A Weekend Affair # 4 - The Black Gala

Her father left. She had driven him away yet again instead of killing him like she knew she should have. His words seared into her head, his unforgiving tone a knife to her chest. Every single day of her life she never doubted Stavros' love for her until today. He tore apart her mother, proclaimed Ava was exactly like her. He wished Ava dead rather than to see her mother alive within her. He wished her dead. And still, Ava let him go. Her heart broke, the knife she used against Stavros more suited in her gut than in the bar top. Gasping for air, it felt like her lungs were constricted, unable to take a breath. She hunched over, grabbing her stomach in agony, holding onto the edge of the bar for support. She lowered herself to her knees, her breathing shaky and fragmented as she let out a sob like cry, tears falling from her eyes. Ava let her body collapse onto the floor, leaning against the underside of the bar for support as she sobbed into her hands with pure and unbridled pain, disappointment, and embarrassment. How could she ever look at any Inner Circle member again? How could anyone take her seriously after knowing she let her father go for a second time. She was Queen, but she felt like a failure.

Ava didn't hear John enter the Lounge, only feeling his arms wrap around her as she sobbed. Instinctively she thrashed against him, trying to pull out of his grasp.

"DON'T!"

She bellowed out through her tears. She didn't deserve comfort, not after failing her court and her club. Not after painting herself a fool.

"Please...don't..."

Her body was tense, still pulling from John despite loosing the conviction in her voice. Her midnight eyes were wet with tears and face pain stricken as she looked at him, her king. The man she loved. Half her face was hidden by a curtain of curls, stuck to her skin from the wetness of her tears. Ava's breath was choppy and erratic. She had never broken down like this before in her life, her father bringing emotions out of her she didn't realized she had. Ava was normally so put together - so refined and regal. But as she sat on the floor of the lounge, fighting to pull out of John's grasp, she felt anything BUT herself. She felt broken.

She finally spoke through her cries.

"I hate him....I HATE HIM....and I let him walk out the door! I couldn't do it...I couldn't do it....I couldn't kill him....I couldn't..."

Her words made sense in her head but came out a mess. Ava finally succumbed to John's arms, her sobs muffled as she buried her face into his chest.

[between cries] "I'm no Cassadine....I'm no Queen...."

And that was the most painful part. Ava had to face her sister Queen's, woman who were strong and powerful; who took any man by the balls and tore them off before they let them ever turn them into sobbing messes. She used to believe she stood toe to toe with them, but Stavros made her question and doubt everything now. The thought of facing them? Of facing Alek and Cameron?...Of facing John. It broke her to think they would all see her as a fool.
 
The Black Lounge

She might not have wanted him there, but she needed him.

She tried to pull away, but he held her tight.

Ava: "DON'T!"

"Ava-"

Ava: "Please...don't..."

She struggled against him, but he was adamant, struggling to contain her.

"No - no - Ava - no."

Her face was streaked with tears, her hair hanging in her face, her breath ragged. He had never seen her this bad, though Stavros had a tendency to have a highly negative effect on his daughter. Steel had been there to pick up the pieces before, and he would be again. But she had never been like this before.

Ava: "I hate him....I HATE HIM....and I let him walk out the door! I couldn't do it...I couldn't do it....I couldn't kill him....I couldn't..."

Finally she stopped fighting him, and her head came against his chest. He stroked her hair, rubbed her back. And then she finally spoke again.

Ava: [between cries] "I'm no Cassadine....I'm no Queen...."

He could have held her there all night. Told her how much he loved her. Told her, Fuck being a Cassadine. Let her cry on his shoulder.

But he didn't.

Instead, he took her by the wrists and stood up, pulling her up with him.

"That is enough of that. You are not going to sit here and wallow in self pity."

He still had hold of her wrists, eyes sharply looking into hers.

"Do you want me to kill Stavros? Because I will. Do you want me to kill Kelly? I'll go do it right now. Because you commanded it. Because you are my Queen. Do you think I would follow someone who was weak, who was unfit to rule?"

He paused for a moment, still holding her gaze.

"You were too focused on Kelly to notice this, but your entire court supported you tonight. They didn't protect Kelly. They protected you. Ashley and Alek, who never agree on anything, both supported you tonight. Cameron certainly wasn't protecting his mother, he was just as pissed as you were. Even the Black Guards - they weren't guarding Kelly, they were guarding you. You are the Queen. Kelly is not."

He held up his ring finger next to hers.

"These mean something, Ava."

He let go of her hands.

"Now I am going to hold your hand and walk you back to our suite, where you are going to wash your face. I am going to spend five minutes kissing you, and then you are going to fix your makeup and we are going to go back to our party and I am going to dance with my Queen. Firstly because I am an excellent dancer and secondly because tonight is your triumph and no one is going to take that from you. You have fought hard to get your court to where it is today, higher than it's ever been, to get your company where it is, succeeding at every turn: if that doesn't make you a Cassadine, then I don't know what does."

He softened, just a bit. His hand reached out and touched her heart.

"Your mother was kind and loving and loyal, and you get all of those things from her. That doesn't make you weak, that makes you strong. Without them you would be Kelly."

He looked sadly into her eyes.

"And Kelly isn't strong. She ran that night, she didn't fight. You fought. You let your father live because you didn't need to kill him, and because you love him, and that's okay. He hasn't meddled the way Cameron has allowed Kelly to. They cannot ruin what you have built."

He raised his eyebrows.

"If you don't want to work with a MysTech run by Kelly, you can cut your ties with it. We'll talk to Liam, about what he can provide. And there's SubZero. We'll make Kelly beg to do business with you."

He reached down and took her hand.

"It's time to show them that no one fucks with the Queen."
 
Hellfire Mansion - The White King's Study

It was clear that she had struck a nerve with Cameron, who seemed to be having some kind of destructive episode, hurling her out from underneath his chair and lifting her from the ground with his power, silently choking her as he spoke.

Cameron: "I have given you free reign of this place. I have backed your plays, I have gone to battle for you, and you continue to disobey me. You think that because I'm your son that I won't end your life? That I won't slit your throat and free you from the miserable thing you call an EXISTENCE."

The former Black Queen did not speak as she did not want to further compromise her air supply. Cameron had attacked her in the past and vice versa, but there was something different about this time. She felt the air leaving her lungs as Cameron's telekinetic grip tightened over her. Kelly had extensive experience with the art of torture and how to survive it, but he was turning a corner that made her start to worry. It appeared to Kelly that a baby on the way was causing the exact amount of tension and distrust between Haleigh and Cameron that she anticipated. She began to struggle against his power, but the lack of oxygen made it harder to concentrate, if even to ignite a simple warding spell. His words took an even more sinister turn.

Cameron: "I don't know how to make this much clearer to you. You live? By MY HAND. Whatever delusional world you've created for yourself is nothing more than what my delusional sister has created. It means NOTHING. YOU mean nothing. Not to mention that?! You grossly underestimate my desire to rule the WORLD!"

She hissed with rage at her son, despite her attempts to keep her breath steady against the massive amount of power he was displaying against her. Kelly had let her son pretend he was a man for too long and the SECOND she got out of this situation, she would be SURE to put him in her place. SHE was the woman who LARGELY shaped much of the current Inner Circle's incarnation, and though she was beginning to move on from it, she still felt DEEPLY proud of the work she had done there, and she could no longer suffer everybody regarding her as if it wasn't glaringly true.

Cameron: "You think what? That you've given me a baby that you are now somehow above my wrath? You AREN'T. You had your chance at this, and you were bested...not by some powerful witch. Not by some Goddess or amazing SORCERESS..but by a MAN. By your SON...and yet you continue to PICK at me like I am a SCAB. Well I've HAD IT! You picked the WRONG day to FUCK with me. I hope Stavros took out one HELL of a life insurance policy."

