Marken had been sound asleep when the governess had come in again, his arm curled up around Ella with an almost invisible smile on his lips. He was startled awake by the sudden pressure in his chest, looking over to Ella and letting out a small smile. He noticed his governess walking off in a huff, and let out his own chuckle. He laughed fully at her own words though, imagining a group of women in robes slinging holy water. It was quite the amusing thought.

Her lips on his cheek brought him a much softer smile, and Marken tilted his head, wrapping his fingers behind her head and in her hair. "Come on now, surely you can do better for a morning kiss?" His voice held very obvious amusement, with a badly hidden smile. He'd gently pull on her head, clearly giving her the option to deny him if she wanted.

If she didn't, Marken would lean in as well, pressing his lips to hers for the first time in the morning. He held her there for a long minute, savoring the feel of her lips against his, his other arm still snaked around behind her. The feeling was quite exquisite, he believed, his lips parting again like before, wanting to explore her mouth. Still, the option was still always there for her to back out if she so wanted, Marken had no intentions of forcing anything upon anyone.