the story

author's corner

streets of paris

—  2010; 14:30

  Coils of smoke unfurled from a teacup of coffee, which was sitting beside the edge of a plate of French pastries. Slim fingers curled around the handle, about to bring it to the red lips hiding behind an enormous newspaper, before they pause as a certain woman came into view.

  "Madame." A slight folding down of her newspaper allowed the woman to catch a glimpse of the faery standing in front of her, which immediately made her turn it back up. 

  "Madame," The voice came more insistent, eliciting an exasperated sigh from the woman, who, instead of answering, merely went on to the next page of her newspaper. "S'il-vous-plaît - "

  "You can speak English, Chess, I understand it perfectly." Manicured hands folded the paper, before placing it meticulously onto the glass table. The same hands then removed a pair of black shades, revealing startling blue-green eyes that bore into Chess', who returned the stare calmly. "So what are you doing here? I thought this mission wasn't due until - " 

  "The King wants you back, Celeste." 

  At that, Celeste gave another exasperated sigh. "He always seems to want something, Chess. He wants me to go on this mission, and now he wants to call me back. Well, tell him I'm busy, and I don't have time for his whims - " 

  "Gemini is being reformed, Celeste." At that, the woman gave a start, and her expression carefully arranged itself into something more sombre. Chess made her way to the table, and took a seat opposite of her. "The King wants you back for a formal introduction." 

  Celeste raised her eyebrows slightly, then leaned forward, studying the other's eyes properly. They held the stare for a long time, before Chess averted her gaze slightly. Then Celeste sighed, before straightening up and putting her glasses back on. "How many?" 

  "Seven, including you." 

  "And the King?"

  There was a slight pause. "He expresses his condolences and has of yet refused to make any attempts at mending his relationships with...ah, his former allies." 

  Celeste coughed delicately at that, then turned her attention back to the coffee cup. Emptying it in one go, she then took her newspaper, stuffed it into her purse, and stood. "I understand why he wants me back now. That person has no regard whatsoever for diplomatic relations, and he needs me to slap some sense into him." At that, Chess let out a small snort. "Come on, lead the way." 

  "Of course." The faery stood as well. A slight motion of her fingers summoned a dark circle, within it a dark swirling mess resembling a storm, before the details reformed itself into an image of a familiar setting - 

  "The King's study." Celeste cocked her head at that. "Wouldn't my own quarters be better?" 

  "He requests you immediately, apparently. " Slight regret seeped through to her tone, though her face betrayed nothing. "You would likely to have time to wash up later to prepare for the banquet tonight." A look at Chess showed that business was in order again. "After you, please. Almeta." 

  "Yes, of course." The woman straightened herself.

  "Agent Chess."