The navy blue curtains on the tall windows were pushed back, revealing the moonlit landscape beyond. The grand room was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of a fire crackling in the stone mantle at the far end. The shadows danced across the walls, and the faint scent of burning wood lingered in the air.
King Xerxes sat with his usual composed expression, his dark eyes focused on the chessboard before him. The light from the fire highlighted the sharp lines of his face, making his features appear even more imposing in the low light. Across from him sat
Marquess Nathaniel, visibly tense, his brows furrowed in frustration.
Between them, King Charles leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He observed the board quietly as Xerxes made his move, fingers steady as
