A Royalty Kneeling For His Queen

Prologue

Why was I born as a woman? That question echoed in my mind as I gazed at my reflection in a full-length mirror, wearing nothing. It allowed me to see the contours of my body, noticing its slender form.

My blonde, curly hair cascaded down to my waist, veiling my back from view in the mirror. I could only see the front, flawless skin, perky breasts, small waist, and slender thighs and legs.

A sneer played at the corner of my lips, my eyes smoldering with frustration. Disgusting. This feeble and delicate body is utterly repugnant.

I lifted my chin, attempting to exude a commanding presence. My expression remained impassive as I arched an eyebrow, yet it was futile. I still appeared feeble. I resembled an innocent child trying too hard to be a bully. "Pathetic," I murmured.

A knock at the door snapped me from my reverie. I merely stared at it until someone entered. I didn't bother to shield my nudity.

Pierre displayed no surprise upon seeing my bare form. His gaze barely lingered for three seconds. He headed for my walk-in closet and selected a dress for me.

"You should get dressed. It's cold," he advised as he assisted me in donning the garment.

In truth, I offered no assistance. I stood still, unmoving, fixated on his face. He looked grave while adorning me. He dressed me while I gazed at him. He even assisted with my undergarments.

Yet, despite my nakedness before him, I detected no unsavory emotions on his face. There was no... lust or desire in his eyes. All I saw was his concern for me. After all, I'd been undressed and fixated on my reflection for a while. "Are you gay?" I blurted out.

He paused in buttoning up my dress. It was a black button-down dress with a slit on the left side, thus he took his time with the buttons. However, he resumed after studying me for a few seconds.

"I am not," he replied. I snorted and decided to brush my hair. I understood that teenagers his age were often curious about matters of intimacy. We were of similar age. Yet, here I stood, displaying my body, and all he did was clothe me like a doll.

He was always like this. Whenever he caught sight of me undressed and gazing at the mirror, he promptly attired me, asserting I'd catch a chill if I lingered.

Perhaps he truly was gay, desiring only to adorn me. He gazed at me once he'd finished buttoning my dress. I returned his stare while brushing my long, blonde hair. My countenance remained impassive, and he appeared as if attempting to discern my thoughts.

"Am I not beautiful then?" I inquired. I glimpsed a trace of emotion in his eyes, but it vanished swiftly. He sighed and relieved me of the hairbrush.

"You are and will always be the most beautiful woman to me," he asserted, continuing the task I'd begun earlier.

I smirked, the expression evolving into a chuckle. Yes... That was the truth. I possessed beauty and intelligence, but not physical strength. Women like me could rely solely on their allure against adversaries. That was my sole advantage.

Why was I born as a woman?

"Are they ready?" I questioned while he tended to my hair. He tucked a few strands behind my ears before meeting my gaze.

"They're only waiting for you."

I grinned and tapped his cheeks. "The party won't commence without me. Let's go." I finally departed my room. I couldn't discern how long I'd been entranced by my own reflection until Pierre entered. Perhaps an hour? He wouldn't have interrupted me if I hadn't lingered so.

Consequently, my visitors had likely been waiting for me for an hour already. I chuckled. This was how it should be. People should wait for me because I was an exceptionally important person. I shouldn't be kept waiting. Everything must be prepared before my arrival.

I descended the stairs and observed my visitors in the living room, standing up as they awaited my descent to the final step. They'd reserved a seat at the head of the lengthy table just for me. The chair exuded extravagance, as if only a Queen like myself could occupy it.

"Take a seat, my dear chess pieces," I said. They quickly obeyed my command, which pleased me greatly. Yes. That's right. Take my every word as an order that you should follow.

I scrutinized each of them. My chess pieces were complete. These were the people who would follow me. These were the people who would serve me.

Joshua, who looked so young, would be one of the Pawns. I decided to call him Sieg.

Liam and Kenji would be the Rooks and my pillars. With codenames Black and Dyke.

Bryle and Codee would be the Knights. Their codenames would be Ross and Alter.

Pierre would be my Bishop. The Queen's Bishop. I would call him Enkidu.

