Chapter 205: Horsie
Leon returned to Riven’s room, the weight of his earlier conversation with the Dowager Queen still pressing on his shoulders. He did not even know he was headed towards Riven’s room and not his own.
As he entered, he found Riven seated cross-legged on the floor, the newly acquired chess set meticulously arranged between them.
"Ready for a game?" Riven asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Leon managed a small smile, appreciating the distraction. "Sure."
They settled into the game, the familiar clink of pieces grounding Leon amidst his swirling thoughts.
After a few moves, Leon glanced up. "Riven, did you show me those people on purpose?"
Riven shrugged, moving a pawn forward. "What if I did?"
Leon leaned back, studying the board. "I don’t understand. If the officials were trying so hard to cover up the poverty, why didn’t they stop me from going out with you? It’s not like I hid it."
Riven moved another piece, placing it in a vulnerable position. "What do I know? Ask them, humph!"
Leon chuckled, the tension easing slightly. He continued the game, deliberately holding back to prolong it.
The board between them was quiet at first. The scent of freshly brewed tea Riven had forgotten to serve lingered in the air.