A Weekend Affair # 2 - The Black Breakfast

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club - - The Catacombs

Ava: For Christ sakes I'm not expecting you to kiss my ass! I'm expecting you to RESPECT me as a sister Queen and not SCREAM at me like you are MY QUEEN. You don't rule me Haleigh, and if you want to try? Then step up because I will knock your ass to the GROUND.

Haleigh rolled her eyes, actually cracking a smile in spite of her frustration with Ava. Haleigh didn’t believe she ‘ruled’ over the other courts. They were all in this together, but it was often left to the White Court to give the club some vision to rally for, or some direction to head, or some particular focus. So as much as Haleigh tried to include and consult her sister Queens so that they could all be pleased with the outcome, there was still the stigma left behind from when her mother ran things, and had everyone gripped in a diamond fist. Normally Haleigh would attempt to assuage such sentiment, but that whole ‘step up and I’ll knock you down’ boast just made her want to laugh.

Looks like Ava’s wearing her big girl panties today, good for her!

She tried to tell Ava that all she had to do was communicate, and she even tried to apologize, but it was too late. They sniped at each other some more, until they both agreed they were done talking, and then Ash came in. Immediately recognizing something was up, Ash asked, but Haleigh deflected, saying they were just ‘bonding’, because she really didn’t want to get back into it.

Ash: That's funny, bonding with you usually involves either scotch, sex or gratuitous violence. Or any combination of the three.

“Yeah, no scotch for a while, and I’ve had plenty of sex, but stay tuned: gratuitous violence is likely right around the corner.”

Haleigh quipped, as Ava texted Steele about how pissed she was. If Haleigh was a spiteful bitch, she’d have snatched that text right out of the radio waves, and let Ava believe her King was ignoring her. She also considered blowing up that phone right in Ava’s hands, not enough to destroy a couple fingers, just a nice lasting sting, but no. Their argument was over, and Haleigh wasn’t so petty that she couldn’t let it die.

Ash: Well, Liam and Juliette are very friendly.

“Yeah, I saw. Did you want a copy of the tape?”

Haleigh asked with a smirk.

Ash: They've already begun collaborating with Neptune on converting the Aqua Ring to nuclear power. They also have invited me to come to London for a tour of their research facility.

“Oh, Excellent. I was hoping Jack and Liam would find some common ground, despite their differing fields of study.”

Haleigh commented, and then Ash moved on the discuss Alek’s charming of Brienne, which Haleigh found much less amusing. Ava finally chimed in, saying that Brienne wasn’t interested in being an ally, and apparently only cared to be here for Alek’s dick.

“So she’s useless then.”

Haleigh interjected with audible disdain. Talk moved to Archer, and though Ash mentioned Alek’s bromance and the possibility of cementing that as an alliance, it was obvious that neither of the other Queens liked him. Haleigh didn’t have anything against him, personally, but she wouldn’t force Ash and Ava to put up with him if she could help it.

“Well I was considering giving him the Nefaria empire as a bribe for his allegiance, but if neither of you care for him, why don’t we just kill him? And that little bitch Brienne too. Hunting accidents happen, and Arklay is a dangerous place to be....”

She said ominously. She could easily cause a technical glitch and release the biohazards on the grounds. In the ensuing chaos, the Europeans in Black would be sitting ducks for the American Queens.

“We can help select replacements for the European Black Court, and I can always call the Zacchara girls to take care of my Bishop problem. I bet they’d be thrilled to improve their Hellfire standing, after their crazy fucking father torpedoed their chances of Inner Circle eligibility.”

Ash: We plan to touch base with Bretta today, though of course their Red Court doesn't have as much to offer as the White and Black.

Haleigh nodded, and when Ava didn’t have anything to add, Haleigh spoke up.

“Yes, their Red seems weaker than the other Courts. It doesn’t help that their king didn’t show, or that Daniel Reed has been discussing his probable defection with my Knight. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it to keep them alive, knowing they’ll likely capitulate to whatever Liam and Juliette say, or if we’re better off replacing them as well. You ladies please let me know what you think after talking to Bretta yourselves.”

Haleigh finished, and then it seemed they’d covered all the bases with regards to the foreigners. Time for discussing in house matters.

“Ash, as you may have gathered, I’m in the process of dealing with Gia once and for all. It’s time I put an end to her insubordination. In what might be good news, it seems the Black Princess might be turning over a new leaf, and attempting to get with the program. I’ll leave the handling of her up to you, Ava, but I’d like to get these things taken care of ASAP.”

She gave them a small smile.

“Cameron and I will be having a baby, and I don’t want anyone to remain in the Inner Circle that we can’t completely trust. You may see an increase in the White Guard in the coming weeks, but it’s no cause for alarm. I don’t know how compromised I’ll be by pregnancy, and I don’t want any of the Hellfire pawns thinking they can take advantage of my medical condition.”

She took a measured breath, much less enthusiastic about the next revelation, but still they needed to be the first to know.

