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.

never accept a queen regnant. The legendary Queen Morwyn

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

decide when you’re ready. Whatever you choose, I’ll stand with you. Whoever you support, I’ll support.” Dustin made

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

Tristan.” She didn’t say anything else, nodded,

burned with ambition, but hers was a nobler fire, one that

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

within her heart. Should she

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

open, and Grace entered with

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

wouldn’t visit without good reason. What brings you here so early in the morning?”

for him to sit, then settled

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

Hall of Gods have all been purged. For Dragonmarsh, it’s

shouldn’t be difficult for you to

Could it be that the reshuffle

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

of serving the country’s interests

Grace smiled. “Your noble service to the nation and people

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