An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

When Dustin heard Felicia’s word, his hand briefly hesitated before he placed the chess piece.

He smiled and said, “I thought you came to learn chess, but I didn’t expect you to be here as a messenger.”

Felicia gave a light, teasing laugh. “With a mind like yours, how could you not know why I’m here?”

She added candidly, “Prince Nathaniel saved my life and welcomed me as an honored guest. It’s only right that I repay the favor by helping solve his troubles. I hope that it doesn’t bother you.”

“You’re frank and gracious, Ms. Thorns. Why would I take offense?” Dustin replied with a faint smile.

He had expected her to start with pleasantries or try to butter him up. So, her bluntness actually caught him off guard.

“To be honest, Prince Nathaniel has never taken this kind of interest in anyone before, “Felicia said as she placed another chess piece on the board.

She smiled and continued, “I can tell he truly wants you on his side. And as someone close to him, I’d like to help make that happen. If you agree, just say the word. Whatever your terms are, I’ll agree to them.”

When she finished speaking, she slowly raised her head. Her eyes gleamed with a brilliance that carried an indescribable allure.

The top ten on the Beauty Ranking were not about appearance. What truly set them apart was their status, influence, and talent.

Felicia was ranked eighth on the Beauty Ranking. Her looks and figure left little room for criticism.

Her eyes brimmed with warmth and invitation. It was framed by arched brows the color of ink.

Her nose was small and straight. It was sculpted with such precision that it gave her features a striking definition.

naturally rosy. When she smiled, shallow dimples formed-subtle, but

was fair and flawless, with a pearly sheen under the sunlight that gave her a quiet, refined elegance, like

Dustin, who’d seen his share of beauties, was momentarily dazed when their

only beautiful, but her every

trap, yet he didn’t

was almost convincing. He had to admit that Nathaniel had played this

the board,”

deliberately changed the subject without pressuring him to respond

compete, but only by working in tandem can they create a truly brilliant match. It’s the same with you and Prince Nathaniel. If the two of you joined forces, you’d have the upper hand in this ever-changing

If you make a wrong move, you will lose the whole game,” Dustin remarked with a

too cautious, you might miss your chance, and that

began placing her pieces faster. Her strategy turned aggressive. With each move, she laid careful traps as she tried to corner

been cautious,” he replied evenly. “I’d rather do nothing than

precision and counterattacked her moves at just

attacking him, suddenly realized she was the one

“Well played,” she said.

as she watched Dustin move

herself on her chess skills, but he had outplayed her. In just a few moves, he had completely turned the game around and

technique was nothing short

truly impressive. I

her chess piece down and nodded at him. Her gaze was filled

artist, but now, she saw him as a genius with both brains and brawn. She finally understood why Nathaniel valued