A Weekend Affair # 2 - The Black Breakfast

[Prophet]

He watched with baited breath as his wife laughed in the most beautiful way a person could possibly laugh.

Haleigh: "I would gladly agree to that, except I'm pretty sure Ash would be pissed if we skipped the Red Hunt to enjoy an abundance of sexual activity, when she has to put a halt to her own pleasure just to host said event."

Cameron laughed.

"As if the great outdoors are going to stop her. If anything, they'll only stoke her flames even more."

He smiled at his wife as he thought about The Red Queen. The two were friendly, but they operated on very different playing fields. The White King was elated that he was now able to produce an heir, but he couldn't be ignorant to the consequences of his wife's decision. She was as impulsive as he was, and she had never had to worry about conception. Cameron was expecting a lapse here and there, possibly a scare, but he was not going to allow that scare to involve The Red King. The dissolution of the relationship between Ashley and Alek was a confusing one, and it made them even more enigmatic. Where did they stand? Did they truly hate each other? Why did they continue to rule at each other's side? Why hadn't one of them taken the other out and moved on. Or made any move at all? There needed to be a conclusion to this war of roses in the red court, and Cameron had made the decision of who he would back for that conclusion - Ashley. But he needed to know her thoughts before he did anything else.

"But I would never miss an event that involves guns, horses, alcohol and stalking prey..."

He smirked at his wife and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Reminds me of our honeymoon."

Cameron leaned up from the bed after a few moments, grabbing a white robe as he balled it in his hands, heading towards the bathroom.

"We both have things to attend to before Arklay, I guess. But my Queen..."

[winking]

"Save me a seat on the plane, will ya?"

Making his way towards the bathroom, he changed into a casual white outfit, inspired by what his pristine white outfit might look like covered in blood, as he headed out of his room and down the hall to his quarters, a few moments before he could hear Ashley arriving. He had hand prepared her favorite drink and it was waiting for her on his desk as she entered the room.

"Well don't you look lovely. Please, take a seat."

He sat when she did, taking a light drink of his scotch as he set the glass down on the table. Cameron eyed the woman up and down and could sense the presence of AJ outside the door. This was a good sign. Many women entertained relationships with their knights. Cameron did with his own. There was just something wildly romantic about anybody who would pick up their sword and defend you with their life. It was alluring and intoxicating. The emotions swirling between them were deep, hot and primal. But that kind of intensity was something Ashley REQUIRED of her relationships. It was the standard she applied in choosing a true mate. Cameron needed to know how deep this really was. He cleared his throat for a moment.

"I was going to ease into this initially, but neither of us are good at soft landings, so I'll cut to the chase."

[thinking]

"Alek is....Alek. I enjoy him. I even respect him. There is a reason I allow him to fuck my wife so freely..."

Cameron smirked as he recalled their dalliance in the garden yesterday as he took another drink of his scotch, setting it down, his face returning to a more controlled and serious tone.

"But my wife and I's circumstances have changed...Haleigh has found herself with the ability to get pregnant."

Ashley never gave anything away in her face. She merely blinked at him, but he persisted.

"He is becoming a lone wolf, Ashley. He makes no attempt with the black court outside of Cobra, and his only interest in the white court is my wife. He does not even like his own Queen. This is a problem."

He leaned back in his office chair, crossing his leg over one of his knees.

"Outside of all that..I am no fool. There is a desire he has for Haleigh that I have kept in check for quite some time, and I know that to tell him he can't do something is to watch him raid the henhouse. I respect my wife. I trust her with every fiber of my being, but that doesn't make either of us perfect. She is capable of mistakes, just as we all are. And while I have thought there is no depth I will not swim in to support her through those mistakes, becoming pregnant with The Red King's child is my limit."

[flatly]

"I will not be embarrassed like that, and I will not raise a runt and give him the King family name. And there is a part of me that believes a child between Alek and Haleigh would also cause you great pain. Essentially, Ashley...what I am asking is..."

The White King leaned in, meeting the gaze of The Red Queen.

"How set are you on keeping Alek around?"

 

[Persephone]

John: “And I love you, Ava, my Queen.”

Ava hugged John tightly as he slowly lowered her to her feet. The warm water rushing over her body, the way his arms held her, the euphoric high he just gave her? She didn't want to leave their shower chamber. But he pulled back enough to make Ava look up at him, his hands taking her face causing her to smile. He gently raised her face up enough to kiss her, Ava sighing into it happily. John then reached behind them and shut the water off before taking her hand and leading her out of the shower.

"I don't think I washed you..."

Ava laughed, realizing that John pretty much washed every inch of her and she didn't get to return the gesture. He opened up one of the large black towels for her, Ava stepping into it before he wrapped it around her shoulders.

"You're very distracting."

She grinned, holding the towel securely shut as he wrapped his own around his waist before she leaned in and gave him a small peck on the lips. Ava then headed out into their bedroom, knowing she needed to get her head in the game and actually get ready. It was unfortunate, but a Queen's job was never done, not even for a couple hours apparently. So she headed into her large walk in closet to finally get dress, exiting it a few minutes later wearing tight button down black dress that looked like a men's dress shirt with some little black leather booty shorts that peaked out on the high cut sides of the dress, and black thick healed ankle booties. She opted for something sexy yet with a little bit of functionality in case she needed to hop on a horse. Plus, she had promised John something easily discarded.

"Alek is such an asshole."

Ava grumbled as she walked over to her vanity and picked up a some sea salt spray to put into her damp wavy hair.

"I know he purposely picked hunting for the mid day event because he knows I hate it."

Rolling her eyes, she looked into the mirror behind her at John, her fingers scrunching the salt spray into her hair.

"Are you going to participate?"

Ava turned around, leaning her butt against the vanity so she could watch John dress. He could do whatever he waned, and if hunting pleased him, Ava wouldn't stand in his way. She wasn't one of those radical PETA people who tried to shove her beliefs down people's throats, but it was a known fact Ava was a vegetarian and hated the act of hunting because of her ability to communicate with animals.

"I don't care if you want to.....i'm just curious."

She softly smiled, reassuring him she wouldn't be mad if he wanted to.

 

[Steel]

The Shower

He helped Ava out of the shower. They did eventually have to get to Arklay. Though Ava could just tornado them there which would leave more time to... He shook his head. If they went back to bed they'd never leave it, which sounded fantastic to his man brain but his king brain knew that was not a possibility.

"I don't think I washed you..."

He shared a salacious smile with her.

"Oh, you got me very soapy indeed."

He wrapped her in one of the large fluffy bath towels, rubbing her upper arms through the towel.

"You're very distracting."

She gave him a peck on the lips and he smiled.

"I aim to distract you later as well."

Ava went to get dressed, and John opened the door to his (much smaller) closet. His clothes had been brought from his room during breakfast, but looking he realized he was going to have to buy more suits. Internally, he sighed, never having been a suit and tie man himself. But his new position required it. For this afternoon, though, he pulled out black slacks and a black button down dress shirt. A day in the country called for something more casual, especially ahead of the festivities planned for that night. Ava was at the vanity fixing her hair, but she looked amazing already. He was happy that she'd chosen shorts for under her dress, or he might have killed something human at Arklay instead of animal.

