<a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/ahHuW8j.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/>Motto entered his chamber with haste.  He leaned against the door after shutting it behind him and tugged at his coat.<br/>Some kind of illness.  The pains in his chest and muddled mind had started earlier and had gotten progressively worse.  It was now a fever of some kind.  His coat off and shirt loosened, the King rushed to the large window and pushed it open.  Motto was still standing there panting when Hector entered quietly.<br/><br/>“What’s wrong, Sire?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“I’m not sure.  Be sure to have a supper sent the Lady’s chamber.  In case she-”</span><br/><br/>“Yes, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“What is that look?  On your face.  Are you laughing?”</span><br/><br/>“No, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“I saw you!  It was a distinct chuckle!”</span><br/><br/>“Well once, but that doesn’t count as laughter.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“HECTOR…”</span><br/><br/>“Shall I bring supper to your chamber as well, Sire?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“...no.  I feel ill.  Hector..I think the Lady might find me a disappointing companion.  Do you think it would be wise to ..have some highly educated nobles visit her regularly?  The smart ones.  That way she might be at ease and enjoy her new home.”</span><br/><br/>“I think you are wrong.  Shall I fetch Her Ladyship’s supper now?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“Very well.  Yes.”</span>Motto’s shoulders drooped.  He wasn’t sure what his attendant meant, but the whole thing had him fatigued and supper might grow cold if he kept Hector too long.  Lady Genevieve was such a lively woman and brave to act as she did, considering that she had never met him and was to be married to him in ten days time.  It was becoming clear that his advisers had chosen poorly however, she seemed quite unhappy to bear children and that was the only reason he sought a wife.  Or had they?  His trust in them had never been shaken before.<br/><br/>His expression hardened.  No.<br/><br/>He would suffice as the Lady’s husband.  If not him, then Lady Genevieve would eventually be wed with someone so why not himself?  Gilthlore was a good and happy place and he was a kind man.  If she loathed the idea of mothering, then he would have nursemaids care for her child instead.  His people needed a Queen and she was going to meet them tomorrow.  Or..the day after.  The King slowly made his way to a chair and sank into it.  Visions of her hair and dress swam  through Motto’s mind and  he let his eyes close.<br/><br/>He hardly slept that night and was preoccupied during the morning drills.  After much deliberation, Motto stood tall and summoned Elenore.  He would have Lady Genevieve join him for breakast.  All meals in fact, from then on.<br/><br/>“I shall ready Her Ladyship right away, Sire.”<br/><br/>The young King nodded and promptly went to his favorite pacing spot; the northern overlook.  It offered the most lovely view of Gilthlore’s castle village.  The rooftops were blue while all stonework from the same quarry.  Little flags fluttered here and there, while humble chimney smoke rose from one of the four bakeries.  He loved his people very much and it brought Motto peace to gaze upon their happy dwellings.  It was a shame to put off the viewing, but the people would have that much more time to prepare.<br/><br/>It had been too long since his last visit to the castle village.