Before Julius could reply, the woman in question spoke up for herself and the Patriarch frowned, worried for a moment about her faux paus. He was annoyed that he had not had the chance to speak first. Nonetheless, as he always had done, he hid his irritation with a smile and a bow as he handed the king the decree.
"Indeed, Your Grace. You know that I am a king's man through and through. When she was brought before me, I knew I had to honor your late father's decree," he told him as he studied his expression. He was attracted to her as was Brother Beorn, the foolish boy, but he was also suspicious. That information could be of great use.
"Brother Beorn has been seeing to her living arrangements to my understanding. She is here at your pleasure, however, Your Grace."
Lelinus was never strong enough to wield a sword, but with a bow, he was the equal of any man upon the battlefield. With a smile, Leo knocked an arrow and pulled it back before sending it flying across the courtyard into the target. He didn't need to watch it fly to know it hit the center of the target.
"Deadly as always, Leo," Beorn commented with a slight smile, though he seemed distracted. He was probably worried about the Evangelina or about his investigation. He had told Lelinus his suspicions that evening and Leo had believed him. His father had wanted to tell him something, but he never got the chance and now Brynjar was to be king. These were dangerous times that they were living in.
"So, what are you going to do? When you are asked to bend the knee and swear loyalty?" Beorn asked. Leo frowned.
"I won't challenge him openly. Not without cause. But I won't trap myself in oaths."
"Lady Evangelina.... I've let her step into a hornets' nest," Beorn said uncertainly. Lelinus tried smiling reassuringly at him.
"Father saw something in her and besides... I won't let Brynjar harm innocent people. Not if I can help it. The king can't always do as he likes."
"He can try... How is Princess Ingrid?"
"She's... Pleasant. Though, distraught that her brother is leaving soon. It must be strange, to care for your sibling," he commented.