Chapter Text
THE RULES OF IDIOT CHESS
- The pawns must not be good at chess.
- If one of the pawns discovers they are a pawn, the other player wins.
- Players may not touch the pawns or the board during the game. Players may suggest or argue moves, but outright instructing a pawn to make a specific move is prohibited.
The magus’ hand hovered over a knight as Attolis, Sounis, and Eddis came upon them, tucked into a corner of the gardens. He and Relius both made to stand as the monarchs approached, but Attolis held up a hand to stay them. He exchanged a quick look with Eddis—an eyebrow was raised, met by a tiny smile, and Sounis rolled his eyes.
“Mind if we watch the match?” Eddis asked with a lightning bolt smile that brought a flush to even Relius’ cheeks.
The magus smiled back, puffing up his chest unconsciously as the queen paused at his side. “Of course, your majesties.”
“Who’s winning?” Attolis asked, with markedly less dignity, slouching into the chair behind Relius.
“No one yet, we’ve only begun,” Relius said, flicking his gaze toward his king with equal fondness and exasperation at the way he hooked his knee over the arm of the metalwork seat. “Must you sit like a pauper?”
“Are you trying the Kreshi opening like I showed you?”
The magus reached for the knight he’d intended to move at their arrival, but paused when Eddis hummed, barely audible and almost worried. He blinked, examined the board again, and moved a pawn.
“I’m not memorizing your ridiculous strategies,” Relius argued as the magus moved, glaring at the board rather than the king. “It takes all the fun out of the game if it’s nothing but a series of—”
The king sighed dramatically. “You’re never going to be any good.”
“I win against Teleus occasionally.”
“He lets you win. Ooh, are you sure that’s a good idea?” he added as Relius selected a pawn.
“I’m the one playing here. Find your own game.” Relius doubled down on his piece, moving forward two spaces instead of the one he’d intended.
Attolis, his eyes glinting, glanced at his cousin. She smirked at him briefly, causing Sounis to roll his eyes again. “I’m going to survey the new administrators,” he said, leaning in to kiss Eddis’ cheek, adding “enjoy your game, dear,” at a murmur in her ear.
Eddis winked at him, head tilted so Relius couldn’t see her do it.