A Weekend Affair # 7 - Exodus

[Valkyrie]

The Great Hall

Ashley suggested that maybe she should get an Underworld outfit, if AJ liked the film so much. She was excited to find something he would be excited by. But he was excruciatingly indifferent to the idea. She just wanted to be able to do something for him, but he was so damn self-sacrificing, he never would ask for anything, always thinking of her first. Which, in a Knight, was excellent. But as her companion, she wanted more give and take.

Amanda stopped at their table to suck up, and was dismissed. She was pleased to see that AJ paid her no mind. She laughed with Liam about his lack of proficiency in the French language. Which to Ashley, was a little bit unbelievable, considering he was with Juliette. And Juliette, despite her vampire nature, was a consummate French girl. Ashley could imagine how Juliette would conduct her tutoring sessions, and was a bit disappointed she had never met Juliette years ago in Paris, where she might have benefited from her tutelage also. She seemed very much a whip and carrot type of woman.

She flirted a little, and was happy with the effect, seeing the desire in both their eyes. Ashley would be happy to send them home wanting more.

And then she felt the change in AJ's body, and the glass slamming onto the table.

Savage: “I could teach my Ashley to speak French! I used to trade goods with the French Canadians, I learned to speak the language very well.”

She couldn't really fault him - he had been on his best behavior despite being forced into company he didn't like, and having to listen to their rather salacious comments about her would understandably tip the balance.

Liam: Marvelous, Soon we’ll all be conversing more romantically. A very passionate language, French.

Savage: Rather cloying, if you ask me.

"Of course, it does sound so much better from a cultured Parisian tongue as opposed to the Canadian perversion."

She rubbed AJ's thigh, trying to calm him.

"Et mon loup m'a appris beaucoup de choses francaises que nous apprecions ensemble." [And my wolf has taught me many French things that we enjoy together.]

She gave him a reassuring smile.

Juliette: “Dze volf ‘as a very strong savage instinct, and vants to remain vild.”

She twirled a hand in the air as she gave her attention back to Juliette.

"Doesn't each of us have a wild side? And thank the gods for that. How boring would things be without it."

She snapped her fingers at a nearby attendant.

"Another round here, yes, please."

She continued her previous thought.

"All of us were once human, and what are humans but mammals? No different than the lion or the horse. Some act more like the lion, and some more like the horse. Before I became what I am now, we embraced the savage in us and in the world we lived in."

She took a drink of the fresh one put in front of her by a servant.

"I myself would rather die than be forced to give up that part of me, to deny my connection to the animal, to what being alive truly means. To be put in a box."

 

[Steel]

The Black King and Queen's Suite

John decided he quite liked Bretta. She didn't feel the need to dump her humanity at the door for this job, which he suspected was more difficult than it seemed. And she hadn't waited for an investigation to give her support to Ava the night before, which he of course appreciated.

Ava was still perturbed about having to go to the breakfast, and she greeted Bretta with less than a cordial tone to her voice. Luckily (though really unluckily), her injury masqued it a bit.

Bretta: “I was on my way to breakfast when I wanted to make sure that the two of you are alright after last night.”

John gave her a genuine smile, and nodded, his arm slipping around Ava's waist.

"Ava's a trooper, nothing could get her down."

Bretta: “I also wanted to offer my sincerest apologies for what Archer Fairchild did to you, Ava.”

John's face grew decidedly darker. Archer was a sore subject for him - he should never have been able to get Ava into such a compromising position. If he had still been Ava's Rook, rather than trying to be her King...

Bretta: “If I had known what he was up to...I would’ve surely put a stop to it somehow.”

"Of course you would have."

Ava came to the table then, putting on her diplomatic hat, apologizing for her greeting and giving Bretta her appreciation for her concern.

Ava: "I know you, nor the other European regents, were aware of Archer's actions. Please don't feel as if you have to apologize on his behalf. I cast no blame onto you, Bretta. He was an unstable pig who couldn't handle being challenged by a woman more powerful than him. He got exactly what he deserved in the end. We have started a promising relationship, Bretta. Let's not let last nights events damper that."

"Hear hear."

John held out his hand to her, and Ava took it. He gave her a proud smile. This was his Queen, unlike any other.

Ava: "Come, we're already late for breakfast."

He turned his smile to the Red Queen.

"Would you do us the honor of accompanying us to the Great Hall, Red Queen?"

The three regents walked together from the Black Wing to the common areas of the mansion where the Great Hall was located. This was a more intimate affair, it seemed, with smaller tables than at the previous events. People were four to a table, and it seemed some of the other regents had already chosen to cement or broadcast their alliances from the weekend. He leaned in to whisper to Ava.

"What you reckon? Cameron? Or is that too incendiary?"

Then he turned to Bretta with a white flash of a smile.

"And what about you, your majesty - has anyone yet signed your dance card for this event?"

 

[Masque]

Hellfire Club – The Great Hall

Gia sighed and propped one elbow up on the table as she turned towards Erika. She made sure to keep an interested expression on her face as she faux-listened to The Princess Bitch. She had a smile on her face as if she was, in fact, agreeing with Erika’s assessment of her. In actuality, though, she was engaging a little day dream in which she unleashed upon Cameron’s sister ALL of her sadistic desires of what she could do to a single person – that really helped her tolerate Erika.

”It’s Princess. You will not forget the differences in our statuses again.”

Gia gave a tiny yawn.

“Whatever, Erika. I mean, Princess Erika.”

She honestly did just forget. What? It happens.

Then Miss King/Princess King/White Princess Bitch/Evil Spawn of Satan/Erika the Insane/etc. started talking again about how there weren’t any cracks in the Court. Okay, whatever. Gia knew that the White Court was on shaky ground no matter what the brown bear in the pink tutu, which existed only in Erika’s mind, was saying to Erika. Gia said that she’d be damned if she’d let anybody take advantage of the White Court. Her grey eyes popped wide open when Erika agreed with her. Gia guessed that pigs were flying right about now.

"I agree, Gia. Even if that person happens to be from within our own house."

An attendant was by the table and she glared at him as if it was his fault that she and Erika King were in agreement about something.

*snappishly*: “I NEED A DRINK!”

If she and Erika would continue to agree, she figured she might as well be drunk. She sighed as the attendant scurried away to make her a Bloody Mary and she listened as Erika waxed poetic about her life here... She jumped as Erika yelled.

”That BITCH.”

She started to look around to see who had come in, but Erika was talking about Ava giving her fucking hair BANGS. She gritted her teeth as she came to the realization that, yet again, she was in agreement with Erika. Her forehead really couldn’t pull off bangs.

“No, I hear you. What could she have possibly been thinking?”

She fought the urge to roll her eyes as, yet again, Erika dragged her through the mud.

Erika: “...I take my new role seriously...”

Oh honey. You couldn’t take anything seriously even if you tried...

Her Bloody Mary finally arrived and Gia took a big gulp.

Erika: "Which meaaannns...If I ask you to check The White Queen's beverages before breakfast...you do it."

“Oooh! Ooooh!! Can I? Pretty please?”

