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.

relationship was

Warrick didn’t respond directly.

or Sir Austin, why not

deal with. We should invite him

that way.” Warrick quickly approved the suggestion. Though he couldn’t enter

is, who should extend

could have him extend the invite and act as the intermediary. What

“Percival suggested.

care of

“Warrick readily agreed.

ranks lower than him, and someone at that rank typically had no place in important meetings. But with Warrick personally arranging the invitation, he figured Jovian wouldn’t dare to turn it

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 be thrust into the limelight. That

he had left the castle, he had already agreed with Austin to return to Oakvale together the following day. It would be good to look out for one another and make

the way back to the hotel, Jovian and Boston

had allowed him to

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

often. Even getting acquainted with him could make a big difference in what lay

they were chatting, Boston’s phone rang, and he answered it. His smile quickly faded and was

Jovian quickly

to invite me for a midnight snack. He