“Also, at some point I’ll be declaring Erika as my White Princess. I don’t want to upstage anyone’s event, so I’d like to coordinate with the two of you regarding the timing of the announcement. No doubt, Erika will be expecting a certain degree of pomp and circumstance. I don’t have a ceremony planned or anything, but I have crafted a tiara, and Cameron will inevitably make a speech. I’d like to give John some time in the spotlight though, so Erika will have to be patient. What are your thoughts?”

 

[Persephone]

The conversation was going smoothly enough despite the anger bubbling within Ava. They spoke about Liam and Juliette, then the Aqua Ring, and it moved onto Alek and Brienne. The European Black Queen was very powerful, there was no doubt about that. But she showed little interest in anyone aside from Alek and Ava commented as much.

Haleigh: “So she’s useless then.”

"Yep."

She added while pinching the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. The conversation shifted to Archer and Ava couldn't hold back her eye roll. He was a pig, one that she might possibly have to sleep with despite promising John she wouldn't. It made her stomach turn.

Haleigh: “Well I was considering giving him the Nefaria empire as a bribe for his allegiance, but if neither of you care for him, why don’t we just kill him? And that little bitch Brienne too. Hunting accidents happen, and Arklay is a dangerous place to be....”

That made Ava look up.

"Oh please let me do the honors. He's been stealing from my company and pawing at me for WAY too long...."

Haleigh mentioned th Zaccahra's taking out Gia, which honestly Ava was completely fine about. Despite not particularly liking Gia and finding her to be a snot nosed bitch, she did directly hurt Cassandra which was something Ava couldn't let slide. She may have disliked Cassandra but no one was to disrespect a princess, period.

"We need to do something about Gia. She indirectly attacked Cassandra this morning by hurting her dog. [holds up hand] I know, it's ridiculous, but it was still disrespectful of a Bishop to do to a Princess. I can't let that slide. If we can have the Zacchara's take Gia out, that would solve a lot of problems."

The conversation continued, moving smoothly to Bretta and then Daniel before circling back around.

Haleigh: “Ash, as you may have gathered, I’m in the process of dealing with Gia once and for all. It’s time I put an end to her insubordination. In what might be good news, it seems the Black Princess might be turning over a new leaf, and attempting to get with the program. I’ll leave the handling of her up to you, Ava, but I’d like to get these things taken care of ASAP.”

"She may be turning over a new leaf in Europe if I have anything to say about it."

A hint as to what Ava's plans were involving Cassandra. But then Haleigh dropped a bomb the size of Hiroshima.

Haleigh: “Cameron and I will be having a baby, and I don’t want anyone to remain in the Inner Circle that we can’t completely trust."

Ava's eyes widened despite herself, looking over at Haleigh in shock. Haleigh couldn't get pregnant....NONE of them could. They were the barren Queens, a morbid joke they would throw around. Ava had been afraid Haleigh was going to rub salt in her wound in regards to Ashley's success thus far, instead she was rubbing salt in a different wound. One that Ava didn't even realize had been torn open until Haleigh's announcement. Ava was once able to have children until Diana felt it necessary to merge her with a three thousand year old Goddess. Now she was immortal and unable to have children for the sake of power. It was a bitter pill to swallow, one that Ava hadn't thought about in years until now.

"How-- [shaking her head] Kelly..."

Before Ava could even ask how it dawned on her that Kelly was likely the reason for Haleigh's sudden fertility spike. Kelly was a smart bitch and she knew how to play her hand right. She was on thin ice before, but now giving Haleigh the opportunity to conceive with Cameron? That was extending her life for quite a while. Now it made perfect sense as to why Haleigh was being such a giant cunt and screaming at her before - her hormones were completely out of wack.

"Well that explains a lot....Congratulations, Haleigh."

Haleigh continued on about increasing the White Guard because of her delicate state. Ava kept her eyes cast to the table, her mind racing. There would be a baby within the walls of Hellfire, something that hadn't been the case since they were children. But even more, this gave the White Court so much more power. They had a legacy now, they had a bloodline. Was Ava happy for Haleigh? Of course. Anyone who finds out they can become pregnant after thinking they can't is amazing. She grew up with Haleigh and considered her like a sister. But in that moment it felt like she was punched in the gut, likely similar to what Ashley felt like earlier with her announcement. Still, Ava kept herself composed, never expressing anything outwardly to suggest otherwise. She would practice what she preached earlier.

Haleigh: “Also, at some point I’ll be declaring Erika as my White Princess."

Ava shut her eyes at that. So THAT was Kelly's endgame all along. Telling Ben that Erika was his half sister, then having Haleigh appoint Erika as White Princess? It was going to send Ben over the edge if Ava didn't get a handle on it.

"Fuck."

She whispered, the day just kept getting better and better.

Haleigh: "I’d like to give John some time in the spotlight though, so Erika will have to be patient. What are your thoughts?"

"John doesn't care about the spotlight. He had enough of it this morning."

Ava responded evenly, her brain running overtime with everything that was just laid out on the table. She needed to tell Haleigh and Ashley about Ben and Erika. If for no other reason that Kelly was possibly in the works of planning something bigger than just Erika being Princess.