Anything to get away from her.

Erika: "Leave the leg work to me. You? you know of NO cracks. It is business as usual. It is nothing to worry about. And keep your ear to the ground, like a good bishop should. You are The Inner Circle's rogues. Got it?"

*just a hint of sarcasm*: “With pleasure, Your Highness.”

Because she had zero trust in Cameron’s sister, she would NOT let this go. Cameron arrived at the table and, though he wasn’t her favourite person, she could’ve kissed him.

Saved by the brother.

 

[Ruby]

Damien McAllister, At Your Service

He had never felt so alive in his life. After years of pining for her, he was finally reunited with the woman who had stolen his heart so long ago. He had earned the complete trust of Bretta and Alastair and as a thank you he had been given the title of Red Prince. Now he could really have a say in matters regarding the Red Court.

As the Rook, he worked closely with Faith, the Knight, as well as Hudson, the head of Red Security as well as the Red Guardsmen. Due to his past as a soldier in MysTech he knew how to get things done. He was respected at Hellfire EU, and he was certainly respectful of the Kings and Queens of the other Courts. Though he was definitely easy-going, if you crossed him or any of his loved ones he was cold and cruel. He also had a playboy reputation around the Estate because he had been with 90% of the female population, mostly because he loved sex – he was an incubus after all – but also because he was trying to see if lightning struck twice [with regards to his feelings the first time he laid eyes on a young Bryda Jesko]. It didn’t. C’est le vie.

Since he touched down in New York, he had mostly been observing the people around him. He had to give it to Bretta; it never failed to amaze him what she could accomplish by putting on an act. She had been sweet, charming, generous, and gentle. Of course, Bretta was always those things, but she could also be cold and calculating; cunning and wise. He knew that she had to portray this image of this sweet and gentle woman in order to make nice with the Americans. She didn’t want to make waves when she didn’t have to.

From what Cassie told him about her life in Hellfire America, and by what he had observed, he surmised that the Red and White Courts had more pull here. So, he would focus on gaining a foothold and get in touch with any member of either Court before he had to leave. That would be risky, especially since he just showed up unannounced out of the blue. That was where Cassie came in.

Cassie, especially after the video conference call with both Faith and the head of the Red Guardsmen, wanted nothing to do with this place any longer. She felt trapped even after she had found herself again. She was extremely hurt too. She wanted to leave. He couldn’t really blame her, especially after what she told him what had happened at her little meeting with Lewis.

Still, he had urged her to stay, at least for a little while longer. He had been up with her during the night as she told him that she was scared about leaving and that she was scared about going to a new place and country where she didn’t know anyone. He had held her as she cried, even while she acknowledged that they didn’t deserve her tears.

Now, as they were both finishing up packing and getting ready to leave, he touched her on the shoulder.

“Thank you, for staying. I know that you would rather stick knives in your eyes than to come to this last event, but it means a lot to me.”

Cass: *flatly*: “You want to make a lasting impression to the other Courts and you need me to do it.”

He pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head.

“Be nice. You KNOW we can’t leave with this flimsy alliance with the Black Court. I mean, they just aren’t interested in having a working relationship with our Court from what I gathered.”

Cassie pulled back and cocked an eyebrow at him.

Cass: “Flimsy?! Don’t let Bretta hear you say that...OR Ava.”

“I’m not saying we should break it...I just think it’d be wise to keep other options open.”

Damien sighed and let go of Cassie. He watched as she walked over to the couch and picked up her coat. He couldn’t help admiring her. The outfit she had chosen looked amazing on her.

“You know, you look good in anything.”

He especially liked it when she was wearing pajamas. Then he could cuddle her in bed. Cassie threw a smile over her shoulder.

Cass: “Thank you. Being the former Black Princess, I don’t have much in the way of red...so that’s where this big wooly thing comes in.”

He watched as she held up the coat and laughed. He liked her laugh. She grinned shyly at him.

Cass: "I like your outfit too...Nerd."

He smirked at her and she chuckled. She threw the coat back down and he could see that she was a bit melancholy.

“Look, if Bretta and Alastair ever decide they don’t want this anymore, we are going to be the new King and Queen. We have to think of our futures and of our Court’s future.”

He went over to her and took her hands in his. She faced him and it saddened him to see such a vulnerable expression on her face.

*softly*: “It’ll be okay. You’ll see.”

It angered him to see how carelessly she had been treated. The past few days that he had spent with Cassie had been good for her, though, and he was glad he had made the trip. He had never left her side, really. Though they had been sharing the same bed they had never been intimate. Intimacy would come later. Right now, they were just getting to know each other and he was respectful of her shattered heart to let her heal on her own terms and in her own timing. He kissed her on the forehead.

*softly*: “We don’t have to even look at them. I promise.”

He then enfolded her into his arms and hugged her. He sighed.

“Just think about this: this time tomorrow, you won’t even BE here.”

Damien chuckled as Cassie made a happy noise. She pulled away and looked up at him. Damien gave her a wink before the door opened and attendants started coming in to help with the luggage. There actually wasn’t much to pack. Cassie just brought a few outfits from her old suite; the rest was all packed up and ready to ship. He always packed light, no matter where he was going, and even though Bretta hardly ever packed light, somehow she used some type of magick to make everything fit so it only seemed that she packed lightly. Damien held out his hand and Cassie took it while handing off her coat to the waiting attendant. IT would be waiting for her when they left. Damien squeezed her hand reassuringly before they stepped out of the suite.

On the way down to breakfast, they chatted about the conference call. Cassie was excited that both she and Faith seemed to have made a connection and that the head of Red security offered to train her on their protocols and systems.

Cass: “She called me, C.J.! I kind of liked that. C.J. It was nice of her to include me in the training of the rookie Guardsmen, don’t you think? I may not know much about your security, but it was nice of Hudson to offer to train me. I can finally contribute to my own Court!”

“Yes, and I hope that it’s clear that we can’t wait to have you.”

Damien smiled wide. Cassie was excited for the future and it was great to see. They batted around some ideas for Red, bouncing them off of each other, and Damien shared some stories about the Red Court. Damien touched her bare neck and told her that they would need to get her a new ruby necklace. He chuckled when she replied that she had thrown it into the incinerator since it was all tainted.

*chuckling*: “That’s my girl.”

He blushed and looked away when he said that. It was early stages, but he could feel the bond between him and Cassie forming. His father had told him about this. He had said that once you felt a bond with your intended, it would be established forever and nothing would be able to destroy it. His father, who was also an incubus, also said that the bond was sacred to both succubi and incubi. His father had had the same affections towards his mother, who WASN’T a succubus. They had had a happy life together, the three of them, until he [Damien] screwed it up. Damien didn’t like to think about it much and when he did, he could get pretty moody...like he was getting now. He snuck a peek at Cassie. He knew that he could tell her about his family dynamics, and he would, once he got her away from this place. Cassie wrapped her arm around his waist and he pulled her closer.

You feel that bond as well, don’t you? It’ll only get better from here, my love.

