An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

At the crack of dawn, within the grandeur of West Lucozia Castle’s central hall, Rufus draped himself in a robe adorned with the sinuous coils of a serpent.

The stoic captain of the royal guard was seated at the epicenter with his left guarded by Jaxon. And on his right stood Albert, a figure more known as the Executioner than by his given name.

The harsh brilliance of overhead lights illuminated Rufus as he meticulously sifted through the abundance of letters strewn across the table.

Each missive held revelations from the covert efforts of the castle’s undercover agents. These written accounts unfolded tales of bloodshed, and the table groaned under the weight of hundreds of letters.

The damning dossier was evidence exposing both the Vern and Linden families, even their shared history of criminal exploits.

lines on his forehead. The unveiled misdeeds within his jurisdiction pointed to corrupt officials who had ruthlessly sacrificed lives, and the mountain of evidence painted an

is paramount,” Albert suggested. His usual reserve gave way to an

matters?” Rufus slammed his hand

bold, exploiting their influence and deceiving even

anger?” Eloise, the demure princess

tossed the letters toward her. Eloise

Vern’s misdeeds?”

only Reuben’s but Ambrose’s as well!” Rufus pushed the towering pile of letters

have embezzled, violated the law, and committed heinous acts, including atrocities against innocent

you see here is just a fraction of the evidence I’ve gathered. Their actual transgressions go

this happen?” Eloise furrowed her brow. “Your Highness, Reuben and Ambrose have served you for many years, and there’s never been a hint of betrayal. Could there be

the result of my own