Author's Note: I am obsessed with Chuck and Blair. They are the best fictional couple since Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara. This story is purely for fun. The plot is based loosely on the TV series, Gossip Girl, but with a Regency Period twist. There will be familiar scenes throughout. Also, while Rated M, I do not have pointless smut in my stories. But trust me, I plan on taking full advantage of the presence of carriages, corsets and midnight trysts in the gardens. So without further ado, enjoy!
His Queen B
Chapter One: Secrets
Charles Bass, future Duke of Warwick, hid his annoyance behind a smirk as he surveyed his garden tea party companions. All of the usual suspects were in attendance. Blair Waldorf was flirting with Nathaniel Archibald. Nathaniel was keeping a jealous eye on Serena van der Woodsen. Serena was entertaining the notorious Carter Baizen. And Chuck… he sipped quietly at his scotch-laced tea and watched the drama unfold.
He was not, however, completely immune to the drama or as far removed from it as he appeared. Chuck had been in love with Blair Waldorf for as far back as he could remember. As a Bass and son of a duke, he was only satisfied with the best of everything… and even as a young man, he had recognized that Blair's superiority matched his own. Unfortunately, Blair did not return the recognition. Her idea of the best suitor was none other than Chuck's best friend, the noble Lord Archibald, Earl of Lancaster.
"Nate? Are you listening to me?" Blair whined from across the table, her lips forming into a pretty pout.
"Yes… of course," Nate replied absently, his gaze narrowing at Carter as he playfully kissed Serena's hand.
A mix of emotions flared in Chuck while he watched Blair delicately sip her tea, her eyes casting desperate looks at Nate through her long lashes. Chuck could not withstand the similar, pathetic display that had become a constant occurrence in their informal gatherings over the past few months. This was not Blair Waldorf, or Queen B, a title she had earned from him in childhood. If she were to choose him as a suitor, Chuck thought, she would never have to beg for his attention… ever.
"Waldorf," Chuck said as he stood up. Blair looked at him, her mouth still in a pout.
"I was hoping for a closer look at your mother's gazebo. Would you mind giving me a private tour?" he drawled in his usual salacious manner. Blair rolled her eyes but shrugged in acquiescence, taking his proffered arm as he escorted her away from Serena's bright laughter and Nate's jealous stares.
"Archibald is a lost cause for you," Chuck said as soon as they were out of hearing. At Blair's silence, he pressed on. "Why not take the upcoming season as an opportunity to find someone worthy of your affections?" he asked, sampling her beauty with his eyes as they raked over her lace-trimmed attire. The white silk linen gown, with rose-colored vertical stripes, was very fashionable, very innocent and most likely something forced upon her by the dreaded Eleanor Waldorf, Blair's tyrannical mother.
"I still have time," Blair said coolly, dismissing Chuck's advice and disengaging her arm from his. "Not all women can have sunshine bursting out of every pore like Serena."
"Archibald simply wants what he can't have," Chuck explained, irritated and baffled by Blair's insecurities. "Perhaps if you were a little more elusive--"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Blair snapped, her chocolate eyes flashing with anger.
"Please," he lazily pleaded. "I'm Chuck Bass. I know a desperate woman when I see one."
Blair wordlessly scolded him with a withering look, a silent warning to him not to stray any further into that particular conversation. Chuck ignored her warning.
"Blair, I know you. Marrying Archibald will not garner your mother's approval-"
"Has it never occurred to you that I love him?" Blair interjected, taking the bait. "Do you have any idea how it tortures me, knowing he prefers her over me? Then again, what would Chuck Bass know about love?" she assessed scathingly.
In a blur of pink stripes, Blair rushed ahead of Chuck, quickly climbing the steps to the gazebo and stopping at the center of the structure, wrapping her arms around herself. Chuck lingered behind, keeping his distance for the moment. He and Blair had always had a strong but volatile friendship. But even Blair, the woman he had secretly adored since childhood, knew very little of the real Chuck Bass.
To everyone, and to Blair, he was the son of Bartholomew Bass, present Duke of Warwick. Carter Baizen, even with his notorious reputation, was no match for Chuck. Maybe it was because he had never known his mother. Maybe it was because Bart Bass was a vile bastard who refused to show his son love and affection. Or maybe it was because he was one of the wealthiest heirs in all of Britain. For whatever reason, Chuck had always done as he pleased, seduced whomever he pleased and in the process had earned himself the wickedest reputation in London.
Whores and ladies and debutantes alike, he had seduced countless women and broken the law on numerous occasions, bribing and blackmailing his way out of trouble for years. He was a shameless rake and self-proclaimed bachelor for life. Or at least, that is the persona he had built and perfected. Unreadable, unpredictable and unchangeable and with eyes dark as sin, Chuck was the most desirable bachelor and, at twenty-one years of age, the youngest. Most women threw themselves at him… except Blair, of course.
