Note: From what I can find, Cinderella's official age, according to the Disney wiki, is 19 when she goes to the ball. So I'm going off of that. As for Kit… I dunno, he just seems 22/23 to me. So we're just gonna go with it. Please enjoy and review if you'd like!

(This chapter was updated on 6/2/2016)

Ding

Ella stirred in her sleep. She could faintly hear the bell tower chiming, but she resisted its call. She was having such a lovely dream.

Ding

Any minute now, she would have to get out of bed and start the day. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but what choice did she have?

Ding

She'd dreamt about the palace… and the king… he'd found her and taken her away from this horrible place...

Ding

Everything had been so wonderful, and so real. She shoved a pillow over her head to block out the sounds and pretend that she didn't have three evil harpies to wait on. Odd, the bell tower sounded much closer this morning.

Ding

When she opened her eyes, she would be heartbroken, and she knew it. Just let her sleep a little longer…

Ding

Six chimes. Time to get up. She would count slowly to ten, and then she would get up. She would.

Ding

Seven. Ella's eyes flew open. She was late. It was seven o'clock. She would be in so much trouble. Her stepmother would have her head if breakfast was late.

Ding

Eight! She shot up out of bed to stand up, and only then had a good look around.

First off, she had slept in a bed, and that alone was extraordinary, for she hadn't had an actual bed of her own in years. And it was an absolutely lovely bed. Then, the room she was in. It was gorgeous and larger than her stepmother's by several feet. The events of the previous day came rushing back to her, and she slowly lifted her left hand. Kit's mother's ring sparkled and shined, affirming that everything she'd thought she'd dreamed had indeed happened.

Just then, a young girl just around Ella's age or maybe younger entered the room. She was carrying a tea tray and wore a simple blue dress, much like the uniforms of the other members of staff at court, and a crisp white apron. Her long, light brown hair was tied back away from her face.

"Pardon me, m'lady. I was sent to wake you, but it looks as though you beat me to it." The girl had a pleasant sort of countenance, though she seemed painfully shy. She was quiet and reserved, and looked afraid to step fully into the room. Ella gave her the warmest smile she could muster at the moment, and walked over to her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said. "My name is Ella. What's yours?"

"Dorothy, m'lady", she said, curtsying to Ella quickly, before setting down the tray. "I am to be your lady's maid. His Majesty himself appointed me. I must warn you, I don't have much experience. But I think he wanted someone close in age to yourself to attend to you, Miss."

"I very much appreciate it. Thank you for taking on the job, Dorothy" Ella said. She was still not quite awake, and she looked around the room, taking everything in while Dorothy went to open the windows. The bright light poured into the room and Ella had to block it out with the hands over her eyes.

"Well," Dorothy said, walking over to the wardrobe, "breakfast is served in a little less than half an hour, which doesn't leave much time for idleness. What would m'lady like to wear this morning?"

Ella was caught off guard by the question. What would she like to wear? Ella had worn the same dress for three years now. She didn't own anything else. What could the girl mean?

Sensing Ella's confusion, Dorothy continued smoothly. "We only have two dresses that the seamstresses were able to run up last night, and they're quite simple, but I hope they will be to your satisfaction. They should do well until more can be made." she walked over to the wardrobe, which was mostly empty save two dresses hanging up, with matching shoes and shawls.

One was a light green, with gold and pale pink embroidery all throughout. The fabric was light and airy, which was appropriate as the warmer months were approaching rapidly, and it had already been quite a warm Spring. The dress was beautiful. Simple, yes, but far nicer still than anything she'd ever owned before. The other was a light blue, and very similar to the one that she had owned for years. She decided against it, in favor of the green one. Blue suited her, but she thought she'd try something different.

After dressing, Dorothy sat Ella down at the vanity and brushed her hair out, before styling it by leaving most of it down, but putting a lovely silver comb in it to keep the hair out of her face.

