Responses
I think he’s aware of that, however, it’s rather obvious (even if he doesn’t realize it himself) that he has feelings for the 8th princess. He’s well aware of what “the right choice” for him to make in such a situation is, but you can’t blame him for still feeling conflicted when it means someone he cares about will be gone.
Personally, I'd rather let the royals die out. It's probs just my anti-absolute monarchy biased self talking, but the best option, if I were Valhayle, is to keep the optimum amount of my army alive than to risk it for a single princess' ass. Then propose a triumvirate of sorts with the other generals, the Julius Caesar style. We can co-manage the country or divide it into 3 regions and split it evenly among us. It's the peaceful and democratic way. :)