To bad there would not be a wedding. She had obeyed all orders so far, in case a chance to escape presented itself. So far, though, nothing. If the time for this wedding actually came, Ella would sacrifice her secret if it meant she did not have to marry this- for lack of a better word- man. If Ella were to get out of this, she would have to think of something, and fast.
Right now, though, thought was hard. She was standing on a stool, arms out, being fitted for her "wedding gown." The gown in question was a hideously capacious gown with more lace flounces than one could count. The effect was one similar to a wedding cake, only instead of tiny figurines at the top, there was Ella's head. It was the most revolting thing Ella had ever seen. While she had to try it on, people came up to her and asked her for her color preference for napkins, whether she wanted chilled quail eggs or if she preferred a different kind of appetizer.
In the middle of this all stood Sir Bowen, looking his part, the evil groom about to force a poor girl into a horrible marriage.
Too bad he wouldn't get Ella.
She looked out the huge picture window to the open field beyond. If only she could get out there. Preferably with a horse. She could out run them all and be safe. If only… If only…
A plan was beginning to form.
"Sir Bowen?" Ella queried.
"Yes, my dear?"
Ella groaned inwardly at the pet name. "Where will this wedding be taking place?"
"So you've finally grown fond of me, have you?"
"Oh, no, of course not. I still detest you. Let's just say, I've bowed to the inevitable."
"Of course. The wedding will be wherever you want it to be, dear."
"Well, I was just thinking. I've always wanted to get married outside, near nature. I have always loved nature. Would it be possible if we could do that?"
"If I didn't know any better, I would think you were planning an escape, Ella dearest."
"Do you think I would?"
"Of course you would. You seem to be a conniving little wench. However, I shall grant your request. But you are not to run away."
Ella bowed her head and tried to look defeated. However, she was smiling inside. Escape had finally shown itself.
"Oh my! It's the prince! The prince is paying us a visit!" Uaxee looked positively atwitter with excitement. She bowed so low her head nearly touched the ground.
Char was not particularly in the mood for this. He had nothing against giants, but occasionally, they just got too-too cheerful. It was extremely trying.
For the umpteenth time, Char told Ella's tale. The sad words, combined with the woebegone expression on Char's face, soon had the giant in tears.
"That poor girl! I remember her! She was coming to surprise her father! Oh, she was extremely nice! And polite! Today's youth are not as nice to giants! But not that Ella! She knew how to respect others! Oh, I hope she found her father here…"
Char couldn't take too many more exclamation points. So he cut Uaxee off. "Thank you. Ella is indeed very kind. Now, I know you did not talk to her for very long. But- do you have any idea where she could be? I was instructed to go here- as well as other places- for answers."
Uaxee shook her head vehemently. "Oh, no, I'm sorry, your highness. I have no idea. But, surely such a nice girl will come back to you! I am sure of it! Don't worry, sir. Everything will turn out all right!"
Char smiled wanly and thanked her. Another place, another failure. At this rate, Ella would be lost to him forever.