Chapter Twenty-Eight
Char was here.
I excused myself from Larissa and Cedric. I ran to the gardens and sat on a stone bench. Char was here. I could repeat that sentence for the whole night and yet I would still be surprised. What was he doing here? I called myself an idiot for not thinking about it before. Of course he was here. Ivinia had mentioned that the Basten Ball was the most important and most special event in all of Bast. It would be highly unlikely for royalty not to come. And Char was the prince of Kyrria. And Bast was part of Kyrria.
I started chewing on my lip, like Larissa. What should I do? I could simply just be part of the crowd. But the desire to dance with him was great. And surely I would succumb to the temptation. But Vanessa…she would surely cling to him the whole night. There might even be a possibility for her to introduce her friends! Me! But what if Ella wasn't in the ball? What if Lela was in the ball? But how could I be Lela with this gown? I couldn't ignore Vanessa's roving eyes. I wanted so much to dance with him. I missed him so. And even if I did run away from, even if I did act so hard on him before, I still loved him with all my heart. This was my chance. Even if I did repeat to myself that Lela was gone, I realized now that she couldn't be gone. She would always be there. And she would always wear a mask. My thoughts were settled. I would dance with Char as Lela. I would tell him that it was I, Lady Lela of Bast.
But the gown! My apparel! Vanessa and her scrutiny! I wanted so much…I wished for this chance. I need this chance. Then I remember Mandy. She could help. No! It was big magic to completely change my gown. I needed someone who didn't think helping me was big magic. My mind was in a hurry. I had done this before, hadn't I? It didn't cause me trouble. I once thought of it as a mad idea, and I had acted upon it without wisdom, but yet it proved to be so beneficial that I did for three times. I could do it for the fourth time. There was no danger.
"Lucinda, come to my aid."
She appeared infront me.
She looked younger than the last time I saw her. She almost looked like the young, foolish Lucinda. She smiled ecstatically at me and she looked younger.
"Sweet child! You need my help again. What may I do of service?" she asked me.
I explained to her.
"You thought well by calling me. Nothing should come in between the path of true love!" She brushed away a tear and sighed melodramatically, "Not even a gown."
"So you could change it? Completely?"
"Of course dear child! But we have to take precautions, just like before. Up to what time do you want the gown and jewelry to come back to their old selves?"
I thought. If I would be gone too long, Larissa and Cedric would notice and worry where I was. I didn't bother about Vanessa and Ivinia. Vanessa would be too busy flirting with men and Ivinia would be busy with Lady Marianna, as she was an important guest. Larissa and Cedric they would think it unusual for Ella to disappear and Lela suddenly appear. It would be too suspicious.
"Ten would be fine." That way I could spend two hours with Char and two hours with my friends. It wouldn't be suspicious. I would just tell them that they didn't notice me dancing.
"Now that is settled." Lucinda looked at me, "That apparel has to go. Close you eyes dear"
An order. I did so.
I felt the gown changing. The sleeves were becoming more loosened from my skin.
"Open your eyes, sweet."
I did. I looked at myself.
The gown was no longer red. It was light lilac. The embroidery was gone. It was replaced by a pattern of paler lilac beads. The sleeves no longer clung to my arms. It wasn't too bell-sleeved either. It was off-shouldered in a way. It reached my shoulders but it wasn't completely off. I touched my mask. It had changed in the smaller ways. The mask and beads were the same color as my gown. The necklace had changed too. It still had the simple chain but the pendant was now a violet stone. I took off my tiara and looked at it. It was vines of silver with pearls studded in it.
Lucinda placed the tiara back at my head and kissed my forehead.
"Remember, you only have two hours in that gown! Stay secluded when it returns back to its original state!" she laughed gaily and smiled wistfully, "True love should never be stopped. Well, you better go inside now dear. The music has started and the ball is waiting! And say hello to the kitchen fairy, Mandy!"
She kissed my cheek and disappeared. I went inside. Two hours. Long enough to be with Char.
The music had started. I looked around. Vanessa was looking dreamily at her partner, Char. Larissa was chewing on her lip as she danced with Cedric, yet she seemed to be enjoying it. Ivinia was chatting with some people. No one noticed that I was gone.
I sat down on one of the chairs and waited for the dance to finish. I looked at Char. He looked so handsome, smiling politely at Vanessa. Would Char recognize me as Lela? Or would he think I was an impostor, trying to grab his attentions by disguising as a person he favors? Surely not. But it was possible.
As the dance was about to end, I tried not to squirm in my seat. The music slowed down into a complete stop. I remained seated. A gentleman came near me and asked for a dance. I said yes, hoping that the steps would lead me to Char. Then he would recognize me.
