[b]Quietly, Ella listened to Marken introduce his mother as she entered the room. A tightness in her chest formed as the woman spoke, her own curiousity taking hold. Was this what a mother was like? They were... warmer than she anticipated. This didn't ease her concience at all.

"I-it's very nice to meet you, Your Grace," Ella said with a small smile, "I am Ellanor Winters, daughter and heir of Vincent Winters."

Ella stood quietly after, unsure of what to do. What else should she say, besides the obvious? Everyone already knew that she wanted to marry Marken.