Knight: Chess, #1

By Cathy Draig

Last week at her birthday party, her father announced he had arranged for her to marry. The king of a country across the ocean. Whom she's never met. Thanks, Dad.

 

Today, Princess Henrietta stepped off the dock onto the soil of her new home and met Lieutenant Anders of the King's Personal Guard. Devastatingly handsome, bold, and cocky, he gave her a sexy smirk, caught her gaze, and held it. 

 

A proper princess would dismiss his smile as simple flirting. A proper princess wouldn't climb trees or be best friends with non-nobility either. She's a princess, and she can be proper if called for. But usually, all that pomp and circumstance makes her roll her eyes.

 

With an alliance between Frapane and Jador on the line, a war with the Elves raging, and no heir to the throne, her upcoming marriage is vital to Jador's future. Yet she's drawn to the charming soldier, not her husband-to-be. Her head says the right thing is to obey the law - Anders has treason written all over him. So why does her heart say treason may be worth the risk?

 

This fantasy romance features a strong heroine, a sexy hero, and stalwart friends. Knight is the first of six books, ending on a cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cathy Draig
• Release date: Nov 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215712610

Book preview

Map of Jador

Map

Click for a high resolution map.

Pronunciation Guide

Continents/Countries:

Cesoli: sess-oh-lee

Jador: jay-door

Frapane: frahh-pane

Enestpon: e-ness-pon (like ponder; the T is silent)

Provinces:

Petidar: pet-i-dar

Uesdar: you-es-dar

Surmdar: sirmm-dar

Fontidar: fon-ti-dar

Sabladar: sab-la-dar

Rocedar: rowshh-dar

Roi: roy

Gods/Godesses:

Filarune: fill-a-rune

Shalltar: shall-tar

Other:

Chakrir: shack-rear

Chapter 1

I stood at the rail of the ship, determined to watch our approach to Jador’s capital city, Roi, despite what was considered proper for a princess to do.

For a few minutes, I wanted to forget who I was and enjoy my first look at the city that would be my new home. Until I stepped on land again, I didn’t have to be regal. I could wait until I said my first hello before I needed to don the cloak of Princess Henrietta of Frapane, soon to be Queen Henrietta of Jador.

Once again, I missed my mother. She knew what it was like to leave home and become a queen in a foreign land. Unfortunately, there had been a delay with departure, and I was sent to Jador on my own, with my family to follow later. Well, not entirely on my own. I smiled at my best friend, Celeste, as she joined me at the rail. She gave me a weak smile in return as she brushed her blond hair back from her face.

Other than some personal mementos and a bunch of frilly dresses, she was the only thing I’d brought with me from home. I’d insisted that she come with me as my Queen’s Maven — not because she was an expert in any one particular thing, but because there was no one else I trusted to be my closest advisor. My father hadn’t been happy, but considering he’d arranged for this marriage only the week prior, I guess he decided it was better to grant me my wish than to have me taken to my new life by force.

I knew very little of Jador, except that the capital city we were approaching was located on an island at the western end of an inland sea connected to the ocean. While the island was conveniently located in the middle of the country, I couldn’t decide if building the capital there had been smart or arrogant. I guess I would find out.

As we got within sight of the dock, I wondered who would be there to greet us. My father told me about the elite fighting force charged with palace security and personal protection for the king and queen. Officially called the King’s Personal Guard, they were usually referred to as the Shield Guard, given the emblem of Jador was a shield crossed with a sword.

Father was sure we’d be met by the Captain of the Guard, but on the pier were five soldiers. The captain was easy to spot — he stood slightly to the side and in front of the others on the pier. Then, behind the captain stood four soldiers dressed in jet black uniforms with shiny silver buttons. Their jackets, pants, and knee-high boots, folded over the top, were made of leather. Blood red cloaks, also of leather, were draped over their left arms.

