Captain was at attention; he always was in his line of duty. Right now he was not only protecting his Prince but his friend whom he only wished the best for. If that meant he was to prevent anyone from disturbing him and the girl who has turned his head then so be it. His mind wondered though, watching the dancers in front of him, listening the courtier's conversations as they passed, it was no wondered he was startled when the doors opened behind him.

He quickly turned to face an equally startled Kit whom was not expecting him on the other side. "Captain," he wasn't sure if it was a statement or question.

"Your Majesty," He bowed his head,

Kit with an excited smile turned to look at Ella – who's arm was tucked into his elbow – and without turning away said, "I'd like you to meet Ella." Neither broke eye contact until the Captain spoke, "It's a pleasure to meet you your Majesty."

"Oh," Ella spoke breaking their gaze, "I just Ella."

He chuckled softly, "Well just Ella I hope you are having a pleasant evening."

She couldn't possibly break the smile across her face, not even the vision of her stepmother lurking down the corridor couldn't ruin the feeling of being on Kit's arm. Before she could be of any nuisance Kit had whisked Ella away past the guarded entry way towards the upper balcony. He wanted his Father to formally meet his intended- if that's what she wished to be.

Kit was perhaps a little nervous bringing Ella to his Father, they had met earlier of course but Kit wanted to make a serious note with this meeting. He couldn't really tell if it was nerves that flittered through his stomach or if it was the enchanting girl that made him feel this way.

"Now I can only presume you don't actually come from the forest, unlike some of the other Princess I've heard about over the years." The King chuckled.

"No," Ella smiled, "I live with my Step-mother and two step-sisters south of the town."

"Near the forest?" He quizzed. Ella nodded before smiling.

"Who was your Father?"

Ella was proud although in side somber to speak of her late Father, "Master Beaumont, our family has lived there for generations."

Both Kit and his Father perked up at the name Ella gave, Kit spoke first, "We're familiar with the name, he was a merchant no?"

The King spoke before Ella could, "Yes he acquired many unusual items for me over the years, I remember him, what happened to the good man?"

"He took ill on the road a few years ago." Ella's sullen voice evident as she spoke, Kit quickly changed the subject, "Forgive me but when you spoke in the forest, were you referring to your step family?"

The King a little confused piped up, "Yes you were unaccompanied tonight."

"They did want me to come tonight, they thought I would be an embarrassment so I had some help." Ella confessed, she was nervous as to how her Step-mother would react to the situation. Surely she would drag her away and lock her up in the attic.

"We'll I'm surely glad you did otherwise Kit would have been dreadful company to anyone this evening. He's been distracted for days." He chuckled; leaving Kit embarrassed pursing his lips as he stared at the ground, trying to cover his smile.

Kit cleared his throat before giving his father a stern wide-eyed expression of warning. Ella however was amused to think of herself being on his mind- Prince or no Prince. Her apprentice from the Palace.

Kit's warning did nothing to his Father's mood, "Well it is getting late, I'm not as young as I use to be so I shall retire, I suggest you two do the same soon. Tomorrow will be a grand day."

Balls usually carried on into the early hours of the morning before the town's Baker rose. The pair bid him Good night as he exited through a hidden passage – Kit made a mental note that he should show Ella them one day as she appeared intrigued.

They were alone apart from the guards who went almost unnoticed. They strayed over to the balcony to over look the people. Kit ever so smoothly slid her hand perched on the ledge into his. The pair looked at each other with doting smiles before shyly turning away to look at the crowd. He couldn't help but think about how similar this would feel to have Ella as his Queen. He took a deep breath in at the thought.

"What are your grand plans tomorrow?" Ella broke his thoughts with her curiosity. "Do you mean today technically?" Kit couldn't help but poke. "Yes today, you are right." She spoke.

Kit was undeniably nervous, so much so that he didn't answer her question. Well technically he would answer it later today. Surely now wasn't the time to ask if that's what is Father was alluding to.

"I can't have you leave me." Kit spoke, "Knowing what you would go back to." Ella didn't speak. "Stay here tonight, I will have them prepare a room for you." She opened her mouth but before she could speak he begged, "Please."

Ella a nodded and returned a smile with his. Arrangements were made and he escorted her to the private apartments of the Palace. Kit left Ella in the capable hands of two servant girls but not before kissing her hand good night.