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[kaystories]

Checkmate: Chapter 2 - Lorelei Caddel

I must have yawned a thousand times during the meeting. Mother glared at me with a look that ordered me to shut my mouth. I sighed and refrained from rolling my eyes, it would be incredibly disrespectful to do such at a council meeting. Not that I was part of said council, but Mother felt that a sophisticated Baroness knew everything that was happening in the Empire. I doubted I needed to know of a Baron’s acquiring of new land, or a new battalion added to the army.

If I had had any say in how my days would pass, I would be helping the villagers, or singing with the bard. Instead, I found myself strapped into a tight corset, under hundreds of layers of petticoats, and falling asleep to one of the Baron’s monotone voices.

I pulled myself to sit up straight and lift my chin a little bit more. I organized my face to be somewhat interested and pretty. A pretty face never hurt anyone, Mother said.

The meeting seemed to go on for hours. Emperor Elio called up yet another Baron to the stand, one after another. Each talked about the land he owned, mostly that it existed. Sometimes there was the occasional report of a new sheep or horse. Nothing that ever interested me.

Finally, after what had felt like an eternity, Emperor Elio dismissed the Barons and his council. Mother freed me from my boredom and I sprinted as fast as I could in my corset. I ran down the corridors to turn to my quarters. I threw the door open and fell onto my cushy bed. From a corner of my room, I heard a soft “Ma’am?” I sat up and looked in the direction of the sound.

The maid looked slightly startled, but she had seen me escape from meetings before. “Hello Aubry,” I sighed. “Are you all right Miss. Lorelei?” Aubry asked, worried. Aubry was a kind woman who was doomed to live a life within the palace due to her family’s need for support. Only the royal family could provide that.

I stood from my bed and walked to sit in front of my vanity. “Yes, thank you. I’ve just come from a meeting.” I didn’t restrain myself from eye-rolling now. I started plucking hair pins out of my light brown hair and felt the relief on my scalp. “Oh dear,” Aubry chuckled. The maid must’ve been old enough to be a mother, although I knew she couldn’t support children. “Shall I pull a different dress for you, miss?” Aubry asked. “Yes, please!” I replied Aubry knew exactly what happened following the events of a meeting for me.

Aubry helped me break free from my corsets and petticoats and in turn, I wore a simple red dress, the color of the Schwar Empire. Aubry brushed out my hair whilst I wrote down everything I remembered from the meeting. I recounted what had happened to Aubry, who listened quietly.

When I looked up from my notebook, I could see my face in the mirror. I saw pale blue eyes staring back at me. Light copper hair fell straight down my back. I supposed I was somewhat pretty, button nose, full lips, and big eyes. I had the pale skin that most people in Central Schwar did, as well as the light hair and eyes. I liked that, it made me feel more like the people of my Empire. But I didn’t have the high, regal cheekbones that Empress Reagan did, long eyelashes that Mother did, or Aubry’s charming dimples. But I was attractive enough to court a Baron and uphold my family’s legacy.

I shook out my hair and stood. “Thank you, Aubry.” I said to the maid, “I don’t know whatever I would do without you!”

“Oh, I’m sure you would fall apart, ma’am.” Aubry joked. I giggled as well, then walked from my quarters.

The Citadel was a gorgeous place. It was built on a tall island with a view of the mainland and the beautiful ocean. It was the core of everything that held the Schwar Empire together, as anyone of importance lived here. Of course, there were smaller builds known as towers around the Empire. But of course, it was ever-expanding as our ambitious rulers conquered more and more land into our Empire, bringing peace and unity to the continent.

Some might refer to Schwar as brutal, but I believed in my ruler’s dream of peace.

It felt hard to believe in the wars that surrounded our empire in the Citadel. Water from the ocean reflected onto the grey walls, casting color across the spectacular home. Schwar was the most powerful and safe power around, but the central lands, the original ones, were the most gorgeous.

“Miss Lorelei!” Someone called from behind me. I blinked and turned. I saw dark blue eyes shining at me and caught the infectious smile he sent my way. I sank into a bow, lowering my head respectfully. “Your majesty,” I murmured, hiding a smile.

“Oh, please stand, Lorelei,” Grayson said, sounding exasperated. I giggled as I stood to my feet. “I only mean to follow the rules!” I joked and brushed the edges of my dress. Grayson rolled his eyes and ran a finger through his blonde locks. “Please, I’ve known you ever since you arrived at the palace.”

“But you’re the Prince!” I insisted. “Exactly, and I hereby order you to stop bowing to me in personal meetings,” Grayson said, putting on a haughty expression that matched his father’s. I grinned. “As you wish,” I replied. “Well, pray tell, what did you call for me?” I inquired. Grayson shrugged “I saw you and want to check on you.” He said simply. “Truly?” I asked, not sure how believable the Prince’s statement was.

“You have my word as a Prince,” Grayson promised with sarcastic solemnity. He walked in the direction I had been headed before, I followed, only slightly behind him in the names of appearances. “So, I am soon to turn twenty years old. And you will be nineteen in a couple of months, yes?” Grayson asked me. I nodded, “Yes, I will.” Grayson hesitated for a moment. “I know you’re still young, but most nobles are wed by twenty-four and are courted by twenty. You will be having to deal with those things soon enough. And I, as a prince, am expected to be in a steady relationship by twenty, at least by my father.” Grayson explained.

