An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2440

Chapter 2440

Night had fallen over the inner city, where a secluded mansion stood shrouded in mystery.

Inside, two young men sat engrossed in a game of Go.

The man on the left was Frost Bane, who had recently visited the Ballard family. Opposite him was Matthias Linsor, the second prince, a broad-shouldered man dressed in extravagant attire.

The two focused intently on the board, their moves alternating between swift decisions and moments of deep contemplation.

After the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, Frost Bane sighed and conceded.

“Frost Bane, I must admit your skills have improved. I was nearly defeated,” Matthias remarked, stroking his beard with a look of mild surprise.

“You flatter me, Your Highness. My skills are far beneath yours. Had you not gone easy on me, I wouldn’t have lasted this long,” Frost Bane replied with a polite smile.

“Hahaha… You’ve always had a way with words,” Matthias chuckled, his tone laced with pride.

Winning was his nature—whether in battle or a simple game of chess, he despised losing.

“Now that we’ve eaten and played, let’s get to business,” Matthias said, gesturing for his attendants to clear the board. He wiped his hands with a pristine white towel and continued, his voice turning serious:

“Frost Bane, the situation in Oakvale is growing increasingly volatile. The crown prince has yet to be decided, and it’s been eating away at me. I can barely sleep or eat. The anxiety is unbearable!

Since you’ve pledged your support to me, I need you to expedite this process. I want the position secured—only then will I find peace of mind.”

“Your Highness,” Frost Bane responded, bowing slightly, “the Mosey family is operating at full capacity. We’ve already recruited half of the eight prominent families and secured the support of several key court officials. Among all the contenders for the crown, you now wield the most influence.”

“That’s not enough,” Matthias said, shaking his head. “The court is full of cunning old foxes who shift loyalties at the slightest breeze. They can’t be trusted. As for the eight families, their influence is superficial—they’re icing on the cake, not the foundation. What truly matters are the four royal families. Their support can sway my father and the entire court.”

He fixed Frost Bane with a penetrating gaze. “The Mosey family has backed me, but what’s the stance of the other three royal families?”

To secure the crown, Matthias needed the endorsement of at least two, ideally three, of the four royal families. If all four stood behind him, his ascension would be guaranteed.

“I’ve reached out to the Fallon and Ballard families,” Frost Bane reported. “The Fallon family has shown their support and is preparing to form a marriage alliance with the Mosey family. As for the Ballard family, they’ve asked for a few more days to decide.”

“And the Spanner family?” Matthias pressed.

Of all the royal families, the Spanner family was the most powerful. Their support would be critical.

“They appear to be aligning with His Highness, the Third Prince. I’ve made several attempts to approach them, but I’ve been turned away each time. Winning them over will be incredibly difficult,” Frost Bane admitted.

The Spanner family’s strength and deep-rooted influence made them impervious to coercion or enticement.

“It seems Nathaniel has found a way to bind the Spanner family to his cause,” Matthias mused before abruptly shifting the topic. “What about Tristan?”

“The eldest prince lives a reclusive life and rarely interacts with anyone. Among the eight families, only one or two have close ties with him, and the rest are minor players seeking opportunities. They’re inconsequential,” Frost Bane replied.

“My brother is a weakling—neither skilled in intellect nor combat. Add to that his frail health, and it’s laughable that he even dreams of the crown,” Matthias sneered.

A man destined for a short life had no business vying for power.

“The eldest prince isn’t a real threat,” Frost Bane said thoughtfully, “but the third prince is a formidable opponent. He has strong alliances, solid influence, and the crucial backing of the Spanner family.”

“Then your primary task,” Matthias declared firmly, “is to secure the Ballard family’s support. If they join Nathaniel, we’ll face a deadlock. That can’t happen.”

At present, Matthias had the support of the Mosey and Fallon families. Gaining the Ballard family’s loyalty would tip the scales decisively in his favor. However, if Nathaniel won them over, it would lead to an intense power struggle.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll do everything in my power to bring the Ballard family to your side,” Frost Bane vowed.

“Good.” Matthias nodded, his expression pleased. “When this is over, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for your service.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Frost Bane said with a bow.

“There’s one more matter,” Matthias added, his tone suddenly sharp.

“Your orders, Your Highness,” Frost Bane said, inclining his head.

“You’re aware of the situation in West Lucozia. Rufus Rhys doesn’t have much time left, and Dustin Rhys is likely to inherit the throne. I met Dustin recently—he’s cunning and hasn’t declared his stance yet. I need you to uncover his weaknesses and find a way to exploit them,” Matthias instructed, his eyes narrowing.

“Dustin Rhys?” Frost Bane’s expression turned serious. After a moment, he nodded. “Understood. I’ll begin immediately.”

“Go. Don’t let me down,” Matthias ordered, dismissing him with a wave.

Frost Bane bowed deeply before departing.

Securing Dustin Rhys’s allegiance would prove even more challenging than swaying the Ballard family.