Then there was the last girl, who also looked very young. I guessed she was about the same age as Alter. She seemed out of place, head hung low while fidgeting. I smiled sweetly. I wanted young people like her. Easy to mold.

"Lirae..." I called her. She looked up, fear in her eyes. My smile widened. "Your new name will be Yucca. You will guard the King."

She opened her mouth but chose to close it again. I chuckled and called her again.

"Lirae... From now on, we will call you Yucca. You should get used to it." I looked at Codee, who looked as confused as Yucca. I smiled at her. "Codee, my dear. Come."

She quickly left her seat and came over to my side. I was pleased. I had a feeling she would be my favorite piece.

"I will call you Alter, okay? You will be my Knight."

"Knight, Ate Eresh?" she asked. I couldn't help but pinch her cute cheeks.

"Yes. You have to protect me, so you must learn about computers, okay?"

She beamed at me. "Of course, Ate Eresh! I'll do my best!"

I chuckled and pulled her into a hug. I caressed her hair, hoping she would remain as innocent as this forever.

But I was certain she would grow to resent me.

I returned Alter to her seat and faced them all. Enkidu stood beside me, ready to do whatever I commanded.

"My dear chess pieces," I began. "Our time has come. We will now play the Bloody Human Chess game. As you all know, we will serve as the chess pieces while defeating our enemy, the EL Ordre."

"Chess pieces? If we're chess pieces, it feels like something's missing," Black interjected. "Where's the most important piece in the game? Where's the King?"

The smile I wore faded from my face. I looked at Black, who dared to interrupt me during my speech.

"King Lancer is not here," I said firmly. But it seemed he didn't understand what I was trying to convey.

"He should be here, and he should be the one sitting in that chair," he said, pointing at the chair where I was seated. "You're just the Queen."

Why was I born as a woman?

"The Queen is the most powerful piece in the game of chess," Enkidu stated. "Watch your words."

Black shrugged. "I'm just curious. The King's Bishop is here, but where's the actual King?"

I gritted my teeth but still managed to smile sweetly.

"My dear Rook, you are just a mere Rook, yet you dare to question my authority?"

He laughed. "I am not questioning your authority. I was just asking why King Lancer is not here."

I gave him my sweetest smile. The sweetest yet the most dangerous smile I had.

"Gather as many Pawns as you can."

"What?" Black asked, looking so confused.

"We need Pawns that we will use as bait. Don't come back here without results."

"What the actual fu鈥?"

"I may not be the King, but I am still the Queen. A much higher piece than you. I have the right to give you punishment if I want it, my dear Rook."

Black remained silent and just stared at me. I saw the anger in his eyes, but he couldn't do anything against me. So instead, he sighed and leaned back in the chair.

Yes, this is how it should be. Everyone should fear my words.

"You are all dismissed except for Yucca and Alter," I said.

The others quickly stood, but Yucca and Alter remained in their seats. Enkidu stayed by my side. It was fine by me. He'd been my loyal servant ever since.

"Yucca..." I called her. Her hands were shaking as she looked up to me. "I have a mission for you."

I could feel Enkidu's surprise beside me. Of course, Yucca was only seven or eight years old, but I was entrusting her with a mission already.

"I chuckled at the thought. 'Protect our King. Do everything you've got just to protect him. When you come of age, I have something that I need you to do. I have a plan and only you can do it, Yucca.'"

"I stared into her eyes, a rare color filling them. They were filled with fear, her hands trembling uncontrollably, so I held both of them. 'Can I trust you on this, Yucca?' I asked, never breaking eye contact. She looked at me, hesitation evident, but eventually nodded."

"Thank you," I said, hugging her tightly. Youngsters. So easy to manipulate.

"Ereshkigal!"

"The small hairs at the back of my neck stood up as I heard that authoritative voice. I quickly let go of Yucca and stood up straight, looking at the owner of the voice."

"Father..."

"Rage is very evident in his eyes. I looked at him, making sure that there is no emotion in my face. 'In my office! Now!'"

"I smiled reassuringly at Alter and Yucca, who looked more scared than me. I caressed their hair before I followed my father into his office. Enkidu remained at my side."

