<span style="font-style: italic"> "I...I don't think a small appearance will hurt."</span><br/><br/>The King blinked twice.  Truly the Lady was unwell!  He brushed past the guard and lifted his arm, his lips parting in surprise at Her Ladyship's grip.  Once they crossed the dining room's threshold, Motto stopped just as Lady Genevieve did.  He could sense Hector and Elenor were closeby and was glad for it.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> "I've never..what I mean is..I've never been presented to the subjects of my suitor before.  I've always been sent away before then." <br/></span><br/>A wave of astonishment had Motto's brows lift.  The Lady's demeanor was entirely different and soft and sad and...sweet.  It was difficult to refriain from admiring her exquisite features in such close proximity but her words shook him.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Sent away??</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"What if they don't...approve?"<br/></span><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">".....My Lady.."</span>His voice was more like that of a whisper.  Motto loosened his arm and turned to face Lady Genevieve to take her hand as well as have his other ready to support her back should she faint.  His mother often fainted.<span style="color: #00FF40"> "I ... have much to say on these things but..for now I shall tell you this." </span>A slow smile spread on his face, it was filled with pure warmth.<span style="color: #00FF40"> "They have<span style="font-style: italic"> already</span> approved you...they have come because they <span style="font-style: italic">cannot wait</span> to see you."</span>His eyes were merry.<span style="color: #00FF40">"I shall address them now.  I should like to do so in my own way...do you think you can last a little longer, My Lady?"  </span><br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/9b1tDIt.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/>A meaningful glance to Hector.<span style="color: #00FF40">"My horse, please."</span><br/><br/>"Immeadiatly, Sire."<br/><br/>Motto chose to overlook the mirth in Hector's eyes and turned to Elenore.<span style="color: #00FF40">"I would have Her Ladyship stand on the white balcony.. the one with the flowers that would suit her best...if she is able.  I shall direct my people's gaze there only but a moment..until that moment I insist that the Lady rest."</span>His hand had come to press against Lady Genevieve's back as he spoke, Motto wasn't fully aware of it and turned his attention back to her.<span style="color: #00FF40">"Is this ...to your liking?  My Lady?"</span>He bit his lip and waited.  The words, "sent away" were haunting, and he would not treat her as those fools had.