A helpless look was upon His Lord’s face as the Lady cupped his cheek.  Hector privately laughed at how obviously taken Motto was with the fair Princess.    It was an ideal union with Lady Genevieve being so courageous and yet so tender...among other things.  She was clever and refined..and clearly fond of Motto.    Her affections were charming.  Hector turned his eyes away towards the end of the Royal couple’s intimate farewell; missing the heaving chest of his young King.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Genevieve...I will take you into my chambers and keep thee to myself this night.”  </span>He bowed low and kissed her hand.  She would feel a dense shift in the air where his lips met her skin.  Hector closed his eyes and shook his head but said nothing.  After Motto had left, his mood became somber.<br/><br/>“My Lady, ...tonight was the first time King Motto was able to control himself in that state.  Normally he destroys everything and cannot stop himself…”  He retrieved a small stone from his pocket.  Green and smooth.. unremarkable at the very least.  “When she gave  it to me, his mother only said to keep it from him and to use it only when it in grave need.    As you have seen, My Lady, he is utterly captivated by it and cannot take his eyes off it when it’s exposed.   I shall keep it a while longer before passing the terrible thing to you.”    He sighed and put it away.  “King Motto has never harmed those he perceives to be innocent ...if that is of any consolation to you.  He has had only four incidents… the first being when his parents were murdered.  The invasion ended shortly after he found them.  A single, twelve year old boy slaughtered an entire army that day.   There was a war in the far east ..he did not return with his men and it took weeks to locate him.  There were no survivors.  Only rivers of blood.  The two other incidents were with you, My Lady.”<br/><br/>The old man reached out to take Genevieve's hand in a comforting way.  “He overcame himself this night for your sake.  He fears his power and strives to see the people of Gilthlore are happy.  He is simple and good My Lady, do forgive me for withholding these things.  I worried that you would find My Lord too...dim-witted and depart at the first opportunity.”<br/><br/><br/>Motto paused when he noticed the noblewoman standing in the General’s office.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Excuse me, I..meant to discuss matters with the General.” </span>He began to bow before leaving when Lady Setaphina’s airy voice met his ears.<br/><br/>“I am here in his place, My Lord.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“....I..don’t understand.  I mean no disrespect, My Lady but my words are for the General only.”</span><br/><br/>“Of course, Sire.  I am only meant to relay his deepest apologies for his absence.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“..I see.  …Very well..Good evening.” </span>He began to leave.<br/><br/>“My Lord?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Yes?”</span><br/><br/>“May I..accompany you ?  I have heard that strange things happened tonight and...I am a bit..afraid.”<br/><br/>Motto blinked several times and bit his lip.<span style="color: #00BF40">“O-of course, certainly, My Lady.”</span>