A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Catégorie
🦄
Art et designTranscription
00:00The clans came to swear loyalty, a kingdom-wide pardon was declared.
00:04On the day of the first moon ceremony, I held the little king and sat on the high seat.
00:08I was honored as regent queen.
00:10My father General Edmund Ashwell served beside me on the council.
00:14Among the clans, the traitors were gone.
00:16The kingdom was at peace.
00:18No one dared scheme against the Ashwell clan again.
00:21No one dared look down on a mother and her child again.
00:24In the cradle, the little king blinked his dark round eyes and looked at me,
00:28though he still could not speak.
00:30That voice in my head stayed soft, sweet, and arrogant.
00:34Mom, look! This kingdom belongs to us now.
00:38If anyone dares bully you again, I'll wipe out every branch of their bloodline.
00:43When I grow up, I'll take Mother to conquer all the neighboring kingdoms too!
00:48I could not help laughing. I reached out and gently poked his soft cheek.
00:52Good. I'll be waiting.
00:54Outside the window, spring light was bright.
00:56The mountains and rivers stretched beneath a clear sky.
00:59I looked at the towering halls before me.
01:01There was no shadow left in my heart.
01:03Once, I thought endurance was the way to survive.
01:06Now I understood.
01:07Only power in my hands could protect the people I wanted to protect.
01:11From this moment on, my fate, my son's fate, and the fate of the Ashwell clan would belong to no
01:16one else.
01:16We would rule them ourselves.
01:18A bloodless coup ended before sunrise.
01:20At last, the sky over the kingdom cleared.
01:23Months later, winter passed and spring came.
01:25Inside my hall, a muffled cry of pain broke the quiet.
01:28I had gone into labor.
01:30Outside the birthing room, my father stood in armor.
01:32He led the Ashwell soldiers in strict formation.
01:35Not even a fly could enter.
01:36Inside, cold sweat covered me from the pain.
01:38I gripped the sheets tightly.
01:43Mom, huff.
01:45In my head, that familiar voice sounded nervous for once.
01:49Does it hurt, Mom?
01:50I'll try to curl up small.
01:53Let's come out quickly, so you won't hurt for long.
01:56I smiled weakly.
01:57Tears gathered in my eyes.
01:59This child was not even born yet, but he already knew how to love his mother.
02:02With one loud cry, the rising sun broke through the clouds and shone into the hall.
02:07The midwife shouted in joy.
02:09He is born.
02:11He is born.
02:12A prince.
02:13A blessing from the heavens.
02:15The dawn has come.
02:18All strength left my body.
02:20I looked at the little bundle wrapped in golden cloth.
02:22He was red-wrinkled, and waving his tiny fists, the new king was born.
02:28His eyes swept over the kneeling clans.
02:30The silent guards, the command seal in my hand.
02:33The jade command ring on my thumb.
02:35For the first time, he truly understood.
02:37He had not lost a game.
02:39He had lost the boar.
02:40I slowly turned and looked at the man abandoned by everyone.
02:45Once, I had seen him as the sky.
02:48Now he was only a pitiful and hateful insect.
02:50Aldric.
02:55You are not worthy of that chair.
02:58For the Ashwell clan.
03:00For my child.
03:01And for the people of this kingdom.
03:05It is time for you to rest.
03:07Aldric stared at me.
03:09The light in his eyes went out little by little.
03:11In the end, only despair and emptiness were made.
03:14He had lost.
03:15He lost to his arrogance.
03:16He lost to his cold heart.
03:18Most of all, he lost to me and the child in my belly.
03:20That very day, the Queen Mother issued a royal order.
03:23King Aldric Vane would step down due to illness.
03:26He would be stripped of his crown.
03:28Made a commoner.
03:29And locked in the locked tower for life.
03:31He would not leave until death.
03:32The former favored mistress, Lady Vivian Lorde, was spared death for exposing his crimes.
03:37But death could be avoided.
03:39Punishment could not.
03:41She was reduced to a servant and sent to the locked tower to serve Aldric.
03:45Let her watch the man she once loved go mad day after day.
03:50Aldric.
03:51Let them torture each other.
03:53That was the best punishment for both of them.
03:59The hall fell into a silence so deep it almost had weight.
04:02The clan lords finally understood.
04:04This was not a rebellion born in one night.
04:07This was a board that had already been closed.
04:09The gates, the guards, the armory, the message towers, the city defense.
04:12Every road Aldric could use had already been cut off.
04:15High council!
04:18You swore loyalty to me!
04:21The head of the high council slowly rose.
04:23His old hand tightened around his cane.
04:25Then, under Aldric's desperate gaze, he knelt.
04:28Your majesty lacks the virtue to sit as king.
04:31You nearly forced the loyal Ashwell army into rebellion.
04:35You used the realm itself as a wager.
04:39You broke faith with loyal bloodlines and foreign envoys alike.
04:43For the sake of the kingdom, please step down and let one more worthy rule!
04:49One by one, the clan lords knelt.
04:51The sound of knees hitting stone spread across the hall like falling thunder.
04:55Please step down and let one more worthy rule!
04:59Please step down and let one more worthy rule!
05:03Their voices rose like a tide.
05:05The great hall trembled.
05:06Aldric's face turned gray.
05:07He stumbled back and collapsed against the high seat.
05:10No!
