The King and Queen stayed silent as the General spoke. Both kept their eyes on him, for different reasons. The King seemed to keep his gaze on his General for the sole purpose of paying attention to his words. The Queen, on the other hand, seemed to be evaluating the General. Her gaze, very discreetly, measure his complexion, the conditions of his body, and whatever could be seen of his character in his eyes and facial expressions. She kept her silence, though, as the King responded to Gaius.<br/><br/>"See that the families are taken care of, General", the King commanded, his voice with a distinct touch of concern. After this command, he kept his silence for a moment. His mind seemed to be racing behind his dark eyes. Only after the General inquired about his peace talks he spoke again.<br/><br/>"Not as well as one would hope. But we are making progress. Very slowly. Walk with me, General", the King commanded once more, rising from his throne. Before stepping away, he took the Queen's hand and kissed it. "Wait for me, my lady", he requested softly. The Queen nodded in agreement, staying where she was and following the two men only with her gaze.<br/><br/>The King waited for the two men to be at a sufficient distance of the thrones before resuming his speech. "I shall go on a progress, throughout a few kingdoms willing to talk of peace. I shall take my personal guard with me, but I wish you to protect something more precious than my own person." His gaze went over his shoulder for a moment. "I shall have my sons brought into here for as long as I am out of the kingdom. I wish for them and my Queen to the guarded by as many men as you can spare." Even though he did not need a real agreement, the King was still kind enough to ask for one. "Will you see that they are kept safe?"