Checkmate (Book I)

Chapter 3

Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you

Acting on your best behaviour
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world

It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most

Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world

- Everybody wants to rule the world by Lorde

~Chapter 3~

The Kingdom of Elavia resembled that of a fairytale story extravagance dripped from the exterior, everything from the glass panes to the marble floors appeared polished neatly. The buildings held the mysteries of the past, whereas the decor possessed the beauties of the future.

Layton was impressed, to say the least, but after years of practice, not a flicker of emotion could be seen on his face.

He walked through the doors of Elavia with an aura of authority and confidence. His shoulders rolled black, his back deadly straight, a hand on the hilt of his sword and his menacing stare was enough to leave people scrambling away from him. Trailing behind him, as usual, was Corcalus.

Regarding looks, they were complete opposites, Layton had dark brown hair, thick eyebrows and beautiful brown irises. On the other hand, Corcalus had blonde hair, dazzling grey eyes and long eyelashes. Not surprisingly, the difference didn't stop there; Corcalus was a rational person who always listened to what the other had to say, making him the most approachable member in their kingdom's council. It was a wonder how those two were friends with their diverse personalities.

The only reason Layton was in Elavia was to inform King Darius that no matter what he offered, Kingdom Silentte will not accept. Entering the lavish throne room, Layton quickly glanced across the room.

The floor was pure marble; the walls threaded with intricate designs the painted the place in a magnificent red, gold and silver.

Two lavish chairs stood on an elevated platform in the centre of the room.

Layton felt indifferent; the restrooms in Silentte were much more opulent than this enclosure. An announcement from a short, plump man caught his attention. Soon after, King Darius emerged from the curtains at the side of the room. Consequently, everyone stood.

"King Layton." His voice held authority and confidence.

"King Darius." His voice unwavering, emotionless.

"I'm glad you are here, with a war on our shoulders, 'the four lands' must stick together."

"There have been countless wars in the past, your majesty, Kingdom Silentte has conquered all of them without trouble."

Darius's eyes darkened, "the war that is yet to come will be more destructive than any of the other you have faced so far."

"You have never believed in the beliefs of my kingdom, why do you want to make a marriage alliance?"

"I wish to think that with a marriage alliance, there will be no misunderstandings between our two nations. We all need to compromise to make ends meet."

"Pardon me your highness, but, it seems to me that I am the only one that needs to compromise in this situation."

"Why would you think so King Layton? I'm giving you my only daughter, for the betterment of the kingdoms." He spoke with hurt and sadness.

"If it pains you that much, we don't need to have a marriage alliance for I see no gain in that."

"You must want an heir to lead your kingdom after your reign?"

Layton laughs, "I have a lot of time on hand to produce an heir, with a lot mo-, of beautiful suitors in my palace."

༻༺

Selera headed to the library, a place she usually found sanctuary in when pondering over certain matters. However, she was stopped by a horror-stricken face.
The maid, whose face has turned extremely pale, curtsied and addressed her, "Your highness, I would suggest you get dressed. I believe your presence is required in the throne room after a couple of minutes."
Selera was confused, did her father wish to speak to her? But before she had the opportunity to voice her question, the maid ushered her in the direction of her chambers.

She sighed, 'better get dressed then.' Trailing her hand to the selected dresses Selera picked the darkest she could find. There were, unfortunately, no black dresses. The dress in her hand was deep plum; it was a whole ball gown with complex embroidery on the front. It traversed across the length of her arm, hence covering the bruises she endured.
Selera discarded the clothes that she was currently wearing. Glancing at herself in the full-length mirror she caught a glimpse of the ugly bruises but, instantly darted her eyes away.

A knock sounded on her door eight minutes later, a servant came in to tell her, he was to escort her to the throne room. Questions swirled in Selera's mind, 'was this about the arrival of the blood king?', 'was her father going to tell her how to behave in front of him?', 'why is the king so keen on allying?', 'are the attacks on his kingdom really so bad?'

Selera's heart was pounding so vigorously by the time they reached the throne room, she had the desire to rip it off her chest.

After the very unnecessary announcement of her presence, she stepped into the throne room and her eyes caught an unfamiliar face with glorious brown eyes.

(A/N)

Hey guys, sorry for the delay!

I've been under a lot of pressure for the past few weeks which is why this took a long time!

Like, share and comment if you loved this chapter,

XOXO,

Ariana