<< CRASH! >>

Kelly hit the window with GREAT force as she felt the jagged cuts of broken glass slash her face in arms as she formed an "X" pattern with her hands before beginning to frefall as if she were some forlorn starlet ending it all after failing in the city of angels. Her mind raced. Cameron had always pushed the limits, and this time he had gone over the edge. Had he really attempted to kill her? Was he trying to scare her? Certainly he knew of her movement power, so she was leaning towards scare, but one thing was for sure, whatever it was, Kelly would ensure that it would never happen again, and after what he had just spewed at her, that was up to and including wiping the floor with The White King's BLOOD. She fell several feet, before shimmering out of the air, materializing behind Cameron, her Omni Pistol cocked, the barrel pressed right in his temple as she pushed it forward with great force.

"I'm your mother, Cameron. I will fuck with you any day of the week I so choose."

She pistol whipped her son in the head and as he fell forward she jammed her stilleto into his spine with great force sending him flying into his bookcase before sliding to the ground. Kelly moved her pistol, re-aiming for his head as he got up.

"You make another move, and I will ensure your wife's miscarriage is so bloody and painful that she will not suffer to ever have you inside of her again."

Cameron stared daggers at her, his face enshrouded in shadow as he debated on whether or not to make a move. Luckily for her, he put his hands up as she had done earlier in the conservatory.

"Now...can we have a discussion? Or is there another surge of testosterone that you need to expell before we continue."

He shook his head as Kelly cocked her Omni Pistol and returned it to the holster as her forehead winced in pain. Reaching her finger up, she touched a large gash on her forehead, pulling her finger back to reveal a crimson red blood stain, to which she licked it off and gave her son a smile.

"It's been a long time since anybody caused me a bit of bloodshed. You really are my son.."

[pausing]

"But one thing you are not? Is my keeper. There are quite a few holes in your monologue there, Cameron, and they need to be addressed. I LIVE...by my hand."

Kelly pulled out her hand to reveal a peculiar looking cigarette in a long black stem holder, which ignited magickally as she took a long puff, exhaling a cloud of smoke in Cameron's direction.

"You did not come to my rescue. You didn't do me ANY favors. It was Stavros who alerted me to your ill conceived rebellion, and do you know WHY he did that? For the same reason your little black queen told her father in the first place - LOVE."

Kelly was never certain if Ava had revealed to the others that she informed her father of the rebellion to give him a chance to escape, but she assumed that Ava was likely in the middle of a lengthy character assasination against her with Stavros, so she figured turnabout was fair play.

"Everything I worked for...that The Sisterhood worked for was about to be taken from us, and my son stood complicit..[laughing sarcastically] No...not even that. He was an active participant in trying to destroy his own mother's legacy, one that he is STILL benefitting from to this day."

She inhaled again, the cigarette more than just a naughty habit of Kelly's as she exhaled deeply, the nicotine allowing her the ability to control the underbelly of rage welling up inside of her.

"I returned when the dust settled because I knew that your eyes were bigger than your stomach. You've always wanted adoration. For people to WORSHIP you, but you've always lacked the discipline it takes for that. You take and take from those around you and you expect people to be GRATEFUL for being given the opportunity to be Cameron King's pawn. You wouldn't be able to afford a Starbucks without my help. I mentored you, I tried to get you to see how to succeed where the others would fail - through HARD WORK and discipline, for always being a step ahead, for capitalizing on your own strengths in a way that would make your influence UNDENIABLE."

Kelly gritted her teeth, her frustration getting deeper as she spoke.

"And what did you do? Not start your own business and become a titan of industry, No you stabbed your own mother in the back and claimed her work for yourself. And Ava and Haleigh followed suit. The three of you have created NOTHING and yet you pat yourselves on the back for making already incredibly successful endeavours more successful, which is INFURIATING. And EVEN outside of all of that Cameron, I returned to your side, because I knew - that without me? Ava and Haleigh would run right over you. And while I have never been more dissappointed in you in my life than the night I found out you were about to betray me, I would sooner die than to see Hellfire or MysTech ran by the likes of Haleigh Davidoff and Ava Cassadine."

Talisman walked over towards Cameron's study chair and turned it upright, moving it back into it's spot, before adjusting the papers on the table and the decorations in a more orderly fashion, a habit she had developed when she realized her son didn't share her same passion for order. She looked up at him. She exhaled deeply.

"I crippled the court I created to HELP you Cameron. Do you REALLY think I thought Cassandra was the right woman to be Black Princess? I knew her installation would create adversity in the court, and I did that so you could TAKE their instability and strengthen your own court. But once again your short sightedness prevented you from being grateful. You just used it as a way to bond with Ava over how horrible I was. It's pedantic, really."

Kelly admired her adamantium manicure for a moment before her gaze returned to her son, who was standing there, listening to her with a curious look on her face, one that she was unsure of, which gave her pause.

"And even after ALL of that, I gave you an heir. Something to CENTER you and your whore of a wife to give you purpose, and to unite you in a way that would be UNBREAKABLE against the other courts..and you managed to FUCK that up as well..."

[flatly]

"You all have this whimsical idea of a Hellfire that is united, where you make decisions together like a democracy. It's a fallacy. And I have four DECADES of evidence to back that up. No country or nation has ever been ran successfully by THREE KINGS and three QUEENS, Cameron. Hellfire is and always will be winner take all, and the LONGER you all ignore that, the easier it will be for the one who realizes it to take control of EVERYTHING. And THAT'S why I took MysTech back for myself."

[puffing]

"My future...my DESTINY in this world is so much bigger than anything this incarnation of Hellfire could even dream. In fact, it was FOOLISH of me to work with Helena and Diana for so long. I don't want the world shaped in THEIR image, I want it shaped in MINE. You think I underestimate your desire to be a GOD? To be the 'King of the World'? Sorry my dear boy, but if that's what you want? You're going to have to go through me."

Kelly moved over towards Cameron, placing her hand on his head, stroking a few hairs from his head away from his face as she thought back to when he was a boy, when he still really loved her and thought she was the smartest person in the world. At times she missed that boy, who would sit at her lap, and tug at her skirt, just begging to share in her light, and now, she realized what a mistake she had made. She had created, in every sense of the word, a nemesis.

"And now, since we've gone so far past the realm of what caused your little outburst...when it comes to Stavros? That man loved me when nobody, not even my son or daughter loved me. He knows me more intimately than anybody on this planet, and he can still look at me like none of that matters. That my decisions, no matter how dubious or duplicitous, are the ones that had to be made. He GETS the bigger picture I am running after, and to be frank? He was mine before he was EVER Ava's. She had her time with him..and now? It's MINE. I'm done apologizing for my actions, Cameron. I'm DONE being ignored, and I am most CERTAINLY done listening to my son speak as if he doesn't know that without ME, HE is nothing."

She exhaled deeply.
 
Ava had made her bed, and now she would have to sleep in it. She let a very well known legacy member walk out after embarrassing her in front of the entire American Hellfire Branch and the European Inner Circle. She had let him get into her head as he did many times before, manipulating her with his toxic words yet placating her with his boundless love. Stavros Cassadine knew exactly what he was doing, and Ava played right into it. So when John showed up, she fought him. She didn't want his comfort, nor his support. She didn't deserve it because she had done this to herself. But her pain and self doubt was so heavy in that moment that she finally leaned into John, crying into his chest. He ran his hands down her hair and back soothingly, Ava softly proclaiming that she wasn't a Cassadine OR a Queen. How could she be after what just happened. How could anyone ever respect her after this? It was then John grabbed both her wrists and stood, bringing Ava up with him as if she weighed nothing. She softly gasped in through her tears, taken aback by his stance. He looked at her with a hard stare, Ava's breath shaky as she attempted to calm herself.

