Four Cards: Part Two (complete)

I’m angry after my meeting with Adolar and Ren, mad enough to want to break anything in my path. Not long after that, though, I meet with the current Joker, Uriah Finch. He was once a performer like me, and thinks my way of changing the mood of a room is necessary for someone in the role I could play in the future of the four families.

“You can make people happy very easily. Your jokes and charm are good skills to have when dealing with some very volatile people.” Uriah tells me. My meetings with him are a blessing. He helps to quell my anger and turn it into motivation for my performances, which are going well.

Uriah is a handsome older man, not as old as I expected, but he was at a point that all he wants to do is retire. He tells me secrets of the families that will help me in the long run. If I decide to play right and see each Ace as an equal, I can have the world on a string. Uriah has a relationship with each King and Queen, and has children with some of them. He wants a home outside the Pips in the countryside, where he can host his children and grandchildren.

“I love it here, and I still adore my lovers with all my heart. But I’m not the spring chicken I used to be. I don’t bounce back as quickly anymore, and I find certain arguments to be, well, stupid.”

He offers me a cold drink, which I take. I gulp down the sweet liquid, which turns from blue to purple as it leaves the cup. “I’m already at that point.”

“You’re new to it, but I do think you should learn right away to not take the bullshit. This stalemate is built upon the Joker, so we have to understand all sides. Learn their methods early. Cheshire are observant by nature. That’s another reason I chose you.” 

“What can you tell me about the Aces?” I ask. “Adolar had me totally fooled. I thought he was a complete puppy.”

“He is, but he’s also been raised to be an attack dog. All Adolar really seeks is approval and a pat on the head. Treat him tenderly and he’s like soft clay. Ren is another easy one. Feed him, let him nap, brush his fur, and he’s yours. Solenn and Lucrezia will be the tough ones. The Le Coeur are about appearances, and the Vangas prefer to show no vulnerability.”

“So what can I expect from them? What will their tactics be?”

Uriah sips his drink and lounges back in his seat. “I can’t say. I don’t know Lucrezia very well, and Solenn buffets on the breeze. Just remember that everything must remain balanced. You must hold power over them, not the other way around.”

I go to prepare for the show that night, and as I approach my dressing room I see two massive Vangas guards on either side of the door. One opens the door for me, and inside I find Lucrezia waiting, dressed in a stiff uniform that shows off her strong physique. She rises as I come into the room and presents me a bouquet of roses.

“I was wondering where you were hiding.” I take the roses from her. Her expression appears rather strained, pulled tight around the mouth, and her brow is pinched in the middle. “I see Ren and Adolar often, you know?”

Lucrezia nods her head and clears her throat. “I am well aware of what they are doing. I want to be sure to play the game fairly.”

I set the bouquet on my vanity and sit down, running my fingers through my fur as I look at Lucrezia in the mirror. “I was beginning to worry.”

Lucrezia squeezes and relaxes her hands several times. I would almost say she’s nervous, but that can’t really be right. After all, Uriah said the Vangas are warriors who never show weakness. Surely I am misreading the situation. Or am I possibly detecting a chink in her armor?

“I was preparing myself as well. This is a big moment for us Aces. The Joker is extremely important to our way of life, and I want to present myself and show you I am able to protect you and earn your trust.” Lurcrezia holds her head high.

I watch her fists continue to open and close. “What would you do to protect me?”

Lucrezia looks at me with a softness in her gaze. “Whatever is necessary. Brute force, fear, misdirection, whatever is needed to assure your safety.”

I turn around in my seat, and instantly her expression becomes like stone again. I get up from my chair and start to undress. “I’m getting ready for a show, so I hope you don’t mind if we make this quick.” I strip off my dress, leaving me in my underwear. Her wings flutter ever so slightly, and she steps away from me as I move past her to my wardrobe. 

I look up at her with a smile. Her eyes are darting back and forth quite rapidly. She steals glances and averts her gaze, steals a look and then looks away.

