It wasn't long after Rudolf's threatening spiel that the king appeared through the thin trees from the east, guiding his steed behind him by the leather rein.
Heiko trailed behind the horse, stiff but maintaining his icy disposition. Despite riding through mud, he was immaculate. He and his brother both.
As Ingo tied rein to a small tree - near where the other horses had been tethered - Heiko cast his guardsmen a quick and appraising glance, ultimately finding no cause of concern, before flashing his jade eyes to Cele.
The action elicited the involuntary movement from Cele's mouth, poising itself to speak - though, in all honesty, the general had no idea what he would've said, even if Ingo had not returned so suddenly, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder.
“Sit," he commanded, though his tone seemed far gentler than it had been only a few hours prior.
The prince brushed Ingo's hand off of him, not offering him even a second of attention.