CheckMate

Chapter Six

Princess Francesca’s POV

“You really said that?” Jules asks, with a mixture of shock and amusement written all over her face. “As in… out loud?”

“Yes!” I answer honestly in return as I pass her the clothes I have just folded.

She places them in the laundry basket in front of her before she lets out a loud laugh, shaking her head from side to side.

“Well, that was smooth Chessy.”

“I couldn’t help it! It just slipped out. The way he was looking at me… the things that he said… I just, I don’t know. I snapped!” I reply, biting my lip.

“Damn. Listen, I don’t blame you, girl! It sounds fricken hot!”

“It was. He was…” I reply, my mind drifting back to that moment on the balcony last night.

From the moment I walked into the ballroom, I felt the bond reel me in. I knew he was going to be there, of course I did, but as soon as I came face to face with him again, standing there looking at me the way that he did… I melted.

It’s unfamiliar territory for me.

Over the years, I have had passing attractions to men, but nothing that has ever come close to this. He made me feel excitement like never before. He didn’t drop to his knees and praise the ground I walked on. He challenged me. He was respectful but firm. Gentle yet demanding.

I’ve truly never met a man like him before.

After our encounter on the balcony, I was caught up in royal commitments and spent the rest of the night talking polite nonsense to a lot of people that I don’t particularly care about. He watched me from across the room for the rest of the evening. I could tell he was giving me space to work, but his gaze did nothing for my concentration. Every second of every minute was spent thinking of him and what we had just shared together. It was a brief moment but it affected me deeply.

Goddess, I’m so all over the place today just thinking about it. I’ve been up half the night just trying to fight the dirty thoughts that have lingered since that moment that he said those words.

I’ll be the one who makes love to you for the rest of our lives.

Shit.

I’m in trouble.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that there is an Alpha male out there who doesn’t think he is the Goddess- given gift to all women!” Jules states, raising her eyebrows at me.

“I know, right?”

“I’m sure you’ll teach him the art of seduction. Heck, send him my way first! I’d be happy to provide him with a lesson or two!” she adds in amusement.

I scowl at her and she stifles her giggle. I know she’s only attempting to wind me up, but it true that the bond seems to bring out an element of possessiveness within me that I never knew existed.

“Trust me… he needs no help in that arena.” I sigh.

I still can’t quite comprehend the fact that Gabriel is a virgin. Sure, it doesn’t matter to me either way, but there has to a reason why a man like that has never taken it to the next level with a woman before.

He’s so f*****g hot it’s unreal, clearly smart, charming, sweet and strong. He’s the whole package really.

“Chessy, I would say you are in for the ride of your life when you finally set that poor man free.” Jules smirks playfully, slapping my arm and breaking me from my daydream. The same one I have been trapped inside for hours.

“Your Highness.” a woman’s voice rings out behind us loudly.

“Ahh shit.” Jules grumbles under her breath.

We turn around to see Mrs Wade, master of the palace household, standing there with a haughty look on her face.

“Mrs Wade, how lovely to see you this morning.” I say brightly, nodding my head at her.

“And you too, Princess… although I am very surprised to see you here in the laundry room. Miss Woods, I asked you to have this done hours ago. It’s is not appropriate for you to invite the princess into this part of the palace.” Mrs Wade states through thin, tight lips.

Jules opens her mouth to explain herself but I shake my head at her subtly, holding my head high to face Mrs Wade.

“Mrs Wade, I was unaware that I needed your permission to access any area of the palace.” I snap, raising my eyebrow in her direction.

“That is not what I meant, Princess, It’s just Miss Woods here is on thin ice-“

“Miss Woods does a fine job as my personal advisor and friend. There is no need for you to worry yourself Mrs Wade. Now if that will be all… I do have some prior engagements to attend.”

Her mouth drops open slightly in response to my defiance but she bows her head anyway before making a swift exit from the room. Stomping her heeled shoes across the stone floor as she goes.

“Chessy… you do know that you calling me your advisor and friend is only going to rile her up even more. She’ll be off to complain to the king about you fraternising with the help again.” Jules laughs, picking up the laundry basket and heading to the door.

“Urgg, let her. I’m past caring now anyway.” I sigh, making my way over to hold open the heavy door for her.

“I know you mean well, Chess, but you have to keep it together right now. It’s important, and in any case, you know I can handle that grumpy hag on my own.”

I nod my head and decide to cool my temper on the subject. She’s right. She doesn’t need me to defend her and with everything going on right now, it would be better not to add any more to our plate.

After dropping off the laundry at my bedroom chambers, we decide to head outdoors for a walk around the palace grounds.

I close my eyes and breathe deeply into the fresh air. The palace is truly beautiful on clear days such as these, I think to myself, as I stare up at the bright blue sky.

“Goddess, it’s gorgeous out here. I thought for sure last night there was a storm on the way.” Jules comments absentmindedly.

She takes my arm as we weave in and out of the perfectly preened hedges and rose bushes. I know exactly why she had these thoughts but I decide not to discuss the matter any further, not until I find out more for myself.

