Ella was fascinated by the winding roads that were carved through the rolling hills as their travel coach carried them some twenty miles, near the edge of the kingdom to a tiny village called Balsam, named for its bountiful population of the Balsam fir. They had spent the entire morning traveling as they filled in time by getting well needed rest from the grand occasions they had just the night before.

Shortly before four o'clock that morning, the royal couple left the Royal Palace for Balsam amid the acclamations of a vast multitude. Just as the procession left the palace the sun shone forth brilliantly upon the newly-married pair, an emblem, it was universally hoped, of their future happiness. On the road to Balsam the principal houses in the villages were illuminated, and crowds came forth to testify their loyal delight on the happy occasion. The couple happily waved to the people.

"The hills are spellbinding this time of year." he softly spoke "Almost like a storybook of sorts."

"They're so green..." she replied amazed "It's like we're being taken to another world."

He nodded in agreement "Time most definitely stops here."

Ella laughed until she saw the sudden landscape change out the window. Gasping, she turned her attentions to the view outside and Christopher, having seen the view tons of times, took the opportunity to watch her. Ella's hands wrapped around the edge of the window as her face filled with awestruck wonder. A sigh escaped from her lips as she took in the magnificence of the sea displayed before them, the beach wrapping around out of sight. The call of seagulls barely sang in their ears as the birds glided through the sky over the water.

"Wow," Ella breathed. "How breathtaking!"

"Indeed," he agreed but he was looking at her.

Ella glanced at him, noticing his eyes upon her. A soft smile coated her face as he held her cheek with his gloved hand. Stroking her skin gently, he leaned forward and kissed her.

After an hour, the view outside the carriage window changed from green foliage to solid stone wall. A small wave of excitement leapt in Christopher's stomach and he prompted Ella to look out the window just as the carriage turned off the road, pulling into the long rounded cobbled drive leading up to an estate. The royal crest displayed on flags flapped happily in the sea breeze on the tallest circular towers located on either side of the vast establishment.

The horses pulled the royal coach through iron gates down a cobblestone pathway lined with tall conifers, leading up to an isolated villa of Baroque architecture boasting among the greenery. Ella couldn't believe her eyes as they neared closer to the luxurious home, as they circled the rotunda before halting at the entrance.

Christopher held out his hand for Ella as she grasped it, while pressing her day hat to her head—stepping out of the transport, her mauve colored dress blowing dreamily in the wind, gazing up at the beautiful stone structure in front of her. Partially covered in ivy, surrounded by shrubbery and trees on the edge of the foothills near the roaring sea, it was like something out of a dream. Romantic and secluded, the perfect location for a honeymoon.

"Welcome to our home away from home." he smiled "it's one of my favorite residences, I hope you'll say the same."

Ella continued to marvel as she stood outside while the footmen unloaded their many luggage parcels which totaled eighty between them, it felt much more congenial than she expected which was nice. It was impressive, yes, but without the intimidating grandeur of the Royal Palace.

"I think it'll do pleasantly," she said, smiling up at her new husband.

He smiled back at her, taking her breath away. Christopher was so devastatingly handsome, his kind eyes and charming personality exuding. Ella still couldn't believe that he was hers and she was his.

"Come on," the prince pressed, leading her up the stone pathway that led to the front door. "I'll give you a special tour."

The staff members in charge of maintaining the estate were all gathered outside, all fifty servants smiling kindly towards Christopher. Though he only saw them once or twice a year, he had known all of the servants before him since he was a boy. They always treated him kindly and the excitement in their eyes proved they were just as happy to see him as he was to see them.

Dudley, the head butler of the establishment, stepped forward and bowed. "Your Royal Highness, it is good to see you again. Congratulations to you both on your marriage."

"Thank you. Everyone, this is Ella, my wife." he was a series of bows and curtsies as the staff paid their respects. Dudley stepped forward and bowed to Ella. "It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Balsam Estate, Your Royal Highness. I am Dudley, the head butler. I and the rest of the staff hope to serve you well during your stay."

"You're very kind," Ella replied, surprising them by curtsying herself. "I pray I won't be too much of an inconvenience to you all."

Clearly surprised by her humility, he emphatically shook his head. "Your Royal Highness, it is never an inconvenience to serve the royal family."