05:11The clan lords knelt across the floor.
05:13Their voices rose like a tide.
05:14The great hall trembled.
05:16Aldric's face turned pale.
05:17His body collapsed against the high seat.
05:19You have rebelled.
05:20Aldric's lips trembled.
05:22All of you have rebelled!
05:27Guards!
05:28Protect your king!
05:30Kill these traitors!
05:32No one answered.
05:34Not even the guards at the door moved.
05:35Their hands rested on their sword hilts.
05:37Their eyes looked past Aldric and stopped on them.
05:39Aldric froze.
05:40Then he roared again.
05:42Commander Darin!
05:43Where is Commander Darin?!
05:46At the southern gate, kneeling, waiting for judgment.
05:51The color drained from Aldric's face.
05:53He staggered back half a step.
05:55Impossible that the king's guard had been his sharpest blade.
05:58His safest wall.
05:59His last way out now that blade pointed at his throat.
06:02He suddenly turned to the council speaker.
06:04The city defense army!
06:06Bring me the army!
06:08I still have the capital!
06:12I slowly raised my left hand.
06:14The city defense command seal lay in my palm.
06:16Cold, heaving.
06:17Real.
06:18Aldric stared at me.
06:19His pupils shrank.
06:20Your majesty lost this too.
06:24Their killing intent was sharp.
06:25And I, six months pregnant, walked into the hall step by step.
06:28A seat had been placed beside the king's.
06:30I would rule through the high council.
06:32You...
06:33What are you trying to do?
06:35Aldric pointed at me.
06:36His fingers trembling.
06:36Seraphine Ashfield, are you rebelling?
06:39I only lifted my hand.
06:40Read.
06:41A council speaker stepped forward.
06:42In his hands were Vivian's confession from last night and the secret order found by the
06:46Queen Mother.
06:47Five years after taking the throne, his majesty listened to traitors and harmed loyal bloodlines.
06:52He dealt with foreign enemies, framed General Edmund Ashwell, and tried to strip military,
06:56shaking the foundation of the kingdom.
06:57He even used the realm itself as a wager at the feast and treated Kingler as a game.
07:03Each charge struck like a blade.
07:05Every word cut deep.
07:06The gathered clans broke into uproar.
07:08In truth, everyone had known.
07:10They had simply never dared to speak before.
07:12Now the wall was fallen.
07:14Everyone came to push.
07:15And with bright blades standing outside the hall, who could fail to see the truth?
07:19Your majesty!
07:20Your majesty lacks the virtue to sit as king and nearly brought disaster upon the kingdom.
07:24For the sake of the realm, please step down and let one more worthy rule!
07:29Yes, my queen.
07:30That night, the inner stronghold changed blood without a sound.
07:33The hounds once loyal to Aldrich were taken down one by one.
07:36Those who replaced them were iron-blooded soldiers who had followed my father through life and death.
07:41Before dawn, true control of the stronghold had changed hands.
07:45Aldrich knew nothing.
07:46He was still in the king's study, drafting an order.
07:49He tried to remove me as queen.
07:50He claimed I had bewitched the clans and planned rebellion.
07:53But when he handed that order to the chief attendant, the man who had always vowed to him did not
07:58take it.
07:58Your majesty, this royal order, I'm afraid it will not leave this shoe.
08:02Aldrich froze, then his head snapped up.
08:04Outside the window, the king's guards, who should have been patrolling, had all changed faces.
08:09Their hands rested on their sore hilts.
08:11They stared coldly toward the king's study.
08:13For the first time, true despair climbed onto Aldrich's face.
08:16The next morning, the council gathered.
08:18Inside the great hall, the air was pressed down to its limit.
08:21Aldrich forced himself into his king's robe and walked up the dais.
08:25Dark shadows hung beneath his eyes.
08:27His steps were unsteady.
08:28Last night's shock and rage had aged him by ten years.
08:31The moment he sat on the high seat, he sensed something was wrong.
08:34The chief attendant, who usually stood below the dais, was gone.
08:37In his place stood two rows of fully armed Ashwell soldiers.
08:40His majesty, he has gone mad.
08:43He planned to imprison General Ashwell after the feast, no matter who won,
08:47and forced the Ashwell army into rebellion.
08:48He even wrote a secret order to execute the entire Ashwell clan!
08:52That knife in the back was accurate and ruthless.
08:55The Queen Mother had stayed away from clan affairs for years, but she cared most about the kingdom's foundation.
09:00The Ashwell clan had been loyal for generations.
09:03They held heavy military power.
09:05If they were forced to rebel, the kingdom would fall.
09:07The Queen Mother was furious.
09:09That very night, she summoned the High Council into the stronghold.
09:12Before Aldrich could think of a countermeasure.
09:14He fell into a political crisis like never before.
09:17And this was exactly what I wanted.
09:19Let dogs bite dogs.
09:20Let them leave each other bloody.
09:22I sat in my private hall, one hand on my stomach.
09:25Listening to my spy's report.
09:27Beautifully done!
09:28Mom, strike while he's weak.
09:30It's time to use that ring.
09:31I nodded.
09:32Kale could win the game.
09:33But the board outside the hall belonged to me.
09:36Under the cover of night, I raised the jade command ring.
09:39The green jade caught the candlelight like a cold eye.
09:43Send my order.