There is no denying it though. Last night, on the balcony, when Griff was refusing to leave, I felt something strange happen.

The air dropped dramatically in temperature at a moment's notice. The skies darkened above our heads, and it was as though the world turned eerie and silent all of a sudden.

The atmosphere had completely shifted.

The air around us came to life, like some sort of invisible wild beast breathing out an unmistakable burst of pure power.

And when I looked at Gabriel, it was as though I was staring straight at the source of it all.

He was calm. He never said a word, but behind those clear blue eyes was something more. My instincts told me that whatever it was, it wasn’t to be messed with. Even Griff, who I’ve never witnessed backing down from anyone, couldn’t withstand its force.

“Wait… do you hear that?” Jules states, tugging my arm to a stop. “The Guard are still training. Let’s go and watch.” she states, wriggling her eyebrows at me suggestively.

“Jules… we really shouldn’t.” I state shaking my head. “Griff won’t be happy.”

“f**k Griff!” she cackles, dragging me off towards the training ground. “Besides, I thought you were dying to see your mate again. You both looked at each other like long lost lovers last night when the king ordered me to escort you back to your room for the evening.” she smiles.

I can’t deny that it was hard to say goodnight to Gabriel. Maybe it wouldn’t be so terrible just to watch him from afar for a little while.

“Fine, but we have to be discreet.” I say sternly, yanking my arm from her grip and straightening my dress out.

“He makes you nervous… doesn’t he?” Jules observes as I tut in denial. “Come on! This was your idea! So move.”

As we walk along the side lines of the training fields, we obviously begin to draw attention.

Warriors actively stop what they are doing to bow their heads in respect and I return the gesture.

“Your Highness… it’s a pleasure for you join us.” Commander Wade states with an obvious fake smile.

No doubt his wife has already alerted him to our run in earlier on in the laundry room.

“Thank you Commander. Your guards do look in fine shape. Please don’t-“

The rest of the sentence gets caught in my throat as my eyes connect with those deep pools of crystal blue once again. I stand there practically paralysed as I take in the sight before me. Gabriel stands there looking back at me from across the field. His large muscular arms are folded across his broad chest. His T-shirt clings to his bulging muscles, revealing every delicious contour of his biceps and defined pecs. His brow glistens slightly with sweat from the physical exertion I have so clearly interrupted.

“Princess?” Commander Wade asks, as Jules nudges me back to reality.

“Uh yes… as I was saying, please do not let me distract you from your work.” I say genuinely.

Just then, I spot another set of eyes studying me and I groan internally as I see Griff making his way over to us. A look of both determination and irritation cover his face in equal measure.

Here we go.

“Princess.” he bows respectfully in front of me.

I nod at him in return but I can’t help it when my eyes find Gabriel’s again, over his shoulder.

Griff glances backwards before looking at me again.

“Princess, I can give you a walk around if you’ll join me-“

“I see no need for that, Commander. I’m purely here to observe. Nothing more.” I reply sternly, watching as his jaw tightens.

It is then that Gabriel unfolds his arms, walking towards us nonchalantly with that charming, arresting smile etched across his face.

“Commander Knight. It’s good to see you again.” I smile widely, unable to help hide the excitement that creeps up on me once again.

His masculine scent lingers in the air around me and I swear I almost grow dizzy in response.

He bows to me respectfully and I breathe in sharply as his hand grips mine, lifting it to his lips.

“Princess…”

“Commander Knight, we should not set this example in front of the-“

The rest of Griff’s rant fades into the background as Gabriel’s eyes meet mine again.

My core tightens, my breathing gets faster. Goddess, I want him so damn much it hurts.

It’s as though he can read my mind. His charming smile turns devilish in a matter of seconds.

“Oh, I see no need to worry Commander Griffin. They are mates after all and have the kings approval!” Commander Wade states with more enthusiasm than I have seen from him before.

“I should be done here soon. Do you have free time today?” Gabriel asks me hopefully, letting my hand drop back down by my side.

He keeps hold of it though and I can’t help smiling at the intimate action.

“She most certainly does, Commander!” Jules interrupts with a mischievous grin.

“You cannot leave the grounds without a chaperone, Princess. The king’s orders.” Griff interjects quickly.

“Commander Griffin, I am more than capable of escorting my mate on my own.” Gabriel replies with steely determination, finally letting go of my hand to turn towards Griff.

Griff takes a step towards him as they both stare each other down.

Double s**t.

The last thing I need is for this turn into a fight in front of everyone.

“We will stay within the palace boundaries for today. This will save anyone the trouble of considering my safety.” I declare confidently to them both.

On the one hand, I feel incredibly grateful to have two men that I care about, concerning themselves with my safety. But on the other, I feel the need to emphasis the fact that I do not need them to make decisions for me as though I’m not even here.

“Come on now gentlemen. The Princess has spoken and has come up with a compromise.” Commander Wade says, looking at Griff sternly. “Commander Knight, I will not be responsible for making the princess wait. We shall end training here for the afternoon.”