"Alek is such an asshole. I know he purposely picked hunting for the mid day event because he knows I hate it. Are you going to participate?"

He smiled, knowing Ava's distaste for hunting and feeling like this might be a test, though he knew she'd never admit that he didn't have a choice. He came up behind her, watching her in the mirror, and kissed her cheek.

"I'm pretty sure I already promised my Queen that I'd keep her in my arms all day."

He started pulling on his clothes and she turned around and watched him, which made him smirk. John liked Alek, but what he didn't like was his obvious dislike of Ava, and disdain for his own queen. And he would not put it past Alek for one second, that he would choose hunting as a distraction for the day just because Ava despised it so. But still, bridges needed to be built.

"It was probably Ashley's idea. You know that's her thing. The entire Red Court's, really. It fits them."

The Red Court was less finesse and more brute force, in contrast to the other courts. If it wasn't for Ava, he himself would have been a good candidate for Red, but she had changed him for the better, made him into the man he was now.

"I don't care if you want to.....I'm just curious."

He left the top buttons of his shirt undone, rolling up his cuffs as he walked back over to her.

"I know. But I just want to spend the day next to you. I promise."

He leaned down to give her a soft kiss on the lips. It was true - he didn't need to go off into the woods for hours to do something he wasn't really interested in in the first place. He wanted to enjoy being able to sit beside his Queen as her King.

 

[Valkyrie]

Cameron's Study

She walked into the study, ready for the large amount of eye rolling she was about to do. Cameron especially had no right to lecture her. He could just as easily have been in her same position, had he become Ava's Black King before meeting Haleigh. It was mere good luck for him that Haleigh had grown up here with them, as he so liked to remind the rest of them who hadn't.

"Well don't you look lovely. Please, take a seat."

She did, in fact, roll her eyes then.

"Don't try to charm me, Cameron King. I'm not a serving girl."

He did have a whisky waiting for her, which was a point in his favor, however. She raised the glass in salute and took a drink, sitting down in the chair he'd indicated. She crossed her legs at the knee, but leaned back in the seat casually.

"I was going to ease into this initially, but neither of us are good at soft landings, so I'll cut to the chase. Alek is....Alek. I enjoy him. I even respect him. There is a reason I allow him to fuck my wife so freely..."

Ashley scoffed, offering him eye roll number two in response.

"Yes, everyone enjoys Alek. And he enjoys most of them as well."

Alek was the kind of guy that charmed the women, drank with the men, and tortured with the psychos. He knew how to ingratiate himself with virtually anyone - and that coupled with his spy network and complete nonchalance about committing horrific acts of violence was why he was so effective as a king. But it also made him a man that it was a very unappealing prospect to be bound to.

"But my wife and I's circumstances have changed...Haleigh has found herself with the ability to get pregnant."

She stared at Cameron, nothing changing in her expression. But her insides were roiling. Haleigh pregnant? Oh that was just the icing on the cake. Týr was certainly handing her punishment for something today, that was for sure. These women, with their perfect lives and their perfect mates. Getting to have their families and their corporations and every other king falling over themselves to fuck them. Their happiness.

Her conversation with her Knight came back to her like a knife in the heart. When was it her turn?

And now Cameron was going to tell her she had to give up the one good thing she had, to keep Alek away from his wife so she wouldn't have a bastard? Well, fuck that.

"He is becoming a lone wolf, Ashley. He makes no attempt with the black court outside of Cobra, and his only interest in the white court is my wife. He does not even like his own Queen. This is a problem."

She took another drink, looking Cameron in the eyes, sizing him up.

"If you think anything I do will make him return to my bed, I can assure you, it won't. He's made that very clear. Not that I want him there."

"Outside of all that..I am no fool. There is a desire he has for Haleigh that I have kept in check for quite some time, and I know that to tell him he can't do something is to watch him raid the henhouse. I respect my wife. I trust her with every fiber of my being, but that doesn't make either of us perfect. She is capable of mistakes, just as we all are. And while I have thought there is no depth I will not swim in to support her through those mistakes, becoming pregnant with The Red King's child is my limit."

She nodded, understanding. The very idea was disgusting. That Alek should have a child with Haleigh, of all people. That he should get everything he wanted while subjecting her to this torment? It made her want to cut his dick off with a dull knife. She scoffed.

"I'm sure every continent is sporting at least one Berserker knock off somewhere. Including Antarctica."

"I will not be embarrassed like that, and I will not raise a runt and give him the King family name. And there is a part of me that believes a child between Alek and Haleigh would also cause you great pain. Essentially, Ashley...what I am asking is...

It would hurt her. But not perhaps for the reasons he thought. She didn't love him, she didn't want him back. And perhaps the damage had already been done. As soon as Alek found out that Haleigh could get pregnant, it would be just one more cruel barb he would use to show why Ashley wasn't good enough, and certainly not as good as Haleigh.

"How set are you on keeping Alek around?"

Ashley expelled the air from her lungs slowly before responding. What he was implying, though not strictly treasonous, was very serious indeed.

"It's not a leap for anyone to see that Alek is not the king I would choose for myself."

She took a sip of whisky. Alek was...complicated. It wasn't just a simple matter of her slitting his throat and replacing him.

"But he is good at being King, and we have a strong and loyal Court. He knows how to put our partnership in the Court above his personal feelings: he restricts his hateful comments mostly to the times we are alone. The five of us, we...did something monumental, together. But it was also something that set a very concerning precedent. What makes this Club different is the strength and comradery of our leaders. That we aren't trying to kill each other. Alek may think Ava is a spoiled rich brat, but he respects her, and he obviously respects Haleigh. And craves their respect in return. Our relationship with each other gives us all a certain security in our position. As does the justified nature of what we did, in the eyes of most of the members of our Courts. If we start removing each other now, for what they would see as petty reasons...it would set us up as no better than those we ousted. And thus fair game. The Black Knight, for example, she has eyes that are bigger than her stomach... Plus if Alek were...taken care of...your wife for one would not be pleased."

She set her glass down on the desk.

"Do I want to be rid of Alek as my King? Of course. But I cannot sanction his unprovoked murder. We worked too hard to get here to watch it all crumble."

She leaned forward, looking him square in the eyes, her own cold and hard.

"But if he comes at me or mine? He'd better be ready to die for it, because I will not show him an ounce of mercy if he threatens me."

She knew Alek would hear that comment, one way or another, and she wanted him to.

 

[Persephone]

Ava was staring into the vanity mirror fixing her hair as she asked if John was going to participate in the Red Court hunt. It was a barbaric custom that made absolutely no sense in this day and age, but it was something people enjoyed doing. She secretly hoped John wouldn't, but she wouldn't hold it against him if he did. He was his own man with his own hobbies.

John: "I'm pretty sure I already promised my Queen that I'd keep her in my arms all day."

Looking at him through the mirror as he approached her from behind, he gave her a kiss on the cheek causing Ava to smile.

"Good answer."

She teased. John went to finish getting dressed and Ava turned around, happily watching him button up a similar black dress shirt to what she was wearing. It clung to his toned body, and he left a few buttons undone exposing his chest. It was very distracting.