The dance was a gavotte. My partner and I separated. I twined arms with momentary partners. An earl, a duke, a squire, a knight, then I twined arms with Char. He looked at me curiously. I smiled at him. Our hands knew each other. This might have been the reason of his curiosity. He might be thinking, is this Lela? He was obviously confused. I was masked all the while at his ball; it was no difference here. I could only hope. We untwined our arms and then I was back with my original partner. I thanked him happily because if he hadn't asked me for a dance then I wouldn't be near Char. I curtsied and he bowed. At the corner of my eye, I noticed Char approach me.
"Lady, have we met before?" he asked politely after he bowed and I curtsied.
"Of course. I was surprised you recognized me with all these people in masks." I summoned all my courage. This was proof that I was Lela. Friends only call him this, "It is I, Lady Lela, Char."
He looked at me happily. "Lady Lela! I didn't recognize you. Of course you are present in this ball. You live here."
"I'm happy that you do recognize me. And this ball," I sighed. I should act as if I do live here, "I've attended this ever since I was allowed to go on balls."
"I was wondering, with all these people in masks, how come you recognized me?" Char asked me.
"Only you could attract so many ladies in such a short span of time."
Char stared at me and laughed, surprised. "Was it so apparent?" he asked me. He had asked me this before. And I replied the same way as before.
"It was to me."
Char grinned at me. "Would you favor me with a dance?" he asked.
"Certainly." I curtsied and took his hand.
It was a slow sarabande. We talked but softly, though not softly enough not to be heard. Heads turned and watched. I saw Vanessa stare at me with a look of pure venom. I ignored her. Lela didn't know her. And Lela wouldn't glare back at her. Larissa was still dancing with Cedric. Larissa looked with sympathy at me. She must have seen Vanessa look at me.
All the while we danced, all I did was listen to the sound of his voice. We talked about the time lost. But I knew I couldn't repeat what he said. I clung to every second of the dance as if it would be my last time with him. But his voice penetrated my thoughts once more, that it startled me. Or rather, his question did.
"What have you been doing in Bast lately?"
I thought quickly. Surely I couldn't tell him about washing dishes and being inn girl.
"The usual. When I returned to Bast, everything was still the ordinary. I spent all the time reading and writing." At that moment I wanted to bite back my words. It just slipped out of my mouth. I do read but so far, I have only read the magic book. And I rarely write. When I do, it would be writing letters to correspondences. I had neglected my old diary. How come I have said those things?
"What have you read about lately?" he asked.
He was trying to learn more about me. I know I haven't been telling him anything during the balls. He wanted to know.
"Even though I'm a grown lady, I still couldn't resist reading fairy tales," I laughed a little, "The stories just give you such beautiful imaginings."
"The temptation is great that even you can't resist. I suppose you write fairytales of your own," he grinned at me, "Obviously under the influence of reading those tales, am I right?"
I laughed again. "You missed not a single thing. I do make up my own fairytales. But I never thought they were good enough to be published in a book."
"You remind me of someone. Let's say, an old friend. She makes up her own fairytales also, but she never writes them down."
"I do?" I replied rather hastily. I knew he meant Ella. I knew he meant me.
"Yes, you do. "
Char smiled. He was distant for a while. He must have been thinking about me. About Ella. I didn't want to look like I was staring so I turned my eyes away. I notice Vanessa again. This time her hands were balled into fists behind the back of her partner. She smiled at me and she reminded me so much of Hattie. I looked back at Char. He had started talking again. I did too. We danced two more dances. But it wasn't enough for me. Time seemed to fly by.
The dance ended and I wish that time would stop, and I would forever be in Char's arms. But I couldn't, so time continued. Char excused himself, saying that even if this wasn't his ball, he still has to be polite and distant to the others. I nodded and sat down on one of the chairs.
"You must be Lady Lela." I heard someone. I turned. It was Vanessa. She smiled at me. I smiled back for I knew that Lela doesn't know her.
"I am. Pleased to be of your acquaintance." I replied.
"My name is Lady Vanessa of Erima." She raised an eyebrow. "You might have heard of me."
"But of course!" I know Vanessa would like Lela if she would admire her. "I've heard of you! Everyone has heard of the beauty of Lady Vanessa. And what they said is true."
Vanessa beamed at me. It was working. But then, her face resumed its proud look.
"I see that you have been dancing with my Prince Charmont." I noticed the "my".
"I have been. I saw you dancing with him too."
"Well, Lady Lela, even if you did say that I am beautiful, I won't let you lay your hands on him."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You won't touch a hair on his head. And if you do, I'll see to it that you would never take off that mask."
"Lady," I said with a note of annoyance. Who wouldn't be annoyed? "I think I have the very right to dance with him. And I do not see the reason on why you deprive me of it. And you shouldn't say 'my Prince Charmont' either. He isn't an object you can own."
"Listen to me," she stared at me through those violet eyes, "I will not let you dance with Prince Charmont. Ever."
