A Weekend Affair # 4 - The Black Gala

Hellfire -- Conservatory

Daniel: You'll find that I am nothing if not prepared.

He replied, with a confidence that was quite becoming. Haleigh could see why Ava had traded Cassandra for this man. Still, she had her reservations. He had been Helena's friend once, and they were likely to find out by the end of this weekend if he was really theirs now. Haleigh observed him carefully, taking a sip of her drink, finding it to be lacking a certain something.

Daniel expressed surprise at the sentience of Haleigh's baby, but the thing that was more surprising to her was that he seemed to be aware that it was only hours old. How would HE know that? Why wouldn't he presume the baby was older, that her son had been conceived weeks ago, that it was old enough for him to sense naturally?

He went on to say that if he could sense the baby, maybe the others could as well, and that he felt it important to mention, so she could decide how to protect her family. As if he gave a rat's ass about her family. No, he had some other motive here. Showing off his prowess? Putting her on notice? He opined that it would be treacherous to sit on such information, as if to suggest he was not currently being treacherous right now. Haleigh gave him a curt smile.

"It was not a secret that Cameron and I have been trying to have a baby."

Of course, they'd only started trying this morning, but she wasn't going to confirm that to this veritable stranger.

"So don't worry about sitting on information. There aren't many secrets that we keep from each other here. That was the old way. You are correct in your observation that the Court leadership here is very well bonded."

From Ava>> Meet me in my office.

"Ah, I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me once more. Ava is calling."

She said, placing her still full drink on a serving tray as it walked by. There was a glitch with her tracking of the chopper. No doubt Kelly was involved now, on board the chopper too. Haleigh suspected Archer would be returning to Hellfire soon, though she highly doubted Stavros or Kelly would be back.

"Daniel, if you want to help.... Keep Archer isolated from the rest of your former friends."

She told him. A test of loyalty would be good for him, and there was none better than setting him against the European Branch to see if he'd change his mind. She turned to go, pausing only to clap politely when the European White King and Queen were announced arriving. Haleigh headed out of the conservatory, with Zach and, surprisingly, Gia following at a distance. They would of course be stopped at the door of the office, but it was nice to know they were nearby, just in case Archer was able to communicate with Brienne, and the two decided to do something about it.

Security staff opened the door for Haleigh, who scanned the office before her gaze settled on Ava and John on the sofa. Seeing them there together made the rift between Haleigh and Cameron feel like a chasm, but she only smiled as she pulled a chair around to sit facing them.

"Oh, you two can keep making out, I mean it's not like I haven't seen you both in all your glory already."

She said as she sat down and crossed her legs. She looked at John first, then her gaze shifted to Ava.

"Either he knows everything, or he's about to, unless you want to have this chat alone?"

She offered, though she really expected Ava would want him to stay. She shrugged anyway, because she really didn't care one way or the other. She took a deep breath, and sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry I was a judgmental bitch after breakfast."

She started, and she was going to qualify it by saying she was under the effect of pregnancy hormones, but then she decided it would be better if she didn't make any excuses. She did feel bad about it.

"I saw what happened with your dad. You okay?"
 
Hellfire - The Conservatory

He was chatting with one of the pawns, to cover his monitoring of his Queen. She was engaged in conversation with the new Black Bishop. Zach couldn't hear what was being said, but Haleigh hadn't killed Daniel yet, so it must have been going well. Someone tapped him on the shoulder, and so he shifted to see, it was Gia. She wanted to talk to him for a minute.

"Giuletta, darling, can this wait? I'm working."

There was something different about her. Zach had heard about Haleigh's kill the Red Hunt, and he could tell it had a significant effect on the mob princess, but now was not a good time. The two of them together, near their Queen, were not at all discreet. She was blowing his cover to smithereens. Haleigh was on the move too, which meant everybody and their mother would see them follow her. Luckily, Liam and Juliette were announced, drawing the attention elsewhere. Unable to shake Gia, who mentioned something about Bretta, Zach drained his drink.

"Alright then, walk and talk."

He said as he started to follow his Queen, albeit at a distance. He found himself still annoyed with Gia from the last time they'd talked. She'd been so insolent, so disrespectful. If Haleigh had killed her during the hunt, he would've been upset only because he missed witnessing her death. Zach glanced at Juliette as they left the conservatory, wondering if she was hungry, wondering if he could feed Gia to her. It was a nice fantasy.

"What about Bretta?"

He asked her, after they'd exited the party area and started down the corridor after Haleigh, who was headed towards the Black Wing. It turned out Haleigh was meeting with Ava. Zach already knew he and Gia wouldn't make it past security, so he guided her into an alcove where they could talk while they waited.
 
John: "Haleigh can have a temper too - she'll have rethought what she said by now. Plus, she can hardly say you've accomplished nothing now."

"Lets hope you're right. I really don't feel like going round number two with her, especially after getting punched in the gut by my father."

Ava quipped with a bit of a sigh. Haleigh was a rare type, knowing how to weave and manipulate her way into conversations much like Diana used to. She would ease herself in, tempered and relaxed, then strike to make a point. Ava was fairly certain Haleigh was upset that she wasn't specifically clued into the Sub Zero heist, but it had been a heated situation with Archer that Ava couldn't overlook any longer. She took it as a means to further Hellfire America and castrate the bastard at the same time. As for letting her father go? That was something Ava wouldn't stand to get criticized for, not when Kelly King was still walking around.

Making her way hand in hand with John to her office, they both took a seat on the sofa, Ava holding his hand and keeping her body close to his. Just being in close proximity to John made her less tense, but Ava decided to ask about Paris, wanting to get her mind off the current shit show for a few moments while they waited for Haleigh.

John: "Paris, for sure. And I think we should stop for a few days at a country chateaux...just the two of us. Alone."

Ava smiled, the look John was giving her making her heart flutter.

"I like the way you think, my King."

John leaned in and gave her neck a kiss, Ava extending it to allow him more access.

John: "Other than that, whatever my Queen desires."

As John's lips continued to kiss a gentle path along her neck, she wished she hadn't sent that text to Haleigh. Ava wanted nothing more than to have John make her forget everything that happened within the last half hour and fuck her senseless.

Haleigh: "Oh, you two can keep making out, I mean it's not like I haven't seen you both in all your glory already."

Ava opened her eyes to the sound of Haleigh's voice, seeing her enter the office and pull up a chair.

"Despite knowing you watch, it's no less strange to hear you admit it, Hales."

She eased in to the conversation with a joke, giving Haleigh a smirk. Haleigh then shifted her gaze to John knowing the White Queen was curious if he would be staying and how much he knew. Her assumptions were correct. Ava's hand slid further into John's, interlinking their fingers as she rested it in her lap.

Haleigh: "Either he knows everything, or he's about to, unless you want to have this chat alone?"

