When Hadrian was told who was at the door, he granted him entry without hesitation. He knew Valeria was in the infirmary—primarily as a precaution. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to visit, though he was sure she understood. These weren’t times when he could afford personal privileges.

He assumed Keir had arrived to give the commander an update on Valeria. Hadrian couldn’t imagine any other reason. When Keir entered, he greeted him with a strained smile. He was a nice boy, but he had Hadrian had never really developed a connection with one another. But he treated Valeria well, and that was enough.

“What can I do for you, Keir?"

Hadrian was set to see her later and was glad to hear that she was in good condition—not that he had doubted the efforts of Nevermere’s finest healers. He nodded once in acknowledgment, though the relief did show through ever so slightly on his features.

As for the request…perhaps it should come as a surprise, but somehow it didn’t. Kier had asked him before—before his courting Valeria and their subsequent marriage—but he’d let the request drift away. Perhaps it had been selfishness on his part to leave the matter alone. To be a member of the King’s Guard was prestigious and, given the current war on the horizon, relatively safe.

But separating his personal feelings, Hadrian assessed the validity of Keir’s argument. He was right.

“You’d start out as a private again,” Hadrian said, speaking slowly, “That would mean taking orders. Lots of hard work. But…” He sighed, “You’d serve us well. There’s no doubt about that.”

Hadrian paused, debating whether to tell Keir his own piece of news before Valeria did, finally deciding honesty was the best policy.

“I asked her to resign from the military earlier this afternoon. She agreed.” Hadrian let the statement stand alone, waiting for Keir’s reaction. Hadrian, of course, had reasons he could launch into. A whole argument of why this was the right thing—for everyone.

But instead, he waited for Keir’s first reaction.

"Oh?" and though his response was short, unorthodox a relief washed over Keir and he tried his best to recover, "Sorry, sir that wasn't the correct response. Thank you," Keir admitted, "I couldn't have asked her to do that and don't think I haven't thought about asking her Commander because I have...with things going the way they are, keeping her as far away from it..I appreciate that," Keir couldn't have honestly asked or told Valeria to resign from service she certainly would have told him (Keir) no as kindly as she could.

"What did she say?"

Hadrian nodded, glad that Keir saw the wisdom of the request. Hadrian had every confidence that the military would recover from this setback, but as for his own niece…well, some risks just weren’t worth taking.

“She agreed,” Hadrian said with a sigh, “Reluctantly, but she agreed. Valeria is a woman that values purpose and service, so as long as she can find a new purpose—another way to serve—I think she’ll be just fine.”

Knowing Val had agreed washed away every bit of stress set in his shoulders, "That's great sir, really great and I'm sure you'll find her something with equally good purpose," Keir didn't doubt the Commander would find something good for Val to do especially with the delivery of the baby approaching, "Is there anything else Commander? If not I'd like to collect my things and prepare to return to service."