Chapter Eighteen:

A More Dangerous Game

Whitehall Palace, London

The royal throne room was packed just a little more tightly than usual, as a crowd had gathered to watch a new prince ascend. The room buzzed with a low murmur of whispers and gossip as they waited for the main guest to arrive. Chuck hated them all, more particularly now than usual, but all the same. He couldn't believe he stood here, about to have to accept another man as not only his brother, but in ways his equal. He wasn't sure which he considered worse, but they both left the most bitter of tastes in his mouth. He gritted his teeth as he squeezed the arms of his throne. Then he watched as his father rose from his seat, the room silenced, and trumpets blared as they entered the hall.

"Lord Thomas Grey!" the servant announced.

Chuck watched with an even stiffer composure than before as his stepbrother entered the room. He looked positively pitiful as always, unassuming, and unsure. He wasn't fit to be a man, let alone a prince. Still, there the idiot now stood, at the bottom of the steps before his father, the King.

Bart was dressed in all the royal décolletage today, as was Chuck, and… Catherine. He hated that he had to include her as well. She may legally be his stepmother and Queen now, but she never really would be as far as Chuck was concerned. He turned his attention to the royal jewels she wore, particularly the crown atop her head. His stomach churned and he felt himself even more sickened as he realized the crown had belonged to his mother. Perhaps one should assume Catherine would acquire his mothers jewels, as royal jewels were passed on, but Chuck couldn't stand the sight or thought of it. It took all he had not to rip it from her head. He had to look away from her. He needed to focus his attention on something that made him not feel so infuriated, something that would calm him.

"Lord Thomas Marcus Grey, you are, by order and permission of his Majesty, King Bartholomew, today created Duke of Somerset and Nottingham, but also Earl of Rochester! You are therefore elevated in status and title by his Majesty, the true and only King of England, to be accepted and seen as a true son and prince of England, hence from this day forth. Please step forward and bow before the King so that he may award you with such and that which accompanies it," the servant proclaimed.

…That wasn't it. Chuck felt more riled up than before. Yet, now he was fixated on the sigh of Thomas kneeling before his father and Bart presenting him with more royal jewels. At least these didn't belong to his mother. When it came time for Thomas to be crowned, Chuck felt like he would vomit. He turned away immediately, scanning the room for anything that could distract him.

Then, as if time slowed down, and he could breathe again; there she was. Blair stood in the crowd, but not too far from him. Unlike the rest of the room she wasn't watching Thomas or the ceremony. Instead her eyes had evidently been on Chuck, and alas their gazes had locked. She didn't speak, but her eyes still sent him some sort of message. Was she attempting to calm him?

He must have sort of dazed out because when he tuned back in, the ceremony had finished. Thomas now wore a crown, grinning from ear to ear like the true fool he was. If he knew anything, the buffoon would know it was as much a curse as it was a gift. Thomas wasn't bred for it, or built for it. Chuck was certain he wouldn't last… certain in more ways than one.

He watched as Thomas on his exit stopped, offering his arm to Blair. She looked displeased and uncomfortable, but alas accepted his offer of escort.

It was a sight he should have been used to, yet each time it presented itself to him it stung more than it did the time before. Anytime he saw Thomas touch Blair it felt like someone lit his skin on fire, and his blood was boiling beneath it. It brought him into the kind of mindset he'd only previously had when on a hunt, when fulfilling the bloodlust and animalistic need to kill. Only now the feeling also had passion behind it, emotion even. It was getting harder and harder to control.

XOXOXOXOXO

Blair brushed her hair absent mindedly as she stared at her reflection; only she wasn't really looking at anything. She was lost in her own thoughts, running through flashes of images from earlier in the evening. After Thomas's crowning ceremony there had of course been a banquet. The whole thing was a rather tiring ordeal, filled with more formalities and watchful eyes than she preferred. The only highlight of the night had been when she was finally able to dance with Chuck again. It had been a while since they'd been able to dance, as his injuries had taken so long to heal. He still wasn't one hundred percent back to normal, but they were able to accomplish one of the slower melodies. The only drawback of it had been what she'd noticed during it, or rather who. Her soon to be mother-in-law, and now Queen Catherine, had been eying her and Chuck on the dance floor. She was watching them with a certain stance and gaze that Blair found rather unsettling. For it wasn't outright disdain, but something else, and something much better masked.

