“I’m also your Lord Commander, Your Majesty. I’m sworn to protect you.”
“I don’t believe the Oath extends to chess, Ser. I–”
“Castle yourself,” he said.
I did. He took another piece.
“Youjusttold me to move there,” I argued. “Ugh! You rat!”
“Look at the board, Svana,” he said. “Play the board, not the piece in front of you.”
“I’ve never understood why you say that! You cannot play the board unless you play the piece in front of you. It’s literally a game of steps.” I moved my queen. He blocked it. “See?” I said.
“Do you?” he asked. “Yes. It’s a game of steps. Steps you need to think about. You don’t simply walk out your door and arrive in the garden. You make a plan to get there. You move from the foyer, to the porch, to the sidewalk, down the path, to the garden. Yes or no?”
“I’m bearing my soul to you and you’re badgering me about gardens…” I gestured vaguely. “And bishops.”
“You’re moving your Bishop, then?” he asked.
“Yes? I don’t know.”
“Good. I’ll defend.”
“Good? You’re winning,” I said.
“Don’t give up,” he told me. “Now. Back to your question; I’m of two minds.”
“What minds?” I moved a piece. “Go on. Do what you want with it."
“Thanks. I’ll take it.” He went and then again. “Do you see it yet?"
“See what?” I asked.
His fingers left the one he meant to move and he settled in his seat. “My two minds are this: one, the pragmatic approach. The approach I’d give your father. You apologize to both men at the same time. You establish a hard boundary between you and the Blade, and you devote yourself to your marriage, never leaving yourself alone with Mr. Evergreen again. Take back e5. Your knight.”
I frowned. “Stop helping me.”
“Would you trust a different piece?” he asked. “Look at it.”
I did. I rolled my eyes. “...I’ll take it back.”
"Good. Queen to your knight."
"Are you very serious?” I cried. “Fine. I’ll pin your queen with my rook. Is that what you want?”
“I’ll take your rook. Watch the board."
“Watch the board?” I moaned. “You are the worst. Can I not win one game with you? Just one?” When I glanced down, I paused. “Wait.”
“Now you see it,” he said cheekily. He gave a wink.
I had to double check it. I met his eyes. I didn’t answer. Then I took my turn, hesitantly sacrificing my queen. He went, exactly as I had wanted him to, then I went. I took a piece and then another. “I, uh, I’ll take your bishop next,” I said. “I guess.”
“Good,” he replied. He sat coolly.
“I…” I couldn’t believe it. I shook my head. “But…”
“It’s called a Queen’s Sacrifice,” he explained, conceding his loss. “The words you’re looking for are check and mate.”
