The library was a quiet place and Genevieve loved it. After receiving a note from the king informing her of his day's duties and his promise to visit with her afterwards, Genevieve had come here to sit with Jorgenson and to enjoy the musty smell of books and stale wine. Jorgenson has become something of a grandfather to her since she had come to the castle, even if it she had only known him for five days. She did not know her own grandparents. "Is your family coming for the wedding?" The frail old man asked her as they sat in large, weathered, high backed chairs, reading their own books.<br/><br/>"My father will, he wouldn't miss an opportunity to show off Faldothia's wealth personally." She flipped a page in the book she was reading, the spine protesting as the pages had been still for so long. "I hope one or two of my siblings come. As much as I'd like for my mother to be there, she will probably stay behind to keep an eye on things." It would be nice seeing her father again, despite the animosity between them over her past behaviors. "I'm sure my oldest brother will attend. My father is no doubt looking for a bride for him and what better place than a royal wedding?" He was 10 years her junior, but he would be king of Faldothia one day her father liked looking for prospects at an early age. Genevieve silently sent a prayer up for whomever the unlucky woman would be. Not for marrying her brother, who was very pleasant, but for having to live with her father, who could be quite...punctilious about propriety.<br/><br/>"Ah, yes. King Kellen. He is a formidable man." Old Jorgenson mused with a hand rubbing his hairy chin. Genevieve merely grunted and turned another page. She rarely delved into any conversation with anyone if it was about her father. When she was younger she had enjoyed spending time with him. Reading together, horseback riding, even discussing books as she got older. With growing older, however, came a separation as he sent her to suitor after suitor. And when she returned? The separation grew, his disappointment in her very clear, especially after her next sister in line got married to a fine nobleman north of Faldothia, in Berione.<br/><br/>"My Lady!" Lavern stumbled before the two and gave Genevieve a polite curtsy before taking her hand. "You must see what the king has done!!" Her face was flushed as if she had been running. Perhaps searching for Genevieve? But she had told Mildred where she would be. Genevieve stood at her lady's maids encouragement before freeing her hand gently.<br/><br/>"I suppose I should be off then, Jorgenson. You should come visit me one of these mornings for a walk in the garden?" The old man stood and the best bow his gnarled body could manage, a kind smile pulling at his lips and bright blue eyes shining under heavy lidded brows. "I would love too, My Lady." The quiver in his voice was endearing and she dared to give the old man a kiss on the cheek before following her maid out the large library doors.<br/><br/>______<br/><br/>Genevieve laughed. Why she was laughing, she was unsure, but she was. It was a quiet chuckle, but as she walked down the corridors, petals littered the floor and flowers lined the walls. Had he had all the flowers in Gilthlore sent to her?? Genevieve paused to touch select bouquets and smell a few. They were all so lovely! And still people were bringing in more! Her room was absolutely brimming! Oh, how lovely the balcony looked covered with flowers. Genevieve smiled as she entered. The light blue walls of her room shown with color as the flowers reflected the sun's light. It was beautiful!<br/><br/>Genevieve went to the balcony and the site stole her breath. The walkways around the castle were covered in petals. The stone could no longer be seen and the colors stretched as far as the hills would allow her to see. Had he called for every flower in Gilthlore to be delivered to her?? Genevieve wondered if the night before had anything to do with it? Of course it did, to think otherwise would be naive. She was amused at the gesture. What would happen when she was with child?? Surely he could not top this.<br/><br/>Genevieve remained on the balcony as the sun began to set. The orange sky complimented the fallen petals and Genevieve felt as if she were in a painting. Mildred had gotten her embroidery out and Genevieve had began working on a handkerchief for the king. Ivory silk with blue embroidery. It was nearly finished, a blue silken lion surrounded in ivory. Genevieve had plans to present it to the king the night of the ball.<br/><br/>Genevieve was partially aware of a knock at the door and Mildred's answer. It wasn't until she was told the king was there at Genevieve stood and curtsied, after placing her embroidery down. "Your Majesty." She flushed. It was hard not too. Even as weary as he looked, he was still an impressive man. She couldn't help but remember the night before. Goodness! But would she ever be able to look at him and<span style="font-style: italic">not</span>think of last night? "You look tired." His shoulders seemed to slump just slightly, and his dark eyes looked pinched.<br/><br/>Genevieve closed the distance between them and placed a hand upon his arm, looking up to him, taking in his scent. "You should rest." Goodness, but she wanted to spend time with him. "We can make some time with each other another day?" Genevieve wanted to now. To walk the petal covered ground arm in arm, but overworking could lead to illness and she was sure the king could not afford to be ill now, especially with the wedding coming up.