An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Dustin, you’re not joking, are you?” Grace frowned slightly. His answer had caught her completely off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless.

“How could I joke about something like this?” Dustin smiled faintly.

He went on, “Your brothers are hopeless.

They can’t shoulder this burden, but you’re different. You’ve got both brains and strength, courage and vision. And you actually care about the people. If you took the throne, you could lead Dragonmarsh to greatness.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Grace shook her head. “I’m merely a woman. How could I be fit to rule a nation?”

“What’s wrong with being a woman? What makes it impossible?” Dustin countered.

He continued eloquently, “Looking back over a thousand years, wasn’t there a woman who became ruler? People still speak of her with admiration to this day.”

“That’s different.” She shook her head again.

“Don’t worry about whether it’s possible-just tell me if you want it. If you do, I’ll help you make it happen. I believe under your rule, this nation would grow stronger and more prosperous,” Dustin said bluntly.

“I…” Grace frowned slightly.

The thought had crossed her mind before, but she’d quickly dismissed it as unrealistic.

Regardless of her capabilities or worthiness, her gender alone made the throne impossible to claim. The prejudices of the nation ran deeper than any river, and gender often mattered more than ability when it came to matters of succession.

The legendary Queen Morwyn had been

What hubris would it take for Grace to even

have to answer me now. Think it over carefully, and decide when you’re ready. Whatever you choose, I’ll stand with you. Whoever you support, I’ll support.” Dustin made

If forced to choose among the princes, he would rather choose no one at all. He raised this topic only because he truly believed

She didn’t say anything else,

of her own. She burned with ambition, but hers was a nobler fire, one that centered on the nation and its people. For these noble goals,

the greater good. She had always been content to work from the shadows and pull strings

Dustin’s words stirred something within her heart. Should

from his untouched tea. Behind him,

the door suddenly swung open, and

to greet her, displaying proper deference. After all, he needed her help, and naturally, he

you wouldn’t visit without good reason. What brings you here

then

we’re siblings, I won’t beat around the bush.” Tristan cleared his throat. “You must have heard

Grace nodded. “The foreign elements led by the Hall of Gods have all been purged. For

be difficult for you to investigate this matter thoroughly, right?”

curious all of a sudden? Could it be that the reshuffle of the underground factions

main concern is that this mysterious force appeared too suddenly. Without understanding who they are, I fear they could pose a threat to

words sounded noble. He spoke of serving the country’s interests while harboring his own hidden

“Your noble service to the nation and people sets the

simply doing what I can.” He waved his