[IC] Glass Shoes [GranoxFirewind/LalaKitty]

[Lala Kitty]

Ella sighed lightly as Marken spoke to her and pulled her hair free of the remaining pins in there, wondering a bit why he was so obsessed with her hair being loose. She personally didn't think there was much difference with her hair up or down, but maybe he felt different. With a small shrug to herself, she laid herself on his chest and closed her eyes, just enjoying the feel of them so close together. Would Marken be able to protect her from George if she disobeyed him?

Damn it, she was thinking about it again. All she wanted was to enjoy a bit of relaxation with Marken before tonight. Rubbing her nose into Marken's chest, Ella squeezed her eyes shut and sighed lightly, willing herself to stop thinking.

"Really, Milord, you are being far too impulsive," a familiar, grating voice called from the doorway, "I know that Lady Ellanor isn't from noble birth, but I would think her parents still raised her to be a proper lady." Ella looked up to scowl at the nosy maidservant from earlier, wondering what the hell this woman's deal was. Did she come to interrupt them on purpose? And where did she get off talking about how her parents raised her?

"Dinner is ready," the woman said, abruptly changing subjects as Ella stood. Quicker than Ella could escape, the woman held her completely still and put her hair into a tight bun and straightened out her dress. Ella felt like she was being primped for a Sunday mass, but she was just going to eat supper. Then, with a slight nod, the maid left Ella and Marken to find the dining room themselves, Ella pouting with her arm's crossed. So much for the good mood.

"Just who is she, anyway?" Ella huffed, pulling her hair a little loose, "She's pretty bossy for a servant."

[GranoxFirewind]

Marken had finally pulled Ella's hair free, now running his fingers completely through the free locks of hair happily, glad that it was free of the constraints of her rather unattractive bun. She was attractive either way, but he found her much more beautiful in the brief moment that he was allowed to see her with her hair down, before his damnable governess arrived. He pulled her more tightly to his form, feeling protective of Ella in the woman's presence.

"Call me impulsive if you will, I will treat my soon to be wife how I wish. I would expect you to extend her the same respect I do." He stretched out his arms as Ella pulled herself away from him, scowling at the governess, a very irritated tone to this voice. One of the few things he enjoyed doing, and she decided to take it from him. His scowl only deepened as she undid all of his hard work, restoring the bun, even more tightly than before, and taking away what he thought to be one of Ellas greatest traits. He let out a low sigh as he stood himself, walking over to Ella.

"She is, er, was, my governess when I was a child. Given the fact that I've been of age for three years now, and that I'm being married, I would have assume she would have left me alone. I don't think she likes you, given your lower birth than me own. Remind her, next time she dares question your birth, that she hails from something far less than even you. It should shut her up." Markens tone was excessively cold, clearly having taken offense to her insulting Ella through thinly veiled words. He pushed his chin up, just enough to look her in the eye, and gave her a smile, before pressing his lips softly to her cheek. "I do find myself hungry, however. Shall we depart?" He took Ellas hand in his own, waiting for a response.

[Lala Kitty]

"I suppose I can understand her worries, though," Ella sighed as Marken kissed her cheek, "It's not often that the prince of a country doesn't marry a princess. She probably had great hopes that you would marry a woman with more pedigree than me. I'm not a stranger to people with that mindset. You aren't the first prince to ask for my attention; but you are the first to have marriage in mind."

Knowing that Marken was the first man to honestly like her made Ella feel a little bit of pride. While Marken did have his ball because of an agreement with his father, his willingness to marry a woman in a lower class than him still spoke volumes.

'But I still have to kill him,' Ella thought bitterly to herself, 'Congratulations on finding a good man and killing him.'

Holding back the urge to scowl, Ella hooked her arm in Marken's and followed him out to the dining hall. She wondered to herself if his father would be present as they walked, knowing that the curry should be finished soon, and then his mother would get her cure.

[GranoxFirewind]

"You'll find a lot of things about me are different from what other princes would have." He let out a small smile as they walked through the halls, pulling Ella closer to him. "I've got a surprise for you tomorrow, I think you'll like it." His voice was soft, though held a very tangible feeling of excitement to it. Whatever he had planned, he was clearly eager for tomorrow so that he could give it to Ella.