Gabriel nods at him respectfully before turning to me.

“I should go and get changed. Where should I-“

“In the courtyard! I’ll have some lunch set up for you both immediately!” Jules interrupts joyful.

I can tell she is enjoying her role as matchmaker. I think she wants to throw me at Gabriel just as much as I want to throw myself at him!

“Then I’ll be there as soon as I can Princess.” he grins, winking at me discreetly.

Damn, there goes that flutter again.

The one that sets my pulse racing and causes me to press my thighs together for some sweet relief.

“I’ll see you soon.” I smile in return as he turns to leave.

“Apologies again, gentlemen, for interrupting your day.” I state hurriedly to Griff and Commander Wade, taking my leave before either of them can reply.

Jules follows after me and tugs on my arm as soon as we enter inside the castle walls.

“Why am I so excited for you? You’d think it was me who was about to take that hottie’s v card.” she quips with delight.

“Shhh!” I hiss at her in reply but I can’t help the nervousness that settles over me all of a sudden.

It has become pretty clear to me that as soon as I am in his presence, I can’t control my body and mind. I’m completely and utterly at the mercy of the bond and what’s more… I love it.

Jules chuckles as she observes my inner battle play out all over my face.

“I know we have a lot going on right now, Chess but what’s the harm in a little fun?” she whispers cheekily. “You’ve been working so hard…it will do you good. Now, I’m off to tell the kitchen’s about lunch. Be out at the courtyard as soon as you can!” she orders.

That woman is the damn devil on my shoulder. I’m telling you now.

I head off down the opposite corridor towards the stairs that lead back up into the main building. I just about make it to the door when I hear him approaching from behind.

“Chesca! Chesca! Stop!” his voice hisses behind me as his footsteps grow closer.

I let out a breath as my hand releases from the door handle in defeat.

I turn to see Griff striding towards me full of intent, determination clear in his eyes.

“Griff, I’m busy at the moment.”

“Busy? You’ve been avoiding me for the past twenty-four hours. We need to talk about this Chess. We need to talk now.”

I can’t deny that he is right. I felt his thoughts trying to connect with mine more than once last night at the ball but I batted his mind link away each time. I didn’t fancy the lecture that I knew was sure to follow.

“Come on…” he whispers, opening the door to what looks like a cleaning closet.

I shake my head in frustration, but follow his lead. I knew this was coming anyway.

He closes the door behind us then shuffles his body against mine in the tight space.

I stare up into his eyes defiantly.

“Chesca… when were you going to tell me you had met your mate?”

“I don’t see why you think you have the right to know before anyone else Griff? Besides, I didn’t keep it a secret on purpose. It all happened so fast. My mind was, and still is, trying to get around the fact that he is here.”

“Well he is, and let me tell you, he is all in.”

I don’t respond. Instead, I wonder silently how he is able to tell.

Have they spoken about me?

“How do you know?”

“I can tell by the way he looks at you. He’s not going anywhere.”

I swallow carefully.

“You like him too. I know you do.”

“It’s none of your business, Griff.” I say firmly, lifting my hand to the handle.

He knocks it away quickly.

“You can’t do this right now, Chess. I’m not saying that you can’t be mates one day, but you can’t do this right now. We don’t know him. We can’t trust him and until we can work out for sure what to do, we can’t let him in the inner circle.”

“That’s for me to decide.” I snarl in return.

“No it’s not! We agreed that I would protect you and you agreed that you wouldn’t put up a fight about it! Now he suddenly shows up just as the rebels are gaining ground. He can’t be trusted.”

I drop my head and shake it from side to side.

It’s true that I’ve been ignoring the fact that Gabriel has suddenly appeared just as war is brewing. I’ve been burying my head in the sand. Giving in to the bond that has captured me completely since the moment I set eyes on him.

“You can’t let this bond distract you from your responsibilities. Not right now anyway. Put it on hold until you know him better. Tell him if he cares about you, he will give you space to think. Send him back to where he came from.”

I glance back up at Griff and open my mouth to protest.

“Don’t say what I think you are about to.” he grits, holding his hand up to stop me.

“Why!? You say I should wait until I get to know him but I feel like I know him already! He’s a good man! I can feel it!”

“Really? And did you feel that s**t he pulled last night on the balcony? He’s dangerous Chess… there’s something about him. You heard the rumours, right?”

“I heard the stories about him but I’ll make my own mind up so stop challenging him at every turn. This jealous act has got to stop! We are in this situation together, Griff. You have my respect but you are not my keeper.” I state matter of factly. “You never have been. Remember that.”

I give him one last ‘don’t f**k with me’ look before I squeeze past him to exit the closet.

“I’m not jealous, Chess… just looking out for your safety and the safety of our people. The people that WE swore to protect!” he calls after me.

I don’t bother replying, I head for the steps and keep walking whilst a million conflicting thoughts attack my mind all at once.