And that was the way it would always be, Chuck had decided. He could never make her happy. She wanted a Nate in shining armor, to complete her life long fantasy of becoming Lady Archibald. Chuck, on the other hand, was a damned soul. He would never be noble or worthy of Blair's love. This he had always known and why he had never pursued her. That did not, however, stop him from lavishing her with gifts at every opportunity or helping her achieve her goals. It had only been a few months since her eighteenth birthday. Chuck had given Blair an exquisite diamond necklace. When it came to making Blair happy, no sum of money was too large, no scheme too diabolical. So if it was Archibald she wanted…
Pulling a thin cheroot out of his pocket case, Chuck lit it up and carelessly tossed the match away as he entered the gazebo, casually leaning against a post and taking a long drag.
"If you want him, I know a way," Chuck hinted nonchalantly, puffing a few smoke rings in her direction. Blair immediately perked up at this announcement.
"What do you suggest?" she asked slyly. Chuck masked his face into a devilish smirk.
"Lead him into a compromising position that will leave him with no other choice but to marry you," Chuck explained as if the plan were as simple as a child's game. Blair's eyes narrowed at him.
"Seduce him?" Blair scoffed with disgust. "Trap him into marriage? I wouldn't dream of it."
Chuck was unmoved by her protests and took another drag.
"Women have been doing it for centuries, Waldorf. Consider it a rite of passage into the perfect life you want." Chuck stepped away from the wall towards her. "I volunteer to be your personal tutor in the tender art of seduction."
At that blunt offer, Blair was forced to laugh aloud.
"You are not serious?" she nearly shouted. "I should risk my reputation with you in order to coerce the man that I love? " She arched a challenging brow at him. "I'm not sure that the risk is entirely worth it."
Chuck stepped even closer to her until his riding jacket brushed her gown. Blair tensed as he leaned in towards her ear.
"Oh, it's worth it," he rasped, letting his breath brush her cheek as he backed away and turned to leave the gazebo. Descending the steps, he tossed his cheroot. "Think about it, Waldorf," he called before slinking away into the gardens like a snake in the grass.
Blair smoothed the front of her gown, ignoring the pit of pleasurable heat in her stomach that her private interactions with Chuck always produced. His plan would be tempting for a desperate woman, which Blair certainly was not. She and Chuck had often conspired together throughout the years, manipulating people out of boredom. But rarely had their games caused any grief to those closest to them. But this game that Chuck wanted to play… Blair knew she could never even consider entertaining the idea of such a treacherous plan. She forced Chuck's words from her mind and vowed never to recall that particular conversation ever again.
Unfortunately, that vow was broken only a few minutes later when Blair followed a shortcut through the rose garden and discovered Nate and Serena having a heated discussion.
"Nate, you must stop this. Please, let me go," Serena implored, stepping away from him.
"Serena--" Nate pleaded, grabbing her arm. Serena's eyes caught Blair's.
"B!" Serena cried with relief, breaking away from Nate and hurrying to her friend's side.
"S," Blair drawled sweetly with a tight smile. Ignoring Nate, she linked arms with Serena, and they escorted each other back to the veranda where Chuck and Carter were nibbling on biscuits. The men stood up as the two ladies approached. Nathaniel appeared shortly after. Chuck could read from Blair's expression that something unfavorable had occurred.
"Well, gentlemen," Chuck said dryly, "It seems that the ladies have grown tired of us."
"Yes, you're all excessively boring," Serena joked, winking at Carter. Nate scowled.
"When do you plan on returning to Town?" Blair asked conversationally, taking Chuck's arm and leading the way for the rest of the party back into the Waldorf Manor.
"Shortly, actually," Chuck answered, letting Blair lead them further ahead of everyone else. "I have business to tend to with my father-"
"Oh, how lovely!" Blair cut in with sham enthusiasm. Casting a quick glance behind them, she leaned in closer to Chuck. "Can you meet me at our place tonight?" she whispered conspiratorially.
Chuck's face genuinely lit up at the mention of their childhood spot. He smiled, exhibiting a rare display of boyish dimples.
"Anything for you, Waldorf," he whispered back.
Blair responded with the usual roll of her eyes. They stopped in the elaborate marble foyer and waited for the others to catch up. She caught a glimpse of Nate sulking behind Carter and Serena before Chuck suddenly took possession of her lace-gloved hand and raised it to his lips.
"Is ten o'clock acceptable?" he asked, kissing her knuckles.
Blair roughly retrieved her hand and stomped down hard on the inside of Chuck's foot, causing him to swear under his breath.
