[b]Ella couldn't measure her relief when Marken didn't send her away. He even came to the door himself, welcoming her inside, even if it was obviously forced. He probably didn't want to see her at all right now, or want to be near her. He probably felt like she’d betrayed him, like she picked Ariana over him despite what the woman had done.

There couldn't be anything further from the truth, and Ella hoped to herself that Marken would allow her to explain herself. She made her way to the chair he gestured to, taking in the far-away look in his eyes and the slight slur in his voice. The heady scent of spice in the air informed Ella that her fiancé was drinking himself some rum right now, and a particularly strong vintage, at that.

The woman took her seat in her chair and waited for Marken to sit himself down as she pulled out another crystal glass and poured herself a drink. If Marken didn't have to be sober for this conversation, she sure as hell wasn't going to be either.[/b]