"'Stay here,' I said when we were at the front of the door of my father's office inside the house. I saw the worried look in his eyes."

"'But, Eresh...'"

"'Call me Your Majesty. I am your Queen, Enkidu,' I said as I opened the door and went inside my father's office. I left Enkidu outside the room."

"I approached my father, who was standing by his table, his back to me. I could tell by his breathing and stance that he was really, really mad. I smirked. Oh, I knew what would be the ending for today."

"My father abruptly turned to face me, so he saw the smirk on my face. But I didn't bother to hide it. He saw it anyway, so why bother hiding it? Rage filled his eyes, and I wasn't surprised when his palm landed on my cheek with force. Wow! That really hurt! I almost stumbled, but I didn't allow myself to kneel."

"I remained standing, still poised. Remember, Eresh... You are beautiful. You are smart."

"'You dared to laugh even with everything that you've done!' my father angrily said. 'You are a selfish, murderer, bitch!' Why, father? I got those from you, right?"

"My face remained stoic. I didn't let myself feel the pain of his words, even though they hurt more than the slap. Held your head high, Eresh... You are beautiful. You are smart."

"'Remember that you are the cause for all of this! If you hadn't been born, then my plan would be fulfilled!'"

"Why was I born as a woman?"

"'I hate the sight of you! Get out!' You told me to follow you in here yet you will tell me that you hate the sight of me? So funny."

"I quickly turned around and went out of the room. I saw Enkidu the moment I opened the door. He glanced at my lips, concern in his eyes."

"'Your Majes鈥?'"

"'Can I trust you?' I asked him. He looked taken aback, but quickly recovered. 'Yes, Your Majesty. I offer you my life. I'm willing to serve and protect you until the day I die.'"

"I smirked. I could feel the pain on the cut of my lips, but I didn't pay much attention to it. 'Then do that. Help me defeat the EL Ordre,' I said and walked away."

"I gritted my teeth and balled my fists when tears started to pool in my eyes. I swallowed hard to push down the lump in my throat. No, I mustn't cry. Fuck it, Eresh! Stop! My father might see me!"

"I must be strong. I must look strong. He hated weak women. He will kill my pieces if he sees me like this. I should stop. I mustn't cry. I mustn't show any weakness."

"If he sees me as a weak person, then I should use the only advantage that I have. If I use it wisely, then people will start to fear me and obey my words. I must try hard. I must. 'Cause this is the only chance that I have to win this game."

"Why was I born as a woman?"

Chapter 1

I gently caressed the tiger cub nestled on my lap, its fur as soft as cotton. A fleeting smile graced my lips, but it vanished quickly as reality reasserted itself.

Ahead, my pieces struggled to formulate a plan. Enkidu stood beside me, undoubtedly observing their disarray. To quell the burgeoning headache, I closed my eyes and counted to ten.

It had been a year, yet they remained like this, unable to make a move without my guidance. They lacked the capacity for strategic thinking, merely awaiting my directives.

I had urged them to devise a superior plan, for we intended to make our initial move soon. I envisioned the Red Faction as the white pieces, requiring us to strike first.

I was aware that some foes hadn't yet passed their mantle to their successors, claiming their youth as an excuse. But when I looked at Alter and Yucca, it was hardly a valid reason.

We would strike, readiness or not. This was a game, and we were prepared. Delaying the commencement of this Bloody Human Chess was not an option.

I could hardly wait to set my plan in motion.

Chess was a game of strategy and execution. An unprepared player was bound to falter. We, however, were more than prepared. My pieces eagerly contemplated their moves, their eyes betraying a thirst for blood.

How had my pieces transformed into this? They were ruthless, eager to kill, yet unable to devise a strategic plan. Their focus wavered, fixated on slaughtering the EL Ordre's pieces.

A smile played at my lips. They were precisely what I required-brawn without brains.

I would be the mastermind of this operation, one of my many advantages. While lacking in physical might, I possessed intellect. My beauty was another tool, capable of ensnaring anyone in its grasp. Together, they were enough to instill fear.

