Motto watched as Lady Genevieve was whisked away and tugged on his coat a little before turning and quickly striding to the castle's quick door; a small private entry point that he liked to mount his horse from.  Sure enough, Hector stood there with a blue sash while a stableman stood with a frisky-looking Fang.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">"Good thinking, Hector.." </span>The King donned the sash and gave his attendant's shoulder a pat.<br/><br/>Motto quickly lifted himself into the saddle and urged Fang to ride.  They rounded the corner and slowed a little to a stately trot.<br/><br/>"It is the King!"<br/><br/>"King Motto!<br/><br/>"King Motto!"<br/><br/>"He is here!"<br/><br/>"We've come to see the Lady, Sire!"<br/><br/>"Sire!  Sire!"<br/><br/>Motto raised his hand to quiet those nearest to him, which triggered a hush across the wide spread of people.<span style="color: #00FF40">"My good people!"</span>He spoke as loudly as he was able without shouting.<span style="color: #00FF40"> "It is a happy day!  Tomorrow you shall meet her, but today you may see her!  Look to the flowered terrace and gaze upon your future Queen!"</span>He pointed up to where Lady Genevieve and Elenore waited.  All eyes turned to see the fair Lady come out smiling.  One could hear a pin drop as she waved.  And then a mighty roar of joy erupted.   The people cheered and called and waved their blue cloth.  Horns blew from different places.  Motto's heart swelled to see such admiration for his bride-to-be.  If only they had but a closer view, they would sigh at Genevieve's graceful curves and befitting features. His own face flushed and chest did rise from where he sat tall upon his steed.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">"Do give her this doll I made for Her Ladyship Sire!"</span>He felt a pull at his boot.  A ten year old girl held out a humble craft.  Reaching down, King Motto took it and nodded, a tender smile coming before he meant for it.<span style="color: #00FF40">"Sire! Sire!  Your Majesty!  King Motto!  King Motto!"</span>Paper hearts, ribbons, gloves, bread.. all of these things were held up and he let a heart laugh loose.<span style="color: #00FF40">"Surely I cannot hold all of these!  Tomorrow my good people!  My Lady is in need of rest!"</span><br/><br/>Blue cloths waved and song slowly grew from the people, a hymn of their nation.  Simple and earnest in it's tune and sung with tears in many eyes.  At long last, they were to have a queen.  Elenore dabbed at her eyes from where she stood just out of sight be within reach while Hector lowered his head and smiled privately to himself.  The kingdom was well indeed.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">"Now..get to your homes and your stoves." </span>The King raised his hand and addressed them with tenderness.<span style="color: #00FF40"> "Your horses and mead.  We shall visit you tomorrow, my good people." </span>His heart was racing when he dismounted and re-entered the castle.<br/><br/>"Her Ladyship is in the upper stair, Sire."  Hector called after his King who had practically dashed by.<br/><br/>Motto took two steps at a time and reached the top to see Lady Genevieve just outside her chamber where there had been situated a chair.<span style="color: #00FF40">"My Lady, I am most grateful.  Are you well?"</span>He glanced at Elenore.<span style="color: #00FF40"> "Is she well?  Lady Genevieve, that is."</span>