Arthur subtly watched Irene's fingers tighten around the reins she held onto. He knew that if she wasn't wearing riding gloves, her knuckles would likely be white.
As much as he wanted to reach over and squeeze her hand so she would release her grasp a bit, he knew that these feelings were necessary. Going back into the knighthood as she was wouldn't be easy. Others' perception of her might be skewed.
However, he had seen how hard she had trained and knew that she could fend off just about anyone. It was likely someone would catch her off guard.
Since the knighthood was full of men who supported her, that was what mattered the most.
"Let's press on," Arthur gently urged his daughter.
She complied right away.
Irene was happy to be on horseback because her legs suddenly felt weak when the reality of what she was about to do struck her, with the tower finally in view.
