"Yes. Good girl." Lenore's hair is just getting the final touches of diamond pins to secure it, so she rises and goes to greet Gideon properly. Her face tilts up with a smile as she draws Gideon down, giving her another sweet kiss on the lips to mollify her and continue to cement the idea that good behavior receives approval and affection.

But then they're on their way, heading off down the hall, Lenore in the lead and Gideon just a step behind while the two maids trail after carrying bundles. There's a squadron of soldiers already in the courtyard, loading horses and sleighs. Thirty soldiers altogether for a royal entourage. One of the maids climbs into the covered sleigh, while the other one just packs it and then backs away, only coming forward when it seems like Lenore needs something else.

Lenore mounts a beautiful white horse with a blue and silver harness, while a large black animal is brought for Gideon, along with the two-handed sword that had been confiscated after the battle.

"Can you ride?" Lenore asks, grimacing a little with concern that accommodations might have to be made for her bodyguard's lack of equine ability.