"Sounds delightful!" Blair replied cheerfully, turning her back on him to greet the others. "Thank you, gentlemen, for paying us a visit. We shall see you all at Almack's?" she asked brightly, beaming her most gracious smile.
Carter was most eager to respond, assuring both ladies that he would be in attendance. Nate and Chuck offered their assurance without much warmth or conviction. Once the men had departed, Blair dropped her social façade and walked passed Serena into the Blue Salon, Blair's favorite room for entertaining guests or relaxing. She sat upon a golden silk settee and calmly adjusted her gown around her as Serena cautiously entered the room and sat down next to her.
"B," Serena began quietly. "What happened with Nate in the garden… You know I would never betray you…"
"Do I?" Blair asked coldly, arching a brow at her friend. "Is it not enough that my mother prefers you? But now you have to steal my fiancée?"
"That's not fair," Serena scolded. "I have discouraged Nate as much as I possibly can. And as for your mother…" her words trailed off, for even Serena could not explain Eleanor's neglectful behavior towards her own flesh and blood.
Blair dropped her gaze to her lap, fiddling with her gloves.
"I know," Blair admitted, her lips slightly quivering. "I missed you terribly while you were away at boarding school. But things have been so different ever since you came here to stay with us-"
"Blair, if you wish for me to leave, tell me," Serena said, reading Blair's thoughts. "CeCe has been insisting that I join her in London for the Season. If that is what you wish for me to do…"
Blair looked at her friend then, feeling somewhat ashamed for even questioning Serena's loyalty. She knew Serena loved her and would do anything for her. For the sake of their friendship, she wished she could make her insecurities disappear.
"I would never subject you to the torture of staying with your grandmother," Blair finally said with a small smile. Serena laughed with gratitude and gave Blair a brief hug before rising from the settee.
"Thank you, B," she said, lightly dancing on her feet. She twirled in elation. "Our first season!" she squealed excitedly. She pulled Blair to her feet and forced her to spin around the room. As both girls laughed and danced, Blair temporarily forgot about her latest scheme.
"Miss Blair?" Dorota, the Polish maid, called in a loud whisper. Blair turned around in the hallway, clutching her shawl more closely around her nightgown.
"Yes, Dorota?" Blair answered innocently.
"Where Miss Blair go in her nightgown so late in evening?" Dorota interrogated.
"I need fresh air," Blair lied, knowing that Dorota would see right through her. She was the only real mother Blair had ever had and knew Blair better than anyone else because of it.
"I go with you," Dorota insisted.
"No, please, I won't be long," Blair promised, running away before Dorota could argue.
Dorota shook her head at Blair's retreating figure.
"No man marries girl who wears nightgown out of doors," she mumbled as she returned to her quarters.
Outside, Blair's slippers softly scuffed the grass as she hurried across the manicured lawns to the wooded area just beyond. At the edge of the trees, she could see a lantern glowing ahead and knew that Chuck was waiting for her. She followed the slightly overgrown trail into the trees, eyeing the childhood fort with a strong feeling of nostalgia.
Between two large oak trees was a fort… actually, more of a small wooden house. A rope ladder led up to the porch surrounding it. Sitting casually on the porch with his feet dangling down and a lantern perched beside him was none other than Chuck himself, Blair's childhood partner in crime.
"It has been too long since our last round table, my lady," Chuck greeted lightly. "I'm afraid it's too late to conquer the empire now."
Blair laughed at the remembrance of their childhood schemes. With their families owning neighboring estates, she and Chuck had played king and queen, the tree house serving as their castle. They had conspired to take over the world, but first the British Empire. It was their escape… from Chuck's father… from Blair's mother… it was the one place where Chuck and Blair had control, where they ruled together.
"I believe our last congress was shortly before you went off to university," Blair recalled, climbing the rope ladder with eagerness and familiarity. Chuck assisted her as she reached the top and grabbed the tail of her shawl when it fell off of her shoulders. As she situated herself next to him, he readjusted the shawl, his arm going around her in the process.
"Thank you," Blair said automatically, pulling the shawl tightly to her and leaning out of his hold.
"You're obviously not here to discuss an assassination plot," Chuck quipped, removing his arm from her shoulders and pulling a flask from his coat. He took a long swig. "What happened earlier with the golden couple?"
Blair glared at a patch of moonlight on the ground below them.
"I certainly haven't ruled out an assassination plot," Blair said darkly.
"That bad?" Chuck asked with a chuckle.
"I'm not even sure of what I saw," Blair continued. "But I am sure that Nate has made advances towards Serena and that she has denied him… thus far."
Chuck offered her his flask.
"Here," he mumbled. Blair waved a hand at it, but Chuck persisted. "Take it Waldorf. You'll need it in a moment."
"What do you mean?" Blair asked warily, accepting the flask.