The prince took her hand. Smiling, he nodded to the staff members, signifying they could be dismissed before leading Ella into the estate. "If you would excuse me, I would like to take Ella around for a moment."

"Oh but of course Your Royal Highness." he stepped away.

The couple first entered the foyer which was marvelous in of itself. It had a winding staircase that led to the upper floors, the stucco walls were covered with painted portraits of royals from the past draped in uniform and jewels. A single iron chandelier hung with burning candlesticks in which the polished floors appeared like mirrors. A thick rug ran down the length of every hall, softening the ground under their feet. Tables holding large floral arrangements left a pleasant scent in each hall they passed and Ella's excited movements as she looked at everything caused him to inwardly laugh. She was like a child gazing upon a wonderland.

"The Balsam Estate was built a little over 314 years ago by my ancestor as a hunting lodge for his favorite sport of bear trapping." he mentioned "Our family once utilized it for pleasure during the warm seasons. However before we departed, my father surprised me by granting it to us as a wedding gift!"

Ella could barely speak as she realized what her husband just said. She now owned a country home with the love of her life. Never had she imagined that she would own anything this luxurious.

"How lovely! I must tell him how grateful I am for his generosity." she nodded as she observed the detailing in the wood paneling, she hadn't even seen the rest of the home and was already enamored, except for one thing "There are bears native to this area?"

"Not in the last century." he shrugged "After it was built, he attracted many other poachers to the region that it caused the animal to become non existent. So no worries there."

"How unfortunate." she frowned "Poor animals."

"As a child, I created a small fort near the edge of the forest in an attempt to spot one." he chuckled at the memory "it wasn't until much later that my father informed me of their absence."

"Perhaps he wanted his son to sharpen his hunting skills..." she teasingly reassured "Or to not halt a child's curiosity?"

"Maybe so." he reflected "However, many years have passed since I've resided here...I'm glad I finally had a purpose to return." His eyes twinkled in the sight of her, he was ecstatic to have her with him as his wife.

She smiled at that "I'm glad you have as well."

Ella could feel the fervor within him as he spoke ardently along the tour, it was obvious that this place held sentiment in his heart as they entered the kitchen. It was very similar to the manor where she spent her formative years, only much larger. Everything was neatly placed as she could tell that it was well cared for many years. There was a stone hearth for cooking and enclosing the fire, an open pantry filled with spices and herbs, a larder, cold storage, along with a buttery and root cellar. It was well stocked with all sorts of sustenance ready to be prepared at their beck and call for their month long stay. Suddenly, Ella felt a rise in emotions, as they stood in the room with her turning towards him smiling.

"What is it?" he asked humored.

"I would like to cook for you." she said.

The prince was baffled. "What do you mean?"

"Tell your cooks to leave...politely that is." she answered "I will prepare our daily meals. Morning, midday, and evening. It is only right as a good wife."

"Ella, it is not proper for a woman of your status to do such rigid work. We have chefs and servants to tend to those things..."

"Cooking is far from rigid work!" she explained "I actually find it to be a rather fun chore, and there's so much room to operate in here...there's so much to do and try!"

Christopher caressed his wife's cheek with his hands looking into her eyes "Darling, please...just let me take care of you. No longer do you have to toil unnecessarily doing menial tasks. You are now my wife, and I don't want you to want for anything...or do anything other than relaxing and enjoying life."

The prince stared into her eyes and saw a hint of dolor in them. If she wanted to do this one deed to show her love and appreciation towards him, then why refuse it? He wanted nothing more than to see her jovial, so with a change of heart he said, "I would love to dine on your dishes. I'm in for a treat if your cooking tastes as good as you."

Ella was all smiles as she pressed her lips onto his in excitement. "Oh thank you!"

He laughed a bit as he watched her move about the room, exploring the centuries old galley in all its nooks and crannies. He thought her actions to be quite captivating as he internally celebrated that he was able to spend his days with such an amazing woman.

"Now that I think of it, seeing as this residence traditionally goes without house and maidservants while unoccupied, it is for the best that we do get rid of them while occupied." he eyed her up and down.

