The Value of Royal Blood

At the sight of another one of them combusting inwardly, losing their soul to the odd fire, morale fluctuated, adrenaline rushing in different courses.

There was no greater insult to a nation's military might than having to hesitate when they had the numerical advantage of 1000 to 0.001. 

What added salt to the wound was that the Queen was being disrespected in front of said military, but rushing in without a thought to protect Her Majesty's honor would serve no purpose whatsoever.

What was more terrifying than death, was a futile death.

Many among the Sif soldiers had begun to develop thoughts along the lines of:

'Even if I die trying to attack the Ode… it won't mean anything. It will not save the Queen and even past my death, her name will still be besmirched by that man.'

It was a valid thought to have.

But then, if an impulsive attack was a stupid thing to do, what about the options the Ode laid forward.