Chapter 3 : First step to Victory.
Of course, Loki won. Without even trying.
Was there even any doubt?
Games of reflection hold no secret to him. And Thor makes things so easier. He is impetuous, impatient, falls in every little traps (even the most obvious ones) with such hast that it's almost disconcerting. This being said and even if Loki is the incarnation of hypocrisy, he must admit that Thor's perseverance is admirable. It's impossible to discourage him. He doesn't give up. Ever. He keeps faith until his immaculate King is cornered, surrounded by an army of Dark pieces.
It's a resounding Victory for Loki.
Oh, all hail to Loki…
A Victory that makes Loki smile under the muzzle and fills his eyes with devious and condescending satisfaction. The satisfaction grows a little more when Thor, as his White King finally falls, let escape a sudden and angry punch on the floor, soon followed by a frustrated sigh.
The Spoiled Golden Child is not used to defeat, huh? Well, that's sooo bad.
However, and much to Loki's disappointment, Thor doesn't say a thing. He doesn't comment Loki's victory, doesn't try to deny it and doesn't accuse him of treachery or deception. Thor looks upon the makeshift board, seemingly elsewhere, and silent. Then, he sighs again, gathers up the pieces scattered across the floor (mostly white ones) and lets them get back with their black sisters on the board of leather. Thor closes the bag, stands, turns around and walks away. Just before he leaves the room for good, he stops, turns slightly the head to look over his shoulder.
"I will come back tomorrow" he declares.
And Thor disappears, leaving Loki alone in the dark, as perplexed (if not more) than when Thor asked him to play chess with him. He is not even sure all that wasn't just a umpteenth hallucination born from his twisted mind. Silence stretches and Loki feels his body going numb. He starts when the Voice, as teasing as ever, soughs again.
"I will come back tomorrow"? Doesn't it sound like a threat to you? You should worry. Maybe he will stone you with chess pawns?
Loki rolls his eyes and shrugs.
Nonsense.