Having been only a short episode in his altered state, Motto was himself again well before he reached the castle.  Hector was waiting for him near the stables.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Is she ….” </span>Motto didn’t dare to say it out loud.  Had she left?  Did he lose his dear Princess?<br/><br/>“Asleep?  Yes.  Her Ladyship is safe and sound in her chambers, My Lord.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“I love her.”</span><br/><br/>“I know.”  Hector pet the King’s head and tousled his wild hair.  “Come.  A meal and a bath are in order, Sire.”<br/><br/>Later when the castle was dark and quiet, King Motto paced in the library and wondered how to explain  things.  He had to tell her at some point and Motto realized that he was afraid to.  Of course now he had made things a hundred-fold worse.    He left the library and walked the halls.  Motto dreaded the sunrise because it meant losing her.  And yet..she was standing in the moonlit corridor.  It was a dream of course..his heart and mind creating a vision he wanted most.  Motto smiled to himself and came closer.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“I should have told you sooner.”</span>He said, his voice broke mid-sentence; a sorrowful crease danced upon his brow.