An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Your Highness! Please mind your words,” Jovian quickly cautioned. He glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping.

Speculating on Valon’s fate in private was an act of grave disrespect. If someone with a hidden agenda spread this information, a ruined reputation would be the least of their concerns-what came after would be far worse.

“Relax, Mr. Jovian. We’re in West Lucozia, not Oakvale. Here, we can say whatever we want without worry.” Austin smiled faintly, showing no concern.

These were well-known facts, so what was the harm in saying them out loud? Keeping quiet wouldn’t change a thing, anyway. What a joke.

“Ahem… perhaps I was overthinking it.” Jovian let out an awkward chuckle. He knew Austin wasn’t wrong, but his cautious nature kept him from discussing Valon’s affairs too openly.

“Honestly, a lot of people have been showing up in West Lucozia lately. There’s a whole group standing outside right now, and they’re all here for the same reason as you.

“They’re trying to figure out whether we have any hidden ambitions and whether we’ll interfere with Oakvale’s affairs.” Austin took a sip of tea and deliberately paused for effect.

“Oh? And have you given them an answer, Your Highness?” Jovian asked tentatively.

“An answer? Hell no!” Austin sneered. “I haven’t given those people outside a second thought. Who do they think they are? Do they even have the right to probe us?”

Jovian shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

of our family. Those nobodies outside aren’t

didn’t know how to respond.

us. Even

rooted in West Lucozia, which differed from Oakvale. Over the years, the two regions had an unspoken

But the more powerful you are, the more eyes are on you. Even if the West Lucozian monarchy stays out of it, people will still be watching. The

circumstances forced action, whether one decided to

I’m curious about. What’s your

off guard. He hadn’t expected the conversation to

spot and can’t make a move. As the saying goes, one wrong step and everything falls

power struggle with no control over the outcome, they had

“You came to West Lucozia hoping we’d show you the way forward,

immediately stood and saluted. “If you could provide some guidance and help our

Like

I’m

a handful of people in Oakvale had the power to change the outcome. Who

yet,” Austin said cryptically.

made Jovian more restless. Austin had said a lot, yet somehow, he had revealed nothing. Jovian had come to