"Keep at that much longer and you may brush the curls away, sweetheart," Chuck joked, appearing behind her. He set one hand on her shoulder, and touched the other to her hand holding the brush.

Blair broke from her daze, realizing she had been tuned out for longer than she'd realized. She met Chuck's gaze through the mirror and lowered the brush, setting it down on her bureau. She shook her head.

"Forgive me, your Highness. I must admit I may be more tired than I initially realized. I did not mean to ask you to come to my chambers and then be such poor company," she apologized, her eyes falling to her lap. She didn't really want to tell him what she'd noticed about Catherine, not yet at least. Chuck had a bit more of a temper than she did, and was definitely more reactive. Blair needed to figure out what was going on, how she felt about it and wanted to proceed, and then consult Chuck about it. This was one situation in particular she felt the need to have initial control of.

Chuck bent down and wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "There isn't any need to ask for forgiveness, Waldorf. The only cause for my objection when you requested I come here earlier was that I prefer my chambers." He cast a look around the room and sighed. "For more reasons than one."

"I know. I actually prefer your room as well, but I felt I should be here tonight given the nature of the day and festivities. I wouldn't want to be missing should the wrong person send for me or come knocking," she explained, her body tensing up some. Honestly, even this was more information than she wanted to give him right now.

He frowned, perhaps it because he felt the way she'd stiffened up or at what she'd said, or both. "The wrong person meaning?"

"Just about anyone could be the wrong person, really. Take my mother, or the queen, or Thomas. Or I don't know should I refer to him as his highness now, as well?" There was a slight mocking in her tone, but she knew he still wouldn't care for the comment. She had said this on purpose, hoping to gauge a reaction from him though, thus steering the conversation away from what she wanted to.

Chuck released his hold on her, standing back up fully, and walking across the room. "If you're trying to start a fight so that I will leave then save your breath and simply ask me to," he muttered.

Blair rolled her eyes, scoffing as she stood, and turned to face him. "Please, since when can I ask or order anything of you?" she retorted. Perhaps her plan had worked a little too well; they were on the cusp of an actual argument.

"Order? Never. Ask of me however? We both know you're quite good at that," he returned, flashing her a rather smarmy smirk.

"I don't know why I asked you to come tonight, or why I continue to allow you to visit me or me you, at all really! You only like having me around so that you can get a rise out of me," she retorted. She crossed her arms as she walked over to the bed, sitting down, and pouting.

Chuck walked over to her, kneeling down in front of her, and cupping her chin with his hand. He chuckled, "Aren't you just the pretty little hypocrite this evening? While I enjoy getting a, how'd you put it—rise out of you? I know you well enough to know you're the one trying to get one out of me." His tone was soft, but somewhat scolding in a playful sort of way.

Blair batted her eyelashes at him sheepishly, looking up through them with the biggest doe brown eyes she could muster. "I'm sure I know nothing of what you speak, your highness."

He laughed in response, shaking his head. "Of course you don't. You know you should be in trouble, lying to the prince is a rather punishable offense." His voice changed in a way she knew matched his thoughts. He was eyeing her thighs now, running his hand along one of them.

"We're in my chambers, not yours. You don't have your toy chest, or the proper equipment to… punish me with," Blair returned, casting him a somewhat mischievous grin. She enjoyed being playful with him, teasing him when she could.

Chuck paused his movements for a moment. He then gripped her thigh, shifting his gaze to meet hers. His nostrils flared some and his voice deepened. "I have my hands, Waldorf. That's all I need."

