A/n- Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews! Although they do cause guilt trips when I don't update for some time… ::sigh:: I'm sorry it took so long for me to update this. But well, here's the second chapter, please read and review!

Chapter 2

Char's POV

I stood, shocked, for a moment as Stephan's news sank in. Two women running toward the mountains… one of them might be Ella? Mostly like that's the case, Ella with her cook Mandy. I've observed them on several occasions, and they seemed closer than servant and Lady should be. But why would Ella try to escape? Is she intent on avoiding me for some reason that I don't happen to have the slightest clue as to why?

Time was running short, and I slowly deemed that nothing was going to get resolved if I stood in Dame Olga's estate all night contemplating something that I had a feeling I wasn't going to get any answer to just then. So, shaking myself free of disturbing thoughts, I nodded toward Sir Stephan and commanded, "Show me the way."

He bowed and quickly guided me to the door. Before I stepped out into the chilly evening air, I remembered my manners and turned back to Dame Olga. "Thank you for your time, Mistress Olga. I hope I have not caused much inconvenience for anyone here. Good night."

"How far are they now?" I asked Stephan anxiously as we hurried to our horses. I felt my stomach tighten itself in knots as I waited patiently for the answer.

Stephan replied when we were both sprinting in the direction of a dozen or so of other knights some way ahead of us. I couldn't make out whom they were chasing, for my men's broad shoulders blocked my view of anything before them, and in the distance you really can't make out much. But I did know they weren't riding horses. They were merely chasing after them on foot.

"They can't be that far ahead," Stephan said. Even though he and I had the advantage of catching up to the others since we were riding, they still looked so far away. Frantically, I willed my horse to go faster.

The road was rather rocky and steep, so I kept my horse, Starlight, at a reasonable canter. I paid no attention to the wind whooshing by us, tousling my thick mound of hair. I thanked the full moon tonight for shinning down so brightly, bestowing me with a fair amount of light to see by. My knuckles probably grew white from how tight I was clutching the reins. But I didn't care. All I wanted, as I gradually caught up with the other knights, was to be able to make it to Ella in time. I needed to see her face. I needed an explanation. I needed to know how she really felt about me…

"Your Majesty," Stephan called just then from somewhere behind me, startling me from my reverie. "Slow down!"

I brought Starlight to a fast trot and Stephan soon appeared beside me. Squinting his eyes a little, he asked, "Do you see them heading into the forest at the edge of the mountain now?"

My heart in my throat, I followed the direction of Stephan's gaze. Sure enough, I could just make out the sight of the knights running into the forest. That had to mean they hadn't caught Ella and her cook yet. And now they're in the forest. I let out a huge sigh of frustration. We'll never catch them now, if Ella and the cook have indeed successfully escaped into the black wilderness of the woods.

As if reading my thoughts, Stephan coughed a few times, and then spoke up. "Never say never, Your Majesty. We'll catch the lass. You can count on it."

I smiled a little at Stephan's confidence and his willingness to help me find Ella. Of course, Ella is very well-liked by everyone, and the knights she met that time when she helped to capture the ogres were all charmed by her. They all commented later on what a sweet maiden she was. My heart swelled as I thought back to that day, and how sad –an emotion I didn't really understand back then, and why I felt that way- I was when we parted. Before long, I saw her again at her father's wedding with Dame Olga. The happiness within me as I took the first look at her just surfaced right out of nowhere. The dance we shared… the rides down the banister… every moment of my life spent in Ella's presence are ingrained in my mind's eye. When I had to go to Ayortha for a year, I was completely heartbroken that I wouldn't get to see her for so long… but the letters she wrote to me, as infuriating (in a way) as they were, still managed to perk me up and make me smile every time. Ella's special to me in her own way. That's the only thing I understood then about our relationship. I realized too late that I was slowly falling in love with her.

Or perhaps I've been in love with her the whole time I've known her, and only figured it out at the last minute, and told her even later. Who knows?

"Prince Charmont?" Stephan said hesitantly. I quickly snapped my head up, and glanced over at him. I've been mulling over Ella. Again. And I could tell from the expression on Stephan's face that he knew also.

He cleared his throat. "We're at the entrance of the forest now, Your Highness. I'd recommend going inside to search Ella by foot."