She shook her head in the negative.

"He's staying. John is fully aware of everything that's happening."

Haleigh shrugged as Ava looked over at John, her face even but her eyes expressing to him that she was happy he was there with her, backing her up.

Haleigh: "I'm sorry I was a judgmental bitch after breakfast."

That made Ava turn her head to look at Haleigh rather quickly, her eyes a bit wide and eyebrows lifted. Haleigh was about as bad as Ava was when it came to apologizing. Hell, ALL the Queen's were bad when it came to admitting they were wrong and apologizing. It was a prerequisite to becoming Queen apparently.

Ava huffed out a grim laugh, lightly rolling her eyes.

"I'm sorry I was a bratty bitch after breakfast."

They were both bitches, though Haleigh took it to a whole new level when screaming at Ava. Likely hormonal on Haleigh's part, but Ava wasn't about to let it slide quite yet.

"Though you deserved it after screaming at me...but I digress."

Ava smirked, the topic now water under the bridge. But her smirk faded immediately at what Haleigh said next. Her assumptions were correct, Haleigh had seen everything that happened in the Black Lounge.

Haleigh: "I saw what happened with your dad. You okay?"

Blinking her line of sight away from Haleigh, Ava let out a heavy breath.

"Not really."

She fully admitted before her eyes met with Haleigh's once again.

"But i'll survive. As for Stavros....i'm sure you're aware that I let him go.."

Ava paused, looking down at her hand still linked with John's.

"A part of me still loves him."

Ava's eyes lifted to Haleigh's, a cold hatred behind them.

"But never again. If he steps foot into this club I WILL kill him, no hesitations, no third chances."

On some level she did still love Stavros enough to let him go, but now? She knew it was all a game and a lie played by him masterfully. Ava wouldn't become his pawn when she was a Queen. She would kill him with her bare hands if she ever saw him again.

"Is that why you wanted to speak with me? Because you saw that I let him go? Or is it because of Sub Zero?"

No use beating around the bush. Ava laid all the cards on the table.
 
Alek certainly knew how to keep a girl interested. Whether it was because he was actually interested in her, or because it was apart of his job that weekend, had yet to be determined. Regardless, Brienne wasn't complaining. His fingers began to trace along her rib cage by her heart making her tense with pleasure.

Alek: "I do. Which I would be happy to demonstrate for you..."

She lifted a brow with a smirk.

"I'm pretty certain you just did."

Her hand when to his, stopping him from moving it and placing it firm against her heart. He would feel her beat still rapid, an indication of exactly what he had done to her and how he pleased her. But as Alek suggested what she would like to do, she had to admit, she did want to speak with Haleigh and Cameron to get a feel for them. To really see how badly they despised her. But considering the Kelly situation, she doubted now would be a good time.

Alek: "Well, Cameron doesn't like witches because of his mother and sister."

"So fucking strange..."

Brienne interjected, still finding that whole scenario weird. She could understand not liking his mother and sister, but lumping all witches in the same category was a little excessive. Then Alek mentioned Haleigh, piquing Brienne's interest a bit more than witchy hatred from the White King. Alek leaned in, whispering in much the same way she just did.

Alek: "She is probably just jealous."

She grinned, her fingers now tracing under Alek's button down and along the rivets of his abs.

"I'm sure her husband appreciates that."

It was no secret Haleigh and Cameron's marriage was an open one, but from what Brienne could gather thus far during their weekend, Cameron hated Alek, which means he hated his wife being with Alek. Brienne's lips went to Alek's chest, kissing along the puckered skin of his scar gently. She would be more than willing to help Cameron out with keeping Alek distracted from his wife. Perhaps an alliance with the White King wasn't completely off the table.

Alek: "But I will make her play nice with you if that's what you want."

"Mmm...."

Brienne softly chuckled as her lips kissed up Alek's neck.

"Something tells me you can't make that woman do anything she doesn't want to."

She countered, smiling against his skin before nipping his flesh playfully. Brienne then pulled back to look at Alek.

"One of very few qualities I admire of hers."

They were talking about Haleigh and Cameron for far too long, Brienne shifting the conversation back to what Alek suggested earlier: drinking and dancing and torture. Sounded like the ideal night spent.

Alek: "Well, then, there are a gallery of choices for you to pick from, while I whirl you around the dancefloor."

Brienne grinned.

"Sounds perfect."

She began to look around the dark grassy area for her pants, the black leather material basically blending into the shadowed area. Alek was looking around as well, finally finding hers and handing them to her.

Alek: "Yeah, skirts are definitely better."

[with a laugh] "Consider my very fashionable pant game on pause for the duration of this trip."

Slipping her pants back on, Brienne stood from the grass and zipped them up. She then put her black healed boots back on before fluffing her hair with her fingers, looking as good as new. After Alek was done getting himself together, she took both hands within hers and began to walk backwards pulling him with her toward the party.

"Lets see if you're just as good on the dance floor as you are in the sack."

With a playful grin, Brienne turned around and kept her one hand within Alek's as they made their way back to the main dance floor of the party. It looked as if the entire Red Court from both American and European Branches were all on the dance floor while the White and Black seemed to be doing damage control from the Kelly/Stavros situation. Archer was no where to be seen....either dead or cooking up a plan that would likely get HER killed. Rolling her eyes, she was getting tired of being put in the cross hairs because he kept trying to prove his worth and how big his cock was.

"My King has yet again abandoned me."

Brienne quipped as she pressed her back against the front of Alek, hooking her arm around the back of his neck. She began to roll her body to the beat of the music, making sure to press her ass into his cock. Extending her head back onto Alek's shoulder, she turned her face to his ear.

"It seems we both have partners who would rather be anywhere but with us."

Planting a kiss on Alek's neck, noting earlier that Ashley was dancing with her pup. Archer may not have hated Brienne, but she and Alek were in very similar situations. Ashley wanting away from Alek and Archer pushing Brienne away because of his need to prove himself. Luckily, she had the weekend with the Red King to soften the blow.
 
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Hellfire Club – Black Gala


Zach: "Giuletta, darling, can this wait? I'm working."

“Yeah? So was I.”

She told him that it was about Bretta. He seemed a bit annoyed, which was understandable given that he was ‘eavesdropping’ on Haleigh. Whatever. Hanging out with both the European Red Rook and Princess reminded her of what Bretta had said to her in the helicopter. She noticed that Haleigh was going somewhere, which apparently meant that Zach, and her, would follow. As they moved, Gia caught a glimpse of the dance floor. Both Cass and Damien were enjoying a dance together before laughing and running to where Bretta was sitting. Grabbing her with their hands, soon Cass and Damien were having a trio dance with their Queen. Gia smiled.

Cass looks really happy.

Zach: "Alright then, walk and talk."

