Bab 285: Dealing with unfinished business(1)

 In a private chamber adorned with opulent tapestries and dimly lit by ornate sconces, three men sat engrossed in their activities. The servants moved with graceful efficiency, clearing away the remnants of their meal, leaving in their wake the enticing aroma of wine and the sweetness of honeyed milk.

Two of the men, deep in contemplation, hunched over a finely crafted chessboard. Their eyes flitted across the board, calculating their next moves with precision. The intricate dance of black and white pieces mirrored the intrigue and strategy of their political maneuvers.

Seated slightly apart from the chess players, the third man observed the game with keen interest. His noble bearing and refined attire marked him as a figure of high stature, even though he remained a silent spectator. The room echoed with the soft clinking of goblets and the faint rustling of robes, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose.