Four Cards: Part Two (rough draft)

I was angry after my meeting with Adolar and Ren, mad enough to want to break anything in my path. Not long after that, though, I met with the current reigning Joker, Uriah Finch. He had once been a performer like me, and had thought my way of changing the mood of a room would be necessary for the role I would play with the future of the four families.

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

Uriah was a handsome older man, not as old as I expected, but he was at a point that all he wanted to do was retire. He told me things, secrets amongst the families that would help me in the long run. If I decided to play right and see each Ace as an equal, I would have the world on a string. Uriah had a relationship with each King, and Queen, and had children with some of them. What he wanted was to have a home outside the Pips in the countryside where he could 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 drink which turns from blue to purple as liquid leaves the cup. “I’m already at that point.”

“You’re new to it, but I do think it’s good you learn now to not take the bullshit. This stalemate is built upon the Joker, so we have to see all sides. Learn their methods early. Cheshire are observant by nature, they see things, 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 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. It’s Solenn and Lucrezia who will be the tough ones. The Le Coeur are about appearances while the Vangas prefer to show no vulnerability.”

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

Uriah sips from his drink then lounges back in his seat. “I can’t say, I don’t know Lucrezia very much, 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 walk into my dressing room, I see two massive Vanga guards at either side of the door. One opens the door for me, letting me in to find Lucrezia waiting on me. She is 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 while her brow is pinched in the middle. “I see Ren and Adolar often, you know?”

Lucrezia nods her head and, when she starts to talk, she clears her throat. “I am well aware of what they are doing. I have wanted to be sure to play the game fairly.”

I set the bouquet on my vanity then sit down. I run 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 never show weakness, they are all soldiers and warriors, 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 to you and show you I am able to protect you and earn your trust.” Lurcrezia holds her head high.

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

Lucrezia looks at me and there is a softness to her gaze. “What was necessary. Brute force, fear, weapons, whatever was needed to assure your safety.” 

I turn around in my seat and instantly, her expression changes to where it is 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 so all I’m in is my underwear before her. Her wings flutter ever so slightly and she steps away from me as I approach to get to my wardrobe. 

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

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

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

I giggle as I get 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.”

“What if you undressed? Then it would be equal.” I bound up to her and start undoing the buttons on her jacket.I look down at myself then back at her. “Do you prefer me naked, is that the issue?”

Lucrezia cuts her gaze at me. It’s sharp and ferocious, 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 the gods, 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 am willing to bet!” I then 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 do intend to earn your trust and make our partnership one where we both benefit. I have no intentions of ever taking advantage of our friendship, or if it happens, our courtship.”

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

Lurcrezia balks. “You can’t mean that. For generations, the relationship between the Joker and the Four Kings is crucial! It must be amicable, friendly at their worst, lovers at their 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 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 up and twitch my tail. “After all, a cat is an expert at landing on their feet.” Lucrezia and I kiss. Our kiss deepens, I did not expect it to get so heated so quickly. But eventually she 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.

She frowns and looks down at the ground. “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 and she glances 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, trying to look like she wasn’t flustered. She was shy and awkward with anything that did not relate to battle or training. I would have to be gentle with her in the future.

Lucrezia freezes in place as I remove each button. She has a strong chest and her muscles show off through the cream fur of her torso. “If I looked like this, I would never wear clothes.” I smooth my hand over her hard stomach. “Are you made of stone?”

“Please stop.” Her voice cracks, pitching very high and squeaky. She clears her throat as she looks at me. “That’s enough.”

I press my bare chest against her own. “Are you nervous?”

Lucrezia tilts her head up. “I said that’s enough.” She’s breathless and struggling with her words.

I am having fun toying with her. Seeing someone twice my size and probably ten times stronger than me crumbling is a thrill. “Do you not like me? Or are you just shy? It’s ok, we need to learn to work together, right?”

Lucrezia clamps a hand down on my shoulder. “Euphrasie,” her voice cracks again.

“Maybe you do like me.” I press my knee between her thighs so her groin rubs against it. “You can tell me if you do.”

Lucrezia closes her eyes and her hand moves down my arm.

“I want you to be honest with me, Lucrezia.” I quietly undo her belt. “And I’ll return it in kind.” I press my fingertips to her belly, dragging them down so they tuck inside her pants. 

“You’re doing this to get me riled up.” Her hand moves to my waist. 

I give her a Cheshire grin. “It suits you.”

Lucrezia’s hand rests on my hip now and her fingers squeeze around until she’s gently digging into my rear. “Of course I like you,” she whispers. 

My fingers move into her pants so I’m caressing her mound. “That’s good. I want you to like me.”

Her voice is surprisingly sweet as I touch her, and her strong hands both knead into my ass. “We should stop, right now.”

I kiss her neck and jaw as my fingers move down, finding her surprisingly wet. She cries out and her wings expand, knocking over a few things before they close shut again. I giggle, pushing her deeper into the corner as I go deeper. 

“I can stop.” I go to pull my hand away but she doesn’t let go of me. She whimpers and squeezes me tighter. “Or, I can-” I push my fingers back into her folds, finding her eager and wanting. I slick my fingers back and forth as her voice grows more pitched and pitiful in my ear. I literally have her melting in the palm of my hand, and it feels good. 