09:44Replace the commander of the Kingsguard.
09:46Put the old Asheville officers in his place.
09:48Seal the armory.
09:50Take the message towers.
09:51From tonight on, the nine stronghold gates allow entry, but no one leaves.
09:55The sky over this kingdom was about to change.
09:57When the feast ended, the moon had climbed high.
10:00I walked out of the great hall.
10:01The night wind lifted my skirts with a slight chill.
10:04But it could not cool the satisfaction in my chest.
10:07The old Asheville officers were already waiting outside the stronghold gates.
10:10When they saw the jade command ring on my thumb, hope lit in their eyes.
10:14My queen!
10:15I nodded.
10:16I said nothing more and returned to my private hall.
10:18Inside the king's study, it was another scene.
10:20According to my spies, Aldrich flew into a rage and smashed the letters and inkstone across his desk.
10:26Wreckions!
10:27All of them!
10:28He roared like a madman.
10:30Vivian knelt on the floor, trembling.
10:32She had already been humiliated by me.
10:34Now she had become Aldrich's outlet.
10:36If you had not pushed me into that chest wager, how could I have lost the command seal?
10:40Aldrich kicked Vivian in the chest without mercy.
10:43Get out!
10:44Crawl to the locked tower!
10:45Vivian spat blood.
10:47The terror in her eyes slowly turned into hatred.
10:49For the first time, she understood one thing clearly.
10:51Aldrich had never loved her.
10:53She had been a knife in his hand.
10:54When the knife was sharp, he used her to cut him.
10:57When the knife broke, he would throw her into the fire without hesitation.
11:01If she truly entered the locked tower, she would never come out alive.
11:04To save herself, this cornered rabbit finally bit back.
11:07That night, Vivian did not go to the locked tower.
11:10Dragging her wounded body, she crawled to the queen mom's hall.
11:18The rook dragged itself before the black king, a dying shield.
11:22The hall held its breath.
11:23Kale's voice became soft.
11:25Mom, end it.
11:27I picked up the last white piece.
11:28I looked at Aldrich and gave him back every humiliation he had thrown at me.
11:32Your majesty, once this piece falls, your dignity will truly be gone.
11:36Shut up!
11:37I have not lost!
11:38White queen to H5.
11:40I smiled faintly.
11:41Take the king.
11:41The white queen crossed the board.
11:43The black rook shattered.
11:44The black king's crown cracked.
11:45It fell from his head.
11:46The king piece collapsed beneath Aldrich.
11:48He hit the stone hard.
11:49The hall went dead silent.
11:51How?
11:52How is this possible?
11:54The piece slipped from Aldrich's fingers.
11:56His body collapsed back against the chair.
11:58His eyes lost focus.
11:59He had lost completely.
12:00I slowly stood up.
12:02I looked down at him from above.
12:03Around us, the clan lord's eyes changed.
12:06They looked at the broken king.
12:07Then they looked at me.
12:08Standing above the board with the jade command ring and the tied pearl.
12:12The black bishop rushed out.
12:14Robes flying like torn wings.
12:16Its blade pointed straight at the white queen beneath me.
12:20The hall erupted in low gasps.
12:22Even the old strategist's face changed.
12:25Aldrich laughed horsey.
12:27Seraphine, without your queen, what will you use to fight me?
12:31I looked down at the board.
12:32The white queen stood still, alone exposed.
12:35Light bait waiting beneath the moon.
12:37Trap closed.
12:39Mom, say it!
12:41I raised my eyes to Aldrich.
12:42White knight to C6, break the center.
12:47The white knight leapt.
12:49Steel flashed.
12:50The black bishop's head rolled across the board.
12:53The laughter in Aldrich's throat died.
12:55Only then did he realize that every attack he made had already been waiting for me.
12:59Every piece he sent forward became a sacrifice.
13:03Every path he opened became his own grave.
13:05After that, the game no longer needed many words.
13:08Black attacked.
13:10White swallowed.
13:12Black retreated.
13:14White cut deeper.
13:16Aldrich's pieces fell one after another.
13:19Cracking across the board like bones under a blade.
13:23Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
13:25More and more slid down his face.
13:27His hands started to shake.
13:29He calculated.
13:30He struggled.
13:31He tried to force a way out.
13:33But no matter where he moved, my next piece always landed on his fatal point.
13:37Traps.
13:38All of them were traps.
13:38Every step he took had already been calculated by Kale.
13:42Fewer than a hundred moves.
13:43He lost even faster than Vivian.
13:45At last, Aldrich slammed his final black rook before the black king.
13:49His voice was hoarse.
13:50Impossible.
13:52I still have a way!
13:56A new game began.
13:58This time, Aldrich took black and moved first.
14:01He did not even pretend to test the board.
14:04Black knight to C6.
14:05Break the center.
14:11The black knight thundered forward across the giant chessboard.
14:14Iron hooves striking sparks from the stone.
14:17A killing move from the start.
14:23The council lords held their breath.
14:25If this had been the old me, my hand would have shaken.
14:27But the child in my belly only laughed.
14:29Mom, answer him.
14:31White bishop, cut his left wing.
14:36I lifted my hand.
14:40White bishop to G5.
14:42Cut the left wing.
14:44The white bishop swept across the board like a blade of moonlight.
14:59One of Aldrich's black pieces shattered.
