Chapter Seven

I told Mandy about my plan. She understood. I was helping her cook when Mum Olga called me. Mandy knew it was time.

"Good luck lady," she said and kissed my forehead.

I went up to Mum Olga's room.

"Ella, dress up now. It is six thirty and Prince Charmont said he will come at six. After that, help Hattie."

I went to my room. In town, I bought a gown. It was simply blue. It had a very thin petticoat. It also had a simple embroidery of roses. It was the cheapest too. Thankfully the cheapest was not the ugliest. I rubbed off the soot with a wet towel. I placed it on.

The dress maker, Madam Anne, was very kind. She gave me a necklace with a pendant that was a blue stone on the middle. It was simple enough. And it was also not real silver and stone. I told Mum Olga it was with the dress. She didn't want either. She said it was too simple.

Mum Olga didn't tell me to buy shoes so I wore my glass slippers. There is little chance for Char, Hattie, Olive or Mum Olga to see it. The gown was long anyway. I combed my hair until it shone silky black. Then I went to Hattie's.

It was six when Char arrived. I was still giving Hattie the finishing touches like she ordered me to when Mum Olga called us. Hattie literally jumped off the floor. She landed with a thud. She then recollected herself. It looked like seeing a monster turn into Hattie. There is no difference. She started to go down. I followed.

When I saw Char's figure while in the stairs, my heart pounded faster. Why am I nervous? I have a plan. I have to be cool. I took long deep breaths. I shouldn't worry. My heart skipped beats. I wish I could run but somewhere inside me wanted to see Char's face; to see his expression. I wish I could run past Hattie, hug Char and tell him I love him! I wish I could tell him about the curse! I wish I could tell him that it was all a lie! I wish I could tell him I risked all to come to the balls as Lela! I wish…

Hattie reached the last step. I braced myself and went down with her. I saw Char. He saw me. He looked so handsome but he was too surprised. I saw a smile start. He must have been thinking that Hattie has been lying. I hate to cause him pain. But have to later.

Hattie was busy saying hello to him. She bowed and extended a hand for kissing.

"Pleasure meeting you, You're highness. I am Lady Hattie if you have forgotten." She purred.

When it was my turn, the whole world disappeared. Tome it was just me and Char. My heart wanted to jump out of my chest. I tried my best to conceal my feelings. I smiled but it was hard. I fought the sudden urge to hug him. I wanted him to know. But I can't. Hattie was there. Mum Olga was there. Olive was waiting. The curse reminded me of the possible future.

Char waited while I thought. Then, when I regained my senses, I curtsied and extended my hand too." I am Lady Eleanor. Long time no see, Majesty." I said nonchalantly. He must not sense any pain and longing from me.

"Ella!" he whispered after my greeting.



- I love cliffhangers! But don't worry! If you want to read more, you only have to wait for a day or two! I'll write fast!

-Nayie♀♥