"And why is that?"
"Because he is my Prince Charmont. Not yours. Not anybody else's." Vanessa glowered.
"I do not see why you do. No one does. He is a person and not a thing. And even if you insist on it, I would never go with it. Good evening, Lady Vanessa." I walked away. How dare she! Treating Char like some material possession! It was a good thing she didn't say, "You won't dance with Prince Charmont". If she did, then I wouldn't be able too. It would turn out to be an order, and I would be stricken if I can't dance with him.
I sat on one of the chairs near them. They sat next to me and started talking. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just heard.
"Have you seen Ella? I couldn't find her anywhere." Larissa said in a worried tone.
"She's probably dancing. Or maybe she needs time alone. You're not her chaperone, Larissa." Cedric replied.
"Yes, but…" Larissa chewed on her lip. "She's been gone for almost five dances."
Cedric rolled his eyes. "You shouldn't be such a paranoid. Ella is a grown lady. She could take care of herself."
Larissa always worried. She smiled gratefully at Cedric. I stood up and walked away. I shouldn't eavesdrop. Maybe Larissa would have the courage to tell Cedric she likes him. I shouldn't ruin the moment.
I saw Char again. He went to me, bowed, and asked for a dance. I obliged. The dance was an allemande. As we danced, I noticed that Vanessa looked at me very hardly. Glaring at every second I was with Char. I ignored her. When the dance ended once more, I sat and waited.
I saw Vanessa. She was dragging Char. She danced with him. And everytime she did turned to my direction, I saw her smile complacently. I chose to ignore her. What would I get if I made a scene? Nothing. And Char might think that I wanted to have him for me. No, I should control myself. Instead of enduring Vanessa's cold stares, I turned my gaze to Larissa. She was dancing with another gentleman. Where was Cedric? I scanned the many faces of the dancers. I saw him dancing with a lovely lady. Then I realized that Larissa was scrutinizing the lady. I tried not to squirm in my seat. I waited. After the dance, Char and I danced again. After that, we went outside to the gardens. We strolled for a long time. We talked always. Char spoke of the truth; I spoke of nothing but lies. Deception. I still had to make him think I was a Basten, and that I was nothing like Ella. But I soon had the courage to ask him about me.
"Char, who is this friend you mentioned? The one you said reminded me of her?" I asked slowly. Char smiled sadly at me. It breaks my heart to see him like that.
"She's an acquaintance from Frell. She's been my friend for a while."
"What is her name?"
"Her name?" he looked startled then regained his composure. I wondered why. "Her name is Ella."
"Where is she? I would surely like to meet her, if you say that we are almost alike."
"She's married, to someone rich and old." His voice softened.
"Is she well?"
"I suppose. She's rich so she is well."
The words hit me. I couldn't believe that Char would say that about me! But I made that statement myself. I was the one who wrote the words, "smiling at my jewels and laughing at the world" Yes. I was the one who made it clear to him that I was happy because I was rich. Yet, it wasn't true.
"Maybe she isn't happy." I said sympathetically, "Maybe she is just waiting for a chance."
Char looked at me. He smiled. "We must go in now. A dance perhaps?"
"Of course."
I knew he wanted to be out of the subject. I didn't press him. As we entered, I saw Vanessa approach us.
"Prince Charmont! I suppose you know me and that I don't have to introduce myself."
Char bowed. "Good evening Lady Vanessa."
I curtsied. "Pleased to have your acquaintance."
"I've been hoping to talk to Prince Charmont," she gazed at me, "Alone. You do mind, Lady Lela."
"It's alright. I would wait here."
"I will go to you later, Lela." Char said before Vanessa dragged him away. I sat waiting. Then I realized that Vanessa took advantage of the moment. When I looked again, Vanessa had successfully danced with Char. I didn't want to look like I was sad. I knew Vanessa would want that. Instead I smiled at her. Deep inside I wanted so much to curse her. I only had two hours and now she was taking away. I could wait…no I couldn't! I looked at the clock. So much time had passed by. It was nine thirty! I panicked. I wanted to be with Char for a longer span of time! I have too! This was my last chance! But I couldn't do anything. I couldn't stop the dance and claim him. I couldn't push him away from Vanessa. I watched helplessly as time ticked away. I kept my eyes on Char. Then the music stopped; the dance was finished. Before Vanessa could say anything, Char bowed to her and went to me.
"Do you have time to dance?" he asked.
"I have all the time in the world." I replied.
The dance was another slow sarabande. What if the dance took longer than usual? What if I suddenly change before Char? I decided to worry about that later. I planned to keep the last dance in my memory. Though I knew I would still be here, my heart felt sore. I won't be near him again. I wasn't Lela. And Lela was the only disguise I knew that could keep me close to him. My eyes blurred with tears but they didn't fall. If they did, what excuse would I give? Nothing. And I would look like a fool. Before I knew it, the dance ended. Time to go, Char. I will see you again…I wish.