15:01Aldrich's smile stiffened.
15:03His eyes darkened.
15:04Black rood to E8.
15:06Crush her flank!
15:08The black rook charged like a siege tower.
15:10Its shadow swallowed half the board.
15:18For a moment, the watching lords all thought my formation would be smashed apart.
15:22But Kale's voice was calm.
15:25Ignore the root.
15:27Let him think he has a way in.
15:32Aldrich saw that I did not defend.
15:33A cruel smile returned to his face.
15:36He grabbed another black piece and slammed it down.
15:39Black bishop to B4!
15:41Take her queen!
15:45The air in the hall froze again.
15:47He was insane.
15:48Everyone could see it.
15:50Aldrich had gone insane.
15:51He did not only want to win back his pride.
15:53He wanted to use this chance to destroy the Ashwell clan completely.
15:57This game was no longer a small wager.
16:00He was gambling every Ashwell bloodline.
16:02I had planned to stop while I was ahead.
16:04After all, command over the king's guard was already in my hands.
16:08But before I could refuse, my baby laughed.
16:13Oh?
16:14He's offering his own head now?
16:16This old assard really is stubborn.
16:18Mom, destroy him!
16:20Since he wants to die so badly, let's send him there!
16:24Win the rest of his king's guard.
16:27Then let's see who dares touch us!
16:31I touched the slightly warm ring on my thumb.
16:33The fear in my heart faded.
16:35In its place rose a battle hunger I had never felt before.
16:39I met Aldrich's mad eyes and slowly sat down.
16:45Since your majesty is so eager, I will to the end.
16:50In the first game, I had hidden my blade.
16:53In this game, I would let him watch it cut him open.
16:55Two guards stepped forward, lifted Vivian, and dragged her out.
16:59She did not even struggle.
17:01Only her fingers scraped a thin streak of blood across the floor.
17:05The hall fell silent again.
17:07Aldrich panted hard and turned to me.
17:09He was not satisfied.
17:11He had lost the ring.
17:12He had lost face.
17:13He had lost before envoys, clans, and council.
17:16A man like him would rather gamble the kingdom than swallow that defeat.
17:21Seraphine, your chess has improved greatly.
17:26I underestimated you.
17:28So you hid your skill all these years just to wait for today?
17:32You flatter me, your majesty.
17:34I only wanted a way to live.
17:38A way to live?
17:41I do not believe you can keep winning.
17:45In that last game, I was careless.
17:48I want another game.
17:52This time, no empty stakes.
17:56I will wager the remaining half of the Kingsguard.
18:01Plus the city defense command seal.
18:05You must offer equal stakes.
18:08The heads of every Ashwell in your clan.
18:12And the bastard in your belly.
18:20Queen Seraphine.
18:22Do you accept?
18:25The chief attendant lifted the tray and knelt before me, holding it above his head.
18:30The clear black jade command ring lay on red velvet.
18:33I picked it up.
18:34Then I slid it onto my right thumb.
18:36The ring was a little large.
18:38I curled my hand into a loose fist and held it tight.
18:41Twenty thousand elite Kingsguards had changed owners.
18:44Beautiful!
18:45With this, let's see who dares touch Grandfather!
18:48Who dares touch us?
18:52How gracious, your majesty.
18:55That one sentence struck harder than a slap.
18:57Aldric's face twisted.
18:59His gaze swept over Vivian on the floor.
19:01Her jewels had been torn away.
19:03Her hair hung loose.
19:05Her rouge was smeared.
19:06She wore only a wrinkled white shift and shook like a stray doll.
19:10The woman he had spoiled in public had just cost him half his guards and all his dignity.
19:15Vivian crawled toward him and wrapped her arms around his leg.
19:18Your majesty!
19:20Save me!
19:22I wagered against her for you!
19:24For one breath, Vivian seemed to think he would protect her.
19:27Then Aldric slapped her.
19:29Vivian flew back and crashed into the chest table.
19:31She spat blood.
19:33Her cheek swelled.
19:34Useless thing!
19:36Shameful trash!
19:38If you could take it to Shun Ring!
19:41If you had not stirred this up, how could I have lost the ring?
19:46Vivian covered her face as tears fell.
19:48The last trace of love in her eyes cracked.
19:52Drag this wretch out.
19:54Send her back to the East Wing.
19:57She is not to leave without my order.
19:58The envoy from Northvale was a bearded giant turning a cup in his hand.
20:03Ha ha ha ha!
20:04The queen has spied!
20:08If the king will not honor a pact written in black ink and sealed before the clans,
20:13then the trade treaty between Northvale and your kingdom?
20:16Perhaps we should also consider whether that is waste paper.
20:20The envoys from Westmere and Southwild whispered and plainted.
20:24If Aldric denied the debt today, the kingdom's honor would collapse before every foreign court.
20:28Aldric's face turned red.
20:30His fist was tightened until his nails dug into his flesh.
20:33The head of the High Council set down his teeth and struck his cane against the floor.
20:37Thud, the dull sound hit the stone tiles of the old man's throat.
20:40Your Majesty, a king's word is not a jesk.
20:44If you wagered, you must pay.
20:46Aldric swayed and stepped back.
20:48He stared at him, his chest rising and falling.
20:51The hall was dead silent.
20:52After a long time, he closed his eyes.
