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The King Lost to My Unborn Son - New movie 2026 🔥🔥🔥FULL MOVIES ENGLISH SUB 2026
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00:00The clans came to swear loyalty. A kingdom-wide pardon was declared. On the day of the first moon ceremony,
00:06I held the little king and sat on the high seat. I was honored as regent queen. My father, General
00:11Edmund Ashwell, served beside me on the council. Among the clans, the traitors were gone.
00:16The kingdom was at peace. No one dared scheme against the Ashwell clan again. No one dared look down on
00:22a mother and her child again. In the cradle, the little king blinked his dark round eyes and looked at
00:28me, though he still could not speak. That voice in my head stayed soft, sweet, and arrogant.
00:34Mom, look! This kingdom belongs to us now. If anyone dares bully you again, I'll wipe out every branch of
00:42their bloodline. When 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. Good. I'll be waiting.
00:54Outside the window, spring light was bright. The mountains and rivers stretched beneath a clear sky. I looked at the
01:00towering halls before me. There was no shadow left in my heart.
01:03Once, I thought endurance was the way to survive. Now I understood. Only power in my hands could protect the
01:09people 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. We would rule them ourselves.
01:18A bloodless coup ended before sunrise. At last, the sky over the kingdom cleared. Months later, winter passed and spring
01:24came.
01:25Inside my hall, a muffled cry of pain broke the quiet. I had gone into labor.
01:30Outside the birthing room, my father stood in armor. He led the Ashwell soldiers in strict formation. Not even a
01:35fly could enter.
01:37Inside, cold sweat covered me from the pain. I gripped the sheets tightly.
01:43Mom! Huff!
01:45In my head, that familiar voice sounded nervous for once.
01:49Does it hurt, Mom? I'll try to curl up small. Let's come out quickly, so you won't hurt for long.
01:56I smiled weakly. Tears gathered in my eyes. This child was not even born yet, but he already knew how
02:01to love his mother.
02:03With one loud cry, the rising sun broke through the clouds and shone into the hall. The midwife shouted in
02:08joy.
02:09He is born! He is born! A prince! A blessing from the heavens! The dawn has come!
02:19All strength left my body. I looked at the little bundle wrapped in golden cloth. He was red-wrinkled, and
02:24waving his tiny fists, the new king was born.
02:28His eyes swept over the kneeling clans. The silent guards, the command seal in my hand, the jade command ring
02:34on my thumb.
02:35For the first time, he truly understood. He had not lost a game. He had lost the boar.
02:40I slowly turned and looked at the man abandoned by everyone.
02:46Once, I had seen him as the sky. Now he was only a pitiful and hateful insect.
02:50Aldric.
02:55You are not worthy of that chair. For the Ashwell clan, for my child, and for the people of this
03:03kingdom, it is time for you to rest.
03:08Aldric stared at me. The light in his eyes went out little by little. In the end, only despair and
03:13emptiness remained.
03:14He had lost. He lost to his arrogance. He lost to his cold heart. Most of all, he lost to
03:19me and the child in my belly.
03:20That very day, the Queen Mother issued a royal order. King Aldric Vane would step down due to illness.
03:26He would be stripped of his crown, made a connoisseur, and locked in the locked tower for life.
03:31He would not leave until death. The former favored mistress, Lady Vivian Lorne, was spared death for exposing his crimes.
03:38But death could be avoided. Punishment 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.
03:51Let them torture each other. That was the best punishment for both of them.
03:59The hall fell into a silence so deep it almost had weight. The clan lords finally understood.
04:05This was not a rebellion born in one night. This was a board that had already been closed.
04:09The gates, the guards, the armoring, the message towers, the city defense. Every road Aldric could use had already been
04:15cut off.
04:15High Council! You swore loyalty to me!
04:21The head of the High Council slowly rose. His old hand tightened around his cane.
04:25Then, under Aldric's desperate gaze, he knelt.
04:27Your 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. The sound of knees hitting stone spread across the hall like falling thunder.
04:56Please step down and let one more worthy rule!
05:00Please step down and let one more worthy rule!
