#both fronts

As odd as it sounds though, Unseelie tends to work on a sort of honor system when it comes to winter months and their ruler being on the surface. This is mainly because of how important the collection of the dead is to the Unseelie. They are viewed as the 'unfavorable' fae so they did get associated with the 'unfavorable' part of the cycle. However, like aspects of their negative reputation, there is a sort of pride that Unseelie has in upholding this part of circle of the seasons, the cycle of life and death.

They are still fae and they both respect and adhere to how nature is and revel in all parts of its being. They just so happen to get to celebrate during winter and in honor and 'with' the dead.

Of course that's not to say that there's never been those that attempt to cause trouble during the time. And that rulers past have not worked to deal with it. In the past it has varied greatly. A notable way that has been romanticized in Unseelie literature was a ruler that would leave their spouse in the Citadel while they were on the surface. Because that's whom they trusted most to watch over Unseelie in their stead. It was very star-crossed feeling with the rare meeting on the Winter Solstice and the New Year but otherwise do not see each other during the course of winter.

Balmoral does err to the side of caution. Half because he has control issues and half because he knows he's probably pissed the right kind of people that'd do sacrilege. As a result when he goes to the surface, half the generals are left in the realm. They do switch off, usually only one leaving from the realm up to the surface. Once they arrive one will go from the surface back down. Obviously, the only exception to this change of guard is Mhoirbheinn since his entire job is Balmoral's protection. He goes where Bal goes, essentially.

While the defense and control of the Unseelie is formidable regardless of the lineup of who's where, personally there is a 'golden' arrangement where like no shenanigans could ever go. And that arrangement has Balmoral, Mhoirbheinn, Solanine and Norval on the surface with Risteard, Siubhan, and Morgan down below. Mainly because that arrangement protects what's most important at that time.

On the surface the only real 'target' could be Balmoral as the ruler. Mhoirbheinn obviously does protection at all time and has complete control of the security measures at the Winter Palace. Solanine specializes in covert and 'personal' attacks and thus would be the best person to deal with perceived threat. And Norval more serves as a secondary face to be able to handle the entertaining when Balmoral is either busy with Sluagh na Marbh or when the king needs a break. As self-centered as it sounds Balmoral is priority on the surface.

In the realm, it's the ability to mobilize and defend that's a bit more important. While not all of the militia is present due to their participation in the Sluagh na Marbh and security detail, there are enough for Siubhan to be able to maintain a physical presence to deter those from starting something in Unseelie. Morgan's magic allows for quick deployment of protection if needed as well as communication both between Unseelie and the surface and within Unseelie as a whole. And of course Risteard serves as the best executor of Balmoral's will without him being present.

i meant do you like orange juice-?