Victor was bored.
The realization settled over him like an itch beneath his skin, impossible to ignore and increasingly irritating. He lounged in his carved oak chair at the head of the great hall, one book hooked hazily over the other, fingers drumming against the armrest in uneven rhythm. The fire crackled low behind him, shadows crawling across the stone walls like obedient creatures.
“Chess,” Victor said suddenly.
The word snapped through the room. Servants froze mid-step. Guards straightened instantly. Somewhere near the far end of the hall,, a man swallowed hard.
“Yes, your highness,” a servant said quickly, bowing. “At once.”
The chessboard was brought forward. Polished black and ivory pieces, heavy and expensive, laid carefully between Victor and his chosen opponenet
Lord H