John: "That is enough of that. You are not going to sit here and wallow in self pity."

That stung, inhaling sharply as she looked at the man she loved - her king - give her a dose of some tough love.

John: "Do you want me to kill Stavros? Because I will."

"No."

Ava spoke through clenched teeth. She would kill him. Stavros Cassadine would die by her hand and her hand alone.

John: "Do you want me to kill Kelly? I'll go do it right now. Because you commanded it. Because you are my Queen. Do you think I would follow someone who was weak, who was unfit to rule?"

Her lips parted to speak, a few more tears escaping from her eyes and falling down her cheeks as John stared at her with an unwavering gaze. Ava knew he wouldn't....he wouldn't follow anyone who was unfit or weak. He wouldn't have agreed to become her King.

"No..."

She whispered, embarrassed that she had any doubts of her status in the first place. Embarrassed that she let Stavros so deep into her head that she let him cause her to doubt herself.

John: "You were too focused on Kelly to notice this, but your entire court supported you tonight. They didn't protect Kelly. They protected you. Ashley and Alek, who never agree on anything, both supported you tonight. Cameron certainly wasn't protecting his mother, he was just as pissed as you were. Even the Black Guards - they weren't guarding Kelly, they were guarding you. You are the Queen. Kelly is not."

Ava hadn't seen any of that outside of Amanda moving behind Stavros during their very public confrontation. She had tunnel vision when he walked in with Kelly, dead set on ripping the former Black Queen's head off and painting Stavros in her blood. She didn't see Daniel tempering the crowd, she didn't see Ben move to Erika incase she tried to attack Ava, she didn't see the Black Guard move around Ava and not Kelly. She heard nothing - saw nothing - but red in that moment. Ava's breathing finally calmed and her eyes no longer filled with tears as she listened to John tell her how her court, along with Alek and Ashley rallied behind her. Then John lifted his hand, showing the ring she gave him on his finger.

John: "These mean something, Ava."

She looked at the ring, a symbol of their partnership as King and Queen. Ava's thumb running over the underside of her ring as her eyes lowered to look at her own.

"They mean everything."

She finally said realizing he was right. She was the Black Queen. She fought her ass off to get to where she was. She helped kill the old order and rebuild the inner circle into something spectacular and fearsome. She deserved to be where she was. She deserved her crown and her title. And she fucking deserved to be pissed off and angry at her father for disrespecting her and her title.

John: "Now I am going to hold your hand and walk you back to our suite, where you are going to wash your face. I am going to spend five minutes kissing you, and then you are going to fix your makeup and we are going to go back to our party and I am going to dance with my Queen. Firstly because I am an excellent dancer--"

The faintest hint of a smile tugged on the corners of her lips a that proclamation.

John: "--and secondly because tonight is your triumph and no one is going to take that from you. You have fought hard to get your court to where it is today, higher than it's ever been, to get your company where it is, succeeding at every turn: if that doesn't make you a Cassadine, then I don't know what does."

He was right. Stavros did nothing today but marry a cunt. Ava built her Hellfire legacy. Ava ran Cassadine Corps. Ava kept the Cassadine's on the map including stealing SubZero as another facet for their company. Stavros thought she was weak because she let her emotions out like her mother? HE was weak for becoming an afterthought.

John's eyes softened as he placed his hand on Ava's chest, right over her heart.

John: "Your mother was kind and loving and loyal, and you get all of those things from her. That doesn't make you weak, that makes you strong. Without them you would be Kelly."

Ava's face tensed as her eyes filled with tears, shutting them immediately at John mentioning how she was like her mother. Something Stavros denounced and despised. Instead he said it was a strength within Ava, not a weakness. That the parts of her mother kept her from becoming as disconnected and hated as Kelly King. John had been outside the doors...he had heard what Stavros said to her. And the fact that he was rejecting every word that came out of Stavros' mouth in regards to Ava's mother made her love John more than she ever thought possible. Ava inhaled a shaky breath and opened her eyes to look up at him, taking his hand that was on her chest and squeezing it tightly.

John: "And Kelly isn't strong. She ran that night, she didn't fight. You fought. You let your father live because you didn't need to kill him, and because you love him, and that's okay. He hasn't meddled the way Cameron has allowed Kelly to."

[lowly] "Until now."

Stavros had stayed away from Hellfire after the coup. He didn't even register as a blip on the radar after Ava had sent him away. Kelly on the other hand was nothing but trouble. And now that she was married to him? Ava had a distinct feeling that he would become a problem. But she refused to let him or Kelly ruin what she worked so hard to build. Ava would stay true to her word. If Stavros EVER stepped foot back within the walls of Hellfire, Ava wouldn't hesitate to tear his head off and mail it to his wife.

John: "They cannot ruin what you have built. If you don't want to work with a MysTech run by Kelly, you can cut your ties with it. We'll talk to Liam, about what he can provide. And there's SubZero. We'll make Kelly beg to do business with you."

John reached down and took Ava's free hand, her eyes shutting once again as she inhaled a few deep, calming breaths. Everything John had said was right. Ava wouldn't let her father or Kelly ruin what she worked so hard for. She wouldn't let them take it away. And she sure as hell refused to let Stavros hold anymore power over her. Ava was taking that power BACK.

John: "It's time to show them that no one fucks with the Queen."

Ava opened her eyes, lifting them to meet with John's. She held his gaze for a long moment.

"Thank you..."

She softly spoke, though the words seemed insignificant to express how much John literally just pulled her back from the brink. Squaring her shoulders, Ava lifted her chin and brushed the hair away from her eyes before turning toward the Black Lounge door. It was a whole other beast out there, but she didn't have to deal with it quite yet. Walking with John back to their suite, they were both silent as they went, yet her hand was still tightly squeezing his. It wasn't until they were in their bedroom that Ava finally let go of him to go into the bathroom to clean up. Turning on the water, she placed her palms on the edge of the sink and let her head hang as she waited for the water to heat up.

"I feel like i've been hit by a mac truck..."

Lifting her head, Ava looked into the mirror to see her cheeks stained with lines of black from her mascara.

"I look worse."

She said with a heavy sigh before pulling back her hair into a low pony tail. Splashing the water onto her face, Ava was not only washing away her ruined makeup, but everything involving her father and Kelly. Fuck them both. And let them TRY to fuck with her again.

After about ten minutes of being in the bathroom, Ava finally made her way back into the bedroom to where John was waiting. Her makeup was refreshed, though more natural than previously, and with a whole lot of concealer under her eyes. Walking over to John, Ava stood looking down at him, her hands sliding around his shoulder and to the back of his neck.

"John..."

She started, gently shaking her head as she looked down between them.

"I don't know what I would have done without you tonight. I lost it....I lost myself. But you brought me back [lifting her eyes back to his] and I don't know......I don't know how to thank you.."

Ava's hand lifted to his cheek, holding it - holding him. The only man whom she loved...the only man who loved her.

"I love you so much. So much."

Ava leaned down and pressed her lips against John's, kissing him deeply; all the stresses of the night melting away in that one kiss. It was just her and John. And no one else mattered.
 
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John: "Eyes on Kelly. She's the threat. Do not interfere unless the White King needs help. Ben, get yourself next to Erika. Make sure she doesn't try to help her mother. Amanda, Kelly is not to interrupt the Queen and her father. Daniel, the crowd. Let's keep our guests from any collateral damage.