Thanks to her morning workouts, Gia could keep the pace with Zach. Athleticism ran in the Nefaria genes...or so her father had told her.

Zach: "What about Bretta?"

“Bretta had mentioned in the copter ride to Arklay how you seemed to think that she wasn’t sincere in her efforts at being here simply because her King didn’t make the trip. I told her that you probably didn’t mean anything by it and that I would talk to you.”

They left the party and headed down the same corridor that Haleigh was walking down. Apparently she was headed for the Black Wing. Zach guided her into an alcove where they would be close by, but they were also far enough away to give their Queen some space.

Gia sighed and clasped her hands in her lap.

“What’s going on, Zach? You’re usually an ‘equal opportunity’ kind of guy. From what I’ve gathered, the European Red King isn’t all that. It’s Bretta who is the driving force in that Court.”

Gia looked at Zach in the face.

“How can I help smooth things over between you and her? I also told her that there was no reason to involve either Haleigh or Cameron. How can I help you save face in front of both of them as well? Please, Zach, I’m trying to help you here.”

And she was trying. Now that Daniel had joined the American branch, it had given her even more motivation to change the course of her future.
 
Hellfire -- Black Queen's Office

Ava: I'm sorry I was a bratty bitch after breakfast. Though you deserved it after screaming at me...but I digress.

Haleigh smiled, somewhat in spite of herself.

"Yes, I've been struggling with my temper a lot today.... Let's hope my son is not so irascible."

She replied, before broaching the topic of Stavros. She first asked the most important question, regarding how Ava was faring after such a blowout fight. The answer was, no so great, which made Haleigh want to kill him all the more, but she was still trying to leave it up to Ava. Ava, who admittedly still loved Stav, and swore that this time she was serious, if he came back to Hellfire again, she would kill him. No hesitations, no more chances. Haleigh smiled gently, nodding.

"You know, a part of me still loves my mother. The part that hates what I did. When I was a kid I idolized her. I wanted to make her proud, for longer than I probably should have. And no matter how bad it got, she was still the only mother I had. So you see, I understand. If it comes down to it, and you find you don't want to be the one to pull the trigger, so to speak... I can help. Just... throwing it out there."

Ava: Is that why you wanted to speak with me? Because you saw that I let him go? Or is it because of Sub Zero?

"Well there was more than one reason to talk. But Sub Zero, that was a fucking doozy. I mean, you might've mentioned that this morning, so I could fully appreciate what an ass I was being at the time. Instead I got wind of it when the network lit up like a Christmas tree and the shares were already transferring to my name. Those should be split between Ash and I, by the way. And then when I tried to find out why we were keeping Archer alive, your Knight stonewalled me, that was fun."

She flashed an infuriated smile.

"But, it gets worse. Archer knows about the coup. He used your dad's phone to get the intel. They circled the city in a helicopter for a while, until Kelly left here. So I don't know how deep that river runs, but something tells me we might be swimming in it soon. Please say your plan to eliminate the other Black King is nearing its climax."
 
Haleigh had apologized for being a bitch after breakfast leading Ava to apologize for being one as well. But Ava did throw in that Haleigh deserved it considering how she screamed at her earlier.

Haleigh: "Yes, I've been struggling with my temper a lot today.... Let's hope my son is not so irascible."

"Son?"

Ava was a little taken aback by Haleigh's admission. She knew Haleigh and Cameron were actively trying to get pregnant now that Haleigh could carry a child, but for it to happen so quickly? It was a little shocking. But it just further proved this child would be incredibly special.

"Congratulations, Haleigh...that's amazing. I can't wait to meet him."

Ava smiled warmly at Haleigh. It still stung, but there was no reason for her not to support her friend in this. If she could never have a child herself, then she would be the best surrogate aunt possible. Haleigh then switched topics to Stavros, asking how Ava was after the whole ordeal. Ava was honest with her, telling her that she wasn't doing the best, but that she would get through it. A lot had fell onto Ava's plate that day, Stavros being the catalyst to it all. But even though she hated Stavros, a part of her still loved him which was why she let him go. But never again, and she told Haleigh as much. If Stavros ever stepped foot within Hellfire, he would die by her hand.

Haleigh: "You know, a part of me still loves my mother. The part that hates what I did. When I was a kid I idolized her. I wanted to make her proud, for longer than I probably should have. And no matter how bad it got, she was still the only mother I had. So you see, I understand."

Ava nodded, appreciating Haleigh's words more than she could ever express. To know Haleigh didn't look at her as a fool...to know her fellow Queen didn't look at her as a weak link...it made that bit of weight that was on her chest a little less heavy.

"Thank you, Haleigh."

Haleigh: "If it comes down to it, and you find you don't want to be the one to pull the trigger, so to speak... I can help. Just... throwing it out there."

Ava's eyes lowered just a bit, staring forward silently at the thought. It would be so much easier giving the task of taking Stavros out to John or Haleigh. But that wouldn't be fair. Haleigh killed her mother, Ava should be the one to kill her father.

"I need to be the one."

She finally said before inhaling a deep breath and lifting her eyes to meet back with the White Queen. Ava then asked if this was why Haleigh wanted to speak with her? Because she knew Starvos was still alive. Or if it was more because of Sub Zero.

Haleigh: "Well there was more than one reason to talk. But Sub Zero, that was a fucking doozy. I mean, you might've mentioned that this morning, so I could fully appreciate what an ass I was being at the time. Instead I got wind of it when the network lit up like a Christmas tree and the shares were already transferring to my name."

"Truthfully, i've been planning this for months, but it certainly wasn't my goal to act on it without cluing the rest of the royals in on my plan, and definitely not when the Europeans were here. But after Archer cornered me in the barn talking like a cave man who's wife owed him a blow job, I wasn't about to let that pig walk out without hitting him where it hurts most."

Ava could have killed him and started an uproar with the Europeans. She could have kicked him in the balls just to make herself feel better in the moment. But she decided to take away the one thing that Archer Fairchild loved most: his company.

Haleigh: "Those should be split between Ash and I, by the way."

Ava nodded.

"Agreed. I'll have my men work on splitting the shares equally."

Haleigh: "And then when I tried to find out why we were keeping Archer alive, your Knight stonewalled me, that was fun."

Ava couldn't help but smirk at that, letting out a little laugh as she looked over at John. She knew John was on the fence about Amanda's antics this weekend, but this was proof that Amanda wouldn't roll over for just anyone, not even the White Queen.

"Well, she is our Knight. [looking back at Haleigh] I wouldn't expect any less from Heidi."

Haleigh: "But, it gets worse. Archer knows about the coup. He used your dad's phone to get the intel. They circled the city in a helicopter for a while, until Kelly left here. So I don't know how deep that river runs, but something tells me we might be swimming in it soon."