20:54Then he forced one word through his teeth.
20:56Give it!
21:00Half the gathered clans lowered their heads and pretended to be stupid.
21:03The other half exchanged glances but dared not speak.
21:06Denying the debt, he could not afford to lose.
21:10Eww!
21:11This old bastard's skin is so thick!
21:14Why didn't he say it didn't count when he forced Mother to wager her life?
21:17Mom!
21:18Don't spoil him!
21:21Smack him in the face with the pact!
21:23I had expected this.
21:25If I had not prepared for it, I would never have wagered the whole Ashwell clan.
21:29I ignored Aldric and walked to the record keeper.
21:31I took the written blood pact from his hands.
21:34With a flick of my wrist, the golden parchment unfolded.
21:37Black ink on parchment, at the bottom.
21:39The crimson wax seal of the crown was clear.
21:41Aldric's eyelid twitched.
21:44Honored Envizes, please bear witness.
21:47Our kingdom values honor.
21:49His Majesty is the ruler of the realm.
21:51A king's word should weigh more than gold.
21:54The written blood pact states everything clearly.
21:58It bears the crown seal.
22:00Does your Majesty intend to break his word before envoys from every kingdom?
22:05Or does the crown seal mean less than waste paper in your eyes?
22:08The council lords lowered their heads.
22:10No one spoke for her.
22:12Aldric turned his face away.
22:13He only wiped the wine stain from his sleeve.
22:16Useless thing.
22:17I looked at Mara.
22:18Mara understood at once.
22:19She rolled up her sleeves and strode forward with two strong names.
22:23Forgive us, Lady Vivian.
22:25The maids pressed Vivian's shoulders down.
22:27One on each side.
22:28Pinning her to the floor,
22:30Mara grabbed the brightest nine-tailed silver pin and yanked.
22:35Her perfect hairstyle collapsed.
22:37Next came the trembling pin, the earrings, the red gold collar, and the embroidered outer
22:42robe only royal favorites were allowed to wear.
22:44Piece by piece, the borrowed skin of privilege was stripped from her body.
22:48In moments, Vivian was left in only a plain white shift, curled on the floor and trembling.
22:53Her arrogance was gone.
22:54I kicked aside the gold pin that had rolled to my feet.
22:57Then I raised my head.
22:58Your majesty, I have collected the debt.
23:01Wait!
23:03I am the king.
23:05That ring is a relic of the founding king.
23:09It is a sacred command, token, of the realm.
23:12How can it be treated like a game?
23:15Tonight's feast was only drunken entertainment.
23:19Everyone was having fun.
23:21If it was entertainment, then of course it cannot count.
23:24Vivian shuddered and looked up at me.
23:26Sweet had ruined the rouge on her face.
23:28Her earlier arrogance was gone.
23:30She crawled toward Aldrich on her hands and knees, reaching for his robe.
23:35Your majesty!
23:38Save me!
23:41I don't want to...
23:43Aldrich was still staring at the tray being carried away.
23:45When she grabbed him, he kicked her in the chest.
23:47Get away!
23:48Vivian fell back onto the floor.
23:50She clutched her chest and could not speak.
23:52My little kid stepped closer to my ear.
23:55Mom, don't forget to collect interest.
23:57That bad woman wanted the locket too.
24:00She wanted lives and still wants dignity?
24:03Since she lost, strip her!
24:05Let her roll out bare acid!
24:07Of course, I could not truly leave her naked in the hall.
24:10But this skin of privilege had to be peeled off.
24:13I walked down from the board and stopped before Vivian.
24:16Since you lost, none of this belongs to you anymore.
24:20I glanced at the nine-tailed silver pin in Vivian's hair.
24:22You are not worthy of wearing that.
24:24Vivian clutched her hair and pushed herself backward with her feet.
24:28You wouldn't dare.
24:29I am his favored mistress.
24:31I am the woman his majesty loves most.
24:34Your majesty!
24:35Say something!
24:36Queen is humiliating me!
24:39He bowed deeply to me.
24:42I have studied chess for sixty years, yet I have never seen such a formation.
24:47Queen Seraphine, I submit.
24:49Several old clan lords stretched their necks to look.
24:51A few warlords rubbed their eyes.
24:53From the high seat came a loud clang.
24:55The golden goblet in Aldrich's hands had fallen to the floor.
24:58He stared at the board.
24:59His eyes were bloodshot.
25:00Then he snapped his head up and stared at me.
25:02His chest rose and fell hard.
25:04I ignored his rage.
25:06I brushed the dust from my sleeve and withdrew my hand.
25:09You were kind to play.
25:10Those words fell.
25:11The hall became so quiet that only breathing remained.
25:14I raised my head and met Aldrich's bloodshot eyes.
25:16I did not dodge.
25:17I did not bend.
25:18My back stayed straight.
25:20A wager is a wager.
25:22My voice was steady.
25:23Someone, collect the ring.
25:24The record keeper wiped the sweat from his forehead and stepped forward with a tray.
25:29Under Aldrich's murderous stare, his hands shook before he placed the jade command ring onto the tray.
25:34The written blood pact was clear.
25:36Not even a king could deny it.
25:38Aldrich's jaw tightened.
25:39But he could only watch the attendant carry it away.
25:42I looked at Vivian, kneeling beside the chess table.
