Because Mars worded his request in such a way, Ellena really couldn't say anything else. She heard it loudly and clearly, even though the words were uttered in such gentle tone, that the prince saw her as a sister.
Her love was one-sided and her devotion, though appreciated, was unrequited.
She felt like a fool.
Was it really because she returned too late?
No... Mars repeated that he loved her as a friend then, and he loved her like a sister now. He just wasn't romantically interested in her.
Even back then, when he asked her to be his nominal wife, there was no talk about his feeling, if he ever had any romantic interest in Ellena.
Should she take her cue and leave?
Ellena was wondering if Mars was now romantically interested in Emmelyn, the girl he got pregnant based on an agreement.
