An Understated Dominance

Tristan, Matthias, and Nathaniel weren’t fools. They understood the unspoken message loud and clear.

Their purpose for this trip was to take advantage of the opportunity to offer their condolences and win the Ballard family’s support. Should it work, all the better. If not, they’d at least make a good impression.

The key was that as long as the Ballard family didn’t pick a side or turn against them, there was still room to make things work. No need to rush into anything.

Tristan spoke first. “You’re being too kind, Duke of Lachshire. We’ve always admired Mr. Jovian’s loyalty and courage. We’re simply here to pay our respects-nothing more.”

Matthias added, “That’s right. Your family has a lot to deal with right now. Plus, you’re not as young as you used to be, so don’t wear yourself out over this. We won’t take up more of your time today.”

He gave a respectful nod, then turned to leave.

“Duke-”

Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, but Tristan interrupted. “That’s enough, Nathaniel. The Duke is tired, so let’s not overstay our welcome. Let’s go,” he said.

There was no way he’d let Nathaniel keep talking. His brother could talk a mile a minute, so smooth with words that he’d probably raise the dead to join his cause. Give him another minute, and he’d have the Ballards on his side for the throne.

If Tristan couldn’t secure the Ballards’ support, he naturally wouldn’t let Nathaniel have a shot at it.

“Come on. I’ve got something to tell you. Let’s talk outside.” Matthias said.

He didn’t bother with subtlety. He slapped a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder and dragged him out. Whatever Nathaniel had planned to say died on his lips.

“Duke of Lachshire, please accept our condolences. We’ll take our leave now,” Tristan said with a nod before following the others out of the mourning hall.

Tristan and Matthias were on the same page. They needed to get Nathaniel to shut up before he caused any more trouble.

With his hand still planted on Nathaniel’s shoulder, Matthias steered him out of the Ballard estate.

Matthias grinned, all easy charm, while Nathaniel’s face was twisted with frustration.noveldrama

“Matthias, that’s enough.”

The second they stepped outside, Nathaniel shrugged off Matthias’ hand. He snapped, “You’re the one who wanted to leave. Why drag me along?”

“Nathaniel, the Ballards are in mourning. This isn’t the time to push your agenda. People are already side-eyeing you. I’m just looking out for you,” Matthias said.

“Hmph! Who knows what you’re really up to?” Nathaniel muttered.

“You heard what the Duke of Lachshire said earlier. He just lost his son and is in no shape to handle political matters. Why push him?” Tristan said evenly.

Nathaniel shot back, “Fair. But tell me how’s what you’re doing any different from what I want to do?”

They were all just playing the politeness game. None of them had good intentions. And none of them had any right to call the others out.

Tristan spoke calmly. “I just don’t want to see you go down the wrong path.”

Nathaniel didn’t even try to hide his irritation. “Whether I do or not is none of your business. Goodbye.”

With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and walked away without another word.

Valon’s health was getting worse by the day. It wouldn’t be long before he named a successor. The power struggle between the three princes was already out in the open.

One path led to power, and the other to destruction. If one of the princes succeeded, he’d claim the throne and rule the nation. But if they failed, there’d be no coming back.

None of them could afford to hold back now. They had to give everything they had and play as dirty as it took.

As Nathaniel’s figure disappeared into the distance, Tristan muttered, “Among the three of us, he’s always been the one Father favors most.”

Matthias nodded. “Yeah. Father’s had his eye on him since he was a kid.”

Tristan’s tone sharpened. “If-and I mean if-he ends up on the throne, what do you think happens to us?”

Matthias narrowed his eyes. “Nathaniel’s not the forgiving type. He holds grudges. If he takes the crown, you and I won’t end well.”

Tristan gave a knowing sigh. “Yeah. With Nathaniel’s personality, there’s no way he’d tolerate us.”

As brothers and rivals, they knew Nathaniel’s character all too well. He wore a friendly face, but deep down, he was petty, vengeful, and never forgot a slight. Anyone who crossed him rarely met a good end.

“You know me, Tristan. I’m loyal to a fault. Anyone who helps me, I’ll repay them a hundredfold,” Matthias said.

Without missing a beat, he changed the topic and continued, “If Nathaniel takes the throne, we’re both done for. You should back me instead. I won’t forget it when I become king.”

Tristan’s eye twitched at that, but then he smiled. “You’ve already got the Moseys behind you. Do you really think you still need me?”

Between his two brothers, Matthias might’ve been the lesser evil, but only by a hair.

Matthias and Nathaniel were the same kind of predator-ruthless, calculating, and always ready to exploit someone when it suited them.

There was no way Tristan was falling for that sugar-coated pitch. And really-who didn’t want the crown?

He’d spent half his life waiting in the wings. Now that it was finally within. reach, there was no chance he’d just let it slip away.