"I can't believe this is finally happening!" Ella said while she twirled around in her yellow dress and golden shoes.

Jacquelyn shook her head with a smile and said "don't forget to be back by midnight."

"Why midnight?"

"You'll need to wake up early tomorrow to do your chores so if you stay out to late you'll be incredibly tired." Jacquelyn revealed.

"Ah. That makes sense." Ella said with a nod. "Just to be clear though, I could go all night." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"And I certainly could not." Jacquelyn said flatly.

Ella tilted her head. "Why?"

"I have a strict sleep schedule. I fall asleep at exactly twelve-thirty every night. It's been a habit for so long that my body just passes out that minute." Jacquelyn said with a sigh. "Another reason why you can't stay out late."

"Why would you being awake matter for me staying out past my bedtime?"

Jacquelyn scratched her neck. "Well... I don't actually know what happens to my magic when I'm sleeping." She said with an embarrassed tone. "It takes a lot of effort to keep even simple spells stable during unconsciousness. I don't have that kind of skill." She touched Ella's dress. "This could disappear the moment I pass out."

"It could disappear before you pass out..." Ella said with a suggestive tone.

"Are you questioning my abilities?" Jacquelyn asked. "I would have you know that I once kept a spell going for eleven hours straight without breaking concentration or placing an enchantment."

"I don't doubt it." Ella said.

.

The teleportation spell worked perfectly and Ella was safely transported to the ball, or more accurately, the woods nearby. It would be scary for people if a girl appeared inside the ball in a huge cloud of purple smoke. Everyone knows that it's how evil witches make an entrance.

Ella walked toward the road carefully as to not ruin her gown in the dirt and bushes. Eventually she emerged from the wood and saw the bright lights of the ball in front of her. Her smile was incredibly large. Ella had to remind herself not to run as she moved toward the castle.

When she got to the door a manservant offered to take her shawl (which she eagerly gave) and directed her to the ballroom. Another manservant, though this man had more lace and a brighter fabric for his suit. He leaned forward and asked Ella for her name to which she answered "Eleanor Corner" so that her identity wasn't given away the moment she walked into the room.

Some trumpets blared and the manservant announced that a certain "Eleanor Corner!" Was entering the room. The gazes of all in the room were directed to Ella and she took a deep breath before she slowly descended the stairs, making sure to keep her posture perfect and her gestures gentle, exactly how Jacquelyn had taught her.

Nearly the moment Ella reached the bottom of the stairs an incredibly handsome man was in front of her. He had moppy blonde hair that seemed to be trying to escape from the styling tools he had used. His face was reddish and bashful with a tad bit of embarrassment. "Would you care for a dance?" He asked. Ella eagerly nodded and took his hand.

The two made their way to the floor and a soft song emerged from the stage where a dozen musicians were lined up. The man put his hands on the small of Ella's waist, above her bottom. Ella gave him a few extra brownie points since he didn't grab her ass.

The two swayed to the music and talked about nothing. His favorite color was blue, but not the deep kind, more of the pastel shade. Ella said she liked yellow and he pointed out her dress. She giggled and said that she had picked the color of the gown because it was her favorite. The two danced throughout the night. 

The man was polite and kind, a gentleman. He was bashful and awkward and the best man Ella had ever seen. The had good chemistry. 

"Oh gosh, I can't believe I forgot!" The man said with a red face. "What's your name? I forgot to ask." He chuckled awkwardly.

Ella didn't see any harm in telling this man her name so she said "I'm Ella." but as soon as she opened her mouth the clock chimed.

One chime. Two chimes. Three. Four. Five. 

Ella counted the chimes carefully.

Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven.

She held her breath.

Twelve.

Her face paled and she said "I have to go!"

"What? Why?" The man asked.

"I was supposed to be home by midnight!" She cried as she ran toward the door. 

"Will I see you tomorrow?" He shouted to her.

Ella glanced behind her. "Yes! I'll be here."

.

Jacquelyn, as she did not go to the ball and thought it creepy to use a scrying spell to watch it, was sitting under a large tree eating a crème puff and reading a book.