Ella was sympathetic to Avril's dilemma. She knew what her friend really wanted in his future husband and marriage: someone exciting who could sweep her off of her feet. Someone who didn't just see her for her royalty, someone whose title didn't give them a feeling of superiority or entitlement. A man she'd never met, and would likely never meet at an event such as this. Ella figured Avril was probably right when she said that Cassandra would end up arranging her marriage, and she winced a little at the idea.

Avril wouldn't be happy marrying a man she didn't know, and Ella feared that her godmother would marry Avril off to some lord or prince or king in some far off land and she never see her best friend again. It was a childish fear, something that would likely never happen. But it was still there.

Her friend asked about the village boys, and Ella looked over at her in slight surprise. When Avril lamented that they were probably the same, Ella smiled and shook her head slightly. "Not exactly. I mean, it's difficult to say, really. The boys in the village have always been polite and respectful when I've spent time there, but they are also not trying to impress you with possessions or titles or power. Whenever I take walks through the village and visit the shops I have a wonderful time."

She looked over to where the king and queen were sitting, still far enough away that they couldn't overhear. Then she looked at Avril with a smile. "Why don't you see for yourself? Tomorrow when everyone is preoccupied with the hunt you could come to my father's house to visit. And we could...well...slip away? Take a walk and explore the village?"

Theresa gladly accepted the prince's arm. "You honor me, Prince Edward," she said charmingly, and they gracefully moved to the dance floor. She glanced over her shoulder at the disappointed girls left behind in their wake and smirked. Her expression was composed and lovely again by the time she face Edward, then the music began and they started to dance. "You were dancing so beautifully with Lady Ella," Theresa commented, "I'd almost forgotten that you two were old friends. When my father used to bring me to the palace as a child I remember watching you and your siblings and Lady Ella playing together...you looked inseparable." She blushed a perfect blush. "Truth be told I was a little envious of her. It was almost like she was a fourth royal child."