"I t'ink you upset her," Ella murmured, watching the mermaid leave.
"She misunderstood me," Phillip muttered, rubbing his forehead, "I was-
am angry. She thought I was directing it at her."
"I thought you vere rather controlled," Ella murmured, touching her chin.
"You know me a lot more than the mermaid," he snapped. Ella turned and looked at him. He sighed and sent her an apologetic, almost ashamed look. The nymph went over to the half-demon and held his face in both of her hands, brushing silver blonde hair from his eyes.
"I do know you," she said softly, "You are not as cold and cruel as you like to pretend. At least not to those who don't deserve it. Vhy not show that to the other princesses? Let t'em help you. This isn't just about you, you know. If vhat you say has any truth, then you need friends. Not allies,
friends." The prince put his hand on hers, turning his face to kiss her palms.
"If only it were that easy, Ella," he sighed, looking up at her. She drew him to her like he was a child, hugging him and petting his hair. At first he was stiff, unused to such a caring gesture. But slowly he relaxed and his hesitant arms wrapped around her waist. The Ice Prince hid his face his her embrace and he slumped forwards.