“And lesson number one,” The queen added evenly, “never assume your opponent doesn’t know your next move.”

“Ugh,” Meret groaned, feeling her back ache badly.

“Way to go in women supporting women,” Meret muttered as she held her waist. She braced herself against the fallen shelf as she slowly stood up.

The Queen only smiled faintly.

“You’re weak,” she said calmly. “I thought you said you were skilled in combat and all that.”

“I am,” Meret shot back, wincing as ...