05:04Their voices rose like a tide. The great hall trembled. Aldric's face turned gray.
05:08He stumbled back and collapsed against the high seat.
05:19You have rebelled.
05:22All of you have rebelled!
05:27Guards! Protect your king! Kill these traitors!
05:32No one answered. Not even the guards at the door moved.
05:35Their hands rested on their sword hilts. Their eyes looked past Aldric and stopped on them.
05:39Aldric froze. Then he roared again.
05:42Commander Darren! Where is Commander Darren?!
05:46At the southern gate.
05:48Kneeling.
05:50Waiting for judgment.
05:51The color drained from Aldric's face. He staggered back half a step. Impossible that the king's guard had been the
05:57sharpest blade. His safest wall. His last way out. Now that blade pointed at his throat. He suddenly turned to
06:03the council's feet.
06:04The city defense army! Bring me the army! I still have the capital!
06:12I slowly raised my left hand. The city defense command seal lay in my palm. Cold heat. Real. Aldric stared
06:18at him. His pupils shrank.
06:20Your majesty lost this too.
06:24Their killing intent was sharp. And I, six months pregnant, walked into the hall step by step. A seat had
06:29been placed beside the king's. I would rule through the high council.
06:32You, what are you trying to do?
06:35Aldric pointed at me. His fingers trembled.
06:37Serafine Ashfield, are you rebelling?
06:39I only lifted my hand.
06:40Read.
06:41A council speaker stepped forward. In his hands were Vivian's confession from last night and the secret order found by
06:46the Queen Mother.
06:47Five years after taking the throne, his majesty listened to traitors and harmed loyal bloodlines.
06:51He dealt with foreign enemies, Framed General Edmund Ashwell, and tried to strip military, shaking the foundation of the kingdom.
06:57He even used the realm itself as a wager at the feast and treated Kinglyr as a game!
07:03Each charge struck like a blade. Every word cut deep. The gathered clans broke into uproar. In truth, everyone had
07:10known.
07:10They had simply never dared to speak before. Now the wall was fallen. Everyone came to push.
07:15And with bright blades standing outside the hall, who could fail to see the truth?
07:18Your majesty! Your 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 Aldric were taken down one by one.
07:37Those 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.
07:45Aldric knew nothing. He was still in the king's study, drafting an order.
07:49He tried to remove me as queen. He 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.
08:02Aldric 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 sword-hills.
08:11They stared coldly toward the king's study.
08:13For the first time, true despair climbed onto Aldric's face.
08:16The next morning, the council gathered.
08:18Inside the great hall, the air was pressed down to its limit.
08:22Aldric forced himself into his king's robe and walked up the dais.
08:25Dark shadows hung beneath his eyes.
08:27His steps were unsteady. Last 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, and forced the Ashwell army into rebellion.
08:49He 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.
08:58But 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 Aldric could think of a countermeasure.
09:15He 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 spies report.
09:27Beautifully done!
09:28Mom, strike while he's weak.
09:30It's time to use that ring.
09:32I nodded.
09:33Kale could win the game.
09:34But 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.
10:02The night wind lifted my skirts with a slight chill.
10:04But it could not cool the satisfaction in my chest.
10:06The old Asheville officers were already waiting outside to put the stronghold gates.
10:11When 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, according to my spies.
10:22Aldrich flew into a rage and smashed the letters and inkstone across his desk.
10:26Wreckers!
10:27All of them!
10:28He roared like a madman.
10:30Vivienne knelt on the floor, trembling.
10:32She had already been humiliated by me.
10:34Now she had become Aldrich's outlet.
10:35If you had not pushed me into that chest wager, how could I have lost the command seal?
10:40Aldrich kicked Vivienne in the chest without mercy.
10:43Get out!
10:44Crawl to the locked tower!
10:46Vivienne spat blood.
10:47The terror in her eyes slowly turned into hatred.
10:49For the first time, she understood one thing clearly.
10:52Aldrich had never loved her.
10:53She had been a knife in his hand.
10:55When 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.