They both arrived at the Great Hall. Cass stiffened under his arm and he pulled her even closer. He eyed the room and noticed an empty table behind the table that Brienne Shaw was sitting at. The rest of the tables were already pretty full and he didn’t want to sit separately from Cassie. He led Cassie over to the empty table and pulled out a chair for her before moving to the seat in front of her. Even though he had an agenda, he felt it was in their best interest to wait before they start chatting. He hoped that there would be time for talking with other people later on. He leaned forward.

“Bretta mentioned that your duties, once we get back home, for the time being would be just getting to know the Estate and London. What would you like to do first? Do you have any ideas?”

 

[Silver]

Hellfire Club – Black Wing to Great Hall

:: As the faerie stepped into the room, she could see that Ava was noticeably cooler towards her than before. Bretta tried not to take it personally. What Archer did made the entire EHC look bad. Did Archer even think of that? No, of course not. He only ever thought about himself. Tosser. She told them that she wanted to make sure that the two were okay after last night, and she apologized for Archer’s actions even though she really didn’t need to. Still, Archer had been a king at EHC and so she felt a bit of responsibility for what her [former] fellow regent did. Ava thawed a bit. ::

Ava: "Forgive my...crassness. Last nights events have made me feel a bit on edge. I do appreciate you stopping by to see how I am, Bretta.”

“Of course they did. I would be on edge myself, and I must say, I’m pleased to see you are still willing to go to this last event. It shows that you’re stronger than people think.”

:: Bretta was impressed by the goddess. If she, herself, had gone through what Ava had gone through, she’d just leave the tossers all in the dust and go on holiday. Though Bretta wasn’t impressed by Ava and John’s Court members, and despite Cassandra’s bitterness towards the ABC as a whole, Bretta was really looking forward to continuing the relationship with both Ava and John. She hoped that it would be mutually beneficial for both of their Courts. ::

Ava: "I know you, nor the other European regents, were aware of Archer's actions. Please don't feel as if you have to apologize on his behalf. I cast no blame onto you, Bretta. He was an unstable pig who couldn't handle being challenged by a woman more powerful than him. He got exactly what he deserved in the end."

:: Bretta was in complete agreement about that. ::

“Oh, he was an arse.”

Ava: "We have started a promising relationship, Bretta. Let's not let last nights events damper that."

:: Bretta waved a hand in the air. ::

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

:: Ava then took John’s arm and the Black King turned his smile onto Bretta. Ava was definitely blessed to have him as her King. ::

John: "Would you do us the honor of accompanying us to the Great Hall, Red Queen?"

“Why, that would be lovely. Thank you so much.”

:: The three of them made their way down to the Great Hall for the final event, Ava and John arm in arm and Bretta with her hands lightly clasped in front of her. As they approached the entrance, Bretta saw both Damien and Cassandra at a table, talking and laughing. It made her happy, especially since she was certain that Cassandra would bail on this final event. She seemed to have had enough of this place and people. She turned her head towards John as he spoke to her. ::

John: "And what about you, your majesty - has anyone yet signed your dance card for this event?"

“No, unfortunately; I haven’t received any invites at all.”

:: She supposed that she could join Cassandra and Damien, but she didn’t really want to. ::

 

[Hex]

Brienne made a joke about how being her King was bad luck, and in reality it was. Archer went off the deep end and tried to kill Ava [not that she blamed him] during a diplomatic weekend. Nothing screams 'stable court' like a subversive attack.

Zach: “That’s interesting, because I’ve been feeling like the luckiest man alive ever since I started spending time with you.”

It was like he was programmed to say the right things at the right moments. Brienne smiled, placing the flowers beside her before sliding onto her knees and kissing him. She could get used to this new type of King. Someone who appreciated her, respected her, and was a hell of a lay. Archer had been all those things, but he was also the type of man who would have killed Brienne if it gave him more power. Hell, she was the same way...but the thought never crossed her mind in regards to Zach.

Brienne joked that she wanted to get breakfast over with so she could give him a proper coronation, a sly smile tugging on her glossy lips.

Zach: “Hmm, and what might that entail, I wonder?”

"Well...."

Zach began to stand, pulling Brienne with him and to her feet.

"As my new King, I would need to make sure I get to know every part of your body..."

She started seductively as Zach began to escort her out of his suite and down to the Great Hall.

"No freckle missed...no muscle untouched..."

She grinned as she whispered into his ear.

"It's traditional to undergo a week long sexual escapade to ensure we're a proper regent match.....[cracking a smile] Okay I made that up, but it's definitely happening."

Brienne chuckled as they made their way over to one of the empty tables. Moving her chair closer to Zach, her hand moved under the table cloth and across his thigh. She was inching closer to where her real breakfast was, smirk on her lips, when the most god awful voice cut in and dried her up like a dehydrated prune.

Haleigh: “I know you won’t believe me, but I’m sorry to interrupt. You don’t mind if we join.”

Fucking bitch.

"Yes--"

Haleigh: “We would leave you to your private celebration, but it’s good optics if we’re all celebrating together.”

She felt Zach nudge her, Brienne's eyes shifting to him before up to Haleigh and Alek. Brienne then smiled, gesturing to the empty chairs.

"--Of course."

She hated Haleigh, that would never change. But Haleigh was allowing Zach to abdicate his title to become her King, therefore she had to play nice. Haleigh and Alek took a seat, Brienne's muscles tensing in displeasure. However on the outside she remained cool and unfazed as she picked up a glass of water and brought it to her lips. She paused before taking a sip.

"Hopefully there won't be a repeat of the last breakfast."

Despite sitting at the same table as the woman who was almost poisoned, Brienne took a long sip of her water before placing the glass down with a smile.

"I might as well say this now, because God knows what fiasco will play out during [rolling her eyes] this event. But I appreciate your willingness to let your Rook go, Haleigh. Zach will flourish in Europe under the Black Court. Under me."

Brienne smirked, diplomacy never her best suit. That was what Zach was now for. But really, as King he would be under her, on top of her, beside her, every fucking position imaginable, and that was just on the jet ride home. Oh yes, Brienne was going to flaunt the fact that she got to fuck the hell out of Zach anytime she wanted because he was the one man Haleigh couldn't keep. And on some level, she knew that got under Haleigh's skin.

"But you are right! I have a new King...you have two Kings. There is quite a lot to celebrate today."

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Haleigh said she was sorry to interrupt them, but really she wasn’t. In fact she took great pleasure in seeing the flash of irritation on Brienne’s face, before the European Black Queen ‘welcomed’ them to the table. Brienne hoped this breakfast wouldn’t be like the last one, a took a long, unconcerned drink of water. Haleigh gave Brienne a knowing smile as she sat down. When Alek settled next to her, she turned to him with a more serious expression.

“Yeah, that reminds me babe, we got so carried away this morning, I forgot to tell you I discovered Archer was behind the poisoning as well, can you believe that shit?!”

Haleigh’s gaze snapped back to Brienne, sharp, sparkling green eyes alight. Jade green, but really bright. Just unnaturally vivid, too.

“But I bet you wouldn’t know anything about that either, would you Bree? No, of course you wouldn’t.”