They would all fear my words.

"Silence," I murmured, unable to tolerate the cacophony any longer. They prattled on, betting on who could claim the most kills.

Dyke and Black engaged in a heated debate on the topic, a fruitless endeavor. They were brimming with strength but lacked strategic acumen.

Black sat in silence, an uncommon sight during our planning sessions. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his uncharacteristic demeanor. Normally, he was quick to contribute.

That's when I noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes and his unkempt hair. Weight loss was apparent, and the pieces fell into place.

He was using drugs. It hardly surprised me; I knew he dabbled in dealing.

Alter, engrossed in her laptop, puzzled over her screen. Ross and Sieg, equally baffled, gazed at it. Even if they stared for a year, the intricacies would remain beyond their grasp.

Chapter 2

Yucca always seemed out of place, a constant air of fear surrounding her. It pleased me; young minds were malleable.

"Let me hear your plans, my dear chess pieces," I finally interjected, silencing their inane chatter.

Ross eagerly offered, "Kill them," to which I rolled my eyes in mock approval. The tiger cub stirred, prompting me to soothe it with a lullaby.

"Why not target the former Rooks?" Dyke proposed, a notion even more absurd than Ross's. Did any of them possess a modicum of strategic thinking?

"It's against the rules," Sieg interjected, and I shot him a grateful smile. The youth had a discerning mind.

I chuckled inwardly. Youngsters were proving to be more astute than my own pieces.

"Thank you, Sieg," I acknowledged, noting his blush and relishing in the power of my allure.

Dyke persisted, "They won't find out. Alter is adept with computers. Hacking the former Rooks' information should be a breeze."

Alter looked to me for guidance, and I bestowed her with a smile. Over the years, her hacking prowess had flourished. She could unearth any information I required in record time. Dyke's plan had merit.

"We'd still be breaking the rules," Black interjected, visibly irked. "We risk punishment from the gamemasters."

"They won't reveal their roles to their teammates," Black continued, prompting my interest. How absurd. How could they protect their King or Queen without knowing who they were?

I couldn't resist adding a theatrical flair. "Let's kill the EL Ordre's former Rooks to remind them that the game is underway."

I sighed, struggling to maintain composure. Looking to Enkidu, I knew he sensed my impatience. If only they'd recognized their limitations and let me take the lead. We could win this game together.

"Alter, find the EL Ordre's former Rooks' information," Dyke ordered, disregarding my authority.

"Dyke," I called, voice steady. "I haven't yet approved your plan."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty," he reassured. "I'll ensure success. This will strike fear into them."

"The gamemasters will punish us," I affirmed, acknowledging the risk. Seeking such information was against the rules, deemed cheating.

Fuck the gamemasters. Fuck this game.

"Alter, follow his directive," I relented, watching as she swiftly complied. That child would obey every command, solidifying her as my favorite piece. Unlike Yucca, who cowered before me, hesitant.

Something about Yucca unsettled me. I mistrusted the glint in her eyes, harboring a suspicion that when she came of age, she might defy me.

"Fuck this shit!" Black's outburst shattered the moment.

"What's wrong?" I inquired. His annoyance was palpable, rooted in the troubles afflicting his drug operations.

"Somebody wants to leave my group, damn it. They already took the money for their child's dengue treatment!"

I snorted. It was the same group of drug pushers he'd hired. Now, they were causing him headaches by wanting out.

"Handle it yourself, Black," I dismissed. He heaved a sigh and glanced at Alter, engrossed in her laptop.

"Hey, kid," he called her attention. "After you finish, find out where the Fiestada family is."

I smirked, turning my attention back to the slumbering tiger cub. My pieces may require my command to move, but together, we could be formidable.

However inept they may be, a sound strategy could compensate for their shortcomings.

My gaze shifted to the second-floor office, my father undoubtedly cowering inside. His inability to face me was no surprise.

Alter approached, laptop in hand, offering it to me. With a swift embrace, I commended her. Sanford-EL Ordre's former Rooks. The revelation surprised me. They held a significant presence in the corporate world.

Impressive.

I perused the information, my lips curving into a satisfied smile.

