"Truly, there is no plot between you and your father?" Arial asked.
"There is not."
Arial chuckled. What a liar, he thought. "There is fear in your eyes and a hint of nervousness in your voice. Tell me the truth, and I might forgive you for old time's sake."
West hesitated briefly like he was fighting an inner battle. And then kneeled. "I have lied, my lord."
His face looks down and he was silent. A bead of sweat drop from West forehead. His breaths are hard to take, suffocated, Arial presume from his confession
Arial knew it.
West, though he has fault, he treated his honor very importantly.
He would not lie if somehow it jeopardies his honor. It is one thing he like about him, and the one thing he hates about him.
Arial frowned and then he said.
"You only have once chance to redeem yourself," Arial said forcefully.
"My father has concocted a plan to save the family, my lord. That is the honest truth."