Axel Ashworth held the white chess piece and glanced at Serena Sterling across from him. Today, Serena wore a light purple chiffon dress, perfectly outlining her youthful waist. Around her neck hung a child’s golden amulet, her pure black hair draped obediently over her shoulders, and her milky white skin radiated a shimmering gloss.
Now, Serena was focused and serious, holding the black chess piece. Her long eyelashes hung like little fans, needing nothing to add to her presence, as stunning as a masterful ink painting.
Axel Ashworth smiled, "Princess of Alani, I’ve noticed that everything from clothing to jewelry from your Alani is exquisite and captivating — for instance, the amulet you wear, which I haven’t seen on the market."
As the King of Nine Peaks, Axel had seen all kinds of rare treasures, yet he had never seen the style of amulet Serena was wearing.
"This amulet," Serena Sterling blinked mysteriously, "Of course, King of Nine Peaks hasn’t seen it outside because my aunt custom-made it for me — globally unique."
"Oh, I wonder who this aunt of the Princess of Alani is; I know quite a few top jewelry designers."
"My aunt is very capable, but I won’t say much here; I’m worried it might scare the King of Nine Peaks," Serena said with a smile.
Axel knew Serena was unwilling to reveal her aunt’s identity, so he did not press the matter.
"Our Alani is a utopia, and all the girls dress beautifully like me. My mom always says that girls are naturally beautiful, so the clothes of Alani are overseen by her, while the unique jewelry is entirely designed by my aunt," Serena said, straightening her chest with a touch of pride.
Axel listened seriously but did not reply. Alani used to be adjacent to The State of Westria. For unknown reasons, Alani completely vanished later.
Its disappearance lasted a century.
This time, Serena chose to cooperate with him and must hold some kind of motive, certainly related to the mystery of Alani’s disappearance years ago.
"Princess of Alani, I see you calmly playing chess here with me, yet you seem not at all worried about the Warren family? This morning, Kyle Ashworth’s betrothal gifts arrived at the Warren family, rumored to be dozens of boxes of fine jewelry. Now, the rumors about Kyle Ashworth and Rosalind Newman are widely believed." Axel Ashworth said. Discover more novels at novel~fire~net
Serena placed a chess piece and smiled, "King of Nine Peaks, don’t worry."
"I heard last night the Princess of Alani sneaked into the Warren family and met Rosalind Newman," Axel Ashworth said.
Serena looked up at Axel Ashworth, "The King of Nine Peaks truly has keen information."
Axel raised his brow, "Isn’t it too rash to bet everything on Rosalind Newman?"
Serena looked at the chess piece she placed, "I have no regrets. I chose Rosalind Newman with my reasoning; when in doubt, I won’t use them. I trust her."
Axel looked into Serena’s clear eyes; they were truly beautiful, shining with brilliant intelligence and determination, captivating and entrancing, "Alright then, I await eagerly."
Both focused on playing chess, when suddenly, Axel’s confidant ran over and whispered a few words in his ear.
Axel’s chess-moving hand suddenly paused.
The confidant retreated, and Axel looked at Serena Sterling across from him, "Princess of Alani, congratulations, you won the bet."
Serena put down the chess piece and also looked at Axel, "Tell me."
"I’ve just received news; Kyle Ashworth’s dozens of boxes of betrothal gifts were brazenly delivered to the Warren family, but then the rear courtyard of the Warren family caught fire. Apparently, Rosalind Newman set her own boudoir ablaze and left behind a farewell letter before disappearing." Axel said.
Serena elegantly raised her willow eyebrows, "What did the letter say?"
"In the farewell letter, Rosalind passionately denounced Kyle Ashworth, listing his romantic escapades over the years and stating she would rather die than marry such a person. Originally, Kyle’s promiscuous affairs were suppressed, but now, with Rosalind meticulously exposing these incidents, the once-legendary romance has been ruthlessly unveiled, leading everyone to discuss the crimes of Lord Kyle." Axel explained.
Serena showed no surprise; Seth Sullivan chose Rosalind for her, believing Rosalind would fulfill her greatest potential.
This opening act played loudly and clearly.
Serena picked up her black chess piece; now, several strands of hair gently fell from behind her snowy white ear, adding to her girlish charm, "King of Nine Peaks, I’m not leaving today. Have someone prepare a sumptuous meal. I’m bringing a friend to dine here."
"A friend? What friend?" Axel Ashworth asked curiously.
Serena didn’t look up, "King of Nine Peaks, don’t worry; this friend will be here soon."
At that moment, a series of footsteps sounded, and Cherie escorted someone in, "Your Highness, the person is here."
Serena looked up at Axel, "King of Nine Peaks, my friend has arrived!"
The person behind Cherie stepped forward, "Princess of Alani, King of Nine Peaks, I’m here."
Axel’s eyes slightly narrowed because it was none other than Rosalind Newman!
Rosalind had set her boudoir on fire and left a farewell letter exposing Kyle’s wrongdoings. Now she’s gone missing, and the royal family must be frantically searching for her.
At this crucial moment, Serena brought Rosalind to his Manor of the Ninth Spire.
All along, Axel maintained neutrality, being the most capable contender for royal power to cooperate with Serena, yet he hadn’t agreed to the alliance.
Now, with Serena publicly bringing Rosalind to his Manor of the Ninth Spire, surely the royal family has already gotten wind, leaving Axel with no clean way out.
Axel’s gaze sharply fell on Serena, smiling vaguely, "Indeed, the Princess of Alani is extraordinary; while scheming against the palace, you put me on the spot as well. The Princess of Alani came alone to Westria with no initial advantage, yet she’s able to stir the entire situation by herself — truly impressive!"
Serena curled her lips, "The King of Nine Peaks is flattering me; now, there’s no turning back for the King. He can only choose to cooperate with me."
As she spoke, Serena lowered her gaze and took his chess piece, her clear voice powerful and bold, "I’ve paved the way for the King of Nine Peaks; at this point, why hesitate to stride forward toward royal authority and command respect far and wide!"
Axel looked into Serena’s clear eyes; now she regarded him, her gaze sharp like the sun blossoming on the horizon, shining brilliantly with peerless magnificence.