An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"What are you doing, Mr. Shaffer? There is no need for such formalities! Please get up!" Dustin quickly helped Cinna up from his knees.

"Your Highness, it was my mistake for failing to protect you and the Princess Consort. I am ready to receive my punishment!" Tears rolled down Cinna's face.

"Mr. Shaffer, what are you saying? Had you not risked your life to save me back then, I wouldn't be standing here now!" Dustin consoled him.

"All of our friends in Valiant Troop are now dead. I'm the only one left. I have failed the Prince and the Princess Consort. I have failed all of you!" Cinna choked up.

“Mr. Shaffer, there is no need to blame yourself for what happened. You did your best, and I'm glad to see that you're still alive.

"I was the one who brought all the trouble upon all of you. I'm the one to be blamed.

"Had it not been for me, you would not have laid unconscious for ten years.

"Had it not been for me, our friends in Valiant Troop would not have died. I am the one who should be apologizing to all of you!" Dustin's eyes welled up with tears.

Memories of the incident all those years back were still vivid in his mind.

He had seen with his own eyes how his friends and guards had collapsed in pools of their own blood just to protect him. They had been so courageous and resolute.

names and faces of

people. It only makes sense for us to die protecting

in vain as long as you are well and alive." Cinna wiped away

and commoners? That's nonsense! You are all my family and friends. None of you should have died for me. I owe my life to all of you!" Dustin

feel at peace even in death." Cinna smiled through

been a decade since they met, they had changed a lot, but

Shaffer, this might not be the best time, but I'd like to ask, what exactly happened back then? Who is the main perpetrator behind it all?" Dustin's

when he heard Dustin's question.

important than anything else." "Mr. Shaffer, my mother was murdered, and so many of our friends died because of me. I cannot

going to let the person

himself has let go of it. Why are you still so persistent?" Cinna

am my own person! He has his considerations,

No matter who the true mastermind is and how powerful he is, even if he's the King, I will

and Maximus, who were standing

being too reckless? He was challenging the King! Was he about to take on

..." Cinna clenched his fists,