[b]Ellanor felt a little sting a Marken said he'd kissed someone before, feeling as though she'd been beaten at a game of some sorts. Of course he'd had a kiss, he was a prince. Women probably threw themselves at his feet constantly, and he had an easy pick of who was among the willing. No wonder he'd picked her as his fake wife; she was a woman who would walk away from him willingly. Forcing her body to be still, Ellanor sat again, sinking into her chair to keep from standing again.

The young woman groaned, leaning forward and burying her face into hands. There was no way she was going to be able to kiss a man she'd never touched before, especially in front of a whole kingdom. and then Marken would also be holding her hand, hugging her, and she could only guess what else. Just imagining those things made her flush again and feel warm.

"Is it too late to throw me into the dungeon?" Ellanor asked morosely as she slumped back into her seat. Reaching up, she absently touched her fingers to her lips, wondering what a kiss felt like to begin with.[/b]