CheckMate

Chapter Ten

Princess Francesca’s POV

In a split second, the room erupts into cha.os.

Gabriel shoots up from his seat with a look of pure rage upon his face. Griff stands up to meet his gaze, but I don’t miss how his shoulders jump as the last glass combusts. The crescendo to Gabriel’s frightening display of power.

“Get him the f**k out of here!” Kade demands, pointing at Griff as he stands up to try to get his son’s attention.

“Commander Griffin! You must leave now!” the king shouts, also standing up in an attempt to assert his authority.

However, it hardly makes a dent in the atmosphere.

The room is cloaked under the dominating aura of one man and one man alone.

“Commander Griffin… leave now.” I order, standing up to look at him over the table.

My words get his attention instantly and he grits his teeth as he stares back at me.

“Now Griff… or so help me Goddess, I’ll banish you from this kingdom myself!!”

I’m so damn angry at him that I can barely look at him. Caterina is going wild in my head. She wants his blood for daring to challenge her mate and she certainly couldn’t care less right now about our personal history.

Griff takes one last glance at Gabriel before he stalks away from the table, but when he reaches the door he turns to look directly at me, his voice entering my mind again.

“Now you know Chess… now you know how dangerous he truly is.”

The door closes and I stare at it for a moment as I try to steady my breathing.

He did all that to try and prove a point. To try and sway my opinion on Gabriel.

Shit.

Guilt bubbles up inside me, making me feel sick to my stomach. I may not have said those disgusting words myself, but I am the reason that Griff provoked him in such a public and dangerous manner.

Everyone in the room is preoccupied with dealing with the aftermath of what just happened. Commanders call over servants who are frantically trying to wipe down the stuffy old ladies whose dresses are now stained with a concoction of red wine and champagne.

I turn around to see Gabriel, running his hand over his mouth restlessly.

Then I see it again.

The slight tremble of his right hand before he picks up a napkin and hands it to his mom to clean up.

I try to meet his gaze but he doesn’t look back. Instead, he sits back down in his chair, nodding at his dad reassuringly.

“Commander Knight… please accept my sincerest apologies for Commander Griffin’s behaviour. His reckless actions will not go unpunished-“

“Your Majesty, I appreciate that, but that won’t be necessary. My apologies to everyone for spoiling the evening.” Gabriel says calmly, casting his eyes around the guests.

Around everyone but me.

The whole table nods at him in acceptance. After what just happened, I don’t think anyone would dare not to.

“Your Majesty, I’d like to thank you for your hospitality but I think it would be best if I retire for the night.”

My heart sinks in my chest as I watch him stand up, looking between both of his parents who give him a knowing nod.

“Commander Knight!” I blurt out desperately, standing up abruptly again.

I have nothing to say… but I know I can’t let him leave without looking at me. Without knowing that I’m on his side.

Reluctantly his blue eyes connect with mine, a storm swirling in their depths.

“Uh- do you need anything!? Anything at all?” I ask, my chest heaving under his intense gaze.

He looks back at me for a long moment. His eyes softening just a little.

“No Princess, I-“

Then he stops. His line of sight drifting down to rest on my upper arm. His jaw tightens and his brows knit together.

“You’re hurt…”

The room is silent. All eyes watching our tense interaction.

“Wha-“ I gasp, looking down at my arm in shock.

A large shard of glass is protruding from the skin and tracks of bright red blood are making their way steadily down to the tips of my fingers.

With everything that was going on, I didn’t even notice. A dull sting now radiates from the area but I don’t pay it much attention.

“It’s oka-“

“Commander Wade, fetch the palace doctor immediately.” I vaguely hear the king say in the background.

“Your Majesty, that won’t be necessary. I can heal the Princess.” Annie says, reaching her hand out to touch Gabriel’s reassuringly.

His eyes don’t budge though. He’s still staring at my injury.

Then his voice enters my head.

“I’m so sorry Chesca. I’m sorry.”

I shake my head quickly.

“I’m fine.” I mouth back in return.

“Mate would never hurt us!!” Caterina protests in my head, but she need not worry. I already know.

The room comes to life once again as Annie gets up from her chair to make her way towards me. Commander Wade begins directing the clean-up effort and the guests stand up to get ready to leave the dining room.

“Princess, is there somewhere we could go?”

Annie asks quietly.

I nod my head at her before looking back at Gabriel eagerly, but instead of his stunning blue eyes, all I see is an empty space where he once stood.

“Princess…” Annie, says again gently, breaking me from my daze.

“Sorry, yes please, this way.” I answer, turning to leave the room and heading for my small parlour at the end of the long corridor.

