{ In life as in chess, it is always better to analyse one's motives and intentions ~ Vladmir Nabokov, Prin }

Gabriel sat behind his huge mahogany desk in his study, looking at his chessboard while Luther sat in the darkest part of the room, away from the rays of light shining through the window. Luther is his right-hand man, and he trusted him more than Cassius now; he proved himself to him over the centuries. Naturally, he knew some of the secrets of the pure-blooded vampire, like sitting in daylight without getting burnt or dying.

Luther was a third-generation vampire, he too could sit in the sun, but it was bothersome. It hurt his eyes, and he burned easily. He only lasted in its rays for a maximum of an hour a day before his skin would burn.

The vampire was entrusted by the king with all the dirty jobs that Gabriel could not always do. His hands were bloodied regularly, but sometimes the king had to keep his reputation intact. Sure, he ruled over the vampires, was feared by many, but if he caused too much fear among his kind, then they would turn on him. He ruled fairly and made sure to keep the crimes against other creatures and humans to a minimum.

Gabriel made his move on the chessboard, "Check," He murmured. Luther appeared in front of him and observed the board with a smirk. He moved one of the pieces to defend his king and took Gabriel's pawn as his own. He was beaming with arrogance at possibly outsmarting the vampire king.

Gabriel looked up at him with a raised brow. "You could have won in three moves, dear Luther. But it seems your excitement of outwitting me clouded your judgement." Gabriel made another move, using his queen, "Checkmate."

Luther blinked back and assessed the board again. "How.." He trailed off, flabbergasted by his loss. Gabriel watched in amusement as Luther's eyes scanned the board, figuring out his moves and how he bested him.

"You should always look at the bigger picture, not just one or two steps ahead of you. Know your opponent well to anticipate their moves," He pointed his finger up as though he was teaching the vampire a lesson, which he technically was, "This is where chess could also be symbolic for the game of life. One wrong move…" Gabriel tilted his head to the side as he held the black king chess piece in front of him.

"As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Gabriel murmured before glancing at Luther.

Luther stared back at the wise and almighty king in a little awe. "So, is that why you have not killed Amelia?" He asked in concern.

Gabriel looked at him chillingly, but it did not faze Luther. If someone else was in his place, he was sure they would be sweating in fear. The king's lips curled into a slight smirk, knowing his cold stare would not affect him.

"That is why I have invited Matthias to see me," He replied, leaning back in his chair as he placed the king chess piece back down on the board and turned to look outside the window behind him. His attention went from the grand scenery of fields, forests and the large lake he created for Amelia back to the reflection of his chief minister, Luther.

He held his hands behind his back and answered Gabriel's next question he had not yet asked. That was how well Luther knew Gabriel now. Of course, he did not possess the same abilities as Gabriel, but he had served him for a long time and was ultimately loyal only to him. Even when Cassius was on the throne, Luther still only served Gabriel.

"The Alpha King has agreed to meet you. He will be here tomorrow. Is that enough time for whatever plan you are cooking up?" Luther answered and assessed his king in the reflection of the window. The pair looked at each other through the reflection before Gabriel's attention went back to two figures walking in the gardens like old friends. Cassius and Amelia. His eyes narrowed subtly, but not enough for Luther to see.

Gabriel nodded his head once in response and dismissed Luther of his duties for the day. The following day, the king was seated in his grand dining room, and sitting across him was Alpha King Matthias Cross. He brought along his Beta and Gamma, leaving his Delta to look after the pack in their stead. Already Gabriel wondered what tactic the Alpha was going for. Surely, he should have left the Gamma in charge of defending the pack if ever they were attacked.

No matter, Gabriel did not think further into it. He agreed with what he told Luther the day before. Even something as little as the Alpha leaving his Delta in charge of the pack was useful information on working out the mind of Matthias Cross. They were natural enemies, but at this moment in time, the famous quote, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', also floated through his mind. The Alpha, like most people, were unaware of his gift of reading minds, so even as they stared at each other, sussing the other out, Gabriel had already changed tactics and plans to something that would satisfy Matthias and benefit him.

"Your majesty, I am well aware that Amelia, my MATE, is here. If you have invited me over to flaunt her in my face, then this will not end well for you," Matthias said in his deep yet threateningly polite voice.

Gabriel hid his smirk behind the golden chalice of wine and took a sip while staring coldly at the werewolf. Unlike him, the king only had Luther in the room as 'protection'. It was not he who needed protecting but the Alpha King from him. Matthias was Amelia's mate; as much as he hated Amelia, the fact that she was never his still angered him. Yet, he would never let that show.

Now he pitied the Alpha before him. Matthias was chained to Amelia, who had done nothing but cheat, kill and cause the destruction of many because of her ways.

"Matthias, may I call you Matthias?" Gabriel smiled kindly, though there was nothing kind about his rude title drop to the Alpha King.

Matthias, however, did not seem to care. Gabriel read his mind and could see his pride was not stung, not like how most nobles would react to him. Even if the noble agreed to the title drop, it was out of fear of the vampire king. But their anger could not hide in their thoughts. Gabriel dropped his title to see how he would react, surprising him with how little he cared for it.

"Of course, if I can call you by Gabriel?" Matthias replied with a broad grin.

Gabriel chuckled, his eyes lit up in amusement. The Alpha King was amusing, acting in a way he did not expect. "You may call me by my name. We are meant to be allies now.." Gabriel said before sipping his wine. He listened to Matthias thoughts and plans and narrowed his eyes subtly before lowering his chalice and leaning his chin against his hand nonchalantly.

"Gabriel, I will speak frank with you as my patience is wearing thin, and I know you do not wish to start a war with us. It would not benefit either side-"

"What is it that you wish for, Matthias?" Gabriel interrupted. Matthias' words were meant to charm him into agreeing with what he wanted. But the vampire had read his mind; this was not just about Amelia.

Matthias drummed his fingers on the table as he stared back at the angelic-looking vampire. "I know Amelia is here. And I know she has once again been with another man. I want them both so I can deal with them accordingly," He replied curtly. Gabriel was not surprised by his words neither did his guilt show on his impassive face.

Gabriel nodded his head and pretended to be in thought before tilting his head to the side. "I can see that Amelia has hurt you a great deal. I cannot imagine how it must feel to be betrayed by your mate, not once but twice or is it three times now?" Gabriel rubbed at his chin with his hand, looking lost in thought.

"If you wish to antagonise me, then it is working," Matthias snapped.

Gabriel's eyes locked with his, and he saw the Alpha's eyes glowing and his form bristling. His pack leaders, whose arms were crossed, showing off their bulging muscles, looked at him with disgust.

Gabriel raised a brow. "I did not mean to offend you, Matthias. Sometimes, I speak what is on my mind and forget how my words can hurt others." He sighed and stood up, letting his hands rest on the surface of the table. Matthias stood too, his natural instinct taking over, of the pack leader not being below another, which would show signs of submission.

"I have a better plan.." Gabriel began, "To guarantee peace between the vampires and werewolves and to help relieve you of the pain of killing one's mate.. I will personally bring Amelia and her lover to you and kill them in front of you.."