Ella took a necklace out of the small box that kept her mother's jewels. It was a simple strand of white ribbon with a single teardrop pearl hanging from it. She had missed these things, for she hadn't been able to take them out in years, for fear of her stepmother finding and confiscating them, or worse, selling them. Now she wore the necklace proudly, thinking of her mother and what she's say if she could see her daughter now.

Looking in her reflection, she could see something astonishing. She could see Ella. Just Ella. Not Cinderella, not Cinder-Wench, not Stupid Child or Clumsy Fool. Not even Lady Ella, or Eleanor Beaumont, or the Future Queen. Just Ella. She looked more like herself than she had in years, ever since before her father had died. She marveled that so much could change in the span of a day, and that she could have been brought back to the light after so long.

Her bruises were still visible, unfortunately. Most of the ones on her arms could be covered by the sleeves of her dress, but she had a few on her shoulders and her face that protruded. Dorothy quickly helped Ella cover them, not even needing to be asked. They were an ugly reminder of a life that was no longer hers, and she smiled softly, knowing soon they would be gone, and she'd never have to think of them again.

"Now, then," Dorothy said, quietly, though obviously satisfied with her work, "Let's head downstairs, shall we?"

Kit had hardly been able to sleep that night, and he awoke the next morning still feeling rather exhausted. Sitting in the breakfast parlor now, waiting for Ella to arrive, he contemplated his and Ella's new situation, and where exactly they were to go from here.

So much had happened in the last twenty four hours that he felt he hadn't had time to catch his breath. There was so much to do, now that he had found her and she'd agreed to marry him. She must be acquainted with the palace, she must be introduced to the people. There was a wedding to plan, though he was sure that duty would mostly be handled by Prudence and Rupert. Not to mention his usual business, that he had unfortunately been putting off in favor of finding the woman of his dreams.

But above all, there was a feeling that something must be done about that family of hers.

He had not imagined that Ella's life with her step-family had been particularly pleasant, not if her stepmother and stepsisters were willing to go to such great lengths to hide her away when the royal party had come to visit. And there was always a sadness now behind her eyes whenever her past was brought up. And since Ella had come to the palace, bits and pieces of what he knew about her began to fall into place, and he recalled things that she'd said earlier that had seemed of little consequence at the time.

They treat me as well as they are able.

Kit had not thought that meant outright abuse. But the physical evidence of neglect and abuse was hard to ignore. And though he wanted to respect her privacy, he knew he could not just sit back and let her suffer in silence. And her so called family wouldn't simply sit back and believe they got off without so much as a slap on the wrist for what they'd done to her.

It's not so very bad. Others… others have it worse, I am sure. You must simply have courage and be kind.

Kit marveled at the strength of character shown by his fiancé. To think of others when put into that kind of situation.. and to eventually come out all the better for it. It was why he loved her. Her courage and kindness put the rest of humanity to shame, and Kit only prayed he could become half the man she deserved. He would make this up to her, somehow. He would make it right.

After a moment of thought, he called for his secretary, Master Arrington. The man entered the room quite promptly, as was his custom. A more proper and punctual man never lived in the kingdom.

"How may I be of assistance, Your Majesty?"

"I need you to do a bit of research," he said. "On the Lady Tremaine and her affairs. She is Ella's stepmother, and the widow of her father, Edmond Beaumont. Find out her exact financial situation and how much her estate owes to the Crown. Also, find out if Ella's father ever left a final will. There should have been a copy made for the royal archives if such a one ever existed."

"Of course, Your Majesty," he said, with a small head bow. "Is there anything in particular that you would like to know?"

"From what I have been told, Mr. Beaumont was a respectable man, and a merchant in good social and economic standing, with an ancient family line and thriving estate. I want to know how and why the daughter of such a man ended up a scullery maid in her own home and the estate practically in ruins. And of course, any other interesting details you find could prove useful."

"As you command, my king," Master Arrington said, bowing slightly and leaving the room.

Kit hoped that whatever could be found would be exactly what he needed to give his intended the justice she deserved.

