King Lars had enjoyed talking with people. He hoped that all parents were as proud of their children as he was of his. He listened happily to the Baron and Baroness tell him about Arthur and his younger brother. He told the couple that he would like to meet Walter someday. Although soon James would be king, Lars did not plan to just fade into retirement. He would still be parties and meeting people, it was just his son would be in charge of running the kingdom instead of him.<br/><br/>"Have a good evening, Lord and Lady Harrington."<br/><br/>Cassandra told the couple with a smile when they parted ways to chat with their friends. She caught the wink the Baron gave his son and shook her head slightly with a smile. It amused her, especially the look his wife shot him. If her father's mind was more sound, he would probably have done the same thing. She gave Arthur a smile and replied.<br/><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.