King (The Chess Chronicles Book 3)

by Riley Walker

  “Cara, I need you. I need to be buried in you, just to feel and know you are really here with me.” He lets out a harsh breath, pulling me tighter against his chest. “Now is not the time. When you are fully healed, I think a trip back to our favorite tree is in order.”

  I tilt my face up, kissing the stubble on his chin when the door to my bedroom opens. I look up to see Edrik, carrying a tray with toast, eggs, and fruit. My favorite coffee mug is also on it and I can smell the delicious scent of coffee coming from inside of it.

  “I ran into the King on the way here, Chess. He is delighted you are awake and almost healed. He sends his love and will be by to visit you as soon as our meeting is over.”

  “Thank you, Eddie. I’m starving, but I need that sweet, sweet nectar first,” I say while snatching the mug from the tray.

  Rook chuckles and says, “I will never know what you see in that stuff. It looks like muddy water and smells like dung.”

  “Don’t knock it till you try it, Rookie.”

  “Did you just call me Rookie? Woman, I should take you over my knee for that.”

  “Can we please not say things like that right now. You are putting a visual in my head and we are supposed to be letting her heal first, Renegade.” My Knight runs his hands through his hair in frustration.

  Rook just laughs and gets out of the bed. He leans down and kisses me quickly on the lips, snatching a piece of toast off of my plate before walking away.

  “Gotta go meet with the King, Cara. Duty calls.” He winks at me before closing the door to my bathroom behind him.

  Edrik comes over and sits on the bed beside me. “Eat, Chess. We need you back to your normal strength as soon as possible.

  I pick at my fruit, deciding to focus on my coffee instead. “Eat. Do not just drink the coffee, Chess.” He pushes my coffee cup aside and gives me a knowing look.

  Rook steps out of the bathroom and Edrik stands, then leans down to kiss me on the forehead. “We will be back as soon as the meeting is over. Shelby is on her way up to keep you company.”

  Rook blows a kiss at me and follows Edrik out the door.

  Only seconds after my guys leave, my pixie sized best friend comes flying in, my laid-back bestie following casually behind her.

  “Frannie!” Shelby giggles when she jumps on the bed. She rolls over and I get my first glance at today's tee. Wear Black Or Stay Naked is printed in bold, white letters across the front of it. Only Shelby could pull these things off. Colton closes the door behind him and comes to sit beside me.

  “How are you feeling today, Franchesca? You look better. You’ve lost that whole ‘knocking on death's door’ look you had going on.”

  I punch him in the shoulder. “Very funny. What’s going on with you? Is everything alright? You look a little down.”

  “Colton is homesick, Frannie.” Shelby sits up, giving him her best puppy dog eyes.

  “I’m sorry, Colton. I’ve been a horrible friend. Do you need to go back home? I completely understand if you do.”

  Colton shakes his head. “No, I can’t leave you two. Especially not with that crazy man on the loose. Besides, you getting stabbed and Shelby being kidnapped made me realize how much I need to be with you both. You’re my best friends. I’m not going anywhere right now.”

  I lean over and hug him, thankful for his amazing friendship. Pulling back I ask him, “What about your parents and family? Aren’t they worried about you?”

  “Gerald took care of that for me. He let them know I was on a sabbatical from the University. He emails them once a month, acting like me, letting them know I’m okay. Right now, they think I’m doing a Peace Corp thing where internet is sketchy and there is no phone service. It should give me more time here. I can go back home for a visit and come back when I need to.”

  “It’s nice to have a professor in your pocket, huh Colton?” Shelby chuckles when she says this.

  Colton picks up a throw pillow and chucks it at her head.

  “You okay, Frannie?”

  “I’m fine. Still sore and so tired. It’s so great to have you two with me. You don’t expect anything from me. No worries about ruling the world, who I have to save, who to marry or mate with, nothing. You are the only ones I can just be myself with. If all I want to do is veg out, eat pizza, and talk about the mess of hair on my head, ya’ll don’t care or judge me. Everyone else wants something from me. I just need a break to be me. Not Princess or future Queen, just plain old Franchesca. You have no idea how exhausting it is to have to be something to so many people. Now with this prophecy hanging over my head, I can’t keep up anymore. I feel like I’m drowning.”