25:44Also, according to the rules,
25:48Lady Vivian,
25:50You lost.
25:51The blue watery glow from the title pearl spread across the chessboard.
25:55Vivian's black king stood trapped in the center of it.
25:58Left was death.
25:59Right was death.
26:00Forward was death.
26:02Back was death.
26:03Vivian stared at the board.
26:05Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
26:08Final move.
26:09Bishop to d3.
26:12Bishop to d3.
26:13I raised my hand one last time.
26:16The bishop struck.
26:18The rook sealed the lock.
26:19The two knights locked the cage.
26:24Checkmate.
26:26The black king fell to one knee.
26:28Cracked.
26:29The hall went dead silent.
26:32Vivian's king stood trapped.
26:34My queen was gone.
26:35But her king was drowned.
26:39Vivian's smile froze on her face.
26:41She reached for another piece.
26:42Her fingers trembled.
26:43It took several tries before she picked one up.
26:46Her hand hung in the air.
26:47But she could not find a place to move.
26:50No matter where she placed it.
26:52Death waited.
26:54Sweet slid down her temple and fell onto her hand.
26:57Her fingers slipped.
26:59The black piece dropped onto the board.
27:00The old strategist shot to his feet.
27:04The drowned queen trap.
27:05A queen's sacrifice.
27:07A knight's fork.
27:08A bishop line.
27:10A perfect mate net.
27:14I raised my eyes toward the high seat.
27:17Aldric leaned back.
27:18Playing with an empty golden goblet.
27:20The way he looked at me held only disgust and greed.
27:23No affection remained.
27:24So this was the king I had helped raise.
27:26This was the counsel I had protected.
27:29My chest turned cold.
27:30Everyone stared at me waiting for the end.
27:33In that dead end, my kid's voice changed.
27:36Mom, don't be afraid.
27:37Knight takes F7.
27:39Check.
27:39I raised my hand.
27:40Knight takes F7.
27:43The white knight charged.
27:44Its stone hooves struck sparks from the board.
27:47Its lamp tore through the black guard before the king.
27:49Track check.
27:50Check.
27:51Vivienne's smile stiffened.
27:52The gathered clans leaned forward.
27:54The black king was forced out of safety.
27:56Second knight to G5.
27:58Knight to G5.
27:59The second white knight left in.
28:02Two white knights stood like twin fangs around the black king.
28:05Vivienne's fingers tightened.
28:07For the first time, panic flashed across her eyes.
28:10Open the bishop.
28:11Bishop to G5.
28:13Bishop to G5.
28:15My bishop swept across the board.
28:17A silver line of water light cut through the black defense.
28:20Vivienne reached for her queen.
28:22But her queen was too far away.
28:23Open the rook.
28:25Rook to E1.
28:27Rook to E1.
28:33The rook thundered forward.
28:35The stone cracked beneath it.
28:36The black pieces tried to shield their king.
28:38Too late.
28:40The dead silence in the hall broke into murmurs.
28:42The murmurs soon became mockery.
28:44The lord set down his tea and moved his sleeve away from his face.
28:47His mouth twisted.
28:48The outcome is decided.
28:50Why does Queen Seraphane keep delaying?
28:53She is only making herself a joke.
28:56The Ashwell clan should have given up its military power long ago.
29:00They are a stain on this court.
29:04General Ashwell is old yet he still clings to his seat.
29:08His power rivals the throne.
29:09The clan lords had changed faces.
29:12In the past they lowered their heads when they saw me.
29:14Now they sat and watched the show.
29:17Vivienne listened to their praise.
29:18And her smile deepened.
29:20She held a black piece between two fingers.
29:24My queen.
29:27Once this peace falls.
29:29The Ashwick clan's hundred years of glory will end in your hands.
29:33If you crawl down now and beg me.
29:36I might be in a good mood.
29:38I might even ask his majesty to leave you a whole corpse.
29:43And let your old father die with some peace.
29:47I said nothing.
29:48I looked around the hall.
29:49The warlords who had once received Ashwell kindness all lowered their heads.
29:54Some even chanted loudly to flatter Aldrich.
29:56The strong survive.
29:58The weak submit.
30:01The hall fell quiet.
30:02Aldrich had not expected me to strike back.
30:04He narrowed his eyes.
30:05I lifted my chin and did not look away.
30:08I am the king.
30:09What would I fear?
30:10Bring parchment and ink.
30:12The chief attendant hurried forward with a tray.
30:14The record keeper spread out the parchment.
30:16Our queen really refuses to give up.
30:21Once the pact is written, if you deny it later, that will be treason.
30:27She turned a black piece between her fingers.
30:30But don't worry.
30:32When the Ashwit clan falls, I will ask his majesty to leave General Ashwit with a whole corpse.
30:40I ignored her and stepped back toward the board.
30:43Way to go, Mom!
30:45That's exactly it!
30:46Let her laugh a little longer.
30:49Soon she won't even be able to cry.
30:51The pact was finished.
30:53Aldrich took out his private seal and pressed it down.
30:56I took out the Tide Pearl and set it beside my name.
30:59A cold ripple of waterlight flashed across the parchment.
31:02Aldrich lifted his cup and stopped looking at the board.
31:05He turned and began discussing General Ashwit's retirement with a council lord beside him.
31:10Vivienne looked at the broken white queen beneath my feet.