“Hmm… I suppose so. But I don’t intend to put much thought into the prospect until I’ve secured myself in the hierarchy.” I sighed. It was the truth, so far, I had no intention of being romantically swayed.

“I see.” Grayson nodded. We dropped into silence for a moment, walking along the perimeter of the Citadel. After a moment my friend ventured “Perhaps a stable marriage could anchor you in society.”. I thought about that for a moment. “Perhaps, but it would have to be someone of significant status. A Cavalier, or a General. Maybe a Baron of high standard.” I mused. “One day, I’d love to live in a small castle, on an island in the middle of a lake.” I sighed.

“With a fancy bridge?”

“Please.”

“What if you stayed in the Citadel?” Grayson asked. I shrugged, “It’s beautiful and has been my home for almost as long as my memory serves.”

“If you were Princess Consort, you would have to stay in the Citadel, your status would be secured, and you could take part in the affairs of the Empire.” Grayson offered.

I looked up at him, dubious. “If I were Princess Consort, I’d have to marry you.” Grayson grinned. “Would that be so awful? My parents are trying to sell me off to a foreign Princess. But I’m sure they could settle for a respectable Baroness from a good family. Besides, I’d rather spend the rest of my life married to my best friend, instead of a random monarch. It is much better than you have hoped for, but that’s the beauty of it.” Grayson smirked. Then he left, sauntering down the hall.

[kaystories]

Checkmate: Chapter 1 - Leroy Sinclair

It was early in the morning, and already I could hear the soldiers training outside of my room. The shouts of exhaustion and of the Knights passed through my windows. I blinked and sat up, the room was still dark, but sunlight would crack the skies in just a bit of time. I sighed and stood from my bed, a yawn escaping my lips. I blinked and grabbed a shirt from my dresser and slid it over my body. I changed my clothing to my uniform, the one that marked me as an Bishop Apprentice. It was a white and blue tailcoat with golden buttons on the front and a pin with the symbol of Blance that was right above my heart.

I ran my hands through my short brown hair, which was curled into tight ringlets on my head and tangled from my night’s sleep. I slipped on my brown boots and opened my door. I stepped into the hallway. Early in the morning, the halls were quiet, peaceful for one more moment. I walked down the palace halls, admiring the art that covered the walls with color.

There were paintings of royalty, stained glass depicting forests, and white banners with emblems of my kingdom. I heard the sounds of the training soldiers drawing closer and turned the corner that led to a hallway drenched with orange and yellow light as the sun began to rise from its slumber.

The source of the dawn’s lighting was an arch that led into a rounded balcony. As I stepped out onto the deck, I saw a small group of men fighting below, about thirty in numbers. They moved like ants, blending together in shades of blue and white in their uniforms. Occasionally a shout was sounded as a soldier made their move on their opponet.

One large man paced around the soilders, looming over them and casting a shadow in the early light. I opened my mouth to call from the balcony, but before I did so, I checked my posture. I lifted my chin, stood heels apart, and hands behind my back. “Knight Madonna.” I shouted, my voice carrying over the area below me. Regis Madonna’s brown eyes snapped up to the deck in which I stood.

As a Knight, Regis was one of the two people set in charge of the army by the King. He was strong, a good leader, everything needed in a war general. Regis looked up at me, his dark eyes catching my white uniform. “Apprentice Bishop Sinclair.” He responded, the appropriate greeting. All the trainees stopped their battle to stand and nod in my direction. I waved and Regis echoed the motion, which sent the soldiers to return to their training.

I made my way down a set of spiral stairs to emerge in the courtyard. Now at the same level with the training soldiers, I could see how tired they were. They were pratically gasping as they ran at each other. I paced along the rim of the courtyard, making my way to Regis on the other side of the space.

He spotted me and met me halfway. Standing at the same level as Regis, he towered over me. The Knight wore a blue and white uniform, similar to my own, but with epulets and a sword hanging from his hip. Although I knew about the other daggers he had concealed. Regis had the brown hair that most of the people in Blance had, including myself. “Knight Madonna.” I repeated. “Apprentoce Bishop Sinclair.” Regis echoed. “How are you today, Regis?” I asked, breaking my stance a little. I had known Regis for years, we had both received an education together. I knew he was a hardworking man, with a passion for the kingdom he served and an unrivaled loyalty to the King. “I feel that today’s training shall go well, thank you for asking Leroy.” Regis smiled, relaxing his form as well and referring to me like a friend. “Although I should be asking you how you are? It’s a big day for you.” The Knight said.

I sighed. “Indeed. I am more excited than words can express, but worry also clouds my mind.” I murmured. “You have nothing to fret about,” Regis reassured me. “You were always meant to take on the Bishop position, and soon you will have more control over my troops than I do.” I chuckled. “Yes, I will be the one to give you orders now.” I shook my head.