Ava's smile immediately faded hearing that Archer was with her father. Ava's hand tightened around John, the anger building within her as she stared at Haleigh with a murderous stare. Stavros didn't let just anyone joy ride with him, not unless he wanted to use that person for personal gain. And knowing how her father's mind worked, it was obvious he was going to use Archer's anger and hurt ego to go after Ava.

Haleigh: "Please say your plan to eliminate the other Black King is nearing its climax."

"He'll be dead by the conclusion of the Red Party."

Ava growled through gritted teeth. She looked to her King.

"Time to rip another bitches head off."

Ava turned back to Haleigh.

"Alek. Will he be a problem?"

Alek and Archer were friends, but would the Red King back them or his new Black Queen fling and his mate? Ava knew Haleigh, Cameron, John, and Ashley all had her back in regards to Archer's demise, but she wanted to make sure this wouldn't cause even more internal struggle.
 
Ava's Office

Steel tried to reassure Ava that Haleigh would have cooled down by that time, and wouldn't have called a meeting to get in her face, and besides could hardly say she was not accomplishing anything now.

Ava: "Lets hope you're right. I really don't feel like going round number two with her, especially after getting punched in the gut by my father."

"If she starts with that shit, we'll just leave. You are her equal, not her minion."

While they waited in Ava's office, they talked about their Paris trip, and John had begun to kiss her neck, when Haleigh arrived.

Haleigh: "Oh, you two can keep making out, I mean it's not like I haven't seen you both in all your glory already."

Ava: "Despite knowing you watch, it's no less strange to hear you admit it, Hales."

It was creepy as hell, actually. But he met Haleigh's gaze, not projecting any discomfort at the idea.

"And if you really do watch, you'd know that this isn't making out for us."

He could tell his presence was a curveball for the White Queen, as she looked from him to Ava. He felt Ava's hand link with his, and he gave it a little squeeze.

Haleigh: "Either he knows everything, or he's about to, unless you want to have this chat alone?"

Ava: "He's staying. John is fully aware of everything that's happening."

Ava looked at him, silent confirmation of her desire that he stay. He nodded to her. Partners. It meant the world that she didn't keep him from this. Haleigh went on to offer an apology, and Ava returned it, in a sorry not sorry kind of way that made him proud of her.

Haleigh: "Yes, I've been struggling with my temper a lot today.... Let's hope my son is not so irascible."

Ava: "Son? Congratulations, Haleigh...that's amazing. I can't wait to meet him."

"That's wonderful, Haleigh. Congratulations."

He smiled at the news, and he was genuinely happy for the White Queen and King. But inwardly, he was worried about Ava and what this news would do to her. He squeezed Ava's hand harder.

Haleigh: "I saw what happened with your dad. You okay?"

His thumb made soothing circles on the back of her hand, gauging her mood. Haleigh was sympathetic, and he hoped that would allay Ava's fears about being called to the carpet for letting Stavros live. He knew - a little bitterly - that he could say it until the sky fell but Ava would believe it more coming from Haleigh.

Ava: "Not really. But i'll survive. As for Stavros....i'm sure you're aware that I let him go...A part of me still loves him. But never again. If he steps foot into this club I WILL kill him, no hesitations, no third chances. Is that why you wanted to speak with me? Because you saw that I let him go? Or is it because of Sub Zero?"

Haleigh was upset about not being clued into the thing with Archer, which he could understand, having been there himself. But he was surprised to hear that Amanda had staved off Haleigh's interrogation. That was points for her...though maybe she could have done it in a more diplomatic way. But Ava was preening like she won the lottery, reveling in being right. The corners of his lips turned up into a small smile.

Ava: "Truthfully, i've been planning this for months, but it certainly wasn't my goal to act on it without cluing the rest of the royals in on my plan, and definitely not when the Europeans were here. But after Archer cornered me in the barn talking like a cave man who's wife owed him a blow job, I wasn't about to let that pig walk out without hitting him where it hurts most."

Steel tensed. That was not the same story Ava had given him out on the trail. When she'd said he'd cornered her, he didn't realize she meant cornered her. He was going to kill Archer. He knew Ava wanted to but the next time he saw the prick there was no way he wasn't getting fucked up and dead.

Haleigh: "But, it gets worse. Archer knows about the coup. He used your dad's phone to get the intel. They circled the city in a helicopter for a while, until Kelly left here. So I don't know how deep that river runs, but something tells me we might be swimming in it soon. Please say your plan to eliminate the other Black King is nearing its climax."

Ava: "He'll be dead by the conclusion of the Red Party."

One way, or another.

He didn't like to discuss things with Haleigh without talking privately to Ava first, but time was a factor.

"Does Stavros have the ability to return SubZero to Archer?"

If they needed to put precautions in place, the time was now.

Ava: "Alek. Will he be a problem?"

Steel pursed his lips, not wanting to say what he was about to.

"Tell him he assaulted Ava. She may not be his favorite person at Hellfire, but someone who puts so much stock in tradition and protocol will never let that stand. Not even for a friend."
 
The Black Gala

Alek offered to introduce Brienne to anyone she hadn't yet met that weekend, and she commented on the fact that Cameron and Haleigh didn't like her very much. Alek told her it was his aversion to magick users.

Hex: "So fucking strange..."

"Yeah, it's Cameron."

He shrugged. If Haleigh were his, no other man would lay a finger on her. He suggested to Brienne that Haleigh disliked her because she was jealous, and that had the desired effect on her.

Hex: "I'm sure her husband appreciates that."

"When you make the rules, you can't be upset when other people follow them."

She started to kiss his chest, along his scar. Which was turning him on again immensely. He told her he would make Haleigh play nice if she wanted.

Hex: "Something tells me you can't make that woman do anything she doesn't want to. One of very few qualities I admire of hers."

"The trick is to make her decide she wants to."

Their conversation returned to dancing, and selecting a victim from among the servants. They both found their pants and dressed, then she took his hands and led him back towards the party.

Hex: "Lets see if you're just as good on the dance floor as you are in the sack."

"I'm not as good at anything as I am in the sack, but close."

He matched her grin, and kept hold of her hand as they walked together to the dance floor. The rest of his court was there, along with Bretta and hers. Maybe Ashley was doing her job tonight after all.

Hex: "My King has yet again abandoned me."

"Yeah, I wanted to see how he was doing."

She was dancing with her back against him, her arm around his neck. He put his hands on her hips, rolling to the music with her. She was a certified hot piece, that was for sure. If he wasn't careful he was going to come right there on the dance floor. She whispered into his ear.

Hex: "It seems we both have partners who would rather be anywhere but with us."

Her lips pressed against his neck.

"All the better for us."

He smiled.

"We are a King and a Queen - who else do we need?"

He leaned down and kissed her lips, his fingertips trailing down the arm that circled around his neck. He turned her deftly towards him, and leaned in close as they danced.
 
