It was absolutely horrifying: Motto's past. Her heart felt for young Motto. To lose both parents in a single day, only to discover such a raw, frightening power within. Genevieve heaved a sigh as Hector pulled out the stone from before. It was an awful thing. She felt a repulsion to it she had never known, and yet...she gazed upon that stone as still faced as if it were just a rock. She was glad when Hector put the horrid thing away. She relaxed visibly.<br/><br/>Genevieve held onto Hector's hands with her own. He was not alone in his love and loyalty for Motto, and Genevieve hoped to convey that to the older gentleman with a gentle squeeze. "Dim witted?" Genevieve chuckled. Motto was hardly dimwitted. Genevieve did feel a pang of guilt, however. She<span style="font-style: italic">had</span>arrived with every intention to leave at her first opportunity. Genevieve said as much and assured Hector he had made the correct choice in waiting. "This might come as a surprise to you," Genevieve teased the old man, for she knew it wouldn't be a surprise. "But I had come with every intention of leaving at the first opportunity. In fact, I had my mind set on Motto sending me away." Genevieve sat back on the couch, a fond smile on her face. "If not for his stubbornness..." She shook her head just slightly. If not for his stubbornness, she would have missed out on something wonderful and, quite possibly, never get a chance at again. Even if she did not say it, Genevieve was beginning to fall in love with the man.<br/><br/>Her smile turned down slightly. She had questions and had allowed herself to get distracted. "Hector...whay happens after the stone is used on him? Are there side effects?" Genevieve had learned forward now, attentive. "Can the stone be destroyed?" If that was an option, would she take it? It was a risk having it around. Of course, she had not seen the destruction 12 year old Motto had caused.<br/><br/>______<br/><br/>"It's very kind of you, My Lord," Setaphina had snaked her arm around the King's elbow as they walked the halls. She was sure his intentions were to take her to her room, but the brunette kept getting distracted, or taking corridors out of the way. "To accompany me." Setaphina feigned a blush and turned down her gaze. The King would see a delicate noblelady in need of protection. Really, Setaphina was scheming in her head. Trying to figure out what she could say to wiggle her way into Motto's affections.<br/><br/>"I have yet to meet your betrothed. I've heard she quite pretty." A lie. Setaphina had heard she was absolutely gorgeous, but she did not want to talk up Genevieve too much. Just enough to avoid his suspiciouns when she inevitably was able to intervene. Setaphina opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. Her brow was knitted with worry as she tried to speak again. Her grip on the King's arm tightened just so and she pulled the lair to a stop. "Your Majesty, may I ask you something?" Setaphina waited for permission before speaking up, her brown eyes speaking of worry she did not actually feel. "Is she right for Gilthlore? No doubt I trust your judgement, please.. I truly hope I'm not offending, but have you given thought to the consequence of having a foreign Queen?"<br/><br/>______<br/><br/>"I worry..." Genevieve's frown had deepened. She held a finger to her chin in thought and had reclined back in the couch once more. "He can be so vulnerable with that stone around." She wanted to protect Motto. "People can be cruel, which I'm sure you know. What if there are other ways of controlling him outside of that stone?" The thought was alarming! She could not protect him from everything. Genevieve's fingers fidgeted in her lap. She was chewing on her bottom lip. "I worry about the time I have left with him. Does using his power, or the stone, shorten his lifespan?"<br/><br/>_____<br/><br/>As their talk came to a close, Genevieve thanked Hector. She was glad to know now and felt much more confident in her ability to help Motto. Upon exiting the private parlor, Genevieve looked about the tastefully decorated walls of the corridor. "Might I ask you to escort me to the King's Chambers. I truly do only wish to tell him goodnight. He needs to rest, I think. I just.." Genevieve looked a bit embarrassed. "I'm not familiar with its whereabouts."