The servants paid little mind to the couple walking to the dining hall, deciding that their princes affairs weren't any of their business. And truly? They weren't. "Hopefully though, she'll be recovered enough for you to talk to her. Her name is Regina, and I think you'll enjoy her company greatly. Like I've said before, she's certainly not my father." Finally, they entered the dining hall, Marken moving inside first, pulling out a chair for Ella, before sitting down himself next to her, glancing around at the full table.

[Lala Kitty]

"I can't wait to meet her," Ella said softly with a smile on her face, even as her stomach did flips. Damn it, she was making promises at a time like this. She felt so heartless.

Thankfully, dinner didn't seem to drag on too long with just Marken and Ella at the table. He was able to show her which utensils were used for what foods, and they were actually able to have pleasant conversation. Ella felt an uncomfortable gnawing as bed time grew closer, but she ignored it, deciding she wanted to enjoy her time with Marken. If she was going to kill him, she would also enjoy their last hours together.

After the two ate, Ella went back to the apartments with Marken, and annoyingly enough, his governess was already there, quickly shooing Ella into her own room for bed. Ella wanted to shout at the old woman, but she supposed it was for the best.

"Good night," Ella told her fiancé a bit forlornly. He probably thought she didn't want to go to bed yet, but really, she was nervous about what she had to do a little later on. She never wanted to disobey her king more than she did at that moment. Why did Marken have to die, and in such a dishonorable way?

[GranoxFirewind]

He enjoyed his dinner, having another glass of wine, though this one was obviously stronger than the desert wine he used for casual drinking, though it affected his speech none. Clearly, Marken was one who knew how to handle his drink well. That tended to happen with experience afterall. The conversation was enjoyable enough, Marken gliding through it with ease, thinking for all the world that the girl he was speaking to was as enamored with him as he was with her. It made it surprisingly easy to talk about meaningless things when it was with the girl you were in love with.

After dinner, when they were safely back in his apartments, he was annoyed quickly by his governess. She was trying her best to keep him away from his fiance, and he didn't care for it at all. He was the damn prince, and he would be close to whomever he felt like, and he didn't know where she got off telling him otherwise. He waited until she was gone, before entering her own room, deciding he would bid his soon to be wife good night on his own terms.

Walking up to her, Marken would wrap his arms around her, pulling her form against his, his lips brushing against her ears. "Dinner was lovely with you there..." Pulling back, he would cup her chin and press his lips to hers, for a long minute, drawing out the final kiss of the day, before allowing her to fall away from him. A large grin was present on his face. "Good night Ella.'

[Lala Kitty]

Ella stood in her place after Marken left to go back to his room, completely shocked. Damn it, why'd he have to go and kiss her like that? And hug her so close to him? Marken treasured her so much, and in such a short time. How could she betray him now? But she had to.

Steeling herself, Ella climbed into bed and waited for a long time before she decided it would be best to go back to Marken's room; the clock in the drawing room stuck 2am and she sat up in bed, sliding out of her sheets. Deciding she didn't want to cause needless fighting & pain, Ella left her dagger under her pillow and clutched the vial of poison in her hand. She would make things swift and painless, and feed Marken the poison in his sleep. With luck, he would just pass away while he was still unconscious.

Gritting her teeth, Ella slowly opened the conjoining door and snuck into Marken's room as he slept. She tip-toed over to his bed in the dark, only able to see due to being trained how to see in dark situations. She imagined wearing glass shoes as always, her movements swift, but quiet.

Ella was unprepared to see Marken as she got to his bedside, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. He was so defenseless , it hurt to look at him. Lying flat on his back, the man slept with slow, even breaths and rested with half of his covers kicked off. He looked so calm and peaceful, and still wrapped around his neck was the cord of her father's amulet. He wore it, even right now? Ella felt her eyes welling up before she closed the poison vial and stuffed it into the pocket of her nightgown and quickly made her way back to her own room.

Her door let out a pretty loud thud as she re-shut it, but with luck, Marken would just assume Ella went go to use the bathroom. With tears now sliding from her eyes, Ella walked over to her bed and fell into it face-first. Damn it, she'd try again tomorrow. She just couldn't bear the thought of him dying right now. it had to be because his mother was still ill, right? Maybe Ella could finish her assignment once Marken was without regrets. Yes, that had to be it.

