Isolde opened the door to her chambers. Her eyes widened as she received the news of several riders.
She squinted, and bit her finger in thought. There was no way these were scouts for a war band. She wouldn't be alive if her brother had desired to kill her.

Unless he'd learned about [i]the mercenaries.[/i] The news spreading so quickly was alarming enough, but if her brother so much as smelled a rebellion, he'd send more than enough soldiers to crush them. Still, her troop was small. If she was careful, she could send them away without alarm. Cogs turned in her head, and she removed her finger, adopting a kind smile.

"You are to send one man to approach these riders. They are emissaries of my brother, the king, and should be invited inside as guests. I will speak to them personally, and assure my little brother of my safety. Your duty is to decide who greets them." she said, speaking in her soft, gentle voice.
"Oh, one more thing. Under no circumstances are you to discuss your employment, or any employees of the castle, for that matter. Should they ask any questions, tell them only that you are but a servant, but that I would be glad to answer any questions they have." her eyes narrowed.
"We have nothing to hide, so we will send them away thinking we're happy in our little woodland cottage. I ask only that you remember that even the finest sword can be crushed by a thousand rusted spears. Choose your rider carefully; he must show greater humility than even you display before me."

She turned, and nodded to Theodore and Guinan, giving her cheeriest smile.
"You two seem like a disciplined sort. Kind sirs, would you help me make sure the castle is ready for our guests? I need your men awake, and presentable. Armors polished, standing at attention. We also need to get rid of the, er.... guests you invited last night, and also have food and wine for three men prepared."