Tyrant's Obsession With The Heiress-Chapter 61: The Hardships That Come With Being A Leader

It was a difficult decision to make.

With the fate of many beast lives in her hands, as well as her duty to take back her castle for the sake of her people, her focus was divided.

She loved her people as much as she adored the beasts of the sanctuary, but while attempting to protect one half, she would be allowing the other half to suffer further tragedies.

There was no telling what the Van Merikh knights would do to the remaining servants and whether Moonveil would become a battleground for Orpheus' future conquests.

"Your heart is divided, Lady Reinhardt," Aurelios spoke again, regarding her carefully. "And so are your duties."

Lady Karina breathed a heavy sigh, finally feeling the weight of her responsibilities settle in.

Was she strong enough to handle it all without occurrences of failure along the way?

Should she sacrifice the well-being of her home and people to protect the sanctuary?

What would her mother do in such a situation? It was the first time in her life that Lady Karina drew a complete blank.

It was somewhat ironic that Lady Drosera's insistence on using the Moonveil beasts against the Van Merikh army was suddenly starting to make sense to Lady Karina.

Lady Drosera was mad with grief, but perhaps she had spoken with the courage of a leader that Lady Karina clearly fell short off.

"It is not a decision that can be made lightly with a clouded heart and mind," Naeryn stated, nudging Onyx out of the way as she stepped forward. "As long as the White Phoenix remains stable in her slumber, the sanctuary will not crumble."

Amberis drew closer, unfurling the feathers on her wings.

"Time is against us," she said sharply. "We do not have the luxury to delay decisions."

For the entirety of the council meeting, Soran had remained silent.

He always observed, never intervening when it wasn't his place to speak without titles.

He wasn't as reckless as Onyx to speak out of turn, but this time he found it necessary.

"Irrational choices without careful thought won't warrant us any good either," Soran added respectfully, his head bowed. "I believe we should allow Lady Karina to return to the surface and give her the time and space she needs before she makes the decision."

Lady Karina smiled gratefully and nodded her gratitude to Soran. She was relieved to know she could depend on him when it mattered most for in terms of leadership, she still lacked assertiveness.

It was something she needed to acquire, or else she would have no sense of clear judgement or the courage to speak her mind.

It was the first time they had ever convened for council on a fire situation; hence, she was unfamiliar with how she should have handled the situation.

"That would be a wise move," Ignius agreed. "The lady should be given the liberty to think for herself without all of our opinions bearing down on her."

With the majority of the council in favour of Soran's suggestion, Amberis and Onyx were forced to retreat their stance.

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"Make no mistake," Lady Karina began, turning around to face the two young beasts. "I am not undermining your perspectives for I know you both speak nobly, but please allow me some time to think it through."

She was ashamed of her inability to take control.

Amberis did not respond, simply turning away and taking flight with a powerful snap of her wings that even sent the water in the canal into unruly waves.

The griffin of autumn was gone with a single gust, leaving only a trail of her bronze feathers.

Lady Karina sighed, leaning back against Soran, who offered her his body for comfort.

"I am not suited for this." She shook her head. "I am not like my mother and I certainly lack in areas she excelled in."

For the first time since his outburst, Onyx seemed apologetic. As usual, he never put much thought into his words or actions since he was honest to a fault.

Yet when he realised how distressed his behaviour had made Lady Karina, it pierced something inside of him.

He shared a bond with her as her familiar and rather than standing against her and causing trouble, he should have been supportive like Soran.

It only awakened more frustration and he too turned around and took off in an angry gallop out of the council hall.

With how abruptly Amberis and Onyx departed, Lady Karina only further berated herself.

How else should she have handled the situation to find common ground?

She didn't want to upset either of them, but it seemed that was inevitable.

"They are young and stubborn," Ignius spoke again, outstretching his wings before folding them inwards again. "As a leader, you cannot satisfy everyone within your council, my lady. Your mother was adept as a leader, but that came with years of experience."

Sparx, who'd been asleep on Lady Karina's shoulder, stirred and nuzzled his cheek against hers. She found comfort in his sweetness and smiled.

"And as a leader, you must realise that not everything is yours to bear alone," Aurelios declared, titling his head to the side as he looked at Lady Karina. "Your council members are here to advise and share your responsibilities."

"That is true," Naeryn joined in. "You are not merely our custodian, Hyacinth. You share bonds with us all, even the beasts who are not your familiars. You will know what the right decision is when it comes to you."

Lady Karina relaxed somewhat, knowing that the four who remained were reliable and wise.

She had been so caught up in chasing perfection, she never stopped to realise that she needed them.

"Perhaps that may be," Lady Karina answered, her expression solemn. "I wish to speak more, but I must return before my absence is discovered. Orpheus would not take it lightly if he were to learn that I suddenly disappeared."

"Orpheus?" Aurelios uttered the name with intrigue. "Is that the name of the man who invaded Moonveil?"

Lady Karina nodded.

"The darkness of night," Naeryn commended, her eyes becoming somewhat tense. "And you say he has a second magical mark? That has been unheard of for centuries."

"Unheard of, but it has occurred before?" Lady Karina asked, giving her attention to the great white elk. "How is it possible for one to bear a second magical mark?"

"A second magic mark comes with a price," Aurelios answered. "Either it was branded on him through taboo dark means, or he sacrificed something to gain it; either way, the end result is an inflicted curse."