At the King's dismissal Genevieve, along with everyone else around her, gave their curtsies and scattered "My Lord"s as he strode away. As Elenore made sure the maid was looked after, Genevieve couldn't help but think of what had just transpired. He<span style="font-style: italic">insisted</span>she take his arm when they were together? Genevieve's brow almost rose at his words. Perhaps he didn't realize that he was asserting his dominance? Not that it mattered, this was a man's world after all and any well trained woman wouldn't have given his statement a second thought, but Genevieve did. Choosing to stay in the gardens a little longer, Genevieve made the decision that she would most certainly<span style="font-style: italic">not</span>take his arm. She wouldn't make a big fuss about it, however,  that would be imprudent.<br/><br/>After her stroll along the gardens, Genevieve was taken to meet a few of the nobles that lived within the castle. Not many were about, and she only met a few of the older nobles, but they all seemed quite taken with her. While their conversations varied, there was one universal comment: she would do good for the King. Genevieve graciously accepted their compliments before being taken back to her chamber to change for dinner. She had hoped to wear the same dress, but the king had already seen her, plus his clothing was very fine, despite the mud. She would have felt very under dressed.<br/><br/>Despite Elenore's disapproval at Genevieve wanting to wear one of her own dresses, the older maid chose a beautiful ivory silk gown laced with red along the hems and bodice. It was one of the nicer dresses Genevieve owned and she hoped it would do for dinner. Along with her gown, Genevieve wore fire drops around her neck and matching elbow length gloves. Her hair was done up into a loose updo, curls spilling down her back. Genevieve inspected herself in the mirror while playing with the ruffles at her bosom. Was she modest enough? Turning sideways she looked at the shape of her bodice. Perhaps it was too tight? Of course, Elenore had not only picked out the gown, she had helped her dress as well. Surely she would have said something? Banishing her worries from her mind, Genevieve followed Elenore to a finely furnished parlor.<br/><br/>The King stood awaiting them, just as regal as he had been in the gardens. While the grime hadn't hidden just how handsome the man was, it hadn't done him any favors. There was no way he had never had a suitor. Perhaps a secret lover? Surely there had to have been<span style="font-style: italic">someone</span>? A man as beautiful has him? Wait-why did she care? It's not like she was actually going to<span style="font-style: italic">marry</span>him. She would defy him enough that he would send her away. Where she would be forced to repeat the same game until she too old to marry. Goodness, but it was exhausting.<br/><br/>Smiling politely, Genevieve curtsied with a "My Lord." His coat was just as beautiful as he was. "You're coat is lovely." She was struggling for words. Why was it so awkward for her? "Shall we adjourn to the dining room?" Pointedly, though silently, Genevieve folded her hands before herself. If that wasn't obvious enough, Genevieve didn't know what to do. She didn't want to come off as rude, but she neither was she going to concede. Genevieve was much too strong willed. "I met a few of your nobles. They're lovely." Of course, it could have been a ruse, but it seemed the older nobles she had met did care for their young ruler.