Thomas Brodie-sangster Queen's Gambit Novels & Stories

"I wanted you to love me for who I am, not because I’m a patient and you’re the cure. I spent a million dollars to buy thirty days of your life, Avery, but I would have given every cent I own to just be a normal man standing in that rain with you." The intercom on the table buzzed, sharp and intrusive. "Ms. Evans? Elara Thorne is in the lobby. She has a police escort and a court order to freeze the Vane-Thorne merger assets. She’s claiming 'criminal negligence' on behalf of the Thorne Group." Dominic’s face went pale. "She’s moving faster than I thought. If she freezes the assets, the Swiss lab closes. The research into the synthetic blood... it stops tonight." The Queen’s Gambit

Yet the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye lent a subtle grace to his otherwise austere expression. Inside the box lay a floor-length gown of deep green tulle. The bodice shimmered faintly with scales—snake scales—stitched into the fabric. I had never seen such a beautiful dress. For a moment, I was completely captivated. "Clarice," Draco said calmly, "this gown was hand-stitched by our serpent clan's finest seamstresses. Each scale was a blessing offered by our people." His gaze carried a deliberate detachment, as if the person marrying me wasn't him at all.

Would he take me seriously? Then I realized it didn’t matter if I went in a onesie, a ball gown or naked. He’d have to take me seriously. It wasn’t my clothes he needed, after all. It was me. Irina Dobrev, sister to the Pakhan of Boston. I sent Pasha over to see a man. His name is John Ziang. He’s a broker. If there’s a deal to be made, you can be sure he’s somewhere in the middle of it. If there’s a man who can set up a meet with the Rabbits without my brother knowing, it’s him.

“You saw the threat. You hunted it. You exposed it. Today, you have earned not just my trust—but the court’s respect.” Elira faced the nobles, her voice quiet but unshaking. “I am Elira Stormfang. Once a servant. Once a ghost. Now a queen in all but name. And I will not be broken.” And no one—no one—dared to argue. ---