Sorceress of Sentien

Chapter 10 Part 1

Ella spent hours trying to get everything perfect for the ball that night. Her squirrel friend lay curled up on her pillow. When everything was finally ready, she glanced one last time in the mirror. Her hair flowed loosely around her with only a few pins holding the front strands away from her face. The dress clung to her shoulders and hugged her slight figure before falling in a cascade of sapphire blue material. The sleeves hung free starting at her elbows. She pinched her cheeks one last time to make them pink before patting the squirrel lightly on the head and walking down to meet Nilan.

He escorted her to the carriage that waited for them. After he handed her up and say for , Ella noticed him fidgeting.

"Aren't you excited?"

Nilan shook his head. "I hate these things."

"Jon said you go every year."

"Only because he forces me to so he won't have to mingle with others for too long."

Ella giggled. "I'm nervous, but excited. I've never been to something like this."

"Too many people."

Before she knew it, they had arrived. She looked up at the castle's turrets towering above her. Nilan looked around as they walked in. They stood in line as the different parties were announced. Ella was so nervous while they waited. Nilan patted her hand that was in the crook of his arm.

"Nilan the librarian and his guest, Ella." The announcer called and they were directed down the stairs. Ella tried hard not to blush when she felt all they eyes on her.

After they made it down the grand staircase and into the crowd, she relaxed her grip.

"They think you're beautiful, and some are jealous," Nilan whispered. "The dress brings out the color of your eyes."

"Thank you yet again, Nilan." Ella smiled.

Soon the music started and couples made their way to the ballroom floor. Jon snuck in behind them. "Nilan old pal!" He clapped his hand on Nilan's back. "Ella, you look... absolutely gorgeous." He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "So glad you could make it."

"Thank you, Jon." Ella blushed. "You look handsome yourself."

"If you are not otherwise engaged, Miss Ella, may I have this dance?" Jon asked with a bow.

Ella let go of Nilan's arm and curtsied. "I would love to, kind sir."

Jon led her out to the dance floor. Ella could see everyone staring and whispering. "Am I doing something wrong?" She asked in a whisper?

"No, they are merely jealous that you are so beautiful."

Ella blushed again. She looked around when she felt someone staring at her. She did not see who, but it made her a little uncomfortable.

"Are you alright?" Jon asked.

"Yes," she beamed as he twirled her to the music.

"You dance very well."

"Thank you." Ella smiled demurely. "Nilan taught me."

They danced for two more dances and then Jon went to get them drinks. Nilan had disappeared somewhere, probably trying to avoid people, so Ella stood near the edges of the dance floor. She looked next to her to find a dark haired gentleman standing right next to her.

"Beautiful party, is it not?"

Ella nodded. "It is."

He reached out a hand. "You must be new. I haven't met you before. I am the Duke of Calinor. You are?"

"Ella," she said as he brought her hand to his lips. She quickly brought her hand away when something felt wrong.

"That prince is a mighty fine fellow."

"Is he?"

The Duke looked at her. "I assumed you would know."

"I've never seen the prince."

He laughed. "And yet you seemed rather familiar when you danced with him."

The music for the next dance began. Ella shook her head. "Excuse me."

The Duke smiled and stood in the spot watching the dancers. Shortly after she left Jon returned. He eyed the Duke.

"Good evening, Beelzor."

"Ah, your majesty." Beelzor bowed. "Excellent party, as usual."

"Thank you. Have you seen Ella? The girl with whom I was dancing?"

"She was here a moment ago. She is really a beautiful girl. I think she walked that way," he pointed over to the balcony. "Poor girl seemed to get upset about something."

Jon followed where Beelzor had pointed. He found Ella overlooking the palace gardens.

"Ella! Here's your drink."

She didn't turn around. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

Ella groaned. "You're the prince! Did that not cross your mind that I should know the truth?"

"Why should o have told you? So you could treat me the same way everyone else does? All the bowing and scraping. I'm sick of it. For once I felt like a normal person. I don't regret what I did."

Her mouth gaped open. "That's why everyone was staring. It's not that I'm beautiful. It's because I was a stranger dancing with the prince!"

The King's voice hushed the room behind them. "I do not know where my son, Jonathon, has gone off to, but as per our laws, I announce that he must choose a wife by his 21st birthday."

Jon groaned and Ella rolled her eyes. "Well, Prince Jonathon," she began, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "is that why you told me you care about me? So it would be easy to have a wife lined up and ready to go?"

"No, I... Ella, wait!"

Ella turned and plunged into the crowd, tears filling her eyes.