quite suddenly, Grey knew what to say. Queen's knight, he said quietly. To queen two. It was, he knew, a dangerous opening. Fraser didn't move, but Grey felt his sideways glance. After an instant's hesitation, he replied, King's knight to bishop two, and Grey felt his heart lighten. It was the answer to the Torremolinos Gambit, the one he had used on that far-off, disastrous evening at Ardsmuir, when he had first laid his hand on Jamie Fraser's.
In a moment of clarity, Grey realizes the appropriate move to make in their chess game. He quietly announces, "Queen's knight, to queen two," fully aware of the risks associated with this opening. Although Fraser remains still, Grey senses his attention and, after a brief pause, Fraser responds with a counter move. This exchange not only signifies a strategic gameplay but also evokes memories from their past encounters, particularly a troubled evening at Ardsmuir when their relationship first began to take a significant turn.
The game serves as a metaphor for their complex relationship, highlighting the tension and history between them. Grey's recollection of using the Torremolinos Gambit during a pivotal moment reflects the intertwining of their lives and the weight of past decisions. This familiarity in their gameplay hints at deeper emotional layers, revealing how their shared experiences influence their current interactions on and off the chessboard. It underscores the blend of strategy, risk, and sentiment in their evolving connection.
