The King governed with the guidance of his principal nobles, creating a council that played a crucial role in decisions of the realm. This collaboration marked the establishment of a military aristocracy whose influence and authority were rooted in their fortified castles. These strongholds not only served as residences but were also strategic bases for asserting control over the surrounding territories.

The nobles' power hinged on their ability to maintain defense and order within their domains. Their military capabilities allowed them to enforce the King's will while also enabling them to command loyalty and secure their own positions of authority, reinforcing the feudal structure that defined the governance of the time.