Motto was pleased at seeing Her Ladyship’s smile, there was a glow about it.  She was truly happy to see him!  A memory of his father sliding his hand around his mother’s waist flashed into Motto’s mind; the Late King would sometimes greet his Queen with a small spin when they thought they were alone.  As a boy, Motto would often hide in the antechamber to see it.  He missed them dearly.  The King bowed to Lady Genevieve and lifted his arm for her,<span style="color: #40FF40">“It is nice to see you.”</span>he was starting to feel fatigued and spoke in a more casual manner than he meant.  The King entered the dining room with his bride-to-be and took his seat.  There was so much to do.  He needed to focus and see to his duties today but he wished to think on other things such as greeting Gilthlore’s citizens with Her Ladyship or having a dance with her at the ball.  She was very pretty indeed.  Suddenly it occurred to Motto that he hadn’t spoken.<br/><br/><span style="color: #40FF40">“My Lady!” </span>He blurted, his food was half-eaten but the young King did not remember tasting it.  He wiped his lips with his napkin and wished his chair closer.<span style="color: #40FF40">“It is… customary….for the bride to choose a pose for the royal portrait..I thought it might do for you to think on it.  The painter is excellent and he has leant several works for your perusal, My Lady.  Would you care to see them?”</span><br/><br/>He hated portraits.  They took forever and his mother always fainted.