The Poisoned Princess by Valia Lind

Author:Valia Lind [Lind, Valia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skazka Press

IVANKA

The next evening, I feel far more restless than usual. I’ve been thinking over what to do, how to find a way back to the castle and confront the queen. A part of me wishes I could have another one of these dreams, but the last two nights have brought me nothing. And last night felt particularly difficult—sleeping in the loft by myself. But I’m trying not to dwell on that.

“If you fancy a game of chess, I wouldn’t say no.” Kostya’s voice breaks through my thoughts, just as Maxim jumps up and waves his hands in the air. I put down the needle and thread that I was using to mend the hem of my dress and glance up at Kostya placing a chessboard in front of me on the table.

“Don’t do it, Ivanka. It’s a trap.”

“A trap?” I look between the two, trying to keep the smile off my face.

“Absolutely. He’ll lead you into a false sense of security and then crush you like a bug.”

“What if I’m the one who crushes him?” I ask. Four pairs of eyes snap in my direction. Pavel stops whatever he’s doing in the kitchen to stare at me, while Arseniy, Maxim, and Kostya gape at my question.

“No one has ever beaten Kostya before,” Maxim whispers, like he’s sharing a secret.

Now I definitely am intrigued. I have never lost a game of chess either, and I played with my father since I was old enough to understand the rules. The small pang of sadness is quick and powerful and nearly makes me gasp. I’m so good at keeping that part of myself protected that it’s always a surprise when the pain seeps through. But Father was notorious for never letting me win. Even when I was young, he pushed me by always doing his best. I’ve kept up with the skill since then by practice and study. Kostya seems like a worthy opponent, if the men aren’t exaggerating…although, they might be. In the days I’ve spent with them, I’ve learned that they love their dramatics. With a smile, I offer Kostya a seat across from me at the table.

“It will be my pleasure to give it a try,” I say, not giving anything away. Just then, Yasha walks out of the bathroom, strumming his balalaika, and singing a little chorus as he heads for the front door.

“Oh, the games have begun.

The table is set, the chess pieces lined up.

I sing of the one who will fail to rise,

A knight who’s about to lose like a chu⁠—”

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