John: "It was probably Ashley's idea. You know that's her thing. The entire Red Court's, really. It fits them."

Rolling her eyes, Ava scoffed.

"Yeah, I know it's her thing. It's still revolting. You're not living in the 1800's anymore, get over it."

Ava snapped. She was more bitter about Ashley's reaction to John being appointed King rather than the actual hunting event, but her anger was bleeding into other topics. Ashley had always been like a sister to her which was why it was Ava's natural reaction to lash out and withdraw herself from someone who hurt her so she wouldn't get hurt any further. Inhaling a deep breath, she slowly exhaled looking at John as he finished cuffing his sleeves around his forearms. She didn't mean to snap at him, she was just annoyed about the overall situation. She told him if he wanted to hunt it was completely fine, that she was just curious if she'd be without her King for a few hours at Arklay. He began to walk toward her and deep down she was hoping he'd say he'd stay by her side.

John: "I know. But I just want to spend the day next to you. I promise."

The tension left Ava's body as he leaned in and softly kissed her. Ava wrapped her arms around him, hugging herself to him.

"I love you."

She whispered, John like the beacon of light in the stormy coastal waters. He always drew her back from the brink of her emotions. And when Ava acted on her emotions? The walls usually ended up painted red with blood.

"Maybe we can go riding together?"

She pulled back to look up at him.

"Like we used to at my father's estate outside London."

She smiled, remembering when they were younger and Ava trying to teach John how to ride a horse. He was terrible back then, which was quite amusing. But as the years went on, he was almost as good a rider as Ava - she of course being the best equestrian rider in the Hellfire Club.

"I'm sure we could get lost for a couple hours....being such a vast property and all..."

Ava grinned at the thought, pressing her lips against John's with a little mischevious giggle.

 

[Hex]

Brienne was fucking him like she were riding a bull, hard, deep, and relentless. His cries only fueled her, and seeing that he couldn't do a damn thing to stop her made her even more hot and bothered. His head flung back against the bed, his eyes shut in utter pleasure. She asked him if he wanted to come and he began to beg her making her grin salaciously. The Red King begging for release? It was almost as good as an orgasm itself. Almost. She continued to fuck him, the pleasure building within her until finally she began to cry out in unison with Alek, all of her feelings being flooded onto him causing him to find his release as well. Her body shuddered, heart pounded, mind dizzied. She gripped his pecks, hunching over as she finally came to a stop, panting out heavily. They were both silent, Brienne still catching her breath until she finally lifted her head to look at Alek. He was laying there like she had literally just killed him with pleasure.

"You alive, love?"

She quipped with a smirk, the leather belt untying around his wrists before falling limp onto the bed above him.

Alek: "Shit baby."

He finally opened his eyes to look at her and he looked dazed and high. It was satisfying to see, Brienne smiling widely as she laid her body down on top of his, her hands sliding up his arms that were still positioned above his head. Brienne pressed her lips against Alek's for a long kiss before pulling back enough to look at him with a sly smile.

"Gotta go."

Lifting herself up, she climbed off Alek and slipped off the bed. Picking up her discarded slacks, she began to pull them on.

"I want to fuck you the rest of my stay."

She said matter of factly, zipping her trousers up before bending down to grab her shirt.

"You're fun...."

Brienne grinned, pulling her top on over her head before sweeping her long blonde hair out onto her shoulders. She bent down to pick up her heals by the straps before walking back over to Alek.

"Next time we'll get dirty with slaves...I want to see you red with blood."

She connected her mouth with his heatedly, the thought of Alek coated with warm blood and fucking her making her wet once again. Her tongue invaded his mouth, her kiss deep and primal like they hadn't just got done fucking. Her hand gripped his face, holding him steady until finally, Brienne broke the kiss.

"Ciao."

With that, Brienne breezed her way out of Alek's room and disappeared back to the Black Wing to get ready for the midday event.

 

[Berserker]

Alek's Suite

Fucking her was like fucking in a goddamn dream. And when he finally came he felt like he was about to go into a coma from feeling so fucking good.

"You alive, love?"

He cursed, expressing with a minimum of words how damn amazing she had been. He wanted to keep her in his pocket forever. She pressed her body against him, her mouth kissing his, and he thought she might try for another round. Which, he was feeling utterly unprepared for, if he were honest with himself. But then she flitted up off the bed and started to get dressed. He pushed himself up on one elbow, watching her, still riding the high that was sex with Hex.

"I want to fuck you the rest of my stay. You're fun...."

He laughed.

"I think I can make that happen."

I want to fuck you the rest of my life.

She grinned, sadly dressed now, and came toward him.

"Next time we'll get dirty with slaves...I want to see you red with blood."

God the thought of fucking her in someone else's blood made him desperately want to get hard again, despite how painful a prospect that would be at the moment.

"Baby, it's like someone plucked you from my dreams."

She kissed him deeply, and he returned it, exploring her mouth with his tongue. He didn't know if she was trying to shock him or not, but regardless, it was turning him the hell back on. And then with a ciao she was gone and his balls ached like someone had been stomping on them. He forced himself out of bed and to a cold shower. He did have to get to the hunting event within a reasonable window of time from its beginning, since he was hosting it. Well he and Ashley. But she had agreed to let him take the lead for this one, and he had something special planned for her.

When he went out into the mountains to hunt, he wore jeans, and often came back wearing very little of what he started with. But for something like this, he had to look the part, especially in front of these particular guests. So he chose a formal shirt and tie, khaki vest and trousers, and a deep red hunting coat and boots. Suitably dressed, he made his way to the roof. Helicopters were standing by to transport the inner circle and their guests to Arklay. He hopped into the luxury interior and a short ride later was deposited on the grounds, stepping out into the cool air and sunshine.

Everything had been set up ahead of time. A large red tent had been put up on the perfectly manicured lawn, with fine linens, china and crystal place settings on the round tables underneath where lunch would be served by red-uniformed waiters in starched gloves. A wooden floor had been put up for the guests to walk on, which extended to the well appointed bar which had been set up on the grass nearby as well, in addition to a large glass gazebo. Servers prepared trays of champagne, dark red wine and hors d'ouevres to be passed around to the guests. A short distance away on the grounds, a shooting range had been erected, as well as an archery field, both manned by attractive Red personnel. But the day's main activity would take place in the extensive forest land, a cornucopia of opportunity for even the most novice hunter, but offering challenge for the seasoned tracker as well.

All was as Alek had specified, and he was pleased, taking a glass of champagne from a tray and savoring what would certainly be an afternoon to remember.

 

[Steel]

The Black King & Queen's Bedroom

Steel tried to deflect Ava's ire off of Alek, but it only brought it down full force onto Ashley.

"Yeah, I know it's her thing. It's still revolting. You're not living in the 1800's anymore, get over it."

He raised his eyebrows at Ava's tone while he finished rolled up his shirt sleeves. She was much more upset about Ashley's reaction to their announcement than she had let on. He assured her with a kiss that he wouldn't be hunting, that he wanted to stay with her today. He felt her relax as she hugged her arms around him.

"I love you."

"Me too, babe."

"Maybe we can go riding together? Like we used to at my father's estate outside London."

He grimaced, remembering many a day with a sore backside. But he had always wanted to keep his eye on her, so if she was going by horse, so had he.

"I'm sure we could get lost for a couple hours....being such a vast property and all..."

She giggled, kissing his lips again.

"As long as you aren't planning to lead me out into the forest then leave me for dead."

He smiled at her, acknowledging with no loss of pride that she was the expert rider between the two of them.

"But getting lost with you sounds perfect."

And dangerous, he thought, hands sliding down to cup her buttocks. They might never be seen again.

"Now is there anything you want me to focus on today - other than you?"

His face screwed up into a sign of displeasure.

"And keeping Archer the bloody fuck away from you?"

 

[Prophet]

Hellfire Club - Cameron's Study


"How set are you on keeping Alek around?"

Cameron knew that he was treading on dangerous territory here, but he was careful with his words, as one had to be in Hellfire. Cameron had positioned himself very well in Hellfire, but the constant variable in his status always led to the Red Court, simply because his ties were deeper witth the others. He had came into manhood within these walls, having grown up with Haleigh, Ava, Benjamin and even Gia. Haleigh was his wife and Ava was a sister to him. Try as he may, he just hadn't found an in on The Red Court. They seemed to speak a language he did not, which was very important for them as a united Inner Circle, but it left Cameron feeling a bit out of control, which he didn't like. He was hoping he might be able to connect to Ashley but it was clear that he had underestimated Ashley's sense of allegiance and ideals as he listened to her speak.

Ashley: "It's not a leap for anyone to see that Alek is not the king I would choose for myself."

"It's not even a HOP..but go on."

Ashley: "But he is good at being King, and we have a strong and loyal Court. He knows how to put our partnership in the Court above his personal feelings: he restricts his hateful comments mostly to the times we are alone. The five of us, we...did something monumental, together. But it was also something that set a very concerning precedent. What makes this Club different is the strength and comradery of our leaders. That we aren't trying to kill each other. Alek may think Ava is a spoiled rich brat, but he respects her, and he obviously respects Haleigh. And craves their respect in return. Our relationship with each other gives us all a certain security in our position. As does the justified nature of what we did, in the eyes of most of the members of our Courts. If we start removing each other now, for what they would see as petty reasons...it would set us up as no better than those we ousted. And thus fair game. The Black Knight, for example, she has eyes that are bigger than her stomach... Plus if Alek were...taken care of...your wife for one would not be pleased."

Cameron was a bit in awe of the way she was able to separate her own feelings for the good of the club, but he also found it a bit sad. She had put her blood, sweat and tears into this uprising as they all had, but she was getting the short end of the stick. Cameron had gotten everything he wanted in this, as had Haleigh and Ava. Still, she made many a good points, and her lack of bloodlust for Alek's head aside, he was very glad that he was having this conversation with her.

Ashley: "Do I want to be rid of Alek as my King? Of course. But I cannot sanction his unprovoked murder. We worked too hard to get here to watch it all crumble."

"Oh Ashley, nobody said anything about MURDER..."

"Directly that is.."

Ashley: "But if he comes at me or mine? He'd better be ready to die for it, because I wll not show him an ounce of mercy if he threatens me."

"Dualy noted."

This last bit was interesting.

"You mean if he comes after you or your knight, right? The thoughts I am entertaining at this moment, I agree, are a bit troubling for the course of action this club needs to take. But you are playing a dangerous game yourself..one you know will not end well. You want The Inner Circle to remain a unified front, and yet...you are priming a man [Savage], a very impulsive...wild man to be the very thing that destroys that united front. Your knight does not respect his king, and I don't have to be an empath to know that his feelings for you are more than just passion...You say you cannot sanction Alek's unprovoked murder..which is noble...but a manufactured murder based on the slightest provocation is just as bad..."

[thinking]

"Don't get me wrong..I will not chastise you for your relationship with your Knight. In fact, I support it. But let's not pretend. AJ is a beast, and that's why you love him. But wolves cannot be domesticated. They can be trained to sit, and to fetch, and perhaps even to wear a collar. But we both know that there is always a chance they will eat your face. I want you to be happy..I really do."

He stirred the olive stick in his glass as he tapped it on the rim of the glass.

"But...The Red Knight will reach a point where he can no longer suffer the fact that Alek is King, that he rules alongside you, and when that happens, you may not have sanctioned an unprovoked murder, but you will most certainly be responsible for one."

[flatly]

"Hellfire aside, Ashley...you deserve to be happy. You deserve to have everything you ever wanted. That's what we promised each other. But it seems as if we have failed you..I haven't just come to you with this because I am a jealous and petty man who wants to eliminate competition, though I am. I've come to you because I need to see how I can help....fix this..."

[taking a sip]

"So..how do you solve a problem like Alek with nobody getting blood on their hands...and how can we work together to protect BOTH of our interests?"

 

[Persephone]

Ava suggest that they go riding on the Arklay property like they used to years ago, suggesting they could get 'lost' for a couple of hours and enjoy themselves alone.

John: "As long as you aren't planning to lead me out into the forest then leave me for dead."

"Ohh...well, there goes that idea..."

She joked with a cheeky grin, feeling John's hands slid down to grip her very exposed ass. Leather shorts aside, they really didn't do much for coverage.

John: "But getting lost with you sounds perfect."

Ava smiled at that, her arms wrapping around John's neck as she looked up at him.

John: "Now is there anything you want me to focus on today - other than you? And keeping Archer the bloody fuck away from you?"

His face visibly showed his disgust and displeasure over Arhcer Fairchild and Ava let out a sigh, frowning just a bit. She brought her hand up to John's cheek, gently rubbing it to reassure him the Archer situation would be fine. She moved to a different subject, hoping it would cool him down a bit.

"We haven't done much in regards to the European White Court....Personally the thought of interacting with a vampire makes my skin crawl, so maybe you can speak with Juliette? Get a feel for her....charm her, gather information."

John would be better suited to speak with someone like Juliette. He had a calmer head and he was already charming to begin with, so she knew he had an advantage there. Ava's hands slid down John's chest and grabbed his shirt, pulling him close to her.

"But if she tries to bite you? I'm staking the bitch myself."

She grinned, giving him a deep kiss before finally parting from him. She grabbed her phone from her vanity and began to head to her bedroom door.

"I need to meet up with Haleigh and Ashley before we all head to Arklay. But i'll see you up at the choppers."

Giving John one last smile, Ava headed out of her chambers and down to the catacombs where she was slated to meet Haleigh and Ashley. Taking a seat on top of the sleek metallic table, she took out her phone and sent Haleigh and Ashley a group text.

>>"I'm here."

Sighing, she leaned back on her hands and began to wait for the others.

 

[Valkyrie]

Cameron's Study

"Oh Ashley, nobody said anything about MURDER..."

She gave him a very direct look, and smiled.

"Oh, of course not."

But if I had given you the go ahead you'd have destroyed my King's mind if not his body as well without a second thought.

It was not a comforting thought. As much as he would like her to believe he was doing her a favor, the killing of a king on another court no less was a serious matter. And one that made a very strong statement about where Cameron believed he stood in the order of things. However, she made it very clear to anyone who might be listening that should Alek make a move against her she would put him down decisively and without hesitation.