The closer we got, the easier it was to see more details of the uniforms. On their right side, all four wore a black leather pauldron — a piece of armor that covered the shoulder and upper arm and was held in place by a buckle at the top of the shoulder and a second buckle just above the elbow. The pauldrons were more decorative than protective, their edges highlighted in red with intricately tooled sections and the shield and sword emblem prominent.

Even if not for the instantly impressive uniforms, the number of weapons they wore would have made them stand out as special. All four had rapiers at their hips, two pistols on their belts, and a sheathed dagger on the back of their belts as well. Three of the four wore felt cavalier hats, but each was a different color, so apparently, that was a personal choice and not officially part of the uniform.

The captain also wore black, but his cloak was black, lined in red. He didn’t wear a pauldron; instead, he had an ornate steel breastplate.

Further back on the main dock stood a row of men wearing a uniform — but of wool, not leather. The cut and style were nothing like the other four soldiers, and they didn’t have cloaks or any weapons except a rapier. Given that they were holding back a crowd of people, I figured they had to be the city guard.

Fortunately, docking was smooth, although Celeste grabbed my hand as we came to a rest. I wasn’t sure if she was nervous about a collision or about finally arriving. I looked at her, and she gave me another weak smile that didn’t meet her blue eyes. I squeezed her hand.

The ship’s captain led us off the ship and to the Captain of the Guard. He bowed and said, Your Highness, my name is Captain Thomson. He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties, and reminded me very much of my father. His hair and beard were light brown, but also had quite a bit of gray, and his brown eyes were kind. He turned to the other four on the pier. Allow me to introduce Lieutenants Alecks, Piers, Anders, and Dart.

Each lieutenant bowed to me in turn, but only one met and held my gaze — Lt. Anders. It was a bold move — not prohibited, but certainly not typical. I immediately felt drawn to him and wanted to find out what made him so bold. And, he was gorgeous.

As he’d greeted me, he’d, of course, swept off his hat, revealing dark, loosely curled hair that was just long enough to brush his collar — or run your fingers through. He wore his beard in what they call an anchor style — moustache separated from the hair on his chin and a narrow beard along his jawline. He had a thin scar across his left cheek, probably from a sword cut, which only added to his appeal. His eyes were dark brown, and the laugh lines at their corners indicated solemn wasn’t his typical expression. His lips looked utterly kissable, and as he held my gaze, their corner quirked up in a cocky — and completely sexy — half-smile.

I must have lingered a touch too long because I was interrupted by Captain Thomson directing me to the waiting carriage. I straightened my shoulders. Time to act my role. I had to make a deliberate effort not to turn around and look at Lt. Anders again, though.

As the captain helped us into the carriage, the other four mounted beautiful black horses and took up position around us. I tried not to be disappointed that I couldn’t see the sexy lieutenant from where I sat.

I settled back in my seat and looked at Celeste. Clearly, Jador has a thing about black. Black uniforms, black carriage, black horses.

She smiled. Black does hide dirt. Although, a little dirt might not be a bad thing. Isn’t he the most attractive man you’ve ever seen?

I blinked. Who? Most of the time, she didn’t admire the same qualities I did, but sometimes we agreed.

Lt. Dart. She sighed dreamily. I was glad to see that now we were on land, her normal cheery self had returned.

I laughed. Apparently, I hadn’t been the only one admiring the view. I leaned closer and lowered my voice. To be honest, I was too busy checking out Lt. Anders.

Oh, the one with the scar?

You mean the sexy one with the sexy scar? I grinned.

She grinned back. You can have him — I want Dart. Look, he’s the one just behind the carriage.

I looked where she was pointing. By sliding over in my seat till I was squeezed against the side of the carriage, I was able to see without having to lean my head out the window. Ah, Lt. Dart was the one who didn’t have a hat. His hair was longer than the others, almost to his shoulders. It was straight and so dark brown it was almost black. His skin had a natural brown tone as if tanned, and rather than a full beard, he wore his in a several-day-scruff style, neatly shaped and trimmed. He smiled at something someone said, and it lit up his face. She was right — he was quite attractive.

