A/N- This is the last chapter, but don't worry at THERE IS A SEQUEL! Xx Enjoy!

Chapter 34

"I was wondering where you had disappeared to," came a voice from behind her.

Elle turned around so quickly that she almost lost her balance. James was stood there, leaning against the door, smiling brightly at her.

James laughed slightly at her shocked face.

"James?" she asked, thinking that her eyes were deceiving her.

"Oscar said that you were out here. Did it get too much?"

"I don't know how my family have been doing this for years. It is so tiring." She looked up over the castle grounds. Although it was dark, the moon was shining brightly, Elle could easily see the beautiful lake.

"It's beautiful," James said, still looking at Elle.

"It sure is," she replied, turning to him.

"Are you happy here?"

"I'm beyond happy. It's almost sad that I didn't get to live my entire childhood at the castle." She frowned slightly.

James looked confused, "Almost?"

"Well yes. If I had lived here, there are some people whom I would never have met." Elle sent James a shy smile.

"I'm glad that you lived in Grea as well. It has certainly made my life more interesting recently."

"I'll bet," She laughed.

After a few moments of standing in silence, Elle turned to look at the door and sighed.

"I should probably go back in. people might start to wonder where I am."

"Before you go in, I have something for you. You don't have to pretend that you like it, though," he blushed slightly as he spoke. He pulled out a thin chain, with a pendant on the end, and handed it to her.

She gasped when she saw it.

"But- what- how did you know?" she stuttered, as she looked at it.

The necklace was the same one that she had admired on her last day in Grea. The pendant was the same star design that was hung on her bedroom wall.

"Do you like it?" he asked, holding his breath as he waited for the answer.

"It's beautiful. But how did you know?" she asked.

"Well, I did have a bit of help. My grandmother owns a stall, and she told me that I should give it to you. I think she said that it was your birth symbol."

"It is. I saw it on my final day in Grea, and I knew that I recognised it. I just couldn't figure out where it was from. This is amazing."

"I'm glad that you think so. I've been waiting to give it you, but I haven't even seen you since I have been here." James said, shaking his head.

"They've been keeping me busy," she said, "You'd think that they would give me a little time for myself. But I now have princess duties."

"I'm sure you will have more freedom when the ball is over," he smiled at her. "Do you want me to help you put the necklace on?"

"Please," she replied, facing away from him.

"Beautiful," he told her when she turned back around.

"It is," she agreed.

"I wasn't talking about the necklace. I was talking about you."

Elle blushed, causing James to chuckle.

"I don't really want to go back in," Elle said.

"Neither. I'd rather stay here with you."

"But we can't." Elle sighed.

"Well, Princess," James began when he heard the song from inside finish. "May I have this dance?"

"Of course," she laughed as he bowed.

James took her hand and they walked back inside. They took their place on the dance floor, and James held onto her waist.

The song began, and it was one that Elle didn't recognise.

"I must warn you, I am awful at dancing," she said.

"Don't worry," he grinned. "Just follow what I do."

The dance went well, with Elle only standing on his foot a total of three times.

When the music stopped, James bowed and Elle curtseyed.

"Thank you, Elle," he said. "Your family are watching us."

Elle laughed at how nervous he looked.

"Don't worry about them,"

"It's hard not to. That is the king and queen after all."

Elle began walking towards them, with James reluctantly following behind.

"Elizabeth, are you enjoying the ball?" her father asked.

Elle nodded her head. She was being truthful as well. Had he asked before Elle had gone outside, he would have received a very different answer.

"Wonderful." He turned to James, "Welcome back, Mr Parsons."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Are you also enjoying the ball?"

James looked at Elle quickly, "Yes, sir."

Sophia and Rachel were giggling quietly.

"Eliza, you're so lucky," Sophia began, "Everyone wants to dance with you."

There were several men watching, looking ready to ask her to dance.

Oscar laughed, "Well, it is her party. Besides, your brothers and I danced with you."

"But you kind of have to." She complained.

"Princess Sophia, it would be a great honour if I could have this dance," James bowed slightly as he asked.

"Of course," Sophia sent a grin and a very unsubtle nod to Elle.

"I think I might ask Delilah to dance with me," Oscar began. "Do you think she would like to dance with me?" he asked Elle.

"I'm sure she would love to," Elle replied.

The rest of the party went quickly. Elle had to dance with several men that she didn't know, and she made small talk with many of the women. Some of the time had been spent with her siblings and James.

James had danced with Delilah, but this time Elle had no worries. She felt peaceful.

Toward the end of the evening, a rather pretty girl had somehow gained a dance with James. Elle tried to stay relaxed, but she couldn't help the horrible feeling in her gut.

"Don't worry, Eliza. He looks mighty uncomfortable." Rachel whispered to her, making Elle blush again. She had blushed way too much that evening.

Sure enough, when the dance had finished James quickly excused himself and walked back to Elle.

"Elle, may I have this dance?" he asked, "It is the final dance."

"Yes, of course!"

He once again led her to the dance floor.

"I have had the most wonderful night," she smiled up at him. "Thank you, James."

"What did I do?"

"You were the one who made it wonderful."

She smiled up at him, and he smiled down at her.

"There is going to be many more balls at the palace. And now that I work for the king, I will be attending them all."

"Good," Elle replied. "I expect many more dances with you in the future."

"I'd be honoured."

THE END

A/N- THERE IS NOW A SEQUEL!! If you want something that has more romance, and will really pull on your heart strings- that's the place to go. And you never know... there may be the kiss that you people are so desperate for! So... GO READ IT!!!

Have a look at the next chapter for more information :)

ahhhh I can't believe that it has finished.  I've had a great time in the past two months (is that really all it has been???) writing it.

Thanks so much to my amazing commenters. You guys don't know how much it means when I read the comments.

Let me know what you guys think. :)

As Iheartmysteriesxox commented...

'*says in authoritative voice* Well men *cough* girls, It has been a long journey. There were plenty of rough seas and unknown islands that we needed to explore. As we come to the last league of our journey, I thank you all for staying on and supporting this ship. It has been an honour sailing with you.

*bows deeply and stares into the sunset*'

Thanks! I love you all Xxxxxx