"Erika is Ben's half sister....Kelly told him at the White Party last night. [glancing over at Haleigh] Hence him drinking and moping."

A jab at how Haleigh took a shot at Ben earlier.

"She told him not to tell anyone because Erika doesn't know yet, but he came to me regardless. I said I wouldn't say anything....but Kelly is working way too many angles right now for me to just sit on this. Ben is a mess, i'm not going to deny that. His issues with his father run deep, and now finding out that he has family within these walls and wasn't told about it until yesterday is taking a toll on him. But what i'm more concerned about is when Erika finds out. She's already a loose canon."

Ava shook her head.

"If Kelly finds out that Ben told me, she WILL hurt him. We need to keep this information within these walls."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Catacombs

She walked in on something happening between Haleigh and Ava, which Haleigh tried to pretend was bonding. Ashley remarked that any bonding with her involved one of three things.

“Yeah, no scotch for a while, and I’ve had plenty of sex, but stay tuned: gratuitous violence is likely right around the corner.”

Hmm, a late morning meeting with Alek, no doubt. Maybe Cameron did have reason to be concerned. She started to give a rundown of what she’d learned about their visitors for the other queens, starting with Liam & Juliette.

“Yeah, I saw. Did you want a copy of the tape?”

Ashley shook her head, but smiled.

"No, but there are some others I might like to have..."

She wondered vaguely if there was a camera in the Red Knight's shower... When she suggested Brienne’s power set could be useful, Ava spoke up.

"Brienne doesn't care about anyone but herself. She has little interest in being an ally to us, she's only here because she has to be. At least that's what i've gathered from her lack of interest in everything other than Alek's dick."

“So she’s useless then.”

Haleigh's lack of enthusiasm for Alek's contribution was not lost on Ashley. Cameron would have his work cut out for him.

“But she’s still here. If she cared as little as she lets on, why even come? Archer certainly wasn’t going to make her. And Alek's dick has won the goodwill of many a woman.”

Speaking of Archer...Ashley said Alek was working on him, and suggested a possible benefit to Ava’s company. But still she didn't look pleased.

"Well he certainly did enjoy wearing your colors this morning."

Ashley rolled her eyes.

“I would have had Savage rip it off him if Alek hadn’t intervened. It was certainly a deliberate provocation.”

“Well I was considering giving him the Nefaria empire as a bribe for his allegiance, but if neither of you care for him, why don’t we just kill him? And that little bitch Brienne too. Hunting accidents happen, and Arklay is a dangerous place to be....”

"Especially with as many people around with cause to hate him as Archer does."

Case in point...

"Oh please let me do the honors. He's been stealing from my company and pawing at me for WAY too long...."

"Just remember he won't bleed to death if you only pull his dick off, so make sure you give him a nice slow, painful stomach wound while you're at it."

It was interesting how little it had taken to get Haleigh ready to remove Archer, but she had never even suggested doing the same to Alek. For all Cameron's ulterior motives, at least he had done that. Eventually.

“We can help select replacements for the European Black Court, and I can always call the Zacchara girls to take care of my Bishop problem. I bet they’d be thrilled to improve their Hellfire standing, after their crazy fucking father torpedoed their chances of Inner Circle eligibility.”

"It's a shame our guests didn't bring their extended courts this weekend. We could have seen who was worth promoting. I'll have Alek put together a dossier on the candidates for us. We'll also want someone we can trust installed at the London branch. Make sure everyone does what we want them to."

She leaned nonchalantly back onto one of the table tops.

"And likewise we'll want to make sure Archer's and the Nefaria organization stays under our control. I'm sure Alek's heartache over the loss of his man crush could be assuaged by something like that?"

She smiled, cat-like.

"With the proper lieutenants in place of course. But they are a natural extension of the Red Court's own business interests."

It was up in the air whether the London Reds were worth keeping around as puppets or not. Ashley would want to speak to Bretta before she made that decision. And then Haleigh decided to share wat Cameron had already told Ashley. Though she was ready for the news this time.

“Cameron and I will be having a baby, and I don’t want anyone to remain in the Inner Circle that we can’t completely trust. You may see an increase in the White Guard in the coming weeks, but it’s no cause for alarm. I don’t know how compromised I’ll be by pregnancy, and I don’t want any of the Hellfire pawns thinking they can take advantage of my medical condition.”

"Sure, no cause for alarm. That's what Hitler said to Poland."

She gave Haleigh a sweet smile though.

"Just make sure the White Guard stays out of the Red wing."

She folded her arms across her chest.

"Well, isn't this a day for revelations. Everyone and their nice new happy families. Touches the heart. So, are you already with child or is this a precautionary measure only?"

It was clear from her conversation with Cameron that he didn't think she was yet pregnant, and if she was, then his paranoia about Alek didn't need to be as acute, which is turn meant he might be less likely to come through on his end of things. And then,

“Also, at some point I’ll be declaring Erika as my White Princess. I don’t want to upstage anyone’s event, so I’d like to coordinate with the two of you regarding the timing of the announcement. No doubt, Erika will be expecting a certain degree of pomp and circumstance. I don’t have a ceremony planned or anything, but I have crafted a tiara, and Cameron will inevitably make a speech. I’d like to give John some time in the spotlight though, so Erika will have to be patient. What are your thoughts?”