I curtsied to Char though my knees wobbled. I didn't want to leave. But I had too. I had to face the truth. "Excuse me Char. I would be going for awhile."
"Could you save a dance for me?" he asked.
I stopped. "I hope so." I replied vaguely.
Then I walked fast to the garden. There I waited until the gown was back to its original state. There I cried for a moment. I walked back in.
Larissa and Cedric were seated. I approached them.
"Ella!" Larissa jumped up, "Where have you been?"
"I've been here the whole time." I answered.
"But…I didn't see you dancing."
"You must have not seen me."
"I hate to say this to you Larissa but, I told you so." Cedric told her. I laughed a little.
"With all this people in masks, it is hard to find one person." I said.
"Look, Vanessa is coming." Cedric groaned. "And she dragged along Prince Charmont!"
"She what?" I exclaimed. I turned around and saw Vanessa coming…with Char.
I was about to walk away when Vanessa pointed at us. They approached us.
"These are my companions, Prince Charmont." We all stood up. I tried to hide behind Cedric.
"This is my sister, Larissa." Vanessa shot an annoyed look towards Larissa, "You know each other."
"Good evening Lady Larissa." Char greeted. Clearly he wasn't enjoying this.
"Good evening, Char—I mean Prince Charmont." She grinned.
Char? Larissa called him Char? They must have been closer than I thought. Only the people Char favored called him that.
"This is my friend from Erima, Cedric." Vanessa continued after giving Larissa a shocked look.
Char and Cedric exchanged greetings. "I've heard of you. Vanessa speaks about you all the time." Cedric rolled his eyes. Vanessa looked as if she wanted to hit him.
Vanessa gestured me. Or rather she pulled me out behind Cedric. Leaving me infront Char. I smiled weakly, hoping Vanessa wouldn't do it. But I knew she would. "And this is my newest acquaintance. Prince Charmont," she started, "this is my friend, Ella."
I froze. I didn't move. Ella. She said Ella. Char looked at me curiously. I tried not to look. Stupid.
"Ella?" he finally said.
I wish I could run away. But I couldn't. I just wish he wouldn't know I was the Ella who deceived him.
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I'm so sorry this chapter took so long to upload! I just want to make it good…but I think it's a bit lousy… the real reason is because Char is there. And I didn't know how he talks. Or how boys talk. Why you ask? Because I don't have any friends who are boys. I have two cousins who are boys but I rarely (rarely? No!!!! once in a blue moon actually) see them. And I study at an all girl school…meaning zero contact. Poor me. I have to read Ella Enchanted again and again to capture it! But it still doesn't sound right :-(
But I hope you like it!
Speaking of Ella Enchanted, the whole last chapter of my original copy (the first one I bought and the one I use for this fic) just fell out! Hallelujah. Now I can't bring it anywhere. I just feel so guilty everytime I open the new one. I hate to crumple its pages! I just have to bear with it. I just hope it won't get lost. Last chapter! Probably the most important one!
And I would like to say my many, many excuses why this chapter came late. One: I just got my copy of the 2 Princesses of Bamarre. I have to read it because it isn't available here and I have to order it. Two: Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep came too! I ordered that too! (Due to the ordered copies I soon found out that I am a big sucker of Gail Carson Levine's work! Can you believe that only Ella Enchanted is available here?) Three: I cried my eyes out reading A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. When I mean cry my eyes out, I mean it. I actually sobbed all night and when I woke up my eyes were still swollen. ( Due to that recent incident I soon found out that I'm a sucker for tragic love stories and that I'm a very sensitive and romantic imbecile. And to think that I don't like to fall in love!) Four: My sister hogged the computer to write her own stories. Grrr…she doesn't even put it in ff.net! And Five: It's almost school here. June is coming and I have to shop for my school materials. Still looking for that stupid Biology book!!
Now that I have my excuses, I would like to say thanks a BIG BUNCH to the reviewers!!! And I hope you would forgive for the delay of this chapter! I hope you like it!
Thanks to the reviewers namely…*drum roll* *trumpets* *applause*
Sailor Capricorn, don't-ask, E. L. Madison, zumamoonlight, SnowyOwl2113, V-Babe, blue-angel1204, Gwenevire, Neko-chan, cool camzy blue, Ironic Paradise, Impulse-k9, Master Steph, rose-among-thorns, hime, Eponine, SouthpawJenn, FairySpirite, Nabz, Maxscully87@aol.com, wenxuan-chan, Faeriegurl (really?)
pS
Do you know the meaning of Char? Hehe…Char means-----burn, singe, scorch…Heehee…Char's burning!!! Okay…. I'm in a state of madness!
