Elsewhere in the castle, the chess that has started in the morning, was already coming to an end.
The last piece clicked into place with a soft sound that echoed far louder than it should have in the quiet room.
"Checkmate," Jasmine said, leaning back in her chair with the faintest smirk. Her eyes gleamed in the candlelight like polished amber.
Marik stared at the board as if it had betrayed him. His knight hung uselessly near the edge, his king cornered like a caged beast. "You cheated," he muttered finally, rubbing the back of his neck. "We must have a rematch."
Jasmine rolled her eyes. "No can't do. This is the tenth game we have played."
"Well no one wins against me in seven moves."
"Correction," she said sweetly, rising to her feet. "No one used to win against you. You've been dethroned, prince."
He gave a low chuckle. "Careful, Princess. Pride comes before a very long fall."
