Genevieve enjoyed the silence on the carriage ride home. Home? Could she say, after 2 days, that the castle was her home? She<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>to be married. Unless the King went her away, it would be her home. At this moment, with the breeze blowing through her hair and leaning upon the King with his arm around her waste, Genevieve was content with the idea. She had all but forgotten the King's outburst at dinner last night and let herself relax.<br/><br/>The carriage slowed to a halt and the King's arm slowly left her waist, leaving behind a warm band that's started cooling immediately. She would be lying if she said she didn't wish it had lasted just a little while longer.<span style="font-style: italic">"I would eat, My Lady, if she wishes it.”</span>Genevieve, too,  noticed the snickering guard and her brow furrowed.<span style="font-style: italic">"Normally I have a hearty appetite, but lately I am finding my tastes somewhat changed.”</span>The footman still could not control himself. What did he find so funny?<span style="font-style: italic">"My Lady, are you well enough for dining? I am happy to postpone our meal if it pleases you."</span>She went to answer but the footman simply could not contain himself. The King's response to the footman startled her.<br/><br/>"I am sorry, My Lord, but I've felt the lack of rest catching up to me today. Might I rest tonight and tomorrow? And rejoin you the day after?" After the King's response, Genevieve took the footman's offered hand.<br/><br/>_____<br/><br/>The morning sunlight shone through Genevieve's balcony windows and she stirred. There was quiet whispers in her room and Genevieve opened one eye just a sliver to see Mildred and Lavern setting up her breakfast and clothes. Very ornate clothes. Genevieve groaned and rolled over, her hair a tangled mess. Yesterday's relaxation had done her good. She had enjoyed a warm bath, spent some time recanting her carriage ride with old Jorgensen, played cards with her lady's maids, and eavesdropped on a few noble ladies gossiping about her as she snuck about the castle unattended. Today she would be able to tackle whatever was thrown at her.<br/><br/>Genevieve hauled herself from her bed and slumped onto a chair at the table and rubbed her eyes as Elenore opened her chamber door. "What timing. You always seem to know right when I awaken."<br/><br/>"It is my job, my Lady." Elenore began combing through Genevieve's tangles.<br/><br/>"I think my fatigue compromised my emotions the other day." Genevieve spoke outloud while buttering some bread. "What else could it have been? I practically threw myself at the king while in that carriage. Speaking of: the design to take off the top? Brilliant." Genevieve took a bite. "I shall have to write father about- oh no. He'll be here for the wedding I'm sure."<br/><br/>She prattled away as her three maids helped her dress. With a gown as ornate as the one she was wearing, it took all three. The gown itself was ivory laced with a pale blue and sapphires lined the bodice. Genevieve felt the weight of the layers, but admired the craftsmanship. "Are we doing the portrait today?" Elenore nodded while the woman adorned her hair with a ringlet of silver. "Wait!" Genevieve's outburst made Elenore jump. "A ribbon. I need a blue ribbon in my hair."<br/><br/>The room in which the easel was set up was absolutely lovely and Genevieve, having been informed she was to choose the pose, chose to have the pair stand on the balcony. Not only would it be much cooler, but the fresh air would keep them brisk. Genevieve sat upon a chair, the weight of her gown forcing her to do so every so often, as she awaited the king. When he arrived, she rose and curtsied. He matched her own and he was beautiful. Both the painter and King awaited her instruction and Genevieve jumped with the realization. "Oh! I'm...thats right."<br/><br/>She went to the balcony and cautiously approached the King. She had put some thought into how they should pose. Guiding his hand around her waist, Genevieve stepped in close and pressed against him. She slipped her own arm under his and around his waist, using him to support her. Her other arm came to rest on his chest, his own holding her her upper back. Genevieve knew now why so many of the portraits were so romantic. The women needed help standing in such heavy ornate gowns! Genevieve looked up at the king, her stomach fluttering. "I apologize if I'm making you uncomfortable, My Lord. It's just this gown is so...heavy."