The leader realizes it even before he sees her tears. Being in the King's employ, one is used to taking orders without any thought of what affect it may have upon others. After all, the highest honor is serving the King.

But, the King had not ordered this ...they had taken it upon themselves.  Everyone always scrambling to gain the favor of the King ...it should have dawned on him why the others had allowed him to lead with this one.

It was probably because they had doubts over their own suggestion ...but, so eager to lead, he now realizes he had failed as a leader.  He should have known better, but he had eagerly told the King ...and now the King will be expecting him to deliver.

Having a daughter of his own, this leader feels he is, in a way, failing all daughters everywhere.  With certain things it is difficult to hide the business of the King, and in this case they will likely know ...who is responsible.

The leader feels like running away ...and not returning to the King, but he knows he can't.  His family will  be eagerly waiting for him ...and he will confess his failures to them, and try to salvage respect with the family's friends.