…_..._...

By sunrise, Ella hadn't gotten any sleep. Rather than letting herself dwell on it, Ella presumed that it was divine punishment for betraying both Marken and her king with her indecision and secrets. With a sigh, she climbed out of bed. Before that pushy governess came back, Ella was going to give Marken more happy memories. She owed him that, at least.

It was selfish of her, Ella knew it, but she wanted to be close to her until she took Marken’s life. She wanted him to be happy, and to not have any doubts about her feelings. She wanted things to be perfect for him when he crossed over. At this point, she’d already realized that she wouldn't be killing Marken just to go home. The attempt on the Rhal queen was proof that Marken and she would be in constant danger if she betrayed George. She couldn't just throw that on Marken and force him to look over his shoulder for the rest of his life.

Sneaking back into Marken’s room, Ella slowly climbed into the prince’s bed and slid closer to him . The old woman would be furious later, but Ella just wanted to be close to her fiancé at the moment. Being around Marken helped Ella forget that she was such a terrible person.

Moving closer until she shared the same pillow and faced Marken, Ella pulled up the covers to her ears and finally fell asleep, her hand reaching out in her sleep to gently grasp his. As she predicted, she was able to relax, and none of her reoccurring nightmares paid a visit to the resting woman.

[GranoxFirewind]

Marken left her behind her door, walking over to his bed with a loud groan and a large stretch. A change in his clothes was quick, a silken night robe to lay in. For the briefest moment, Marken considered removing Ellas amulet, and decided against it. If he couldn't share her bed, he could atleast have the comfort that the little piece of jewelry would bring. He laid down then, pulling the blankets over himself and closing his eyes with a deep sigh. He stared at the ceiling for thirty minutes, waiting for sleep to claim him, feeling the familiar pangs of worry from before returning.

Shaking his head, Marken reached up and grasped the amulet between his fingers, pulling it up to his lips to plant a small kiss on it. He felt comforted by the action, and laid down to sleep again, this time finally able to succumb to his fatigue. His sleep, however, was no peaceful. He thrashed around occasionally, shifting blankets around, until he was only half-covered, lying on his back, the amulet facing straight up. This continued for several hours, until a stirring drew his attention.

The prince cracked open an eye groggily, looking across from him. Both of his eyes widened as he realized what was happening, Ella was climbing into his bed. He decided to close his eyes again, seeing that she hadn't noticed them open, allowing her to pull close to his embrace, their faces barely inches apart. He felt her hand reach over to grab his, and Marken decided to react than, draping his arm over her entirely. His voice came out cracked and very tired, but still held a soft edge to it. "If you wanted to share my bed... You could have just waited until the governess left..." Still, Marken didn't care at all, instead just laying there with his arm draped protectively over her, his own worries from before fading again. He was asleep in minutes.

[Lala Kitty]

Finally resting for a couple of hours, Ella awoke to the frustrated glare of Marken's governess as she looked down at the two. Rolling her eyes, Ella ignored the woman's harsh gaze and buried her face back into Marken's chest, sighing contently. Letting out a rather feral huff, the woman stalked back out of the bedroom for the time being. It seemed like Ella had finally warded her off. Ella laughed lightly and leaned up, rubbing her eyes.

"Marken, we should probably get up," Ella quietly told her fiancé, "Your caregiver doesn't seem to be very happy to have found us like this. It's only a matter of time before she comes back with a squad of nuns to purify us."

Leaning over Marken again, Ella kissed his cheek, happy that he was still alive. She wanted so badly to wake up next to Marken for the rest of her life now, but how could she make that work? She'd only choked up last night, and there was no way she could allow herself to do that again.

[GranoxFirewind]

Marken had been sound asleep when the governess had come in again, his arm curled up around Ella with an almost invisible smile on his lips. He was startled awake by the sudden pressure in his chest, looking over to Ella and letting out a small smile. He noticed his governess walking off in a huff, and let out his own chuckle. He laughed fully at her own words though, imagining a group of women in robes slinging holy water. It was quite the amusing thought.