"You mean if he comes after you or your knight, right?"

She shrugged almost imperceptibly as she leveled her gaze at Cameron.

"It is unlikely Alek would come at me through my Bishop, but if he did, my response would be the same. But yes, if Alek should make the incredibly poor decision to attack my Knight, I would bury him and piss on the grave."

"The thoughts I am entertaining at this moment, I agree, are a bit troubling for the course of action this club needs to take. But you are playing a dangerous game yourself..one you know will not end well. You want The Inner Circle to remain a unified front, and yet...you are priming a man [Savage], a very impulsive...wild man to be the very thing that destroys that united front."

For the first time fire blazed in Ashley's eyes.

"ALEK is the very thing that will destroy that united front, Cameron. Tell me, what conversations have you had with him about the way he's treated his Queen this past year? Had this been Ava, or Haleigh, do you think for one second this place wouldn't have fallen right back into all out war? This divide is not of my making. I'M the one holding it together while everyone else does as they please."

How dare he try to deflect the blame off of Alek. This was his doing, and his alone. HE was the one who was never satisfied with what he had. HE was the one who always wanted more power.

"Your knight does not respect his king, and I don't have to be an empath to know that his feelings for you are more than just passion...You say you cannot sanction Alek's unprovoked murder..which is noble...but a manufactured murder based on the slightest provocation is just as bad..."

She scoffed and shook her head.

"I am not manufacturing Alek's murder. And if I was, I wouldn't send my Knight to do it. I am no weeping flower - if a man's head needs taking I wield the sword. THAT is what it means to be Red Queen. Savage may not respect Alek, but he respects the title. He respects me."

"Don't get me wrong..I will not chastise you for your relationship with your Knight. In fact, I support it. But let's not pretend. AJ is a beast, and that's why you love him. But wolves cannot be domesticated. They can be trained to sit, and to fetch, and perhaps even to wear a collar. But we both know that there is always a chance they will eat your face. "

Love.

That made her look away, for just a moment.

"My Knight would never act without my order."

He knows I could never live without him.

"I want you to be happy...I really do. But...The Red Knight will reach a point where he can no longer suffer the fact that Alek is King, that he rules alongside you, and when that happens, you may not have sanctioned an unprovoked murder, but you will most certainly be responsible for one."

"Cameron, do you really think AJ cares anything about being King? Do you think he wants to wear suits and plan parties? It was me who wanted to do that for him, not AJ. What he wants is me. He does not have to share me with Alek, nor with anyone, not anymore. He knows he is my right hand. He knows his duty. He would never fail me."

Her mouth twisted into a devious smile.

"Besides, he and I can afford to wait. Time will take care of Alek for us, eventually. And then Savage will sit at my side where he should be, as my king or any other title he wants."

"Hellfire aside, Ashley...you deserve to be happy. You deserve to have everything you ever wanted. That's what we promised each other. But it seems as if we have failed you..I haven't just come to you with this because I am a jealous and petty man who wants to eliminate competition, though I am. I've come to you because I need to see how I can help....fix this...So..how do you solve a problem like Alek with nobody getting blood on their hands...and how can we work together to protect BOTH of our interests?"

She pursed her lips for a moment. She didn't really want to wait thirty or forty years until Alek retired or got himself killed.

"The question is: how do you sweeten a Kingdom in London enough to make Alek go?"

With Ava's position filled, sending him to another branch was the best option. But Alek would never agree to a demotion like the London branch. Unless they could give him something else he wanted. And she was pretty sure Cameron wouldn't give up Haleigh.

 

[Steel]

The Black King and Queen's Room

After making a plan to accidentally on purpose get lost together at Arklay, John asked if there was a particular assignment she wanted him to have for the afternoon.

"We haven't done much in regards to the European White Court....Personally the thought of interacting with a vampire makes my skin crawl, so maybe you can speak with Juliette? Get a feel for her....charm her, gather information."

"Charm her, eh?"

He lifted Ava's hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Consider it done."

"But if she tries to bite you? I'm staking the bitch myself."

"If she tries to bite me, she's going to be drinking blood through a straw thereafter."

His body melted to silver tone then back again to flesh as her lips met his for a goodbye kiss.

"I need to meet up with Haleigh and Ashley before we all head to Arklay. But i'll see you up at the choppers."

"Take your time. I'll wait for you there."

He knew it was important for Ava to get her anger at Ashley out of her system, and hopefully the two of them could work whatever it was out before they all had to go be friends in front of the European guests. He gave her a reassuring smile, then grabbed his own phone and started on a leisurely walk towards the roof.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club - - The White Royal Suite

He laughed, the honest kind of laugh that shook his chest and made him smile so big that it crinkled his eyes, and it made her fall for him even more, if that were possible.

Cameron: As if the great outdoors are going to stop her. If anything, they'll only stoke her flames even more.

Haleigh gave him a nod of sincere agreement.

“Oh I’m sure as soon as the men break a sweat, her clothes will start to fall off.”

She replied dryly, but it was a good-natured remark. Who could blame Ash for getting turned on? Man-sweat was a no-fail aphrodisiac, and there wasn’t a male specimen at Hellfire that could be considered unattractive.

Cameron: But I would never miss an event that involves guns, horses, alcohol and stalking prey…Reminds me of our honeymoon.

“Good times.”

She replied with a wistful smile. He kissed her cheek and asked her to save him a seat on the helicopter.

“Of course, Stud.”

She said, as he left to get dressed. She stretched out on the bed for a few more moments, resisting the urge to go into a sex coma. When she finally talked herself into getting up and getting dressed. She pulled on a white v-neck underarmour shirt, some tight fitting snow camo pants, and a matching jacket. The Arklay Mansion grounds may have thawed, but there was still enough snow on the mountain cap in the surrounding wilderness for her to blend in still wearing her court colors, and while everyone else was rambling around in the brush looking to flush out the forest critters, Haleigh would take a sniper’s nest up on high ground and pick her prey off from miles away.

She pulled on a pair of boots, and stuffed a pair of gloves in the pocket of her coat. She pulled her hunting rifle from their private armory. She looked it over with a careful eye and a practiced hand, loaded the magazine, then secured it in a silver long gun hard case. It disintegrated as she sent it to the cargo hold of the helicopter she would be taking to Arklay. She walked out of her suite with her usual swagger, and immediately spotted the mountain of a man that was Ashley’s Red Knight, who was restlessly pacing outside Cameron’s study.

“Savage.”

AJ: Haleigh.

They gave each other mild smiles. He was still as sexy as ever, but they had already seen their summer fling, and moved on. Haleigh had brought AJ around, because she knew it would irk ‘stepfather’ Ravena. The rivalry between Vampires and Werewolves was legendary, and useful. Even Helena had seen the value, and had appointed him to court as a deterrent against Rav when the Bishop position opened up. By the time the old regime was overthrown, AJ had imprinted on Ash, and so it wasn’t a surprise when he’d been made her Knight. It was almost a shame, AJ only had eyes for his own Queen. Haleigh wouldn’t have turned down a reminder of his sexual prowess. Well, not before, when she couldn’t get pregnant. Now, it was different.

