Hey folks!
1) sorry for the painfully late update. University took up all my time because I joined an accelerated program, and I have just started medical school, which means time is even more scarce on the ground.
2) This is an extremelyshort chapter, and after you read the footnote, you'll understand why. Again, it'll be easier to read if you change the width to 3/4 or 1/2.
Enjoy this little snippet!
"How have your duties been proceeding, Ryoma darling?"
Ryoma glanced up through his lashes. Queen was in a very good mood today—her veil was a light, airy blue and her lipstick was vivid pink. Something went well in the execution of the second part of the plan.
"It's been going well, ma'am. I'm set for my second confrontation with the Tezuka team today. As you mentioned, I've started to hear rumors that they've insinuated someone into the Maiden group. They really need to work more on background for their undercover ops," he said. It was true. Momoshiro's background was shoddily planned and though the subsidiaries for the Maiden group had accepted him, many of the higher ups in the group were rumored to be suspicious. Queen herself had told Ryoma of the infiltration in their rival group, meaning that her own private network had picked up on the spy as well.
Queen fiddled with her teacup, polished nails clicking against the porcelain, before she asked, "And what about Kaidoh? Has he approached you again, to give you his silly offer?" Though her words were lighthearted, there was steel behind the smooth voice. He would have to tread carefully.
"I won't deny that he did not tempt me, in the beginning. I was new to this group and frightened by my inexperience. I mean, I was just a stupid street kid, " he said, "But now that I've learned my way around and earned my spot here with you, how can I choose his offer of a stilted, half-promised freedom? I would always be looking over my shoulder, indebted to his people and chased by my past."
He tried to hold her eyes from behind her veil. Her half-lidded, calculating stare sent a muted chill down his spine, but he forced himself to hold still. It would not do to show uncertainty or fear.
When finally she saw what she was looking for, she sat back and smiled, bright lips curling up with satisfaction. They twitched sideways with some new emotion, but before Ryoma could decipher it, it was gone.
He was just contemplating whether or not to excuse himself when she stood up and offered him her hand, saying, "It is time for my meeting with the Nobles. It is also high time that I introduced you to them. Would you like to accompany me?"
His voice stuck in his throat—the Nobles? Though the system of rank in the Shadow group was different from traditional yakuza, the general hierarchy was still firmly entrenched. No matter what personal favor he might have from the Queen, they would only see him as a lowly hitman, part of the brawn and below the notice of the powerful elite.
"I would be honored, ma'am. I hope that my presence will not offend?" he couldn't question her decision outright, but he hope she would understand his hesitation.
Queen stops and looks at him. Suddenly, he has the feeling that something momentous is coming, something significant. His throat tightens as he wonders if he's risked his life by expressing his uncertainty, by questioning her judgment, however subtly. When she opens her mouth, though, his world explodes.
Aaand ..that's all. Literally I have no idea what I planned to follow this. I'm going to be honest-I've lost a lot of my old plot notes, so this may end up in a wildly different direction than originally intended. The good guys might not always win. (The good guys might not be who you think they are). Please review and leave me comments, ideas, your thoughts, anything! If you really want to get chatting, PM me for my kik ID. I'm open to discussing and throwing around story ideas with you! (just note that because I'm studying 24/7, I might be slow to respond.)