"I will remember that advice, but who is to say I am not one of the madmen?" He smiled, light and full of laughter. This mask had grown easier to wear over the years, the careful combination of quiet humor and seriousness necessary to manage a career as a well liked lordling. "And you must remember I will only be your Warden of the East if the old man does not outlive me just to spite us all."
He shook his head, frowning now, "We can't have our King less than adequately defended. Though...who could you pick as replacement, who would not have their own agendas?"