An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“An outsider? Who is it?” Percival asked urgently. “Could it be that assistant general who came in at noon?”

Warrick frowned. “I’ve looked into that man. No background, no connections-just an old hand in the military. Been around forever, knows the ropes, but has no real pull.”

“It’s not him-it’s someone connected to him.” Huxley lowered his voice. ” Remember what Sir Austin said at noon? When he summoned that assistant general, he specifically mentioned the Ballard family.”

“The Ballard family?” Percival looked surprised. “You mean the Ballards from Oakvale? Are you saying they’ve already beaten us to it and met with the prince?”

“The prince hasn’t met with them, but according to my intel, this man, Jovian Ballard, spent two hours chatting with Sir Austin today. They talked and laughed like old acquaintances. Sir Austin even invited him to stay for dinner at the castle.”

Huxley’s face darkened.

He continued, “Look, the Ballards sent someone at a time like this. They’re obviously trying to sniff out information. Sir Austin ignores us completely but meets with Jovian privately-doesn’t that say something about where he stands?”

“This doesn’t make sense.” Percival frowned. “The Ballard family has no direct ties to the royal family, nor do they have business dealings with them. So why would Sir Austin place such importance on Jovian? Could there be something else going on?”

“I find it strange too,” Warrick agreed. The Ballards might have some sway in Oakvale, but in West Lucozia, they’re nobodies. If they had real pull, they wouldn’t be sending an assistant general to deliver their message. And knowing Sir Austin, he wouldn’t go out of his way for people like that.” 11

They were puzzled. They couldn’t understand why Austin would meet with Jovian privately. What could possibly connect them?

“Gentlemen, the details of how this happened don’t matter anymore. What matters now is how we handle this Ballard family member,” Huxley reminded them.

Austin and Jovian’s relationship was pointless. Their focus needed

this?” Warrick didn’t

prince or Sir Austin, why not go after that Ballard guy first?” Percival stroked his white

continued, “He’s new to West Lucozia and in an unfamiliar territory, which makes him easy to deal with. We should invite

it that way.” Warrick quickly approved the suggestion. Though he couldn’t enter the castle’s gates, dealing with an outsider like Jovian

question is, who should extend

could have him

“Percival suggested.

take care

“Warrick readily agreed.

him, and someone at that rank typically had no place in important meetings. But with

a hub of gossip, and he didn’t want to

the following day. It would be good to look

way back to the hotel, Jovian

for his introduction, which had allowed him to meet Austin and earn his

was all about the influence of the Ballard family. Being associated with them was enough to open doors

didn’t come around often. Even getting acquainted with him could make a big difference in

and he answered it. His smile quickly faded and was replaced by a