[b]Ellanor felt her stomach clench as Marken suggested that they kiss more, immediately battling out excitement and dread. This prince was going to have his revenge on Ellanor after all; there was no way she was going to be able to pretend like nothing happened after their agreement was carried out. Damn it.

“Well, know that I know that kissing isn’t uncomfortable, I wouldn’t mind,” Ellanor admitted, standing and moving back to her seat.

She poured the last of the tea pot into their cups and relaxed back into her chair, still calming her frazzled nerves. Would kissing Marken do this do her every time? She didn’t know if her poor heart could take all of that excitement. Speaking of excitement, she’d just realized how Marken had the upper hand, and how he may keep her from stealing his father’s secrets.

“This should be a given, but I have a feeling you have something up your sleeve,” Ellanor mumbled conspiratorially, her gaze actually a bit playful, “How much of my time will you be stealing, just to make sure I won’t be sneaking around?”[/b]