Daniel nodded in agreement. This was how a court was supposed to operate. His illusion and empathic control had been well timed, but he wasn't able to stop the initial reactions that some people had and he could see that although people were well lubricated and feeling better, that Ava and her father was still a topic of conversation. The Black Bishop began to move through the crowd with ease, weaving in and out of social circles as they commented on the night's events so far.

Guest: "I can't believe she exploded like that!"

He grabbed a flute of champagne and put it in the guest's hand before giving a smirk.

"Just further proof that our Queen is literally overflowing with passion. A trait that is shared by her entire court. Why don't we discuss how the unbridled passion of the Black Court can help you?"

A few moments later and Daniel had secured the black court a meeting with the wife of an arms dealer who had contracts with several government agencies abroad. All in a day's work. In the next ten minutes, Daniel was certain he had tied up any loose ends as he began to survey the party emotionally, looking for any cracks or remaining fallout from the catastrophe that had just occured in front of them when his eyes fell on The White Queen, who seemed a little bothered. Focusing in on her with his power, he was JOLTED back when he sensed the presence of something else inside of her...her baby!

"Whoahhh..."

Haleigh couldn't have been more than a few hours pregnant. Daniel was no doctor but he was quite certain that a baby didn't even have a BRAIN at that point, let alone a sentience that an empath like Daniel could detect. It took him back for a moment, and he decided that he would seize the opportunity to have a conversation with The White Queen. If there was anybody who might have insight that would be valuable to Daniel as he proceeded navigating the Stavros/Kelly/Cameron/Ava dynamic it would be The White Queen. That and he was determined to figure out if he was simply the best empath the world had ever seen, or if the unborn heir of The White Court was INCREDIBLY powerful. Weaving through the crowd again with ease, Daniel grabbed a soda water with lime and made his way over towards Haleigh, presenting the drink with a nod and a wink.

"It's no vodka soda, but it was the best I could do. A token of appreciation with the hopes of a question being answered...?"

Leaning in, Daniel presented his own martini and gave a wink.

"I'll sweeten the deal by letting you have a few sips of this when nobody's looking. I feel like the son of the White Court can handle his vodka?"

Daniel smirked.

"In an effort to know what the hell I'm dealing with here...Stavros..Kelly..Cameron..Ava? Honestly, what the bloody hell is THAT all about. And what can I do to possibly make things easier for all parties involved?"
 
Hellfire - The Conservatory

Ash: Do I intimidate you?

She asked him, when he gave his take on what Alek’s problem was.

“My Queen Ashley, you are beautiful and strong, intelligent and ruthless, with many more qualities that make weak men feel intimidated. Me? I am in awe of you, always.”

He told her, and then they discussed Brienne and Archer. Savage grinned, offering to kill Archer, so that maybe Brienne would take Alek to be her King. But she said no, that it was Ava’s kill to make, though his Queen appreciated the offer. He shrugged gently, and nodded. Then she went on to tell him about the others, including Liam and the Dead Thing.

Savage hated both of them with every fiber of his being, but still he promised not to follow his instincts. At least she hadn’t asked him to be friendly to them. She laughed, and gave him a little kiss, and he was about to suggest they start dancing when two more people showed up and were ill received. Ava came roaring across the conservatory, and Cameron stalked past them with some blade made of glowing energy. AJ put his arm around his Queen’s shoulders, and told her they should move out of the danger zone.

Ash: Are you asking me to run from a fight, my Knight?

Savage turned his body toward hers, his grin softening. He traced her jawline gently.

“It is true, there’s no honor in running from a fight, nor glory in retreat. But I would forsake honor and glory a thousand times to keep you from harm, My Ashley.”

He replied, pulling her closer to kiss her temple. Ava and Cameron exchanged words and then split off to deal with their parents separately. The Black Court worked damage control. The fight that had been on the verge of erupting suddenly evaporated. A cocktail waitress in a state extreme undress came by to give them drinks. Savage took a whiskey from her tray with a cursory glance at the girl.
 
The Conservatory

AJ gave a rare analysis of Alek and his mindset, telling her he subconsciously knows he can't handle an alpha female, and thus seeks out women that don't intimidate him. That made her feel strangely better, and she looked at Savage playfully before asking if she intimidated him.

AJ: “My Queen Ashley, you are beautiful and strong, intelligent and ruthless, with many more qualities that make weak men feel intimidated. Me? I am in awe of you, always.”

She smiled, genuinely flattered, deeply attracted.

"You are so much more than anyone gives you credit for, my wolf."

Their discussed returned to the visitors, and she gave him a rundown of who was who. Ava and John finally made it to their own party, and then Stavros and Kelly arrived, married. No one enjoyed a good fight as much as Ashley, and she eagerly waited to see what Ava was going to do to her new stepmother. AJ's arm slipped around her shoulders, and she put her own hand on top of his. He suggested they get her away from the altercation. She raised an eyebrow at him, asking if he was asking her to run from a fight.

He turned towards her, and gave her such a look... His finger ran over her jaw and she felt her body open to him.

AJ: “It is true, there’s no honor in running from a fight, nor glory in retreat. But I would forsake honor and glory a thousand times to keep you from harm, My Ashley.”

His lips brushed her temple, and she shivered. When he pulled back her eyes looked up into his, the fight forgotten. He took a drink from the tray of a passing waitress, and so did she, smirking into her glass.

"Do you disapprove of the staff uniforms?"

She reached over and hooked a finger into his jeans pocket.

"Or maybe you'd like to see me in something like that?"

AJ was not one for dress up, which made it very difficult to surprise him the way the naughty nurse, sexy policewoman, or Princess Leia did for other men.

"Come on, we'd better touch base with Bretta. Much more of this and I'm going to have to take you into the bushes."

She grinned mischievously, and linked arms with him, leading the way to the large booth where Bretta was sitting with Erika and Ben. Ashley noted that her counterpart was not one for mingling, despite being a creature that garnered admirers and that you would think would crave attention. She slid in across from the European Red Queen without being asked.

"Bretta! You've been hiding, you naughty thing. And Ben, Erika."

She nodded to both of them, then clapped her hands together.

"What a lovely show of inter-court amity."

She turned her focus to Bretta.

"So, tell me, are you enjoying yourself? Though I suppose an event like this is old hat to you. A clubowner like yourself. I find it very entertaining myself. The swords on fire, especially."
 
The Black Lounge

He wasn't going to allow Stavros to do this to her. Again. The man thought he was making her stronger by the way he treated her, but he was just an asshole who liked to make his daughter feel small so he could feel big.

John didn't let her construct this world in her mind where she wasn't good enough. Because she was the best fucking Queen here, in this club or any other. He could have let her be upset, told her everything would be okay, that they didn't have eto go back to the party. But instead, he gave her a dose of reality.

That she was Queen now and no one questioned it, no one was conflicted about which queen to follow. The other kings and queen included. Kelly was out.

He held his ring finger next to hers, telling her that that meant something. That they were King and Queen, unquestioned. It meant so much more than some fucking ring her father had mailed to her.

Ava: "They mean everything."

Then he kicked her in the proverbial pants, telling her what they were going to do: fix her makeup and head back to the party to celebrate the court she had made. And then he told her that Stavros was wrong about her, about her mother. Ava's eyes filled with tears, and she shut them. When she finally opened them, she put her hand on his that was placed on her heart. He reached out with his other and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

He gave her permission to have let Stavros live, said that it was Cameron who had made the mistake, allowing his mother to meddle in their affairs while Stavros had simply been banished.