“Tomarrow, I will address you as Bishop Sinclair. I trust you will take a lot of weight off of Bishop Marceline’s shoulders.” Regis commented. I nodded. “Roslen is a clever woman. She has a lot of experience, so I should learn from her many years of wisdom.” I agreed.

Roslen Marceline was the other Bishop who had fought hard to be in the position she was in today. Roslen was one of the very few women in the court who held any power, an astonishing feat in our culture. Most women were never able to achive such an accomplishment, but ours was changing with the new generation, seeing that bright women could hold places of power just as well as the men could. But most predicted it would be a slow change, one to happen over the years. Roslen had been a Bishop since early adulthood and had been one for almost twenty years now. She had been commanding the army just as well as any other Bishop in history.

Being a Bishop meant a servant to Blanche. You were practically second in command and only answered to the royal family. They shouldered part of the heavy burden the King, Queen, and Knights carried. This required the Bishops to be smart, and ready to sacrifice for Blance.

“I hope you have learned from Bishop Turner’s wisdom in his time with you.” Regis said, almost gently. I looked down at the ground. Luis Turner was my master and he had been training me for the day when he stepped down and handed me the title. He taught me bravery and leadership, qualities he possessed more than anything. Turner had lectured me in battle strategy and war history from the past.

But he never got to warn me that he was going to step down. Instead he was taken without choice in a sickness that the doctors had declared fatal. And I was going to take his title as my own today, in a ceremoy at sun high.

I nodded. “I pray I have. Now if you will excuse me, I must go prepare to see the King” I told Regis. The Knight nodded, and gave me the smallest of smiles.

I walked up the spiral staircase, back to the hall with the balcony that overlooked the courtyard. Now everything was bathed in warm yellow lighting as I strolled through the palace. I headed down a stairwell that looked over the empty ballroom. The morning sunbeams struck the glass hanging from the chandelier, creating glass shapes on the portrait of the royal family.

The royals were beautiful people, with warm chocolate eyes. The Dalton family looked regal, even Arlo, their youngest son looked mature beyond his twelve years. The faces of the King Alonzo and Queen Verity looked serene and wise while their eldest daughter seemed entitled, she was gifted with the name Caroline. It sounded too sweet for the young woman’s overbearing personality. Although she was close to my age, I didn’t sypathize with her. The middle daughter couldn’t have been more different, her face full of kindness and compassion. Her name was Georgia, and was only a year younger than Caroline.

I looked at the painting for a moment, wondering what the royal family thought about the portrait and why they had decided to hang it in the ballroom, instead of the hall that led to the dining room, like all other royal family paintings. I moved forward, taking a left through the corridor to the throne room. When I came to the large double doors, I saw two privates posted by the doors. I knew both of the privates, both were people that were part of the King’s own army, so I had worked with them in my time as an apprentice. “Private Sinclair, Private Kinsley.” I said. Nodding to my little brother, then his friend.

My little brother, Liam Sinclair, was set to one day become a Knight. It was rumored that Regis was soon going to take my sibling on as his apprentice. When I looked at him, I was reminded of my Father at home, who had sent us for a future.

Liam smirked and nodded to me, but when Logan Kinsley echoed the gesture, it was far less sarcastic. Together, the Privates pulled the double doors open, revealing the vast amount of space, light, and gold the throne room was covered in.

I stepped forward into the room, my hands behind my back and my head bowed respectfully. I waited for the King to address me before I could greet him, as customary between our ranks. “Apprentice Bishop Sinclair.” I looked up to see King Alonzo smiling at me kindly. “My king,” I returned his smile, as it matched my own excitement.

“It has been an honor to see your progress throughout the years. Today we will see the result of your many years of training.” My ruler declared, his brown eyes suggesting he was telling the truth. I had lived in the palace for almost as long as my memory served. King Alonzo’s just ruling was stability in my childhood, something I could depend on. Queen Varity sat on the throne next to her husband offering me an approving look. The Queen was more reckless than her husband, and in contrast, King Alonzo favored peace and saftey. It was the perfect combonation within rulers.

“Thank you, your highness. It brings me great joy to hear you say that.” I replied, telling the complete truth. Queen Varity lifted her chin a little, mocha hair falling over her shoulders“I look forward to the ceremony, and more accurately, to the after party I shall be hosting. Please feel free to invite your family and friends to the palace, to celebrate your upcoming status, Leroy Sinclair.” She said, her chocolate eyes twinkling with excitement. The King looked to his wife with love and exasperation.

Their love was one of fairy tales, undying and mutual, like a story told to children.

“All my friends already live in the castle, your highness.” I beamed. “Well, I understand that you have much to do in preparation for the ceremony, but the party is being controlled by the queen. I will handle the general ceremony, you have nothing to worry about.” The King announced. “I am most appreciative, your highness.” I thanked him, and walked back through the double doors in the throne room. I nodded to Logan and raised my eyebrow at Liam. Liam chuckled, and I moved forward.

[kaystories]

Checkmate

Hello there! I've been writing a Historical Romance short novel, Checkmate. I will soon put out a couple chapters for you to read! I can't wait to see what ya'll think about it <3!