An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

When the castle’s gate swung open, every eye turned toward the entrance. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Austin strode out with his two guards. His posture exuded confidence and authority.

“Your Highness!”

The gathered officials instantly rushed forward to greet him. Grins spread across their faces as if they couldn’t wait to please him. Whether it was Huxley, Percival, or Warrick, all wore the same ingratiating expression.

After all, Austin was the infamous hellraiser. Though he had reined himself over the past two years, his past reputation still loomed over them.

At least Rufus could be reasoned with. But Austin? He was a wild card-utterly unpredictable, like a ticking time bomb. Every last one of them had suffered his wrath before.

Percival approached with a flattering smile. “Your Highness, you finally come out. I have something important to discuss with you. If you’d be so kind as to listen-”

Before he could finish his sentence, he was dismissed by Austin, who found him a nuisance and pushed him aside.

“Out of my way!”

Percival’s frail body swayed dangerously as he struggled to regain his balance.

“Mr. Wentworth, there’s a proper order to things. His Highness has always been reasonable. He won’t tolerate your bad habits.” Warrick sneered as he quickly stepped forward. “Your Highness-”

Warrick opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a single word, Austin cut him off, “Mind your own business.”

The smile on Warrick’s face immediately faltered and was replaced by a look of pure confusion.

happened? He wasn’t expecting that kind of dismissal. Was Austin in

put in their place, Huxley glanced around and wisely kept his mouth shut. After all, it would have been awkward to get reprimanded for

just said they were here to deliver a letter

and his eyes

moment he spoke, everyone’s attention shifted to Boston. If they remembered correctly, the Ballard family

second. Cold sweat trickled down

presence, was there a grudge against the Ballard family? Had Boston just walked right into a

you guys-who’s here to deliver the Ballard family’s letter?” Austin

and raised his trembling hand. At

gave Boston a quick once-over and said coolly, “But whatever. Come with

he turned and

off guard, Boston

called out? Why was he being invited inside

other high-ranking official exchanged confused glances and wondered what had just happened.

who had just shown up, was invited into the castle before them. It was utterly perplexing. With their

the gate. He turned and shouted at him, “Hey, what are

snapped out of his daze. He nodded as he hurried forward. He still had no idea what was happening, but it didn’t seem like a bad

and make his case, he