The Royal Ball (Ella)

I continued repeating to myself 'I am brave, I am courageous, I am strong' and as soon as I got to the steps of the castle I looked up, took a big breath, smiled, and said "I am grateful." 

When I reached the top of the steps, I noticed people stopped outside the entrance to the ballroom as their names were being announced as they walked in. 'Oh no, I can't have my presence announced if I want to stay hidden from my stepmother and stepsisters. I have to find another way in.' 

I looked around frantically for another entrance to the ballroom and found a staircase that led down. Without hesitation I started down them watching my feet to be sure not to trip, my shoes were still wet from the walk, and I didn't want to fall. 

I reached the lower level safely and turned a corner that led the same way as the ballroom when I ran into someone suddenly. 

"Oh my goodness I am so sorry!" I said apologetically. 

I looked up and saw none other than the Prince himself. 

Panic. 'What do I do now?' My body decided to answer that question for me by falling to the ground onto my knees. 

"I am so sorry your highness, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and I certainly had no intention of hurting you," I said quickly as I kept my head down, away from making eye contact.

I heard him brush off his jacket but he said nothing in response to me. I stayed still while there was an awkward silence and only dared to rise when he told me to. 

After a few moments, he finally told me to rise. I looked up at him quickly to be sure that I heard correctly and he offered me his hand for support. 

"Thank you, your highness," I curtseyed, "I will be leaving now." I finished quickly and turned to leave. 

"Just a moment," he took a step towards me and I had to remind myself to breathe. 

The prince stared at me with curious eyes for a moment before speaking again. "Have we ever met before?" He asked and tilted his head to the side.

"N-No your highness, this is my first time to the castle."

He put his hand on his chin, "Hmm. You look rather familiar to me, are you sure there was no instance where we may have crossed paths?" 

"Yes your highness, I am quite sure. I would certainly remember if I had met the crown prince," I said with an innocent smile to him.

The prince returned the smile and proceeded "Indeed. Well, hopefully, you will remember this encounter and save me a dance later tonight?" 

I couldn't help but meet his eyes in this instant. They were as green as the fresh-cut grass in the front of the castle, and suddenly I felt the clean air wash away my nerves. "Of course, your highness, it would be my pleasure." I bowed my head to him and continued my search for a new entrance.