I didn't question his decision. There was no time. Hastily, I dismounted Starlight and tied her to a nearby sturdy tree. Stephan did the same. When we finished, we didn't waste any time entrancing the dark woods.

"Stay close to me, Your Majesty," Stephan instructed, and I merely nodded. As we ventured farther in, I could hear shouts coming from somewhere ahead. Knitting my eyebrows together, I quickened my pace and strained my ear to hear what they were saying. Soon, I was more or less running toward the direction where all the voices were coming from. Well, why not? So what if tree branches were tearing at my face and clothes? So what if I almost tripped several times due to my haste to find Ella? It would all be worth it in the end if we really do catch her.

No. Not if. When.

The fact that the knights were shouting must mean that they have located her. It must mean that. So Stephan and I surely wouldn't need to search in this place of obscurity and gloom. I may not have noticed it before, but this forest really does give off an ominous vibe. The sooner we get out of here, the better. And with Ella in tow, too.

The noises got louder as we briskly approached. As we drew even closer, I could see why. The knights were arguing among themselves, and none of them were making any move forward. I frowned as I marched toward them, feeling slightly confused on why they have suddenly stopped.

They must have heard my thundering footsteps, for they stopped talking as they watched I drew nearer. When I was entirely in front of them, I demanded in a voice I only use when I'm really restless or impatient. "Where are they? Why isn't anyone bothering to go on looking for them?"

There was silence for a few seconds, as everyone was deciding the best choice of words, I suppose. Sir Bertram was the one who spoke up at last. The others still looked flushed and as confused as I felt.

"There seems to be a shield blocking us from going any farther, Your Majesty," Sir Bert said, and pointed an index finger at the other side of what the knights were standing on. I looked over there, and what –or who, shall I say- I saw made me gasp in surprise.

It was none other than Ella's cook and companion. Her eyes were closed, and she had held both her arms out in front of her, palms facing me. She looked to be in deep concentration, but that was all I could tell by the dim light of the moon, which for the most part was blocked by the thick tree leaves.

I walked toward her, but suddenly a force of some sort stopped me right in my tracks. I blinked several times, and realized that Mandy, as I recall is her name, had put up a spell to prevent me and everyone else from going any further. The only question that popped up in my head at that moment was… why?

Why would she do this? Why isn't she letting anyone go any deeper into the woods? Did Ella ask her to do this? Or is Mandy merely putting up this defense spell so Ella can escape successfully?

At the thought of Ella, my mind gave an abrupt jolt. Of course, Ella! Where is she now? She could be anywhere in this forest… and it would be downright impossible to find her at this time. If she had that much of a head start, then there would be absolutely no use to search for her, since in a forest this deep, this thick, this mysterious, this haunting, Ella could be in a totally different path than anyone could even see.

But we still had to try. That much I knew.

Except, however, there was no way we were going anywhere with a shield blocking us.

I frowned to myself. How could a mere cook have magical powers? The only possible explanation I could see is that she happens to be a fairy. I shook my head, and reached out a hand, touching what supposedly looked like air but really is a magical shield.

"Mandy?" I called out softly, as not to startle or frighten her. I needn't have worried. She didn't even appear to have heard me at all.

I cleared my throat loudly, but she still gave no indication that she knew I was there. I didn't want to waste any more time that could be spend finding Ella, so I began to speak to her in a rapid yet calm voice.

"Please Mandy. I don't know why you're doing this, keeping us from venturing into the forest any further. But I do know that Ella was with you, and that she isn't now. I can only assume from my limited knowledge of the situation that you're trying to help her escape, escape from me, I believe. Can I just ask you why? Why are you doing this? Why don't you want us to find her? Is there anything Ella has to hide from me? Because if she does… can I just ask you again… why? Why did she lie to me in that letter? Why did she lead me into thinking something that shattered my heart into a million pieces, and in the end turned out to be false? Does she know how much of what she wrote affected me so? Why can't she just come clean, and explain to me why? Why she said she doesn't love me, but showed up at the balls my father prepared for me to find a suitable wife? That has to mean she at least cares about me, right? She has to… because it would hurt me too much too deeply if she doesn't… especially after I saw her again earlier tonight…"

