The Slave Queen - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"
Edgar clapped his hands in delight as he watched Raelynn break through what had seemed like a hopeless deadlock, giving his side a sliver of life.
Raelynn... she had grown. Her mind was steadier, sharper—far more composed than when he'd last seen her.
With that thought, his gaze toward her softened, growing more appreciative.
"You flatter me, Edgar," Raelynn replied, a little self-conscious.
If not for Shawn's comment just now, she never would've thought of such a daring, life-from-death move.
She looked up and gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Lord Shawn, for the insight."
Shawn gave a small nod, saying nothing.
He hadn't spoken for her sake, but out of respect for Margot's request.
Yes, he'd agreed to marry Raelynn—but what he felt for her went no deeper than pity.
Four years ago, the scandal involving the Duke's estate—the switch between the real and false daughters—had shocked all of Hazond City.
At the time,Hugo had shown nothing but genuine affection for Raelynn.
People pitied Raelynn, who had suffered over a decade of hardship outside the noble estate. Her return had seemed like a happy ending: a long-suffering daughter finally reunited with her true family.
But it didn't take long before she was accused of offending the noble consort and was sent into the palace to "atone."
Back then, Shawn had just passed the exam and was preparing for an official post. Naturally, he'd heard the story.
He also remembered clearly—The cat that had triggered the consort's wrath had been brought into the palace by Julia, not Raelynn.
But Shawn had never been one to meddle.
He figured Hugo, known for his fondness for Raelynn, had merely staged the punishment for appearance's sake.
Surely, once the consort's anger passed, she would be brought home.
And so, he forgot about it.
Years later, he had climbed the ranks of the court, eventually becoming Prime Minister. Under his leadership, the Lindsay family had risen higher than ever before. Only then did he learn the truth: The girl he had once dismissed, even forgotten, had taken the punishment for someone else—and suffered four long years in silence.
It was that realization, that guilt, that had stirred a moment of compassion when he saw her again.
He paused, then shifted his gaze back to the board.
With a tilt of his chin, he gestured for her to continue.
Raelynn looked to Edgar.
"This game's yours now, young lady," he said with a playful grin. "Help me wipe the floor with him!"
She pressed her lips together and nodded, focusing once more on the board.
If she was going to play, she would give it her best.
She studied the layout, chose her moment, and moved a piece.
Shawn didn't go easy on her.
Even knowing she was a novice, he showed no mercy. More than once, he nearly wiped out her entire formation.
But Raelynn adapted quickly. Each time, she found a way to turn the tide.
And soon, she realized—This wasn't just a game. Shawn was trying to tell her something.
From the beginning, she had only defended. She retreated again and again, barely managing to keep her silver snake formation intact. Now, it was riddled with holes, barely holding together.
And still, Shawn kept pressing forward.
He didn't finish her off. Instead, he dismantled her one piece at a time—cutting her off, isolating her, leaving her nowhere to run, no space to fight back.
"Lady Raelynn," Shawn said quietly, "you're about to lose."
His voice was calm, even, but it echoed in her ears like a judgment.
Just like her life. Constant retreat, no choices, no chances.
Raelynn's eyes narrowed.
Suddenly, a wave of defiance surged through her.
She thought, 'Why should I lose?
'When have I ever been allowed to live for myself?'
She remembered the fire in her chest the night before, when she stood up for Sienna—the clarity, the power.
All those years of backing down had brought her nothing but pain. Not respect, not love. Nothing.
So what was the point?
Her eyes sharpened, determination blooming.
Her hands moved faster now—more precise, more ruthless.
Shawn couldn't read her thoughts, but even he noticed the shift.
In a flash, the girl sitting across from him had transformed.
She was still composed, but no longer timid.
There was strength behind her silence. A razor edge beneath her calm. For the first time, he sensed something fierce behind her thoughtful gaze.
Half an hour passed. Move after move, piece after piece. And then—victory. Raelynn had won.
Raelynn stared at the board, barely believing it.
"Impressive," Shawn said evenly. "Your skill is greater than I expected."
His tone was light, detached—as if the outcome didn't matter to him at all.
Raelynn blinked, then replied softly, "Thank you, Lord Shawn."
Victory born from defeat. Chess was like life.
If you only ever gave ground, sooner or later, you'd be swallowed whole.
Four years had taught her that.
She would never again let someone like Julia tear her apart.
As for her family...
Raelynn let out a quiet laugh.
There was a flicker of cold light in her eyes.
She thought, 'If they never cared whether I lived or died—do they even count as family?'
The only one who had ever truly cared for her was Margot. And that would never change.