  I wipe at the tears that have fallen from my eyes. I can’t put into words just how much these two really mean to me.

  “Franchesca, you know we would never judge you or expect anything from you. Well, we may judge you on your breath. Damn girl, did something die up in there?”

  “Colton! You are such a buttface.” I turn my head and try to hide a blow and sniff of my breath. Damn him, he’s right. It is rank. “If you think it’s so bad, get off your lazy butt and help me to the bathroom so I can brush my teeth.”

  Colton laughs at me as he stands, holding out a hand to me. I grab hold and start to walk toward the bathroom. Halfway there I trip over my own feet and he catches me.

  “I always knew you would eventually fall for me.” Colton smiles, his cheeks turning pink, and helps me to the sink. “You got it from here?”

  “Yeah. I’ll call you when I’m ready to head back. Thanks, Colton.” I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek.

  I finish brushing my teeth and take a moment to stare at myself in the mirror. I am no longer the self-doubting, spoiled Princess that is told what to do with her life. I now have two best friends that would do anything for me, and two fated mates that love me, frizzy hair and all. I stand tall, my shoulders back, lavender eyes wide open and a determined look on my face. I will make them proud of me. I am the Golden Queen and I will keep my people safe and defeat Armand. I will live up to the prophecy and be the Queen I was born to be, even if it’s the last thing I do.

  7

  Dad Knows All

  “Stop picking food off of my plate, Colton!” I swat at his hand when he tries to take the last piece of fruit left.

  “You know he’s a human garbage disposal.” Shelby could not be more right about that.

  A knock interrupts our banter and my Dad sticks his head in the doorway. “Frannie, mind if I come in?”

  “That’s our cue to leave. Come on, Colton. Take me to the kitchen and feed me.” Shelby grabs his arm and hauls him out. She gives me a wink as they pass by my Dad.

  “Hey, Dad.” I reach my arms up to accept the hug he has for me.

  He sits on the bed next to me and squeezes my hand. “So, do you want to talk about it?”

  “My life is a mess. I have a crazy Uncle that wants to kill us, my best friend is a penguin, and I found my fated mates, but I am still betrothed to Winston!”

  I ring my hands in frustration and in anticipation for how he is going to take the fact that I have fated mates.

  “Frannie, first of all, we will find Armand and we will make sure he never has the opportunity to hurt anyone, especially my family again. Your best friend? She is a penguin, so what? I hear you just need to watch out for wild flippers. Now, about the fated mates. I am assuming we are talking about that Rook fella and your Knight, Edrik?”

  “How did you know?”

  “Frannie, I grew up hearing about the prophecy.” He puts his hand up to stop the words about to pour out of my mouth. “Yes, I know all about it. I just never thought it was anything more than an old fairytale. To think that my daughter is the fated Golden Queen…. I always knew you were destined for something special, but never anything like this.”

  “Why have I never heard about it before? Gretchen told me after Edrik and I mated.” I feel the blush creeping up my neck. Talking about being mated with you
r Dad is a bit embarrassing.

  “There has not been a fated pairing in over a century. We stopped talking about it long ago. I had a feeling that you and Edrik were in love, but then I noticed the way Rook looked at you, and I was not so sure. After you were injured, I knew those two were both in love with you. Then I walked in here to see your beautiful eyes are now lavender and I have a suspicion those men's eyes are the same color. There is no other explanation besides you being the Queen that has been prophesied about.”

  “What am I supposed to do about Winston? I am still betrothed to him and both of our Kingdoms are expecting us to marry. Having Edrik and Rook complicates everything. I know you are counting on me marrying him and I am so sorry, but I just can’t do it.” I wipe at the tears falling, unable to stop them any longer.

