A Single Black Rose (An Ikemen Revolution Fanfiction)

Chapter 1. 9 of Hearts

The red and white carriage adorned in extravagant golden rose patterns was being pulled along by a sleek brown horse. My family were set to have a meeting with Lancelot, the King of Hearts. Due to a lack of male descendants, we were required to discuss the future of the title of 9 of Hearts. My father currently held the title, however, his age was beginning to wear him down. It would have been so much simpler if I was able to take over the role, but because I am a woman, I am barred from it. My mother moved to place her hand on top of mine, facing me with a consoling smile. I am sure she shared my perspective, but we both knew it was futile; the Red Army placed utmost importance on upholding their deep-rooted traditions. 

As the Red Army Headquarters came into view, the carriage slowed. When we came to a stop, a soldier was awaiting us, tasked with escorting us to Lancelot's office though we knew the way. As we walked through the corridors, I glanced out the many windows where a head of light mint coloured hair I had become familiar with as a child caught my attention. Jonah - the Queen of Hearts - was standing at the bridge with a few soldiers. I wondered if I would have the chance to speak with him, as it had been a few years since we last spoke outside of formalities. We reached Lancelot's office and the soldier knocked on the  door.

"Enter," came Lancelot's resonant voice from inside the room. The soldier opened the door and saluted at us before returning to his other duties. Though I had been inside the headquarters before, I had never entered Lancelot's office. The room was covered in lavish red décor and had an air of authority. My father immediately bowed to him more gracefully than I had ever seen from him. Without needing words, Lancelot motioned for us to have a seat in the chairs provided. He surely was the King. I accidentally met eyes with him after I was seated before quickly diverting my eyes down towards the carpet. He was completely expressionless, though I managed to notice slight dark circles beneath his piercing blue eyes. 

"You already know why we are here, so I will get straight to the point," Lancelot began. "What do you propose will be the future of the 9 of Hearts?"

"I have begun consulting some close relatives if they have sons keen to take over the role," my father replied. Neither of my parents made any mention of this plan to me. Though it bothered me they withheld this information from me, they wouldn't have wanted to delude me into believing I could take over the role.

"Are there any that have considered the proposal and are capable?" Lancelot queried.

"Yes, sir. A few have trained under me in the past." The two continued to discuss the next-in-line for the 9 of Hearts. I couldn't help the outraged feeling swelling up inside me. My father taught me sword fighting as though I was a son. If anyone knew the level of capability required to be in the Chosen Thirteen, it was me. My eyes honed in on Lancelot; any trace of inferiority I had felt towards him had vanished. I needed to seize the opportunity.

"If I may, King Lancelot..." I chimed in as I rose from my seat. Panic filled my father's eyes as he stumbled to interject me.

"Ah, my king, please pay no heed to my daughter, she is-"

"As the daughter of the present 9 of Hearts, I have learned skills akin to those employed among high-ranking officers. I am most familiar with the techniques of my father's sword fighting, and thus, would be a befitting successor to the title," I asserted. My father sent a worried look towards my mother.

"You have conviction, girl; I'll commend your efforts," Lancelot remarked. "Though with your knowledge, you must be aware that women are prohibited from serving in the Red Army, let alone have a place in the Chosen Thirteen."

"I am the direct bloodline to the 9 of Hearts. Is lineage not also a predominant tradition within the Red Army?" I rebutted. I was playing his own cards against him. Finally, my father reentered the conversation whilst bowing stiffly at Lancelot. 

"King Lancelot, I offer my apologies for my daughter acting out of line. She is in no position to challenge your authority."

Lancelot raised a hand toward my father, stating, "your daughter has a resolve that exceeds my expectations and offers valid arguments. I will discuss this matter further with the other high-ranking officers." My family were all shocked by Lancelot's response. None of us ever expected this conclusion. We sat with equally perplexed expressions when Lancelot spoke again to conclude the meeting. Each of us repeatedly thanked him until we were chauffeured out of the office. It was only until we were in the security of our home that we began expressing our excitement over the prospect of me becoming the future 9 of Hearts. Everyone would be astounded if they saw a woman in such a role. I couldn't wait to prove myself, but I had to await the final verdict.