Ashley pushed off the table she was leaning against.

"I have several thoughts. One: Are you fucking insane? You're worried about pawns harming your child but you're going to allow Erika free reign of the place, as your princess? Two: Please tell me you didn't accomplish this [waves her hand towards Haleigh's midsection] by magick, because you know how well that usually turns out. Three: You do realize once Erika is here, it's going to be damn hard to get rid of her again. The Black princess is one thing, but you won't so easily remove someone like Erika. Four: You couldn't have announced this at your White Event, so the rest of us didn't have to attend another damn party after this weekend?"

She paused, then shook her head.

"I'm sure I'll have more but I'm still getting over how stupid a move this is. You can't trust her Haleigh."

And then it was Ava's turn to drop a bombshell.

"Erika is Ben's half sister....Kelly told him at the White Party last night. [glancing over at Haleigh] Hence him drinking and moping."

Ashley threw up her hands.

"Then you'd better sure as hall watch your new King because Erika will certainly want to make things a family affair."

If Haleigh thought Erika would stop at princess, she was dreaming.

"She told him to tell anyone because Erika doesn't know yet, but he came to me regardless. I said I wouldn't say anything....but Kelly is working way too many angles right now for me to just sit on this. Ben is a mess, i'm not going to deny that. His issues with his father run deep, and now finding out that he has family within these walls and wasn't told about it until yesterday is taking a toll on him. But what i'm more concerned about is when Erika finds out. She's already a loose canon."

"If nothing else, now you know you can trust your Bishop."

"If Kelly finds out that Ben told me, she WILL hurt him. We need to keep this information within these walls."

"Easier said than done. This IS Hellfire. Chances are Kelly told Ben precisely because she knew he would come to you."

Ashley pursed her lips.

"Trying to decide what Erika will do is like trying to read the mind of a blade of grass. But KELLY should know that she is a likely victim of Erika's wrath. What is her endgame? That she gains Ben's loyalty back? He sees Ava more as his sister than Erika, he is unlikely to plot against her. That she uses threats against him to control Erika?"

It was really anyone's guess.

"One thing is clear: if Kelly is plotting against us, she needs to be eliminated. She was spared once. That will not happen again."

 

[Persephone]

Ashley: "Just remember he won't bleed to death if you only pull his dick off, so make sure you give him a nice slow, painful stomach wound while you're at it."

"I'm fully aware, Ashley."

Ava snapped, not appreciating the fact that she was trying to tell her how to successfully kill a man. A clear indication that all was not water under the bridge in regards to the Red Queen. But the subject went onto Haleigh having a baby, which was a complete shock to Ava. Ashley seemed to be less taken aback by it which was unusual. She even seemed calm about it. Either Ashley had prior knowledge or she was doing a hell of a lot better job hiding her emotions now than before.

Ashley: "Sure, no cause for alarm. That's what Hitler said to Poland. Just make sure the White Guard stays out of the Red wing."

"And Black."

Ava added, not particularly keen on Hellfire reverting back to Haleigh's mother's way of doing things. With Diana, she was the White Queen, but she was also considered herself the 'Hellfire Queen'. Did she work well with Helena and Kelly? Yes. But it was either Diana's way or the other two scrambling to convince her their plan was more sound. Ava had already gotten a taste of Haleigh trying to act like she ruled over her before Ashley walked in, and now it seemed like this pregnancy was just another step in that direction. It was unnerving.

Ashley: "Well, isn't this a day for revelations. Everyone and their nice new happy families. Touches the heart. So, are you already with child or is this a precautionary measure only?"

"THERE it is."

Case and point. Ava rolled her eyes, letting out a scoff. Ashley really was playing the victim card today, wasn't she? Haleigh dropped another fucking bomb about Erika King being her new princess. That was enough to cause Ashley to lose her shit and question Haleigh's decision. It was then Ava's turn to drop the bomb about Erika and Ben.

Ashley: "Then you'd better sure as hall watch your new King because Erika will certainly want to make things a family affair."

"You would like that, wouldn't you?"

Ava sneered, her eyes dark and narrowed. Ashley would probably love seeing Ava lose the King she just appointed out of spite. If Ashley can't be happy then no one else can apparently. Ava folded her arms across her chest, jaw tightening with contempt as she listened to Ashley talk about what Kelly's endgame was by appointing Erika.

"She wants as many King's within these walls as possible, THAT is her endgame. The more people she can manipulate and control the better. The more people to PROTECT her because she knows she's on thin ice."

Ashley: "One thing is clear: if Kelly is plotting against us, she needs to be eliminated. She was spared once. That will not happen again."

"Finally, something we agree on today. The bitch needs to DIE."

