“Sire.”<br/><br/>Motto jerked his head up and blinked several times.  He was on his throne.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Right.  See to it that the ..forces are ..that they remain stationed.” </span>He’d been discussing the border militia and drifted off.  His crown was heavy and Motto’s eyes wished to rest.<br/><br/>“Yes, Sire.”  The General bowed and exited.  The young King did not like the idea of extending his soldier's time where they stood guard.  It was a taxing position for them and rest was normally given after a lengthy time.  He had argued with the General that sending replacements would be better but the commander had come well prepared.  Motto pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut.  Not only would his men miss the wedding but now they would be overworked.  He wanted to find a better solution but there were many other things to deal with and little time.  Besides, his General was meant for this very purpose and Motto needed to trust his choices.<br/><br/>He stood suddenly and stepped down from his chair.  Without a word, the King strode out leaving several nobles standing there baffled.  Motto entered the library minutes later and weaved his way through the standing shelves to the far corner he had spent many hours in as a child.  It was where he’d hid when things were difficult.  To his dismay, the armchair was occupied.<br/><br/>Jorgenson lifted his eyes and a wrinkled smile played on his face.  “Why hello there, young Motto.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“...I .. hello.”  </span><br/><br/>“It looks as though his majesty is troubled.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“I am well.  Good day to you.”</span>With a distracted nod, Motto turned and left.  He couldn’t bring himself to have the old man to leave.  Sighing, the King glanced down the corridor once he left the library and considered briefly the stables.  Fang was always ready for a ride, but it wouldn’t do for him to be away for a lengthy time.  It was reckless already to take a short escape from his duties.  Squaring his shoulders, Motto lifted his chin and walked back to the throne room.<br/><br/>It was well past the lunching hour by the time he noticed.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“What about-”</span><br/><br/>“Her Ladyship has been seen to, My Lord.”  Hector finished patiently.  He gave the King’s back a pat and gentle nudge towards his private office.  Motto’s shoulders drooped.  He had missed a meal with Genevieve.  He took a bit of meat and begin to chew when it occurred to him that it might look like a retaliation of some kind.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Hector!  I am in need of advice!” </span>He took hold of the old man and shook him a little.<span style="color: #00BF40">“I fear I have offended her!  L-lady Genevieve.  I bedded her last night and she was not there when I woke.  It was late and … I know not why she left my side.  I looked for her and could not find her.  And now I have left HER side to dine alone!  This was not deliberate Hector!  What should I do?”</span><br/><br/>“Your grip is painful, Sire.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“TELL ME WHAT TO DO!”</span><br/><br/>“What does your instinct tell you?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“.....”</span>Motto released his attendant slowly.<span style="color: #00BF40">“I don’t know.  I … am saddened greatly.”  </span><br/><br/>“Do not fret.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“Hector..I should like to be alone.”</span><br/><br/>“Very well.  The garden is especially beautiful today, Sire.”  Motto looked up to see the door shut and removed his crown with a heavy heart.  The garden wasn’t going to help him with matters such as these.