Haleigh finished. Brienne took the opportunity to gloat about getting Zach, making sure to work in a pointed comment about how he’d be under her.

“Classy.”

She sneered, tossing a glance at Zach. His expression pleaded with her, and she turned her gaze back on Brienne.

“Yeah, I don’t know.... the more I think about it, the more I realize I’m not willing to let him go—”

Zach: Haleigh—

“Don’t interrupt me, Zach.”

She said sharply, without looking at him.

“You see, Zach has been invaluable to me, all these years. We’ve been colleagues, friends, lovers. He’s much more to me than just a Rook, always has been. He deserves so much more than....”

She paused, looking Brienne up and down before continuing.

“What he’s asking me for. Objectively, I shouldn’t allow him to set the bar so low—”

Zach stood from his chair so abruptly, it nearly tipped over. Haleigh reached out towards and stopped it from falling, her mind locked on the metal legs. She looked up at him calmly.

“Have patience with me, Your Grace, you know you’re asking me to make a real fucking sacrifice here.”

She said, and then she watched him sit back down before she looked back over at Brienne.

“But, he chose you. No accounting for taste, I guess. Look bitch. I’m never gonna like you, and you’re never gonna like me, and that’s okay. I don’t give a flying fuck if you appreciate me for giving him to you. But you’d damn well better appreciate him. And you’d better take real good care of your new King, because I will fucking bomb Europe back to the dark ages if anything happens to Zach.”

She swore, and then she smiled brightly.

“Now, would you like to announce his transfer, or shall I?”

 

[Orion]

Hellfire - The Great Hall

He asked her what a proper coronation might entail, as he led her to the Great Hall. She began to tell him slowly, and he very much liked what he heard. They way she talked made him want to take her in an alcove, but he knew he shouldn’t. He took her to an empty table, thinking about turning her on a bit, discreetly.

She reached for him first, much to his delight. The heat of her hand seemed to go straight to his groin. He smirked as his blood stirred, and poured his arousal right back into her. He was just leaning to kiss her neck, the entire hall around them forgotten, when Haleigh’s voice cut through the haze.

Well, there went that. The sight of Alek helped put down the partial Zach had developed. Brienne was displeased, but Zach gave her a little nudge of encouragement, and she managed to smile. Zach smiled too, at first, but it died as soon as the women started talking to each other. Brienne’s thin veneer of friendliness wasn’t fooling anyone.

Haleigh was pissed when Brienne mentioned how Zach would flourish in Europe. It might’ve been the phrasing that set her off. Zach began to relieve her wrath quickly. It would make him irritable for a little while, but that was a small price to pay to keep things on track. She looked at him, and he gave her the look, but she turned on Brienne and the whole train came off the rails.

“Haleigh—”

He interjected, but she wasn’t having it. She started explaining how much he meant to her, and he could sense that she meant what she was saying. But then she began to disparage Brienne, and it started to infuriate Zach. Add that to the fact that she was denying him this opportunity, and it was insult to injury. He stood from his chair, ready to storm out. How could she be so selfish?

Haleigh told him to have patience with her, and granted him the address of a King, then reminded him of the sacrifice he was asking of her. He calmed himself, and sat back down, reaching for Brienne’s hand to share the calm. He took a deep breath and waved over the waitress for some drinks, because this table was going to need it. Haleigh threatened to basically crater all of Europe if anything happened to Zach, and then cheerily asked if Brienne wanted to announce it or if Haleigh should. Zach looked at Alek, and his expression said ‘these two!’

When the waitress arrived he ordered an entire bottle of scotch.

 

[Savage]

Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Savage put his foot down when the Europeans got a little too forward with his Queen — letting them know he could speak their flowery language, and that if his Ashley wanted to learn, he’d be the one to teach her. She tried to reassure him, as Juliette and Liam exchanged surprised glances.

His Queen, as it turned out, could already speak French. She made it sound very good, too. The Dead Thing commented that AJ had a savage instinct, and wanted to remain wild. Or she tried to say it, but her stupid French tongue butchered the pronunciation. AJ could tell he was being insulted, but he brushed it off. He much preferred that than when the fiends were licking their lips at His Ashley. She countered that each of them had a wild side, and without it they would be boring.

Juliette: Touché.

Another round of drinks was delivered, and AJ snatched up his glass, as his Ashley elaborated on her previous statement. Liam jumped back into the conversation in an attempt to help smooth things over.

Liam: Now, Lions, those are some wondrous beasts. If I could shapeshifter into anything, it’d be a lion. You ever watch them lounge about? Perfectly regal, with the great big mane and all. And the lionesses are remarkable as well. I do love myself a huntress.

The man said, looking over at his own Queen. AJ started to simmer down again, taking a sip of his glass as he watched the two across the table warily. His Ashley declared she’d rather die than deny the connection to her inner animal. Juliette nodded in agreement.

Juliette: Yes, eet ees so frustrating to be constrained, caged by civility. Tell me, volf. Vould you murder me eef you vere not constrained by your Queen?

Savage glared at The Dead Thing. She had to know the answer already. She had to be asking because his answer would make his Ashley upset with him. But he couldn’t respect himself if he lied. He couldn’t smile and soft-soap like the Red King.

“Yes.”

He growled, and the Dead Thing gleefully laughed.

Juliette: ‘onesty ees dze best policy. Our rivalry spans dze centuries, and alvays vill. Yet, ‘ere ve all are, enjoying dze company of friends. Dzis ees vat civility grants us. An agreement, among friends. I vill deny my eenstincts, eef you vill. Ve can be friends, yes?

“Just friends. You and my Ashley. Your King and my Ashley, just friends.”

Juliette: Oui, oui. Ve are all just friends.

AJ sat back, a little more relaxed than before. Liam cleared his throat with a cautious smile.

Liam: Lovely coffee here, is it imported?

 

[Valkyrie]

The Great Hall

Ashley was beginning to think that perhaps this hadn't been the best idea. Savage was getting angrier and more on a hair-trigger as the event went on, despite the fact that he had been doing so well and everyone had been getting along. It perturbed her that someone with such a savage side as Juliette would make a veiled comment about AJ's "wildness". But she tried to make the peace, reminding her guests of the animal side each person carried within them. Even those with long lives such as they - maybe especially them.

Liam: Now, Lions, those are some wondrous beasts. If I could shapeshifter into anything, it’d be a lion. You ever watch them lounge about? Perfectly regal, with the great big mane and all. And the lionesses are remarkable as well. I do love myself a huntress.

Ashley took a drink.

"Yes, that's obvious."

She commented that she'd rather die than be shoved into a box, forced to deny her own animal side.

Juliette: Yes, eet ees so frustrating to be constrained, caged by civility. Tell me, volf. Vould you murder me eef you vere not constrained by your Queen?

Ashley opened her mouth to command him not to answer.

Savage: “Yes.”

Godsdamnit. Ashley hated this. She wasn't the diplomat, that was Alek's job. Having to choose whether to take Savage's side and potentially kill their alliance or hurt AJ, as she knew he would be if she reprimanded him. Ugh. Fuck this shit. Juliette laughed as if she were playing a game, which, of course, she was.