 

[Silver]

Hellfire Club – Great Hall



Zachary: “It’s interesting that you say that, though it seems insincere, coming from a queen who’s king didn’t even bother to come along for the visit. I can’t imagine My King and Queen are happy about that, or that any of the others here are particularly interested in speaking with just half of a European Court. I wouldn’t be surprised if they focused their efforts on the White and Black Courts. You may have to take some initiative if you really want to team up with any of them.”

:: Bretta just stared at him, a steely glint in her eyes. ::

Why, I never…

:: Bretta was so insulted right now. She fought back the urge to show him exactly what he was dealing with. While it was true that her King wasn’t there, she felt – she KNEW – that she could handle all of it. ::

“As a matter of fact…”

:: She broke off when an attendant came up to Mr. Armani and told him that the helicopters were waiting. ::

Attendant: “Your Excellency, the helicopters are ready to take you to Arklay.”

Zachary: “Very good, thank you. Miss O’Malley, can I escort you to the helipad for our afternoon festivities?”

:: Bretta raised an eyebrow. Miss O’Malley? ::

*stiffly*: “It’s Your Majesty and no, I don’t need an escort. I’m going to head back to my room and change for a little horseback riding.”

:: With that, she got up from her seat. ::

“Have a nice day, Mr. Armani.”

:: Then she left to go get ready. ::

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club - - The Catacombs

Ash: But she’s still here. If she cared as little as she lets on, why even come? Archer certainly wasn’t going to make her. And Alek's dick has won the goodwill of many a woman.

"NOT coming would have made her look weak and scared, like the European Red King, who can't be worth a damn if his Queen didn't even want him to show his face, despite the detriment it does to her OWN showing."

Haleigh reasoned, and they further discussed the European Black Court, which Haleigh figured they should just kill. Ava wanted to do Archer in personally, and Haleigh shrugged her consent, since she had no stake in doing it herself and granting Ava the privilege would smooth over their little spat from earlier. But then Ash offered her advice on how Ava should kill her. Haleigh was trying her damnedest to discreetly catch Ash's gaze and give her the DON'T signal, but no dice. Ava snapped, unsurprisingly to Haleigh, who decided to ignore it.

Ash: It's a shame our guests didn't bring their extended courts this weekend. We could have seen who was worth promoting. I'll have Alek put together a dossier on the candidates for us. We'll also want someone we can trust installed at the London branch. Make sure everyone does what we want them to.

Haleigh nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I spoke with Alek about that very intention yesterday, so he might already have taken the initiative, knowing him."

Mmm.... yesterday.... in the garden...

Ash: And likewise we'll want to make sure Archer's and the Nefaria organization stays under our control. I'm sure Alek's heartache over the loss of his man crush could be assuaged by something like that? With the proper lieutenants in place of course. But they are a natural extension of the Red Court's own business interests.

Haleigh laughed as if Ash had told a joke.

"Hold on... you think I'd let an asset like the Nefaria organization slip from White to Red? Not even with Alek in my bed. No, the Zacchara's will be very useful in that regard. One can stay here and fill Gia's Court position, the other can go to Europe and be planted on the White Court there. Liam and Juliette would be interested in Sub Zero themselves, and it'll ensure we face no blowback for offing Archer, should we get caught. IF Alek needs to be comforted.... you can leave that to me."

She replied, and then it was time to tell them about her and Cameron's plans to make an heir.

Ava: How-- [shaking her head] Kelly...

"Turns out she wants a grandbaby, who would have guessed?"

Ava: Well that explains a lot....

Haleigh flipped Ava the bird defiantly, knowing exactly what Ava was trying to imply there.

Ava: Congratulations, Haleigh.

"Thanks, I think."

She replied, and meanwhile Ash hadn't even blinked at the news, which was a bit of a surprise, but then maybe Cameron had told her during their meeting. Sometimes he turned off the cameras in his study, when he required the discretion. Haleigh trusted him enough that she never questioned it. He usually included her in his plans anyway, and just didn't want a record of what was said, for anybody else to see. Such was the case this morning. Ash DID react, though, to Haleigh's declaration that there would be more White Guardsmen in the coming weeks.

Ash: Sure, no cause for alarm. That's what Hitler said to Poland.

"Ash... you just compared me to Hitler? That's like one of the nicest things you've ever said to me.... right up there with that time you said I made a convincing Mata Hari for Halloween...."

Ash: Just make sure the White Guard stays out of the Red wing.

"Oh, can you guarantee the men in Red will protect a Queen that is not their own?"

Ava: And Black.

"So paranoid ladies.... Up your own Guards if you're that worried about it."

Ash: Well, isn't this a day for revelations. Everyone and their nice new happy families. Touches the heart. So, are you already with child or is this a precautionary measure only?

Ava: THERE it is.

Again, Haleigh ignored Ava's gripe in favor of keeping things from escalating.

"Well, I'm sure my systems diagnostics will recognize the moment a fertilized egg attaches to my uterine wall. So you probably won't see the increase in security for a few weeks, like I said. I'll let you know as soon as I do, of course."

She replied calmly, and then she had to tell them about another looming big addition to the Inner Circle, Erika as her White Princess. She mentioned giving John a little more time to bask in the glory of his promotion, and asked if they had any thoughts to share on the matter.

