When Ella and the prince arrived in Meria, her parents were already home, waiting for them at the entrance. The moment Nathan helped her down from the carriage and her eyes fell on her mother standing beside her father, relief flooded her chest so suddenly it almost made her dizzy.
"Mother!" Ella rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her. "Oh, I'm so glad you're feeling better."
Emma Morrell embraced her daughter just as firmly, her hands instinctively finding their way into Ella's long red hair, stroking it with quiet affection. "My darling, I'm fine," she murmured softly. "I was worried about you more than anything."
She pulled back slightly, her hands sliding down to Ella's arms, gripping them as she studied her face carefully, searching for any lingering signs of weakness.
"How are you, my dear? Are you truly alright?" Her voice was still laced with concern.