Ava: [lowly] "Until now."

He told her they could overcome this, that they could freeze Kelly out of Cassadine business interests, if that was what she wanted. He would help her.

He held her hand, signaling it was time. He could see that she was back to herself, ready. They walked silently but hand in hand back to their rooms, and he waited while she went into the bathroom to clean up. He hated Stavros for doing this to her, for making her unsure of everything in her life, all her life. Love, power, accomplishment - he had taught her never to trust that any of it was real, and it had broken a piece of her as a result. He wanted to kill Stavros for that, but he knew that was her call to make, not his.

When she emerged from the bathroom, he would never have known she had been crying. She came to him, no longer shutting him out. Her hands slid up his chest to his neck, and he brought his arms around her back. Now he wished they didn't have to go back to the party.

Ava: "John...I don't know what I would have done without you tonight. I lost it....I lost myself. But you brought me back [lifting her eyes back to his] and I don't know......I don't know how to thank you...I love you so much. So much."

He squeezed her tighter.

"I am your partner, Ava. I love you, I would never let you be hurt, or be embarrassed. We are in this together."

She kissed him, her lips soft like flower petals as they pressed against his. He had scheduled five minutes for himself with her, but five years wouldn't be enough.

He pressed his forehead against hers.

"Let me be there, by your side. We are stronger together, Ava. Don't push me away. Don't shut me out."
 
Hellfire Club – Black Gala


“Well...that was anti-climatic.”

Gia turned to her companions only to find that they were focused on other things. Cass had her eyes closed and a smitten look on her face while Damien appeared to be nuzzling her neck.

Three’s a crowd...

“Would you like me to leave?”

Cass’ eyes popped open and she deftly pulled away from the European Red Rook. Damien rested his forehead on Cass’ shoulder and sighed. At least Cass had the decency to look embarrassed. Still, Gia noticed that Cass was running her fingers through Damien’s hair.

“You guys make me sick.”

Damien: “Don’t knock it, love. Plenty of the incubi pie to go around.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

By now, Damien had wrapped his arms around Cass’ waist and was now gazing at Gia with a lecherous grin on his face. Gia felt warmth go throughout her body and she looked away, her own face reddening. Cass and Damien both burst out laughing.

Cass: “Oh, Gia, I’m so sorry!”

Gia gave Cass a dubious look. Sorry, her ass. She shrugged her shoulders.

“No, it’s okay. I should probably let my Queen know that she has nothing to worry about as it seems that the only reason the Red Rook is here is to get into Cassandra Johnson’s pants.”

Damien gasped and pretended to look hurt.

“That is a lie. I’m only here as a surprise to my Queen and my Princess. Nothing more and nothing less. Although...”

Damien and Cass gazed into each other’s eyes. Now Gia really wanted to leave.

Damien: “We do have some sort of connection.”

Damien grinned as he looked from Cass to Gia. Without warning, he leaned across Cass and kissed her [Gia] on the neck! Gia looked dazed.

Damien: “It was lovely to meet you, Gia. Now, we really must get ourselves mingling, wouldn’t you say? I think I see our Queen over there by the booth. Best to go and help her out, it would look like.”

Gia turned and noticed that Bretta and Erika were now joined by Ben, and that Ashley and AJ seemed to be on their way over as well. She cast a worried look at Cass. Cass, however, was finishing up her plate of nibbles and didn’t seem to hear Ben’s name. Cass looked up just then and looked around. She broke into a smile as she spotted somebody.

Cass: “You go on, Damien. I’m going to go and catch up with Amanda. Oh, but wait! Don’t flirt too much with Ashley, the Red Queen.”

With a final swig of her beer, Cass left the booth and headed out into the crowd. Gia didn’t realize that she had made up with Amanda Soto.

"It's true; the Red Knight is with her and he's, shall we say, somewhat territorial about her."

Damien: “Ah, I see. Wouldn't want to mess up this pretty face then. See you around, love.”

After he had given his jacket to a server asking to have it be put in Bretta O’Malley’s suite and another kiss for her, he, too, headed off into the crowd, but he was heading towards Bretta. Gia sat there looking bewildered. She had been hoping to improve on her friendship with Cassandra, but there was always tomorrow.
 
Hellfire Club – Black Gala


:: Bretta had a protective arm around Erika, and she was also resting her chin on the young woman’s head. Despite what she may have thought about Erika’s mother, Bretta found Erika to be utterly delightful. They were soon joined by the new Black Rook. ::

“Hello there, Mr. Lewis. Congratulations on your promotion.”

:: That was all she could say before she heard Ashley’s voice. ::

Ashley: "Bretta! You've been hiding, you naughty thing. And Ben, Erika."

[chuckling] “I wasn’t hiding; I was just getting to know this lovely woman right here.”

:: Bretta withdrew her arm around Erika. ::

“Erika is truly a delight to talk to. Not to mention that I was also congratulating Mr. Lewis on his new promotion.”

Ashley: "What a lovely show of inter-court amity. So, tell me, are you enjoying yourself? Though I suppose an event like this is old hat to you. A clubowner like yourself. I find it very entertaining myself. The swords on fire, especially."

:: Bretta laughed as she watched a tiger and a peacock walk past, side by side; the tiger only stopping to give Bretta a cursory sniff before continuing on its way. ::

“Well, I don’t know about that. I certainly have never seen an event where both tigers and peacocks are able to walk freely amongst the guests. Although, this is on par with some of the parties that I have thrown.”

Damien: “It's true; the Red Hot Party is always sensational. Good evening, my Queen.”

:: Bretta turned as Damien slid in next to her and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. ::

“Damien, darling, how are you? Where’s Cassandra?”

Damien: “She spotted Amanda Soto and is off talking to her. Girl stuff, I suppose.”

“That’s right. She did mention that she had reconciled with Amanda.” [looking at the group in general] “Cassandra was pretty excited about that.”

:: Bretta placed a hand on Damien’s shoulder. ::

“Damien, I’d like for you to meet some people. This is Erika King, Benjamin Lewis, the Black Rook, Ashley Oldenburg, the Red Queen, and Arther John, the Red Knight. This is Damien McAllister, my Red Rook.”

Damien: “Pleased to meet your acquaintances." [looking at Ashley and bowing from the neck up] "Your Majesty, it's an honour and a privilege to meet you."
 
Hellfire Club – Black Gala


:: It turned out that Cass did hear – and see – that Bretta had been joined by Ben, which was why she wasn’t with Damien. As she gently pushed through the throng, she kept her gaze on Amanda. She wanted to make sure that her friend was okay, and if she needed her to do anything. Cass may not be a member of the Black Court anymore, but she still cared about some of the people on it and so she would pitch in and help if they needed it. She made her way to Amanda’s side. ::

“You look amazing, Mandy! I love that outfit.”

:: Cass also noticed that she was wearing her new ring. She smiled at her friend. ::

“The ring looks as if it was made for you, not that that is of any surprise.”

:: Cass crossed her arms and licked her lips. ::

“Is there anything I can do for you, after what had happened?”

:: Cass also had the feeling that Amanda was keeping something from her, and she wanted to know what it was. ::
 
Kelly King had married Stavros Cassadine and all Archer could do was smile. Think what one may, but Kelly King had balls and he had always been impressed by her ability to make a scene, cause a stir, and turn the attention onto herself. That and she was quite a minx. He took another swig of his flask and exhaled sharply against the strength of the scotch inside of it.

Haleigh: "I'm his wife, not his mother."

"Thanks for the genealogy lesson, love. I'm aware. Just trying to help.

Their conversation got back to the point as Haleigh peered at him with a mischevious glee in her eyes.