Ella was led by Dorothy through the many halls and stairwells to the small dining parlor. Ella hoped at some point she would be able to find her way around the massive estate on her own. She didn't like feeling like a lost child in what she supposed was now her home.

The footmen opened the doors for her, and she entered into a lovely, intimate room with high windows and clean, pale yellow walls. The windows offered a beautiful view of the gardens. Several potted plants and small trees sat on ledges and in corners and made the room feel as though it were outdoors. And there was Kit, sitting down at the small table, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He looked up at her and smiled widely when she entered. She returned the smile and eagerly approached him.

She was fully aware that there were still servants in the room, and that the utmost propriety was necessary, especially from her, one so new and yet to be tested. But Kit seemed to have no such concerns. He met her halfway, having practically leapt from his seat, and took her hand in his and bestowing a kiss upon it.

"Good morning, my lady," he said, somewhat formally. "I trust you slept well."

"Very well, my king," she said, imitating his tone. He smiled and led her to the table, pulling out her chair for her.

The breakfast spread was small and simple, there were only two of them eating, after all. But it was lovely. But there was so much more food than Ella had ever imagined two people alone could eat. She also knew that she wouldn't have the stomach for a full meal anymore. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten until she was full. She took the smallest tart on the platter, a single hardboiled egg, a half slice of buttered toast, and a handful of grapes.

The food was absolutely delicious. So much better than anything that Ella had ever been able to make. She wondered if it would be proper to ask the chefs to teach her a thing or two.

"So, I've been thinking. Maybe a game of twenty questions to get to know one another?" Kit asked, digging into his meal. Ella nodded eagerly. "And just to be clear," Kit said, looking up at her, "you don't have to tell me anything that you don't wish to." She nodded again, and Kit took a moment to come up with a question.

"We'll start out simply. What's your favorite color?" Kit asked.

"How can I possibly be asked to pick just one?" Ella replied. "What's yours?"

"Green, I suppose. Do you have any hobbies?"

Ella thought while she chewed on a bite of toast. "I love to read. And I play a few instruments, but I'm afraid I'm rather out of practice… I don't usually have the time for it."

"We have an extensive library here. You're welcome to any book you choose. And perhaps later Mariaclara can show you the music hall. The instruments don't get played very often, and you're welcome to them."

"Thank you," Ella said, rather quietly, but no less sincerely. She was getting a little choked up over Kit's kindness, and wasn't sure how properly to respond. But after a moment, she spoke.

"I believe it's my turn," she said, smiling. "Do you have any pets?"

"I do. Four dogs and a cat. There's Sterling and Caesar, both male Setters. Then there's Rosie. She's a Foxhound. And my father had a dog who's now under my care, a Great Dane. He's an ancient old brute, but the sweetest of the lot. His name is Admiral. "

"I haven't seen them yet," Ella replied. "I'd love to meet them."

"You will," Kit said, reaching for another helping of eggs. "I had them kept from this part of the palace yesterday so that they wouldn't overwhelm you. They could knock over an elephant if it was in their path."

"You also mentioned you had a cat."

"Yes, well, it's not really officially mine… it's a stray that comes around the kitchens. The whole household has sort of adopted it. She refuses to stay inside, and prefers the outdoors, but we're always happy to feed her and give her protection from the elements.

"What's her name?"

"Pepper," he said, smiling slightly. "Maggie, the chef, named her. And now, I believe it's my turn to ask the questions."

"Proceed, my king."

"Let's see… When is your birthday?" Ella hesitated.

"Forgive me, I've lost track of the date," she said.

"It's the fourteenth of May."

"Thank you," she replied. "That makes it… well, in four days time. May eighteenth."

Kit nearly choked on his coffee, making a few decidedly un-monarch-ish sounds. He lowered his mug and wiped his mouth with his napkin.

"Are you alright?" Ella asked, moving to assist him, but he waved her off.

"Yes, I'm fine, it's just… four days. Why didn't you tell me?" Kit asked, sputtering a little. Ella blinked and smiled a little.

"Yesterday you didn't even know my name," she said. "Why would I have told you my birthday?"

"I suppose you have a point," he said.

"Anyway, I'd nearly forgotten about it, until you brought it up. I haven't celebrated it in quite a long time."

"Well, I suppose we'll see about that." Kit said, rather quietly.

Ella's first thought was to protest, saying that she was perfectly happy without acknowledging her birthday, but she said nothing. She did not want to argue with him, after all, he was the king and would do what he wanted regardless, but she chose to ignore him and pick her battles. If he wanted to have a birthday celebration for her, why not? It occurred to Ella that the only reason she didn't want one is that she hadn't had one since her father had passed. Since she was happy. And that maybe she had forgotten that happiness included celebrating your life and the lives of others.

"And… How old will you be?" he asked.

"I'll be twenty," she replied. "And don't worry, I already know exactly when your birthday is. August eight."

"Well, the annual festival does help one remember," Kit said.

"How old are you?" Ella asked.

"I'm twenty-two."

Ella considered. Two and a half years. It wasn't a bad age difference, not in the least. But Kit seemed so much older than that. Maybe it was the heavy responsibility that he faced as monarch, or maybe it was the way he held himself and the elegant grace he possessed when he spoke. Either way, she knew very well that there was a difference between a man and a boy, and Kit was certainly a man, both in stature and manner.

"Aren't you going to eat anything else?" Kit asked, subtly eyeing her empty plate. Ella looked down. There had been a meager amount on her plate to start with, though she had hoped Kit didn't notice.

"Oh, I couldn't possible eat anymore, I'm full to bursting!" Ella said, happily. She wasn't lying, after all. She knew that she'd eaten far less than was probably normal, but she'd also eaten far more than she had in quite a long time. It wouldn't do to make herself sick just to appear as though she hadn't been practically starved. Kit looked at her skeptically for a moment, and Ella shifted slightly under his gaze.

"I suppose we won't be seeing much of each other in the next few days," Ella said, blatantly changing the subject. "I'm told by Prudence that I'm to begin lessons today. She plans to make me presentable, though she made it clear she has her work cut out for her."

"I'm sure she's exaggerating," he said. Just then, the Captain of the Guard (or Damon, as Ella had learned his name was) entered, wearing a uniform that was decidedly not that of the Captain of the Guard. He stopped near the table and bowed, and Kit and Ella answered him with polite nods.

"Ella, I don't believe I've told you yet. Damon is the new Grand Duke, and my right hand man." Ella beamed.

"That's wonderful! Congratulations!" Damon smiled and offered a head nod towards her.

"I thank you my lady. And I ask you to remember, that I may be a servant of the king, but I swear to also do my best to serve you. As the Grand Duke I shall strive to do you honor in all things." He then placed a kiss on the back of her hand, and gave her a friendly smile.

"So, Grand Duke," Kit said, "Tell me why you've come."

The two men dropped into a conversation about something or other that Ella wasn't the least bit interested in. She went for another pastry mostly for something to do, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw something move across the floor. Her eyes followed across the floor until she saw a small tail curl up underneath a chest of drawers. Looking at the two men, still deep in conversation, Ella slowly sank to the ground and crouched under the table. From there, she saw gasped to find there none other than Gus Gus and Jacqueline. She supposed the others were somewhere, for she knew her little quartet never split up for long. Her eyes widened, and she mouthed Go, go! She wasn't entirely sure how well four new mice would fare in such a massive place, but she was sure she wanted them safe until they found out.

The little mice cocked their heads to the side, but swiftly disappeared under the piece of furniture. Ella supposed she would try to find them later.

"Ella? Are you alright?" Looking up, she saw both Damon and Kit looking at her with concern. She smiled sheepishly and made her way to standing.

"I… I was just…um…"

"There you are, my lady!" The three people turned to see Prudence in the doorway. She looked rather impatient. "You're late for lessons! Come now, we don't have all day!"

Ella practically ran out of the room, leaving the two men in startled confusion.