Ava: John doesn't care about the spotlight. He had enough of it this morning.

"Alright then, I don't have to feel bad about upstaging him, that's relieving. Ash?"

Ash: I have several thoughts. One: Are you fucking insane?

"Quite probably, but why do you ask?"

Ash: You're worried about pawns harming your child but you're going to allow Erika free reign of the place, as your princess?

Haleigh chuckled, because it seemed Ash was full of jokes today.

"She won't have free reign. I'm not a fucking moron. And don't dismiss the pawns, Ash. There's power amongst the lot of them. The Zaccharas are pawns, along with Specter, Da Vinci, and Headhunter. Of course they are loyal to me, but I'm sure you have your own pawns who are worth a damn but haven't proven themselves worthy of Court. And if you don't? A word of caution. There's more of THEM than there are of us, so maybe you ought to show some of them your favor. But please, continue."

Ash: Two: Please tell me you didn't accomplish this [waves her hand towards Haleigh's midsection] by magick, because you know how well that usually turns out.

"Nanite technology. You know I'm allergic to magick."

She quipped in interjection.

Ash: Three: You do realize once Erika is here, it's going to be damn hard to get rid of her again. The Black princess is one thing, but you won't so easily remove someone like Erika.

"Having Erika as my Princess gives me MORE control, not less. Not only can Cameron keep a close eye on her, but my deal with Kelly was contingent upon her keeping Erika in line."

Ash: Four: You couldn't have announced this at your White Event, so the rest of us didn't have to attend another damn party after this weekend?

"Well, it wasn't set in stone until this morning. And I don't need to throw ANOTHER party... I was hoping one of YOU would be gracious enough to allow me to make an announcement at one of YOUR parties. Any takers?"

She asked, right before Ava dropped a surprise grenade in her lap. Apparently, Ben and Erika were related somehow, and THAT was why he was sulking about lately.

"And in what universe is it considered unnecessary to SHARE information like that with your sister Queens as soon as FUCKING possible, Ava?"

She hissed. Ava explained why she sat on the news, even when asked directly by Haleigh earlier, but Haleigh just shook her head. Ava and Ash went back and forth about Kelly and Erika, a conversation which escalated very quickly to this:

Ash: One thing is clear: if Kelly is plotting against us, she needs to be eliminated. She was spared once. That will not happen again.

Ava: Finally, something we agree on today. The bitch needs to DIE.

Haleigh shook her head to that.

"No, she doesn't, you both need to relax. Whatever Kelly's plan IS, we'll figure it out soon enough. It's not like she can hide it from ALL of us. And it's not like she can actually take us out, she doesn't have near enough support to even make a move on ONE of us. Besides, giving her what she wants: an heir for her son, a prestigious position for her daughter, and control of Mystech, tethers her prosperity to OURS. It forces her to be MORE invested in our success, not less."

 

[Masque]

New York City – The Randy Leprechaun


Daniel: "Something about leading a horse to water? I can't walk you through it, Gia. It's something you need to figure out on your own...and quickly."

So he could give her advice, but he wouldn’t give her any helpful hints. Charming. Gia pretty much demanded him to tell her why she should stop what she was doing and instead swear allegiance to those who have taken away their loved ones. Daniel laughed, but Gia didn’t see what was so funny.

Daniel: "Smashing. Look, since coming here I've tried to adopt the attitude of my mentor. Living well is the best revenge, Gia. I've lost two Queens in the last three years, and I'm still sitting pretty. It's what Helena would have done. People here like to talk a lot about power and success, but they often underestimate the power of social influence."

It may have been all right and well with Helena but I happen to feel differently. I have had enough.

Daniel: "You became the Bishop for a reason. And if they didn't trust you, you wouldn't have remained in position..especially after the death of The Count. Letting you keep your place in The Inner Circle was a sign of respect to your father. Bishops find resources, and you were born with vast resources. So use them. Find opportunity..and don't forget that Bishops work together..."

They don’t trust me, and I don’t trust them either. They’re just biding their time until they can act.

Gia almost smiled at the irony. It was such a Diana move.

Daniel: "We are the messengers of Hellfire. We enforce the message of our court. So figure out what it is that Haleigh and Cameron are looking for, and give it to them. Be the best representation of the court that you can, and instill the values of the white court into those you come in contact with. That's as simple as I can make it for you, my dear."

Gia made a face. So she should ‘whore’ herself out to the very man that had her beloved father killed. Excellent.

Daniel: "Even if you don't think you can trust them, it's the only way you are going to stay safe. And, I don't know about the others, but there is something perversely funny I find about a grown woman kicking someone's dog from pure spite...it's the tops! But we really should be heading back now. I'm not a late person and there is still a great deal of landscaping I need to attend to if my body is to survive the great outdoors."

They both stood up from the booth.

Daniel: "Come let's go but..do you feel any better?"

Gia had to think for a bit.

“I do…but I also don’t feel any better. It’s okay though. I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”

She sighed.

