An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?”

Austin’s words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.

Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn’t expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.

If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared -and all the accusations he meant to throw-would be meaningless.

But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground.

“I’ll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?” Austin asked coldly.

“O-Official matters.” Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out.

“Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?” Austin pressed.

Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. “Your Highness, it’s an honor to stand before you.”

The other royal advisors quickly followed suit, and their earlier arrogance vanished as they stood and paid their respects.

Axel watched the shift unfold and couldn’t hide his admiration.

sharp-witted and strategic.

no need to be so serious. I was just having

distant, but the next,

everyone, have a seat.

his attitude, Langdon and the other royal

wouldn’t dare, Your Highness. I’ll just stand.” Langdon’s face was grim, and his voice was

expected to be outplayed by Austin, and the thought didn’t sit well

you wish, Uncle

then looked at Langdon with a wry smile. “So, why are you

began, but he found himself at a loss for

righteous fury and was ready to denounce Austin. But after being thrown off balance, that fire had all but sputtered out. Now, he couldn’t even muster

Austin raised an eyebrow. “Cat got your tongue, Uncle

“Your Highness, the city is under lockdown, and people are in a panic. I must ask-what exactly has happened

calmly. “I issued an official notice this morning, and everything is clearly stated there. Did none of you bother to

official notice?” Langdon frowned. ” What notice? Why haven’t

with your own affairs, so it’s understandable if you missed it,” Austin said evenly. “I’ll have copies delivered to your homes later so no

Just tell me what crime did Sir

much for West Lucozia. Even if he made a mistake, does that justify confiscating his

for this recklessness, nor would he allow you to throw Celestria