A Weekend Affair # 7 - Exodus

After the air was cleared with Bretta, John escorted both Queen's down to the Great Hall. Ashley was planted firmly with Juliette and Liam, AJ by her side per usual. The Red Court was making sure they had a strong relationship with the European White. Haleigh and Alek were together while Cameron sat alone. The whole situation was still fresh and strange, so when John leaned in Ava perked up a brow.

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

"We still need to show the Europeans that our club isn't falling apart at the seams."

Even if it is.

She thought as she sighed softly. John began to speak with Bretta as they all walked to Cameron's table.

"Cam."

She was cordial yet reserved in regards to the White King, still unsure how the fuck to feel about everything that was transpiring. Both John and Bretta took a seat as Ava's eyes scanned the room to see the rest of her court conversing at another table. It was then that Haleigh stood to make an announcement that Zach was going to be the new European Black King. Ava's eyes went wide with surprise as she looked over at him holding Brienne's hand. She leaned into John.

"Haleigh's planting seeds in Europe."

She murmured softly between them. It was a smart move: Zach got the much deserved promotion he had been wanting for years, and Haleigh got a man on the inside that she could trust.

"Congratulations Zach. Much deserved."

Ava smiled while lifting her mimosa into the air and toasting his new Kingship.

Taking a sip of her drink, her smile faded as her mind wandered to the growing power plays between Ashley and Haleigh....After Paris, she needed to make some plays of her own.
 
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The Black King & Queen's Suite to The Great Hall

Bretta had kindly come to check on Ava, and they chatted a bit. Ava apologized for starting out a little brusque with her, but she seemed to understand.

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

Steel smiled, turning his body towards Ava.

"Exactly what I was just saying."

The two queens agreed on Archer being a dick, and assurances were made that there were no hard feelings. It seemed that the beginnings of a lasting relationship were finally being sowed after a trying weekend.

They accompanied Bretta to the Great Hall, where they found most of the others already there and paired up with the other visitors. The exception was Cameron, sitting alone (probably to prove to everyone he didn't care). He asked Ava what she thought about sitting with him.

Ava: "We still need to show the Europeans that our club isn't falling apart at the seams."

Of course he agreed, though he wasn't about to force her if she hadn't wanted to, so that settled it for him. He turned to Bretta, asking if she was still free or if she had made plans for breakfast.

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

"Well, then that settles it: you must sit with us."

He gave her a gallant smile, and let Ava lead the way to the table while he continued chatting with Bretta.

"Any special plans when you return home, Your Majesty?"

They continued to the table, and John nodded to Cameron then pulled out first Ava's chair, then Bretta's. It wasn't long before Haleigh stood up to make a speech, announcing that Zach would be the new Black King in Europe.

"Wow - it must be the weekend for black kings."

He chuckled, and looked over at Ava to see her reaction, but her face was serious as she leaned in to him.

Ava: "Haleigh's planting seeds in Europe."

He nodded. Anyone could see that Haleigh and Zach were completely loyal to each other. The only way he would be allowed to go would be to turn spy. He echoed Ava's congratulations to Zach, but wondered what other power plays Haleigh was making. He knew Ava had a penchant for feeling not good enough, and he wasn't about to let a shift in the balance of power happen and compound that feeling. But first, she needed rest and recuperation. As soon as this breakfast was over and they waved goodbye to their guests, he was getting Ava on a plane out of New York.

The food was now being served, and he began to make smalltalk as he started to butter a slice of toast, a pleasant lilt to his voice.

"So, Cameron, are you thinking of replacing Zach right away, or going to mull it over a bit?"
 
The Great Hall

Ava: "Cam."

Although it was a bit icy, Cameron was very relieved to have Ava and John by his side right now, though he could sense her unease, which only furthered the personal crisis he was having. Was he just not how he perceived himself to be? His wife was afraid of him and Ava was feeling the beginnings of distrust with him. There was no reality in which Cameron found that probable, and yet here he was. He cared about the other members of The Inner Circle, deeply. Ava was like a sister to him, and now they were related by marriage. The White King downed the rest of his drink at the thought of Stavros being his stepfather and shuddered. He did not want his mother to be the thing that drove a wedge between him and Ava.

"Now here are three faces I am relieved and happy to see. Good morning, everyone."

When they were all seated and getting ready to be served, it appeared that Haleigh was to announce Zach's ascension to Kingship. It was a good scenario for him - he had just formed a formal alliance with Brienne Shaw and Haleigh was not going to deal with Zach leaving very well. Which in turn would only turn both of them against her, and strengthen their ties with him. He was thankful it was a choice that SHE made and not him, so he couldn't be acused of being diabolical later. He did not want to fight with his wife, but he would also not allow her to defeat him in the game of Hellfire. He had worked too hard.

Haleigh: "What a fucking weekend, am I right?"

His sister leaned in.

Erika: "Well there goes the decorum, I suppose."