“Bring your Queen down to the catacombs when she’s done in there. Ava and I require her consult.”

AJ: Yeah, okay.

He said, as she walked by. She mentally received the text from Ava saying she was waiting, and decided to take the short cut, reappearing silently in an office chair behind Ava.

“How’s John handling his new crown?”

 

[Orion]

The Hellfire Club - - The Great Hall

Bretta: No, I mean…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sure she’s a great Bishop. I was just making an observation, that’s all. It’s nothing against your Court.

Zach looked over at her with a gracious gaze.

"No, of course not. No offense was taken, your grace."

He replied, but she pushed further, her hand on his arm, pleading for forgiveness. He gave her a warm smile, and when he rested his hand on top of hers, a bit of reassurance.

"There is nothing to forgive, your grace. I understand my Bishop is not your cup of tea. No hard feelings about that. But if there's anything I can do to win you over to the White Court..."

He told her, and then he reached for his drink, pushing his plate away. An attendant was right at his elbow to take the food away, clearing the table in front of him.

Bretta: I heard that you work with the United Nations. What is your role with them, exactly?

Interesting segue.

"I'm an Ambassador."

He replied, before taking a sip, and then he smiled again, since he was used to people being unfamiliar with what exactly that entailed.

"Mostly I negotiate, manipulate, or intimidate my colleagues to further the Hellfire Agenda."

He leaned forward, a conspiratorial smile as he eyed her across the table.

"Why, what strings would you like me to pull?"

 

[Masque]

New York City – The Randy Leprechaun


Daniel: "I promise I meant no harm. If The White Queen likes her bangs? Then I like her bangs. I apologize."

Oh, she likes her bangs all right… :garrick:

“Trust me, it isn’t about the White Queen’s hair…”

Gia rolled her eyes. Like she even cared about Haleigh’s hair. She couldn’t wait to get away from Hellfire; away from the nonstop monitoring. Sometimes, she loved that feeling of faux protectiveness and other times…she felt stifled by the constant paranoia.

We are supposed to be better than that.

Daniel was whispering in her ear.

Daniel: "There is a bar a few blocks away from the mansion that is safe from the surveillance of The Hellfire Club. Helena would take meetings there. We have some time...let's go."

Gia smiled. There was that H-word again. Yet she was unsure about his comment. Was he being serious…or was it all a ruse to trip her up and cause her to make a grand fall? She supposed that she would get shit about hanging with the Red Bishop when she was supposed to be going after the European Black King, but whatevs. She just might learn something about the Red Court that they could use – maybe. Daniel led her through the streets to a non-descript building which was named, if the sign on the front was correct, The Randy Leprechaun.

What the hell is this place?!

It turned out that it was a BAR. Well, it was five o’clock somewhere. Gia ordered a beer.

Daniel: "I take it you wanted to talk to me about something deeper than my preferences for The White Queen's hair..what comment are you referring to?"

Gia raised an eyebrow.

“I heard that you mentioned something about Helena’s parties…what did you mean by that?”

As in, if you show me yours, I’ll show you mine. She wasn’t just going to spill her guts to a psuedo stranger now. She had to know that she could trust him.

 

[Silver]

Hellfire Club – Great Hall


Zachary: "There is nothing to forgive, your grace. I understand my Bishop is not your cup of tea. No hard feelings about that. But if there's anything I can do to win you over to the White Court..."

*laughing*: “Well, I am the Queen of the Red Court, so I don’t know how you could possibly win me over to your Court…”

:: Bretta smiled playfully. ::

“Just teasing.”

:: Talk turned to his role at the UN. Zachary seemed to think that she had an ulterior motive, but she really didn’t. At least, not until… ::

Zachary: "Why, what strings would you like me to pull?"

Care to get me a Black Princess?

:: Bretta didn’t say that, though. Her Court didn’t have a Princess yet, and that was by design. Originally she didn’t come looking for Court appointments. She just came to see how the Americans worked and how the American and European branches could work together in the future. Also, she didn’t want to leave the poor Princess alone with Alastair – who insisted on being called William – though she would’ve had the Knight and Rook on her side. Knowing Alastair, he would’ve tried his damnest to get ‘closer’ to her. ::

“Mr. Armani, I don’t need you to pull any strings for me at the UN. However, I do believe that we, your Hellfire and mine, could team up and form a long lasting relationship. We could combine our resources and whatnot.”

:: Bretta cleared her throat. ::

“We could take on the world together.”

 

[Prophet]

Hellfire Club - Cameron's Study

"ALEK is the very thing that will destroy that united front, Cameron. Tell me, what conversations have you had with him about the way he's treated his Queen this past year? Had this been Ava, or Haleigh, do you think for one second this place wouldn't have fallen right back into all out war? This divide is not of my making. I'M the one holding it together while everyone does as they please."

He arched his eyebrow.

"I'm not blaming you, Ashley. But let's be clear - neither of you are open books. You keep to yourselves and you keep your affairs private. You can't blame any of us for trying to respect your boundaries. Either of you could have asked for help. Nobody even knew it was that serious until you were sleeping in separate bedrooms, and even then neither of you said anything. You both wanted to put on a brave front and suffer in silence, so you have. But I think you might be missing my point...."

"I am not manufacturing Alek's murder. And if I was, I wouldn't send my Knight to do it. I am no weeping flower - if a man's head needs taking I wield the sword. THAT is what it means to be Red Queen. Savage may not respect Alek, but he respects the title. He respects me."

"I have killed many people who's title and person I have respected, Ashley. I'm not accusing you of a murder plot..but AJ is not you or Alek. He has imprinted on you. Emotions are high, you are only getting closer to each other, and mistakes happen. If he truly felt you were threatened, he would rip Alek's throat out with little to no hesitation. I felt his emotion when Ava announced John as her king. He was hopeful. Perhaps it is romantic to think he shall take you in whatever way he can have you for the rest of time..but you appear to be ready to play a very long waiting game, and perhaps he is a better man than me, but I couldn't live like that forever..."

"My Knight would never act without my order."

Cameron thought of Heidi for a moment as a nostalgic smile crept across his lips. He liked to believe the same thing about her. It was just the nature of the relationship between the royal family and their knights. For a moment Cameron felt bad. To listen to her, to feel what she was feeling..it was good for her. AJ was the one good thing she had going for her right now, and Cameron felt bad that he was making her feel bad about that.

"Desperate people do desperate things. I really..truly, Ashley, do not wish to sour your newfound love with my words. But you're in a bubble right now, and as much as I don't wish to pop it, if you truly wish to continue this facade of a united front until Alek falters and does something worthy of being killed...you DO have to proceed with caution."

"Cameron, do you really think AJ cares anything about being King? Do you think he wants to wear suits and plan parties? It was me who wanted to do that form him, not AJ. What he wants is me. He does not have to share me with Alek, nor with anyone, not anymore. He knows he is my right hand. He knows his duty. He would never fail me. Besides, he and I can afford to wait. Time will take care of Alek for us, eventually. And then Savage will sit at my side where he should be, as my king or any other title he wants."

Cameron smiled taking another sip of his martini.