Although we were just arriving, I had no doubt that by the next afternoon — at the latest — Celeste would know if he was single, his birthday, and probably his favorite color. Maybe I’d have to ask her to find out the same about Anders. Although, maybe not. Celeste would be free to choose her husband, but I didn’t have that freedom. Perhaps the less I knew about the bold and sexy Lt. Anders, the better.

I sighed. It was fun to talk about the men and argue about which one was better looking. But, I would be married on Saturday — only four days before I was tied to someone I’d never even met. I hoped I’d have some time to get to know the king before the wedding. The wedding night would definitely be awkward with a complete stranger.

Celeste must have heard my sigh because she leaned over, took my hands, and said, Retta, everything will work out — you’ll see.

I smiled weakly. I hope so. It’s just all happening so fast. A week ago, I was celebrating my birthday, and now I’m in a strange land about to be a queen.

They’ll love you. And even if they don’t, I still do. You’re not alone.

I squeezed her hand and offered a small prayer to the Goddess that I would find some happiness in Jador, even if only a little.

∼∗∼∗∼∗∼

When we arrived at the palace, I took a deep breath. I had this. No big deal, just pretend it was one of those horribly boring fancy balls my father liked to throw. Stand straight, smile politely, and get through it.…If only the self-encouragement had loosened the tightness in my chest.

Then, there was no more time. The carriage door opened, and I had to step out. My heart started pounding as I slowly moved to exit. I was so intent on not tripping and falling that when a hand was offered, I took it without looking. In fact, I didn’t look to see who had helped me until I was on the ground, which turned out to be a good thing since it was Anders who had my hand. I expected him to give it back once I was no longer in danger of stumbling, but he held it for a few extra seconds.

I looked at him and again met his gaze. I still felt drawn to him, a sense of connection that made my heart beat even faster. Just breathe, Your Highness. Don’t pass out, he whispered to me.

I took a breath, trying to steady my racing heartbeat. But if I did, you’d catch me.

I didn’t realize I’d spoken out loud until he whispered a response. I’ll always be here to catch you.

It was an odd thing for him to say, given that he’d just met me. And the way he looked at me was definitely not proper. But I didn’t care. I believed him, and that was all that mattered.

My heart slowed as I followed him into the palace. I heard Celeste behind me and was also comforted by her presence. We stopped in a large chamber, which could clearly hold more than the handful of people occupying it at that moment.

I was introduced to everyone there, but I knew I’d have to be told their names again later because I only cared about meeting the king. Finally, I was introduced to him. He was handsome enough, with gray in his goatee and temples that did give him a distinguished air. His eyes were a dark blue, but he didn’t look like he smiled very much. He didn’t even offer me a smile when he held out his hand to shake mine.

I found a handshake a bit weird. We were going to be husband and wife, not business partners, right? But I smiled as best as I could and returned the gesture.

I trust your voyage was pleasant? He asked, his tone casual but distant.

I nodded. Yes, thank you. Fortunately, no storms or other bad weather. I was a bit worried I wouldn’t care for ship travel, but I found I enjoyed it very much.

He nodded absently but didn’t meet my eyes. You probably won’t get much opportunity to travel by ship now. Not with the war on anyway.

Right — the war with the Elves to the south. I didn’t know very much about it, except that it started a little over three years before when the Elves invaded Jador. I supposed that I’d find out more soon, although I had no idea if I would be involved with the war effort in any way. Of course, that wouldn’t be safe. I’m sure —

I apologize, he cut me off, But I have a few important matters to attend to. Perhaps we can speak some other time.

He didn’t ask it — he said it. So, I guessed it wasn’t definite that we’d talk again before the wedding. He turned away from me and back to the others he’d been speaking with. Clearly, the audience was over.