31:13She no longer bothered to hide her smile.
31:15My white pieces were scattered.
31:17My queen was gone.
31:18Only one breath remained.
31:19If black moved again, my king would be trapped.
31:22The old strategist sighed and turned away.
31:24Queen Seraphine admit defeat.
31:26Keep some dignity.
31:28Do not make the Ashwell clam look too ugly.
31:31I looked at the only gap left on the board.
31:33All the setup, all the patience.
31:35All of it was for this moment.
31:37Mom, it's time to close the trap.
31:43My mind rang.
31:44So this was his true purpose tonight.
31:46The Tide Pearl, the chess game, the Jade Command ring.
31:49They were all bait.
31:50What he wanted was the Ashwell clan's military power.
31:53No one in the hall spoke.
31:54Half the gathered clans lowered their heads to drink.
31:57The other half avoided my eyes.
31:59The old Ashwell officers had long been transferred out of the capital.
32:03The ones left were either fence-sitters or Aldrich's hounds.
32:06A few council lords who usually flattered Vivienne even laughed out loud.
32:10Trash dad!
32:11He dares touch grandfather's military power?
32:15This old bastard must be tired of living,
32:17since he shoved his face forward for us to slap.
32:20Don't blame me.
32:21Mother!
32:22Agree!
32:22Make him put it in writing.
32:24This round I'll make him lose even his underwear.
32:27The voice was childish, but it carried wild arrogance.
32:30Since he had no mercy, I had no need to be kind.
32:33Fine.
32:34I agree.
32:35Then his smile widened.
32:36I continued.
32:37But words alone mean nothing.
32:40This wager concerns the foundation of the kingdom.
32:43It should be recorded properly.
32:45Let the record keeper write it down here and now.
32:48Make it a written blood pact.
32:51Black ink on parchment.
32:54Sealed with the crown seal.
32:56Witnessed by all.
32:58Your majesty, do you dare?
33:02My queen was gone.
33:03My king looked bare.
33:04The white pieces around me seemed scattered and broken.
33:07I did not understand deep chest theory.
33:09But even I could see it looked like a lost position.
33:12Just like the Ashwell clan's current situation.
33:14Aldric leaned against the golden cushion,
33:16turning the empty cup in his hand.
33:18He stared at the board,
33:20waiting for the final move,
33:21waiting for the Ashwell clan to fall.
33:23My queen,
33:24this board is just like your tide pearl.
33:27It seems both are about to change owners.
33:30As for that locket,
33:33I heard General Edmund Ashwell
33:35hid a life-saving token inside it for you.
33:38Such a precious thing belongs
33:40around my little hound's neck after tonight.
33:43My head snapped up.
33:45That locket was a gift.
33:46Father brought back from the crown temple
33:48before heading off to war.
33:49Inside the lock was a command token.
33:51It could summon the Ashwell shadow guards.
33:53That was the Ashwell clan's deepest seat.
33:56Not even my mother had known.
33:57Besides me, only one person knew.
34:00Waging dead objects is boring.
34:04Seraphine,
34:06since we are wagering,
34:07why not make it bigger?
34:11You will write to General Edmund Ashwell.
34:13You shall convince him
34:15to hand over the Northern Army War Seal.
34:22How does that sound?
34:25Hand over the tide pearl,
34:27and I will take back the ring.
34:29Everything said just now will be forgotten.
34:31On the chessboard,
34:32my white pieces were surrounded from every side.
34:34There was no way out.
34:35Exactly like that!
34:36My kid was cheerful.
34:37Play weak!
34:38Think deep!
34:39Play the fool,
34:40then strike!
34:41If we crush them from the start,
34:43what if that old bastard backs out?
34:45Mom,
34:45now offer the queen.
34:47My fingers crossed.
34:48The queen,
34:49that was the strongest piece on the board.
34:51Mom,
34:52trust me.
34:52Drown the queen.
34:54Crown the trap.
34:58Queen to H5.
35:00The white queen beneath me
35:02stepped into danger.
35:03Her silver crown caught the firelight.
35:05The hall went silent for half a breath.
35:07Vivienne stared.
35:08Then she laughed.
35:09My queen,
35:10are you handing me your crown?
35:11Queen takes H5.
35:13Her black queen struck.
35:14Crack.
35:15The black queen's blade
35:16cut through the white queen.
35:17The white queen collapsed beneath me.
35:21The tide pearl changes hands today.
35:27On ordinary days,
35:28when I played with Aldrin,
35:29my only job was to lose.
35:30My skill was terrible.
35:31I was a disaster at chess.
35:33My heart beat so fast,
35:34my hands trembled a little.
35:36Mom,
35:37don't panic.
35:38I am your brain.
35:39Pawn to E4.
35:41I repeated softly.
35:43Pawn to E4.
35:44The white pawn before my king
35:45marched forward across the stone board.
35:47Vivienne barely thought about it.
35:49Pawn to E5.
35:51Her black pawn charged out
35:53and met mine at the center.
35:54The pieces struck with a sharp crack.
35:56Knight to F3.
35:57Knight to F3.
35:58The white knight left forward.
36:00Stone hooves striking sparks from the board.
36:03After that,
36:03my Babae Kale's orders became faster.
36:06My knight moved.
36:07My bishop opened a path.
36:08My king retreated behind the rook's protection.