Juliette: ‘onesty ees dze best policy. Our rivalry spans dze centuries, and alvays vill. Yet, ‘ere ve all are, enjoying dze company of friends. Dzis ees vat civility grants us. An agreement, among friends. I vill deny my eenstincts, eef you vill. Ve can be friends, yes?

Savage: “Just friends. You and my Ashley. Your King and my Ashley, just friends.”

Liam: Lovely coffee here, is it imported?

She had stayed silent, but now she turned her head to face Liam.

"Alek would know. It all tastes the same to me."

And then her gaze was back on Juliette, a bit frostier than it had been.

"You asked what my wolf would do if I did not command him otherwise. How many of your own people, not caring the circumstances, would call for retaliation for Archer if you did not command otherwise? If none of us in this room were constrained, it would be a free for all. That is why we make friendships, and alliances. We do not refrain from killing because we are good people."

She kept her eyes on Juliette.

"My Knight would obey my orders even were the command harmful to me. Because I am Queen. THAT is loyalty."

She touched her index finger to the table to accent her point.

"Savage?"

She paused, but didn't look at him.

"Do not intervene."

Ashley reached out to the oil lamp that sat on the table for ambiance, and removed its cover. Without hesitation, she stuck her hand into the flame. She left it there, as the skin cracked and bubbled, her eyes still on Juliette, not flinching.

"But then again, sometimes our savage instincts are the right ones."

 

[Berserker]

The Great Hall

Alek really didn't want to sit with Zach and watch him make eyes and allusions to their shared past at Haleigh, but from a unemotional point of view - something Zach would have a huge problem accomplishing - it made the most sense. Haleigh needed to be seen giving her blessing to this arrangement, to show that relations between her and Zach were still good - that this hadn't been some sort of coup. The last thing they needed was people thinking Haleigh had lost Zach to Brienne. But still, this breakfast was going to suck.

He just kept his mind on climbing back into bed with Haleigh when this was all over.

Alek watched Zach with Brienne, and it was clear the Black Queen had bewitched him. And not in a late afternoon, black and white rerun sort of way. The emo freak that Zach was, Brienne would be able to lead him around by his dick wherever she pleased - Alek wasn't as confident as Haleigh that she would be able to keep his loyalty once the voodoo witch scrambled his brains.

They both sat, Alek with an understated sigh that was much louder in his own mind.

Hex: "Hopefully there won't be a repeat of the last breakfast."

He raised an eyebrow at Brienne.

"There had better not be."

And he meant that. Another attempt on Haleigh and they'd be pouring what was left of the European regents into the East River.

Haleigh then turned to him, her voice way too perky.

Haleigh: “Yeah, that reminds me babe, we got so carried away this morning, I forgot to tell you I discovered Archer was behind the poisoning as well, can you believe that shit?! But I bet you wouldn’t know anything about that either, would you Bree? No, of course you wouldn’t.”

"I'm sure she didn't. She has much too much value for her own life to be that stupid."

He levelled his gaze at Brienne. He didn't believe she had been involved. Because Brienne wasn't stupid, and there is not way Arch could have pressured her into doing it.

"But at least you don't have to coverup Arch's fuckups anymore, eh Bree?"

Hex: "I might as well say this now, because God knows what fiasco will play out during [rolling her eyes] this event. But I appreciate your willingness to let your Rook go, Haleigh. Zach will flourish in Europe under the Black Court. Under me."

Alek rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe Brienne had fallen for that feelings crap. They all knew Alek fucked better than Zach even on his worst day.

Haleigh: “Yeah, I don’t know.... the more I think about it, the more I realize I’m not willing to let him go—”

The fuck?

Yeah, he could see the important of keeping someone as loyal as Zach around Haleigh during this time, despite what Alek felt about him. He'd suggested that to her himself. But Haleigh hadn't agreed.

Haleigh: “You see, Zach has been invaluable to me, all these years. We’ve been colleagues, friends, lovers. He’s much more to me than just a Rook, always has been. He deserves so much more than....What he’s asking me for. Objectively, I shouldn’t allow him to set the bar so low—”

He put two fingers to the bridge of his nose. This was not what he had meant when he suggested they show they had a relationship with the Black Queen and her new King.

Haleigh: “But, he chose you. No accounting for taste, I guess. Look bitch. I’m never gonna like you, and you’re never gonna like me, and that’s okay. I don’t give a flying fuck if you appreciate me for giving him to you. But you’d damn well better appreciate him. And you’d better take real good care of your new King, because I will fucking bomb Europe back to the dark ages if anything happens to Zach. Now, would you like to announce his transfer, or shall I?”

"Oh, thank fuck."

He and Zach shared an uncomfortable look. Not that Alek would have been opposed to it necessarily if Haleigh and Brienne started going at it in the middle of the Great Hall, but he would prefer it happen somewhere less public. Like the Catacombs or his suite in the Red Wing.

He turned to an attendant and held up his glass.

"Could I have another one of these, stat?"

Now bombing Europe back to the dark ages, he could get behind. Especially if that meant Zach was dead. He wasn't sure he was entirely okay with the amount of effort Haleigh had just expended to protect her former Rook.

Zach ordered a bottle of scotch.

"Make that two."

Well, the guy wasn't all bad.

 

[Fathom]

Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Heidi kept stealing glances at Jack. He was looking very dapper today, to Heidi’s eyes, even if he did seem a bit gloomier now than when he left her this morning. She wondered if the Neptune in recovery was doing poorly, and that was why he was dour. She took the lead in the conversation with Calder, knowing Jack was taciturn even on a good day.

The Red Rook solicited her advice, and she could’ve gone on all day imparting her wisdom on him, but the kids nowadays had such short attention spans. She decided to start with the most important thing first. Be careful who you take to bed, it could very well be a death sentence if you stepped on the wrong toes. If the regents approached you first, that was a different story.

Jack: Right. In that case, Heidi wouldn’t recommend you deny them.

Heidi looked over at him, thinking that his statement had a bit of a keen edge to it. Had he found out about her meeting with Cameron the other day? Surely he understood.

“I’d call it unwise, especially if it was your own King or Queen. You wouldn’t rebuff the Red Queen’s advances, would you Jack?”

Calder was shaking his head, but Jack surprised her. Well, maybe it was his bond with AJ that gave him pause. She floated that idea, but he corrected her, and the reason he gave her was even more astounding than hearing he’d pass up the chance to sleep with Ashley.

“Why Jack, I hadn’t realized we’d reached that depth, darling.”

She replied, a smile fighting its way to the surface. They moved on to talking about Calder’s ability, and it was an interesting one. She wondered what powers she would like to copy and try out, even though she knew she’d love her own abilities above all the rest. She asked Calder which were his favorites just too live vicariously.

Calder: I'd say I like trying out the new ones the best - even though sometimes that can go horribly wrong. Your entire body bursting into flame sounds a lot more fun than it is...

She laughed lightly at that.

