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.

He was sharp-witted and strategic. With just a few words, he had these

serious.

and distant, but the next, he was warm

a seat. Don’t be so

changed his attitude, Langdon and

stand.” Langdon’s face was grim, and his voice

for years, but never expected to be outplayed

you wish,

sat down casually, then looked at Langdon with

but he found himself

and was ready to denounce Austin. But after being thrown off balance, that fire

eyebrow. “Cat got your

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

“I issued an official notice this morning, and everything is clearly stated there.

official notice?” Langdon frowned. ” What notice?

it,” Austin said evenly. “I’ll have copies delivered to

off track, Langdon quickly interjected, “Forget the notice. Just tell me what crime did Sir Prescott commit that justifies this chaos? Did you really need

much for West Lucozia. Even if he made a mistake, does that justify confiscating his properties and sentencing him to death?” one royal advisor

nor would he