The Crowns Gambit

❦ Chapter Eleven: Charlotte ❦

The door of the hideout swung open with a soft creak, and a rush of warm air enveloped us as we stepped inside. The dimly lit room was a stark contrast to the chaos of the poker game, the shadows retreating from the light of the small fire crackling in the hearth. Elliot led the way, still wrapped in an air of quiet intensity that I had come to expect.

I leaned against the wall, letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. The chaos of the night began to fade, replaced by the safety of this space—a sanctuary, even if temporary.

Elliot turned back to me, his expression shifting as he took in the way I clutched his coat around my shoulders. "Are you cold?" he asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You know I can provide warmth, too."

I rolled my eyes, trying to muster up a smile despite the remnants of tension coiling in my stomach. "Very funny. I think I'll pass on the offer," I shot back, though my heart fluttered at the teasing lightness in his tone.

His lips curled into a smile, a genuine one that softened his sharp features. "Just checking. A man has to do his duties."

I shook my head, chuckling softly. "I didn't realize that included freezing me out in the first place."

The warmth in his gaze flickered slightly as he stepped closer, the teasing fading just a little. "I won't let anything happen to you, Charlotte. You know that, right?"

The sincerity in his voice sent a wave of reassurance through me, momentarily pushing aside the anxiety that had plagued me through the night. "I do," I replied, meaning every word. I was learning that amidst the danger and the games, there was a fragile thread of trust between us.

Elliot tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching mine. "Good. Now, how about we get you something to drink? I think you could use it after... whatever that was." He gestured back toward the door, a hint of distaste in his voice.

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. "I could definitely use something stronger than water."

He guided me to a small table where a few glasses and a half-full bottle of whiskey sat. He poured us both a drink, his movements careful and deliberate, and handed me one of the glasses.

"To survival," he toasted, raising his glass with a playful smirk.

"To survival," I echoed, clinking my glass against his before taking a sip. The warmth spread through me, easing the lingering chill from the poker game and filling the space between us with an air of camaraderie.

As we leaned against the table, sipping our drinks, a low voice broke the moment. "Charlotte."

I turned to see King Rhys stepping into the room, his presence commanding yet softened by the flickering firelight. His expression was serious, but there was a hint of warmth in his gaze that made my heart leap.

"Dad," I breathed, the word spilling from my lips before I could stop myself. I hadn't seen him in what felt like ages, not since everything had changed.

"How are you?" he asked, his voice low and concerned. "I've been worried."

I shifted awkwardly, not entirely sure how to respond. "I'm... okay. Just trying to figure everything out."

His gaze flicked to Elliot, and I caught the slight tension in his shoulders as he sized up the man standing beside me. "Is everything all right?"

Elliot straightened, his demeanor shifting into something more formal. "We had a bit of a situation, Your Majesty, but Charlotte handled it admirably."

Rhys nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful as he regarded me once more. "I'm glad to hear that. You're stronger than you know, Charlotte. You've been through a lot."