They began playing the game in quiet, fierce intent upon both faces. All was well until an opening gambit by Niobe led to a heated discussion of tactics. During this, something she said led to Ba'al laughing at her. Her temper enflamed, she reached across the board and slapped him. He grabbed her wrists, glared at her dangerously, pulling her to her feet and stepping in close. She snarled at him, baring her teeth, not intimidated in the least by his dark scowl. When he grabbed her chin to make her meet his gaze, his grip hard, she tried to bite him. In retaliation he shook her violently so she stumbled, using her weight to strike at him, landing a fist on his chest. He snarled at her, settling one hand around her neck just as she wrenched an arm free and grabbed his hair. The next thing they knew, they were fiercely devouring each other and the stones of the Gō board were scattered across the floor.

A few hours later, her body sore and somewhat bruised from the fight and subsequent violent encounter, whilst lying stroking her fingers over his chest, Niobe settled her head more securely into his shoulder and sighed.

"What ails you?"

"Did you make discreet enquiries of Ra concerning me?"

Ba'al angled his gaze so he could catch sight of her face.

"Not exactly."

She huffed and thumped him for the dark amusement in his voice. Obligingly he grunted.

"Don't mock me."

"Niobe, I did not enquire regarding you. I wouldn't risk putting our plans under scrutiny." Ba'al flexed his fingers on her hip and she shifted under his touch.

"So, what were you discussing before I arrived…"

"Some other things of import…nothing that you need to be concerned about as yet."

She pounced on that, rolling to prop her elbows on him and therefore her chin on her crossed arms.

"Yet?"

"Once you are my queen, we will discuss all matters together." He grinned at her suddenly and she found herself on her back, pinned. "Until then, I am your Lord, you are merely a lady…"

Niobe laughed, playfully trying to free herself.

"And you are welcome to outmanoeuvre me at any time you wish…"

He stared at her a moment and quietly asked, "What happened?"

"We match." She said, daring to distract him by nibbling along his jaw. "You and I are a meeting of minds. Admit it – it has been a long time since you could indulge in games without vicious intent, simply to exercise your intellect. You enjoy it."

He coughed slightly.

"Perhaps I do…but then, I should find amusement from my queen…" She purred at him as he spoke and in that moment, Ba'al allowed himself to consider that perhaps he would find not only the power he craved but the perfect accomplice in achieving all that he desired. Then he couldn't think as Niobe indulged herself, daring to believe that perhaps her alliance with him would not only provide her with the freedom she required but maybe someone to share it with.

As they both dreamed their separate dreams, neither of them really noticed that for partners of convenience, they were far too comfortable with each other. And with neither knowing the meaning of it previously, not Niobe nor Ba'al realised that they were forgetting to shield themselves from each other's charms.