Oh yes. Best to nip that aggravation in the bud. Before it sprouts.

[If Lydia wanted to take over, he might just let her. Might even back her play with the proper cajoling.

But that's a matter for a different time. Of course it hasn't even occurred to him that might be her endgame, yet.]

Too many people are running around trying to proclaim themselves the new king these days. Who looks around at a sinking ship and decides they want to take over for themselves? Who wants all this that badly?