"Children... Hunter Chase Sanford and Grayson James Sanford."

The images of the two boys with their matching gray eyes captivated me. One was notably younger, intriguing me further. He was only a year older than Alter and Yucca.

Grayson James...

My attention shifted back to my father's office, studying it for a minute. A smirk slowly graced my lips.

Finally, a plan had crystallized. This could be the move we needed.

Chapter 2

I observed Nergal as it pursued its prey around the room. The rabbit, desperate to escape, displayed fear in its eyes. It understood it would be Nergal's dinner tonight.

I smirked, finding the scene captivating. Nergal seemed to be toying with its meal, offering false hope to the rabbit, as if implying it could escape if it tried hard enough. I smiled with a menacing satisfaction. I had truly trained him well.

I crossed my arms, watching as Nergal ceased the chase. The rabbit paused, studying Nergal, attempting to anticipate his next move. But Nergal simply sat down, appearing weary of the pursuit.

The rabbit appeared to regain a glimmer of hope. It seized the opportunity to dash toward the wide-open door. Just as it approached the threshold, Nergal rose on all fours, leaping and using his claws and jaws to end the rabbit's life and consume it. The rabbit's screams of terror echoed in my ears as Nergal tore its body apart.

I couldn't contain my laughter. What a spectacle! Nergal had done exceptionally well. He truly took after me. And the rabbit's cries-music to my ears!

This way is much more enjoyable, isn't it? When hope transforms into despair.

Emotions wither further under intense fear.

Ah... False hope. Potent enough to be self-destructive.

Nergal finished his meal, licking the rabbit's blood off his paws. I grinned, extending my hand with my thumb rubbing against my fingers. I clicked my tongue several times to beckon him.

The tiger locked eyes with me, then sauntered over. I chuckled as he allowed me to stroke his head.

"Very good, Nergal," I praised, and the cat purred.

I glanced at Enkidu, who stood silently beside me. He witnessed it all, yet his eyes betrayed no emotion. I shrugged. He was always like this. He only spoke when I asked.

"What do you think of Nergal, Enkidu?" I inquired, still petting my companion. "Isn't he quite clever?"

"Indeed, he is, Your Majesty," he replied. See? If I hadn't asked, he might have remained silent.

"Really?" I studied him. "How do you figure?"

"He knows whom to follow," Enkidu explained. I raised an eyebrow, signaling him to elaborate. "He can discern who holds authority, like you and your father. Only you two he obeys."

I looked at Nergal again, and the tiger nuzzled my hand. I playfully tickled his neck, and he appeared to relish it.

"So he favors royalty, huh?" I mused. "Will he be able to recognize the EL Ordre's King? Would Nergal allow the enemy's King to pet him?"

Well, that's what Enkidu had suggested. I hadn't even realized that Father acknowledged Nergal, but I had noticed the tiger's constant snarls in his presence. The same with Enkidu, but not when I was around.

"It is a possibility, Your Majesty," my Bishop assured me.

"Hmm..."

Nergal circled my feet and settled there. He seemed drowsy, as usual after finishing a meal. Perhaps he was weary from his play with the rabbit.

I must reward him for entertaining me today.

"Your Majesty!"

I was taken aback as someone entered the room. It was Ross, my Knight, who appeared eager upon seeing me. However, his gaze quickly shifted to Nergal at my feet. The tiger lifted its head to regard the intruder, studying him before returning to rest. I chuckled as Ross let out a relieved sigh.

They all fear my tiger. They fear everything about me.

"What's the rush, Ross?" I asked. His excitement returned to his face.

"I think I have an idea who the EL Ordre's King is."

Well, that surprised me. Among my chess pieces, I see Ross as someone who relies on strength without using his brain. He's the type to charge into a war armed only with a gun and without a plan. Hearing him say this is actually a surprise.

I don't even have an idea who the EL Ordre's members are. I only know who their Queen is.

"Who?"

He gave me a smug look. "It's just a hunch. But don't worry, once I have proof, Your Majesty, I'll inform you immediately. For now, I need to confirm it."

