Bennington arched a brow, she could tell by the expression that he was contemplating what kind of 'service' Magnus provided to her family. That was easy, she could tell shades of the truth without having to lie.<br/><br/>"He was part of the royal guard, he served my father." Eira explained, letting her focus fall to Simon for now. It was the truth, she was not sure how her father had carried favor or made some sort of deal with the dragon, but he was the one to enlist the dragon's help. Eira had found that Simon was always on the look for out for intrigue, his court was full of competitors and spies. It was why he had "rescued" her. He had the best chance for his father's throne, but there were plenty around him who would have torn apart his claim if they could. Saving and courting a deposed princess might be enough to solidify his position.<br/><br/>He had not said that exactly, but she knew enough of his interactions to tell she was merely a trophy, just as a chest of gold would have been.<br/><br/>"He was traveling during the attack, to help a loved one how had fallen on hard times," Eira explained further, in her mind she could almost picture it as if it had happened. It was easy to imagine Magnus in the sort of armor her father's guard wore, especially now.<br/><br/>"You were seeking a bodyguard for me, with the continued threats on my life. I trust this man, if he were at the castle the night of the attack, we might have stopped the traitorous Lord who sought my father's throne." Her eyes were on Simon, but shifted back to Magnus. She did what she could to keep her cheeks from turning pink. She wanted to run to him and throw her arms around him, thankful for the comfort of a friendly face, but she remained neutral. Simon stood up and walked over to Magnus, sizing him up.<br/><br/>"She has no riches, no army...Would you still serve her, though she's lost all position?"