the first night you play is quiet. both of you focus on the game and awkward small talk.
the second night, as you're moving your first pawn, you gingerly ask a question.
"Why is your second staying here?" Your bat your eyelashes as you ask. "Does he not have family to return to?"
Your husband rolls his head back and forth, sucking air through his teeth.
"I don't know if I should divulge."
"Is it dangerous? Related to espionage or battle-"
"No, no, it's... He has fallen out of favor with his wife." He moves his piece confidently, the painted stone clicking against the tile. Tonight, you play on his bed, on top of the covers, both of you lounging long. "He has been with her for seven years. Their eldest just turned five."
You wait for more, but he gestures to the board, waiting for your move. Once you move another pawn, he continues.
"Last time we went to his estate, he brought home his bastard, who was born five days before his eldest," he says. His eyes is focused on the board, but you know the knit in his brow isn't because of your chess prowess. "Now, he expects her to raise the boy, who is now the firstborn and will inherit the family estate."
The pieces of the game go flying when you reach over and shove the man by the shoulder. he nearly falls off the side of the mattress, stumbling to catch himself.
"Shut up!" Your voice echoes down the hall from the volume. Your husband looks shocked, eyes wide, mouth popped open.
"Why did you hit me?!" he says, aghast. " I didn't do it!"
"These are things you tell your wife!" you say. "Why are you friends with such a slut of a man?"
"Slut! I'm allowed to curse, am I not?"
"My wife is allowed to do whatever she likes for the rest of her life!"
