An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“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.

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

I see now I never could’ve fooled you. I was wrong, and I won’t

head low and didn’t dare to breathe too loudly. His fate was in Austin’s hands now. All he could do was hope for mercy and pray that

surrounding him were

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

actions. You just know you’re about to die, don’t you?” Austin’s voice was ice cold. “Your crimes are beyond forgiveness. If

expect anyone else to follow

law?”

been drained out of him. Still, he clung to

for years. I may not have accomplished great deeds, but I’ve worked hard. Even if

without a second thought-and you

about it, the angrier he became. He raised his hand and ordered, “Drag him out and give him 50 lashes. If he’s still alive, bring him back for

“Yes, Your Highness.”

the Dragon Rope and bound Huxley tightly before dragging him out. The rope

rod. He put all his strength into every blow,

thighs were a mangled mess of torn flesh and blood. He blacked

Axel dragged him back into the meeting

mercy. His head hung

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 tortures.

“Austin shouted condescendingly.