[b]At Marken’s question, Ellanor's face contorted into a scowl, finishing her tea and putting her empty cup down onto the table. He was toying with her now, she could feel it. At any rate, ishe needed to be more careful from here on out. Ellanor realized that she would be lured in to move at Marken’s pace if she didn’t stand her ground, and moving at his pace would only mean trouble for her.

“I agreed that I would practice with you more,” Ellanor huffed at the prince stubbornly, “I never said that I would be your willing harlot. Please keep in mind that I’ve never been one to be comfortable with a man being so familiar with me. Suitors have been the last thing on my mind in the past years.”

Ellanor tried to be calm now and keep her expression neutral, but in truth, she was still nervous. As a prince, if Marken grew impatient, he could demand anything of her, and make her life hell. She could only hope that he would understand her situation. After all, he was only pretending to be deeply in love with her. Maybe she should just change the subject completely.

“Tonight…” Elanor continued, “Will I go home to my step-mother, or will I be expected to stay in the palace?”[/b]