She was .. different towards him.  Motto swallowed an itch in his throat as he tried not to notice how the Princess’s touch felt changed.    Genevieve was troubled indeed!  It must be an awful secret Hector had burdened her with…  ah how Motto’s chest felt tight and heavy!<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> "Motto.  What...happened back there?  Why were you alone with her?  Who is she?"</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“.......Back there?  Oh!”</span>He was slow to understand, but did his best to answer as the questions came.   The Princess was clearly upset and he was anxious to please her.<span style="color: #00BF00"> “She asked to be accompanied.  She had heard about ..well what had happened earlier..not in full detail..she was not aware I was the cause of it all.” </span>The King sighed and shook his head.  He was frightening his own people.  In his own damn castle.<span style="color: #00BF00">“I..can’t recall her name..she might be..the General’s daughter?  I’m guessing.”</span>He shrugged and hoped the worry would leave his bride’s eyes.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“Are you… well?  My Lady?  I..”</span>Motto squirmed and took a deep breath.<span style="color: #00BF00">  “..won’t be angry if you require some time alone.  I don’t wish to place anymore of my..self on your heart.  My ..heritage I mean.  M-my Lady, forgive me I’ll be silent now.”  </span>Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, the King clenched his teeth and resolved to escort the poor sweet Lady to her chambers.  He was unsure and nervous but that was the last thing a Kingdom needed.  He would be strong and brave.