11:08That night, Vivienne did not go to the locked tower, dragging her wounded body.
11:11She crawled to the queen mom's hall.
11:13Queen mother!
11:15Please save me!
11:17Save the kingdom!
11:19The rook dragged itself before the black king at 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.
11:42The white queen crossed the board.
11:43The black rook shattered.
11:44The black king's crown cracked.
11:46It 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.
12:04Around 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.
12:15Robes flying like torn wings.
12:16Its blade pointed straight at the white queen beneath me.
12:20The hall erupted in low gasps.
12:23Even the old strategist's face changed.
12:25Aldrich laughed hoarsely.
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.
12:34Alone exposed.
12:35Like bait waiting beneath the moon.
12:37Trap closed.
12:39Mom, say it!
12:41I raised my eyes to Aldrich.
12:42White knight to C6.
12:44Break 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.
13:06After that, the game no longer needed many words.
13:08Black attacked.
13:11White swallowed.
13:12Black retreated.
13:14White cut deeper.
13:17Aldrich'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.
13:37Trap.
13:38All of them were traps.
13:39Every step he took had already been calculated by Kale.
13:42Fewer than a hundred moves.
13:44He lost even faster than Vivian.
13:46At last, Aldrich slammed his final black rook before the black king.
13:49His voice was hoarse.
13:50Impossible.
13:53I 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.
14:06Break the center.
14:11The black knight thundered forward across the giant chessboard.
14:15Iron 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.
15:34A cruel smile returned to his face.
15:36He grabbed another black piece and slammed it down.
15:39Black bishop to B4! Take 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?
16:16Haha, this old assard really is stubborn.
16:19Mom, 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!
16:30I 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.
17:35I only wanted a way to live.
17:38A way to live?
17:42I do not believe you can keep winning.
17:46In 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, do 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.
18:4120,000 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.
18:57Aldrich's face twisted.
18:59His gaze swept over Vivian on the floor.
19:02Her jewels had been torn away.
19:03Her hair hung loose.
19:05Her rouge was smeared.
19:07She wore only a wrinkled white shift and shook like a stray dog.
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!
19:21Save me!
19:22I wagered against her for you!
19:25For one breath, Vivian seemed to think he would protect her.
19:27Then Aldrich slapped her.
19:29Vivian flew back and crashed into the chest table.
19:32She 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.
19:55Send her back to the East Wing.
19:57She is not to leave without my order.
19:59The envoy from Northvale was a bearded giant turning a cup in his hand.
20:02Ha ha ha ha! The 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 Southwark whispered and pointed.
20:24If Aldrich denied the debt today, the kingdom's honor would collapse before every foreign court.
20:28Aldrich's face turned red.
20:30His fists 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. The old man spoke.
20:40Your majesty, a king's word is not a jesk.
20:44If you wagered, you must pay.
20:46Aldrich 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.
21:10You!
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, don't spoil him!
21:21Smack him in the face with the pact!
21:23I had expected this. If I had not prepared for it, I would never have wagered the whole Ashwell clan.
21:29I ignored Aldrich 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.
21:42Aldrich's eyelid twitched.
21:43Honored Envazes, please bear witness.
21:47Our kingdom values honor.
21:50His majesty is the ruler of the realm.
21:52A king's word should weigh more than gold.
21:55The 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?
22:09The council lords lowered their heads.
22:11No one spoke for her.
22:12Aldrich turned his face away.
22:14He only wiped the wine stain from his sleeve.
22:16Useless thing.
22:17I looked at Mara.
22:18Mara understood at once.
22:20She rolled up her sleeves and strode forward with two strong maids.
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,
22:39the earrings,
22:40the red gold collar,
22:41and the embroidered outer robe only royal favorites were allowed to wear.
22:45Piece by piece,
22:46the borrowed skin of privilege was stripped from her body.
22:48In moments, Vivian was left in only a plain white shift,
22:51curled 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,
22:59I 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.
23:13How 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.
23:25Vivian shuddered and looked up at me.
23:27Sweet had ruined the rouge on her face.
23:28Her earlier arrogance was gone.
