A/n Ok um… I have been staring at this page for the last few weeks… and decided I should just finish it and post before someone kills me… So Happy Halloween!
=Saturday=
Ella woke up early, finished prepping the house for the ball that night, then went shopping. Mandy went with her. Lately they had not been spending much time together, and truthfully Ella missed her.
While bonding again and finding a set of matching earring and necklace, both pearl they walked back to the manor. Ella couldn't help but think about how well they matched her gown.
Around five Ella started to get dressed at the ragging about how much time she had left of Mandy and Julia. "Julia I really think you should go to the ball, a lot of people go by themselves now a day." "Ella, I have more important matters to attend to."
Ella didn't miss the twinkle in her friend's eye and began to wonder what Julia had planned. Mandy walked back in the room, she left ten minuets before. "Lady, you look perfect!" When both Ella and Mandy finished getting ready it was nearly eight.
"Ella.." another maid called from downstairs "Andrew is waiting downstairs." "Oh alright I'm coming." Andy was watching the stairs when Ella descended down the stairs. (Later that evening he would swear he saw an angel.)
Ella was wearing a dark green gown, matching her eyes not unlike the color she wore when she first met Char. It was low cut in the front, which was becoming the new style, and the back was circular so it showed her shoulder blades. The flowing skirt reached the ground, and spread out contrasting her tight top beautifully. Her matching tiara, necklace, and earrings where made of pearls and accented her dark brown hair perfectly. A cascade of curls surrounded her face making her glow. Her outfit was completed with a pair of glass slipper that, after some egging from Mandy she wore.
Andy stared until finally Mandy cleared her throat, and elbowed him in the ribs. "um..uh… Ella how good it is to see you again." He bowed and kissed her hand. "The pleasure is all mine." "Shall we join the other guests in the ball room?" "Yes, that would be pleasurable." With that they linked arms and proceeded to the ball room.
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Char and Victoria approached the manor in a carriage. Char stepped out and help Victoria out. She spent about five minuets brushing off the "dust" on her dress and musing with her before she would allow them to enter. "Ladies must be perfect when attending social gatherings." Was the only excuse she had. Char sighed; she really wasn't his type a girl…
Char linked arms with Victoria's gloved hand. They proceeded to the direction the maids pointed in. The part had been moved out onto the back patio since it was such a beautiful night.
As soon as the royal couple reached the yard many of the guests greeted them formally and bowed or curtsied. Char had everything but an interested look on his face.
Victoria decided that her feet needed a rest even thought they had been there a mere minuets. Char sighed and went to get some drinks for them. While at the tables of food he looked back to see Victoria flirting with a few dozen men. They seem to flock to her. Char shrugged and turned back around only to face one of his best friends.
"Prince Andrew, how good it is to see you here!" Char said with his first smile of the evening. "Same with you Prince Char. It's been quite awhile since we raved havoc at the royal palace." "Yes it has, maybe too long. It seems the maids have gotten lazy with out having enough mess to clean." "Is that so? Maybe I should make a visit soon." "That would be good. So who are you here with tonight?" "Well that would be her now."
Ella walked up to Andy wondering who he was talking to. She could only see his back. "Ella I would like you to meet my good friend Prince Char." Char turned around… now how many people have a name like Ella?
There she was, his vision of beauty after so long, looking shocked or was that freighted. "Um…" Ella turned to leave pretending she hadn't noticed them. Char grabbed her arm and held it firmly. "Ella it's not polite to run out on conservations." Char said somewhat sarcastically. "I wasn't running" Ella was interrupted by Julia. "Oh Ella dear I could use some help.. if you're not to busy." Ella jerked her arm out of Char's grasp. "Sure Julia, I'm coming right now."
Ella hurried away. "What was that about?" "Nothing Andrew…" Sure didn't seem like nothing. "You know what I need to be going. I'll see you later ok?" "Sure." Char hurried after Ella… he needed some answers.
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"What did you need Julia?" "Uh… I need you to find me a book about the war in 1415." "Why would you need that?" "Umm I really need it quickly and I have work to do… could you hurry?" Julia steered Ella into the library and closed the door.
Char turned down a hall way he thought he say the two ladies go down. There he met up with… what was her name Julia? "Um… Could you tell me where Ella went?" "Sure, she's right through that door." Julia watched Char slowly open the door and step in… there was no war books in that library… her plan worked perfectly… now if the two love birds could get through their differences.
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Ella set on the floor looking though the books…. War… war….war…. where was it? Suddenly she heard someone clear their throat and looked up. There he was… staring at her with eyes of interest.
Ella got off the floor and made a move for the door. He blocked her exit. "Ella, I think you owe me some explanations…" "I need to go…" "Ella, you're not leaving … not again… I love you too much to let you go…"
A single tear swam down her cheek… "But… but I can't allow myself to hurt you." "Can't you see I hurt so much without you being there…" Ella broke out into sobs. Char pulled her into a tight embrace and for a moment Ella let it be… but the thoughts came back… what if she was kidnapped or even told to poison him or stab him… the man she loved… she wouldn't bear it… couldn't.
Ella pulled out of his grasp. "I can't I just can't." "Why not, Ella? I know you love me as much as I love you." "Because it's back…" Ella whispered. "What's back?" "the…the curse… it's back…" "Oh Ella. Why did you leave? Why didn't you tell me? We'll work it work it our together… You're not alone."
"But you're in danger. I could kill you." "Ella, I think that if you don't come home with me… that will be the death of me." "but … but.." "No buts.. no regrets… I love you more than life itself." "Oh Char!" Ella wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight, she never wanted to let go. Char put his arms around her waist and gave her a loving squeeze. Soon they would have to go to the party… but right now he was going to savor the moment…
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A/n So there you go… a nice little chapter… now that I got through that little writers block I'll try to update one a week or every two weeks.. tah tah for now!