[b]As Marken left the main room to go back to the private drawing room, Ella drained her glass and then followed after him. When he laid back on the sofa they shared the night before, she smiled despite herself. If it was only for a little while, she wanted to indulge herself and be close to her fiancé.

Climbing onto the sofa as Marken offered her a seat, Ella curled against him and closed her eyes as his fingers ran through her hair. His gentle mood was contagious, even with Ella's inner turmoil. For the moment, she was able to forget her worries over her test of loyalty from George and just enjoy being close to Marken. Honestly, with her finally relaxed, it occurred to her that she could just... not kill Marken.

"You would share a bed with me, even though it isn't proper for Royal couples to sleep in the same room?," Ella asked, pushing her mutinous thoughts away long enough to tease Marken, "I just hope your father won't be pushing for grandchildren within the year; I'd like to enjoy the bed-sharing first, if that's the case." [/b]