Chapter 3

They were alone once more now that they had reached the balcony. The glass doors closed behind them by the attendants with a simple nod from Kit. Ella took in the crisp air, she had felt nothing but suffocation the moment Anastasia recognised her and surely now her Stepmother knew she was here...with the Prince. She was brought back from her anxieties when he took her hand.

He asked, "Who was that?"

She met his concerned eyes, and with slight hesitation answered, "One of my stepsisters."

Kit was reminded of their brief conversation in the forest, how could anyone treat her as anything but the wonderful creature she is? As he compiled his thoughts he fidgeted with her hand, analyzing its soft and yet its worn features. It fit so perfectly in his. Ella noticed his pensive face, deciding that this conversation could not be kept much longer.

"I am no Princess," she said, shrugging her shoulders slightly in an attempt to diffuse the disappointment in her eyes. Ella was sure this would change everything. She turned her gaze away unable to bear how he would react. Would he regret everything? How much of an embarrassment could she be? "Just an honest country girl," she sighed and then let an almost inaudible whisper, "Who loves you."

The Grand Duke had found the King with his new piece of information, "Your Majesty a word?"

The King reluctantly excused himself from the dignitaries; once they were out of earshot from other guests the Grand Duke wasted no time to speak.

"The girl is-"

"-The one from the forest." His Majesty interrupted him. Grand Duke was taken back by his words; did the King know something he didn't? Seeing his confusion the King continued to say, "The one who he let the stag go free for, the one who he invited the entire kingdom this evening to see again? Oh I am very aware of her. Do you have anything to add?"

Regaining composure he said, "She is no Princess your Majesty it's simply not appropriate."

His Majesty raised his eyebrows, "Perhaps I will decide what is appropriate."

The King ended his further protest by excusing himself. The Captain whom was not far from him was given instructions to ensure that the two were not to be disturbed.

When Lady Tremaine heard the King was not going to interfere, her plans changed. She nonchalantly passed the balcony to get a better look at the situation.

The Captain had already found himself stationed guarding the doorway- which now had its curtains drawn- and was not oblivious to Tremaine's attempt to be nosey. It was not the first time this evening he caught her up to no good.

"Can I help you M'Lady? You appear to be looking for something." He asked,

A thought came to her brain, "Oh I am looking for my daughter, and you see she wouldn't come with us to the ball but decided to show up by herself. I couldn't possibly have her without a chaperone."

"I'm sure you will find her." The Captain answered, making no attempt to leave his post.

She paused to think before speaking, "I don't think I made myself clear, she's the one who ran off with the Prince."

The Captain quick on his feet, "Well then she is in good company, I'm sure you will find her." He chuckled.

Treamaine realising her efforts were futile gently bowed and left to rethink her next move.

"Who loves you."

Ella wasn't sure if she intended on anyone to hear those words but her, however she secretly hoped for the alternative. She removed her eyes from the ground and dared to look at Kit's face. Her mouth crept up into a smile reflecting his own.

Kit didn't know what to think, of course he loved her anyone could see that. But his Father's words echoed in his brain, "It's a Princess or nothing."

He couldn't bear to loose her over such a trivial belief of his Father and the Grand Duke.

He brushed a hand across her cheek, feeling her soft skin underneath his fingertips. "A Prince can take any bride he wishes" He'd be damned if he'd allow anything different.