Page 91 of The Queen & the King

“In every single timeline, the Goddess of Spring marries the God of the Dead,” Kronos says, his voice curious. “But in this one, you are wrong. You are more.”

I lift my chin, forcing my lips into a smirk. “I am exactly who I am meant to be.”

He scoffs in answer, rolling his eyes. “I predict your mother shall arrive in less than an hour.” He waves his hand, summoning an ornate chess table. The marble lands heavily on the sand, somehow not sinking. Two chairs follow, one on either side, perfectly matching the style of the table. “Fancy a game?” Kronos asks, picking up the black king.

“I don’t play.”

Kronos smirks and sits in one of the chairs, replacing the king in its starting spot. “Too bad. I was going to make the wager… interesting.”

I lift an eyebrow at him. “Oh?”

He places the tip of his finger on one of the black pawns. “The war is here. Soon, I’ll face my sons on the battlefield. If you beat me,” Kronos glances at me again, “I’ll spare him.”

I laugh at the absurdness of his offer. “First of all, it’s bold of you to think you will be in a position to spare anyone. Second of all,” my laughter dies, “you think I trust a single word that comes out of that treacherous mouth?”

Kronos keeps that infuriating smirk etched on his face. “I would swear it on the River Styx.”

I narrow my eyes at him. That would definitely make it a binding agreement, but I’m sure he would find a loophole.

“Like I said. I don’t play.”

Kronos looks back at the board, the pawn spinning under his finger. “The Primes are out of the game. Without them, there is no hope for your side.”

I stand and sit opposite him, leveling my gaze with his, refusing to back down. “The Titans are mostly recaptured.” I pick up the white queen piece. “You have nothing without Gaia’s power.”

Kronos’s smile deepens. “You didn’t think it was strange how easily they were captured?”

I tilt my head, waiting.

“Almost as if,” Kronos picks up the pawn, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger, “lining up soldiers for battle. You have done the hard bit for me. You have rounded up my troops.”

I lean in a little, smiling. “You know what I think?” I place the queen back down in her space. “I think you’re bluffing. You have nothing.”

“He used to visit me every year.” Kronos shifts in his seat. “At the same time. For millennia. Except for this past year. He was two months late because of you.”

I tense, watching him carefully, trying to keep my face neutral.

He tsks. “Such a reckless move on his part. I had only to mention you, and he lunged. He’s usually so careful.” Kronos clicks his fingers, the black pawn vanishing. “And just like that, I stole three days from him with a mere touch.”

I lean back in my chair. “It’s funny the accomplishments you’re proud of.”

“And you? What accomplishments are you proud of, Daughter-in-Law?”

“Many. None of which I will be sharing with you.” I hold back my growl.

Kronos raises a brow. “Oh?” He studies me, making my skin crawl. He smirks as the pieces on the chessboard begin to change. Soon, they are no longer knights, rooks, and pawns. Now, one is a three-headed dog, the perfect little marble Cerberus. A piece changes to a girl with space buns, one half of her face scarred. Another becomes a man, and even against the black marble, his skin glows. I watch as one becomes a hooded man with a scythe.

In my anger, small but mighty vines wrap around his king. “Do not threaten me, Kronos.” The marble king is crushed in my vines, the dust and debris spilling through the gaps.

Kronos simply tilts his head, looking at the ruined chess piece. “It’s not a threat, my dear Persephone. It’s a promise.”

I meet his hateful gaze. “What is it you’re asking for here, Kronos?”

He laughs. “You have nothing I want.”

I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I wonder if he’ll scream while I slowly end him,” Kronos ponders, picking up the newest addition to the board, the most perfect marble Hades. “I hope so. Maybe I’ll make him watch as I kill you first.”

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