I sighed. I knew it. See? He told me earlier that he has an idea who the EL Ordre's King is, but now he's telling me it's only a hunch. It's like he doesn't even think about what he's saying. He's always wasting my time.

"What will you do to confirm it?" I asked.

"I think he has a girlfriend."

"The Queen?" Ishtar?

He shook his head. "No. An ordinary woman."

That piqued my interest. The EL Ordre's King dared to love a woman other than the Queen?

"He has two Queens," Ross said with a chuckle. "A bit too greedy."

I smirked. "Alright. Get back to me once you've confirmed his identity. I am expecting positive results, Ross."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Ross left the room with a big grin on his face. He looked so proud, even though he hadn't done anything yet. He hasn't even confirmed it, but he's already so confident.

It's been years since we made our first move, which was to eliminate the EL Ordre's former Rooks. I didn't know that Dyke's plan would actually work. I bet the EL Ordre were rattled by our move.

And now, I have another plan.

"Yucca..." I called her during one of our meetings. "Can you give me any updates?"

Yucca looked uneasy and couldn't meet my eyes. She avoided looking at me altogether. I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself. I like it when people genuinely fear me, but she's making me feel like I'm a monster she doesn't want to see.

"I... I think your plan might work, Your Majesty," she said, barely above a whisper.

Despite that, I still managed to smile. "Really? Can I expect that you will not disappoint me?" She only nodded, but that's enough for me. I turned to Alter beside her. "Alter."

"Yes, Ate Eresh?"

I automatically gave her my warm smile. I really like it whenever she calls me that. She is my favorite piece because she's truly loyal, and she's lovely, too.

Youngsters.

"Can you find Ross? I haven't seen him for weeks now."

The last time we spoke was when he told me he had an idea who the enemy's King is. I was really looking forward to his report, but I haven't heard anything from him since.

"He's just around. Laid back as usual," Black said. He propped his feet on the table and leaned back in his seat. He looked quite comfortable in our new hideout.

My father moved our hideout here so we can focus more on our mission. He angrily stated that if we only held meetings and made plans in the house, we wouldn't take this game seriously. He might even think we're just idling around.

I don't, though. I'm giving my all to win this game. I need this. I need to feel strong and powerful. I want everyone to bow down before me. I want them to follow my orders and treat my every word as if their lives depended on it.

"Oh, no..." I heard Alter mutter after half an hour of working with her laptop.

"What's wrong?"

Her cute face looked at me, concern in her eyes. "The Knight's information got deleted from our database."

I frowned. "I don't understand. Explain, Alter."

She showed me her laptop. "We have a database where only some of our information is stored, Ate Eresh. The EL Ordre has one too, but I'm sure their tracker manages it." She typed some codes. "And I just found out that they've deleted the Knight's information from our database."

My frown deepened. "What does that mean?" Fuck. She's young, but when it comes to computers, she knows more than I do.

"I think something bad has happened to Kuya Ross, and the EL Ordre tried to cover it up."

I sighed when I finally understood everything. Ross got caught. His plan failed. And now, we have no idea what happened to him.

"You let this happen under your watch?" I couldn't help but feel irritated with Alter. This is the first time she's disappointed me.

"I'm sorry. It was the only thing they touched. They didn't get anything because of the firewall I built, Ate Eresh-"

"There's no room for mistakes in this game, Alter," I said coldly. "And call me Your Majesty."

I saw her gulp. Yucca looked back and forth between me and Alter. I paid no attention. I'm so fucking irritated that I chose to stand up from my seat. I needed to think.

"Strengthen your defense, Alter. I want you to build a firewall that is unbreakable so this won't happen again." I walked out, and Enkidu followed me without saying anything.

I am fucking irritated! I think Ross' hunch is right! The evidence is that something bad has happened to him. Why didn't I push him to tell me who he suspected was the King of the EL Ordre?!

The EL Ordre deleted our Knight's information because they knew his cause of death would be recorded. We would have been able to trace what happened to him and who he tried to kill! We were so close!

Ross knew. He knew who the EL Ordre's King is. And I'm sure they killed him once he confirmed it.

Fuck... The dead can't talk.