Eventually Astarion seemed invested in the game, hunched over and taking note of every move made, studying the board the way he would study a safe or a locked door. He was rusty still though, and he frowned as he realized he wasn't going to win. He could see the moves House was going to make, and it was too late now to retreat and try something new.

He wasn't even in check yet, but he muttered under his breath, "Damn it."