“I think you’d find getting wet is much more pleasing. I know I enjoy it— Hmm—”

She giggled a bit, blushing.

“That didn’t sound so salacious in my head.”

She added, and thankfully Calder brought up a time he’d copied the power to sober people up and spent all day in a tavern.

“How droll.”

She said with a smile, as Jack asked Calder some more questions. A serving girl rushed over to the table behind Heidi, and she overheard the girl telling the doctor that his assistance was required at the Red Queen’s table. Heidi hmphed and rolled her eyes, tossing a glance at Jack’s furrowed brow.

“I’m sure your Queen’s fine, look, they’re all just sitting there. They should’ve known better than to sit Savage and Juliette together. I hope she got herself bitten. The little French troll deserves it, and worse.”

She turned back to Calder again, nonchalant.

“Well we won’t interrogate you all morning, Calder. Surely you must have some questions of your own. Don’t be shy now, you can ask us anything!”

 

[Liam Forbes]

Hellfire - The Great Hall

Everything was going so well, even Juliette and Savage seemed to be getting along. Liam joked that he needed to improve his French, and Ashley noted that he had a pretty good tutor, and then she suggested that even if Juliette was a bit disciplinarian, she might enjoy it. When Liam caught Ashley’s gaze, his smiled was debauched. Juliette said that Ashley made her ‘re-wanting it’, thankfully speaking slowly enough for him to catch all her words, and after a beat wherein he translated mentally, he agreed in reply.

The thought of the two of them together again had him stiffening, but Savage spoke up hastily. Liam was quite surprised to find that the man knew French, and he tried to smooth it over. He was positively abashed when Ashley spoke the language too. Juliette, however, was piqued. Ashley tried valiantly to salvage the topic, and Liam attempted to assist by rambling on about lions. It was no use. Savage and Juliette were locked in eye contact now, and she was determined to dance with him.

She asked him if he’d murder her, given the freedom by his Queen to do so, and his yes rumbled from deep in his chest. Liam wasn’t alarmed or appalled by his answer. He was more displeased with Juliette for provoking the wolf than anything else. It wasn’t like the hypothetical posed any real threat. Juliette, in her puckish way, got Savage to agree they would all be friends, just friends.

Liam tried to abruptly change the subject, but Ashley was riled now, and fighting back. Liam gave a resigned sigh and went back to his Irish coffee. Juliette, previously dead chuffed with herself, started to catch on as Ashley went fierce. The Red Queen commanded her Knight not to interfere, and stuck her hand in the fire to prove her point. Smashing. Liam snapped his fingers and the flame went out.

“Juliette.”

He admonished.

Julie: I ‘ave given offense.

“Gathered that, have you luv?”

He asked, his tone a bit less trenchant. A waitress had come over to the table when he snapped. He hadn’t meant for that, but he might as well take advantage of the opportunity. He looked over his shoulder at the girl with a gentle smile.

“A Healer for Your Queen.”

He ordered, just assuming they had one on staff. She hurried off, while Juliette set her glass down and leaned in towards Ashley with sincerity.

Julie: Oh no, I cahn be diabolique. I deed not mean— Mon chère, pardon me, s'il vous plaît.”

 

[Savage]

Hellfire -- The Great Hall

AJ was relieved, when he got Juliette to agree that her—and her King— would be just friends with his Ashley. He didn’t think he could bear them looking at her like a meal any longer, but if they agreed to his limits, then at least he had drawn a line he could stand on. He sat back in his chair with his vodka and oj then, as Liam randomly brought up the coffee, with a cautious smile.

Savage sensed something beside him, and looked carefully over at his Queen. She was unhappy. AJ felt guilty for making her that way. He should’ve lied, he knew that now. He could have lived with it. He should’ve just laid down and taken it. He could’ve said no. One little word, and she wouldn’t be upset with him, she wouldn’t be having to justify his answer to the Europeans.

Ashley: My Knight would obey my orders even were the command harmful to me. Because I am Queen. THAT is loyalty.

He set his glass on the edge of the table and reached for her with both hands now.

“My Queen...”

He said, but she wouldn’t even look at him.

Ashley: Savage? Do not intervene.

He shrank back, hangdog for a moment. It was replaced by alarm when she started to burn herself. He wanted badly to grab her hand, even if he burned himself, to knock over the lamp even if it set their whole table alight, but she had commanded him not to intervene. He was trapped between wanting to stop it and not wanting to anger her further. Liam finally did something other than just sit there and blather, snapping his fingers to extinguish the fire and calling for a healer.

Savage swallowed hard, watching the waitress go to another table with a level of haste that he didn’t think was quite adequate. He was relieved to see who the waitress had gone to retrieve; it was Sawbones, aka Dr. Jasper Crichton. He was familiar, a man frequently called upon when any of the Inner Circle got injured. Technically he was a pawn, eligible for any Court, but he was kind of one of Haleigh’s men really. Still, he gave smiles to everyone before he turned to the Red Queen.

Jasper: Oh, that’s nicely charred, Your Grace. May I?

 

[Hex]

Brienne decided to make it a point to mention how she hoped this breakfast wasn't a repeat of the last. Although frankly, she could care less if Haleigh and her twin brats died while she enjoyed her waffles.

Haleigh: “Yeah, that reminds me babe, we got so carried away this morning, I forgot to tell you I discovered Archer was behind the poisoning as well, can you believe that shit?!”

Brienne rolled her eyes.

Alek: "I'm sure she didn't. She has much too much value for her own life to be that stupid."

"Oh fuck off. You'd love to see me six feet under, [she waved him off dismissively] the feeling's mutual."

Alek: "But at least you don't have to coverup Arch's fuckups anymore, eh Bree?"

Brienne gave a cheeky smile, leaning in to the table as if telling Alek a secret.

"That task has swiftly passed to you and your baby mama drama, [mockingly to Alek] babe."

Brienne sat back, her eyes narrowed in irritation. It infuriated her that Haleigh and Alek could sit there so smug and acting so superior as if they didn't just fuck up both of their courts with this 'babies from a different daddy' bullshit. Yes Archer tried to kill a regent, but for fuck sakes, at least he was DEAD. These kids would forever be running around the halls and stepping on someone's toes. Brienne was feeling on edge but the calming effect Zach was giving her was definitely helping her loosen up a bit, his hand against her skin definitely helped the cause as well. She had a new King, and that was something to celebrate.

Haleigh: “Yeah, I don’t know.... the more I think about it, the more I realize I’m not willing to let him go—”

Zach: Haleigh—

Haleigh: “Don’t interrupt me, Zach.”

Brienne sat forward, her eyes narrowing.

"Don't speak to him like that."

Haleigh: “You see, Zach has been invaluable to me, all these years. We’ve been colleagues, friends, lovers. He’s much more to me than just a Rook, always has been. He deserves so much more than....”

Haleigh was looking at her up and down like a common whore. Brienne perked up a brow.

"A Queen knocked up by two different men?"