Haleigh: "Let me tell you something about friends and enemies. I could kill you right now, while all eyes are on them. I could get rid of your body before they even noticed you were gone. Now, you've got enough enemies to muddy the waters, and I've no apparent motive, so I can be fairly confident in high chances of getting away with it. And even if I WERE found out? I've got enough friends to put an end to the European Black Court. This is how we took power, and this is why all our enemies will fall, one by one, because they're took fucking arrogant to realize how vulnerable they are alone. I wonder if Brienne would even care if you died, or if she'd capitalize on it No matter, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. Have fun partying, Archer. You never know when this might be your last."

And then she left him standing there like the bitch that he was. Her words only reaffirmed his hesitations with mixing his interests with people who were so intertwined. They had all deep history and tested loyalty. Archer didn't make business decisions so that he could sit at the bottom of the totem pole. And perhaps Haleigh was right, that she could kill him with little to no consequence, but that wasn't because she had friends. It ws because ARCHER had enemies. He was perplexed by her. She spoke of the vulnerability of being alone, but Archer didn't see it that way. He could do and say and act in whatever way he wanted. He had no strings to pull in that sense, or at the very least, he CHOSE which ties he wanted to have. That allowed maneuverability, and in a place like Hellfire, that was where he wanted to be. He didn't like being tied down unless he was going to cum.

"Their entire inner circle is in on it..."

Archer decided that he needed to know what was going on with his business before he could further decide how he was going to play this. A well timed bombing of a Cassadine or MysTech stronghold might be just the thing to get the roaches to walk hesitantly into the light. As he watched Daniel Reed manipulate attention away from everybody, The Black King took the opportunity to take leave of the conservatory and head to the roof. He saw the chopper begin to touch down on the roof through the glass windows of the conservatory, and now that he knew Stavros was on that chopper, he was sure there was some untainted tech he might be able to use. As he arrived on the roof he was dissappointed to find that several of Stavros' security detail were guarding the chopper for dear life.

"Piss."

He had a decision to make - was it worth it to take out the men of Stavros Cassadine? Ava seemed enraged, so if word got back he had killed her father's men, he could spin it and maybe repair things if they hadn't already crossed the line. This was his only option, and he didn't know what he would find on the chopper, but he decided to take a page out of the book of Kelly King - she dropped bombs day and night and she had managed to survive. Archer appraoched the men's line of sight to which the armed guards pointed there weapons at him.

"Buy a guy dinner first!"

Archer smirked with glee as he snapped his finger instantly dropping the temperature around the men to subzero levels, freezing them from the inside out as their bodies began to crystralize, before pulling his glock out of the back of his pants, firing a shot into each of the now crystal statues, shattering them completely into glass like shards that exploded in the air. Putting his gun back in his pants, Archer made his way towards the chopper and hopped in. So far the gamble had paid off. Stavros cell phone was on the coffee table and just as he expected from a man who seemed to live in a much older world, it was not password protected. One of the most powerful men in the world didn't password protect his phone. It appeared he had balls as well.

Archer was no prodigy, but he was a prominent crime lord and in this day in age, if you didn't have a deeper understanding of technology and how to utilize it, you didn't have a chance of surviving. Everything had gone digital. After a few moments, he was able to access his voicemail and a string of messages brought Archer's world down around him.

>>>They took everything.

>>>>>>>We can't access our servers..and the logo.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>It's something called Tricell Inc. They have our associates accounts.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>We're fucked Archer. Completely fucked."


The Black King SCREAMED out with a visceral RAGE as he began to SLAM his fists into whatever hard surface he could find.

"FFFFFUUUUUUUUCKKKK!

"FUCK!"

<< BAM! >>

"FUCK."

<< BAM! >>

"FUCK!"

They had taken Sub Zero right out from under him, a move they would have only made if they were intending to kill him. He was a dead man walking. But Archer couldn't tell exactly WHO had seized control. He didn't know if it was Haleigh or Ava, or even Amanda. This was a move he would NOT suffer to live. If the American Court wanted a blood war, they just got one. He didn't know how exactly he was going to proceed, but he WOULDN'T take this lying down. They wanted him dead? They were going to have to work for it.

"Archer Fairchild, why do you kill my men and sit in in my helicopter?"

The Black King was THROTTLED back into reality at the sight of Stavros Cassadine standing in the doorway of the helicopter, looking particularly pissed off. He had two choose between two different options - apologize profusely or try and guess how his conversation with his daughter had just went. Stavros wasn't like Ava - he profited even off the black market business. So they had a light working relationship over the years when it became necessity, despite Ava's hatred for him and campaign to bring him down for stealing her stupid weapons.

"Just updating my Match.Com profile. I was afraid my profile picture was a little offputting, so I just decided to use a picture of an egglplant emoji instead."

Stavros: "I understood virtually none of the words you just said and I grow tired of your face in my helicopter. What was so important to see that you just laid waste to seven of my guards. In addition, why is it that I should not kill you for such a sloppy, and messy move?"

"I think your daughter wants me dead and that she stole my company right out from under me. They bugged my tech. I needed to know what was going on. That and I always wanted to sit in this thing."

He watched as Stavros remained silent for a few moments, staring at him with that signature smuldering and bubbling underbelly thing he did all the time before bursting out in laughter.

Stavros: "You are a stupid and foolish man. But, after the evening I have just had, your dumb humor has lifted my spirits...and your accusations have piqued my interest."

Stavros sat down next to him as he pulled a cigar out from his pocket.

Stavros: "Perhaps we could discuss your future outside of Hellfire and Sub Zero? I have been meaning to get back to business, and since The Hellfire Club has made it clear their intentions are not to honor their history, it appears I will have to do it on my own."

"What the fuck is going on in American Hellifre?"

Archer wasn't sure of what to say, unsure as to whether or not this was some kind of signature Stavros test of loyalty to his daughter's court. He wasn't sure on how to proceed and as the helicopter lifted from the ground, with Stavros directing the pilot to circle around the perimeter of the city, awaiting his wife's decision to leave, Archer realized he might have just walked knowingly into the lion's den. But he also had uninterrupted time with one of the only men around who might have been able to help him, and Archer was willing to take this risk.

"Go on."
 
Hellfire -- Conservatory

Zach and Daniel were at the bar, engaging in light conversation until the Black King and Queen arrived. Zach suggested that it meant the party was officially started, and Daniel replied that it meant it was time to get to work. Zach lifted his glass again, and reclined with his back to the bar ledge, content to just people watch for a bit. A lot could be gleaned from observation, especially with his ability to sense the emotional layer of interactions.

Cass (in red?), Gia, and some dude were flirting in a booth, while Erika was dutifully entertaining the Fairy Queen. Heidi and Jack joined him at the bar. Ben and Amanda stopped by to say hello to Cameron, then split off. Haleigh was still talking to Archer. Ash and AJ had a tense interaction with Alek and Brienne, but it went much better than at the hunt. Ava and John were quite attached at the hip, though Zach could tell their lovebird appearance was a bit of a show. And then Stavros and Kelly showed up, and there went the neighborhood.

Ava was beyond furious, and so too was Cameron. Unlike at the Red Hunt, Zach would not absorb the rage, not from these two. It was one thing to interfere with an outburst from the Red Knight, but this, Zach would allow to play out, and only step in if necessary. Heidi was by his side quickly, also watching the development.

"The Black Court has rallied around their Queen."

Heidi: Yes, they're all about as subtle as a pod of humpback whales. Where's our useless Bishop?

"In a corner booth, too turned on to walk."

