[b]Much to Ellanor's disappointment, the man who questioned her earlier returned to her home that night, flanked by two other men. He looked apologetic as he said she would have to go to the palace with him, and equally shocked with her stepmother defended her, stating that Ellanor shouldn't be in any trouble with the king. The man, who now introduced himself as Gene assured Lady Winters that Ellanor was in no trouble, and even offered to allow Ellanor time to bathe and prepare for their trip to the castle.

Ellanor took the offer graciously and went upstairs to quickly wash herself from head to toe in perfume water, style her hair to something a bit more dressy, and then put on a still-simple but more expensive-materialed dress.

After she was dressed, Ellanor went back downstairs to greet Gene, who gently led her to a carriage, which in turn rode out to the palace. The woman wasn't very nervous as they rode out, having already sent a letter of warning to her superiors back home. Someone would come to save her soon enough, and the prince could harrass some other woman.

At the palace, Gene led Ellanor to his master's apartment rooms, sitting her in a chair before calling a maid to bring Ellanor tea. Then, as quickly as Gene and the maid arrived, they were gone, leaving Ellanor alone with her tea and two cups.

Stilling her slightly shaking hands, Ellanor made herself the epitome of calm and contentment, pouring herself some tea, then putting in the sugar. She wasn't going to let the prideful Marken dwindle her confidence. He hadn't sent royal guards after her or marked her as a traitor, so apparently, he had something in mind other than killing or torturing her. [/b]