She chimed in with a seething stare as Haleigh continued to paint Brienne out to be lower than scum. Zach quite literally jumped up from his seat, and she didn't need to be an empath to see the fury radiating from him. It made Brienne's eyes soften for a mere second, knowing this was hurting him. Haleigh was dangling this promotion like a piece of meat to a starving dog, waving it around teasingly. It was low, even for her.

Haleigh: “Have patience with me, Your Grace, you know you’re asking me to make a real fucking sacrifice here.”

"Oh boo hoo."

Brienne spat with a roll of her eyes. But that sated Zach for the moment as he sat back down. He reached for Brienne's hand under the table, feeling his calming energy tingle against her skin and wave over her. She made it a point to move their hands to the top of the table, a sign of unity.

Haleigh: “But, he chose you. No accounting for taste, I guess."

"HA. A step up."

Haleigh: "Look bitch. I’m never gonna like you, and you’re never gonna like me, and that’s okay. I don’t give a flying fuck if you appreciate me for giving him to you. But you’d damn well better appreciate him. And you’d better take real good care of your new King, because I will fucking bomb Europe back to the dark ages if anything happens to Zach.”

Now Brienne could actually agree with the fit bit. She would always hate Haleigh and could give two shits if the bitch was alive or dead. But the last part? Oh no no no, she was acting a little TOO much like Diana for Brienne's taste.

"I need you to understand something, bitch. My King is my equal, and unlike how you've strung Zach along for years, I will build him up to be more powerful than even HE can imagine. You have used him as a toy - a backup plan. He will be NONE of those things in Europe with ME. So tell me, who's really taking 'real good care' of whom in this little scenario of yours?"

Zach was nothing more than an old fling that Haleigh wanted to keep around 'just in case'. She was bitter that he was choosing to leave her instead of hanging around like a lap dog to see what scraps he got thrown next. THAT was the dirty truth despite Haleigh dressing it up with pretty bows. Brienne sat back as Alek and Zach's two bottles of scotch were delivered to the table. She squeezed his hand and gave him a look, needing a double shoot after this fucking chat.

Haleigh: “Now, would you like to announce his transfer, or shall I?”

She rolled her eyes as she took the glass of scotch Zach slid over to her. Picking the drink up, she gestured with the glass to the room.

[deadpan] "By all means."

 

[Black Widow]

Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Brienne was gloating a little too much, so Haleigh decided a bit of retribution was in order. It was vindictive, sure. But it wasn’t like Brienne was going to give up a goddamn thing here. The least she could’ve done was not be a bitch about it. Haleigh wasn’t even asking for a ‘thanks’, she would’ve done fine without salt in the wound. So she was a little embittered, but Zach had made his choice. No accounting for taste, Haleigh supposed.

Brienne: HA! A step up.

“From Erika? Not a very high step. The girl is hot as fuck but she’s plum crazy.”

She remarked, and then she decided to just shoot straight from the hip. She told Brienne that they were never going to like each other, but it was okay that way. And she said she didn’t care if Brienne appreciated what she was doing, so long as she at least appreciated what she was getting. Also, if anything happened to Zach she would absolutely obliterate Europe. That really set Brienne off, and she had the audacity to say that Haleigh had strung Zach along, as if Haleigh was some kind of abusive ex-girlfriend keeping him on the hook for a back-up in case her marriage didn’t work out.

Who the fuck does this pin-cushion think she is?

Haleigh leaned in darkly.

“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. You don’t know what we mean to each other, or what we’ve done for each other. You don’t know about his father or my mother, or any of it—”

Zach: Haleigh, we don’t have to go back there. Can’t you just lay down your weapons for half an hour? Both of you? You’re making me miserable here.”

Haleigh looked at him for a moment, and then she caught sight of their hands, clasped together on the table. She smiled, but it was only the simulation of happiness. She turned to Brienne and asked if Brienne wanted to announce it, or if she should. All petulance, Brienne gave Haleigh the opportunity. Haleigh grabbed a glass of water and stood up, calling for attention. She noticed her doctor over at Ashley’s table, and raised an eyebrow, but he gave a friendly smile as he finished and went back to sit with her lawyer.

Oh good, they’re both here. I need to talk to them today.

She mentally sent them each a discreet text. They were sitting at a table not too far away, with a pair of pawns that looked vaguely familiar to Haleigh, but since the whole Hall had quieted now she wanted to get on with releasing Zach. She held up her glass with a jovial smile. Then she opened her mouth, but stopped, and scrutinized the contents of her glass very closely. It got a few laughs when she set the glass back down and reached across the table for someone else’s. She renewed her smile.

“What a fucking weekend, am I right? Well, I hope you all enjoyed the antics and adventures, and if you didn’t, then fuck you, throw your own damn parties. To all my European collaborators, it’s been a pleasure. Now I know everyone is hungry, and tired as hell of the speeches, but I do have an announcement so suck it up. I’m not going to wax poetic. He knows how I feel about him and doesn’t need me to stroke his ego either. While you’re making your rounds and saying goodbye to our recent guests, make sure you stop by to congratulate Zach and wish him all the best. He’s the new Black King of Hellfire Europe.”

She paused for applause.

“Yeah, we’re going to miss his ass. So drink to his success, and let’s fucking eat already.”

 

[Orion]

Hellfire - The Great Hall

He took Brienne’s hand, and she brought his up to the tabletop for all to see. He gave her a wan smile. He knew that whatever Haleigh said, her heart was in the right place, but she had always had a very brazen and abrasive personality. She could be smooth when she wanted to be, but she was not a diplomat by nature. That was more his thing, while she was a shoot-first-apologize-later kind of woman.

Haleigh:But, he chose you. No accounting for taste, I guess.

Brienne: HA. A step up.

Haleigh: From Erika? Not a very high step. The girl is hot as fuck but she’s plum crazy.

Gods Almighty, this is a dumpster fire of epic proportions.

He thought, as the women went back and forth with intensifying venom. Haleigh was making threats, which was really to be expected, and Brienne was firing back. Zach was shaking his head at Brienne, trying to discourage her from going there, but she wasn’t paying him attention. Both of them were trying to make sure he was appreciated and taken care of, and it was the most awkward thing ever, given the fact that he was sitting right here next to them.

Just when he thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse, Haleigh went from irritated to irate. She wasn’t about to accept Brienne’s take on things, and really Zach couldn’t blame her for getting up in arms, but they were going to revisit a part of their past that had both bound them together and torn them apart. It was a long, unhappy story.

“Haleigh, we don’t have to go back there. Can’t you just lay down your weapons for half an hour? Both of you? You’re making me miserable here.”

Haleigh stopped, finally, looking at him. He held her gaze, giving a little shake of his head. She didn’t have to prove anything to him. She glanced at his hand in Brienne’s, and forced an empty smile. It never ceased to impress him when she shut her emotions down. She seemed to be able to turn off at will.

Alek: oh thank fuck.

Zach caught the man’s gaze and he couldn’t have said it better himself. It was a rare day when he agreed so completely with the Red King. He ordered a bottle of scotch, and Alek doubled the order. Zach poured Brienne a glass and passed it to her. Haleigh stood up and made the announcement.