Hellfire - The Conservatory

There was some mild interacting between the group at the booth, which AJ listened to while he scanned the room. They were talking about the White King's psycho sister, and Ben's promotion. Ash said it was a good thing Ava had recruited Ben first, which was something AJ agreed with. Ben's attitude problem would definitely have been something that Savage would've been concerned with if he'd been part of the Red Court.

Ashley announced it was time for dancing, encouraging the Europeans to join in. Then she climbed over AJ with a provocative smile, and he almost stopped her from leaving his lap. She pulled him by the hand out of the booth and towards the floor, and as they passed the bar she spotted their own Red Bishop.

Ash: Come, Bishop, the Red Court is dancing.

Jack: Except Jack. Jack doesn't dance.

Ash: I'm sure your little mermaid will find you when she's done working.

Jack: She will find me. Right here at the bar where she left me.

He said, cracking a rare smile as he lifted his glass. Savage chuckled, wrapping his Queen up in his arms and nudging her out on the dance floor. This noise could hardly be called music, but if he listened hard enough, he could pick out a rhythm. As soon as he found it, it was interrupted by the announcement of Liam and Juliette's arrival. There was a smattering of applause and then AJ pulled his Queen close, no longer caring about the others.
 
Brienne began to pull Alek onto the dance floor, noting the majority of the Red Court from both branches were already dancing. She commented that she wanted to see if Alek was as good dancing as he was in bed.

Alek: "I'm not as good at anything as I am in the sack, but close."

She grinned, knowing that was probably the truth. Brienne turned around so her back was to Alek, rolling her body against him. It seemed as if Archer had yet again abandoned her, commenting as much. Frankly she was getting tired of him and the bullseye painted on his back.

Alek: "Yeah, I wanted to see how he was doing."

"He's fine. A cocky, suicidal bastard, but fine."

Brienne rolled her eyes before hooking her arm around the back of Alek's neck and resting her head back against his shoulder. She turned her lips to his ear, keeping her body moving to the beat of the music. She whispered to him that it would seem as if both their respective partners wanted nothing to do with them. Not that Brienne cared at all.

Alek: "All the better for us. We are a King and a Queen - who else do we need?"

Alek's lips connected with hers, his finger tips trailing a line of fire along her arm.

"No one outside of us exists tonight as far as i'm concern."

She whispered between their kiss, her body responding immensely to his touch. That was when he quickly spun her around so she were facing him, Brienne letting out a laugh at the sudden gesture. She wrapped her arms around Alek's neck, her body pressed against his as she continued to dance to the music.

"You are a good dancer."

She commented, their lips mere inches apart. She could feel Alek's breath on her skin, her icy eyes lifting to meet with his.

"But you're right...much better in the sack."

She flicked her eyebrows up playfully as she grinned before taking his mouth with hers. Her body never stopped moving in perfect synchronization with Alek's as she continued to kiss him, the music the only thing that she noticed outside of the Red King.
 
Hellfire - The Conservatory

This party was well planned, Heidi would admit that. The atmosphere, the decor, the live animals roaming around, it was all excellent. Not as awesome as the White Party had been, but it was a solid follow-up from the Black Court. Heidi and Jack were able to break off from the main group after greetings, and they wandered around a bit before settling at the bar for drinks and discussion.

It was all grand, until Cameron's mother showed up, apparently now married to Ava's father. That created a scene of epic proportions, with Ava threatening Kelly and Cameron threatening Stavros, while the entirety of the Black Court converged on the area at once. Heidi gave Jack's forearm a squeeze as she excused herself to touch base with Zach, and an impromptu White Court response was agreed upon, with Zach covering the Queen and Heidi volunteering to follow the King.

Amanda: You've got a King to protect, and I've got a former Queen to look after and a hair trigger itching to take a kill shot. Escort me to the study?

"Yeah, alright... come on then."

Heidi said, turning them down the corridor to Cameron's study. She shooed away the White Guardsmen who were standing sentry with a flick of her wrists. She couldn't really hear what was being said through the door, but there was definitely the sound of breaking glass and intermittent shouting. Then more glass broke, and there were a couple of thuds. Heidi was tempted to bust in, but Cameron and his mother had fought like this before. She laid her ear to the door in an attempt to glean more information.

"Sound travels so much better through water than through wood."

She griped in a low voice to Amanda.

"I still can't hear what they're saying, but they're both definitely talking to each other."

Several minutes more passed, and then Heidi straightened up quickly, stepping back from the threshold of the door that promptly opened for Cameron's exit. Heidi smiled innocently.

"My King. Everything alright?"
 
Hellfire - The Black Wing

As they followed Haleigh, Gia mentioned Zach's comments to Bretta about not bringing her King. She told him that she'd assured Bretta that he 'had not meant anything by it'. Zach cast a glance sideways at her as they walked. He HAD meant something by it, though not what Bretta had assumed. Zach led her into an alcove near the Black Queen's office, where they could talk without drawing too much attention from security.

Gia: What’s going on, Zach? You’re usually an ‘equal opportunity’ kind of guy. From what I’ve gathered, the European Red King isn’t all that. It’s Bretta who is the driving force in that Court.

"It doesn't matter if the Red King is a racehorse or a show pony. What matters is that he isn't HERE. I was honest with her, and she took offense to the HEIGHT of pretentiousness."

He replied with a shrug. He wasn't sure what else she wanted from him, or what relevance 'equal opportunity' had here. Certainly there was nothing 'going on'. But Gia was insistent, wanting to help him, to smooth it over and 'save face' in front of Haleigh and Cameron. Zach held one arm across his chest, resting his other elbow on it as he stroked his beard gently, trying to think of how to answer her. She was acting remarkably different from how she'd been in the limo to pick up the European delegation. She even oozed sincerity, to his surprise.

"Gia... it was obviously a misunderstanding. But I don't need to save face here. I've already told Haleigh what happened. No doubt she consulted with Cameron. It's probably already been sorted out. If Bretta is still pissed about it, then I guess you could try to talk her down -- although that might do more harm than good, since she seemed displeased with you, called you 'brash.'"
 
Hellfire -- The Black Queen’s Office

Ava and John stopped their cuddling almost immediately upon her entry, prompting Haleigh to joke that they didn’t need to stop, although really it would have been incredibly distracting if they continued. They each had something to say about it. Ava made Haleigh smirk, but John provoked a knowing grin. Then Haleigh gave Ava a chance to make this conversation just between them, but predictably she wanted John to stay.

