Elenore looked to Hector and bit her lip upon hearing Her Ladyship’s question.  Both servants exited just behind their future Queen and hurried to their respective masters.  King Motto had already torn his coat off when Hector arrived.<br/><br/>The servant quietly observed his King, careful not to let his smile show.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“I ...have NEVER been so humiliated!” </span>Motto paced angrily and smacked a book from his desk.<span style="color: #00FF40"> “How dare she ask about the ribbon!  Shall I explain every little trifle to her?  Because it would take days, Hector.  Days to put to words my ...fondness.  And hopes.  OH BUT SHE WAS SMILING!  Having a laugh at my sentiment!” </span>Motto kicked a chair and pointed at Hector.<span style="color: #00FF40"> “I was about to don her kingdom’s colors!  To CONFUSE my own dear PEOPLE, Hector!  I am nearly powerless at seeing a trace of sadness in My Lady’s eyes!”</span>He turned away and threw open his windows.<span style="color: #00FF40"> “This is unacceptable.  I am … I FEEL WEAK DAMMIT!”</span><br/><br/>“It is not weak to care for Her Ladyship, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“I WOULD CUT OFF MY RIGHT HAND IF IT WOULD PLEASE HER..  Is this not insane, Hector?  I am OBVIOUSLY ILL.”</span><br/><br/>“Not at all my Lord, but possibly in love.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“Love? oh no no. ha ha ha.. Not so.  I’ve seen lovers, Hector.  It is much different.”</span><br/><br/>“Ah.  I must be getting old, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“Hector this is no time for laughing!  I …!  I require ice.  Please.  Cold water..”</span><br/><br/>The servant noticed his King’s averted eyes and body.  “Of course, Sire.  A bath then.”<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>King Motto found the rest of the day a blur.  He was fatigued moreso now than ever, and distracted to the point where he muttered angrily to himself in the corridors.  Twice he passed by the Lady’s chamber door, and twice he stocked away red-faced.  It took two baths to ease his suffering, and the King fell into a trouble slumber.  He waited in vain for the Lady in the antechamber and when Motto found out that Lady Genevieve had refused to come, he nearly punched a guard.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“HAVE THINGS BROUGHT TO MY LADY’S CHAMBER.” </span>He bellowed.<span style="color: #00FF40"> “SOME TEA AND BISCUITS AND….AND TELL ME WHAT SHE HAS CHOSEN TO WEAR.”  </span><br/><br/>In less than an hour’s time, King Motto stood dressed in a golden uniform and wearing his crown by the open carriage.    His gloved hands were clasped tightly behind his back while he watched the grand stair for signs of his bride-to-be.  In spite of his frustrations and concerns, Motto couldn’t help but feel the joyful spirit that seemed to fill the air.  It eased his tense mind, and calmed his troubled heart.<br/><br/>He would gaze upon Lady Genevieve if and when she descended, and offer his hand to assist her into the carriage.  Many white horses whinnied and hoofed at the bricked way, they too were in a fine mood.