<span style="font-style: italic">"My Lady.”</span><br/><br/>His words drew her attention back to himself. As he took her hand, Genevieve looked at it for a moment, nestled in his own. There was a warmth there. She let it sink into her skin. She became vaguely aware of the carriage slowing.<span style="font-style: italic">“You shall have anything you desire. All you ask will be my utmost …”</span>There was an unmistakable passion in his voice.<span style="font-style: italic">“...I am completely at your disposal..”</span>There was a warmth in her belly she had never known, a flutter at the base of her neck, and her breathing quickened<span style="font-style: italic">“..Genevieve.”</span><br/><br/>She looked up at her name and searched his eyes. There was a hunger to her own that she failed to hide. The way that he said it. The look of his lips. The helplessness of his gaze. Oh goodness but she wanted to kiss him. Genevieve bit her lip. All she had to do was lean in closer and-<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Hail King Motto and Lady Genevieve!”</span><br/><br/>The roar of the crowd shook her and Genevieve trembled. Regaining her control, she smiled to the crowd, waving. When a child crawled into her lap, she couldn't help but give the little thing a tight squeeze. These were the people she would serve. In 8 days. The idea was still terrifying to her, but for different reasons now. "What's your name, little one?" She asked the child as the crowd continued their shouting. "Bran."<br/><br/>"Well, Bran. Do you have a mother?" The little boy nodded his head with enthusiasm. He was speaking to his Queen. "Why don't you pick few of these flowers and take them to her." She watched as he scrutinized over his decision, wanting to pick the very best. "Those are all very good choices, Bran." Genevieve said while brushing the hair from his forehead. She kissed his forehead and sent him back to his mother.<br/><br/>She felt inspired by these people. With butterflies in her stomach, Genevieve took the King's hand and held it tightly. She was trembling. Despite her fright, Genevieve stood, using the King for support, and looked over the crowd. She felt as though she should speak: and Genevieve did.<br/><br/>"It warms my heart to see a happy and healthy people." Genevieve began as the crowd died down. "In 8 days time, Faldothia will have lost a princess and Gilthlore will have gained a Queen." The crowd cheered and Genevieve paused, smiling. "I can not say that I deserve such a loving people, but I can say that I will do my absolute best to serve honorably and keep only your best intentions in mind. I only hope that one day I can become a Queen that you can be proud of." There was a thunderous applause and Genevieve felt most of her strength leave her momentarily. She had faced her fears and came out the other side. Genevieve was leaning heavily against the King now, taking in his strength and smell. It occurred to her just what little space was between them and she couldn't help but lower her head to hide a blush.