[b]"W-well, I... umm... y-yes...."

Ella wanted to fervently deny that she was happy when Marken kissed her, but in all honesty, her patience was just as worn down as the prince's was. After all, the only thing that kept her from being serious with him was gone.

King George had more or less abandoned her, making it very clear that her services were no longer needed. She couldn't be loyal to a king who she couldn't serve anymore. Who knew that Marken would turn out to be more devoted than King George?

Slowly unclasping her hand from Marken's, Ella reached up and wrapped her arms around him before she pulled him closer and squeezed him in her arms tightly. Her face buried into his neck as she pulled him onto her completely, enjoying his closeness the best way she could. There was no way she could admit her honesty just yet, but actions were better than words.[/b]