The Substitute Cinderella

Chapter 10 "Not A Royal"

The Sun set and rose again and again with the endless circle of the universe. Days passed in the blink of an eye for everyone inside the story.

The palace had been silent for two weeks after Isabella's, their 'important' royal guest, sudden disappearance. And Henry's mother the former queen, whom Ella met after an unfortunate coincidence, was walking around the palace throwing orders non-stop, her heart full of worry for her soon to be daughter in law, the future queen.

***

"Milady, the Sun is up!" Fleur's cheerful voice woke Ella up from her deep sleep.

Ella couldn't understand how everyone except he felt so energetic so early in the morning. Maybe she could too if she stayed longer. She slowly opened her puffy eyes.

"Good morning, Lady Ella." Fleur said while she was opening the curtains. The room was filled with the refreshing scent of various fruits aka her breakfast that had been already prepared by Fleur.

"Good morning Fleur.. Please give me some of your energy. How do you feel so happy in the morning!"

"I don't have any reason to feel sad milady. I feel grateful for everything I have and serving you." Ella admired her attitude for a moment.

She approached the round table across her bed in front of the huge window and grabbed some grapes from the plate. They tasted sweet like heaven.

"Your majesty is waiting for you, milady." Fleur said out of the blue after a while.

Ella almost choked on the water she had just took a sip of.

"Are you alright milady?" She ran to Ella quickly hitting her back to prevent her from suffocating.

"Yes, I'm alright. Are you sure she is waiting for me Fleur? You must have heard wrong. He has no reason for that." Ella said trying to hold a poker face. But Fleur was grinning while she grabbed a dress hanging nearby that Ella hadn't noticed before.

"You are funny Lady Ella. Yes I'm sure because...He has sent this dress, especially for you." Fleur said while approaching her, holding a satin purple dress with golden embroideries, on her arms like it was a delicate piece.

Ella took it, her heart beating like a drum in her chest. There was no reason for her to wear it but she...wanted to.

With Fleur's help she was ready in less than ten minutes.

She exited her room.

She could feel her anticipation growing with every step.

Soon she arrived at the huge gate that was guarded by two knights. They slowly moved aside for her to pass.

And there he was. Henry was waiting for her near his horse in the middle of the large stone road.

She cleared her throat to make her presence known.

Henry turned around and looked straight at her, her face had a fresh glow under the sunlight. She was wearing the purple dress that he had chosen and he felt glad she liked it.

He could look at her for the rest of his life.

Ella slightly bowed out of curtsy because there were guards and maids passing by. Henry could see she still had a hard time getting used to the traditions in the palace.

Then she smiled and all of his thoughts flew away.

"Good morning Ella." Henry said reaching out his hand to her like she was the queen.

Someday, he thought hopefully. He had nothing to worry about because Isabella had disappeared. Unlike his mother, who was somehow too fond of and concerned about her, he didn't feel the slightest sadness.