“How can I be sure you’re looking out for my best interests and not just your own?” I step closer to her, purposefully backing her into the corner. “It’s not hard for me to understand that this game can go two ways. Either this is an equal partnership, or I get taken advantage of. I want to be sure the second option isn’t even a thought. Do you understand?”

She scoots into the corner. “Finish getting dressed. We can talk more then.”

I giggle. I’ve gotten the reaction I want. “We’re both ladies, Lucrezia. Surely I have nothing you’ve never seen before.”

Lucrezia’s eyes focus on something distant, perhaps through the wall. “It would be better if you were clothed.”

I look down at myself, then back at her. “Do you prefer me naked? Is that the issue?”

Lucrezia snaps her gaze to me. It’s sharp and ferocious, and I can see why she’s such a frightening figure in battle. “Maybe it is. But I abide by my morals and my code. I would prefer to talk to you clothed so as to not cloud my judgement with your… wiles.”

I nod in approval, then slip on my robe. “If I looked half as good as you, I would never wear clothes.” I smile brightly at her. “I bet you’re built like a goddess, Lucrezia.”

For a moment she is stunned, perplexed and embarrassed by my compliment. “Nonsense,” she says with a cough.

“You’re all hard muscle, I’m willing to bet!” I pinch my sides through the robe. “See this chub? I bet you don’t have an inch.”

“I don’t mind the chub,” she grumbles. “On you, it’s fetching.”

I giggle sweetly. “Thank you, I’m flattered. I bet your abs are fetching.”

Lucrezia shakes her head. “I think we should discuss the subject at hand. I intend to earn your trust and make our partnership mutually beneficial. I have no intentions of ever taking advantage of our friendship - or if it comes to that, our courtship.”

“You’re very romanceable,” I say. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure what footing I am supposed to take. If I am to be this mediator for the casino, wouldn’t it benefit me to just hate all of you?”

Lurcrezia blanches. “You can’t mean that. For generations, the relationship between the Joker and the Four Kings has been crucial! It must be amicable, friendly at worst, passionate at best.”

“Is that something you want?” I ask. “It seems like a pretty hard place to be in. Unfair, really, to all of you here.”

Lucrezia grimaces. “I expect it and I am prepared for it. Besides, we all agreed with Adolar that you’d be the best candidate. We all find you appealing.”

I saunter up to Lucrezia and place a kiss on her cheek. “You’re very appealing as well. I look forward to our romance over the years, Lucrezia. Once we know one another, I am sure it will be much easier.”

Lucrezia’s eyes widen, and her wings fluff up. “You’re taking this better than I expected.”

“I’m learning to roll with the punches.” I tilt my head and twitch my tail. “After all, a cat is an expert at landing on her feet.” We meet in a deepening kiss, much more heated than I expected it to be. 

Eventually, Lucrezia regains her composure and dusts herself off. “Forgive me, I should be better at control. Especially around you.”

“What makes me so special?” I giggle.

Lucrezia frowns and looks at the floor. “I need to be strong around you. I am your first line of defense, your armor. I should be strong, even with you.”

I tilt my head to the side. “Doesn’t that get exhausting?”

Her feathers fluff again, and she raises her eyes to me. 

“You can be weak around me. That doesn’t mean you’re not strong. I think it just enhances how powerful you really are.” I give her a smile. “When you’re weak, I’ll protect you. How does that sound?”

Lucrezia nods silently, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for your kind words. I promise I will always stand at your side.”

“Such a knightly thing to say for a future king.” I smooth her feathers back so she looks neat and polished. “I like it on you.”

Lucrezia smiles, leaving the dressing room while gathering her composure. So, she’s shy and awkward with anything that doesn’t relate to battle or training. I will have to be gentle with her in the future.

I have the next few days off, and my parents take a trip home for a short time. In the meantime, Ren stays with me often. He sleeps curled up in my bed, happy to not deal with his family. I tend to not bother him, like Uriah suggested. All he wants to do is sleep, and that makes him happy enough. 

