<span style="font-style: italic">"I am still a maiden, if that's what you're implying." </span><br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/BKmruPA.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/>Motto's mouth fell open.  Somehow he had questioned her purity!  How to apologize?  Before the stammering could start, her voice delivered him.  Motto listened carefully to the dark elements of royal life as she explained herself; he was well aware of the unkind monarchies that bordered his domain and felt that he understood the Lady's sentiment.  Until things took an unexpected turn.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"..I have been sent from suitor to suitor in the hopes that a deal would be made with the end goal of bedding me." </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">"Wa--" </span>he choked on his own spittle and it was some time befoe he was able to recover.  Clearing his throat once the fit passed, Motto kept his eyes forward and strove for a Kingly tone.<span style="color: #00FF40">"I had nothing to do with our arrangement.  My people want for a Queen, My Lady, and so I asked my advisors to find such a woman.  I did not choose to be King, yet here I stand.. and so shall you, my Lady.  By my side and with our people's hearts the only concern." </span>His expression softened into something faintly sad.<span style="color: #00FF40">"I have no other expectations."</span><br/><br/>His arm had dropped to his side after she released him, but Motto wasn't aware of it.  He simply continued to walk and and think.  There was still one problem that hadn't been addressed.<span style="color: #00FF40"> "As for producing an heir..I am resigned to it.  I will not trouble you with any unwanted affection otherwise." </span>It was utterly heartbreaking to think that his Kingship would lack the love and joy that filled his parents' rule.