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.

Dragonmarsh would never accept a queen regnant. The legendary Queen Morwyn had been a singular figure in history-a

sovereign power. What hubris would it take for Grace

it over carefully, and decide when you’re ready. Whatever you choose,

that weren’t his concern. If forced to choose among the princes, he would rather choose no one at all. He raised this topic only because he

going to see Tristan.” She didn’t say anything

a selfless saint without desires 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, she had made

greater good. She had always

heart.

Suite, Tristan sat quietly, gazing at the steam rising from his untouched tea. Behind

door suddenly swung open, and Grace

her, displaying proper deference. After all, he needed

without good reason. What brings you here so

to sit, then settled into

siblings, I won’t beat around the 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 have all been purged. For

the largest intelligence network in Dragonmarsh. It shouldn’t be difficult for you to investigate this matter thoroughly,

sudden? Could it be that the reshuffle of

suddenly. Without understanding who they are, I fear they could pose a threat to our nation. It weighs

spoke of serving the country’s interests while harboring his own hidden

nation and people sets the example

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