It was easy to see Lady Genevieve’s dislike for his suggestion, and King Motto found himself floundering.  He wanted to please her so badly, but it was vital that he remain strong on matters of importance!<span style="font-style: italic">"I appreciate your willingness to accommodate me, My Lord, but I can't ask that of you." </span>She looked at him, and Motto felt paralyzed.  He was loosing his ground.<span style="font-style: italic">“... I must embrace my role. In doing so, I must embrace your colors and leave my own behind." </span>Something sparked up within the King and his attention suffered; her next words met with a short nod.  His mind was whirling and his heart’s vigor swelled.<span style="font-style: italic">"May I ask, My Lord,"</span>Motto’s eyes refocused on the lovely Lady Genevieve and he was taken aback upon seeing her playful expression.<span style="font-style: italic">"Is there any significance to the blue ribbon, or is it just a preference?"</span><br/><br/>A loud scrape tore through the otherwise pleasant atmosphere as the King stood quickly.<span style="color: #00FF40">“You..I..do not have to explain myself to you!”</span>He was blushing furiously.<span style="color: #00FF40">“If colors are such a difficulty then we shall do away with them altogether and wear nothing at all!”</span>A kitchen maid gasped.  Motto knew he had gone too far and hated it.<span style="color: #00FF40"> “Fear not Dear Lady, I shall not command it but offer it as yet another alternative for you to <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">reject</span></span>!”  </span><br/><br/>“Sire.”<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://66.media.tumblr.com/7e07958210914ec4204d0c03c93cc9b3/tumblr_inline_pg9dse8io41trff3p_540.gif">[ img ]</a><br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“Woe to the man who is to be good enough for the perfect Lady Genevieve!  Surely he must be a profound <span style="font-style: italic">fool</span> to ..”</span><br/><br/>“Sire.”<br/><br/>Motto closed his eyes and lowered his head.  Never in all his days had he lost his temper.  He was shaking and nearly mad!   He began to leave but thrust out a hand to grip the door’s frame.  Hector   was just behind him and gently pushed on Motto’s back for him to complete his exit, but the King would not move.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">“You are free to dine as you please, My Lady, for this evening.”</span><br/><br/>With that, he strode away and the servants looked at one another bewildered.  All except Hector and Elenore.  And the old cook.