Haleigh went ahead and got the apology over with, because it wasn’t going to get any easier with time. She didn’t like to admit when she was wrong — she didn’t like being in the wrong — but she HAD realized she’d over reacted a bit. She’d just lost her temper, which she hoped would not be a problem with her son. Although, given his parentage, it was probably guaranteed. Ava seemed a bit surprised, which was intriguing. Daniel had been so well informed, Haleigh had assumed the whole Inner Circle knew already. John and Ava both congratulated her, and Haleigh smiled gently. She decided to run another systems diagnostic, just to check on the baby.

“Thanks. It’s happening so fast... it’s weird, I think I’m excited about it.”

Even IF the situation with Cameron is now all fucked up....

She thought, before easing into the subject of Stavros. Ava projected a hard stance. Haleigh expressed her understanding, and offered to do the dirty work, but Ava seemed set on being the one to do it. Haleigh nodded in acceptance, and then segued into discussing the Sub Zero topic. Ava said she’d been planning it for months, though she had been forced to accelerate the plan when Archer cornered her. Haleigh cautioned that it was getting worse, that Stavros was somehow involved, and that she hoped the part where Archer died was going to happen soon.

Ava: He’ll be dead by the conclusion of the Red Party.

“I’m not sure we have even that long. I hope you don’t mind, I suggested your new Bishop run some interference for us, we’ll see who’s side he’s REALLY on soon enough.”

John: Does Stavros have the ability to return Sub Zero to Archer?

Haleigh glanced at John and then shook her head.

“I doubt it. I thought I recognized Cypher’s M.O. He should be able to handle it, but if you want I can double the security on Tricell, just to be sure.”

Ava: Alek. Will he be a problem?

Haleigh scoffed in annoyance.

“With how far he has his head up Brienne’s ass? I’d be shocked if he even noticed Archer dropping dead at his feet.”

She quipped, her sarcasm strong. It wasn’t a serious response but it felt good to say it anyway. John replied that they could just say Archer assaulted Ava, that Alek wouldn’t accept that, even from a friend. Haleigh nodded emphatically.

“I KNOW, that’s what I was telling Amanda. We could’ve used that to get away with murder, instead of trying to defend this ‘alcohol poisoning’ narrative. But whatever—”

>>WARNING! ZYGOTE DETECTED. SEX: FEMALE. PATERNITY: HALLBJÖRN, ALEKSANDER.

No, that wasn’t right. Had to be a glitch. She ran the scan again, returning to her conversation with Ava and John.

“Archer’s not very popular, with us or the Europeans. But your guess is as good as mine on where Brienne will stand. She could forsake him, or defend him, and I’ve no clue on the odds of either.”
 
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Persephone
Persephone
Ohhh shiiiiitttt
The Conservatory

Ashley tried to get Jack to come dance, but he wouldn't budge.

"You are no fun."

She pouted.

"Just pretend you're swimming or something. Pleeaaase."

She told him that Heidi could find him when she was finished, he didn't have to wait right where she'd left him. But he disagreed.

Jack: She will find me. Right here at the bar where she left me.

She sighed, and looked up at Savage, who was chuckling and breaking into a smile. She decided she liked Savage's smile enough to let Jack slide on the dancing, since he had been the cause of it. AJ's arms came around her and it was her turn to smile; he enveloped her and pushed her towards to the dance floor. Laughing, she started to move to the music. Liam and Juliette were announced, and as they passed by Ashley called to them and waved as she danced.

"Juliette! Liam! How was the ballet?"

When she turned back to face AJ, he pulled her in close to him, which made her heart beat faster. She bit her lip as her eyes looked up at him through her long lashes. She pressed against him, her mouth near his ear so he could hear over the music.

"Isn't modern dancing fabulous? We could never dance like this when I was young. It took so long for it to be okay to touch...it's amazing really."
 
The Black Gala

Brienne didn't seem too worried about Archer, so Alek decided he didn't need to be either. He seemed to have disappeared from the party - probably found a serving girl all his own - but Alek still wanted to check on him if the next time he saw him.

It was hard to focus on anything but Brienne, the way she was curling her body around his. He could imagine her in the most exclusive clubs all over the world - she truly was a queen, in every sense of the word. He found her lips, his fingers grazing her skin.

Brienne: "No one outside of us exists tonight as far as i'm concern."

"That makes two of us."

He spun her around, eliciting a laugh from her, and then they were face to face, bodies close.

Brienne: "You are a good dancer."

"Did you doubt me?"

Brienne: "But you're right...much better in the sack."

He smirked.

"Well something has to rank above everything else."

Their bodies moved in sync to the music, Brienne pressing her lips against his. When they parted, the corners of his mouth turned up into an amused grin.

"So, what's your fancy. Brunette? Blonde?"

His voice dropped in register teasingly.

"Redhead?"
 
Hellfire Club – Black Wing


Zach: "It doesn't matter if the Red King is a racehorse or a show pony. What matters is that he isn't HERE. I was honest with her, and she took offense to the HEIGHT of pretentiousness."

Gia looked thoughtful. The fact that Bretta may have taken it the wrong way didn’t faze her. After all, she was a Queen and Hellfire Queens were prone to moments of insanity. At least, that was her opinion anyway. :D

“That may be so, Zach, but she is a Queen, and she still deserves to be treated with the utmost respect...especially since she’s only visiting.” *sighing*: “Her King may not be here, but both her Rook and Princess are.”

She then told him that she had told the ERQ that she would handle it and that it would be best to not inform Haleigh or Cameron. Then she stated that she wanted to help him save face.

Zach: "Gia... it was obviously a misunderstanding. But I don't need to save face here. I've already told Haleigh what happened. No doubt she consulted with Cameron. It's probably already been sorted out.”

Gia felt as if cold water had been thrown on her when Zach told her that Haleigh and Cameron already knew.

Zach: “If Bretta is still pissed about it, then I guess you could try to talk her down -- although that might do more harm than good, since she seemed displeased with you, called you 'brash.'"

Gia shrugged. She certainly wasn’t going to protest that. After all, she used to be brash. At least, she certainly was going to try to be less brash.

“We had an excellent time at the stables...she loved meeting some of the horses. She certainly didn’t seem displeased then.”

Nor did Bretta seem displeased with her back at the luncheon on Arklay. Bretta was friendly and very open. Still, Gia had the sense that she shouldn’t try Bretta – knowingly or unknowingly. Who knew what the dark faerie could do? She would try to stay on her good side from now on.
 