  Dad moves my hand away from my face and continues to wipe away my tears. “My dear, Frannie. I did not say you had to marry Winston. The prophecy states that you and your fated mates will unite all Kingdoms. Something tells me you have not found the last of your mates. Now, give Winston a chance. I have never seen a man so gutted as I did when he watched Rook carry you in here after finding you hurt. He was devastated. I know he may not always act like it, but that man has strong feelings for you too, Frannie.”

  He leans over and kisses the crown of my head. “I need to get back to my meetings. Your young men should be up here any moment.”

  My door opens and Edrik, Rook, and Winston all file into my room. My Dad stands, and gives each of them a glare as he leaves the room, shutting my door behind him. He thinks he is so intimidating.

  Edrik takes the spot my Dad just left, Rook stands by the door, and Winston takes a seat on my couch. Winston looks so ragged. He places his elbows on his knees, running his hands through his already messy hair. He lets out a breath and then looks up at me.

  “Explain this to me. One moment we are betrothed to each other, the next you have lavender eyes and tell me you are practically married to these two. Help me understand this Princess, because I feel like I am losing control over everything.”

  I guess this is the day I lay all my cards on the table with everyone. There are no secrets left for me to hide.

  “Winston, I don’t know what the future holds for us, but Gretchen and Ruby told me that I am the Golden Queen from the prophecy. What we do know for sure is that Edrik and Rook are my fated mates.”

  “So, you can have more than one mate according to this prophecy? I have heard of a Golden Queen but just bits and pieces. What exactly does it mean and where does it leave us?”

  I recite the prophecy that I now know by heart to Winston.

  Fated mates shall unite with their Golden Queen,

  or peace shall not be seen.

  If the bonds are not eternally made,

  evil in our realm shall raid.

  Two Kingdoms will undoubtedly fall,

  if the Golden Queen heeds not her call.

  For only love shall change this fate,

  between the Golden Queen and her fated mates.

  “The prophecy is clear that the Golden Queen, with her fated mates, will unite all Kingdoms. Not just the Light and Dark, but all. I have been thinking about this, and I believe the Inferiors are included in this. Right now, our goals are to take down Armand and bring peace to all our people. Edrik and Rook will be by my side, the question is, can you work with all of us until we figure everything out?” I hold my breath, waiting for Winston to blow up at me. There is no way he will be okay with this.

  “I still do not believe that this prophecy is anything more than an old wives tale. However, for now, I will accept what you are saying and agree to work with Edrik and Rook. Your goals are mine as well. Besides, it will give you and I a chance to get to know one another better.”

  Well, that just took me by complete surprise. I take this opportunity to change the subject. “Tell me how the meeting went? Do you have a plan now on finding Armand?”

  “Yes, Cara, we have a plan. I have informants out looking at some solid leads we have. Hawkeye is scouting out old abandoned mines to see if anything has been disturbed around them. I promise we will tell you everything. We won’t keep you in the dark.”

  “Thank you, Rook. If that is everything, I am full from breakfast and could use a nap. I feel better physically but I am still so worn down.”

  Winston stands from the couch, walking over toward me. “I will check on you again later, Princess.” He bends over and kisses me on the cheek then turns and leaves.

  Edrik and Rook look taken back by his display. I have to admit, even I am shocked by his behavior. Edrik leans over and gives me a quick kiss on the lips. “Get some rest. I need to go over some more plans with the King and his Advisors.”

  After Edrik leaves, Rook saunters over. “Sleep well, Cara. I will see you in a few hours.” His kiss is not fast, but slow and exactly what I need from him. He walks out, closing my door softly behind him.

  Winston, Edrik, Rook, and I all together, living in happiness, is the last thought I have before sleep takes me.

  8

  All I Need

  (Winston’s POV)

  I leave the Princess’s bedroom and walk quickly to the library downstairs. This room always reminds me of her.

  I had heard bits and pieces of that old prophecy but never thought anything of it. Could she really be the Golden Queen? If she is, it says fated mates. She already has two, could there be another. Am I her mate and we do not know it? How would we even know if I am destined to be with her?