“Look, I won’t be able to go back with you. I have some business of my own that I need to take care of first, but I’ll definitely see you on Arklay.”

She smirked.

“I can’t picture you rising a horse, let alone holding a gun.”

Gia laughed as she left the awful Randy Leprechaun and jumped immediately into a waiting taxi. She had to make some provisions for the future, so she’ll be late to Arklay, but that’s just par for the course for Gia Nefaria. The taxi took off to an unknown location.

 

[Valkyrie]

The Catacombs

They were discussing Brienne, and whether she was of any value to them. Haleigh was obviously letting her dick make the decision for her.

"NOT coming would have made her look weak and scared, like the European Red King, who can't be worth a damn if his Queen didn't even want him to show his face, despite the detriment it does to her OWN showing."

Ashley shrugged, wishing she'd brought snacks along if she'd known the conversation was going to go on so long.

"So, she cares how she appears to us. That's something we can use."

Ashley suggested they make sure someone was installed at the London branch they could trust, and that she could have Alek prepare bios on the rest of the London inner circle. She didn't say that she expected Alek to fill that role nicely.

"Yes, I spoke with Alek about that very intention yesterday, so he might already have taken the initiative, knowing him."

Yes, everyone in the mansion knows that you spoke with Alek yesterday.

"He already knows everything there is to know about London. That's what we do. So it's just a matter of disseminating the information."

Haleigh and Ava incredibly easily decided that Archer should be neutralized, and Nefaria redistributed. Ashley suggested that Alek was the logical choice to run both organizations, given the Red Court's dealings in private military personnel, which were not exactly above board. Haleigh laughed.

"Hold on... you think I'd let an asset like the Nefaria organization slip from White to Red? Not even with Alek in my bed. No, the Zacchara's will be very useful in that regard. One can stay here and fill Gia's Court position, the other can go to Europe and be planted on the White Court there. Liam and Juliette would be interested in Sub Zero themselves, and it'll ensure we face no blowback for offing Archer, should we get caught. IF Alek needs to be comforted.... you can leave that to me."

"Yes, I'm sure you'd love to do that. But tell me again why White should take Sub Zero for themselves? Alliances aside, we don't owe such a large bounty to Liam & Juliette. They'll thank us for getting Archer out of the way for them. Giving them Sub Zero would be a waste of the asset."

Haleigh decided at that moment to let them all in on the baby secret, and that apparently the mansion was going to be crawling with White guards from now on. Which did not sit right with Ashley.

"Ash... you just compared me to Hitler? That's like one of the nicest things you've ever said to me.... right up there with that time you said I made a convincing Mata Hari for Halloween...."

"I said you made a passable Mata Hari. She was taller."

She told her to be sure Haleigh's guards stayed out of Ashley's wing, and Ava echoed her sentiment.

"Oh, can you guarantee the men in Red will protect a Queen that is not their own?"

"If I tell them to, yes. But I wouldn't think the White Queen should need guards stationed in the Red wing. Surely your own security detail will be enough should you find yourself in my neck of the woods? Unless they have a purpose other than protecting you?"

Ashley leveled her gaze at Haleigh. What was the White Queen playing at? And as if all of this hadn't been enough, Haleigh announced Erika as her white princess. Something that Haleigh didn't seem as concerned about as she should have been.

"Having Erika as my Princess give me MORE control, not less. Not only can Cameron keep a close eye on her, but my deal with Kelly was contingent upon her keeping Erika in line."

"Yeah, depending on Kelly really makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. I'm sure she'd never go back on an agreement. Said Helena and Diana right before they got murdered."

Ashley groaned at the idea of having to go to another event after all the ones they had been through this weekend, to watch Erika be announced as princess.

"Well, it wasn't set in stone until this morning. And I don't need to throw ANOTHER party... I was hoping one of YOU would be gracious enough to allow me to make an announcement at one of YOUR parties. Any takers?"

Ashley got up and crossed the room, moving away from the other two.

"Does it matter what we say, or will you just do whatever you want anyway? Announce her this afternoon if you want, I'm already having such a banner day what's one more thing?"

Ava had snapped at her when she made a joke about pulling Archer's dick off. Something was definitely going on. And then again when she mentioned how happy the others were. And she was really starting to piss Ashley off about the time she cautioned Ava about Erika wanting to move Ben to the top of the Black court once she found out he was her brother.

"You would like that, wouldn't you?"

"What the hell are you talking about? Of course I wouldn't like that. Why are you acting like such a bitch?"

"And in what universe is it considered unnecessary to SHARE information like that with your sister Queens as soon as FUCKING possible, Ava?"

"Kind of like you making plans for the future of the London branch with my King."

One thing Ava and Ashley were agreeing on, was Kelly, and her extreme need to die.

"No, she doesn't, you both need to relax. Whatever Kelly's plan IS, we'll figure it out soon enough. It's not like she can hide it from ALL of us. And it's not like she can actually take us out, she doesn't have near enough support to even make a move on ONE of us. Besides, giving her what she wants: an heir for her son, a prestigious position for her daughter, and control of Mystech, tethers her prosperity to OURS. It forces her to be MORE invested in our success, not less."

