An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?” Austin barked.

“Your Highness, please let me explain…” Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic.

“This is a lie. Someone’s trying to frame me! I’ve always followed the law-how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?”

“The evidence is right in front of you, and you’re still trying to weasel out of it?” Austin shot back. “Looks like you won’t confess until death is knocking at your door.”

He raised his hand and ordered, “Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary-let’s see how long he keeps up this act.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.

Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, “Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake.”

His voice cracked as he continued, “I wasn’t thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my years of service to West Lucozia, show me some mercy! From now on, I will serve you with my full loyalty.”

He lowered his head in a deep bow as he finished.

Huxley had no idea where the evidence had come from, but one thing was certain-if Austin pursued this to the end, it could mean the annihilation of his entire family.

At that moment, pride and dignity meant nothing-only survival mattered. As long as he could keep his wealth and status, he would do anything-even become Austin’s lapdog.

defiant earlier. Where’d all that bravado go?” Austin

thought I could deceive you, but you saw right through me. I see now I never could’ve fooled you.

Austin’s hands now. All he could do was hope for mercy and pray that Austin might spare him. He’d give up

him were elite fighters-the best he’d ever encountered. He stood

the castle, what then? He could run, but there’d be nowhere to hide. And

to die, don’t you?” Austin’s

expect anyone else

law?”

ashen, like all the colors had been drained out

not have accomplished great deeds, but I’ve worked hard. Even if I’ve made

without a second thought-and you call that

and ordered, “Drag him out and give him 50 lashes. If he’s still alive, bring him back for

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Rope and bound Huxley tightly before dragging him out.

threw him down and lashed him with the punishment rod. He put all his strength

final strike landed, Huxley’s back and thighs were a mangled mess of torn flesh and blood.

dragged him back into

for mercy. His head hung low, and he

ask you one question at a time. Answer truthfully, and I’ll grant you a quick death. Lie, and you’ll experience every one of Grimhold Keep’s 108

“Austin shouted condescendingly.