Cinderella and The Shape Shifting Mice

Chapter Thirty Two

THE KING

She looked stunning as she always had, even in borrowed clothes that were too big because she'd lost so much weight sitting in a jail cell she never should have been put in in the first place. She didn't look sad unnoticed, she just looked tired and a little confused.

  "What's going on?" She asked Drizella who in turn just shrugged and pointed at me.

   "Shall we sit?" I asked her, pointing to the sofa's in the parlor. She moved wordlessly and sat down across from me and waited.
   "I'm sorry," I blurted but she just looked at me with her arms crossed. "At the moment I was powerless to do anything to help you but a week after the ball my father got sick again and in a last minute decision at one in the morning he signed the Crown over to me. I still haven't had the ceremony, it's in a few days actually, but technically I am the King now."
    "I'm sorry about your father," she commented softly, picking at the sofa.

    I shook my head. "He's fine for now but that's not why I'm here. The first thing I did in the morning was call my lawyers to get you out of jail. I started the investigation and usually the courts would have a final say but in some special cases the King is allowed to overrule or change the verdict so I did and none of them opposed so I got you out. Mary and the Duke are still waiting their trial that'll happen after my official crowning ceremony."

    She looked at me and I looked helplessly at her. "I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am. You were so brave sticking it out in that competition even though you knew there was no happy ending no matter which path you took. I understand that sad look now and I never want you to wear it again." I kneeled in front of her and this time she didn't look afraid, she looked like she was holding back a smile.

   "Ella I wasn't lying when I said you were the one I wanted to marry. I know I haven't known you for the longest time but sometimes I think you met a person and you just know. You know the moment their hand fits into yours and looks you in the eye and tells your her heart. I thought I was in love with E but it was you the whole time; you charmed me right from the beginning. You don't have to say yes, in fact it wouldn't surprise me after all you'd been through, but Ella will you marry me?"
   I pulled out the same box as before and she looked from it to me and then stood up, no emotion in her face. "One moment," she walked out of the room and I gaped after her. What the hell was she doing?

   I looked at Drizella who shrugged and within a few minutes she was back holding a small bundle and she handed it to me.
    Confused, I unwrapped it and laughed. "I get a shoe?" I asked with amusment.
   She smiled and nodded and took the ring box. "Yes, and I get a ring."

ONE WEEK LATER

ELLA

   I stood in the library, pacing the floors between the desks as I waited for Sam to come get me. I was waiting with Jonathan and the former King Henry, who were on the other side of the room playing checkers.
   It was Georgie's coronation day and the three of us had been placed here because it was one of the only rooms that connected to the throne room where the ceremony would be taking place. Georgie was off getting ready with Sam and would be the last one to enter, after we were all seated.

   The only people up on the stage would be Henry, the bishop, and Georgie. Jonathan, Sam, and I would be sitting in the front pew watching. Drizella and Clarence would be somewhere in the room, but only special guests were allowed in the front pew.
   I glanced at the ring on my finger and smiled, filling with pride and love for my future husband.

   Finally the doors opened and Sam walked in wearing a suit and he smiled at me.
   "You look stunning as usual Princess," he complimented and I blushed the same color of my dress. It was a soft pink, very simple with three-quarter sleeves and a pleated skirt. I was saving the fancier gown for the ball later, no need to show off now.
   "Thank you Sam. Can we go now?" I asked, and he nodded. Henry and Jonathan stood from their game, right as Jonathan landed on the King.
    "Ha! I win!" he shouted and everyone started laughing.

   We hurried to the throne room and sat down quickly. I got a few smiles and a few side glances from people sitting behind us but I didn't care. What happened almost over a month ago was history now. I had everything I could have ever wanted and then some, and I was happy with that. If they couldn't be happy for me that was their one problem. In time I would tell my story to the world, but right now I didn't know how that story ended yet.

   Suddenly the music started and we all stood as Georgie and Henry made their way down the center walkway. I smiled at Georgie as he passed and he winked back before turning to climb the steps towards the waiting bishop.

   A whole rant of words ensued that I couldn't understand a word of because it was all latin, but then when the bishop grabbed the crown he switched to English.
   "Do you, George Henry Johnson, swear to serve the crown and country to the fullest of your abilities? Vowing to never be selfish in a time of wealth, cruel in times of war, or stingy in times of economic hardships?"
   "I swear," Georgie announced.
   "Then on this day, I hereby proclaim you King George the Third!" The bishop placed the crown on top of Georgie's head and we all stood and clapped as the new King took his seat on the middle throne. The one to his right stood empty, but one quick look Georgie gave from the chair to me said it all. It wouldn't be empty for long.