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.

legendary Queen

kingdom’s entire history, she remained the sole woman to hold sovereign power. 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.”

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

going to see Tristan.” She didn’t say

of her own. She burned with ambition, but hers was a nobler fire, one

network or risking her life alongside Dustin, everything she did served the greater good. She had always been content to

her heart. Should she truly

quietly, gazing at the steam rising from his untouched tea. Behind him, Milton stood

swung open, and Grace entered with a

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

good reason. What brings you here so

for him to sit, then settled into the chair across

bush.” Tristan cleared his throat. “You must have heard about last night’s upheaval in

course.” Grace nodded. “The foreign elements led by the Hall of Gods

It shouldn’t be

you so curious all of a sudden? Could it be that the reshuffle of the underground factions has caused you to suffer dearly?” She

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

the country’s interests while

“Your noble service to the nation and people sets the example we all aspire

an example. I’m simply doing what I can.” He waved his hand