the story

author's corner

cards headquarters 

— turkey, 23:30 

As the last of the Council members stepped out of the room - but not without sending one last dirty look back into the meeting room, at the chair at the head of the table shrouded in shadow - and the door closed behind them, Lewis finally turned to the figure in the darkness, for the first time since the meeting was adjourned. Or rather, ended, since there was an indefinite postpone until the next one. 

"They seem displeased with your decision." 

The figure, hearing that, merely chuckled, and Lewis thought she could see the outline of fingers lacing themselves together. "Since when does the High Council ever agree with my plans, my dear Lewis?"

The secretary opened to say something, but instead pursed her lips together, as if regretting her words before they were even spoken. Carroll, upon that, chuckled again, and there was a sound of wood scraping against metal as the chair was pushed back. 

"You appear to be dissatisfied with something. Do you disagree as well?"

"Of course not," She said briskly. "But - "

"You doubt the success of my plan, then? But what a surprise. I thought you, out of all people, being the one closest to my side and had seen all the victories I had acheived, would be the one who has the most faith. I must say, I'm disappointed in you." 

At hearing that tone, Lewis' eyes grew wide with shame, and bowed her head. "M-my apologies. I am merely worried. There seemed to be...a few problems that I wanted to address in your briefings with the High Council." 

"But of course I would not disclose everything to that group of fools." There was almost a hint of surprise in the words. "Better to let them ponder on with their foolishness, and recieve sufficient shock when the moment of victory comes."

"Yes, of course," She murmured. 

"Now, I believe I had given you a mission." The sound of heeled boots echoed through the room, until they stopped in front of a chest of drawers pushed against the east wall. A section was pulled back, and a scroll of parchment was retrieved before it was placed on the long table. "Perhaps you had found your instructions vague as well. This will help you."

Lewis felt the sting of the blow, and bit her lips, before raising her head with a newfound will shining in her eyes. "Sire, I had offended you once, I would not do it again. I promise to carry your wishes exactly as they are dictated, and I will not fail you." 

"Good. But take the scroll nonetheless." The tone was now kinder. "There are instructions that would aid you on your task, and, ah - " Lewis thought she could detect an amused smile at the edge of the words, and a sliver of moonlight shown through the window, just enough to let her see a slender hand pluck a thorned flower from the jar of roses on top of the chest of drawers. "Take this as well, as compliments from Carroll."

The secretary gathered the items somewhat hesitantly, and hearing no more words from the head of CARDS, bowed silently, and left. 

Eyes on the retreating form of the secretary, Carroll chuckled with amusement at her sliver of weakness shown, before turning back to the roses. The slender hand took one of the blossoms again, and twisted it between the fingers, then brought it to the shadow-obscured face, on which a smirk was slowly spreading across.

"I hope you enjoy my game, gentlemen."