Ashley turned to face Haleigh, then, her arms crossed over her chest.

"More involved in the White Court's success, you mean. And did I hear you say control of MysTech? Looks a lot to me like a consolidation of power in the hands of the King family. What other changes are you looking to make around here, Haleigh?"

 

[Persephone]

Ava mimicked Ashley's displeasure about having Haleigh's White Guards everywhere, telling her to keep them out of the Black Wing.

Haleigh: "So paranoid ladies.... Up your own Guards if you're that worried about it."

"Why do we need to up ANY guards at all? You're getting pregnant with a baby Haleigh, not carrying the antichrist."

But it seemed Haleigh was only concerned with the Red Court and if they would protect her and her child.

Ashley: "If I tell them to, yes. But I wouldn't think the White Queen should need guards stationed in the Red wing. Surely your own security detail will be enough should you find yourself in my neck of the woods? Unless they have a purpose other than protecting you?"

Ava raised an eyebrow at that, eying Haleigh in much the same way Ashley was. There was an obvious shift in power toward the White Court and Haleigh was making damn sure to keep it that way. But the next little bomb she dropped was about Erika King becoming princess. Ashley went ape shit about it, and frankly Ava wasn't too thrilled with the idea later considering Erika HATED Ava and her relationship with Cameron. Erika was a jealous bitch who thought Ava had what she deserved, so having her around as a member of the Inner Circle was not ideal.

Ashley: "Yeah, depending on Kelly really makes me feel all warm and tingly inside. I'm sure she'd never go back on an agreement. Said Helena and Diana right before they got murdered."

"She's insane, Haleigh. You're literally giving the keys to the asylum to the INAMTE."

But Haleigh wasn't budging on her newly appointed Princess and asked to announce it at one of their parties. Ashley made another barb about having a 'wonderful' day already with Ava's announcement, what was one more? That made Ava snap.

Ashley: "What the hell are you talking about? Of course I wouldn't like that. Why are you acting like such a bitch?"

"Because YOU acted like a bitch at my breakfast. For someone who has been whispering in my ear for EIGHT MONTHS about appointing a King, the best you could do was sit there and act like I killed your fucking puppy after I appointed John? It was a slap in my face, Ashley."

Ava pushed herself up from her seat, unable to sit down any longer. Ava added onto Haleigh's bombshell about Erika and told them about Ben as well, knowing she couldn't sit on this particular secret despite promising Ben she would.

Haleigh: "And in what universe is it considered unnecessary to SHARE information like that with your sister Queens as soon as FUCKING possible, Ava?"

Ava whipped her head around to look at Haleigh, eyes narrowing into slits.

"I was protecting my Bishop!"

Haleigh: "Kind of like you making plans for the future of the London branch with my King."

"And dropping bombs about a lunatic becoming your Princess?"

Ava scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. How was it Haleigh was turning this around on HER when all she was trying to do was protect Ben. There was one thing Ashley and Ava were agreeing on that day and it was that Kelly needed to die.

Ashley: "No, she doesn't, you both need to relax. Whatever Kelly's plan IS, we'll figure it out soon enough."

"Unbelievable....."

Ava turned her back, tightly crossing her arms across her chest.

Haleigh: Besides, giving her what she wants: an heir for her son, a prestigious position for her daughter, and control of Mystech, tethers her prosperity to OURS. It forces her to be MORE invested in our success, not less."

Ava's mouth dropped and eyes widened in shock. Control of Mystech? Ava slowly turned around, fury radiating from her in waves.

Ashley: And did I hear you say control of MysTech? Looks a lot to me like a consolidation of power in the hands of the King family. What other changes are you looking to make around here, Haleigh?"

"Are you FUCKING kidding me?! You're chastising ME for not telling you about Ben and Erika but you GIVE MYSETCH to Kelly FUCKING King?! My company works directly WITH Mystech, Haleigh! I supply their technology and weaponry! And now you're telling me I have to DEAL with this woman not only within these walls but within my business as well?! She's had it out for me since DAY ONE! She HATES me and you just gave her one more fucking thing to hold over my head!"

Ava grabbed the back of her chair and pushed it roughly under the table making the metal crash together to emphasize her point.

"You had NO RIGHT to make that decision on your own!"

The build up of Ashley's reaction at her breakfast, Haleigh and Ava's fight, the revelation of Haleigh getting pregnant, and now Kelly King taking over Mystech? Ava needed to leave the catacombs before she ended up doing something she couldn't take back. She began to move toward the exit.

"I'm DONE with this meeting."

Storming out of the room, she saw Savage and Steel standing outside waiting. And in that moment she had wished she didn't text John. Ava was furious, but in her fury she felt like she was about to cry with frustration and didn't want John to see that. She especially didn't want the Red Knight to see it, so Ava stormed past both of them and down the hall to the elevator, the doors opening immediately for her as she approached. Ava slammed her hand onto one of the buttons - any button - because she didn't care at this point where she went. She just wanted the doors to shut before she lost her shit.