Blair felt something tingle within her at his words, and the good kind of goose bumps forming on her arms. She held her breath for a moment, not sure how to respond.

"Perhaps we should just rest tonight, you especially. The King, his new Queen, and that idiot son of hers all leave tomorrow for a voyage that will have them away for a small length of time. And whilst they're gone I'll have you all to myself, and at my mercy," he smirked.

"Will we even leave your chambers?" Blair joked in return, reaching a hand up to run it through his dark hair.

He sighed, "Unfortunately we shall have to, or at least I will. In my father's absence I will be left in charge, and with the perks also come the cons. I'll have to conduct court from time to time, rule for him."

"I suppose I'll be able to find something to do when you tend to your royal duties," she teased. She then moved over so that he could sit down beside her on the bed. Once he did, she cuddled him from the side, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"If I'm acting ruler then you'll do as I say, along with everyone else," he returned. He said it in jest, but she knew realistically there was some truth to what he said. It didn't really bother her though; he was a prince after all.

"What will you have me do then, while you're ruling?" Blair asked, deciding to play along with him. She could see her comment had made him smile a little.

"I don't know. I could have you confined to my chambers, and tied to the bed—" he paused, turning to make eye contact with her. Then he broke the silence with a chuckle. "Or I could spare my guards ears from having to listen to your angry screams and instead have you sit through the monotonous process that is court."

Blair's eyebrow quirked and she sat up some. "Sit at court, you mean like with you—beside you, I mean?" she asked, suddenly much more interested in the conversation.

He shrugged, "Well there wouldn't be much point having you sit across the room from me, now would there?" He sounded as if the answer to her question had been obvious.

"But I'm not a Royal. I'm not supposed to—"

"You're not supposed to do anything that offends the King, or essentially whoever is in charge, and that will be me. That's the only real rule at court, Blair. At least the only one that matters," he explained.

She nodded, "Then I would be most happy to sit beside you, Chuck. Though I do have one question still?"

He chuckled, "Of course you do. Well, what is it?"

Blair looked towards her wardrobe, and then back at him. "What should I wear for such an occasion? What would not offend you?" she phrased purposely.

Chuck smiled to himself at this notion before answering her. "I'll have something made up for you, brought to you when the time comes. How does that sound?" He reached a hand up, touching her cheek.

Blair's mouth tugged into a large grin, stretching from ear to ear. "That sounds like I'll be getting a new dress, or maybe two," she beamed.

"Aye, and perhaps some jewelry," he furthered. She knew that he enjoyed spoiling her, and this wasn't exactly something that bothered her.

She sighed happily, "I think I remember why I let you come see me, and I you." She wondered what color the dresses would be, what kind of gems the jewelry would have.

Chuck laughed, "I thought you might."

He leaned in for a kiss, which she accepted of course. Then he kissed her forehead next, gently stroking the top of her head with his hand. She rested her cheek to his chest as he did this, listening to the faint sound of his heartbeat. She breathed in his scent, closing her eyes and nuzzling her face against him.

"It's time to go to sleep now, Blair," he whispered.

Blair opened her eyes, wondering if the room was darker than before. It felt like it was, but maybe she was just more tired. She yawned and blinked a few times before settling into him once more.

"Goodnight, sweetheart." She heard his voice, but it sounded off in the distance. She was on the cusp of a deep sleep, and her eyelids were too heavy now to open once more. Instead, she tried her best to respond.

"Goo—nigh," she murmured.

And then she faded into the black.

XOXOXOXOXO

Blair stared at the royal carriages as servants loaded them up with anything and everything their future passengers would need. It was an early morning in London, and a rather dreary one at that. As was typical it had been raining for a few days, and more recently all night, thus causing a thick fog to form around the palace that morning. Still, despite the weather the atmosphere was lively and many members of court were afoot. If the King was up and about, so was everyone else.

"I hate to leave you for so long, my love. But this trip with my mother and the king is important for both my title and us, when we are wed," Thomas spoke, reminding her of his presence.

