Disclaimer: I owe all to Gail Carson Levine.

Dedication: This chapter is for everyone who "favourited" this story.

Author's Note: Sorry for the month-long delay. I was overcome with a bout of laziness, and writer's block. I'll try to get the next chapter up soon too (and for those who reviewed, thanks for the support!). So enjoy! And, as always, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW! Thanks. =)

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I was still holding hands with Char as we entered the palace, and my palms were sweating profusely. To attempt to mask my nervousness, I began to swing my arms wildly about, jerking Char's arms with mine. To the citizens of Kyrria, the Royal pair probably resembled two oversized apes.

Char gave me a strange look. "Ella, are you alright?"

Not daring to look him in the eye, I let my long, black hair veil my face, and I steadied myself by gulping like a blowfish. "I- I'm fine."

At least, I think I'm fine. I hope I'm fine. In reality, I was beyond fear. I dreaded meeting the king and the queen. What would Char's parents think of me? I'd deceived them. I was a liar, a cheat, a duplicitous wrench. In their eyes, I would be unworthy of Char. Queen Daria would be bound to remember me as that lass from Bast. She would never forget my despicably false comment about Bast. The carriages in Bast are orange. Honestly, how stupid I was! But, let's say that somehow—miraculously— that the King and Queen forgive me for my deception. What would they think of Char's proposal to me? I was no better than a pauper! I certainly looked like a pauper right now.

Manner's mistresses words came hurdling back, taunting me. What would the King say?

She was absolutely right. What would King Jerrold say? What would he think? He would think that his son—his only son—was foolish enough to go and propose to a serving maid. He would think that this piteous girl cannot possibly know how to rule a kingdom. He would think that the future heirs of Kyrria would be disgraced upon had they known their mother's heritage. Why, he would most probably never even let Char marry me! King Jerrold certainly had the power to invalidate Char's proposal. He would tell Char never to speak to me again. He would oust me from Kyrria. And I would never see Char again. Never. After all that I'd been through. And what would I do? What could I do?

I was now wringing my arms, squeezing, yet wriggling my hands free from Char's, trying to rid myself of the anxiety. Each step I took weighed upon my heart like a boulder. I couldn't hide my trembling.

I looked up at Char. He was in pain. I was wringing his arms as though he was a soaking towel. And he was trying to endure this pain. I forced myself to stop. The sweating continued. I could feel it trickling. I was nauseating.

"Char," I muttered, aware now of the mammoth crowd that had gathered to view the bumbling ape-like Royal pair, aware of the snickers and giggles, the muffled ridicules. "I'm so sorry. I'm just a bit nervous about meeting your parents."

"A bit nervous, huh, Ella." He sniggered. "Now, I call that the understatement of the year."

I blushed. "Well, I look like a pauper right now," I declared adamantly with rigor.

This was followed by peals of laughter in the crowd. Distantly, I heard someone shout, "That you are, miss!"

"Don't worry, Ella," Char said soothingly, "I already have a lady-in-waiting to wash and dress you tonight. She seems to be quite kind, that Blossom. I'm sure you'll like her."

"I don't need someone to dress me Char!" I cried, "I'm quite capable of that myself. Just because I look like a pauper doesn't make me an invalid, you know."

"In either case," Char cut in smoothly, choosing not to comment on my words. "My parents—you'll find—are really quite understanding people."

"I know it's just that—"

"—as I was saying, they are understanding people. And, Ella, my dear, don't try to hide it but I can see quite blatantly that you are very nervous about meeting them. And about explaining your deception, I presume."

I nodded gingerly, my face gradually transforming into a ripe tomato.

"Which is why," Char continued, caressing my hands lightly, "I will explain your story to them. If you feel so uncomfortable, that is. I can guarantee you that they are not monsters. They will understand."

He was so good to me! I grinned. A final tremble escaped from me after so much anxiety.

"They're not going to send me away then?" I asked, biting on my lip.

Char nodded, smiling. "Of course not, silly."

"I can see you whenever I like, then?"

Char nodded again. Then he stopped and answered seriously, "Well, as long as I'm not in court to deal with civilian matters."

"But I can see you afterwards?"

Char nodded, grinning. "I can't wait for that, Ella, my heart."

"So I can marry you, then?" I asked the most important question, "After what I'd done?"

"Of course, my love," Char declared, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips, "How about we marry next month?"

I didn't want to bore him with an answer. Instead, I reached up and clamped a hand to cup his hair, bringing him down to face me. His eyes were less than an inch from mine. I gazed at him with love and trust, and tenderly kissed him.

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