King Takes Queen

by Rachel Ann Smith

An innocent contest becomes the ultimate challenge.

Lady Minerva Malbury has never lost a game of chess, and if she wants to avoid marriage, it’s a streak she’ll have to keep alive. Everyone knows the marriage mart is a game, but no one expects this one: the first gentleman to defeat Lady Minerva in a game of chess wins her hand.

His best friend’s sister was all, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, could think about most days. Since her Season debut, four years ago, he’s had to endure countless games of chess that threated his fortitude to remain in the wings.

With a threat of banishment, from the Head of the Foreign Office, challenging Minerva to a game of chess was his only option if he wished to remain on English soil.

But if he wins, he’ll be denying Minerva the family she’s always wanted, and if he looses he’ll never have the only woman he’s ever loved.