"Ah yes, the sea winds can be quite strong during this time of year. I've been told it's good for traveling this time of year. Sea air is so refreshing, don't you think?" Taya had never taken an interest in chess. Sure, her tutors made her play, but why was a silly boring game important? They always related it to governing, which Taya doesn't see the connection. "Of course, though I admit I have no talent for the game. But if you care to play I'm sure I can put up a fight." Taya gives Kyle a coy smile.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Just how loyal is Allen to Taya, Cecelia wonders. Her eyes are on him while the others watch the pair of royals. She knows for a fact that her majesty doesn't like playing the game and is a miserable stragestist. If it wouldn't lose her position as well as possibly her life, she would bet money that the snot is going to lose without Allen's help. Cecelia, on the other hand, loves a good game of chess. Her family plays it often during the winter, when the roads become all but impassable. <span style="font-weight: bold">I wonder if Allen ever plays with anyone.</span> Another stray thought that she shouldn't be having. But someone had been using the board and Cecelia as well as the rest of the palace knows it wasn't her majesty. Her blue blood twit only visits the study on special occasions. </span>