Her voice had a pleasing tone, and the Lady spoke well.  Very much to his liking in fact.  Right away, Motto was assured that he had one less thing to worry about in training the damsel for Queenliness.  Her sentiments were pleasant and authentic despite the uncouth encounter.  Everything was splendid.  Until she offered to accompany him.  The King hadn’t been expecting that and wavered a little before giving his answer.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“I must refuse, My Lady.  It would not do for you to get dirty and I insist you take my arm at all times.  When we walk..that is.  Right.  Yes, well..I shall see you at supper then.” </span>Bowing, Motto strode off quickly towards the castle where servants had already began making ready for his return.<br/><br/>Elenore rose with a trace of amusement in her eyes and looked to one of her more reliable ladies before flicking her gaze to the unfortunate maid who had managed to get to her feet and compose herself.  The servant nodded a silent understanding and joined the maid’s side and spoke in hushed tones while leading her away.  Other Ladies-in-waiting exchanged looks and hid their smiles.  They just witnessed quite the scene!  His Majesty’s first moment with his soon-to-be bride!   Although it was a brief encounter there seemed to be an air of thrill to it, many of the servant girls blushing on behalf of Lady Genevieve and King Motto.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“Not a word, Hector.”</span>Motto warned as they made their way to his bath.<span style="color: #00FF40"> “It was Fang’s fault and I couldn’t simply walk past the Lady without a word.”  </span><br/><br/>“Of course, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“It was the prudent thing to do.”</span><br/><br/>“Yes, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“I’ll wear my Father’s coat to supper.”</span><br/><br/>“Sire?”  This was a touchy subject, King Motto had insisted that only Hector and himself touch the garment and it was kept hidden away in special compartment of his closet.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“It will do.” </span><br/><br/>“Yes, Sire.”<br/><br/>Motto finished with his bath and stood in front of the large mirror in his chamber while waiting for his clothes.  He was decent enough...healthy and balanced.  Suitable for .. bedding.  The very idea caused him to color and shake his head.  Since when did he harbor such thoughts?<br/><br/>A short time later, the young King stood waiting in the parlor just outside the castle’s smaller dining room where only a half dozen servants would tend to his supper.  It was there that he expected to meet Lady Genevieve and enter with her.  The coat still held his Father’s scent, and it was exceptionally becoming on him.  No grime remained on the man’s square features, and Hector’s careful grooming had a remarkable effect.    The clock moved too slowly and Motto grew anxious.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/gAQMygc.jpg">[ img ]</a>