Good grief.
I'd stop reading this, but I honestly need to see the ending.
Haven't read a story so aggravating in a while, where the MC is wavering towards getting herself killed, ML 1 is dubious but probably the best option considering the political climate, and ML 2 is there for contrast and risky behaviour patterns that should've gotten him beheaded years ago.
Anyone riding Dowun's ass is neglecting Lyon's much referenced agency: she went along with what he recommended because it worked for her.
If she had better ideas, she should've offered them or acted upon them, rather than playing along, only to start chafing when she has to pay the piper.
Tnis isn't a just world where people will do altruistic things for others, just because. You don't have to like it, but it is the reality.
Dowun saw an opportunity in her and offered a symbiotic relationship, where what obtained was laid out from the start, which she now assumes she can back out of after getting what she wanted.
She hasn't grown, not in the ways she should have. The risk he took investing in her is being poorly repaid.
A woman who was truly politically astute outside of Dowun's influence - as some of you like to claim she supposedly is - should be focused on securing powerful allies within and outside her court, not frolicking with her bodyguard to the detriment of her reputation and credibility.
What has she got in her field? Some tradesmen referenced ages ago, and a bubbly maid with some information skills. Wow, what a repertoire.
All of you hating on Dowun for doing exactly what he promised he would do to secure her position, please tell me: where would she be if Dowun had withdrawn his support at any moment ?
Please, enlighten me. What outstanding personal qualities, political allies and resources will she use to outmaneuver Dowun and his even more dubious clan?
She leaves most things to Dowun - from the start up till now - and then wonders why she has no say in certain affairs. Like, what was she expecting?
Competency is key. The incompetent fall back, the competent lead.
Lol, this sort of writing in media is what permits some women to think they can play the victim after mutually benefitting from their man's misdeeds.
A realistic end to this would be Dowun losing what affection he has after she pushes him too far and withdrawing his support, leaving her and her loyal dog to whatever forces come into play.
Given how little she actually does to shield herself or others from harm, it will be a laughably short existence before their gruesome end.
You can decide to hope their mutual affection and spurious "healthy relationship" vibes are enough to satisfy their disgruntled courtiers and countrymen.
I can assure you it won't be.