Ella raised one eyebrow, her lips in a little moue of amusement as he described proper subjects. "Well of course, pears," she answered, with a mock solemnity. "Princesses and pears are made for one another, aren't they?"
She took his hand and let him lift her to her feet, as she tucked the book under her arm. This was better. Much of what he had admitted still hurt her heart, but this...was good. They could be friends, she knew it. The knot in her chest was beginning to ease now, letting her take a deep breath once more. "Princesses aren't cheeky," she answered, the primness undone by the laughter in her eyes. "They are proper, pear-loving enthusiasts. Or so I hear, from my one reputable source."