My voice drifted off, and I slowly exhaled a large amount of air. I had just poured my heart out to Ella's cook. None of my knights were in any close distance to hear what I was saying, so I didn't have to worry about them eavesdropping and knowing my darkest secrets about the woman I love with all my heart. I tried to convince myself for a time after her last letter that she was just a manipulative monster, and we certainly weren't meant to be. But it was no use. That's as apparent as clear glass to me right now. I've always loved Ella. Always. And I have to find her…

"Mandy, do me this one favor, please," I whispered. She still hasn't looked up, but that doesn't mean she isn't hearing me talk. "If Ella wishes to run away from me now, then of course she must have her own reasons. And I know they must be of vital importance if she can't even show her face at the balls to me. I won't pressure her. I respect her wishes to remain hidden, for whatever task she must accomplish first. But do tell her that I will find her someday, and we WILL be together. Can you carry the message from me to her, Mandy? Can you?" My voice grew softer, and I took a deep breath and blew it out. "Can you tell her that… that I'll always be there for her? That I… that I lo- "

I never got to finish my sentence. Something greatly alarming happened just then. I watched, as if transfixed, as Mandy lifted her head and her arms dropped to her sides. Then, before my very eyes, she collapsed onto the cold, hard, forest ground. Immediately, I rushed to her side, the shield being broken and all. My men followed me, and some cursed as they hurriedly knelt beside her. Gingerly, I picked up one of her hands, and felt around her wrist for a pulse. There was one. It was faint, but it was steady. I sighed with relief, and ordered several of the knights to carry her to the castle to get treated at once. From what I have seen, she is Ella's cook and best friend, after all.

"It must have exhausted her to no end putting up the shield," I heard Sir Stephan comment from behind me. "No doubt so Ella could escape."

When I said nothing, continuing to study the trees around us as if they were the most interesting species in the world, Stephan quickly added, "I'm sorry that we weren't able to catch Ella, Your Majesty. I promise that we'll find her soon. And I have a feeling that she'll be in very good hands until then."

I nodded, but kept silent. I had no doubt that Ella will be all right. Someone as special as she obviously is has to have a guardian angel to watch over her, to protect her. I was concerned about her welfare, but I knew that no anxiety was needed. I just wanted to see her… to touch her… to understand her…

While I was talking to Mandy, somehow a realization struck me. The realization that Ella may first need to understand herself first, before she can let me see the real and whole her. Perhaps there is one last thing she needs to complete before she can tell anyone the perfect truth. And before she's ready, I'll have to wait patiently for her to come around.

Because that's what true love is all about. Not just happiness and blissfulness. Hard work is involved, and through the process, new lessons are learned, and new virtues are divulged. It seems everyone makes falling in love into this totally easy procedure, but it's definitely not. I'm only just starting to learn the true meaning behind it. And I know that day by day, as I search for Ella in my own way, when the time finally comes for us to encounter once again, I'll be ready. So will she. And together, we'd both have acquired the genuine definition of love.

So until then, I'll wait for her, I thought to myself as I followed Stephan back to my horse. But during the long, hard period, I won't stop trying to find her. I'll go on a journey of my own to discover her location, and my own identity. I vowed to myself to make the obligatory farewells as soon as possible, so I can be on my way. While waiting for Ella, why not do whatever necessary to achieve my goals? That way, I'll be looking for her… while also myself.

And besides, Mandy'll tell Ella what I wished to inform her. When she lifted her head, I saw it in her eyes. She knew I meant it, and the smile in there said it all.

We had reached Starlight and Stephan's horse by then. As I started to mount Starlight, I hesitated for a minute and glanced into the trees again. They seemed as forbidden and concealed as ever, hiding a dark secret that only time will reveal.

Where are you now, Ella? I wondered. I wish you the best of luck to undo whatever it is you need to… but I won't ever give up on finding you. We will meet again someday. And when we do… you won't ever escape from me again.

A/n- Okay, first things first: In the book, I don't believe it mentioned anything about the name of Char's horse, so I just made up the name Starlight. I hope that's okay.

Anyway, please review and tell me what you think of this chapter! I hope it wasn't too OOC…

In the next chapter, it'll be morning the next day, and I'm starting it off with Ella's point of view. But for now, please review! I really do need as many opinions as possible… cos you know me, always having no clue what to think about my own stuff…