I sighed to myself. He was definitely royalty — arrogant and dismissive. Not an auspicious start to a marriage. Although, at thirty-nine, he was nineteen years older than me, and I was to be his third wife. The first died of fever and the second in a carriage accident. Neither had left behind any children, so King Lucien had no heirs. His sister had died in childbirth, so it was down to me to produce the heir.

Surely that wasn’t the only reason I was there, though? No, I hoped I’d simply caught him at a bad moment, and he wasn’t always like that.

Anders led Celeste and me to the queen’s apartments, a group of rooms that included a receiving room, a study, the bedroom, and a whole lot of other rooms that seemed excessive to me. To say I was still feeling overwhelmed would be an understatement. I forced myself to remain calm, or at least give the impression of calmness.

I could tell from the look on Celeste’s face that she wanted to marvel at the apartments, but she restrained herself. As soon as we were alone, she wouldn’t hold back, I was sure. I stayed in the receiving room, the first room one entered in the apartments, while she opened the double doors to the rest of the space and disappeared to examine it in detail. I wasn’t quite ready for her exuberance.

Anders stood quietly at the side of the room as I remained still, feeling frozen in place. After a moment, I swallowed, then turned to him. It’s…quite a lot of space, isn’t it?

He nodded. Yes, Your Highness. Although it’s not expected that you’ll use all of it.

I nodded back. Then, Celeste came back, a huge smile on her face. You’ve got to see this! Your bed is so damn tall you’d have to jump on it to be able to even brush your fingers on the canopy.

She looked over and saw Anders, then slapped her hand over her mouth. He was smiling, head down, playing with the brim of his hat. Celeste lowered her hand and said, I’m sorry, Your Highness. I forgot myself in the excitement. I didn’t realize there was anyone else here.

I clenched my jaw to hold back my smile and looked away from her. I knew that if I looked at her, we’d collapse into a fit of laughter. Then, Anders decided to take pity on us — or at least that’s how it seemed — and said, I heard nothing. As for me being here, I can wait outside the apartments if you would like, but someone will always be stationed should you need anything. And they’ll keep out anyone you don’t wish to receive.

That made sense, and we had similar in Frapane. Although there, the guards patrolled the halls instead of taking a post. But then again, the palace in Frapane wasn’t this elaborate either.

I didn’t know what I was supposed to do now but wasn’t sure how to ask without sounding like an idiot. Fortunately, Celeste didn’t have the same problem. So, what’s next?

Dinner will be soon. Someone will bring a table and chairs to set up in the receiving room where the meal will be served. If there’s something in particular you would like, I can ask the chef.

I shook my head. That’s not necessary. Perhaps in the future, but for now, whatever is being prepared is fine.

As you wish.

Celeste said, Regardless of the height, the bed does appear comfortable if you’d like to lie down. Or there’s a comfortable-looking chair in the study.

I nodded. I’ll join you in the study in a moment.

She nodded once, then turned and went back into the depths of the multiple rooms. I crossed the room to speak with Anders. Did you need something? he asked.

I wanted to thank you.

His eyes widened, and he looked at me with surprise. That’s not necessary.

Because you don’t feel you did anything requiring appreciation, or because you don’t think it’s necessary for me to say it?

He looked at me for a long moment before answering. It’s…unusual for anyone to be thanked for their service at the palace.

I sighed inwardly. It was much the same with most nobility. They simply expected others to do things for them. I’d never thought that was appropriate, however. Everyone was entitled to basic courtesy and politeness. Well, I thank you for your kind words and for your assistance getting us settled.

It was my pleasure. He smiled — the cocky half-smile that made my mouth go dry. He was so good looking it flustered me.

We stood watching each other for several heartbeats. He had one lock of hair that was falling forward into his face, and I had the almost irresistible urge to reach out and push it back.

I…I should probably go meet Celeste.

He nodded slowly. Perhaps. If that is what you wish.

No, it was not what I wished. I wished to touch him. But one didn’t just go around touching people randomly, especially when one was royalty and the other was not. Yes…I suppose it is.

