“Yeah, that’s what Merlin said—but hundreds of years. Not billions.” Lance snickered, gesturing to the chess board. “I always take black. Running joke with my family.”

He reached out to pick up the black horse to gesture with it before setting it down again.

“Black Knight? Lancelot’s my ancestor, so…I think I’m hilarious.” Lance grinned before he started arranging his pieces back into place.

“So, uh…you doin’ okay? Kinda pegged the storms already. Like a mood ring, only not as fashionable.”