I’m reading in bed when he lifts his head from the blankets. He yawns and wraps his arms around the pillow. “Is that really all it takes to make you happy?” I set my book down in my lap. “Sleeping in, and some dumplings when you wake up?” 

The little dragon rolls over on the pillow to look at me. “I’m not picky. It doesn’t have to be dumplings.”

I chuckle and shrug. “OK, fine. What I mean is, if we’re going to work together, is that all our relationship will be? You sleeping in my bed when your house won’t suffice?”

Ren’s brow twitches. “Is there something you want?”

I shake my head, setting my book aside as I move closer towards him. “I’m sure you would give me whatever I asked for, so that doesn’t worry me. I just want to know if all this will ever be. Naps and gifts? Is that truly equal?”

Ren looks up at me with a rather stern expression. “If you’re talking about sex, that isn’t really my thing.” He yawns, then snuggles back into my pillow. “I get the urge every now and then, but I’m really enjoying what we have right now. You’re warm and soft, and your tail tickles.”

I smile and lean in, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I want us to be on the same page. That’s important to me.”

“You and I can relax, that’s fine. If we’re lovers, we’re lovers. If we’re not, we’re not. I just like you, that’s all. I can relax when I’m with you. Back home, it’s like you always have to be agitated and on your guard or life isn’t worth living. I get exhausted, even without all that to deal with.” He sighs heavily, stretches towards me and rests in my lap while I rub the top of his head.

“Some people thrive on conflict. People like Lucrezia.” He chuckles. “You seemed to figure her out easily enough.”

I smirk at him. “Lucrezia is cute. I think I’ll have fun with her.”

Ren yawns again and smacks his lips. “Has Solenn approached you yet?”

I curl up close to Ren and nuzzle the fur on his jaw. “Not yet. Should I be worried about her?”

He shrugs. “Not really. She’s kind of like me. She prefers clothes over anything. It’s Adolar who may be the challenge.” 

“What will he want?” I ask quietly. 

Ren yawns. “The Verein are all directly descended from the Joker, including Adolar. It’s family tradition. He will seek you out more than the rest of us. You must be careful not to get too fond of him. That’s the Verein’s power.”

I furrow my brow. “If that’s the case, then why has nothing been done to stop the Verein?”

“Because of the Joker.” Ren drifts to sleep again.

Later that afternoon, while Ren is still sleeping, there is a knock at the door. When I answer, I see several racks of clothes lined up outside, being pushed into the suite by men in red suits who file out once the clothes are all inside.Then  Solenn herself strides in.

“It’s about time. You and Lucrezia sure know how to make a lady wait.”

Solenn chuckles, and her long lashes flutter. “We are ladies ourselves and know how to play the game correctly.” She waves her hand at the racks of clothes. “This is what has kept me busy. I have been organizing and preparing a wardrobe for you that will suit your every single need, from spring of this year to spring of next year.”

I rub the sleeve of a dress to feel the silken fabric between my fingers. “Impressive. What makes you think I want a new wardrobe?”

Solenn smirks proudly. “It isn’t want that will drive this collection, but need. Being a Joker, you will have responsibilities aplenty. Each outfit here will have you prepared to conquer every challenge.”

“If you want to earn my favor, it’s going to take more than that. I do not need the clothes. I know how to keep Lucrezia, and I know how to keep Ren. But how do I keep you?” I take Ren’s advice and slip on one of the coats over my pajamas. “We have to be equals here, Solenn.”

Solenn reaches into her pocket to produce a cigar. She waves for me to follow her outside, where she lights it. “Wear only what I give you.” She takes a few puffs and blows out the smoke. “That is what will keep me interested. Wear only the clothes I give you, nothing else, and it will be enough.”

“Really? You just want to dress me?”

“It is not so simple as a nap or being cornered in your dressing room.” Solenn smirks sagely at me. “You being the Joker means you represent all of us, and when you wear my clothes, you stand out. People will know, and the other Aces will know. It’s my signature.”