"Well that's a miserable existence now isn't it? Ashley...why did we rebel? Because we were no longer content to suffer in silence while people we didn't respect made decisions FOR us. I was a Prince. You were a Rook. We understood our duties. We..were loyal. For quite some time. Some of us for most of our lives. Time did not solve our problems. We took our problems into our own hands and solved them. And we felt justified. If we actually were is debatable. I am sure my mother..Helena and Diana felt justified when they murdered Christopher and Adam..."

He thought back to the days when their rebellion was in it's earliest stages. How they gathered together, planning every moment meticulously. How they were afraid. Scared even.

"I love my wife. More than should ever even be possible. Her pain is my pain. Her suffering is my own. There is no stone I would leave unturned, no body I would not plunge my dagger into..no mind I would not invade to keep that love. To keep her looking at me the way that she does..because there is NO other feeling that compares to it. So maybe I would wait for her. Maybe standing at her side while the world views her with another man would be okay. Maybe I wouldn't feel gutted that my own deep and primal..CARNAL passion for her was kept a secret. Maybe I wouldn't grow resentful that there was this ghost standing in the way of the world recognizing my love for her, as it should be. Maybe...like John, I could be okay standing one step behind her my entire life, and not by her side because she puts her club before she puts me...."

In a bold gesture, he grabbed Ashley's hand and squeezed it, looking at her dead in the eye with an intensity that the two had not really ever shared before.

"I don't think he cares about the title...but he cares about you. And if he cares about you..I care about him. Maybe I am not the right man for the job...because I found the woman I loved and vowed to never put her in the back seat to anything in my life...but I understand love, Ashley. I understand what it does to a person and what it makes them capable of. I have a respect for you in this moment, that is far deeper than I anticipated. What you have done for this club, for our purpose? I will make sure that nobody forgets it. The Red Queen may be the one who must know to draw her sword, but it is the duty of The White King to make sure the right things live on in our memories. To craft the stories..."

She pursed her lips for a moment. She didn't really want to wait thirty or forty years until Alek retired or got himself killed.

"The question is: how do you sweeten a Kingdom in London enough to make Alek go?"

With Ava's position filled, sending him to another branch was the best option. But Alek would never agree to a demotion like the London branch. Unless they could give him something else he wanted. And she was pretty sure Cameron wouldn't give up Haleigh.

Cameron laughed, glad to know that maybe she was ready to move on with her life, which brought him relief. But his mind was also racing. He had been itching a bit to make a move against the European Court. Everybody was courting them, and of course there were good reasons. His wife had a goal and he would help her work towards it, but...he didn't like the reception they were getting. Everybody was tripping over their own dicks to impress them, when in reality, they were a second rate, less impressive version of the American Court who would be LUCKY to enter in partnership with any member of THIS Inner Circle..and Cameron wanted to make sure they remembered that.

"Well Brienne Shaw seems like a good start...of course that means we'd have to kill Archer Fairchild, but honestly...that could be arranged with little to no fanfare..with no blood on our hands..."

[thinking with a smirk]

"Alek COULD seemlessly take control of Sub Zero, which in turn would help the Black Court..which of course would end up helping us. I guess it all just depends on how naughty we feel like being this weekend, Ashley."

[finshing his martini]

"I don't need to remind you that we corner the market on naughty in The Inner Circle. You know me...I'm a ripper. Give your approval and I'll have Fairchild stretched across the glass windows of the conservatory like Jesus Christ himself..."

[shaking his head]

"In all seriousness..if you think we could coerce Alek into a kingship overseas, I will do everything in my power to foster that. And I emphasize the word everything."

 

[Discord]

A Few Blocks Away...

Daniel begrudgingly entered the doors of what was now The Randy Leprechaun.

"Americans literally ruin everything."

This had once been a posh happy hour lounge with plush accommodations and extravagent appetizers and hand crafted cocktails. That was one thing that Daniel did not like about New York City - it prided itself on it's sense of history while simultaneously gutting everything that gave it character in an effort to move along with the times. This rag tag establishment was now a blemish on the city, but it's location - the perfect cross section of being away from traffic lights and having no reliable security system of it's own, still made it a desirable location. Daniel sat down in the booth and channeled his inner American, ordering a plate of mozarella sticks and a snakebite.

Gia: "I heard that you mentioned something about Helena's parties...what did you mean by that?"

Gia had a way of broaching a subject while remaining completely obtuse. It was a wonder she was still alive. He had heard of Gia and Cassandra's faux paus in the bordello before his arrival, because he was good at his job, so he figured that Gia was still bitter about this new incarnation of The Inner Circle. Maybe it wasn't a practical joke. Maybe Gia really did miss the old lot of rulers, and that endeared her a bit to him. It was clear that she wasn't going to budge, but it was also clear that she wanted to talk. He could sacrifice a bit of intel if it meant he would get a greater understanding of the White Court.

"So you miss her too then, I suspect?"

His snakebite arrived and he took a long sip, enjoying the mixture of bitter and sweet as he sat his glass down on the table, silently judging the plump, swollen faced patrons of the bar around him. Helena would have turned in her grave, but not before giving the middle finger to all of them.

"Helena Quartermaine was my best friend..more than that...she was my mentor."

Daniel was an omega level illusionist and empath. He could create people's greatest fears and desires out of thin air. He could craft illusions so real and specific that they drove people to their deaths. And he had learned that skill from one of the greatest illusionists and reality warpers of all time, the dead Red Queen herself - Helena Quartermaine. So often she was underestimated as a bitchy wasp who slept with whatever caught her fancy. And she was all of those things...but she an icon to Daniel. Such a power player, such an important part of the Inner Circle, so much so that Daniel couldn't wrap his head around the fact that one of these neophytes had pulled the padge on her, had gotten one over on her and killed her. It just didn't make sense to him. She really was that good.

"I miss her everyday. Her...along with my own former Red Queen, Rebecca Everhart. But what is a boy to do, Gia? They are both dead..and I value my life and power more than I value carrying a flame for the dead..."

He looked at Gia, using his ability to get at the root of her issues. She thought the Inner Circle killed her father, and that idea made Daniel very uncomfortable..because he knew who killed Gia's father in prison, and it wasn't her own Inner Circle - it was Archer Fairchild. When The European Black King got word of the uprising, he found that Count Nefaria had remained untouched, left to rot in prison. So he took him out to make himself more important to this new Inner Circle, and it was working. They may have found him reprehensible, but all of them saw the benefit in working with him. Gia seemed out of her league, not knowing how to run the Count's empire, and Archer worked quickly to snatch up his old contracts. But Daniel would never tell her that, or any other member of The Inner Circle. It would have caused a war.

"Gia..whatever the rage you feel inside...you have to suffocate it. I wish everyday for vengeance of Helena and Rebecca's death..but DEATH is the nature of Hellfire. For as much as I loved my Queens...they were bested. And I could sit here and be bitter about it. Be mad...maybe even craft a path towards vengeance, but what would it be for? You and I...we have influence, but we are not yet the power players that can turn the courts on their head..."

His mozarella sticks arrived and he was ready to eat them Kirstie Alley style in the secrecy of the Fat Leprechaun like a good old fashioned obese American. He dipped one in ranch, taking a big bite, chewing before he continued.