Another moment passed, and he leaned closer to me and whispered, You’re still here, Your Highness. Your friend is probably impatient to show you the huge bed. Although whether or not you jump on it remains to be seen.

What was I doing? Shouldn’t I be saying something arrogant and condescending about him daring to talk to me that way? I gave him a soft half-smile and nodded, then finally backed away. He continued to watch me, holding my gaze until I turned around and went to find Celeste.

∼∗∼∗∼∗∼

Anders

After Princess Henrietta closed the door behind her, I loosened my grip on my hat.

The hat would smooth out, but I wasn’t sure about my nerves. It had been a long time since I’d had to restrain myself from openly flirting with a beautiful woman. I knew the comment about the bed had skirted the line, but thankfully she hadn’t called me on it.

Now that there was someone in the apartments, I walked slowly around the room, checking that all the windows were fully closed and everything appeared to be in order. I’d done the check earlier that day, so it didn’t really need to be done again, but I needed the distraction.

I couldn’t explain it, but there was something about her that intrigued me. It couldn’t just be because she was beautiful, although she certainly was. I could easily picture pulling out the clip that held her honey-brown hair pinned up, and her lips were definitely ones I would enjoy kissing. I wanted to spend more time looking into her eyes — find the perfect way to describe their beautiful brown color.

I’d felt a pull towards her even before she’d thanked me, and her unexpected words only heightened the feeling. Maybe it was the laugh lines around her eyes that made me want to see her smile. Or the touch of irreverence when she’d asked why I didn’t think it was necessary to be thanked that hinted at a sharp intelligence.

I sighed quietly and opened the main door to the apartments, then checked the latch. Of course, it wouldn’t have developed a problem in the last few hours, but it was part of the routine. I briefly wondered if I should take up a post outside the doors but dismissed it. An extra set of doors wouldn’t eliminate my attraction.

In my experience, women who were interested in me were either forthright about their attraction or played the innocent game. A game I was good at but was still a game. Yet, she had a third approach. She’d been neither overt nor demure.

It was clear she was attracted to me — it was impossible to miss how her pupils dilated and her breath caught. Or how she’d stood so close, although I’m not even sure she realized just how close. Her expression said she didn’t want to leave, even with my prompting.

I shook my head. These were the kind of thoughts that would lead to me wanting more. Wanting to push the boundaries — to see how far she wanted to go with the flirtation. To take it from words, to touches, to kisses. But I couldn’t do that. For so many reasons, not the least of which was that it wasn’t fair to her. She wouldn’t be free to pursue anything. And even if the feelings were there, if anything more than a bit of flirting was to happen between us, we could both be executed for treason.

I closed the apartments’ doors again and returned to my original spot. Treason was the highest crime possible — a crime that until that moment I’d never really thought about. My friends often teased me about how easily I got women to fall at my feet. Yet they were women I could safely pursue. It might be bad for their reputation if it was found out I was with them, but it wasn’t treason.

Then there was Henrietta — she was off-limits, no questions asked. She was a princess now, and in a few days, would be the queen. Only one man could warm her bed — and that man was not me.

I settled my hat back on my head and stared out the window towards the city. I made a vow not to continue the flirtation. I could restrain myself. I had to.

Chapter 2

Retta

I didn’t see Anders that evening, which was probably for the best. My attraction to him scared me — not the feelings themselves, but that I had them at all. Sure, he was good-looking, but he wasn’t the first man I’d thought was good-looking. I didn’t understand why the feeling was so strong — why there seemed to be a connection between us when we didn’t know anything about each other.

That first night in Jador, I barely slept, too keyed up with thoughts of the future and trying not to feel so alone. Sure, I had Celeste with me, but she wasn’t getting married in a few days. I had to do that part on my own, and it too scared me.