23:30She crawled toward Aldrich on her hands and knees,
23:33reaching for his robe.
23:35Your majesty!
23:38Save me!
23:40I...
23:41I don't want to...
23:43Aldrich was still staring at the tray being carried away.
23:45When she grabbed him,
23:46he 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.
25:05I 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.
25:18I did not bend.
25:19My back stayed straight.
25:20A wager is a wager.
25:22My voice was steady.
25:23Someone, collect the ring.
25:25The 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 tidal curl 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.
26:28Crack.
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.
26:44It 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.
27:01The old strategist shot to his feet.
27:03The drowned queen trap.
27:06A queen sacrifice.
27:07A knight's fork.
27:09A bishop line.
27:10A perfect mate net.
27:15I 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.
27:27This was the council 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.
27:41Knight takes F7.
27:43The white knight charged.
27:45Its stone hooves struck sparks from the board.
27:47Its lance tore through the black guard before the king.
27:50Track check.
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.
28:00The 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.
28:12Bishop 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.
28:24Open 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.
29:01They are a stain on this court.
29:04General Ashwell is old, yet he still clings to his seat.
29:08His power rivals the throne.
29:10The clan lords had changed faces.
29:12In the past, they lowered their heads when they saw me.
29:15Now they sat and watched the show.
29:17Vivienne listened to their praise, and her smile deepened.
29:20She held a black piece between two fingers.
29:24My queen, once this piece falls, the Ashwick clan's hundred years of glory will end in your hands.
29:33If you crawl down now and beg me, I 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.
29:50The warlords who had once received Ashwell kindness all lowered their heads.
29:54Some even chanted loudly to flatter Aldric.
29:56The strong survive.
29:58The weak submit.
30:01The hall fell quiet.
30:02Aldric 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, what 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,
30:23if you deny it later,
30:25that will be treason.
30:27She turned a black piece between her fingers.
30:30But don't worry.
30:32When the Ashwick clan falls,
30:35I will ask his majesty to leave General Ashwick with a whole corpse.
30:40I ignored her and stepped back toward the board.
30:43Way to go, Mom!
30:45That's exactly it!
30:47Let her laugh a little longer.
30:49Soon she won't even be able to cry.
30:51The pact was finished.
30:53Aldric took out his private seal and pressed it down.
30:56I took out the tide pearl and set it beside my knee.
30:59A cold ripple of water light flashed across the parchment.
31:02Aldric lifted his cup and stopped looking at the board.
31:05He turned and began discussing General Ashwell's retirement with a council lord beside him.
31:09Vivienne 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.
32:18Since he shoved his face forward for us to slap.
32:20Don't blame me!
32:21Mother! Agree!
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 looked loud.
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, turning the empty cup in his hand.
33:18He stared at the board, waiting for the final move, waiting for the Ashwell clan to fall.
33:23My queen, this 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 hid a life-saving token inside it for you.
33:39Such a precious thing belongs around 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 before heading off to a wall.
33:49Inside the lock was a command token.
33:51It could summon the Ashwell shadow guards.
33:53That was the Ashwell clan's deepest secret.
33:56Not even my mother had known.
33:57Besides, only one person knew.
34:00Waging dead objects is boring.
34:05Seraphine, since we are wagering, why not make it bigger?
34:11You will write to General Edmund Ashwell.
34:14You shall convince him to hand over the Northern Army War Seal.
34:22How does that sound?
34:25Hand over the tide pearl and I will take back the ring.
34:28Everything said just now will be forgotten.
34:31On the chessboard, my 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, then strike!
34:41If we crush them from the start, what if that old bastard backs out?
34:45Mom, now offer the queen.
34:47My fingers froze.
34:48The queen, that was the strongest piece on the board.
34:51Mom, trust me.
34:53Drown the queen.
34:54Crown the trap.
34:58Queen to H5.
35:00The white queen beneath me stepped into danger.
35:03Her silver crown caught the firelight.
35:05The hall went silent for half a breath.
35:07Vivian stared, then she laughed.
35:09My queen, are you handing me your crown?
