Cedric was nervous, but quickly nodded as he said to Lord Lyon,<br/><br/>"Yes sir. Brandy would be good sir."<br/><br/>Lord Lyon poured a bit in a snifter and handed it to Cedric. When Cedric tried to take the glass, Lord Lyon held fast to it. His eyes looked hard at Cedric, and he asked,<br/><br/>"Tell me Cedric, why have you come here with my daughter? It is no secret that you two disappeared from the ballroom for some time."<br/><br/>Cedric swallowed and looked sidelong to Kate, but looked back to Lord Lyon and said,<br/><br/>"We took a walk in the garden, though winter's cold tugged at us. I have come to ask to be your appointed protector of Lady Kate."<br/><br/>Lord Lyon let the glass slip from his hand and Cedric took it. He looked at Kate before looking back at Cedric, he said,<br/><br/>"Only a Royal Guard will be appointed to that position. And that you are not."<br/><br/>Cedric looked at the brandy and swirled it slightly before he said,<br/><br/>"But I do have front line experience sir, and if it is to the frontier where you wish me to go again, I will dutifully go. But know that I would not fail on this duty of which I ask should you see it in yourself to grant it."<br/><br/>Lord Lyon took a breath and looked at Kate who had so far been silent. He turned back to Cedric and said,<br/><br/>"You may leave. I wish to speak to my daughter alone."<br/>"As you wish sir."<br/><br/>Cedric downed the brandy in one throw and set the glass on Lord Lyon's desk and turned to leave...