The next morning when Celeste came to wake me up, I was already awake and staring at the canopy. She frowned and came over to sit next to me. What’s wrong? You look like someone told you it’s up to you to save the world.

I snorted. No, not the world, just a country I don’t know anything about, for a king who won’t even look at me when he talks to me.

She sighed. He was rather rude — I will admit that.

You know who wasn’t rude?

Who?

I bit my lip, then said, Anders. In fact, he said something I can’t stop thinking about. I sighed. When I got out of the carriage at the palace, he gave me his hand to get out, and then he said that if I passed out, he’d catch me.

She tilted her head. Like if you swoon because he’s so good-looking?

I rolled my eyes. I’m trying to be serious here. I was nervous as shit and could barely breathe. That’s not swooning over him — that’s straight up fainting from fear.

She reached out and squeezed my hand. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be dismissive. But, I mean, isn’t that one of his jobs? To stop you from hitting the floor?

I sighed again. "It is, but the way he said it…I’ll always be here to catch you…like, I don’t know…he’d always be there for me."

Her eyebrows went up. Wait, that’s not what you said the first time. Cause that does sound pretty forward, you know. Not unappreciated, I’m sure, but not something a guard should say to a princess, is it?

I shook my head. No, not really. Which is part of the reason why I can’t stop thinking about it. And then, when you went back to check out the apartments, I went over to talk to him, and it was like I was nailed in place right next to him. He said something about jumping on the bed, referring to what you had said, which I should have called him on, but didn’t.

She looked at me for a long moment, then asked quietly, And what happens if he gets even more forward than that?

I frowned and looked at her. What do you mean?

What if he tries to kiss you, for instance? What would you do then?

My heart beat faster. What would I do? The answer came to me immediately, but I tried to convince myself it wasn’t what I would really do. She smiled gently and said, Yeah, you’d kiss him back. That’s what that face says.

I bit my lip and nodded. I would. But — but I shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t. There’s so many reasons why I shouldn’t.

You know it’s treason, right? Like, get yourself executed, treason.

I pulled one of the pillows over my face. I did know that. I did. She pulled the pillow off my face and said, First, you’d have to get caught to even be tried for the crime. Second, you know nothing serious can come of it if you do decide to go through with it. And third, what if he’s a womanizer? Would that upset you?

I couldn’t decide what she was trying to say. So you’re saying I should stay away from him?

She shook her head. "I’m saying I know you, and you’re not going to be able to stay away from him. That you don’t really want to. But I’m reminding you that if you give into…anything, that you better be sure you’ve considered all the consequences. She paused then said quietly, Including losing your virginity to someone who’s not your husband. That could be a problem."

I groaned. "Okay, when did we go from me thinking about kissing him to sleeping with him?"

She looked down her nose at me. And how close did you get with Duke Ellington?

I thought about that for a moment. "Okay, you’re right — the thought did cross my mind. But, it never got further than a thought, and his hands didn’t even wander when he kissed me that one time. I paused then added, Do I really come across as…sex-crazed? I mean, I’ve kissed one guy."

She shook her head. No, not sex-crazed. But you’re also not a shy, retiring sort of person. I suspect you would have slept with Ellington if the opportunity had arisen.

Would I have? He was handsome, and I did enjoy kissing him. Although from across the ocean, that seemed like a lifetime before. I took a deep breath. I don’t know — I honestly don’t know. I’ll never find out, of course.

Celeste and I used to talk about sex and what it would be like, but never like this. Never when we knew one of us was going to for the first time in a few days. Was my curiosity about Anders simply that I was more attracted to him than I was to Lucian? Or that he treated me differently? And why hadn’t I said something about his forward comments?

She squeezed my hand again, then said, Come on. Let’s get dressed and get some breakfast. I shouldn’t have said anything. Regardless of how you feel, Anders knows he has to keep his hands to himself, and I have every belief he will. I nodded and got out of bed.

∼∗∼∗∼∗∼

About half an hour later, I sat down across from Celeste to