One of your chapters that leave me speechless! When I read it last night, I haven't been able to leave a comment. Too much conflicted emotions. So many unspoken words that tells everything. You leave us reading between the lines...
First, I've been angry of King for endangering Bishop's life. Then, I've been furious of Bishop for running away and ghosting King. Yes, king is very difficult to handle occasionally, but Bishop was intelligent enough to know it better... You don't play with fire and leave it in the forest without expecting wildfire to burst out...or flame to burn down! And just when I thought that I'll write down comment to express all my anger toward Bishop - Rook did it for me! Maybe harsh, maybe cruel...but it had to be said. Still, your characters are so complex. While still angry of Bishop, I think - can we blame him for wanting to have his own life, his own dreams, his own path... I don't know - did he choose wise or safe?!
Considering his illness and loosing of support (Bishop), King's suicide is not surprise. The words he says are so strong: "I'd choose death...a hundred times...if that meant your happiness." He said them to release Bishop, but they sound so accusatory! This guilt is a heavy burden Bishop has to live with. On the other hand, these words make King's suicide act of ultimate love and sacrifice, instead of act of lunacy. It's a samurai way of dying!
Finally, Patrick is back with a horse. He might not be King - but he is not Pawn either anymore! Who is he now?
So, what's next? Oh, they'll f*ck I'm sure. They'll f*ck senseless, twosomes, foursomes... Maybe even Bishop loses his charry because, well, just to repeat what has already been said - Patrick is not a King! 😉 The question arises - what will the future bring? Is there a future for them?
After so much pain, I certainly hope so...