Lucrezia’s trembling talons move between my thighs, touching against my lips as well. She uses her knuckle, grinding it against me so I rut myself against her. I feel the heat from her as it drips down my fingers. My knees grow weak, so I press myself against her to remain upright. She starts to tremble and her breath shutters.

I have her right where I want her.

She’s flustered and breathless for a while, her expression shy and coy when I dress. My legs are wobbly, but hopefully that will clear up before the show starts. 

“I didn’t expect things to take a turn to that so soon.” She stands finally and closes her jacket. “I’m a bit embarrassed by my behavior.”

“You can behave like that with me. I don’t mind.” I walk back up to her and help button her clothes. “It’s part of how you can earn my trust.”

Lucrezia grimaces. “But I should be strong around you.”

“Doesn’t that get exhausting?”

Lucrezia’s mouth hangs open for a moment before she closes it tight. “I will see you again,” she says staunchly before she leaves the dressing room.

I have the next few days off, and my parents have traveled home for a short time, so Ren has been staying 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 anyways and that makes him happy enough. 

I’m reading in bed when his head perks up from the blankets. He yawns then hugs 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?” 

He rollsThe 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. But 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 is 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.” Ren 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 not like Lucrezia and Adolar.” He peeks an eye open at me. “What was that like by the way?”I’m with you. Back home, it’s always something. 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 and reaches out for me. He rests in my lap while I rub the top of his head.

“Some people thrive with conflict, people like Lucrezia.” He then 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 to 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 that may be the challenge.” He drifts asleep then, but I doze away with him as well.

“What will he want?” I ask quietly. 

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

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

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

Later that afternoon, while Ren is still sleeping, there is a knock at the door. Answering, I see several racks of clothes lined up outside. They get pushed into the suite by men in red suits who file out once they’re all inside. Solenn then strides inside herself.

“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 out to 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 and ready 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 one of the coats over my pajamas. “We have to be equals here, Solenn.”

Solenn reaches into her pocket to produce a cigar. She holds it in her hand then wags 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. 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 wisely 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 ends up waking up and watching 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 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 is pouring dark wine, which he offers as soon as I walk in.

“You’re getting along with everyone. That’s good.”

His clothes are much more casual than usual. He’s not wearing the full suit like he usually does. 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 played it safe, kept my distance and waited. But now that the other three seem to be in the palm of your hand, I figured, why not strike while the iron is hot?”

“I was angry with you. You did not tell me what you had planned for me at all. Had you said something, perhaps I would have understood. You didn’t, so this iron is going to strike you for sometime.” I sit down at the table and begin to eat from my plate. “But I think I will 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 already 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. “And what about you?” Awed?”

Adolar smiles down at his drink. He places it aside and lets loose a dreamy sigh. “I was honest when we first met about everything. 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 cut my eyes up at him. “That’s all you really want, isn’t it? Just my attention.” I turn in my chair to face him and I cup his face in my hands. I rub his cheeks and go up, scratching behind his ears. He shuts his eyes tight and he 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 keen rises up 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 the while his tail continues to wag in a flurry. I move down, unbuttoning 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 to 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 to his lips. 

Adolar nods excitedly. 

I wriggle in his lap, feeling 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. “Big strong fella like you, and all you really need is a little love. Huh?”

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

“A little can go a long way.” I turn to straddle his lap. “It’s okay for you to touch me, you know?”

He slowly places his hands on my back, moving them down until they’re squeezed around my hips. I kiss his neck and shoulder while his fingers knead slowly into my body. He chokes back some soft sounds, keening a little more as the heat between us continues to grow. 

(SMUT SCENE HERE)I place a soft kiss on his cheek. “You’re very cute, I wouldn’t mind seeing this side of you more often than the one you have been.” 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, 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 at the 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 at one side and with Ren at the other. I’m not sure when Ren snuck in, but I am used to itut I have 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,” I chuckle. “. 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 was to be life now, huh? Always in the middle, or the better way to look at it would be to say I am always going to be on top.

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

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

Once the time came for me to take over the casino, I signed a document in front of all the Kings, Queens, Jacks, and the Aces. I was slightly petrified. All their eyes on me, glaring as I went over the oath of the Joker.

I was handed a pen, but before Uriah passed the document to me, he gave 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 around the moment. I pull the document over to me and sign it quickly. “I think I can handle this. If not, then that’s my fault.”

Uriah sighs and takes the document, presenting 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. After all, 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 also given Uriah’s suite, which is at the top floor as well. Although, I will have to wait on it while Solenn redecorates the whole place. I continue to perform for the casino as well, , although I had taken over in bringing in entertainmentnew entertainment for the place. It was passion, so I was 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, as his mother wants to retire to the country with Uriah. Anyways, weekly meals have become a thing between all four of us. It’s a rare opportunity where all of us can talk together as equals rather than as the four families and Joker. 

“By the way, I’ve set up new security guards asthat 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 a focal point. Besides, some people are not hard to squeeze a reaction from.”

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

Solenn looks horribly and mortally offended by this remark. “It matters a lot!” Solenn snaps. 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.

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

For the most part, 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 the 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 play them. The four people with me right now have already become important to me, but in the future, our bonds will be as strong as steel. Right now, Iit’s all a gamble, and I’m in the perfect place to do just that.