Blair looked up at him as he cupped her chin with his hand, titling it upward. It felt weird and wrong to have him touch her in a way Chuck did so often. She could not reject his touch now though, not with so many important eyes upon them. Additionally, she wouldn't have to deal with him for too much longer; they were literally readying their carriages not too far off from where they stood now. Still, she wished for his goodbye to be over sooner rather than later.

Chuck was off speaking with his father about his royal duties in the king's absence, but she always expected him to appear when he knew Thomas would be around. It was nothing short of obvious that he was always there to watch him, watch her. She'd tried to convince him not to do it to himself, seeing as it most always enraged him, but there was no turning him from it. If Chuck wanted to do something, it was his royal nature to simply do it.

"Are you listening, Blair?" Thomas's voice brought her back from her thoughts of the prince. She sighed, making eye contact with her unwanted fiancé.

"Forgive me, your grace. I was lost in my sorrow with thoughts of what I shall do with myself whilst you're gone," she explained. The lie came out so easily, like a second nature to her. She supposed it sort of had become one when dealing with him.

Thomas chuckled, never one to be offended, and touched his hand to her cheek. "Please do not get upset, darling. I will be back before you know it. And then we can start preparations for our own wedding." The idea clearly made him happy. She did not feel the same way. So she merely stared back at him, eyes blank.

"Yes, your grace."

"Blair, you needn't refer to me as such in moments like this. And besides, your fiancé is no longer a mere duke. When we wed I shall make you a princess—"

"Oh it's you who will make her one? And here I thought it just came down to which title my father decides to hand out, yours included. You remember that moment now, when he waved that scepter looking thing and sort of like magic you became a prince?"

Blair bit down hard on her bottom lip, closing her eyes. She knew Chuck was bound to show if Thomas took too long with his goodbyes, and low and behold he had. Even worse she could tell he was in a mood as he had come in strong, insulting Thomas right away. She opened her eyes seeing him standing before them now, his ever-infamous smirk planted on his lips, but looking a little tighter than usual. He wouldn't make eye contact with her, but instead stared Thomas down. Her fiancé cleared his throat, bowing his head to Chuck.

"Your highness, what a pleasure to get to see you too before we are off. If you'll excuse us though, I was spending some time with my fiancé before I have to go—"

"Yes, you're always excused. Speaking of leaving, I do believe you should get to it rather soon. You wouldn't want members of court seeing you standing with Lady Blair alone for too long, as it may spark rumors."

Chuck then stepped closer, standing directly in front of Thomas now. He had his chest more puffed out than usual, his neck straight, and shoulders squared. When Thomas only stared back at him, not speaking or making a move to leave, Chuck sort of quirked his brow at him. He then took another step towards the other man, standing closer than any man would find comfortable. Blair felt her heartbeat quicken as she tried to figure out what Chuck intended to do; perhaps she should intervene.

"This is silly. The carriages shall be loading any moment, and we only have, but a few words more. Surely with so many standing by there would be no scandal. Let us all say goodbye and go our ways for the day," Blair suggested, looking between the two men.

Chuck did not acknowledge that she had spoken or turn to look at her, but instead continued in staring Thomas down. Thomas did waver for a moment, looking from Chuck to her with a frown, but his gaze soon returned to the prince. While her fiancé's expression was currently harder to read she knew Chuck was still the wild card in this scenario. It was really him she needed to plea to here, and fast before this got out of control…well more than it already had. She must get a handle on it.

She laughed nervously, "Please, come on now." Thomas glanced at her again, but it was hard for him to look at her for long or engage in conversation while the prince hovered over him, never breaking his stare. When Thomas looked back to Chuck she felt an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Without thinking, she reached out touching Chuck's arm.

"Chuck—" Her voice silenced instantly, but it was too late; the word had slipped past her lips. Her eyes grew wide as she realized she now had both men's attention. Chuck was giving her a side eye, now glancing between her and Thomas. However, she now had her fiancé's full attention.