Heidi: We'll deal with this ourselves then, as usual. I knew it was bollocks when she tried to act like she was turning over a new leaf. I'll take the King.

"I'll cover the Queen then."

He replied, downing the rest of his drink and sliding off the bar stool as Heidi glided through the crowd, following Cameron. Zach turned towards Haleigh. She was watching too, and was standing alone, until Daniel arrived with a drink for her. Smooth, Black Bishop. Zach slowed up and maintained a bit of distance. There were enough pawns in the crowd to provide him something to blend in with, even when in earshot of his Queen.
 
Hellfire -- Conservatory

Haleigh left Archer to his own devices, as she paid closer attention to the situation developing between Kelly, Stavros, Ava and Cameron. It was promising to be a clusterfuck of epic proportions, but chaos could sometimes produce very beneficial outcomes. There was a brief exchange between the group. The Black Court moved in like flies at a barbeque, while Haleigh caught Heidi and Zach consulting at the bar, a discreet distance maintained. Heidi followed Cameron, who went into his study, where the cameras were still deactivated, while Haleigh pulled up the video feed of the Black Lounge.

As she watched the confrontation between Ava and her father, Haleigh grimaced. Stavros may have loved his daughter, but he could be a real dick about it. Ava struggled with it all, until Stavros disparaged her mother, and then Haleigh thought the time had finally come for Ava to put an end to her father. She understood. How many times had Diana made Haleigh feel like shit for being like her father? And yet.... Ava still couldn't do it. Haleigh understood that too, after all, it had taken her a long time to finally kill her own mother. A lot more had gone into that than a simple power struggle, but few people knew that.

She was distracted by gunfire on the roof, and it drew her attention immediately. Then there were the voice mail messages, which meant Archer knew. She should have killed him when she had the chance. Ava and Amanda should've done it right the first time, but there was no use crying over spilled milk. Haleigh watched on the helipad video feed as Stavros joined the helicopter. She couldn't hear their voices over the engine noise, but they seemed rather friendly. Haleigh identified the chopper's transponder, so she could track its flight path. She hacked air traffic radar to keep an eye on it. She could crash it at any second, or drag it back here for them to deal with as a group, but this wasn't a decision she'd make on her own. She sent a text to Ava.

To Ava>> We need to talk ASAP

Daniel arrived at her side a drink in hand, saying it was the best he could do, though he offered sips of his own martini. Apparently the news of her pregnancy had spread like lightning, but it hadn't been a secret. Haleigh gave the new Black Bishop a tempered smile.

"You're probably right, but I'd rather not risk my son's health on it."

She replied, as Daniel smirked. This one was going to be fun, she could tell. He was fishing for intel on the situation at hand, asking what he could do to make it easier for all involved. Haleigh squeezed her lime into the water, glancing through the crowd to catch Zach nearby providing support. She could task him with giving Stavros a heart attack. It was how Zach had gotten rid of his own father, and it could be claimed a death of natural causes. It might be worth it, if Ava still didn't want to kill Stav. Haleigh had respected Ava's wishes thus far.... but it was getting to the point where they might need to protect Ava without her consent. Especially if Stav was working with Archer. Haleigh's gaze settled back on Daniel.

"This may not be something we can make easier. All our enemies must be destroyed. That being said.... don't take it upon yourself to do anything yet. Be prepared to prove your allegiance to your Queen with more than just a new jacket color and some complimentary comments."
 
Hellfire - The Conservatory

Ash: You are so much more than anyone gives you credit for, my wolf.

Savage smiled, then put his mouth next to her ear.

"Resist the urge to tell them. The element of surprise is a wolf's tool of success."

He told her, and then suddenly there was a scene. He wanted to get her to leave the area, but she didn't seem so concerned, and asked him if he was trying to get her to run from a fight. It wasn't their fight, but he understood why she was asking, so he explained his stance on the matter. She didn't seem to mind after that, and the fight had ended before it even started, so they got drinks from a nearly naked serving girl.

Ash: Do you disapprove of the staff uniforms? Or maybe you'd like to see me in something like that?

His gaze traveled down his Queen's body, as he tried to imagine the outfit on her. There was lust in his eyes when they met hers again.

"My Ashley, I think I would enjoy you in anything you chose to wear, but you may know, I prefer you in nothing at all."

Ash: Come on, we'd better touch base with Bretta. Much more of this and I'm going to have to take you into the bushes.

He grinned as she took his arm, escorting her to the booth where the tiny fairy sat with some others. Savage glanced warily at Ben, as his Queen slid into the booth and joined the conversation smoothly. AJ sat down next to her, just enough room on the edge of the booth for him. He put his arm on the back of the booth behind Ashley, leaning a bit towards her, appearing to relax, though his gaze was alert. His fingertips grazed his Queen's shoulder, back and forth slowly.

Someone new joined them, and there was some discussion between him and the fairy, regarding Cassandra, and then Bretta introduced him to everyone as her Red Rook. Savage nodded a silent greeting to the man, as he thought to himself that the rumors his Queen had warned him of -- the trade of Cassandra for Daniel -- must have been true, if this fairy was so interested in Cassandra's whereabouts. AJ's gaze cast out among the rest of the party goers, carefully looking for threats to his Queen as she socialized with the Inner Circle and the Europeans at the table.
 
Ava felt like she went through the wringer twice. If she had it her way she would have opted to skip the rest of the party and leave New York for the remainder of the evening; go to some mountain resort secluded from the city and deep within nature. But she couldn't. She needed to go back to the party to show that despite all the bullshit and drama that had just unfolded with her father, that she was still standing. John was right, she was the Queen and she needed to remind anyone who doubted it of that fact.

Ava emerged from the bathroom looking completely refreshed and like she hadn't just broke down in hysterics. She may have looked fantastic, but she still felt emotionally and physically drained. John was sitting on the edge of the bed and Ava moved up to him, sliding her arms around his neck as she looked down at him, telling him she couldn't have gotten through any of that without him.

John: "I am your partner, Ava. I love you, I would never let you be hurt, or be embarrassed. We are in this together."

She gently nodded, absentmindedly tracing patterns along the base of his neck.

"I know."

Ava knew he was right, but at the same time she hated feeling this way and having anyone see her in such a state. John had been there many times in the past when Stavros was a complete and utter asshole, but Ava shed a few tears and shook it off. Never to the extent of how it played out tonight. She leaned down and softly pressed her lips against his as John pulled her closer to him, his arms tight around her. She melted into his touch, feeling the tension slowly leaving her body. Their lips parted and John rested his forehead against hers. Ava kept her eyes shut wishing the moment would last a lifetime.

John: "Let me be there, by your side. We are stronger together, Ava. Don't push me away. Don't shut me out."

That was painful to hear. There was a struggle in John's voice that broke her heart and made her eyes burn with emotion. She never wanted him to feel like she didn't need him or want him. She never wanted to shut him out...it was just an instinct she learned over the years, one that was hard to shake.

"I won't...."

She whispered, sliding her hands to either side of his face. Pulling back to look into his eyes, Ava gently shook her head.

"This is still all new to me, John.....being loved without an ulterior motive."

Ava lowered her eyes, the admission painful. She thought she understood love, but her entire life was based around being manipulated to think she was loved. Now she had someone who loved even the worst parts of her, and it was hard to shake the old habits despite that. Ava lowered herself onto John's knee, sitting between his legs as her eyes met with his once again.

"I didn't mean to shut you out. I was embarrassed that I let him effect me that badly. Everything he said to me.....and I still let him go. I didn't feel like I deserved your support...so I pushed you away."

Ava's hand was on John's cheek as she looked at him with complete honesty and vulnerability. She was letting him in, completely.

