Chapter 6
The Ethereal Figure

The arrangement of her pieces was strangely reminiscent of an opening position in shōgi, adapted to the eight files of our board. At the edge of the chessboard, the white queen—a white lady, the sole remnant of her original camp—seemed to watch over the pentagonal pieces that had taken her place.

As she put away the little embroidered pouch, I noticed the wedding ring on her left ring finger, catching the golden light of the bar. My gaze lingered on it in spite of myself.

I see it has caught your eye. Her voice was low, almost a murmur.

I stayed silent, fearing my words would betray my turmoil.

Patience... everything in its own time, she said, her voice suddenly icy.

She turned her wedding ring, her eyes daring me to pierce her mystery. I sensed that she was savouring my confusion.

She brushed the gold general posted beside her king. This is the key piece of my game.

I can't wait to see what she can do, I replied, masking my unease.

She advances only one step at a time, and never retreats on the diagonal.

How very well-behaved, I remarked, feigning indifference. My queen may have something to say about that.

Against chess, custom has her start the game already turned over, she slipped in, in a silken voice. I prefer that she earn her freedom. Once within your ranks, she will reveal her true nature.

I let her words resonate, aware of the double game being played.

Her true nature? I repeated.

Her gaze intensified. Something far more powerful than a mere general.

I understood at that moment that I had entered a game whose rules I did not know. And that it did not bother me all that much.