"One thing I can offer you, Contessa...your leaders did not kill your father. That much I know..although I cannot offer you much else...but Gia.."

[flatly]

"You have to drop this. They are ready to kill you. Your Queen is looking for proof. Your King will do whatever she wants him to do. You aren't making any friends. I know it's hard...but you HAVE to stop whatever path you are on...."

Perhaps it was the fried food and dark drink, but he was feeling generous.

"I don't give advice often. And if I'm being frank, your death would only open a job opportunity for me, so don't mistake me for being an asshole..."


"Gia..you need to change course."

 

[Valkyrie]

Cameron's Study

Ashley glanced towards the door as Cameron talked of AJ's feelings for her.

"If he truly felt you were threatened, he would rip Alek's throat out with little to no hesitation."

"As he should."

As Savage had reminded her earlier, she was the queen here, and his duty was to her first.

"I felt his emotion when Ava announced John as her king. He was hopeful. Perhaps it is romantic to think he shall take you in whatever way he can have you for the rest of time..but you appear to be ready to play a very long waiting game, and perhaps he is a better man than me, but I couldn't live like that forever..."

He is a better man than you.

"I'm not asking for forever."

And Cameron didn't know the things they said to each other, when they were alone. He didn't understand.

"Desperate people do desperate things. I really...truly, Ashley, do not wish to sour your newfound love with my words. But you're in a bubble right now, and as much as I don't wish to pop it, if you truly wish to continue this facade of a united front until Alek falters and does something worthy of being killed...you DO have to proceed with caution."

"I'm playing the hand I was dealt the best I know how."

She got up to refill her glass. He talked about a miserable existence...what did he think her life had been? She had come to Hellfire for Alek, rebelled for him, and been discarded. Now she was just trying to eke out some kind of life. Cameron was talking about the rebellion when she sat back down across from him, how they had been loyal before too.

"It is not the same. I am not Helena. Savage is not Alek."

She trusted him without question. And she would never betray him the way Helena had Alek. Cameron talked about him and Haleigh, what he would do for her.

"Maybe I wouldn't feel gutted that my own deep and primal...CARNAL passion for her was kept a secret. Maybe I wouldn't grow resentful that there was this ghost standing in the way of the world recognizing my love for her, as it should be. Maybe...like John, I could be okay standing one step behind her my entire life, and not by her side because she puts her club before she puts me...."

And finally they had come to it. Where they expected her to hide her relationship. But this she was firm on.

"I will not keep him a secret, Cameron. Alek and I are business partners, nothing more. He's not my husband. And I am not ashamed of my Knight."

She didn't let go of his hand when they walked into a room as Ava and John did. And she kept the peace in the Club for him. So he would not be a target. Cameron talked a good game, but would they even accept Savage as her King should she name him? He had been plain about what he thought of her Knight. This was an arrangement where AJ got to do what he did best, and Alek did the things neither of them were inclined to.

Cameron took her hand and squeezed it, and she was taken aback by it.

"I don't think he cares about the title...but he cares about you. And if he cares about you..I care about him. Maybe I am not the right man for the job...because I found the woman I loved and vowed to never put her in the back seat to anything in my life...but I understand love, Ashley. I understand what it does to a person and what it makes them capable of. I have a respect for you in this moment, that is far deeper than I anticipated. What you have done for this club, for our purpose? I will make sure that nobody forgets it. The Red Queen may be the one who must know to draw her sword, but it is the duty of The White King to make sure the right things live on in our memories. To craft the stories..."

She looked at him sadly. He was so young. He'd never experienced loss. The world always changed, and people always forgot. That was the way of things.

"All stories die, Cameron. Eventually."

He asked her how they got rid of Alek without getting blood on their hands. She told him they'd have to make it worth Alek's while to go to the London branch, which was no easy task. A man like Alek revelled in his status, and would not take a step down without a large incentive.

"Well Brienne Shaw seems like a good start...of course that means we'd have to kill Archer Fairchild, but honestly...that could be arranged with little to no fanfare..with no blood on our hands..."

She shook her head.

"He won't do it just for a good fuck. Unless it were the one he can't have."

She gave him a wry smile.

"Alek COULD seemlessly take control of Sub Zero, which in turn would help the Black Court..which of course would end up helping us. I guess it all just depends on how naughty we feel like being this weekend, Ashley."

She smirked.

"Just tell John Archer touched Ava and he'll take care of that problem for us."

Turning serious, she thought about it, taking another sip of whisky.

"Alek might do it for that. Sub Zero would be the perfect extension of our own business. But we would probably have to make this seem like his own idea. He would not like the idea of being paid off. Especially by you. And he will not leave Haleigh easily. I wonder, could a slight against him be manufactured so that his bromance with Archer would be broken?"

"In all seriousness..if you think we could coerce Alek into a kingship overseas, I will do everything in my power to foster that. And I emphasize the word everything."

"It won't be easy. Status is everything to a person who never had any. Do we have any allies from London who want to get rid of Archer as much as we do? Who might stir Alek's desire to be the Lord Imperial that brings London to the top of the food chain?"

Not that he would, but Alek's ego would not be able to resist the thought. If he really thought he could do it.

 

[Persephone]

Ava's leg was crossed at the knee, bouncing gently with boredom as she leaned back on the table with one hand and held her phone with the other. Reading through some emails as she awaited Ashley and Haleigh, it wasn't long before one of them finally popped in. As silent as death, Haleigh appeared behind Ava.

Haleigh: “How’s John handling his new crown?”

Lifting her eyes from her phone at the sound of the White Queen's voice behind her, Ava turned her head, catching the sight of Haleigh in her peripheral.

"He's transitioning as smoothly as I expected him to."

Locking her phone, Ava slipped off the top of the table and turned around to face Haleigh, pulling out a chair and taking a seat across from her.

"He was always meant to be King....I just wasn't ready for it."

She admitted honestly as she settled comfortably in her seat and recrossed her legs. Ava wasn't like Ashley and Haleigh, she didn't grasp onto the concept of love like they did, at least not before. Love was a weakness - a disease. It was something that caused a person to make mistakes and falter in their beliefs. It was unpredictable and messy. At least that was what Ava was raised to believe by Stavros. The physical connection with a man was never a problem for Ava, but emotionally she was shut off and withdrawn. John slowly broke down her walls little by little as the years went on, and although Ava never wanted to admit it before, she had been in love with John for a very long time. But now, as she sat across from the White Queen, the thought of not being with John and him not loving her made her heart hurt. Maybe Stavros was right...maybe love was a weakness...but Ava was willing to become weaker to be with him.

"Although I don't think he was prepared for the 200 pound panther rolling around in bed."

Ava lightly laughed while shaking her head gently, remembering how happy Onyx was with John there. But her smile slowly faded as she went into business mode. Haleigh had been happy for her during the breakfast, but it could have been for show. Now that they were alone, she wanted to know if the White Queen truly accepted John as the new King, or if she was as displeased about it as Ashley was.

"So, tell me the truth Hales. Are you happy I appointed John as King, or was that all for show? Because I know a certain Queen dressed in Red certainly wasn't thrilled this morning."