Zach faked his own smile, for the crowd. He was happy about this, happy to be a King finally, even happier to be with Brienne. But it was bittersweet at the same time. The food was brought out, eggs and bacon, pancakes and more. Zach was grateful for the distraction, and just prayed that everyone at the table would stop arguing and just eat.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Great Hall

Her eyes were locked in a dead stare with Juliette. Her hand hurt like a sonofabitch, but she would be fucked if she was going to show it. Savage, as she knew he would, did nothing. See? My wolf would never cross me.

Then Liam snapped his fingers, and the flame went out. She finally pulled her hand back and set it in her lap, wrapping it in her linen napkin.

Liam: “Juliette.”

Juliette: I ‘ave given offense.

"I do not appreciate having my people needlessly provoked."

Or made fun of. Juliette was playing a dangerous game, one which showed a marked lack of respect. And Savage...his answer to Juliette could be disastrous. For him. For the alliance.

Liam meanwhile was signaling to a servant.

Liam: “A Healer for Your Queen.”

Her attention stayed on Juliette.

"It's nothing. It will be healed before breakfast is over."

Juliette: Oh no, I cahn be diabolique. I deed not mean— Mon chère, pardon me, s'il vous plaît.”

Ashley's eyes remained icily on her for a long moment, and then she waved her uninjured hand in the air. Her face broke into its usual smile, the chilly stare broken.

"Consider it forgotten, mon amie."

That handsome doctor was approaching their table, and she sighed before giving him a warm smile.

Jasper: Oh, that’s nicely charred, Your Grace. May I?

"There's really no need - it will heal on its own. Just a minor accident. I'm sure all it needs is a shot of whiskey."

She winked at him, but he insisted on tending to it anyway. When the doctor went back to his seat, she heard chuckles from the crowd and noticed that Haleigh was standing. Apparently, there was going to speech a speech.

Gods give me strength.

Haleigh: “What a fucking weekend, am I right? Well, I hope you all enjoyed the antics and adventures, and if you didn’t, then fuck you, throw your own damn parties. To all my European collaborators, it’s been a pleasure. Now I know everyone is hungry, and tired as hell of the speeches, but I do have an announcement so suck it up. I’m not going to wax poetic. He knows how I feel about him and doesn’t need me to stroke his ego either. While you’re making your rounds and saying goodbye to our recent guests, make sure you stop by to congratulate Zach and wish him all the best. He’s the new Black King of Hellfire Europe.”

"What?"

Ashley was shocked, and turned to where Zach was sitting in disbelief. Why the hell would Haleigh let Zach go to Europe? Well, she knew why, to be a plant for the White Court there, but still. She was even more surprised that Zach would go. This was his home. How could he leave Haleigh? Or the rest of them?

 

[Berserker]

The Great Hall

Alek didn't know what Brienne's fucking problem was. They'd screwed each other's brains out for a generous part of the weekend, and now she was acting like he'd cheated on her or something. He mentioned the silver lining to her that now she didn't have to cover for Arch when he fucked up again and again.

Brienne: "That task has swiftly passed to you and your baby mama drama, [mockingly to Alek] babe."

She had leaned in to say that, so he mimicked her movement.

"Jealous?"

Haleigh and Brienne traded bitchy barbs, and things escalated when Haleigh suggested she wasn't going to let Zach go, which Alek had mixed emotions about. He thought Haleigh was about to let things go with a threat about what would happen to Europe if Bree hurt Zach. Which was such a woman thing to say that he found it hard to believe Haleigh had said it.

Brienne: "I need you to understand something, bitch. My King is my equal, and unlike how you've strung Zach along for years, I will build him up to be more powerful than even HE can imagine. You have used him as a toy - a backup plan. He will be NONE of those things in Europe with ME. So tell me, who's really taking 'real good care' of whom in this little scenario of yours?"

Alek couldn't help but comment on that one.

"At least she's known him for years...you've been screwing him, what, a day?"

There was no jealousy in his voice when he said it, but come on, it needed saying. And then it was decided that Haleigh would indeed announce Zach's promotion. That was good. Yet another thing that made it seem like Haleigh's idea. Happily, the scotch had arrived, and Zach started pouring out glasses for his queen from his bottle. Alek pulled the cork out of the bottle with his teeth and took a drink straight from it.

Haleigh said some things about Zach, and then thankfully the food was brought out. He leaned towards Haleigh after she sat back down.

"I am starving. How about you babe? How's the stomach?"

 

[Siphon]

The Great Hall

Calder decided he like this White Knight. She laughed at his jokes, which was nice. And gradually he was beginning to relax. Though he kept glancing at Neptune, pretty sure the guy was pissed off at him for something.

He told a story about a time he'd borrowed a power to turn his body to flame, which had not ended well.

Heidi: “I think you’d find getting wet is much more pleasing. I know I enjoy it— Hmm—That didn’t sound so salacious in my head.”

He laughed, and pointed towards her good-naturedly at her gaffe.

"Such words from such a nice British girl."

They continued talking about his powers, and then someone came to get a doctor for his Queen. He looked over at her table, then to Jack, with a worried expression.

"Should we go over there?"

Heidi didn't look concerned, though, and it didn't really look like an emergency.

Heidi: “I’m sure your Queen’s fine, look, they’re all just sitting there. They should’ve known better than to sit Savage and Juliette together. I hope she got herself bitten. The little French troll deserves it, and worse.”

He was a little shocked that she would say something so openly against one of their guests, but he liked hearing her opinion on things. Especially since Jack wasn't really talking.

Heidi: “Well we won’t interrogate you all morning, Calder. Surely you must have some questions of your own. Don’t be shy now, you can ask us anything!”

His brown furrowed a bit, and he leaned forward, crossing his arms on the table. There was something he wanted to ask, but he wasn't sure how to.

"What do I do if my King and Queen give me opposing orders?"

It was no secret that Alek and Ashley had been an item, and now they weren't, and he wondered if their disagreement might spill over into other things.

The White Queen was standing, and she made a little show of not drinking out of her own glass, and Calder laughed. It was a weird situation, but who was he to question it? If his King was with this Queen, then he knew he should show her respect. And beside, with Heidi as her Knight, how bad could she be?

Haleigh: “What a fucking weekend, am I right? Well, I hope you all enjoyed the antics and adventures, and if you didn’t, then fuck you, throw your own damn parties. To all my European collaborators, it’s been a pleasure. Now I know everyone is hungry, and tired as hell of the speeches, but I do have an announcement so suck it up. I’m not going to wax poetic. He knows how I feel about him and doesn’t need me to stroke his ego either. While you’re making your rounds and saying goodbye to our recent guests, make sure you stop by to congratulate Zach and wish him all the best. He’s the new Black King of Hellfire Europe.”

Calder clapped enthusiastically. He didn't really know Zach, but what a cool thing to have happen. To switch courts, move to Europe, AND become a king. And it seemed like he was pretty close to his new Black Queen already, which definitely would not suck. He raised his glass in a toast, and then was ecstatic to see food finally being brought out. It was standard breakfast far, but that was okay by Calder, and he planned on eating a lot of it.