"I agree. I don't see a problem in that, we don't need any servants...at least for myself anyway." she replied as she glanced at a few jars of preserved jams near the pantry. Gently, she felt Christopher pull her over to him with a certain look in his eye.

"Yes, and after I relay the message of your request to manage the kitchen, we will soon have the estate completely to ourselves." he softly lifted her chin and kissed her lips, his eyes focused intently on hers "Which means that we will now be quite alone...to do whatever we want."

The young woman felt stomach butterflies flutter wildly as her breath stiffened, glued to his eyes in complete delight. She raised an eyebrow seductively as she felt his hands wrap around her waist tugging her closer towards him.

"Is that right?" she asked.

"Would I lie to you?" he smirked as he moved his mouth to her earlobe "Your Ladies In Waiting aren't around to clothe you either, so I'll have to help you undress while we're here. I hope that's not a problem." his voice deepened as he whispered amorously.

Ella shook her head in response as she felt her knees weaken and buckle underneath her, as the prince caught her before she lost her balance.

"Your luggage and garments have been lifted into the estate and placed rightfully into the proper places Your Royal Highnesses." said Lionel entering the area. "Is there anything else that needs my attention before I depart?"

Christopher smiled at Ella, kissing her on the forehead, before turning to his trusted valet. "Yes, Lionel I would like a word with you, my wife and I have made a few changes to the order of the household..."

Ella stood in the center of the kitchen as she watched them walk away. Several emotions flooded her at once as she attempted to piece them together, placing her hands on her lower abdomen in attempt to gather her thoughts. Whatever she felt at the moment, she wanted to hold onto it always.


After some time, when the servants were gone and the couple were settled, Christopher guided Ella on a tour of the rest of the estate. He constantly apologized for the shortage of rooms as there were only twelve in total. She reassured him that it was alright as it was only the both of them and she was accustomed to having less than.

"The Grand Salon is usually used for parties," he explained as they happened upon the spacious room whose wooden floor shone brilliantly from the sunlight streaming in through the many windows.

"It's also used when large amounts of people gather to dine. But since it's just the two of us, we'll eat in the dining room." He pointed to a set of doors opposite to the room.

Reaching a staircase, he guided Ella up to the upper floor where their private chambers were. The bedroom was located at the end of the hall, the spacious sitting room sporting handsome forest green accents and Balsam wood cabinets and tables, the bedroom connecting to it containing similar colors in the bedspread and wooden bed frame.

"Wow," Ella muttered, running her hand along one of the wood tables.

He cleared his throat a little. "I hope you don't mind, Ella, but I had them place your belongings in here with me."

Ella stared at the large bed in front of her, feeling as if a hundred butterflies had suddenly taken up residence in her stomach. The bedroom. This was where the two of them would consummate their love for each other. This was where they would truly become one—a thought that terrified her.

She glanced at him with worry in her eyes. "I don't mind at all. You're the only thing I feel comfortable around."

Christopher saw right through her. He smiled, kissing her cheek. "It's alright to feel vulnerable, Ella. I've never shared a room before, let alone a bed either. We can stay in separate bedrooms until you feel comfortable. While we are husband and wife, we have a lifetime to be intimate."

Ella wrapped her arms around him in a loose embrace, her head resting against his shoulder. "I know," she muttered. "Thank you."

"Any time," he murmured. "Now, would you like to see your chambers?"

Ella nodded happily. Guiding her back to the living room, he walked across the room to another door.

Pushing it open, the interior was revealed to be a much more feminine living quarters, blush colored fabric on the chairs and couches. The wooden furniture was a light oak with gold accents. Blush tapestries, drapes, and arrangements covered the walls.

"I know it's not as grand as your suite at the palace..."

Ella walked through the room with wide eyes, taking everything in. Her bedroom, located on the other side of the hall, was patterned similarly as the lounge area.

"Oh, Christopher, this house is gorgeous!" Ella cried, whirling around to look at him.

He smiled, leaning against the doorway to the bedroom. "You like it? Truly?"

"Oh yes," she eagerly replied.

"This is the queen's quarters," he explained a little sheepishly. "It gives the option of sleeping alone or…"

"Being together," Ella finished, lightly blushing.

"Yes. What ever is comfortable for my love, I'll be more than happy."

