<blockquote><div><cite>Sojourn wrote:</cite><br/>"Well, thank you. I try to help my people. Although, I don't blame you or your comrades. We preserve peace by being prepared for war. Without people like you, my lord, protecting Eirini, then who knows what would happen."<br/><br/>Cassandra might not like what happened in war but she understood it was necessary. Eirini needed a military to protect it from invaders. Of course, she didn't realize that one of the biggest threats to her home was the man she called her uncle. Russell was good at keeping up appearances and keeping his true thoughts only to himself and those who agreed with his cause.<br/><br/>Cassandra reached over and touched Arthur's arm briefly.<br/><br/>"Do not look down on yourself. Actually one of my biggest volunteers is a retired general, General Cole. He told me helping me gather things for the children and talking with them, it made it easier for him to sleep at night."<br/><br/>General Cole had been the head of Eirini's military for many years before old age had finally caught up to him. He still advised the younger soldiers when asked, but he went into retirement. The children seemed to love his war stories, although he told the princess he wasn't trying to glamorize war to them. He didn't want to scare them but tried to keep it realistic. He was a war hero and highly respected, Cassandra was sure his presence had helped make the last charity drive a success.</div></blockquote><br/>Arthur nodded. He had a great respect for General Cole. He studied him as he'd learned military strategy and history. He was an outstanding man. To think that age would affect a man like him was actually rather humbling. He frowned though. Doubts and regrets were not something that troubled General Cole. It made sense though. He took a sip of his drink while one of his childhood heroes was knocked of his God-like pedestal. It was healthier this way, though. He knew that.<br/><br/>Arthur had no idea as to Russell's treachery either. Well, he knew even less our the royal uncle than even the princess. The sad thing is that Russell's betrayal will hit Arthur hard as his over-the-top admiration for the king and his family extended to the royal brother. Why shouldn't it? The late king was as fantastic of a man as King Lars himself. He would never think the royal line capable of deceit and traitorous behavior.<br/><br/>Arthur smiled. It was cute how she was trying to reassure him. He appreciated it. He had been a little harsh on himself, he supposed. This was no time or place for a gloomy, pity party. This was a time for celebrating. The princess was proving herself to Arthur as the conversation went on. He started to wish that the night would go on forever. She was so easy to talk to. That was even more surprising considering she was the princess. She wasn't like most noble girls though. It was refreshing. He was unsure what to do when she touched his arm, however. It sparked something warm and soft in his heart. He gulped.<span style="font-style: italic">Yeah, this is not good.</span>