Her lips on his cheek brought him a much softer smile, and Marken tilted his head, wrapping his fingers behind her head and in her hair. "Come on now, surely you can do better for a morning kiss?" His voice held very obvious amusement, with a badly hidden smile. He'd gently pull on her head, clearly giving her the option to deny him if she wanted.

If she didn't, Marken would lean in as well, pressing his lips to hers for the first time in the morning. He held her there for a long minute, savoring the feel of her lips against his, his other arm still snaked around behind her. The feeling was quite exquisite, he believed, his lips parting again like before, wanting to explore her mouth. Still, the option was still always there for her to back out if she so wanted, Marken had no intentions of forcing anything upon anyone.

[Lala Kitty]

Blushing lightly, Ella allowed Marken to kiss her and snuggled closer to him. Reaching up, Ella wrapped her arms around Marken's neck, moaning weakly as he deepened the kiss as well. The feel of him teasing her mouth with his tongue had her tingling from head to toe. With a soft groan, she began to copy his actions, enjoying the feel of him so close.

Ella was content to stay in bed with him and kiss like this, knowing her day would be much more enjoyable if she did. But sadly, they had other plans. The sooner they got to the dining hall, the sooner Marken's father could tell the two of them about Queen Regina's miraculous recovery. She could only imagine that Glen would be delighted.

Pulling back, Ella smiled at Marken before she hugged him tightly, enjoying the happy moment. she just wanted to stay like this forever. In a perfect world, she'd just spend all of her time with Marken, without a care in the world.

"We should head over to breakfast," she suggested softly, "Your father should have some good news by now."

[GranoxFirewind]

As they pulled apart, Marken seemed to be much more awake now, a very pleased expression on his face. He even chuckled a bit as he remembered one thing in particular. "I didn't think you'd make a sound like that. Maybe I should do that again..." He chuckled again, very seriously considering doing just that, though he never pulled his body away from her, feeling even closer to her, the first time they had cuddled like this in their night clothes.

"I suppose that will be good. Maybe we'll even meet her at breakfast. I could let you two speak and get acquainted, while I see about getting something made." He pulled her closer to him again, pushing their lips together for another long moment, Marken letting out his own soft groan at the lovely feeling, before slowly pulling back. He hugged her tightly, his lips just brushing past her ears.

"Not sure how often we'll be able to do this, until we're married anyway, so I intend to enjoy every close moment like this to its fullest, understand? Also, if you want to share my bed, next time, just wait until she's gone, I'd rather not toss and turn without you for the entire night." His voice was very soft, as he pulled back from Ella, his arms uncurling from around her form to allow her to leave his bed, turning around himself to climb out. He needed to change into something more appropriate for the public.

Without thinking of the person in the room, he went through an action that he practiced so often before, reaching up to pull his nightshirt off with a single smooth movement, leaving his entire upper body bare to Ella. He couldn't be described as muscular, but he wasn't out of shape either, instead just maintaining a healthy body for a nineteen year old. He looked over to Ella, as if remembering her presence, and said nothing, though he didn't look embarrassed either. Marken was comfortable with his body, considering how close he and Ella had been, it wasn't as if this was a massive gap to cross for the couple.

[Lala Kitty]

Ella stared at Marken in open shock as he pulled off his shirt in front of her, unsure of how to react. Was he nuts? They were already breaking so many rules just by sharing a bed before they wedded! With her face turning completely red, the young woman turned away and rushed back to her room, slamming the door shut.

Damn it, Marken just had to be attractive. She should have just killed him last night, and not allowed her emotions to sway her. Letting out a groan, Ella changed out her night gown and into her clothes, begrudgingly putting her hair up for the moment. She had to admit, keeping it down when she was alone with Marken felt a little uplifting.

After Ella dressed herself, she went back to the door to Marken’s room, knocking on it gently. She really hoped that he would be dressed as well by now. He wasn't very fond of being “proper”. Maybe it was because he was royalty.

[GranoxFirewind]

He let out a soft chuckle at Ella's reaction. "This will be interesting, getting used to living with a woman in my room..." He muttered to himself, a small smile clear on his face. The man went about changing into his own outfit, humming softly to himself, changed in a matter of moments. A comb was brought through his hair, straightening out the last of what remained from his sleep as he tossed about.