Thomas shook his head at her, lowering his voice so that only the three of them could hear it. "Blair, you just addressed the prince by his Christian name. Have you any idea how improper that is, what it could imply to others?" He glanced around nervously, as if concerned bystanders had noticed or heard her. Then he grabbed onto her arm. "You must ask for forgiveness right away. Honestly, what would even make you ever do such a thing?" His tone was scolding.

Blair stared back at him speechless, her breathing quickening some. She couldn't think, let alone respond.

"The permission I gave her to use it," Chuck answered, stepping towards them again. He shook his head at Thomas, just as he had done at Blair before. "And you will not order her to ask for forgiveness, for it is not wanted or needed." He then leaned in to speak in Thomas's ear, but being so close Blair could hear as well.

"So you're aware, I don't particularly care if your mother bought you a royal title with that ancient thing between her legs because it doesn't really matter, not to me. As far as you or anyone else in this court is concerned the only real prince with power here is me," Chuck told him.

Thomas stayed very still, seemingly not reacting to how close Chuck stood or what he'd said. Instead he just stared at him for a long while, cocking his head before finally responding. "Perhaps you are the only real prince here, your highness—at least in the way that matters. However, you are not the only one at this court with power."

Chuck scoffed, "And that's supposed to mean?"

"It means that perhaps the King would like to know why you've asked my fiancée to call you by your Christian name, rather than your proper title. I know I'd like to," Thomas responded; still oddly cool in voice and demeanor. Blair was beginning to wonder if she'd somehow misjudged or misread him.

Chuck on the other hand did not seem as impressed or worried by anything Thomas was doing or saying. Instead, he sort of chuckled at him as if to further provoke him. "Why not save yourself some time and just ask me instead? I must admit right now I'd gladly tell you."

Blair couldn't help herself. Before she could stop herself she spoke out in protest. "Chuck, please don't—"

"Blair, I must ask you stop doing that please. I have been patient with you, but I am still a man with dignity to maintain," Thomas interrupted, turning to look at her for the first time since the situation had escalated. She silenced instantly, staring up at him with undoubtedly an anxious look on her face. He took a deep breath and shook his head again as before. "I do not care whatever permission he has granted you. As your fiancé, and a prince of England, I will see to it that if you refer to him as anything other than his title again, you will spend my absence taking time alone in your chambers," he warned.

Blair stared back at him in disbelief. Perhaps for the first time since she'd known him she'd actually been made aware or reminded of the fact that Thomas was a man. He was typically so meek and awkward that she'd forgotten he could not only assert himself, but order, or even punish her. She racked her mind for anything she could say to undo this situation, but nothing came to her. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Chuck laughing again, only it sounded more mocking than before. Both she and Thomas turned to look at him.

"Did you just threaten to put her on house arrest? Tell me, who exactly do you think will ensure that's carried out once you've left?" Chuck spoke as if he was merely amused by this whole thing, as if nothing bad or no real consequence could come from this.

Thomas frowned, seeming to note this behavior as well. "Well, the King," he answered, only his voice sounded more unsure than before. Perhaps he'd imagined Chuck would begin backing down, but that didn't seem to be happening.

Chuck shrugged, "My father will be gone with you. Harder to control the guards from so far away, especially when I'm left as acting ruler…. ergo therefore in charge of them." When he finished speaking he took another step towards Thomas, never allowing much distance in between them. He crossed his arms, and nodded to the other man as if to go ahead, but with an expression that read whatever he had wouldn't matter anyhow.

"Well then—then perhaps I will suggest Blair go and reside at one of our more private estates until we are back, or for that matter until we are to be wed. I think the King may agree it'd be much safer for her there after all, I know my mother would be relieved were she easier to protect," Thomas stuttered, alas he'd still managed to get the threat out.

"She doesn't need you or your mother's protection. You thinking so only proves how little you know her. Lady Blair holds more danger in her little pinky finger than you do in your whole body. You're a waste of a title, as you would be a husband," Chuck insulted, leaning in as he verbally cut him.

