As much as King Edwin wanted to join her, he decided that it probably would be best to remain in the castle. He had some things inside that he'd wanted to keep under lock and key. He never trusted any of his servants enough to let them wander the castle freely while he was away... (Which never happened that often.) He smiled at Merida and slowly shook his head, "I think it's best I stay here." He said sadly...

When Merida asked... Why her? Well. "Why not you?" King Edwin asked. "You're a beautiful woman, Merida," He said, "And that isn't to say that the other women were not beautiful... If I had an escort for every woman in the kingdom, I'd surely make sure that they all returned home..." Safely. His mind added, but his tongue was too slow.

The King looked at Merida, "I can understand your anxieties, Miss Merida." He slowly backed away from her a little, to give her some space. As much as he'd love to have her for his new wife, he knew that he'd have to win her over. She was certainly no waif that he could just sweep off her feet with gentle words... No, she was a real woman. Someone that would definitely keep his interest for a long time. "I would hope that you'd allow me to provide you with an escort..."