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It was almost like a scene straight out from an action movie, only this time it was happening to her – in real life.
The men whom Lady Dezza had sent to drive her away from the palace now appeared equally intent to drive the life out of her body. They were shooting at her, and she wouldn’t have had any chance dodging their bullets if not for other men suddenly appearing and exchanging fire with them.
“Run, milady!” It was Charles and Jack, the soldiers frequently stationed outside the sheikh's study, and Ella realized all at once that it was the sheikh's men who had come to her rescue.
Without hesitation, she picked up her skirts and broke into a run, glass slippers clutched tightly to her chest. Her heartbeat raced as fast as her feet could carry her, and soon Ella found herself running straight into the woods. She knew a shortcut there, one that would lead her straight to the north wing, where the ball was taking place. Not even pausing for breath, she plodded on, ducking under thorny branches and skipping over roots that sought to trip her.
Somewhere along the way, she had kicked off her heels to run faster, and her feet started to bleed. But she didn’t stop, knowing that with the sounds of gunfire close behind, there was always a chance that Lady Dezza’s men would catch up with her.
She had almost reached then end of the woods when she heard the barks.
Oh God, they had set the dogs after her!
There was no way to lose those dogs, not when they could use her scent as their trail. She wanted to sob in terror, but she continued to run. The barking became louder, the gunfire closer, and she knew it was only a matter of time—-
And then she heard something else, the thunderous, galloping sounds of hooves stomping on the ground—-
She looked up just in time to see Sheikh Mik'hail tearing towards her way, riding a white steed like the proverbial knight in shining armor. “Come with me, milady!”
She hesitated, not knowing whether he was someone she could trust.
“You have nothing to worry about. Khal has sent me to help his ukhayyah become his bride.”
Ella bit back a sob. Those words...those words were something Sheikh Mik'hail could only have known if Khal himself had told him.
When Sheikh Mik'hail offered his hand again, she took it and was immediately swung up on the saddle. His arms went around her as he reached for the reins, and with one nudge on the horse's flank, his steed began running towards the palace.
"Sheikh Mik'hail?"
"What is it?"
"Why are you on a horse?"
"I was in the stables when I received Khal's call," Mik'hail said with a grimace, "and the urgency in his tone made me decide there wasn't any time to lose."
By the time he finished talking, they had already reached the palace, and the sheikh swiftly helped Ella down.
"You are ready?" Mik'hail inquired gruffly.
Ella could only nod, not yet trusting herself to speak.
Her knees knocked against each other as they entered the palace, but just as they ascended the grand staircase leading to the ballroom, a couple of unsavory-looking men suddenly barred their way to the doors.
A grim look crossed Mik'hail's face. “You dare stand in my way?”
“We have our orders," one of the men sneered. "That girl can't—-"
The rest of what he had to say was anyone's guess, with Layla's sheikh planting his fist on the other man's face and immediately knocking him out unconscious.
In the wake of everyone's stunned silence, Mik'hail shot Ella an impatient glare. Run!
She recovered at once and ran past the other men to push the ballroom doors open.
Thousands of guests immediately turned her way, and their loud gasps of shock as they took in her appearance had the live orchestra music streaming from the balcony come to a screeching stop.
Is that the queen's daughter?
Look at her!
What does she think she's doing, coming here looking like that?
From the other end of the room, Ella heard the king bellow, “Who dares interrupt my son as he makes his choice of bride?”
The words had Ella crying out. "Wait!"
The crowd parted in an instance, and soon after Ella saw Ruth running towards her.
"Oh my God, Ella!" Ruth looked close to fainting. "What happened? Are you hurt?"
Ella squeezed her mother's hand. "I'm alright," she said shakily.
"But—-"
Ella shook her head. "I'll explain everything later," she whispered, "but right now I have something to do." She turned towards the king, and even with the whole length of the ballroom separating them, the look on his face had her swallowing. She knew then Henri had more than an inkling of what she was about to say – and he was giving her the chance to say it.
“Your Majesty.” Ella's voice shook. “Before Sheikh Khal makes his choice, I’d like the chance to present myself as well.” Amidst the cries of consternation and protest erupting from the crowd, she lifted her chin and said fiercely, “I would like to be considered as a possible bride for His Highness."