“I suppose there are worse things. You and Ren have really made things easy for me.” I look at the jacket I am wearing. “What about all my old clothes?”

Solenn blows out another stream of smoke, then extends her hand towards me. “Give them to me and I will properly dispose of them. Everything you need is on those racks, loungewear and pajamas as well.”

“Fine, but be quiet. Ren is still sleeping.”

I end up having fun with Solenn as we go through all my new clothes. Ren wakes up and watches as I try on a few pieces. I’m surprised by the wearability of some. I’ve worn enough costumes to know when something is good for day-to-day wear, or just for an hour at night. 

That evening, not long after Solenn and Ren have to leave, Adolar calls me up to the top floor. He has supper waiting, and as soon as I walk in he pours a glass of dark wine and offers it to me. “You’re getting along with everyone. That’s good.” His clothes are much more casual than usual. He’s not wearing the full suit he usually does, and he looks relaxed.

“Everyone but you. We’ve met often and talked a bit, but you have yet to make your move. What gives?” 

Adolar chuckles. “I figured you’d be wary of me, so I’ve played it safe, kept my distance and waited. But now that the other three seem to be in the palm of your hand, why not strike while the iron is hot?”

“I was angry with you. You didn’t tell me what you had planned for me at all. If you said something, perhaps I would have understood. You didn’t, and this iron is going to strike you sometime.” I sit down at the table and begin to eat from my plate. “But I think I’ll get over it in time.”

“I certainly hope so. I can’t imagine having to start all over with the Lone Joker again.” Adolar sips his wine, taking small bites here and there. “I know Ren adores you, and Lucrezia is a sputtering mess anytime you’re brought up. Not to mention that Solenn is fascinated by you. You’re amazingly adept at this game. I am awed by you.”

I wipe my mouth with a napkin and smirk. “Awed?”

Adolar smiles down at his drink. He places it aside and lets loose a dreamy sigh. “I was honest about everything when we first met. I still think you’re wonderful, and I’m happy to have you here.” Under the table, he places his hand on my knee. “You have my full attention.”

I smirk and sweep my eyes over at him. “That’s all you really want, isn’t it? Just my attention.” I turn in my chair to face him and cup his face in my hands. I rub his cheeks and go up, scratching behind his ears. He shuts his eyes tightly and leans in closer to me.

“You’re a vicious brute, right? But I’m sure all you want to be is a good, sweet boy. Right?” My voice turns syrupy and cloying as I take Uriah’s advice. “Will you be a good boy for me, Adolar?”

A soft whine rises in his throat, and he nods his head while his tail wags excitedly behind him. “Yes. I will.”

I smirk as I scratch under his chin, all while his tail continues to wag in a flurry. I unbutton his shirt so I can rub his chest and belly. “Good boy,” I whisper into his ear. He bristles all over and shivers as a big grin crosses his face.

He nuzzles his cheek against mine and licks my neck. His hands move around my waist, pulling me into his lap. “Thank you.”

“You’ll do anything I tell you to, right?” I place a fingertip on his lips. 

Adolar nods excitedly. 

I wriggle in his lap, feeling that his excitement has already grown much bigger than I anticipated. “That’s all you really need, isn’t it?” I kiss the tip of his nose. “A big, strong fella like you, and all you really need is a little love. Huh?”

Adolar gives me those wide puppy eyes again. “I don’t need a lot. It’s just nice to have.”

“A little can go a long way.” I place a soft kiss on his cheek. “You’re very cute. I wouldn’t mind seeing this side of you more often.” I scratch sweetly under his chin as those puppy eyes continue to linger.

“All of you here are expected to keep and wear masks. Ones of strength, anger, dignity, and pride. I want you to know that when you’re with me, you can take off those masks and lay them aside. I see who you are.”

Adolar grabs my hand and kisses it. He nips my fingertips before placing my palm against his cheek. “Do you really think you have us all figured out?”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “I have ideas for all of you. I have time to figure you out.” I kiss him, scratching his ears so his leg bounces.