Hellfire Mansion - The Black Gala

The door closed behind him, both metaphorically and literally. He had drawn a line in the sand with his mother, and it was as complex of a feeling as it was exhilirating. As the words rolled off his tongue with an ease that surprised even him, he felt a burden lifted from his body, completely transformed. Though he helped spearhead a rebellion, there was a part of him deep inside that felt as if he was going to be graded for the job he was doing as King - that at some point, The Sisterhood would come clacking down the hall with clipboards and insults and ratings. That part of him was dead. MysTech was no longer a part of Hellfire, though he knew that revelation would garner him a bit of fury from The Inner Circle. Outside of Cassadine Corporation, MysTech was the largest holding that Hellfire had. Without it, it put all of them in an ambiguous situation. But it seemed as if many members of The Inner Circle were making big decisions with far reaching consequences lately, and not consulting each other, so he was hoping that his decision would be lumped in with the others.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw the faces of Heidi Scarborough and Amanda Soto standing in front of him - both Knights ready to defend their perspective courts. He expected to see Heidi, but he hadn't expected to see Amanda, and he was unsure as to whether or not she was there to defend Kelly, or sent by Ava or John as a showing of support to The White King.

Heidi: "My King. Everything alright?"

His smuldering cobalt blue eyes took in the heavenly view of The White Knight as he cracked a smile. For everything that had gone wrong this weekend - from his fight with his wife to the surprise announcement of his mother, to see his knight standing there, looking as beautiful as she was loyal, it brought him a sense of comfort.

"It certainly is now, mon chevalier."

Cameron squeezed Heidi's hand as he cast a suspicious glance at Amanda.

[to Amanda] "You are treading on thin ice, Black Knight. Your Queen is cornered with a cockroach of a man and you come to guard who? My mother? Me? Do you not believe my Knight to be capable of protecting The White Corridor?"

Amanda: "I am here by order of my King. You have a special relationship with The Black Queen that we will always protect when called to do so.."

He had been giving her a bit of a hard time for her indiscretion at breakfast earlier, and he was pleased to see that she was not buckling under his recent insults. They may had not been blood related, but one thing was known throughout Hellfire - Cameron and Ava looked out for each other, sometimes to their own detriment. But they had gone through the ranks together - Black Bishop & Rook to Black Prince and Princess. Though their colors were different, their relationship was the same. He would not suffer Ava to have a heretic on her court.

"Ava.."

The White King didn't feel bad for what he had said about Stavros, and truth be told, if he saw the man again, he wouldn't hesitate to murder him outright, despite his love for Ava, but he didn't like ANYBODY seeing anything remotely resembling a crack in their relationship. She was also the only person in Hellfire who understood what he felt about his mother, because she felt the same way about her father. He needed to see if she was okay.

"You've sufficiently made up your previous transgressions, Amanda. But do me a favor? The next time anybody...on ANY court has some news? Clap."

His eyes turned back towards Heidi.

"Truly, Heidi...you look radiant. And if time were on my side, I would parade you around the dance floor to dissuade any who might question the beauty of The White Court, but I have pressing matters to attend to."

Cameron wiped a bit of hair from The White Knight's face, smiling at her warmly.

"Do me a favor and clear the upper levels of the mansion. I know Kelly shimmered out, but she is not one to make a quiet exit. Once all is secured, PLEASE ensure that Jack musters up enough rhythm to give you the night you deserve. If not, you know there is always room on my dance card for my Knight."

[pausing]

"Good evening, Ladies."

The White King continued down the hall, using his mind's eye to get a read on where everyone was in the mansion. He was relieved to see Ashley was actually enjoying herself, and he admired her strength. Cameron was serious in forging an alliance with Ashley. In the new regime, she had endured the most strife, but the way she operated, nobody would have known. It was a skill Cameron wanted and wanted to work with. He had things to do, and if he could get Ashley on his side, those things would happen smoothly. THAT and she was making quite a show with Liam and Juliette. He wasn't under false pretenses. Ashley didn't need his help. He needed hers. As his mind's eye continued to wander, he saw all the unique and interesting pairs enjoying the party like they should, noting that Haleigh, Ava and John were in a lounge discussing the events as he made his way over. He used his PSI powers to replay their conversation in his mind.

Haleigh: "Archer's not very popular, with us or the Europeans. But your guess is as good as mine on where Brienne will stand. She could forsake him, or defend him, and I've no clue on the odds of either."

Cameron appeared in the door.

"Brienne's an opportunist. She'll feign defense of Archer..but she doesn't like to share. She wants the court for herself."

He paused for a moment. Five minutes ago, Cameron would have never brought it up. But he was feeling a certain type of way now. He had just fought a proverbial Goliath and won. He wasn't going to shy away from what needed to be done. And then his wife's thoughts came crashing into him like a freight train. Another baby. A baby where Alek was the father. He could have caused a scene. He could have made things chaotic. But he didn't. Cameron had tried to appeal to his wife, and she hadn't listened. Worse, she had backed a man that wasn't him and painted him out to be a jealous neophyte that couldn't deal with a little friendly competition. She could barely wait for conception before she let Alek inside of her. She had tainted everything that this "gift" had promised to be. He couldn't even dare to look at her. Instead, he moved forward as a King and not a man.

"I need to speak with Ava alone."

He looked around.

"John...Haleigh. Can I please have a moment?"
 
Archer seemed to be the bell of the ball, and the situation with SubZero was something that needed to be dealt with. She never wanted to keep stealing SubZero away from the other royals, she just didn't anticipate having to act on her plan so soon. But when Archer cornered her she wasn't about to let him go unpunished. Ava felt John's body tense next to her after what she said happened in the barn and Ava looked over at him, seeing the rage in his eyes. She placed her free hand on his forearm, squeezing his hand she held. She had told John Archer had cornered her in the woods, but she didn't go into specifics knowing how he would react. That and they had a little lovers hiccup in regards to Ava kissing him to poison him. But then Haleigh dropped the bomb that Archer was seen with her father leaving Hellfire making Ava tense now. Son of a bitch....I should have killed you in the lounge...Ava was kicking herself for letting her father go. She had embarrassed him and embarrassed the family name in his eyes, of course he was going to try and go after Ava to teach her a lesson.

"He'll be dead by the conclusion of the Red Party."

Ava growled through gritted teeth. And if her father so happened to intervene with his new found best friend? She would kill him too.

Haleigh: “I’m not sure we have even that long. I hope you don’t mind, I suggested your new Bishop run some interference for us, we’ll see who’s side he’s REALLY on soon enough.”

"If he's not on ours, he'll be following Archer's footsteps."

This was the perfect opportunity for Daniel to prove his loyalty to Ava, John, and the American Black Court. Shit was hitting the fan with Archer and they didn't need a sympathizer.

John: "Does Stavros have the ability to return Sub Zero to Archer?"

Haleigh: “I doubt it. I thought I recognized Cypher’s M.O. He should be able to handle it, but if you want I can double the security on Tricell, just to be sure.”

Ava shook her head.

"My father barely knows how to use a smart phone let alone undo what Cypher did. But if you wouldn't mind keeping tabs on what's going on while I give Cypher a heads up, i'd appreciate it, Haleigh."

Cypher was a hacker that Ava had in her pocket since she was a teenager. He had a massive crush on her for years and she used that to her benefit. Now she uses an exuberant amount of money to sweeten the deal as well. Ava shifted to the one person that might be an Archer sympathizer: Alek.

