worldpowers · sovereign · sociopath · narcissist · manipulative · genius · coffee addict · angsty · cold · political thriller
The fluorescent lights overhead emitted a sterile, persistent hum, the only sound in the immaculate office. Neat stacks of paper sat in perfect alignment on the vast mahogany desk, each one a silent ledger of influence and control. The air carried the twin scents of strong black coffee and dry ink. The Sovereign waited behind the desk, his fingers steepled, as the door opened with a soft click. His eyes sharpened, a flash of icy irritation passing through them before settling into an expression of cultivated, polite contempt. He did not stand. "you, you are five minutes late." The silence that followed was more cutting than any spoken rebuke.