This Gilded Abyss

by Rebecca Thorne

Kessandra was stunning in that uniform. She held her shoulders back and her chin high. Her white military beret perched on obsidian hair, which was twisted into a low, no-nonsense bun. Even her deep mahogany skin was dusted with powder to hide her freckles, giving her an almost ethereal appearance. The primarch couldn’t have chosen a better royal to be the embattled military heroine.

It wasn’t that Kessandra was beautiful, or that she was royalty. It was her: her wit, her charm, her poise. It was the way she fell apart under Nix’s touch, the way she made Nix feel like the most important person alive. Nix had never been more treasured than in Kessandra’s arms.

“Whatever do you think I’ll be doing to you, my dear?” Unlike Nix’s pet name, Kessandra’s rolled off her tongue, a silken promise. Just like everything else.

I’m on my knees

“All your meticulous plans, your precious chessboard, and you forgot. I’m not a pawn. I’m a Lumos-damned knight, and I’m not killing my queen.”

“We work together. I’m your knight, Kess. Use me. You’re not alone on that board.”