I wake the next morning with Adolar dozing on one side and with Ren on the other. I’m not sure when Ren snuck in, but I’ve already grown used to it. I crawl out from under the covers and go into the kitchen to make something for breakfast. Once I start cooking, Ren is sitting at the table.

“So, how was it?” he yawns.

I smile at him and chuckle. “Good morning to you, too. Not too bad. When did you sneak in?”

Ren sleepily rubs his eyes. “Not too long ago. I wanted your breakfast again. Hope that’s alright?” 

So this is to be life now, huh? Always in the middle. Or perhaps a better way to look at it would be to say that I’m always going to be on top.

Uriah prepares me over the next few months, teaching me the rules of the casino and all the parts that worked together. I grow closer with each of the Aces, and slowly but surely I become sure of my footing with each of them.

Lucrezia and Adolar are working their way towards becoming my lovers, while Ren and Solenn are happy with their platonic romance with me. I sometimes feel like Solenn’s only love is fashion, and I’m just lucky enough to wear it. 

Once the time comes for me to take over the casino, I sign a document in front of all the Kings, Queens, Jacks, and Aces. I’m slightly petrified. All their eyes are on me, glaring as I go over the oath of the Joker. I’m handed a pen, but before Uriah passes the document to me, he gives me a stern look. “Once you sign this paper, that’s it. This is your life from now on. If you choose to back out now, it will be fine.”

Looking around the room, seeing Lucrezia, Solenn, Ren, and Adolar looking at me, I feel a sense of calm. I pull the document closer and sign it quickly. “I think I can handle this. If not, then that’s my fault.”

Uriah sighs and takes the document, presenting it to each of the others for them to sign as well. 

I do feel a bit of weight on my shoulders now that it’s all done. I carry the weight of the stalemate with me. I have to keep the casino in order to keep the fragile relationships between the families. 

I am given Uriah’s suite, which is at the top floor as well, although I will have to wait while Solenn redecorates the whole place. I continue to perform for the casino, but I also take over the responsibility of bringing in new entertainment for the place. It’s my passion, and I am happy to share new talent.

Once a week, I have a family meal with all the Aces, although Lucrezia is soon to become Queen beside her father, while her younger sister will become the new Ace. Adolar is set to become King, because his mother wants to retire to the country with Uriah. But weekly meals become a ritual between all four of us. It’s a rare opportunity for all of us to talk together as equals rather than as the four families and Joker. 

“By the way, I’ve set up the new security guards that you requested in the casino. I think you’ll be pleased by the...”

I place a kiss on Lucrezia’s lips to quiet her. “No business during family dinner,” I scold. “You know the rules.”

Lucrezia gasps and nods her head. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry.”

“I love your new dress.” Solenn winks at me. “It suits you very nicely.”

Adolar chuckles. “I sometimes think you pick things for her to wear to see what reactions you’ll get from the rest of us.”

“I always dress her to get reactions!” Solenn laughs loudly. “What else is the point? She is our representative. Besides, some people are not hard to squeeze a reaction from.”

Ren swallows a big mouthful and goes in for seconds. “She’s cute regardless, so who cares what she wears?”

Solenn looks horribly and mortally offended by this remark. “It matters a lot! Of course she is cute, but what can we do to enhance it? Fashion can turn her into a goddess or a demon.”

“I’d like to see that,” Adolar says with a wink.

Lurcrezia grins back at him. “I’m sure you would.”

I’m growing used to the arrangement. It’s not what I would have expected from life, but I don’t think we should ever expect anything from life. The game will continue until a new Joker is selected to take my place. Once that happens, I will take them under my wing to show them the ropes. Right now, I think I can be happy. I still have many choices ahead of me, and many years to try them. The four people with me now have already become important to me, but in the future, I will make our bonds as strong as steel. It’s all a gamble, but I’m in the perfect place to do just that.