  I should have asked her about that but I cannot seem to think straight when I am in her presence. Since the moment I saw Armand run off, leaving that dagger embedded in her, I can think of nothing else. Seeing her laying so still and pale, not knowing if she would make it or not, has made me re-evaluate what I need.

  I need her.

  9

  Girl’s Day Out

  I wake up alone this morning after spending last night wrapped in Edrik’s arms. When I stand, I notice my body is not as sore. I wander to my bathroom and decide to take a shower and get out of my room today. I need to see people and maybe a little sunshine.

  After getting ready for the day, I slowly make my way downstairs and to the kitchen. This is the first time I have ventured in here since we lost Gretchen. I almost expect to see her standing at the stove, baking some cookies and laughing at something or someone. Instead this morning, I am greeted by a new face speaking to Mother.

  “Franchesca dear, meet Sherry, our new chef. I was just speaking with her about dinner tonight. Since you are up, maybe you feel like joining us? It has been a while since we had a family dinner.”

  I smile at Sherry, well, I attempt a smile. I don’t like seeing anyone else in Gretchen’s kitchen, using her things. “Yes, of course. A family dinner sounds lovely.”

  “Frannie, there you are!” Shelby bounces into the kitchen, followed by Colton and an amused looking Mary.

  “Hey guys. What’s going on?” I ask the group, wearily. I can already see the wheels in Shelby’s head going.

  “I was thinking of getting out and doing a little shopping today. Would you care to join us?” Leave it to Mary to know exactly what I need.

  “I need to let Edrik or Rook know first.”

  “Girls shopping trip!” My best friend bounces around.

  “Oh goodie,” Colton deadpans.

  Shelby looks over at him, “You don’t have to go, Colton.”

  “Well, I’m not staying here. I’m bored out of my mind. I need to get out for a little bit.”

  “It’s settled then. I’ll go let Edrik and Rook know we’re going.”

  “Going where, Cara?” Rook speaks into my ear. Damn this man and his ability to sneak up on me.

  I turn, looking Rook directly in the eyes. “I am going to the Merchants Square with Mary, Shelby, and Colton.”

  “Over my dead body. You cannot leave this castle, Chess. It is too dangerous.” Edrik yells as he walks i
nto the kitchen. I was wondering where he was.

  “Eddie, we’ll be fine. Colton will be there.” I give Edrik my biggest smile, hoping this will help persuade him.

  “Chess, no. We have no one available to accompany you. All the soldiers are busy, either looking for Armand or guarding the castle. Rook and I are busy in a meeting with the King and the Advisors.”

  “I’ll take them.” I whip my head around to see Hawkeye walking in.

  “Are you sure? Last time…..”

  “It's okay, Princess. I would be more than happy to escort you to town. He will not get near any of you while I am there. Not again.” Hawkeye looks over at Rook, giving him a nod and assuring him that he will be okay taking us.

  “Go, Cara. Have fun, but stay beside Hawkeye at all times. You understand me?”

  “Yeah, yeah, I got you.” I wink at Rook then give Edrik a swift kiss on the lips. I grab Shelby’s hand and hustle out of the kitchen before anyone can change their minds.

  When we arrive at the Merchants Square, Mary leads us first to a clothing boutique. She claims to need a dress for dinner tonight, but I know she has a love for the Fey’s fine silks. Watching her and Shelby run from dress to dress is exhausting. I'm not the only one who thinks that. Colton and Hawkeye both look bored out of their minds.

  After leaving the boutique, I inform the group that I would like to see Ruby. Everyone except Hawkeye thinks this is a good idea.

  “Princess, do you think that’s a good idea? What if Armand is watching her shoppe again?” He states while looking around for any danger.

  I look up at Hawkeye,“You don’t have to go in there if you don’t want to. I’m sure it brings up awful memories, but I need to see Ruby.”

  He gives me a nod, “Ok, Princess, but I will be accompanying you inside. Bad memories will not deter me from keeping you safe.”