The knock as his door brought Markens attention away from himself, and his thoughts, and another chuckle was let out. "I'm decent, if it truly matters Ella. Afterall, we just shared a bed." He walked up to it and opened it, giving Ella a very clear smile. "I feel like you need to loosen up at some point. It's not like people will know what goes on behind these doors, and after we're married, it'll be acceptable regardless to your customs."

He pulled her into a gentle embrace, before hooking his arm around hers as they had done in the past. "So, let's go see if we can meet my mother, hmm? I really think you'd like to meet her. I can't remember if I've told you her name, but I think I'll let her introduce herself." With that, he'd allow Ella to lead the way out of the apartments and towards the dining hall once more. Again, he started humming some song he'd heard at the ball, unable to remember anything other than the melody for the life of him.

[Lala Kitty]

Although she was a bit miffed that he was teasing her, Ella gave Marken a small smile as he led her to the dining hall, admittedly a bit amused by this excitement. He seemed almost like a kid sometimes, barely able to contain his excitement. And honestly, she didn't mind it. Most royalty was filled with stiffs and overly proper fools that only wanted to impress others. But as a prince, Marken probably didn't have to impress many people.

On the way tithe dining hall, Ella wondered what kind of person Marken's mother was like, greatly hoping that she was as kind as Marken believed her to be. She'd met far too many "kind mothers" to blindly hope that everything would be as Marken said. Some mothers could just be downright nasty.

[GranoxFirewind]

Marken led her to the dining hall, looking around for his parents. Strangely, enough, he didn't see either of them, though he simply assumed that they were still in their room. He doubted they would miss breakfast, Glenn would atleast show up to tell his son of her recovery, if nothing else. He pulled out Ella's chair for her, remembering atleast common courtesy for a noble lady. Marken was a strange man, ignoring some customs, and following others. In all honesty, the man did what he felt like doing. He didn't have ulterior motives for snuggling against Ella at night when they slept, it was just something he enjoyed.

Taking his own seat, Marken made himself a plate of eggs, fried potatoes, and gravy. A biscuit was added, as he mashed up the sliced potatoes with a fork, taking care not to get any off his plate. He was still royalty, and while he ignored a great deal of customs behind closed doors, the man still exuded the aura of royalty in public. His very presence carried authority it usually didn't have in the rooms they now shared. Impaling a large piece of egg, Marken began to dig into his breakfast, finding himself quite hungry and ready for the talk that he would have with his mother, and with the jeweler he intended to speak to.

A loud clanking of metal on stone from the hall drew his attention. Turning around, Marken noticed two of the Paladins trudging down the hall, Glenn and Regina behind them. He raised an eyebrow at the added security, but honestly thought it was probably a good idea. One assassination attempt, that now failed, would likely be followed up, so the guards would help stop that. Marken wanted to meet the assassin who could fight one of the paladins, much less two.

His mother appeared to be in much greater health than she was the day before, a bright look on her face, though a bit pained. The poison wasn't completely worked out of her system, but it was very obvious that she was much better than before. "Who's this, sitting next to my son?" Her voice was quiet and very soft, though filled with an exceptional kindness. Unless she was a very great actor, she was as Marken made her out to be, at first glance. He waited patiently for her to take a seat, watching as she moved carefully, likely sore and stiff from the long period she spent in bed.

"This is Ella, mother. You've missed quite a bit, since you fell ill. I'm glad you're better, I visited you yesterday... The ball that father hosted was a success, and I found this little gem in it. We're to be married as soon as I can get the details worked out with father." The way he spoke about her illness made it obvious that he didn't intend to flat out say that she'd been poisoned, though they all knew it.

She let out a small laugh, and nodded in her direction. "I'm Regina Caitiff, Markens mother and queen of Rhal. I'm very pleased to meet you dear." She had a curious expression on her face, waiting for Ella to speak now.

[Lala Kitty]

[b]Quietly, Ella listened to Marken introduce his mother as she entered the room. A tightness in her chest formed as the woman spoke, her own curiousity taking hold. Was this what a mother was like? They were... warmer than she anticipated. This didn't ease her concience at all.

"I-it's very nice to meet you, Your Grace," Ella said with a small smile, "I am Ellanor Winters, daughter and heir of Vincent Winters."

