Alexandra was one of the top women’s chess players in the world, but wanted a break from the game and went to the small kingdom of Cabrini to enjoy its charming village and mountain slopes. Upon hearing of her arrival, the king of the microstate, who was a fan, insisted on testing his skill against hers. However, he requested a small handicap: Alexandra had to play from the position of one of the pieces on the King’s life-sized chess set.

    Not only did she have to play from the position of a game piece, she had to be dressed as one, too. The costume she had to wear had been made for mannequins and was oddly stiff. Alexandra could hardly turn her head or move her arms.  The headpiece was practically suctioned onto her, and she depended on a remote control platform to get anywhere, her movements directed by a tablet. During the match, she was assured, she would always be in command. 

    The game began and it was more difficult than Alexandra had anticipated. The king was no slouch, and he didn’t have pawns and bishops blocking his view like she did. Still, after a troublesome middle game, she managed to check the white king herself. The King of Cabrini was impressed, so impressed he wanted another game. And another, and another. While she continued to win, the King never seemed put off by it and was challenging to play.

    After several matches, a visiting diplomat who had been watching requested to play. He, however, wanted to play the king, not Alexandra. They reset the board and she was sent back to her starting square, the black sides control tablet taken from her. She protested as the diplomat was handed the control pad, not wanting to be used as a common piece. But everyone in attendance thought Alexandra was being unreasonable. It would take time to find, redress, and set up the mannequin, while she was ready to be played with. They were very important people, after all, and she was dressed as a mere game piece.

    When she didn’t back down and continued to demand her release, the King proclaimed her an official chess piece of the realm and his royal property. She was forbidden to leave the chess board, and would be sealed inside her costume. She would be treated just the same as the thirty-one other mannequins on the board, even to the point of being put away at the end of the day. He pushed a button on his control tablet, and Alexandra found herself unable to talk. With all parties, except the black queen, satisfied, they resumed play. The games continued long into the night. For the black queen, they continued for much longer.

    If you visit the country of Cabrini today, you can still find the black queen on the chess board in the royal courtyard. Depending on the time of day, you can use her in a game. Most do not know her story, nor would they care. Those who do know all agree she made a perfect addition to the King’s collection.