So far this is my favorite chapter..i think you will like it too!!! Please review

Chapter 6

I threw my maids shift into the corner of my room and plunged into the tin tub of warm water. I sat there awhile, enjoying the aroma of the rose petal water, but I knew I did not have much time.

I undid my long braid and poured scented oils over it. The soothing scent of lavender entered the air as I scrubbed every inch of my body, leaving no speck of dirt behind. I sighed, wrung out my hair and got out of the tub, gently wrapping the towel around me.

"Anna, hurry!" I yelled, somewhat peeved. She burst into my room and gasped when she saw my dress, which was lying on my bed. "Ella, when did you… I mean how did you..." I cut her off, "Anna, it doesn't matter. I didn't steal it, so it isn't really any of your concern."

I handed her my brush and she began arranging my wet curls. She pored more oils on them to keep them neat and perfect throughout the night.

"Shall I put your hair up, Ella?"

"No," I said quickly, "It must be down, so the prince can see it in all its glory." I gave her a secretive smile.

When she finished, she picked up the dress and helped me put I on. It felt like cool water on my ivory skin. So smooth, so lovely… "Ella," Anna whispered, cutting into my thoughts, "What shall I do with these?" She held up the bag of shimmering dots Charles gave me.

"Oh yes, put them in my hair, but make sure not to get any on my dress." She sprinkled them on and they gave my hair a glittering appearance. "Get the shoes out of the closet."

Anna opened the closet door and gasped. I rolled my eyes, such a simpleton she was. She picked up the shoes and to my dismay, almost dropped one, but caught it before it hit the floor. "You stupid, clumsy girl!" I hissed angrily and stuck out my slender foot. She put them on quickly, blushing at her mistake. I turned around and examined my lovely form in the mirror.

"It's beautiful, Ella. You are radiant," Anna breathed as she studied my reflection.

I smiled, "I am exquisite aren't I?" but, before she could answer I jumped up and ran down stairs. I had heard a wagon approach and knew it was Jameson coming to escort me to the palace.

"Jameson," I said, looking puzzled, "it looks like a wooden pumpkin!"

"Och, milady, I told you twas a bit outlandish. But, It will add to your mysterious appeal," he chuckled.

I laughed, "very well, let us go." He helped me into he carriage and closed the door.

"Wait, miss," Anna wailed, "You forgot this!" She handed me my mask. 'Good luck, Ella." Who needs good luck when you look like a goddess, I thought. I kissed her gently on her round cheek and thanked her for helping me.

Jameson whipped the white horses into a gallop and we were off.

The ride to the ball was peaceful and majestic. The country side was lit with silver rays, making every leaf, every blade of grass ethereal.

We promptly arrived at eight and Jameson quickly jumped off and opened the coach door for me. "It's time, Ella" he held out his hand and helped me down.

"Er, when do ye think you shall be done?" I looked at him, "Why? Do you have somewhere to be?"

He laughed nervously, "Well, lassie, my girl is in town and uh…" He blushed. I smiled, "I shall make my exit at twelve, and not a minute later.'

I waved and walked inside the huge, oak doors. I lifted my chin and walked into the grand ballroom. I looked down the flight of stairs, in which I must make my magnificent entrance.

A deep voice startled me, 'who are you lady?" It was the call squire, the man who announced the arrival of the royal guests. I had not thought of a name for myself.

"Ella of Sanders," I whispered. Sanders was the fiefdom I lived in, before I left my father to work for Adele and Cyrille.

The announcer cleared his throat, "Introducing Lady Ella of Sanders!'

All eyes turned toward me, and I savored the attention. I lifted my skirt and glided down the marble staircase, noticing the wondrous looks of the men and the envious looks of the women.

A lady in red pointed and muttered, "Look, she has glass shoes." Whispers raced through the crowd like fire in a stable. The crowd gaped.

By the time I reached the bottom stair, a group of men had gathered around me. They all bombarded me with questions and asked me to dance.

I chatted politely, but inwardly I was disappointed. Although many of the men were handsome, none of them was the Prince Alexander.

It was eleven and I only had an hour to find the prince. I smirked, for an idea had popped into my head on how to solve my problem.

I accepted an offer to dance with a rich, good-looking youth. He was graceful, but I imagined the prince to be a better dancer. I moved closer to him, pressing my round breasts against his hard chest. I knew it excited him because I could feel his chest stiffen and his grasp on my waist tightened.

"Your grace," I whispered in his ear, sending shivers down his neck, "Where is his majesty, the prince?"

"Please," the young lord said smiling down at me, "Call me Francis."

"Francis" I said in a low voice, "how fitting for a strapping young man."

His face brightened at my compliment. 'His majesty is in the courtyard with a large group of women, as usual." Francis rolled his eyes.

When the dance ended I politely excused myself from my group of admirers, telling them I needed a bit of fresh air.

I walked through the extravagant courtyard in search my prince, and soon found him in the middle of a group of giggling girls. I noticed Adele and Cyrille among them, which did not surprise me.

When he looked up, my goddess like form caught his eye. I smiled seductively and walked into a near by hedge maze. He pushed his way through the crowd of women and followed me. I raced through the maze, determined to make him work for it. I soon reached the center, where a fountain stood with two lovers holding each other. "How befitting," I muttered.

The prince came moments later. He took off his mask and stared at me, as though he did not believe what he saw.

I stood straight, chin up, breasts out, and hands at my side. He was my equal in everyway. We were made of the same ivory, gold, and jade. He had a crown of soft, golden curls, deep green eyes, a strong, determined nose, sensuous lips, and a square, masculine jaw line. His was tall and sturdy, with a becoming tan. He was every woman's dream, he was my dream.

He cocked his head to the side. "Lady Ella of sanders, your majesty." I did not bow, because at that moment, as we looked into each others eyes, we knew we were equals.

In three, long strides he covered the distance between us and wrapped his strong arms around me. A fire burst in my chest, releasing waves of passion and love. He kissed my lips gently, then passionately demanding something. I caressed his face, etching the lines and combing through his hair with my elegant hands, and in turn his hands caressed my face, my neck, my… A sudden rush of pleasure hit me. I gasped and pulled away. "Remove your mask, goddess, so I may see the face of my lover."

I laughed, "Prince Alexander, it's a masked ball. I would not defy the rules of the dance." I wanted to keep my self a mystery to him, to keep him enticed, and it worked.

'Call me Alex, everyone close to me does." I looked at him, green meeting green. 'And am I close to you, Alex," I said smiling when I said his name. "You will be my wife, closer to me then anyone."

I grinned triumphantly, I had come and I had conquered. He pulled me close once more and awoke the woman inside me. A powerful sensation rushed of my loins, and I began to pant. His soft lips moved down to my neck, inspecting every inch of it. And then to the top of my breasts, I moaned.

DING! DING! DING! I looked up at the clock, it said twelve. 'Oh, my goodness, good bye Alex!"

I ran out of the maze and headed toward the entrance, I didn't want to be left without a carriage, for fear my mistresses would see me. The fragile glass slippers would not hold up much longer, I thought. I took them off and dashed through a back hall. I made it out to the front, but in my hurry I dropped a slipper into a soft, pile of dirt. With the prince on my heels I could not turn back and get it.

I opened the carriages door and jumped in, "Drive Jameson!" He whipped the horses into a galloped and we were off.

I looked back to see the prince holding my glass shoe and staring at my coach. I sighed and turned around, I was so close to becoming a princess.

Ok its not over yet guys!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 7 comin out soon