<span style="font-style: italic">“Let me take care of you.”  </span><br/><br/>A weak groan was his answer; Motto’s entire universe was in Genevieve’s care.  He wanted her but the young King was powerless in her soft hands.  Bedding was pleasant indeed.<br/><br/>_____________________________________________<br/><span style="font-style: italic"><br/>"I think...I think my heart is falling for you, Motto." </span><br/><br/>He did not hear her words.  Instead Motto heard Genevieve’s purrs over and over again in his dreams.  Waves of bliss were still resonating within his depths even in slumber.  What else was there to think on besides the perfection of her touch?  Ah, Gilthlore would never fully know of his bride’s loveliness and that was fine by him.  In his dream they weren’t in the kingdom at all, but alone in the forest.  Just the two of them.  He would weave her a cape of flowers and hunt fine hares, pheasants, and deer for her.  He would caress her naked body each night by a fire with the stars above.  He wanted to disappear into her hair.  To melt within her kiss and live upon her breasts.  He wanted most of all to hold her close to himself...and perhaps..yy feel her dainty fingers in his hair.<br/><br/>_____________________________________________<br/><br/>He sat up quickly and placed his hand on the part of the bed where his Lady had been.  It was cold; the sheets moved away a little.  Frowning, Motto glanced up at his chairs hoping to see her there.  Perhaps she ….was hungry?   His chest felt uneasy but the young King filled his mind with a cheerful thought of Genevieve nicking things from the kitchen’s pantries.  Motto rose and slipped into a robe.  She was not in the kitchen.  He bit his lip and wondered if she had taken a walk in the garden?  He didn’t like the idea of her alone in the garden so late but Motto hurried there with his heart beating.  He would give her his robe!  Several guards exchanged startled looks as their King dashed by.  In the garden Motto only found starlight.  He walked slowly to her chamber door and hesitated before touching it.  He only placed his hand upon it and stood there.  Motto wasn’t sure what to think but stood there for a long time.  Eventually he returned to his own room and sat in one of his chairs.  He did not care to return to the bed without her.<br/><br/>“I was surprised to hear Gilthlore paid such a sum for Fadolthia’s princess.”  Lady Setaphina sipped her tea and spoke with a tired air.  “Scandalous really.  I wonder if that is why she is rumored to be so unpleasant.”  Several noblewomen fanned themselves and processed the strong words.  They hadn’t known about the dowry's large figure and wondered at the maid’s gossip about the black parasol.  So it had been true after all!  Behind the timid smile, their soon-to-be-Queen was a unsavory creature indeed!<br/><br/>“Why must he dole out such a lavish price for that pathetic kingdom?  Surely he could marry whomever he wishes and rule as he likes.  Gilthlore’s territories are far more substantial than any other.  There is no need for a petty alliance wedding.”