An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“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.

met, eaten, and discussed everything important-lingering on Austin and Jovian’s relationship was

of ideas. What’s your take on this?” Warrick didn’t respond directly. Instead, he turned the problem over to those around

why not go after that Ballard guy first?” Percival stroked his white beard

him easy to deal with. We should invite him for a meal

way.” Warrick quickly approved the suggestion. Though he couldn’t enter the castle’s gates,

now the question is, who should extend the invitation?” Huxley

Prescott, isn’t that assistant general, Boston Graham, one of your subordinates? You could

“Percival suggested.

problem. I’ll take care of

“Warrick readily agreed.

no place in important meetings. But with Warrick personally arranging the invitation, he figured Jovian

evening, Jovian left the castle through the back entrance after dinner. The castle was a hub of gossip, and he didn’t want to stay there. If word got out, the Ballard family would

Oakvale together the following day. It would be good

the hotel, Jovian

which had allowed him to meet Austin and earn his

of the Ballard family. Being associated with them was enough

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

phone rang, and he answered it. His smile quickly faded and was

something happen?” Jovian quickly noticed the change in

superior just called and informed me that Sir Prescott wants to invite me for a midnight snack. He specifically told me to bring you along.”