DC: Dark Monarch

12: The Proposition [3]

I woke up from my power nap to the sound of a persistent knocking on the door. Groaning a little, I rolled out of bed and made my way to the entrance.

Opening the door, I found Sandra standing there in her classic red outfit.

"Master has summoned you for supper." She informed me, handing me an invitation to the dinner.

I followed her to the dining room, which was huge, probably bigger than some people's entire homes.

Letting out a sigh, I realised this was the moment of truth. I glanced at Ra's, who was seated at the head of the table, with Talia sitting next to him, all composed and collected.

There was a spread of food that looked like a feast from a mediaeval movie—some dishes steaming hot, others icy cold. Ra's looked at me as I walked in.

"Take a seat, Wayne." He said, pointing to a chair on his right. I didn't bother responding, just did what he said.

"Perhaps we should continue our discussion after the meal." Ra's proposed. "Let's not allow the food to grow cold."

I nodded in agreement and began to partake in the meal. The feast passed in an almost eerie silence, which only added to the awkwardness of the situation. Dining with them was a novel experience, with Sandra as the sole other presence in the room.

Eventually, after dessert was served, Sandra signalled for the servants to clear the table, leaving us to converse in private.

Ra's wiped his hands on a towel and turned his gaze toward me, his expression hopeful.

"I assume you have reached a decision." He ventured, holding his head high and waiting for my response.

I offered a smile and a nod. "Yes, I have."

Pausing briefly, I repeated to myself that this was the point of no return. No backing out now.

"I accept." I declared. Ra's lips curled into a satisfied smile, his smirk growing wider at my answer. "I accept the role of your successor."

"Marvelous." Ra's exclaimed, clapping his hands in approval.
"But I have a condition." My words abruptly halted his jubilation. Ra's furrowed his brows, and Talia mirrored the same expression.
"The fact that I've accepted your offer should stay within this room." I said, as this had been on my mind since Ra's presented his proposal.

Ra's leaned back, intrigued. He linked his fingers together, resting his hands on the table and focused those sharp eyes on me.

"Tell me Bruce, I'm curious about why you want to keep this a secret?"

"You have been on your mission for a perfect world for centuries and I believe you would give your everything to achieve it." I calmly answered. "But I doubt if I can expect the same from the other members of the League."

"You question their loyalty to the League?" Sandra questioned, almost sounding offended by my insinuation.

"I question their motives." I replied without taking my eyes off Ra's.

My intention wasn't to throw them under the bus or spark some internal chaos. I just needed Ra's to trust me more than the rest. I know I can earn his trust with time, but for now, a little push in the right direction would do the trick.

If I remember anything about Ra's al Ghul from my barely clinging comic knowledge is that he was paranoid just like Bruce.

"The world is shifting." I started, gaining the attention of both al Ghuls. "In my travels around the globe, I've seen people do things that were impossible before."