Lenore laughs a little at the comment on the inept soldiers of the army, soft and breathy, a little too sorrowful in this moment to manage any stronger laughter.

"I won't be astounded," Lenore murmurs, eyes warm with affection as she keeps her hand cupped against Gideon's cheek. "I already know you're going to be perfect."

She lingers for just a moment longer, calculating how much to ask for, then nods, dropping her hand to her lap. "All right. Swear a bargain with me. I will provide you with a life of comfort and pleasure, in addition to a monthly salary adequate to feed a small family." Lenore doesn't expect Gideon to have an understanding of the numbers of money or even the names and exchange rates, so she doesn't bother naming a sum. Better to put it in terms of something that translates easily. The stated salary is piteously low for a queen's bodyguard, but Gideon already stated that she wasn't previously paid, and Lenore wants to keep the leash tight for now. All comforts come directly from Lenore. Beyond that, a little pocket money. "In exchange, you will protect and obey me, keep my secrets and aid me in achieving my goals. You will have the freedom to leave my service at any time you choose, but you will give me the opportunity to renegotiate terms if you should so desire to leave."

She holds out her hand between them in order to clasp on the terms of this vow.