I open the door and Annie steps inside first, looking around the room with interest.

“This is a nice space,” she comments as she takes in the more modest surroundings.

“Thanks.” I answer distractedly, directing her to the comfortable sofa.

“What’s wrong, don’t you have your father’s taste for gold and marble?”

I offer her a smile in return. “Let’s just say I prefer comfort over style.” I say as I take a seat bedside her.

“Ahh, me too.” she answers as she picks up my arm to examine it. “But then us women can do both, Princess.”

“Chesca.” I remind her kindly.

She lifts her eyes to mine. “Chesca.” she smiles. “Do you have tissues?”

“Yes, in the drawer. I’ll get them-“

“Ahh, no you don’t. I promised my son I’d look after you and that’s what I’m going to do.” she chuckles as she makes her way over to the drawer in question.

I smile carefully as she returns.

“He asked you to look after me?”

“Yes… please don’t be offended by his quick exit. I think he just needed to clear his head.”

I watch as her brows furrow. “Now this might hurt-“

“It’s okay. Do it.” I say determinedly, looking down at the grizzly wound.

“Okay then…” she answers with a hint of surprise ringing in her voice.

I watch as she pulls the glass from my flesh in one fell swoop.

“Ahh, shit.” she gasps, as blood begins to flood from the open cut.

She then holds the wad of tissues against it to stem the bleeding.

“You know… many people would be crying out in pain right about now.” she says, raising her eyebrow at me.

I only shrug in response. It hurts but I’m not the kind of person to create a drama over it.

“It’s not that bad.” I lie as she laughs gently.

She lifts the tissues and then places her hand over the area quickly.

As if by magic, the pain immediately subsides and the wound closes over, leaving not even so much as a scratch behind.

My mouth opens slightly in amazement.

“Wow… that’s really something.” I grin at her.

Now it’s her turn to shrug back nonchalantly.

“I’ve been doing it for so many years now that it just feels as natural as breathing.” she answers, standing up to discard the tissues in the trash can by the door. “Chesca, I hope what happened tonight won’t colour your opinion of Gabriel.”

I shake my head quickly.

“No Annie. It hasn’t.” I answer honestly as I stand up to meet her.

“Good… because I can see how much he really adores you. Truly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this before.”

I am suddenly hit with the desire to know everything. To ask her every burning question that has been simmering in the back of my mind since the moment that I met him.

“Annie… that stuff that Griff said-“

“He will tell you everything, Chesca. I’m sure of it. When he is ready.”

I nod my head, realising that, of course, her loyalties lie with her son. She won’t be saying a word without his approval.

At that moment I understand why she is such an admirable woman.

She has a quiet strength around her, showing that she is not someone to be trifled with. However, there is a protectiveness and sense of kindness in her manner.

It makes my chest ache in memory of my own brilliant mother.

“Chesca… I’m looking forward to getting to know you.” she says, looking at me intently. “I believe the Moon Goddess knows exactly what she is doing pairing both you and Gabriel together.”

“You do?”

She nods.

“My son is… different. There are many facets to him that you are sure to learn about soon. Only a formidable woman would be paired with such a mate. I have no doubt about it.”

Just then, there is a knock at the door and it swings open to reveal Commander Wade.

“Excuse me Princess, I was sent to check up on you and escort you to your room.” he says politely, bowing his head.

“Of course… Goodnight, Chesca. I hope we can speak more tomorrow.”

“Me too.” I answer hopefully.

“Oh and if you wish to learn how to fight… let me know. I can help you out. No problem at all.” she says calmly, sashaying past Commander Wade with intent.

I press my lips together in amusement and nod my head at her.

***

I glance towards the clock again.

00.13am.

I tuck my wavy hair behind my ear and walk over to the raging fire place, lifting the glass of wine to my lips.

I stand there for a few moments gazing at the flames as they twist and flicker in a hypnotic dance.

It doesn’t matter how much I try to relax… I know that I can’t. Not until I see him again.

00.25am.

Damn.

I didn’t realise how long I had been standing here thinking about him and everything that happened tonight.

I glance down at the now empty glass and gently place it back on the mantel above the fireplace.

The flames gently warm my arms, shoulders, and legs which are exposed by my short, white silk night dress.

Maybe I should have followed him earlier. Let him know that he didn’t have to worry about me. I half consider going on a wild goose chase around the palace to find him, but luckily, before I can torture myself any further, the door behind me creaks and the knob twists slowly.

I swallow hard and my eyes close automatically as his scent makes its way to my nose.

“Princess…”