A stunned King Motto stood there as the Princess curtsied and left.  He should have stopped her.  Begged her.  Apologized to her.  But he was so damn ashamed of himself and did nothing at all.  His marriage, his kingdom’s peace, his own physical heart seemed to be slipping through his fingers.<br/><br/>Motto tore out of the garden and shoved a guard out his way upon re-entering the castle.  He ripped his coat off and let it drop to the floor while loosening his damned shirt.  Barbaric Kings could do as they pleased.  The disheveled young Ruler stormed down a corridor without any particular destination in mind and paused when a portrait caught his eye.  It was an old one that he had always disliked.  An old, unhappy Duchess from a distant land with a dark green cape.  Down came the horrid painting before splintering as Motto smashed it against a doorframe.<br/><br/>He hated everything and wished to vanish but that was a luxury not allowed Kings.  Especially stupid ones.  It was easy to shatter the vase.  Better still to punch the wall.  Two guards stood in grave silence as their King fell apart in the otherwise vacant area.  Motto slid down to sit upon the floor with his head down and gave into his great sorrow.  He was so very tired.  He’d made a terrible, foolish error and would lose everything.  Even now, his monstrous behavior served only to deepen the pain.  He truly was a barbarian.  Unfit to wear his father’s coat.  Tears slid downward and King Motto did weep.  Until a gentle touch lay upon his shoulder.   Motto looked suddenly into the eyes of Lady Setaphina.  She was stooping to cup his wet cheek, an intentional poise to give a scandalous view should Motto’s gaze wonder.  She spoke with a tenderness unnatural for her, luckily the King was too upset to note her unpracticed speech.<br/><br/>“My King.  I am in great need of a hero.”<br/><br/>Motto blinked.  Had he heard correctly?<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“My..Lady..?”</span><br/><br/>“My Lord.  I will die within the next few moments.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“What?”  </span>A part of his mind still functioned enough to process the gravity of Lady Setaphina’s words and Motto searched for an explanation.  Her expression and voice lacked any evidence of …..he noticed her breasts.  Surely they were the envy of many.. it was difficult to focus, but the King managed to finish a brief assessment of the Lady before allowing his eyes to return there.  He had seen plenty of nude women in art, but his first experience with them had been very recent and Motto couldn’t help but wonder at the beautiful ones now within reach.  WHAT WAS HE THINKING?!  Blushing furiously, he averted his eyes and stammered,<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“W-what is the danger?” </span>His head hurt.  A quick scan of the corridor revealed no obvious threats.<br/><br/>“I will fall dead soon, My King, from the sight I see before me.”  Lady Setaphina knelt by his side, her fingers gently turning his face  back to hers.  “I cannot bare to see you this way.  My heart is beating it’s final pulses and ..my vision is …”  She dramatically paused and pretended to struggle.  “Unless you stand before me as the strong King I know you to be..I will perish.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“My…..Lady…” </span>Motto was deeply moved.  Not only did he believe her, but he was utterly seduced by the idea she relied upon him in such a way.  His tears were nearly forgotten, his fatigue numb.  Before he could think or say anything further, the Lady begun to gasp.  To his horror, Motto watched Setaphina clutch at her lovely chest and fight to breathe.  Surely she WAS DYING!<span style="color: #00BF00"> “My Lady!” </span>He was on his feet and lifting her when he felt it; a dainty hand upon his bare chest.  Lady Setaphina was smiling up at him and touching him.  He’d forgotten that his clothes were...her fingers moved.  Without meaning to, he inhaled into the sensation.<br/><br/>“I am saved.”  She whispered.  “You needn’t carry me, My King.”<br/><br/>He answered with a incomprehensible sound; and let her legs slide down.  She was rather close and kept herself so near to him..her hand still rested upon him.  It was inappropriate..  Motto gently closed up his shirt while looking away.  Her hand moved off of him and he was relieved.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“I ...think it best for you to..”</span>He was beyond exhausted.<span style="color: #00BF00">“You need a physician.  Not a King.”</span><br/><br/>“You are wrong.”  The Lady’s eyes flashed with anger and Motto taken aback.  She was rather close and speaking with so much passion; “I need YOU.  My King.  Motto of Gilthlore, my Ruler and my utter everything.  All of your people love you as I do.  With our entire hearts.  You have just saved mine.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF00">“Lady Seta--”</span><br/><br/>Her hands were upon him.  Touching his naked flesh, sliding against his sensitive spots and her lips were prying his own open.