35:11Queen takes H5.
35:13Her black queen struck. Crack.
35:15The black queen's blade cut through the white queen.
35:17The white queen collapsed beneath me.
35:21The tide pearl changes hands today.
35:27On ordinary days, when I played with Aldrin, my only job was to lose.
35:30My skill was terrible.
35:32I was a disaster at chess.
35:33My heart beat so fast, my hands trembled a little.
35:36Mom, don't panic.
35:38I am your brain.
35:40Pawn to E4.
35:41I repeated softly.
35:43Pawn to E4.
35:44The white pawn before my king marched forward across the stone board.
35:48Vivian barely thought about it.
35:49Pawn to E5.
35:51Her black pawn charged out and met mine at the center.
35:54The pieces struck with a sharp crack.
35:56Knight to F3.
35:57Knight to F3.
35:59The white knight left forward.
36:00Stone hooks, striking sparks from the board.
36:03After that, my Babai 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, the white pieces shifted again and again.
36:14But to the watching plan, my formation looked loose, weak, almost apparent.
36:19Vivian 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, it 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 clans was keen.
36:46My king looked exposed.
36:48Poor Seraphine, still pretending.
36:50If the queen is tired and does not want to shame the Ashwell clan further, there is still time to
36:55admit defeat.
36:55Her title as a lowly maid?
36:58Is she even worthy?
37:00The hall fell silent.
37:01Vivian's face went white.
37:03Tears filled her eyes and she collapsed against Aldric.
37:05Your majesty, queen looks down on me.
37:08I know I was born low.
37:10I know I am not worthy.
37:12Aldric narrowed his eyes at me.
37:14After a moment he gave a cold laugh.
37:16He lifted his right hand and 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 Kingsguard.
37:24Aldric pulled it off and threw it onto the chessboard.
37:26I'll wager for her.
37:27This ring commands the Kingsguard.
37:30It is also a symbol of royal power.
37:32Seraphine, is that enough?
37:34The gathered clans broke into whispers.
37:36Someone almost spoke.
37:37But after seeing Aldric's face, he swallowed it back.
37:40Vivian stopped crying.
37:42She stared at the ring, then raised her brows at me.
37:44He was certain I would lose.
37:46Wow! My dad really paid up this time!
37:49The Jade Command Ring!
37:50Mom, this is pure profit!
37:55Hurry and sit!
37:56My chest addiction is acting up!
37:58When I standed on the giant chessboard,
38:00all my warriors rose up from the ground.
38:03Vivian tilted her chin high, across the squares,
38:05and stepped to Blackside.
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 Aldric 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, at the Winter Solstice Feast,
38:33his mistress nestled in his arms,
38:35adorned with jewels that were meant to be mine.
38:37They 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 clan stayed silent.
38:49But Aldric only smiled, careless and amused.
38:52Seraphine, it is only a Tide Pearl.
38:55If you lose, let her play with it for a few days.
38:58I want that too.
39:00My queen, do you dare wager it?
39:02Before I could refuse...
39:03Granted.
39:04Aldric answered for me.
39:05Just as my heart sank,
39:06a soft little voice suddenly rang inside my belly.
39:10Mom! Mom! I'm here!
39:11Bet against her!
39:13I can see 10 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.
39:32Aldric leaned back on his high seat,
39:34holding Vivian in his arms and turning a cup in his hand.
39:37He glanced at me once.
39:39Then he lowered his head and teased the woman in his lap.
39:41Dad is so ungrateful wanting 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!
39:52Since he dares offer it,
39:53we'll take everything and make him lose clean!
39:56I felt relieved the moment I heard it.
39:58I raised my head and 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 and stepped back.
40:17Vivian's hand caught empty air.
40:19She froze.
40:20Then she turned to Aldric.
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, a king's word is not a joke.
40:30Do you mean to defy me?
40:32I am wagering the queen's tied pearl
40:34and the locket granted by the old king.
40:37They stand for my crown and the Ashwell clan's honor.
40:44What does Lady Vivian have to wager?
40:46Other's
40:53It is the way to lose it.
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