Chuck played with the fringe of his favorite scarf.
"I know the real reason Serena suddenly left for boarding school last year," Chuck announced gravely.
Blair could only blink for a moment, nonplussed.
"Her mother forced her to leave after she was married to that American, Humphrey or whatever his name is," Blair said, a hint of disgust.
"That is part of it," Chuck conceded, stealing the flask away from her to take another swig and then returning it.
"Chuck," Blair warned. "What is it? Just tell me."
"Do you remember the Shepherd wedding? It was just before Serena's untimely departure—"
"Yes," Blair cut in. "What about it?"
"I can't believe I am the one telling you this," Chuck said, smiling disbelievingly and raking his hands through his dark hair.
"Chuck," Blair warned again.
"Nathaniel proposed to Serena that night, Blair," Chuck said more forcefully than he had intended. He took a deep breath before continuing. "She refused him, but he persisted. So when Lily gave her the option of boarding school in Switzerland—"
"The option?" Blair spat. "I thought she had no option! She told me it was boarding school or off to America to live with Lily and the rest of the Humphreys. She—"
"Lied to you," Chuck finished for her. "I think she felt guilty and didn't know how to dissuade Archibald. I made the mistake of assuming that Serena was nothing more to him than a schoolboy fantasy. Otherwise, I would have confessed all of this to you sooner."
"Which is why you took Nate with you when you went abroad last year," Blair surmised, her eyes darkening with moisture. "You tried to distract him with exotic beauties and adventures in foreign lands," she concluded sarcastically.
Chuck nodded, stealing the flask once again.
"Then you must have failed," Blair said brokenly, "Because he seems as much in love with her as ever."
Chuck looked at her then, at the silent tears falling down her beautiful face.
"Blair," he said softly, comfortingly. He placed his hand over hers and gently squeezed.
With a shake of her head, Blair removed her hand from under his and briskly wiped away the tears. Gathering her shawl, she hastily stood up and made her way down the rope ladder.
"Blair, wait!" Chuck called out, scrambling down the ladder and running to her. He spun her around to face him. "Do you still want to be Lady Archibald?" he asked, cupping her chin and forcing her to look at him. "Do you still want him?" Chuck repeated.
With tears building up again, Blair closed her eyes and nodded. And as with anything else that Blair Waldorf wanted, Chuck knew he would find a way to make it hers.
"By the end of the Season, you and Archibald will be married," Chuck promised, his heart hardening and sinking as the words left his mouth.
Blair shook her head.
"But how?" she sobbed. "He loves her. I knew it all along. I can't compete with her. She's everything that I'm not—"
Chuck grabbed her chin again.
"Look at me," he commanded. He waited until her eyes met his. "You are Blair Waldorf. Queen B. You're worth a thousand Serena van der Woodsens. Any man would be lucky to have you." Chuck's thumb smoothed away a tear as he stroked her cheek. "Nathaniel Archibald is no exception. He just needs a bit of… persuasion."
Blair's tears stilled as realization dawned in her eyes.
"You said Nate only wants what he can't have," she stated, her voice suddenly steady, almost wistful.
Chuck's mouth stretched into his classic smirk.
"Precisely," he drawled.
Blair returned to the house, renewed with a certain kind of excited energy that only Chuck and his schemes could inspire. Straightening her spine and masking her features into the perfect portrait of peace and composure, Blair marched into Serena's room without so much as a knock.
Serena was reading a letter by candlelight. No doubt from Nate, Blair assumed.
"Blair," Serena said, startled. She hastily discarded the letter and sat up in bed. "Something wrong?" she asked, noting Blair's odd, blissful demeanor.
"I want you to leave first thing tomorrow morning," Blair announced in a benign voice. "You'll tell my mother that you finally accepted CeCe's invitation to join her in London."
"Wait—B—why?" Serena sputtered out.
"Think, S," Blair ordered, smiling. "I realize you have received many proposals for marriage without a proper introduction into society, but surely there was one in particular that you failed to mention."
Guilt cast an unsavory shadow over Serena's face.
"Blair, I—"
"No need for more lies, Serena," Blair interrupted, her voice lined with steel. "See you in London."
Blair left Serena in a stunned stupor and returned to her room. As she snuggled into silk sheets, she stared up at the ceiling and grinned to herself, pondering on the plan that was already in motion. An hour or so ago, she had thought her dream of meeting Nate at the altar would never become a reality. But she had been reminded that all was not lost. Not without a fight. And with Chuck Bass at her side, she knew she would win.
End of Chapter Note: Don't worry. There is more to come. I have the entire story planned out. I welcome all nice reviews. Haters be damned! Then again, I can't imagine a Chair fan being a hater. We love the LOVE! 3 CHAIR!