The young woman was so enthralled by her husband's words and his kindness that she could feel her heart burst. Ella felt so overjoyed with happiness that she quickly pulled him in for a kiss.

"That was lovely." he replied excitedly "Was it something I said?"

"It certainly was." she smiled at him, her eyes filled with love. "You have such a way with words."

He pulled her close feeling playful, kissing her cheeks "Well I'll make sure to never stop talking."

"Oh I never said that!" she laughed as his soft lips madly tickled her face. Her eyes dashed towards the window view facing the roaring sea as the high waters hit the rocky coast. Ella had never come into contact with an open body of water before, and she was absolutely amazed.

"Would you like to get a closer view of the water?" he asked.

"Of course!" she smiled as he grabbed her hand and led her away from the room.


Hours had passed and the newly married couple had explored just about every inch of the shore, with Ella collecting seashells and Christopher teaching her how to fish from a small boat that belonged to his father. They both had never felt so free in either of their lives since they were little children as they walked along the sandy shore barefoot allowing their toes to become embedded in the earth; the refreshing scent of the sea surrounding them as they enjoyed one another's company.

Soon after, Ella had prepared their catch of the day which was trout that she baked in the kitchen's stone hearth along with fresh shucked roasted ears of corn, and beets from the garden. She even baked a chestnut pie that Christopher raved over long after he was finished. Both had glasses of white wine from the cellar to wash it all down.

By nightfall Ella had a headache; she changed into a silk nightgown and robe and lay on the settee, close by the cracking fireplace, mentally scrolling through images of her chaotic day. Christopher played the piano as she rested. It was so much quieter than the city; what a relief. Candlelight reflected perfectly on his handsome face as he focused on his music. Ella could still feel the grainy sand between her toes as she smiled at one of their first of many memories together. The young woman thought back to her life just a few weeks ago, and how it was drastically different from where she was at this very moment. After so many years of the worst luck in the world, why had fortune decided to bless her with all of this?

She thought back on the past few hours: the look on dear Maximilian's face as he tried to stem his tears. The happy moment when Christopher placed a ring on her finger and it was done.

The rippling, jostling ocean of faces lining the route to the cathedral; and at the palace, the thick heat of goodwill, the deafening applause, the sight of elegant Christopher in his uniform. The profundity of the service. The tender kiss on the balcony in front of the kingdom. The mad cheering of the villagers as they rolled into Balsam. The joy of preparing a meal for the one person she loved.

She rolled onto her side and looked at her husband as his fingers glided along the ivory keys, playing one of his own compositions. Christopher's eyes wondered over to her as she watched him with curiosity. He smiled softly. What was she thinking?

He proudly watched her hand as it dangled over the edge of the settee with her ring glimmering in the soft light. The prince couldn't believe his luck, how had he managed to find such a wonderful woman to love; and for her to love him for who he truly was. Christopher reflected over their blessed day: how angelic she looked when she met him at the altar. Watching his wife sign her name in the attestation book alongside his and it was done, their first kiss as a wedded couple in the open carriage, the proud look of his mother as they bowed before his father the king. The look of wonder in Ella's eyes as they reached Balsam. The joy of providing for the only woman he loved.

What he liked about it most of all, though, was that as they stood before the Archbishop, they were called simply Christopher and Ella. For the rest of his life, he thought with a swelling joy, he would just be Christopher to his Ella. He wasn't a prince or noble, but simply a husband and lover.

He ended his composition and came over to her, kissing her gently on the mouth and cheek. She lay by his side, in his arms, and on his chest, smiling in the darkness as he whispered to her.

"I love you with everything in me." his eyes welled up with tears "your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined I should find so much love on earth."

Ella felt her heart swell with so much love for her husband as she gently wiped away his tears with her thumb as she kissed him. "I love you more than you'll ever know."

He kissed her forehead before wrapping his arms around her body tightly, pulling her close to him as they continued to lay on the settee surrounded by flickering candlelight. As much as he wanted to make love to her at that very moment, he felt it too perfect of an ending to one of the best days of his life. They would have the rest of their lives to make up for this night. He looked down to see his wife already fast asleep, as he himself felt sleep overcome him as well.

"Goodnight, my darling, my Ella..."