An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

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.”

on Warrick’s face immediately faltered and

kind of dismissal. Was Austin

place, Huxley glanced around and wisely kept his mouth shut. After all, it would have been awkward to

just said they were here to deliver a letter on behalf

the crowd, and his eyes swept across

spoke, everyone’s attention shifted to Boston. If they remembered correctly, the

swallowed nervously, and his unease grew by the second. Cold sweat trickled down his

just walked right into a trap by delivering

to deliver the Ballard family’s letter?” Austin

stammered and raised his trembling hand. At that point, denying it

stepped closer. He gave Boston a quick once-over and said coolly,

that, he turned and

Caught off guard, Boston froze in

about to be called out? Why was

just Boston-every other high-ranking official exchanged confused glances and wondered what had just happened. They had been

before them. It was utterly perplexing. With their experience, status, background, and loyalty, there was no reason Boston should

Boston stand there motionless, Austin stopped at the gate. He turned and shouted at him, “Hey, what are you standing there for? Get inside already, or should I call for

snapped out of his daze. He nodded as he hurried forward. He still had no

and make his case, he didn’t care what came