Title: Ella's Plan

Rating: PG

Genre: Romance/ Drama

Author: twinsRus (Lauren)

Summary (as in bio): Ella devises a plan on the morning of the third ball to let Char know the truth about Lela. So what happens if Hattie never snatched off Lela's mask? Would Ella let Char know that its been her the entire time? how will she get rid of the curse?Last time:

At 8:00 pm, Lucinda showed up, I explained to her (while Bertha was finishing my hair), that I would need a longer curfew than midnight because I wanted to hear Char sing. After much talking, and debating with Mandy, Lucinda finally agreed that I could have a 1:30 am curfew.

So after I thanked Mandy, Bertha, and Lucinda tremendously, I left on the orange carriage that Lucinda provided for me.

I applied the mask as soon as I climbed into the carriage, and checked my small purse for the note that I wrote for Char. Everything was going so perfect, nothing could ruin the evening.

Narrative: This is still first person, in Ella's perspective.

Scene: Still December 14.

Chapter 2: Seeing Char Again

I arrived at the palace at approximately 8:15 pm and walked up the marble steps to the palace doors. As soon as I entered the room, I heard a familiar song; it was the gavotte music that Char and I had danced to on the night of the first ball. I noticed that Char was dancing with Hattie; he, may I add, did not look extremely thrilled at his dancing partner. Noticing this, I smiled.

I stood on the side, with some other people who were looking on. Char didn't see me, like the second ball, so I knew that if I wanted my plan to be successful, I would have to make myself be seen. As the dance ended, I walked up confidently to Char and curtsied. He bowed. He was smiling, a very gorgeous, knee-weakening smile may I add.

"Good evening Char," I said, remembering his request to "Lela" to call him by his name.

"And to you, Lady Lela," he replied, still smiling. Hattie stood to the side, looking incredibly offended that she was being ignored.

"Would you like to dance?" I asked as a slow song came on.

"Of course." Finally remembering Hattie, he bowed to her and laced his arm through mine.

"You look lovely," he said as we started to dance.

"You don't look that bad yourself Char," I replied, smiling. He in reply cleared his throat.

"Are you staying late tonight?"

"Of course, I would never miss my favorite prince singing one of my favorite Ayorthian songs."

"Hopefully I will not ruin that for you."

"You'll be great," I said, looking straight into his beautiful green eyes. He in return started back at me with the same amount, if not more, intensity.

Because the slow song that we danced to was several minutes long, and did not involve changing partners, I claimed this song as my favorite; simply because I was with Char.

AN:

I cannot stress enough that I am terribly sorry that I have not updated since I posted the first chapter, thus posting the story. I have my excuses, but in my opinion, readers don't like to hear why the author of a story that they are interested in has not updated. That's what I feel anyways, but if for any reason, some one wants my excuses, don't hesitate asking.

This chapter is extremely short, although, in my defense, I did receive a reply from a reader claiming that she enjoyed smaller chapters. I'm assuming that that is because shorter chapters would mean quicker updates. This chapter is half as long as the previous one; I don't know what to say to that, although it did give a lot of Ella and Char, and a lot of cute, sickening romance. I hope to have the next chapter up very soon. Like within the week, I hope. I hope to write some really good, quality chapters up soon, so that I don't continue to feel so guilty for giving you nothing for months.

Thank you very much to those of you who reviewed, it means a lot to me.

Thanks, Lauren