"Alek. Will he be a problem?"

Haleigh: “With how far he has his head up Brienne’s ass? I’d be shocked if he even noticed Archer dropping dead at his feet.”

Ava resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the jealous tone in Haleigh's voice. It was a good thing Alek was so interested in Brienne because it was keeping the European Black Queen occupied and distancing herself from Archer, which meant Archer was literally a lone wolf ready to pick off.

John: "Tell him he assaulted Ava."

Ava's eyes widen just a bit as she turned to look at John, shocked by what he just suggested.

"Excuse me?"

John: "She may not be his favorite person at Hellfire, but someone who puts so much stock in tradition and protocol will never let that stand. Not even for a friend."

"She is right here...and absolutely not."

Haleigh: “I KNOW, that’s what I was telling Amanda. We could’ve used that to get away with murder, instead of trying to defend this ‘alcohol poisoning’ narrative. But whatever—”

"You both know rumors spread like wildfire within these walls. I will not be painted out a victim."

Ava shook her head and looked away, astonished this was even on the table. But the alcohol poisoning story that Amanda came up with was lame at best, and she had wished her Knight thought of something a little more creative about the man who could pump gallons of vodka into his blood and barely feel it. If they were to successfully kill Archer without the backlash of the Europeans, they needed something substantial, and Archer's history with woman would make it very likely he could assault someone, especially someone like Ava who continuously turned him down and hurt his ego.

"Fine."

She bitterly agreed.

"I've already been embarrassed by my father, why not Archer Fairchild as well."

Her tone laced with sarcasm and annoyance. She finally looked back at Haleigh and John.

"What about Brienne? Will she back Archer."

Haleigh: “Archer’s not very popular, with us or the Europeans. But your guess is as good as mine on where Brienne will stand. She could forsake him, or defend him, and I’ve no clue on the odds of either.”

Ava didn't either. Brienne was a wildcard that was for sure.

Cameron: "Brienne's an opportunist. She'll feign defense of Archer..but she doesn't like to share. She wants the court for herself."

Ava looked up to see Cameron standing in the doorway of her office before making his way in. The last she saw of him he was threatening Stavros. He looked no worse for the wear which meant his bitch of a mother was still alive.

Cameron: "I need to speak with Ava alone."

"Cameron, i'm really not in the mood."

Haleigh: "John...Haleigh. Can I please have a moment?"

The last thing she wanted was a heart to heart with Cameron about their parents, or worse, for Cameron to lay into her about her father. With a sigh, she nodded.

"If we're going to kill Archer we need to do it soon. Haleigh's right, waiting for the conclusion of the Red Party might give him too much time to come up with a solid plan."

And with those last words, Ava turned to John leaning into him to give him a kiss, her hand holding his face as she pulled back to look at him.

"You can go back to the party if you'd like...I can meet you there."

The last thing she wanted was for John to be waiting outside her office doors like he had so many times in the past. She then suggested that perhaps him and Haleigh could enjoy each other's company while Ava and Cameron had their talk.

[with a little smile ] "Maybe you can show Haleigh how good of a dancer you are."
 
Ava's Office

Ava assured Haleigh that Archer would be dead by the conclusion of the Red Party.

Haleigh: “I’m not sure we have even that long. I hope you don’t mind, I suggested your new Bishop run some interference for us, we’ll see who’s side he’s REALLY on soon enough.”

"And how well he takes orders from other courts."

Daniel could be a good addition to the court, or he could be a fickle man who jumped ship when things got difficult. He had done well earlier at the party, but he didn't need two court members who thought they had free reign to do as they pleased. Steel studied Haleigh, wondering if she really felt that Ava was her partner, or if she was like Cameron, expecting to rule over the entire club as her mother had.

Ava: "If he's not on ours, he'll be following Archer's footsteps."

This was true: if he thought he could make a better deal elsewhere now that he was here, Daniel Reed was sorely mistaken.

"The last thing we need is someone who is disloyal hanging around. Especially at a time like this."

He nodded towards Haleigh, indicating her condition. He asked whether Stavros could undo what Ava had done with SubZero.

Haleigh: “I doubt it. I thought I recognized Cypher’s M.O. He should be able to handle it, but if you want I can double the security on Tricell, just to be sure.”

He let out a little huff of a scoff at the mention of Gabriel's callsign.

Ava: "My father barely knows how to use a smart phone let alone undo what Cypher did. But if you wouldn't mind keeping tabs on what's going on while I give Cypher a heads up, i'd appreciate it, Haleigh."

"I wasn't suggesting that Stavros would do it himself. We need to go over everything you control, Ava, make sure its locked down tight. I just don't want to wake up tomorrow to find my Queen shut out of Cassadine Enterprises, and Stavros back at the helm."

Stavros absolutely would take Ava's company from her to teach her a lesson, and Steel knew exactly what that would do to Ava. She asked Haleigh about Alek. Steel uncomfortably suggested they tell him that Archer assaulted Ava, that despite how he might feel about Ava, Alek was not a man to allow that to stand. Ava bristled, and refused. Haleigh seemed to be on the same page.

Ava: "You both know rumors spread like wildfire within these walls. I will not be painted out a victim."

He turned to look directly at Ava, pain evident in his eyes.

"Alek can keep a secret. He will not think you a victim. He will, however, question how I allowed Archer to live at all."

Ava: "What about Brienne? Will she back Archer."

Haleigh: “Archer’s not very popular, with us or the Europeans. But your guess is as good as mine on where Brienne will stand. She could forsake him, or defend him, and I’ve no clue on the odds of either.”

"I can't envision Brienne going out on a limb for anyone but herself."

Cameron glided through the doorway.

Cameron: "Brienne's an opportunist. She'll feign defense of Archer..but she doesn't like to share. She wants the court for herself."

"Then we offer that to her. Tell her we'll support her solo rule, with force if necessary."

Cameron seemed to think the conversation was over, asking to speak to Ava alone. She said she wasn't in the mood, which was good enough for him. Then Cameron asked he and Haleigh to leave. Steel turned and looked to Ava, to see what she wanted. She leaned in and gave him a kiss.

Ava: "You can go back to the party if you'd like...I can meet you there."

"I can wait..."

Ava: [with a little smile ] "Maybe you can show Haleigh how good of a dancer you are."

He nodded, giving her a small smile.

"I do have some sick moves."

His smile spread, and he leaned in to give her another peck on the lips before standing. He turned towards Haleigh and offered his arm.

"White Queen, would you care to take a stroll?"

Once they were in the hallway, the smile left his face, and he shook his head.

"And as usual, your husband says jump and Ava asks how high."

He turned his head to look at Haleigh.

"Are you feeling alright?"
 
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