Ella had only a few precious memories of her mother. Her mother's soft hair, her kind smile, her gentle touch. And then she had been gone, taken by an illness that had swept through the kingdom one winter. It had devastated her father, who had become withdrawn for a very long time after losing his beloved wife, and Ella had been alone and confused and sad. Luckily for her she had had her godmother, who had always been a loving presence. For years Ella hadn't see a queen when looking at Cassandra, but her mother' best friend, her godmother, a woman who loved her like family and accepted her into her home.

She knew that she was special in a way. Ella's godmother was the Queen, after all, and the palace was a second home to her, one which she was able to come and go as she pleased. The royal children had been her playmates and she still had a close relationship with at least one of them. She had never let it get into her head, though.

Cassandra's embrace was welcome and warm, and Ella held her godmother's arms and smiled up at her, blushing slightly when the Queen told her she looked stunning. "Thank you, Godmother."

Thomas was happy for some attention when Cassandra gave it to him. He had truly loved his wife with all of his heart, but Julianna's, and now Ella's, close relationship with the Queen and the royal family had always been a source of pride for him. "Even more well now that we are here, My Queen," he told her. "As always we were honored to receive your invitation."

With one last look between godmother and goddaughter, Cassandra bid them to enjoy the party. Ella gave her godmother's arms a final squeeze before her father swept her away again. They wandered and mingled for a few moments, Thomas proudly reintroducing her to some of his noble friends, when Ella caught sight of Avril again and noticed she was surrounded by several young man.

Ella considered the princess to be one of her best friends, and she could see the disinterest in her eyes. She excused herself from her father, and made her way over to where Avril and her admirers were conversing. "Princess Avril," Ella said, curtsying quickly. She looked at her friend and smiled, letting her knew she was intending to rescue her. "You look absolutely breathtaking this evening."