Ella pulled out a chair and sat at the breakfast table with the rest of her family.
"Good morning, everyone," she greeted as she settled in. Lord Morrell, Lady Morrell, and William were already halfway through their meal.
She thanked the maid who placed a cup of tea before her and dropped in a cube of sugar. As she stirred, she hummed softly under her breath.
Bringing the cup to her lips, Ella savored the warm, sweet taste of jasmine tea. Her mother always had a talent for finding the most exquisite blends, and Ella found herself quietly grateful for it.
But as she set the cup down, she noticed something odd.
Her entire family had gone still.
They were staring at her.
"What?" Ella frowned. "Is something wrong? Do I look strange?"
She quickly checked herself, brushing at her dress and touching her face. Had she missed a button? Spilled something?
Her mother was the first to speak.
"Nothing is wrong, dear… we're just surprised."
"Surprised? About what?"
"Well," William chimed in, clearly amused, "you were humming. And smiling too. You seem… happy. It's very unlike you."
Ella blinked at him.
That was unlike her?
Had she really been that gloomy in this life?
"I'm just glad to see you out of your room," her father added gently. "We were worried."
Guilt pricked at her chest. She had shut them out… even more than usual.
They were her family, after all. And despite her distance, they had always cared for her.
"I'm sorry for worrying you," she said softly, lifting her gaze. "I'm fine now."
William nearly choked on his food.
That smile…
He had never seen her smile so genuinely before. It made her look… lighter. Softer.
"I'm guessing this sudden burst of happiness is courtesy of Prince Nathan?" he asked, grinning.
Ella turned sharply toward him. Her cheeks flushed almost instantly.
Why was her heart racing?
It was just a question.
"The prince?" her mother asked, intrigued. "What does he have to do with this?"
William swallowed his bite and leaned back with a knowing look.
"He came to check on her the other day. I'm just assuming that's why she's so cheerful this morning."
"He and I are just friends," Ella said quickly, a little too quickly. The heat in her cheeks spread further. "He only came because he was worried. Like any good friend would."
William let out a soft laugh.
The way she emphasized 'friend' was doing her no favors at all.
"Friends, lovers… as long as you and the prince are on good terms," her mother said with a pleased smile.
"What about this Jillian fellow?"
Ella looked up at her father, her expression softening.
"Jillian…" she paused. "Jillian is gone, Father."
"Gone? Where to?"
"I don't know," she answered quietly.
She had never said it aloud before.
And somehow, speaking the words made it real in a way it never had been.
Jillian was gone.
Truly gone.
But… it was time.
Time to let him rest.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Lord Morrell said.
He didn't always show it, but he cared deeply for his children, especially his daughter. Everything he did… even his ambitions for her… came from that place.
"So," Lady Morrell continued gently, "are you spending the day with the prince again?"
"What?" Ella's face flared red once more. "Why would you assume that? It's not like I see him every day!
"Calm down, dear," her mother chuckled. "I only asked because I haven't seen him around lately."
"Oh…" Ella lowered her gaze, sipping her tea.
Why was she suddenly so… self-conscious?
"He's likely busy with royal duties," her father said. "Especially with the arrival of the king from the eastern kingdom of Gavaria."
Lady Morrell looked up in surprise. "King James Burchard is coming to Meria?"
"Yes," Lord Morrell confirmed. "He intends to form an alliance."
"But Gavaria is already powerful," William said thoughtfully. "Why would they need us? Is there something they're not telling us?"
"We'll have to wait and see," his father replied. "If the king is coming in person, then this matter must be of great importance."
William frowned slightly.
Kings didn't leave their thrones lightly.
"So he's left his kingdom unattended?" he asked. "Who governs in his absence?"
"His son, most likely," Lord Morrell said. "Prince Adam."
"I've heard of him," Lady Morrell added. "Didn't he conquer the northern kingdom of Baiviles at sixteen?"
"Yes," Lord Morrell nodded. "He'll be a formidable king one day."
Ella's eyes widened slightly.
Sixteen… and already conquering kingdoms?
He sounded less like a man… and more like a storm given flesh.
Just then, the butler entered and handed Lord Morrell a sealed parchment.
He opened it and read quickly.
"It's from the king," he announced. "King Burchard's procession arrives tomorrow. A welcoming feast will be held. All lords are to attend with their families."
His gaze shifted to Ella.
"The prince has specifically requested that you attend as his guest of honor."
Ella blinked.
"Me?"
Being named guest of honor at a royal feast was no small matter. It meant sitting at the high table… beside royalty… under the gaze of every noble in the kingdom.
"Oh, how wonderful!" her mother exclaimed, already brimming with excitement. "I'll have the tailor prepare something exquisite at once."
Her father and William exchanged pleased looks.
To them, this meant one thing.
The prince was serious.
Ella, however, felt the exact opposite.
Trapped.
She could already imagine the stares… the whispers… the envy.
Dozens of noble girls, all vying for the prince's attention.
And now she would be placed right beside him… like a jewel on display.
[Nathan, you absolute menace.]
Her mother took her by the arm, already pulling her to her feet.
"Come, dear. We must prepare. You'll be the most beautiful lady in the entire hall."
That was exactly what Ella feared.
Beauty invited attention.
Attention invited jealousy.
And jealousy… could turn ugly.
She had heard the way noble girls spoke of one another. Sweet smiles in public… venom behind closed doors.
If given the chance, they would tear each other apart.
And now…
She was being thrown straight into the lion's den.
Dragged along by her own mother.
[You will pay for this, Nathan.]