[b]Ella let out a soft sigh as Marken pulled her into him more, her face suddenly pressed against his chest as he held her against him. Ella knew she should keep him from being too forward, but she was so comfortable right now just resting against him. Instead of pulling away, the foolish spy buried her face into Marken's chest, allowing him to hold her more closely.

It hurt to hear Marken say that Ella didn't want him, because honestly, she actually did after today. She just couldn't admit it out loud. She had to be loyal to her king and eventually leave. Staying with Marken would most definitely be treason. That was no way to pay back the man that took care of her when she fled her step-sisters and ended up in a foreign kingdom. The king and his adviser took her in like their own child and raised her as their own, while giving her the skills to become a spy and serve the kingdom.

"I am a fool," Ella simply stated after a few moments, still making no move to leave Marken's embrace. She closed her eyes without saying anything more and felt herself beginning to slip into a nap. It was a foolish decision, falling asleep and being at the mercy of her enemy, but she just knew for some reason that Marken would keep her safe. It was a nice feeling, and a new one. She'd always been taught to keep on her toes. [/b]