Max let out a long breath. “Because…because he and I have a history together, like the others. I agree he can be quite unpleasant sometimes, but I saw no point in having a nightly shouting match. And it was my fault. Not his.”

“How can you say that?”

“Bennett, I long ago came to terms with the fact I can’t beat that bastard at chess, yet my pride got in the way—again. He is quite a smug son-of-a-bitch, and I let that get to me. If I had just refused that wager, the rest of the week wouldn’t have gone like it did.”

“Then teach me the game.”

“I’m sorry,” Max said, lifting his chin. “Are you suggesting that you could possibly ever have the wherewithal to beat Simeon at chess?”

“Yes,” Bennett said, picking up one of the chess pieces.

As much as Max wanted to repudiate the woman’s confidence, he couldn’t. Bennett had practically inhaled every lesson he had taught her, so much so that when discussions began, she’d bring up points he hadn’t seen and counterpoints that all but dashed his. Her perception was keen, and he’d yet to find anything she couldn’t grasp. Max contemplated Bennett through squinted eyes. “And why, exactly, do you need to do that, or better yet, want to do it?”

“I appreciate you don’t believe me a slave, but Simeon was right,” Bennett said, looking over at Max. “By definition, a slave is someone owned by another, someone held in servitude whose only purpose is to serve their master. And, when you brought me here, that was your intent.”

“But you aren’t any longer.”

“I’m not? You allow me to roam the castle freely, yet I’m not permitted to leave the grounds or…or go outside for that matter. I haven’t seen the sky in years. I haven’t felt the breeze on my face or watched as rain or snow falls from the clouds. I am bound to this castle as I am bound to you.”

“Well, when you put it that way, I suppose you are,” Max said, narrowing his eyes. “So, I’m assuming this is all about your emancipation. You beat Simeon at his game, and you go free? Is that what you want in exchange?”