For weeks it's been nearly the same: teaching the kids how to cook, Lizzy and Rachel learning some needle work.
Ella became quite well with the bow and arrows now; one day Cecil came home with a bow and a few arrows, To Ella's surprise it was a present for her. "Oh thank you so much! Much appreciated." "No, it's I who should be thanking you, helping with my kids and errands I send ya off to do." Later that day Rob bursted into his house with a flyer, "there's going to be a party opened for all the subjects to celebrate the prince's birthday... Are we going father?" "Maybe son." "What about you and Mr. Orson?" asked Lizzy. "I'm not sure and even if we do go we don't have anything nice to wear.
When Ella got back to the bed and breakfast Arlene gave her a box, "it's a gift from someone who wishes to be anonymous." Ella opened it to find a dress with a note 'wear this to the prince's party.' While Ella was looking in a mirror Orson came into his and Ella's shared room; "did someone give that dress to you?" "Yes, I'm just trying it on. Orson what are you holding?" "Oh someone sent me a suit to wear to the prince's party; don't know who sent it though." "Same here with my dress... I guess we're going to the party huh?" "I guess so. I'll change in the restroom. Are you going to fix your hair?" "I will probably somehow."
"You look beautiful." "Thank you and you look handsome." "I guess I'm escorting you." "Orson... You don't need to." "I know but it's common sense and reasonable." "If you're alright with it." "Shall we?" Ella took Orson's hand and off they went.
Arriving at the party Ella and Orson met the king, queen, prince, and the prince's grandfather; for they were welcoming all the guests. For once Ella won't need to abide to her parent's wish for her dancing with nearly everyone who asks. The music is nice, elegant, and beautiful as it echoes through the grand ballroom; Orson did ask Ella for a dance which she did agree to.
As another song started Ella was out on the balcony sipping her drink while gazing at the beautiful sight of stars. "Tis a beautiful sight but not like thy one in front of me." The prince. "Thank you for such a compliment but I'm not so." "I disagree... Miss I've been watching you and-" "Watching me?" "I mean every lady has asked for a dance accept you. So I came over to ask why?" "it's not your concern why." Ella walked back in before the prince could say something, as Ella walked in the prince's grandfather came out. "Grandpa what's wrong with ladies? You give them a compliment then ask a question and before you know it they act offensive." "Some are like that." "Yes but she sounded like she could care less about me being a prince, being in the palace or just titles and rankings." "A rare creature you have met. Where is she? I'd like to meet her." Prince Authur brought his grandfather across the room to where the girl, Ella was. "Miss let me introduce you to my grandfather, Henry." "Nice to meet you sir... As previously discussed prince I'm not changing anything I said even if you bring your grandfather, no offense sir." "None taken. Miss do you like taking strolls?" "Why yes I do." "Would you mind terribly to accompany me for a stroll outside?" "Well uh." "My grandson won't be joining us if that is your concern." "I'll gladly join."
In the garden Ella was glancing around when Henry said "you're far from home princess." "Princess?" "You may think I wouldn't recognize you but I did the moment I saw you; princess Raina." "Oh." "You look like both of your parents and I saw you a couple of times when you were young. I've been wondering why your parents or guards aren't here, unless your friend is one?" Princess Raina known as Ella told Henry everything. When Raina was finished Henry placed his hands on her shoulders and said "be careful my dear. Raina you do know that you'll have to tell Orson some time?" "Yes, I know." "Raina when your guards come here you'll be off to hide. May I suggest something?" "As long as it's not to give up then please go right ahead and say what you intend to." "when they come why not hide at the palace until they leave? I'll even send out for a swordsman." "Are you sure?" "Of course." "Yes! I'll be more than happy to; thank you sir. Before I forget remember to call me Ella." "I'll remember... why not dance with my grandson?" "Well he seems a little arrogant and self-centered. First he comes up and gives me a compliment, then says he was watching me and asks why I haven't asked him for a dance." "I can see what you mean, it seems we're back at the palace already. Ella come visit any time you want. By the way how do you like that dress?" "Yes... Wait! Are you the one who sent it?" "Indeed. One day on my stroll in town I saw you and your friend Orson." "I see." "So you will visit?" "Of course sir."
Ella stayed on the balcony while Henry went to his grandson to talk about Ella, excluding the fact she is a princess. Prince Arthur came to Ella's side after talking with his grandfather. "Your grandfather is refreshing to talk to. He says I can visit any time." "Yes I heard. Listen I apologize about earlier, you were treating me as an equal and not as a prince like most of the ladies or people here. It's different for me to have someone who doesn't treat me like a prince." "I accept the apology, thank you." "You are welcome. I best go and mingle for I know you probably want to be alone." Prince Arthur bowed to leave but didn't get far. "Prince Arthur I'll dance with you as a present." "Then would you mind terribly if we dance now?" "Now? No, not at all." "Sorry but I don't know when you'll be leaving." A laugh came out unexpectedly from Ella. "Sorry I didn't mean to laugh." "It's fine, you have an adorable laugh. Shall we?" Prince Authur and Ella danced once and talked some amount time even Orson joined the conversation.
"How was the party? Did you meet the prince, king, and queen?" Exclaimed Cecil's children. "Yes, it was nice and beautifully decorated. Alright lets get to your studies." "Aww." Night couldn't come faster, like some weeks it can fly by in a blink of an eye. "Are you going to tell us a story Miss. Ella?" "If it's alright with your pa Rachel." "Go ahead miss." "Why not tell us about the party?" "It'll be a story but about Snow's daughter and how she wants and leaves for adventure." As Ella continued her story she saw each one: Lizzy, Rob, and Rachel nod off to sleep. Ella stopped telling the story, picked Rob up and took him to his bed, also placing the blankets on them. "Interesting story you told them." "I guess; well night Cecil." "Night miss."
Once Ella got to Orson and her room she went straight to bed, didn't even change let alone get underneath the covers. "You must be beat." Orson walked over to put Ella under the covers but noticed that she was sweating, so then Orson felt Ella's head. "A fever." Orson ran downstairs to get Arlene, "she'll be fine. You get some sleep, you'll need it for work tomorrow after all she depends on you. I'll look after her." "Are you sure?" "Absolutely." "If it's not too much trouble please do."
The next day Orson woke, got dressed, and came out to see Ella up. "you're not going anywhere. You're staying here to rest and to get rid of that fever, Arlene will be checking on you. I would watch you but Arlene said you depend on me." "Yes but I was going meet with the prince's grandfather, Henry. He knows too, he'll be worried if I don't show up." "I see, I'll ask a guard to give him a note. Will that suffice you?" "I guess. Thank you and I'm sorry that I'm causing such trouble for you." "No need for an apology and it's no trouble. All I want is for you to feel better, I'll even stop by Cecil's to tell him that you came down with a fever." "Thank you."
Henry came to the bed and breakfast to visit, he also brought a doctor. "Nothing to serious, just stay resting and sweat it out of your system. Good bye miss, sir." "Thank you doctor." The doctor left while Henry stayed and talked until Orson came from a day of work. A little later Henry left and Orson went to bed in a chair.