Tyrant's Obsession With The Heiress-Chapter 79: Reminding The Liege Of His Goals

With Moonveil now secure under their banners, the siege of Inas Meryth was less than a week away, as they had discussed before.

Lyall wasn't sure how to bring that matter to light without his liege freezing his head off his shoulders, but he knew he had to.

"My lord," he began, turning slightly towards Orpheus, crossing his mailed arms over his chest. "A question, if I may."

Orpheus' dual-coloured eyes were still on Lady Karina, not breaking away for even a second. "Speak."

"It is regarding Inas Meryth Castle, my lord," Lyall said, knowing he had to choose his words carefully. "I have been considering what security arrangements we would use for Moonveil while we are away on conquest."

"And? What conclusion have you come to?" Orpheus finally gave him his attention, taking his eyes off Lady Karina as much as he didn't want to.

"It would not be wise to leave Moonveil open and unsecured, especially since you suspect the place is secretly holding beasts," Lyall explained. "But with this harvest that must be seen through, the fortress cannot be locked down."

"The gates must remain open to transfer the goods into the warehouse," he continued, nodding effectively. "Do you perhaps have any solutions as to how this harvest can proceed even though we must secure the fortress at our departure?"

As usual, Lyall had a roundabout way of asking questions, a way of soothing his liege and Orpheus knew what the man was getting at but for argument's sake, he'd play along.

"With the troops from the Walcian generals, we should be able to leave three hundred men behind stationed at Moonveil to guard the fortress," Orpheus replied. "They will maintain tight security as the harvest proceeds."

Lyall nodded thoughtfully. "So we will commandeer eight hundred men to take Inas Meryth Castle?"

"I believe that will be sufficient. The configuration of Inas Meryth is a disadvantage to the defenders; you've seen an outlay of the area," Orpheus related, setting his hands on his hips. "The walls are only twelve feet high in some places and she will not be able to withstand much of a siege."

Lyall nodded faintly again, his gaze moving to Lady Karina as she discussed the designs of materials with the merchant.

"What about the return of the lady's father, my lord?" His gaze shifted back to Orpheus, wondering what exactly was running through his liege's mind.

"What about it?" Orpheus asked bluntly.

Lyall raised a brow. "I mean simply that. You will be allowing the man who formerly commanded Moonveil to return to the fortress. In my opinion, my lord, that is like leaving the fox in charge of the chicken yard. You took Moonveil from him; he will want it back."

There was truth to Lyall's words, but Orpheus was confident there was nothing to be concerned about.

"Gerald is in no possession of an army to accomplish that," Orpheus argued.

"But he is Viscount Lancelot Von Asher's garrison commander and Von Asher commands thousands," Lyall bit back. He honestly could not believe that his liege did not see the situation for what it truly was. "Who's to say that Gerald hasn't already sent word to Von Asher of what has happened?"

Lyall wasn't quite finished. He wasn't one to become hysterical, but the more he thought about it, the more Hendrix's accusations proved to be true.

And he could no longer stand by and watch their liege fold over like a fool for a woman.

"He could have very well requested Von Asher's assistance in reacquiring the garrison," Lyall pressed further, watching his liege's jaw tick. "Moonveil is rich and strategic; you should know that Gerald will vie for it."

Orpheus turned around and crossed his arms over his mailed chest.

"Gerald has been my prisoner for the better part of two weeks," he said firmly. "Even now, he turns to Moonveil under escort and he has had no time nor the means to send word to Von Asher."

Lyall had thought to reply but Orpheus cut him off.

"Even if Gerald manages to seek aid from Von Asher, I can guarantee you that the spineless bastard will think twice before marching to retake Moonveil," Orpheus added. "He'll be fortunate if I don't lay siege to his castle and seize his seat for myself."

Lyall shrugged in agreement. "Perhaps we could invest in that opportunity just for the entertainment."

Orpheus had tried to maintain a firm stance, but it was difficult to not let his lips twitch into a smirk.

"Any other concerns, Lyall?"

"What of Moonveil's beasts, my lord?" Lyall shifted the topic. "You said the lady showed no signs of a mark, but it has been two weeks since then. Perhaps force is necessary."

That was true. Orpheus shouldn't have delayed that matter any further.

It was quite a complicated situation, but a part of him wanted to believe that maybe if he could show Lady Karina he was willing to reform his ways, she would willingly reveal the beasts to him.

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But that was wishful thinking. He had no intention of reforming himself, other than the few concepts he was willing to learn from her.

"I will deal with that matter soon," came Orpheus' vain reply. "Would that be all?"

"One last thing," Lyall answered and he could already see the exasperation brewing in his liege's eyes. "Are we still departing for Inas Meryth by the end of the week?"

"Have you ever known me to deviate from my plans?"

"Nay, my lord, never."

"Do not think I have forgotten your shortcomings from the previous night," Orpheus reminded him. "I would ask how the lady managed to pass by you, but I will pardon it for now. See to it that it never happens again for I will not be so lenient, even if it is you."

"Aye, my lord." Lyall hated to think that his life was in the hands of a lady. His survival depended on whether or not she escaped again. "And what of Gerald when he arrives?"

"He will be watched by Caelum, whom I will leave in charge of Moonveil when our army departs."

"By your command, my lord." Lyall bowed his head.

A/N: Hi all! Thank you for reading this far. I will be setting some milestones to achieve in exchange for bonus Chapters!

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