The Crowns Gambit

❦ Chapter Two: Atlas ❦

The lights flicker back on, illuminating the grand hall, but something feels off. A heavy silence blankets the room, and my heart drops when I realize Charlotte is gone. I scan the faces of the other contestants, hoping to catch a glimpse of her familiar features, but all I find are looks of confusion and uncertainty. King Rhys stands at the front, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Where's Charlotte?" I murmur, barely able to hear my own voice over the buzz of anxiety in the hall. The king's calm demeanour only adds to the tension. It's unsettling, as if he knows something we don't.

"Today's trials will begin at dawn," he announces, his tone smooth yet commanding. "Prepare yourselves accordingly." He seems unaffected by the chaos around us, which only deepens my unease. Does he have any idea what has happened to her?

As the murmurs rise again, I glance around at the other boys—Alexander, Oliver, Sebastian, and Damon. Each wears a mask of determination, but I can see the worry etched into their features, especially mine. My thoughts spiral, imagining the worst for Charlotte.

"I need to find her," I say, taking a step toward the king. "What have you done with her?"

Damon scoffs from beside me. "You think you can just demand answers? You're losing your mind, Atlas."

I turn to him, annoyance flaring. "I'm not losing my mind. This isn't just a game!"

"Then act like it," he snaps back, his disdain palpable. "The king has his reasons. We need to focus on the trials."

My jaw tightens. "Focus? She's gone, Damon! What if she's in danger?"

"Enough," King Rhys interjects, his voice cutting through the tension. "I assure you, Princess Charlotte is safe. The challenges ahead are part of the Crown's Choice, and each contestant must prove their worthiness."

The king's words hang heavy in the air, a mix of authority and something I can't quite place. Is he testing us? Or is there more at stake than we realize?

As the crowd disperses, I pull Alexander aside. "What do you think is really happening? The king wouldn't just take Charlotte away without reason."

"He's keeping his cards close to his chest," Alexander replies, his expression thoughtful. "But it feels like there's more to it. We need to figure out what that is."

"Agreed," I say, glancing around at the remaining contestants, who are now whispering amongst themselves. "But how do we find her?"

"Let's talk to the others," Oliver suggests, joining our conversation. "Maybe someone saw something."

I nod, though a pit of unease settles in my stomach. As we approach the group, I spot Damon lingering at the edge, a sneer on his face.

"What's the matter, Atlas?" he taunts, arms crossed over his chest. "Worried you won't get your happy ending?"

"Shut up, Damon," Alexander snaps, stepping closer to me. "This isn't the time."

Damon shrugs, seemingly unfazed. "You're all wasting your time. The king knows what he's doing. He's not going to let some girl get in the way of his plans."

"That girl is our friend," I retort, frustration bubbling to the surface. "And she deserves our loyalty."

Damon's expression hardens. "Loyalty? You think you have what it takes to protect her? You're just a boy playing a man's game."

I take a step forward, my fists clenched. "I've kissed her, Damon. I know her, and I won't let you or anyone else downplay what we share."

At my words, a flicker of surprise flashes across Damon's face, quickly masked by scorn. "You think that matters? You think that gives you some sort of claim?"