Four Cards: Part Two (special preview)

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.”