36:11On the giant chess board,
36:12the white pieces shifted again and again.
36:14But to the watching plan,
36:15my formation looked loose,
36:17weak,
36:18almost apparent.
36:19Vivienne smiled.
36:20She had already stopped taking me seriously.
36:23Sister's chess is truly unique.
36:25I fear even a child could play better.
36:28All those games with his majesty.
36:30It seems our queen was only pretending.
36:34Then she raised her hand.
36:36Queen to H4.
36:39The black queen beneath her feet glided forward.
36:42Her blade pointed straight at my king.
36:44The gathered clan's wisdom.
36:46My king looked exposed.
36:47Poor Seraphine,
36:49still pretending.
36:50If the queen is tired
36:51and does not want to shame the Ashwell clan further,
36:53there is still time to admit defeat.
36:55Her title as a lowly maid?
36:58Is she even worthy?
37:00The hall fell silent.
37:01Vivienne's face went white.
37:03Tears filled her eyes
37:04and she collapsed against Aldrich.
37:05Your majesty,
37:06queen looks down on me.
37:08I know I was born low.
37:10I know I am not worthy.
37:12Aldrich narrowed his eyes at me.
37:14After a moment,
37:15he gave a cold laugh.
37:16He lifted his right hand
37:17and rubbed the black ring on his thumb.
37:19The jade command ring.
37:21A relic of the old king.
37:22A token that could move the king's guard.
37:24Aldrich pulled it off
37:25and threw it onto the chessboard.
37:26I'll wager for her.
37:28This ring commands the king's guard.
37:30It is also a symbol of royal power.
37:32Seraphine, is that enough?
37:33The gathered clans broke into whispers.
37:36Someone almost spoke.
37:37But after seeing Aldrich's face,
37:39he swallowed it back.
37:40Vivienne stopped crying.
37:42She stared at the ring,
37:43then raised her brows at me.
37:44He was certain I would lose.
37:46Wow!
37:47My dad really paid up this time.
37:49The jade command ring.
37:50Mom, this is pure profit.
37:54Hurry and sit.
37:56My chess addiction is acting up.
37:57When I standed on the giant chessboard,
37:59all my warriors rose up from the ground.
38:02Vivienne tilted her chin high,
38:04across the squares,
38:05and stepped to Black's eye.
38:07Now all the pieces waited beneath us.
38:09Silent, armed hungry for battle.
38:17My mate smiled as he wagered my crown,
38:20my unborn child,
38:21and all 895 lives of my clan.
38:23My Ashwa clan had bled for Aldrich Vane's throne.
38:27My fists had placed the crown on his head.
38:29I had placed my trust in his hands.
38:31Yet tonight,
38:32at the Winter Solstice Feast,
38:33his mistress nestled in his arms,
38:35adorned with jewels that were meant to be mine,
38:38they openly challenged me.
38:40Now they sought to strip me of the Tide Pearls,
38:42the emblem of all my authority.
38:44All ways out were blocked.
38:46The gathered clans stayed silent.
38:49But Aldrich only smiled,
38:51careless and amused.
38:52Seraphine, it is only a Tide Pearl.
38:55If you lose,
38:56let her play with it for a few days.
38:58I want that too.
38:59My queen,
39:00do you dare wager it?
39:02Before I could refuse,
39:03Aldrich answered for me.
39:05Just as my heart sank,
39:06a soft little voice suddenly rang inside my belly.
39:09Mom, mom, I'm here.
39:11Bet against her.
39:13I can see ten moves ahead.
39:15I'm a chess genius.
39:17I'll teach father how to lose.
39:19I touched my stomach,
39:20under the mocking eyes of the clan lords.
39:23I picked up a white piece.
39:24The great hall was bright with firelight.
39:27The council lords around us stopped drinking.
39:29Their eyes were full of mockery and curiosity.
39:32Aldrich leaned back on his high seat,
39:34holding Vivian in his arms
39:35and turning a cup in his hand.
39:37He glanced at me once.
39:39Then he lowered his head
39:40and teased the woman in his lap.
39:41Dad is so ungrateful
39:43wanting you to step down.
39:44He can keep dreaming.
39:46He dares to trifle with grandfather's life?
39:49Who does he think he is?
39:50Mom, take it.
39:51Since he dares offer it,
39:53we'll take everything
39:54and make him lose clean.
39:56I felt relieved the moment I heard him.
39:58I raised my head
39:59and looked toward the high seat.
40:01Since your majesty has allowed it,
40:03I will play one game with Lady Vivian.
40:06Queen is generous.
40:09That locket is beautiful.
40:11I have wanted it for so long.
40:14Wait.
40:15I pressed my hand over the clasp
40:16and stepped back.
40:17Vivian's hand caught empty air.
40:19She froze,
40:20then she turned to Aldrich.
40:21Your majesty.
40:22Her red lips curved in a pout.
40:23Is our queen going back on her word?
40:25Or can she not bear to lose it?
40:27Seraphine,
40:28a king's word is not a joke.
40:30Do you mean to defy me?
40:31I am wagering the queen's tied pearl
40:34and the locket granted by the old king.
40:37They stand for my crown
40:38and the Ashwell clan's honor.
40:43What does Lady Vivian have to wager?
40:46Any more sexual assault?
40:53I think the primary Bird of the Square
Commentaires