Ella stood quietly after, unsure of what to do. What else should she say, besides the obvious? Everyone already knew that she wanted to marry Marken.

[GranoxFirewind]

She smiled warmly at Ella's words, allowing a servant to make her a plate of eggs and potatoes. He clearly avoided giving her a large portion, doubting she'd have the appetite to eat anything more. He placed it in front of the queen and gave a small bow, though Glenn made his own plate. Clearly, the royal family only accepted a servants aid if it was truly required in such trivial tasks, the queens need clear to anyone who knew her recent condition.

"The Winters family? I've heard of them. No sons, if I'm correct? Forgive me for my ignorance, it's hard to keep track of the endless amount of families that continue to appear." Her reply was abrupt, but not rude. Rather, she was trying to clarify facts, albeit in a blunt manner that some might take offense to.

She folded her hands underneath her chin, glancing over to her husband. With a small sigh, she continued. "What about my son interests you Ella? He's never been one to socialize well..." Marken let out a groan of both annoyance and embarrassment as his mother spoke, though he looked to Ella as well, curious what she would say about it.

[Lala Kitty]

Ella listened to Regina as she spoke, honestly a bit shocked that the woman was putting her under scrutiny so quickly. It seemed like the queen was going to be more protective than her husband. While Glenn was just happy that his son was getting hitched; Regina seemed to be a little more concerned that Marken would get along with his new bride. But what would Ella's best answer be?

"If I were to be completely blunt," Ella finally replied, "I appreciate his honesty the most. While I am quickly growing fond of your son, he has never given me the delusion that he fell in love with me at first sight; the kingdom has been his first priority since we have met." Ella looked away for a moment, trying to figure out how she should explain further without offending anyone. Marken may already be a bit angry with her for being so straightforward about knowing her place in his priorities.

"Marken's honesty has allowed me to get to know him on a more meaningful level than mere infatuation," Ella continued, "I've never met a man who’s been so clear with his intentions before. Most who have approached me in the past did so with a silver tongue, and I have no interest in being toyed with. My father taught me that I was worth more than being a man's door mat before he passed away."

Ella went back to eating after she finished speaking, hoping her answer sufficed. There was no point in lying about anything. No matter how in love she and Marken were supposed to be, it didn't mean she had to pretend to be some dingy girl who flattered others for favor. After all, Regina didn't seem to be the type to fall for that. She was sharp and quick with her words; Ella was comfortable with that. People who mulled over their replies often proved to be liars in the end.

[GranoxFirewind]

Marken was curious about her answer as well, wondering just what had caused her to fall in love with him. They hadn't exactly met on the best circumstances, her trying to spy upon his family, and then him forcing her into a marriage for his own selfish reasons. Honestly, he wasn't quite sure what about her that attracted him so. While he knew a great portion of it was the fact that she didn't lick at his heels like an overfed puppy, he knew that there was something beyond that. Afterall, love would be a weak thing if it only struck because someone treated him like a person, rather than a position.

So, when she spoke, Marken found himself strangely un-offended by her answer. However... She had one thing wrong. When they married, she would be his responsibility as the kingdom would, and so she would take the same priority that his kingdom would. Still, he was silent about this, having nothing to truly contribute to the conversation. Instead, he allowed his mother to interrogate his fiance, a small smile on his face as he consumed his breakfast. Hopefully she wouldn't embarrass him too much with her questions and statements.

Regina, on the other hand, had lost her smile. It wasn't that she was angry, she was simply listening to Ella speak. For a moment afterwards, she said nothing as they all ate their breakfast. "Well, I think you mean more to him than you think. It's been brought to my attention how close you've been at night..." She let out a humored smile. "Don't worry, I'm not going to judge you on it. I think you're a very nice young lady, and I think that Marken here is lucky to have found you." Her tone was filled with mirth, even as her voice was soft and weak.

Marken suddenly stood up from the table, looking over to his parents. "I'm going to see Luke about something." Regina raised an eyebrow at Markens sudden announcement. Then she smiled even wider, remembering who Luke was.

"I'll keep Ella company, don't worry about me." She waved her hand to Marken, who took it as a sign that he was dismissed. Glenn didn't seem to care, one way or the other, instead focusing more on the mountain of food before him. "So, Ella, tell me more about yourself. What was your childhood like?"