Thomas's breathing had quickened, and his face had flushed at this particular comment. "And what you think you'd make a good one, perhaps?" he retorted.

Blair's eyes widened once more, as she looked back and forth between the two men. Both seemed to silence at Thomas's response, but for different reasons. Chuck's nostrils flared and he gritted his teeth, not handling the insult well. Someone in Chuck's position, the heir to the throne, was never really insulted, and therefore hadn't been given much experience in reacting to it. Thomas was still red and breathing funny, but the realization had set in on his face of what he'd done; now, he could only wait to see how Chuck would respond.

Suddenly, Chuck did so by grabbing a strong hold of the back of Thomas's neck. He yanked the other man close to him, rasping in his ear. "Watch yourself, Thomas. Know when to hold your tongue, especially if you're fond of it. And know that if it should find the King, or his ears any rumors you think to repeat, that you will regret it. I swear it may not be that day, but one day will come that both you and your mother will pay dearly for it. And when that day does come, you'll find there's no one else to save either of you," Chuck threatened, eyes black.

Thomas stared at him in disbelief, blinking a few times. He stuttered, "Did—did you just threaten your father's wife, the Queen? Your own new royal family?"

"You are no family of mine, Thomas. Nor would you be treated as such were my father not around. Do best to remember that, will you?"

Thomas did not respond, but backed away from him the moment Chuck released his hold on his neck. He looked from Chuck to Blair nervously, and back again. She wasn't sure what to do or say, so she just stood there, beside Chuck. He then looked around, straightening his posture as if trying to regain his composure.

"It appears I must be off now with the King and Queen. Your highness," he bowed his head in Chuck's direction. Chuck only rolled his eyes in response as if no longer interested in him or the conversation, even if it was ending.

Thomas did not acknowledge this insult, but instead turned to Blair, holding out his hand to her as if nothing had happened. She reached hers out, giving it to him, and allowing him to kiss it. The moment was surreal. She couldn't get a read on him, not even when their eyes met.

"Goodbye for now, Lady Blair. When I return I will see to it that we are wed." He then released her hand and turned, walking away from them. She watched as he walked towards the carriages, but more importantly towards someone. Standing nearby the carriages, the same ones Thomas was to ride in was the Queen. She could only imagine what would happen from here, but it was unlikely it could be good.

"Don't worry about him. There's nothing he can do," Chuck said, his voice intervening on her thoughts.

She did not turn to look at him, but continued to stare at Thomas's back. Suddenly, she found her worry and fear turning to anger…that which was presently directed at him. What had he done? For truth be told whatever he had done he didn't seem to realize it or care. She watched as Thomas reached where the Queen stood. He greeted his mother and opened the carriage door for her. The Queen moved to enter the carriage, but then stopped looking back. It was when Catherine locked eyes with Blair that she realized the older woman was staring directly at her. What must have only lasted seconds felt like forever, and then she resumed with getting into the carriage, turning away from her. Blair felt her feet go sort of numb, and was surprised when she didn't fall over.

"There's nothing they can do, Blair. Thomas or his mother," Chuck further certified.

She nodded her head slowly, looking back at him. "You're right. There's nothing they can do… to you. Your highness," she clarified, her tone icy. She then bowed her head at him, curtsying, and turning around quickly to leave. She was not only upset about the situation, and angry with Chuck for his part in it, but also wanting to flee from public eye as soon as possible. This was no longer a mere game of cat and mouse between her and Chuck, but instead more like a game of chess involving other and more powerful players. And with each move that was made, she could feel the stakes get higher, and the game more dangerous.

XOXOXOXOXO

A/N: Hey all you cool cats and kittens! Hope everyone is staying home and staying safe out there. Sorry it took so long to update. There's a lot going on here, as I'm sure there is for everyone. Anyways though, if you're still here reading and wanting more then I'm home and available to write! I finished Tiger King already so there isn't much else to do… Hope you enjoyed the chapter!