<div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">Ellanore tapped her nails against her lower lip as Valentine left her side after he has said what he had to say to her. With a shrug, Ellanore went back to her room, feeling a bit underwhelmed by this meeting that she hoped would be something more. But then she thought that it was for the best for the interest of their families. To keep this alliance strong and prosperous.<br/>
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The next dinner it seemed that Ellanore came back to the well familiar roots of extravagant dresses and less suspicious behavior. Her eyes would meet with Valentine's occasionally, but it wasn't as intense or long as before. She would speak more with whatever topic was at  hand.<br/>
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However, the next evening wasn't so uneventful. While it started the same way as every other dinner since the wolves have been joining them, soon the maid arrived with a small red box and an envelope. "Lord Varus has sent a gift for you, my Lady." <br/>
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While Edmond seemed to be rather happy about this, expression on Ellanore's face darkened. Even though the maid was offering it to the Princess to take it, Ellanore just stared at the box which can only be described as the expression of mild disgust. <br/>
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"Show us what it is! He is always thoughtful with his gifts." Edmond said almost proudly as Felicia just quietly stared at him, silently disagreeing. The maid placed the box in front of Ellanore and opened it. It was a necklace with real ruby diamonds and decorated with white crystals. Edmond was impressed and pleased, but Ellanore looked like she wanted to scream. Even Donovan seemed unhappy. <br/>
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"How... Nice." Was all that Ellanore could muster as she pushed the lid of the box to close with the shove of her fingers almost as if it was with disgust and looked at the maid and pointed at it. She clearly didn't want to touch it. "Give it to Alissa. She knows where I keep his things."<br/>
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The maid seemed a bit disappointed with Ellanore's underwhelming reaction but she still did as she was ordered. Ellanore put the letter on her lap and didn't even open it. She was tearing it to pieces quietly. "What's wrong, you didn't like the gift?" Edmond asked. He was almost angered, but he kept his composure. "Shouldn't you put it on?"<br/>
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"No." She said as she quickly shook her head. "The gift was nice. I don't wear things that were bought to me by others, only my own, father." Ellanore reminded.<br/>
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"Its the thought that counts, isn't it?" He asked.<br/>
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"He knows I hate it when he buys me things. I asked him nicely not to, he wouldn't respect it." Ellanore stated and she was clearly getting agitated as she handed the torn pieces of the letter to Donovan. He took it and his zippo lighter and put them in the same pocket.<br/>
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Edmond frowned. "You should appreciate it, not many women have partners who are eager to..."<br/>
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Felicia saw and also understood Ellanore at this moment. Edmond saw this differently, but Varus did things his way. He wouldn't respect Ellanore's wishes and he was forcing his will upon her, something was very clearly wrong in their relationship. As Edmond was almost scolding her, Felicia meddled.<br/>
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"Edmond, don't. Not in front of the guests." She said calmly as she held his hand and made him look at her.<br/>
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Even though she barely drank any of the blood, she stood up and bowed. "I'll see you all tomorrow at the court." Without even looking at anyone, Ellanore almost rushed out of the dining room, but it was very clear she didn't want to be around them anymore. The heels could be heard clicking in the hallway, but they would suddenly stop. Ellanore wasn't walking back to the room. She melted into the shadows behind the pillar which gave her quick and easy access to her room without even running into anyone.<br/>
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Felicia sighed and looked at the wolves. "I apologize. Arranged marriages were always a very bad omen."<br/>
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Edmond scowled and reminded her. "It wasn't an arranged marriage, Felicia." A very sarcastic chuckle from Victor got Edmond's attention while Donovan scoffed with anger, lighting up his cigarette.<br/>
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"It was." Felicia confirmed. "We just thought it was the real deal." She stated as Edmond eased into his seat, going completely quiet before the Queen looked at the Alpha. "So, tomorrow is the court. You are welcome to be a part of it and witness our usual duties."</span>​</div>