As Kate held his wounded wrist close to her breast, Motto’s  eyes fluttered helplessly downward to gaze on the intimate view while inhaling more than he intended at her kiss upon his hand.  She told him it was numb with love and he sat there stunned.  Had she said “love” just then?<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Careful Katie Lyons, you will steal the young knight's heart."</span><br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/tdBZRpG.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/>It was too late.<br/><br/>The Knight sat there in a daze as the feeling of Kate’s kisses still lingered upon his neck and cheek and hand.  A green herb was still in his hand and a cup of hot chocolate sat untouched before him.  His eyes seemed to flicker back to life once Lady Kate returned and Motto watched her in silence as she put his injured wrist into a sling.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Keep you hand elevated as much as possible.  How's that?"</span><br/><br/>He stood so quickly that his chair flew back and splintered against a wall.<span style="color: #00BF40"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"> “I must marry you this very hour!” </span></span>He roared.<span style="color: #00BF40">“I am wild with affection and happiness!  Any man who stands in my way will have to fight me.” </span>Motto turned to the startled cook and hollered,<span style="color: #00BF40"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;"> “Where can I find a Priest?”</span></span><br/><br/>His gaze returned to Kate and his good arm did take hold of her waist to pull her close.<span style="color: #00BF40">  “My Lady, I am barely able to restrain myself.  Even at this moment I …” </span>his grip tightened.<span style="color: #00BF40"> “I would pour myself upon thee…”</span>Motto seemed to be trembling and abruptly released Kate as he stormed out.  Cloak flapping behind him, the Knight strode back to the merry inn’s crowded tavern in search of his friend John.