Chapter Six: The Queen’s Gambit

The sun barely crested the horizon when Estella stirred. Her body ached in ways she hadn't known were possible—an ache that had Lucien's name all over it. The marks on her skin, the soreness between her thighs…every touch of his still burned into her.

And yet—she refused to lie there like some obedient little concubine.

Lucien's arm draped heavily over her waist, his body warm and solid against her back. Even in sleep, he held her like he owned her. And maybe, for a moment, in the dark hours of the night, she had let him.

But daylight had a way of sharpening her edges.

Slowly, carefully, she slipped out of his hold and slid from the bed, not bothering to cover herself. She refused to be embarrassed—especially after what they had done. After how many times he had pulled her back beneath him, growling promises against her skin that still echoed in her bones.

Her legs trembled slightly as she reached for the silk robe draped across a nearby chair. Damn him.

"You're up early," Lucien's voice was rough, still heavy with sleep—but there was no mistaking the authority laced in his tone.

Estella turned to face him, tying the robe loosely around her waist. "I didn't realize I needed permission to move," she quipped, lifting her chin. "Or would you like to chain me to the bed next?"

Lucien pushed himself up on one elbow, the sheets sliding low across his hips. Gods, he looked infuriatingly perfect—bare skin kissed by the soft morning light, muscles taut beneath the smooth, pale surface.

And those silver eyes—they watched her like a predator deciding whether to hunt.

"Don't tempt me," he said, a slow smile curving his lips. "You might enjoy it."

Estella rolled her eyes. "I'm sure your harem would love that."

His smile didn't fade. "Jealous, little rebel?"

She snorted. "Of a gaggle of women desperate to warm your bed? Please." She strolled toward the window, forcing her legs not to wobble. "I'm just surprised you have the energy to bother with them after last night."

Lucien's laughter was soft—dangerous. "If you're trying to test my limits, you should know by now—I don't have any."

"Everyone has limits," she countered, glancing back at him with a wicked smile. "Even emperors."

And gods—if she wasn't so sore, she might've let him prove her wrong.

But Estella had no intention of spending the day tangled in his sheets. There was a palace full of enemies waiting to see her fall. And she would be damned if she gave them the satisfaction.

She turned toward the door, but before she could reach it, Lucien was behind her—faster than she expected, his hands bracketing her waist as he pressed her against the wood.

"You walk out of this room," he murmured against her ear, his voice low and threatening, "and every snake in this palace will try to sink their teeth into you."

Estella tilted her head back to meet his gaze. "Let them try," she whispered. "I bite harder."

His grip on her waist tightened—possessive and unyielding. "You're mine now," he said softly. "And no one touches what's mine."

A shiver ran through her, but she masked it with a cold smile. "Is that your way of telling me you care, Your Majesty?"

His answer came in the form of his mouth trailing along the curve of her neck, teeth scraping softly over her pulse. "I don't care," he murmured, though the heat in his touch said otherwise. "I protect what belongs to me. That's all."

Estella laughed—a sound laced with defiance. "I don't belong to anyone."

Lucien's mouth curled into a smile against her skin. "We'll see."

And gods help her—part of her wanted to lose that battle.

In the East Wing…

Valeria paced her chambers, her hands curled into fists at her sides. She had spent years crafting her position—years molding herself into the emperor's perfect shadow.

And now—this girl. This wild, unrefined creature threatened everything.

A knock at the door made her pause. "Enter," she snapped.

Grace slipped inside, her golden hair spilling over her shoulder, her face a mask of false sweetness. "You're in a mood," she observed, shutting the door behind her.

Valeria narrowed her eyes. "If you came to gloat—don't."

Grace smiled faintly. "Gloating implies you've lost. And while she might have his bed…" She drifted closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "She doesn't have his heart."

Valeria scoffed. "Lucien doesn't give his heart to anyone."

"Exactly," Grace said, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. "So why not remind him of that?"

Valeria arched a brow. "And what's in this for you?"

Grace's smile turned razor-sharp. "I enjoy watching people fall."

Valeria considered the woman before her—a snake in silk, as deadly as she was charming. But if Grace wanted to play games…

Valeria would burn the board to the ground.

Later That Day…

Estella had just stepped into the grand hall when she felt the weight of every gaze shift toward her. Whispers curled through the air—soft, venomous things meant to slice at her pride.

The emperor's new pet…

A common girl—how pathetic…

She won't last.

She smiled to herself. Let them talk.

Cassius, lounging near the marble staircase, caught her eye and gave a slow, amused clap. "Still breathing, I see," he drawled. "And here I thought His Majesty might've broken you by now."

"You underestimate me, General," she said sweetly. "I'm harder to break than most."

Cassius grinned, stepping closer. "Good," he murmured, his tone dipping lower. "Because the palace would be a lot less entertaining without you."

Before she could respond, the air in the hall shifted—went cold.

Lucien.

He entered like he owned the world—because, in many ways, he did. But his attention locked onto her, and everything else faded.

"You're brave," he said softly when he reached her, his voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear. "Walking through my palace without permission."

Estella lifted her chin. "If you wanted me caged, Your Majesty, you should've tried harder."

His lips curved into a cruel smile. "I'm not finished trying."

The tension crackled like a storm gathering strength.

And as Valeria watched from the shadows, a plan began to form—a way to shatter the little rebel once and for all.