Welcome to the New Year! It was my birthday this week, and I enjoyed spending time with my family. If you'd like to get me a birthday present, become a patron at my Patreon or buy my poetry book.
It's the night before the new King of Clubs, Bohdan Zyma's wedding to Lady Antonie Roux. The Land of Clubs has been seized by excited energy. It's not often that the Big Joker personally chooses the new spouse of one of the rightful rulers of the four suits. It's an honor that Antonie never guessed she was worthy of. Although it's not late, time seems to move faster than usual, and Antonie can't relax. It must be because she resides at a hotel near Clubs Palace instead of resting at her home. Outside of letters, Antonie has never spoken to King Bohdan. Their first exchange of words will be at the altar. But before anxiety can take hold of her, there's a knock outside her suite door. Whoever it is must be from the palace or the Big Joker themself, as a select few know Antonie's location. Rising from the fainting chair, Antonie goes to open the door.
Seeing Prince Pavlo standing just beyond the entrance, Antonie quickly ushered him inside her suite. With the door closed once more, the two awkwardly stand silently by the doorway.
Prince Pavlo politely coughs in his hand, "Good evening, Lady Antonie. I hope you are doing well?"
"I am well, my lord, but what brings you by at this hour?" Antonie crosses her hands in front of her skirt.
"My royal brother desires to have a secret meeting with you before your wedding, my lady."
Antonie's eyes narrowed. "And is the Big Joker aware of His Majesty's request? I have no desire to ruin the trust placed upon me by the Big Joker."
"As a wedding gift, the Big Joker is turning her eyes away from this break in protocol."
Upon hearing this, Antonie resists the urge to look around for any possible sign of the Big Joker listening in on the conversation.
"Then I humbly accept the Big Joker's gift," Antonie curtsies.
Pavlo bows to Antonie and guides her out of the hotel under the cover of a dark cloak. They enter a discreet carriage and head towards Clubs Palace. After their brief journey to the palace, Prince Pavlo nods a short goodbye to Antonie and leaves her with a maid. The palace maid guides Antonie to a private sitting room. Taking a deep breath, Antonie enters the sitting room and spots King Bohdan Zyma sitting by the fireplace. The maid closes the sitting room door behind Antonie, leaving the couple alone.
Antonie curtsy, "Greetings, your majesty. May luck always be on your side."
"At ease, my lady, and come sit by the fireplace," King Bohdan gestures to the open seat. He notes that Antonie's frail form is shivering badly.
Taking her place beside the King, Antonie looks him directly in the eye, "May I inquire, your Majesty, enlighten me on why he summoned me? The hour is late, and it is not common practice for the King to meet their Queen before the ceremony."
Bohdan runs his hand through his ashy blonde hair, "I admit that my request for your visit is selfish. I wish we could get to know each other better before our wedding. Outside of your name and parentage, I know nothing about you. And I'm sure you are much the same."
Antonie takes in King Bohdan's polite smile and honest eyes. She returns his smile with a crooked one, "I see the wisdom in Your Majesty's desires. What are your three favorite things if you would indulge me?"
Bohdan's thick eyebrows scrunch together, "The new choreographer of the Clover Royal Ballet. Pavlo's varenyky are the best across Land of Clubs. Better than our Nana's, but you never heard me say that. And the gold pocket watch with my engraved initials, the late King of Clubs gifted me."
Antonie feels her heart soften a bit from King Bohdan's honesty. She must be mindful that opportunists will attempt to exploit the King's unclouded heart. Such openness is dangerous in politics. Even King Bohdan's clear eyes could be used against him.
Bohdan takes a moment to admire the light of the fire reflecting off of Antonie's straw-colored hair, despite her angular face communicating to him that Antonie is simply a stern woman whose smiles are rare and harsh. Speaking to her revealed that there is kindness within her. And with time, he may be granted that kindness.
Refocusing on the night's goal, Bohdan asks, "How do you feel, my lady, about becoming the next Queen of Clubs?"
Antonie smiles at the King, "I'm pretty excited and couldn't sleep because of nerves. I'm confident I'll be able to make you and our country proud."
Bohdan lets out a joyous laugh, "I'm relieved!"
"Your majesty, if you don't mind, how involved will the Big Joker be in the Land of Clubs politics?" Antonie presses her thin lips together.
"Since you'll be informed anyway, I might as well tell you now," Bohdan takes a quick breath, "The Big Joker has a say in all four suit kingdoms. She can even stall decisions made by the ruling body."
Antonie's breath gets caught in her throat; the Big Joker and Little Joker are ambiguous figures that ordinary citizens only hear whispers about. Even the nobility only know of rumors and have, on rare occasions, seen either of the Jokers. The Aces of the Senate are more familiar since they are retired Kings and Queens of the four suit kingdoms.
Antonie asks, "How involved are the Jokers in the four suit kingdoms' politics?"
"I don't know, and I believe none of the other Kings and Queens know either," Bohdan's smile is strained.
Antonie pauses her demand to know more and asks, "Will I be required to have a proper meeting with the Big Joker?"
"Unfortunately, the Big Joker will appear before you when she pleases," Bohdan says, "But don't worry about that now. What would you like to do during your first week as Queen?"
"I had hoped to gradually acclimate to my new position, Your Majesty."
"Fear not, my lady, you can take your time adjusting to Clubs Palace for however long you need."
"You have my thanks, your majesty."
Bohdan gently waves off Antonie's thanks. A subtle knock breaks Antonie's concertation for King Bohdan.
"Enter"
Prince Pavlo enters the sitting room. He gives King Bohdan a respectful bow.
"If you're here, that means our time is up?" Bohdan gives a sorrowful smile.
"I'm afraid so, my brother and King," Prince Pavlo returns his brother's smile.
King Bohdan peers at Antonie and explains, "The Big Joker only allowed our secret meeting for a brief period."
"I understand, Your Majesty, and farewell," Antonie curtsies and sneaks out of Clubs Palace with Prince Pavlo. END.