"Never again. I promise."
 
Ava blew up, Cameron looked murderous, and the entire scene fizzled out into nothing. Brienne rolled her eyes, disappointed not to see at least a little blood shed or tears.

"Well that was boring."

Finishing off her hemlock, she turned to Alek.

"Seems your Black Queen can keep her shit together far better than I thought. And here I was hoping for a dramatic ending."

Brienne shrugged, placing her empty flute onto one of the table tops. A smirk tugged on the corners of her lips, everyone seemingly distracted by what happened or trying to get back to business as usual. It was the perfect opportunity to slip away.

"Despite there being no weave pulling, I think a little fun is in order after that Oscar Worthy performance."

Brienne took Alek's hand with a grin and lead him off the dance floor, walking through the labyrinth of trees and bushes toward the empty side of the conservatory where the music was less loud and there was no one in sight. Turning around, she pulled him into a kiss, her tongue immediate in his mouth while her fingers made work of his belt. Brienne backed them to a large tree, her back being pushed against it as she continued to heatedly kiss Alek. She undid his trouser button and zipper before spinning them around and pinning him against the tree now. Brienne broke the kiss, out of breath but eyes filled with a mischievous desire. She reached into his pants grasping him.

"Oh good....you're hard already..."

She lowered herself onto her knees.

"I'm starved..."

And then she took him into her mouth.
 
The Conservatory

Ashley noticed Savage giving the serving girl who brought them each a drink a look, which either meant he liked it or disapproved of it. So she asked him.

AJ: "My Ashley, I think I would enjoy you in anything you chose to wear, but you may know, I prefer you in nothing at all."

That, plus the way he was looking at her, as though he'd like to see her that way right now, made her want to jump into his arms and maul him. But instead, she suggested they get "business" done as quickly as possibly before she couldn't control herself any longer.

They slid into the booth across from Bretta, Savage's arm coming around her. She leaned comfortably into him, her favorite pillow, her hand resting on his leg. She could feel him being alert, "on duty", subtly scanning the room. No one was as good at their job than he was, and she trusted no one more than him.

Ashley was friendly with Bretta, good-naturedly chiding her for hiding in the corner. And there was no reason not to be friendly - Bretta was a lovely girl. Ashley decided she liked the visiting queens - even Brienne, who was clearly a bitch but Ashley could see the benefit in that to her club. The three complimented each other. Bretta was sweeter than Juliette, but as Ashley studied her, she wondered what the other Red Queen was hiding that had brought her to a place such as Hellfire. Such a thing didn't fall to just anyone, after all.

Brettta: [chuckling] “I wasn’t hiding; I was just getting to know this lovely woman right here.”

That gave Ashley pause. Erika? Lovely? Not likely. Her eyes shifted to Erika. What game was she playing here?

"She certainly keeps us all on our toes."

Ashley smiled at Erika, but it was lukewarm

Bretta: “Erika is truly a delight to talk to."

Maybe you'd like to make another trade?

Bretta: "Not to mention that I was also congratulating Mr. Lewis on his new promotion.”

"Tough shoes to fill. Ah, but I'm sure you'll do just fine, Ben. Good thing Ava snapped you up before we did."

She commented on the party, that it must seem boring to Bretta who was in clubs all the time.

Bretta: “Well, I don’t know about that. I certainly have never seen an event where both tigers and peacocks are able to walk freely amongst the guests. Although, this is on par with some of the parties that I have thrown.”

Damien: “It's true; the Red Hot Party is always sensational. Good evening, my Queen.”

"Well perhaps someday we'll get to see it in person."

Bretta's Rook, who had mysteriously arrived just today, slid into the book next to her. She looked at him curiously, giving him a smile. He told his Queen that Cassandra had gone off to talk with Amanda.

Bretta: “That’s right. She did mention that she had reconciled with Amanda.” [looking at the group in general] “Cassandra was pretty excited about that.”

It did seem that Cassandra was going to fit in with this court better than she had her old. They all seemed much more concerned about friendships and feelings than the Black Court.

Bretta: “Damien, I’d like for you to meet some people. This is Erika King, Benjamin Lewis, the Black Rook, Ashley Oldenburg, the Red Queen, and Arther John, the Red Knight. This is Damien McAllister, my Red Rook.”

She studied this new addition carefully.

Damien: “Pleased to meet your acquaintances." [looking at Ashley and bowing from the neck up] "Your Majesty, it's an honour and a privilege to meet you."

She smiled and nodded to him, before looking to Bretta.

"Well, he has manners, I'll give him that."

Ashley wondered why, out of all the visiting courts, it was only the Red who had chosen to bring other members of their Inner Circle.

"It's so good to get to meet more of your court, Bretta. It's a pity the other courts didn't bring the rest of their people. Next time, perhaps."

As if suddenly having a thought, Ashley's face brightened, and she reached out for Bretta's hand.

"I think it's time for dancing. You must come Bretta! I'm sure your Rook will oblige you."

Ashley climbed over Savage, purposefully straddling his lap as she did so, putting her hands on his shoulders and pausing to give him a sultry look. Then she climbed out of the other end of the booth, grabbing his hand and pulling him after her towards the music. They passed the bar, where Jack was looking lonely.

"Come, Bishop, the Red Court is dancing. I'm sure your little mermaid will find you when she's done working."
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite

Now that she was herself again, he allowed himself a minute to hold her. To tell her how they were partners, that he was there for her, that he loved her. They kissed, and then he told her the last thing he needed to before they rejoined the others. Asking her not to shut him out, to let him stand by her.

Ava: "I won't...This is still all new to me, John.....being loved without an ulterior motive."

Her hands were on the sides of his face, her touch the most wonderful feeling that existed in this world, or the next.

"You are my everything, Ava. No matter what you choose to do in life, I'm with you. I don't care about anything but being with you."

Ava: "I didn't mean to shut you out. I was embarrassed that I let him effect me that badly. Everything he said to me.....and I still let him go. I didn't feel like I deserved your support...so I pushed you away."

"Ava..."

He found her ring hand and held it in his, her delicate fingers in his massive ones.

"For so long, you have been two halves of one whole: Mother Nature and the Queen of the Underworld. But now, you have me. I can be the other half of your whole. You can take strength from me whenever you need it. I will never judge you for it - I have seen you at your best and your worst, and I love them both. You must learn to trust me. To believe I would never betray you. You don't have to do this alone anymore."

Ava: "Never again. I promise."

He smiled gently and leaned forward to kiss her lips. His hand wrapped back around her back, and he pulled her against his chest. Which was when he felt something vibrate between them.

"Oh, I forgot, your phone..."

He reached into his jacket pocket and took it out, handing it to her.
 
Hellfire Club – Black Gala


Gia sat there for a few moments, her fingertips touching the spot on her neck where Damien had kissed her. It was times like these where she really missed Samuel. She wondered what he would’ve thought of Damien. He had always been amused by Cass’ antics, though he drew the line at seducing the succubus because he “didn’t want to take advantage of the mentally ill”. She spotted Zachary at the bar, and that finally motivated her to get up. She had some unfinished business with Mr. Armani. After all, she had promised Bretta that she would speak to him and since he had ignored her text, now seemed like a good time to talk. She walked up to him all business-like and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Zach, can I talk to you for a moment?”

He would notice a change in her, being an empath, and he would also notice that she had called him ‘Zach’ – not Zachary. It was yet another sign that she was trying to turn over a new leaf.

“It’s about Bretta O’Malley.”

There was sincere concern in her grey eyes. She wanted to help him save face in front of the visiting Red Queen as well as help him to save face in front of their own King and Queen.
 
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