Learning to Love His Grace

Chapter 17: Meeting of the Pieces

Yes, Dream was certainly excited when King Steven gave him his first mission, but not for the same reasons as Wilbur.

The Duke was excited for it meant that he had won the trust of the King, and could keep an eye on his activities. He has been steadily collecting information over the years, that could possibly be helpful to the Chess Masters' cause.

"It appears that our existence has been leaked to the crown," Dream started.

"So there is a traitor among our ranks," Jschlatt concluded, rubbing his chin.

"Rook, let me take care of this matter. I will find out who it is and dispose of them discreetly." Antfrost offered.

"Very well then Knight, but let me send a report to Queen first, and see what our leader thinks our next move should be."

"Queen has already been informed of the situation," Pawn spoke up.

No one, not even Dream knew of Pawn's real identity. The man always wore a mask and cape, and would lower his voice when he spoke. The blonde knew that it was for security's sake, since Pawn served as the messenger for the organization. Mostly for delivering reports and handing in orders from the leaders of the rebellion, King and Queen.

Just like Pawn, no one knew who King and Queen were. So should the organization ever be compromised, their leaders would be safe and be able to continue the mission. Dream merely served as their voice and stand in, when they were not available.

Pawn walked over and handed Dream a letter from their leader, which the blonde opened to read out loud,

Fear not that we have been discovered,

We have expected this, and it shall not interfere with our plans.

Rather, it serves as a stepping stone that brings us closer to our goal.

You may try to find the traitor, but leave him be

Continue on with your tasks and I shall be in touch

- Queen

"Typical, always shrouding herself in mystery and leaving us in the dark," Jschlatt pointed out.

"How are you so sure that Queen's a she, and what do you mean leaving us in the dark?" Antfrost asked.

"I just have a feeling that Queen's a she, and have you not noticed that we haven't been informed on what exactly Queen and King have in mind. Yes, our main goal is to dethrone this tyrant, but what happens after that? Many of the other members seem to think that King and Queen are planning to rule Adelyss in Steven's place."

"That isn't Queen's style, and I am pretty sure that King has no interest in ruling whatsoever. Let us put our trust in them, and follow their orders without question," Dream said, before moving on to ask Antfrost and Jschlatt for their reports.

"I have my weapons-smiths working hard to get us gear. But the sparks of hatred in the hearts of the men in Harwell, have now been fanned into an open flame. They openly show animosity to the king and his men. If not careful, Steven could very well put on a show, by publicly executing a few of them to crush their rebellious spirits," Antfrost informed grimly.

"Talk to them, and remind them to stay in control. Now is not yet the time for riots to break out." Dream said before turning to Jschlatt.

"So far no one suspects that we store our weapons in my hospitals, but Queen has sent me a note that they will be moved somewhere else in the next couple of days... Addington is fine, men here are much more better at hiding how they actually feel about the crown. But I hear that Steven has asked Thornhope to join him," Jschlatt informed. "The man told me so after I joined his family for dinner."

"Is he a threat?" Antfrost asked.

"I had the pleasure of being there, when Steven gave him the mission details. He is eager to please, but lacks the experience and skills to complete the mission. I do not deem him a threat, but we should keep a close eye on him." Dream informed.

"Rook, about Marleigh... " Antfrost started.

Dream tensed at the mention of George, "What about the Earl?"

"I saw the way he eyed Steven and Alexandra at the ball. I never thought that he was capable of such intense hatred." Antfrost explained.

"The Earl is famous for his scandalous behavior, but his skills with the bow and sword are unmatched. He could become a powerful ally Rook," Jschlatt said.

"No, I will not bring the Earl into this," Dream quickly answered.

"Why ever not? You know that we need men of his skill, and we have been constantly searching for someone like him." Jschlatt pointed out.

"I will not place him in harm's way. He has already suffered enough by losing his father in the Royston fire, which is the source of his anger. I can not trust him to have a clear head, when the opportunity to have his revenge presents itself." Dream answered.

For a few seconds all was silent. Antfrost and Jschlatt shared a look before bursting out in laughter, even Pawn turned his head to stifle a laugh. Dream looked at his friends in confusion.

"You are bloody besotted Rook!" Jschlatt howled, making the blonde's jaw tighten.

"I thought it was all an act for sure," Antfrost managed to get out between laughs, "but you always did eye the Earl during balls."

"Enough, let us return back to the matter at hand," Dream stated, hoping to divert their attention from the Earl.

It worked, and they continued expressing a few more concerns.

"I believe the match has come to its conclusion. I shall see you all here once again on the next new moon," Dream said, when the meeting had come to its end.

"I'm expecting to see you two at my ball," Antfrost reminded Dream and Jschlatt, as they headed back up the stairs. The two gave him a confirming nod, then Antfrost turned his attention to Pawn.

"Pawn, you really ought to attend as well, it would make me oh so happy," The Duke said.

"I am to remain in the shadows, Queen's orders." The masked man answered.

Antfrost huffed in disappointment, "Queen is such a bore, being her messenger must be terrible Pawn."

"I rather enjoy Queen's company," Pawn answered, his voice was still rough but it had a hint of a smile.

"Oh, do tell what she is like," Antfrost begged, just as they reached the entrance.

"I am sure Queen and King will reveal their identities when the time comes," Pawn plainly stated as he opened the entrance. He then headed to the room's door, "so you will have to wait till then Knight," he added before walking out.

Antfrost let out a disappointed sigh, before calling his husband's attention. Red was in the middle of a game, but excitedly stood up when his husband called. After saying their good byes, the couple left.

Karl too, left the game he was in, to rush to Dream's side, and the pair left the room with Jschlatt.

"You live much too far to watch over Thornhope's every move. Allow me to do it while you are away." Jschlatt offered.

"Very well... If you find anything, contact me immediately. Do not confront the Duke in anyway, no matter what you may discover." Dream said.

"I will," Jschlatt promised as he mounted his horse, before turning to smirk at the blonde. "Have fun with the Earl now," he said before bring his horse to a cantor, and riding away.

Dream wanted to yell at the doctor, but decided against it, for he did not want to draw attention to himself. Instead, he silently fumed on the way home, much to Karl's amusement.