An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“This…” Dustin began.

He hesitated on purpose and didn’t give an immediate answer.

Upon seeing him deep in thought, Nathaniel was convinced that Dustin was weighing the pros and cons. He leaned in slightly, his smile widening with anticipation.

“You should know how much the Dracan essence means to me,” he said. “If I can gather all the essences, it’d be like fate is on my side. My path to the throne would be unstoppable-and when that time comes, your reward will be waiting.”

As he spoke, his gaze stayed on Dustin as he searched for any sign of hesitation in his expression.

Dustin looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.

He pressed his lips together and spoke slowly. “You’re right, Your Highness. But it wasn’t easy to find the Dracan essence. I went through quite a few twists and turns. Besides, if I give it to you, it might put me at odds with the other two princes.”

He paused deliberately and left the rest unsaid. Still, the concern in his tone couldn’t be missed.

“You don’t have to worry about that. This stays between us, and no one else will ever find out,” Nathaniel said, picking up on Dustin’s implication immediately.

Patting his chest, he promised, “Even if Tristan or Matthias somehow find out, I’ll do my best to protect you. No one’s going to lay a finger on you.”

spoke with absolute certainty, and the look in his eyes

sincerity, how could I say no?” Dustin replied. After a brief pause, he added, “But

As long as Dustin gave him the Dracan

that you’ll actually take the

an eyebrow and was caught off guard. He hadn’t expected Dustin to

had no intention of interfering in their power struggle. Now, it looked like he was thinking

to hand over the Dracan essence, I’d say I’d have at least a

“But if you decide to assist me, my odds go

had the support of the West Lucozian monarchy. With his strength and influence, he was one of the most

claim of an 80% chance was likely an understatement. If he gained the support of the West Lucozian monarchy, Tristan and Matthias wouldn’t stand a chance against him, even

up the teacup and took

composed and said, “Logan, you’re a smart man. With civil unrest on the horizon, it’ll be hard for someone in your position to remain

Matthias takes the throne, they won’t tolerate its existence. Their first move will be

the nation. I understand the

a privileged position for you and the protection of the monarchy’s future. If you don’t believe me, I’ll swear on it

as if ready to swear a