Disclaimer: Gail Carson Levine is the mastermind, not I. Therefore, don't be surprised when you recognize parts of this story. I owe my story to her.
The carriage rolled to a stop. One of the footmen—a tall, burly man with a bushy moustache—reached over to our compartment and let us out. Char stepped down first, swivelled around to face me, and extended his hand to help me. Not that I needed his help getting out of the carriage! But, as this was Char, he was the ultimate icon of gallantness.
I flashed him a quick smile, teasingly wagged his hand aside, and hopped out of the carriage. Unfortunately for me, the knot on my apron caught on the handle, and I found myself leashed to the door. Yanking the apron, a loud rip resounded through the momentary silence, and Char was chuckling again. So much for dignity! Perhaps, if I was fated to be royalty, I should try and damper my "small-elephant" manners. I should probably at least attempt to be dignified. Perhaps manners mistress was right after all.
I was still in my dirty servant's garb. I glanced about anxiously while failing to wipe to soot off my apron and face. Char noticed, hid a smile, and handed me his Royal engraved handkerchief. I guess he wouldn't mind me dirtying the poor thing. People were gawking at me as I passed. As I walked, I caught fragments of hushed conversations.
"The Prince…Did you see?"
"…walking with that servant!"
"I do believe she's a scullery maid! Look at the state of her clothes!"
"Our prince has truly succumbed to the lowest rank. The poor fellow."
There were many people "tutting" at us as we walked. I didn't care. I was free and with my love. I kept my head high and smiled at the passers-by. One day I would be their queen!
But, how embarrassing! A queen in tatters! I remembered that I was still wiping my face, and resumed the task. However, instead of wiping the soot off, I was scrubbing my face so furiously, that I'd managed to rub in more soot.
"Ella, (peals of laughter), you look…you look…" Char faltered for his words, still chortling.
"Disastrous?" I volunteered helpfully.
He was still laughing. Well, honestly, I couldn't be that bad. But then, as though the people of Kyrria were scorning me, I came across the fountain before the palace entrance. A darkened, frightened creature with startling green eyes, and jet black hair gaped back at me. Alright then, I admit; I looked ghastly. And my moments of happiness were slowly ebbing away from me. I felt terrible.
Char glanced down at me, noticing that I was looking substantially more downcast than I was five minutes earlier, and twined his arm around my back, his eyes a concoction of sorrow and love.
"Don't worry about your appearance, Ella," Char said, then grinning, "Don't you let that manners mistress of yours corrupt your thoughts too much. Honestly, I shudder to think that our future would be dining table decked fastidiously with blackberry spoons and cherry spoons, and raspberry spoons each time we dine."
I attempted a feeble grin, still quite depressed.
"Looks are not everything, Ella. Your heart is what matters. And yours, my dear, is a jewel. It glows beyond everything I've seen."
I was utterly flattered. He thought so highly of me? But, I didn't want to reply like a bumbling, frivolous wrench. I wanted to make him laugh.
I smiled mischievously, "Char, how could you go bloating my ego? Don't you know that only dire consequences will result? But, if truth be told, darling, I'm sure your heart twinkles in the sky."
I sniggered. Char was baffled, but then, surprised as usual, burst into laughter. He was still smiling when a loud voice boomed above the crowd. I jumped, completely startled.
"Presenting Prince Charmont and his future bride, Lady…"
There was a nervous cough. The voice boomed again, less assured this time, "Erm… uhh… Lady… uhh."
The voice wavered uncertainly. I heard muted whispers. Among the throng of people, a young squire dashed out to seek Char.
"Your highness," the boy stammered.
"Please, do drop the formality."
The boy looked relieved, "Prince Charmont—"
"—Char."
I suppressed a giggle. The boy looked perplexed. "Erm… Char, then. I have come hear to seek an answer from you, Highness."
Char nodded, looking slightly impatient. I mirrored his feelings. Why else would the boy be here?
Looking anywhere but at Char, the squire mumbled, "Sire, what is the name of your fiancé?
"My love can speak for herself," Char replied, a note of annoyance in his voice.
"I'm Ella." I said, looking him directly in the eye. I must have frightened him. I must have looked revolting in my grimy state. The squire nodded curtly, and rushed back to the crowd.
The voice boomed again, "Presenting Prince Charmont and Lady Ella, future Princess of Kyrria."
And the palace gates opened. The crowd parted to make way for the royal pair. Char and I joined hands, and walked.
Author's Note: People, please REVIEW! So far, I've only hand one reviewer. That's very disappointing. I need your feedback. How do you want the story to go? What do you like/ dislike about it so far? If you review quickly, I'll try to have the next chapter up by the end of this week!
