"You love him, don't you."
He fumbles, nearly spilling the tea, before continuing pouring at the sideboard with his back to her.
"Excuse me?"
"You love him."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, your highness."
His voice is carefully even.
She huffs a laugh.
"For the last time, Wilbur, my name is Ella."
He turns and hands her a teacup.
"Ella then."
"You still have not answered."
He places his teacup on the table between them, untouched, before clasping his hands together in his lap.
"He loves you with all his heart."
She waves a hand dismissively.
"Of course. And I him. But we are not talking about me."
"He is the prince. I am his subject. Naturally, I love him."
"You are also his best friend."
He refuses to meet her eyes.
"Yes."
"You are in love with him."
Hearing the words said aloud after all these years in silence makes him want to throw the teacup against the wall to watch it shatter. His hands clench painfully tighter instead.
"What would make you say that?"
Her eyes bore into him, as she begins to say something.
The princess enters, then, snatching a cookie off a silver tray.
He springs up, flying from the room, tears threatening to well over.
The princess frowns.
"Did I interrupt something?"
She sighs, leans back.
"I told him I know he loves my husband."
The princess nearly chokes, sets down the half-eaten cookie.
"You did?"
"He panicked."
"Of course he did."
"He's scared."
"Of course he is."
"I just wanted to let him know I'm not going to go after him over it."
The princess crosses her arms.
"He's no danger to your relationship with my brother."
"I know that. I mean, I was jealous when I first realized but …"
The princess raises an eyebrow.
"Falling in love is not something you can help."
She glares.
"I think of all people, I'm well aware."
The princess simply hums.
"I'm going to go see if he's okay. I suggest you do the same once you've decided not to spring the biggest secret of his life on him."