The web of intrigue grows larger.

“You will renounce your claim as king of Phebis and instead be Duke Gregan man Philosi under the crown of Itheria.” Gregan shot his head up agape. While the two ladies curtsied beside him kept their heads down as was proper, “I think it’s time that Itheria and Phebis strengthen their ties not just through a temporary marriage alliance or through ink on paper, but instead become one. This, so that both realms may prosper under a united banner. Don’t you agree, Duke Gregan?”

A moment of silence passed with Gregan staring at you agape. Then another few moments before you had to snap him out of his stupor by repeating yourself, “Do you not agree, Duke Gregan?!”

Fixing the wide-mouthed expression on his face, Gregan regained his bearings and bowed his head again, “I wholeheartedly agree, my liege.”

“Guards. Have the nobles return to court at once.”

The levies of Phebis snapped to work and the doors of the waiting room which neighbored the court were thrown open. Gregan made a motion to stand before you stopped him, “I did not ask you to rise, Gregan.”

The newly established Duke returned to his submission and you felt the heat on your lap grow even more. It was clear that Princess Clara was not used to seeing her brother below her, but you were beginning to make it your mission to make sure she saw all that way. Except for you of course. You would make sure she sucked your toes without hesitation if you asked her of it. You flex your hard member to remind her what was pressing against her tight ass as the nobles shuffled back into the room. Rubbing her back like a toy-sized bitch.

The nobleman coming in had observed Gregan bowing before you and a murmuring rumble filled the room once more. You patiently waited for all for them to regain their positions in the court before speaking again.

“Gregan. Make your oath.”

The lowly man audibly gulped down the bile in his throat, and did you commanded, “I, King Gregan man Philosi of Phebis, here by renounce my claim as King and surrender it to my liege, King Bryce. The sovereign of the Crownlands, Duke of Opheal and Hightree, and his soon-to-be Queen, Princess Clara man Philosi of Phebis.”

“Queen consort Lilya, Queen mother Mereen; do you agree to these terms?”

Both ladies raise their heads at being addressed and speak in unison, “We do, Your Majesty.”

They drop their heads back to the floor after saying so.

“With these oaths of loyalty, I, King Bryce of Itheria and Phebis, swear to the cause of Duke Gregan and his family. I will summon the might of all of Itheria to end this false claim on the throne by Countess Eria, and hereby establish the Dukedom of Phebis with me as its liege.”

With that spoken, a knight of the King’s Own, who you recognize as Sir Garret’s second in command steps forward, “Hail King Bryce, Monarch of Itheria and Phebis!”

“Long live the King!” A nobleman shouted, and bowed in loyalty. A chanting rose in the room of many other nobles and councilmen following suit. You command Gregan and his family to rise and take seats beside you. Gregan takes your previous seat as you have his throne. Lilya takes her seat next to you where the Queen would normally sit and Mereen sat upon Clara’s original chair since she was using your lap as her throne for now.

You raise the hand that wasn’t on Clara’s back and the chanting gradually ceases, “All may rise.”

With your permission, all kneeling nobles rise. There was a newfound confidence in their eyes as they were convinced that a war that was doomed to be lost was now in their grasp.

“Now,” you begin, “We have a lot of work to do. Countess Eria must pay for her crimes, and we must assure that this war is won before too many winters.”

After that, things began to move fast. A restructuring of forces in Phebis, and the rebuilding of fortifications at strategic targets. Word was sent to Goldfields—the bread basket of Itheria—to send wheat, barley and grain east to feed the troops. And un-landed nobles swore their fortune to raise forces in return for seized lands from the rebelling nobles as compensation. Treaties of alliance were drafted, and you gift a sum of money in return for Gregan’s oath, so that he may strengthen the infrastructure of Phebis to help war efforts. Those gifted funds were also to build siege equipment that may come in handy for the later part of the war as well. Of course, Gregan had surrendered a lot, and the immediate benefit of you becoming his liege was visibly a relief to him. Needless to say, you were tired by the end of it. You knew that these preparations were already set for Countess Eria, so today was a race to catch up to the dastardly villain.

Only half of the sun peered over the horizon now and Clara was telling you more information that you had asked for as you walked to your guest room. Most pertaining to the nobles you dealt with today, and how loyal they truly were. Some of it was just review, as Lord Gilbert was an exceptional teacher. It was very enlightening, but you still couldn’t help but sigh halfway there, “That’s enough, Clara.”

“Oh,” Clara looked a little dejected from your annoyance. It wasn’t aimed at her though, “Apologies, my king.”

The rest of the walk was silent and when you got to your door with a couple of guards out front you saw the subtle symbol out front that Akina would leave to inform you that Sir Garret and Akina were inside. Seems a King never sleeps.

You were going to have guards escort the princess to her quarters as well, but she stopped you, “I’m going with you this time.” It was assertive for her. Realizing this, she blushed before adding, “If it pleases you, my king.”

Without speaking, you pull open your door and invite her inside. As expected, Sir Garret and Akina were inside. It was the same set up as the previous night, and Sir Garret hurriedly grabbed a less impressive chair for the Princess while Akina and Clara shared a brief glance. Clara recognized her as a woman you’ve walked out with in the past. This got Clara defensive, and wrapped herself around your arm as the two of you entered. Clara’s breast was pressed hard against your flesh, as if to emphasize that she was better endowed than Akina in that region. Akina just wore a smug look. The feline was wearing her usual clothing, no the maidservant garbs of last night. You had dirtied them quite a bit, and could see why she opted for cleaner clothes. You sat down and Clara took the seat next to you that Sir Garret grabbed.

“Make this quick. I grow tired.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Replied Sir Garret, “As expected your quick reflexes have put everything in motion. The populace is aware of the oncoming war, and though many are upset to see this military occupation of Itheria come to the ultimatum it did, many trust you over the Countess. We’ve had no problem recruiting men and women wanting to fight, and fortifications are under way.”

“Intel has come in as well,” reported Akina, “Eria’s forces were already formed and march from her lands to the north. They seem to be making their way down the river in haste. Should be about a week before they’re at our doorstep.”

“Then she’s falling into my web. Preparations for a siege are already in motion, right?”

“Yes, Your majesty.”

“And how long until word gets to Magus and Vessa?”

“Another twenty-four hours at least. When they get here is another story. I’d say a couple weeks time.”

“But,” asserted Garret, “Reinforcements from Rublia will only be a couple days time. A few at most.”

“Then we wait…” You ponder any additional actions you could take. Remembering that Countess Eria had somehow used magic to make her escape, you’re nervous that she could somehow use it to breach the walls. You cursed yourself for fantasizing about the elf dominating you instead of paying attention to Lady Vessa's teachings growing up. “Any suggested actions?”

“I can get agents in Eria’s army and have them make attempts at sabotage or killing officers.” Said Akina.

“As for their march here, I suggest scorched earth to starve them.” Said Garret.

“See to it then,” you commanded, “That will be all.”

As usual, Garret is the first to leave. Akina did not like being followed. Shortly after, she departs behind him, tail wagging as she does. The motion hypnotized you briefly and you watch her swaying hips as she leaves. Remembering how good she felt last night, until the doors closed.

“Does the cat please you, my king?” There was a hint of anger or jealousy in Clara’s question.