"So, it all comes down to this..." Alois grins at his butler from across the mahogany desk. "It's not too late for you to back out of our little game."
Claude's eyes flicker from the boy to the two remaining cards in front of him; the six of clubs and the queen of diamonds. The demon smirks to himself. There was no way Alois would choose the correct card. He knew his master like the back of his hand, having spent months upon months studying his behavior. The boy would choose the left card, Claude was sure of it.
"I have no intention of quitting.." The butler insists, shifting his gaze back to Alois. "It's your move.."
"Alright, which card shall I choose?" Alois puts a finger to his chin as he eyes the back of Claude's cards. He reaches a hand out, then pulls it back. "Hmm...now if I were you, where would I keep the winning card?" He reaches his hand out again, letting it dance dramatically over the two cards. "I believe the winning card is..." He grasps the right hand card, snatching it from the butler. "Here!"
Claude looks down at his remaining card; the queen of diamonds.
"Oh my, it looks like you've been stuck with the Old Maid again." Alois declares smugly, displaying his winning hand to the butler. "I guess this just isn't your game."
Claude sets the card down, a hint of confusion spreading across his face. How did Alois keep beating him? This was the eighth time he had played this childish game with his master today, and each time he'd been utterly defeated. He put his hand under his chin, thinking. There must be a secret, a special skill, to playing this game.
No, that was absurd. It was just a foolish children's game.
But still...
Claude sighs, defeated. "I must admit you are a truly worthy adversary." He stands from his chair and puts a hand to his chest, bowing to his young master. "Now, if you'll excuse me I must go and prepare your lunch."
"Very well.." Alois carelessly waves a hand in the air, dismissing the butler. Claude turns on his heel and begins heading towards the door, until he suddenly stops in his tracks. He turns back around to face Alois. "Your highness?"
"Yes, Claude?"
"I was just...curious, how did learn to play the game so well?"
Alois smirks at the demon. "Why Claude...I'm surprised at you. You don't believe that there is actually a secret to the game, do you? It is merely a game of chance." Claude simply nods, then takes his leave. Alois turns his attention back to the cards on the desk. He picks up the queen of diamonds, his grin widens. "Of course, I do have my ways..."
He had been looking at Claude's cards through the reflection in his glasses the entire time...