And Cameron agreed. He loved his wife, but he hated when she acted like this. Explitive explitive, I don't care, blah blah blah, explitive. It was beneath her, so it was clear to The White King that her short affair with Alek had already begun to undo her. He was dragging her into his base level caveman primal world. Perhaps she had forgotten that this weekend could have very well been the week he ended Alek's life. If only Ashley would have agreed. Cameron had been telepathically listening to the conversation between Ashley, AJ and the european white regents. He was amused with AJ, and slightly proud of the way the two of them navigated the situation. He felt their connection, and he felt happy for her. She deserved it.

Haleigh: "He knows how I feel about him and doesn’t need me to stroke his ego either. While you’re making your rounds and saying goodbye to our recent guests, make sure you stop by to congratulate Zach and wish him all the best. He’s the new Black King of Hellfire Europe. Yeah, we’re going to miss his ass. So drink to his success, and let’s fucking eat already."

Erika: "Oh. My. God."

[annoyed]

"Erika..."

Erika: "We've gone full on yee haw shot gun wedding trailer park living status. I mean, Cameron. come on."

His sister and his deep seated anger was bringing out the snob in him. The Kings prided themselves on their public presentations. Their images were important, despite their many, also very public faults. They had the old school secrecy of families like The Vanderbilts or The Kennedys. He had just gone so far out of his comfort zone last night for her, and she humiliated him, and now here she was - speaking like she wasn't even a Queen, like she was somehow above the goddamn structure that gave them the power they had. Outside of being angry, watching her? He was now hard.

"She knows what she's doing Erika. She's not an idiot."

[sighs]

"She's going to continue to act so incredibly unbothered until people begin to believe against their better judment that she is. She's scared."

Cameron was both comforted and scared at the thought. It pained him deeply to be separated from her, but his ego simply couldn't allow for anything but self preservation. John broke an awkward silence.

John: "So, Cameron, are you thinking of replacing Zach right away, or going to mull it over a bit?"

[he furrowed his brow]

"Honestly, I think we've all had a bit too much change in the last few days. I'd prefer to let the water settle."

[sighing]

"But I also can't promise I might not be eating my words tomorrow. My wife might require it. And right now, within reason, I have to give her what she wants."

It was true but also a convenient way of shifting any blame or future mistakes to his wife.

"except a divorce."

[quickly]

"Anyway, let's talk about something lighter. John, please tell me you have something spectacular and romantic planned for your Queen. It's time you celebrated your coronation, properly. Cameron smiled.

"I'll be spending the week showing my daughter New York City.."

Cameron pulled out his wallet and produced a 5x10 photograph of Carolina smiling while playing in the grass.

"Goddammit she's gorgeous."

"She's perfect, right?"
 
Her gifts had gone over well - this weekend had shown Amanda that the European White Court was much like it's American counterpart - it loved grand gestures and fawning. They liked being adored. So The Black Princess obliged them. An added bonus was the fact that Ashley still seemed righteously pissed at her for fucking AJ. Taking The Red Knight inside of her had been an act of rebellion, and it tickled her. But she had no intentions with AJ. He was an itch that had been scratched because she was pissed she wasn't made king. As she settled into the black court's table, she made it known to her court that this would not be a vacation for them - only for John and Ava. They had work to do in Tokyo, which was partly true. Sure there was some grunt work to be done, but in reality, Amanda was looking for something inside of herself. Something was calling her to go home, and she had to make her own desires work with her career goals, and this was the best that she could come up with justifiably. Plus, she wanted to see Daniel in the field, away from the comforts of Hellfire to see just how capable a bishop he was.

"No. I'm the long lost Zaccharria sister."

Amanda joked as it appeared breakfast was finally going to happen. She chuckled to herself for a moment. Her mother was Italian who had lived in New York for generations. It was very likely she was at the very least a Zaccharria cousin. And she did like Claudia more than she cared to admit. As she glanced across the room she eyed a seemingly tense Gia and Erika, and a very on guard Cameron all sitting together. It was a fitting move for Cameron. And not to her surprise, Ava sat by Cameron, along with John and Bretta. It was good for the two of them to sit together. They were two legacy children, and two was better than one. The Black Princess was ready to for everyone to leave, and finally breakfast began much to her delight. Until, The White Queen stood up an announced Zach Armani as the new European Black King. For a moment she was bitter to not have a proper coronation for becoming Princess, it felt like titles were becoming less and less powerful in Hellfire, and pure chemistry and lust were becoming greater currency. It gave Amanda pause.

Daniel: [laughing] "I gotta tell you. I have known of Brienne Shaw's sexual prowess for years, but never, did I honestly think she was this good. A man leaves his court for a woman he's known for forty eight hours to rule as her king. It's bloody poetic."

Amanda smirked.

"Brienne never fails to surprise - that much I've learned."

Ben: "I heard she consumes men."

Daniel: "Along with mass amounts of opiates, but yes."

"Oh knock it off, both of you. It's a good move for Zach. And it's smart for The White Court to have eyes over there."

Daniel: "We have more eyes. I know that Inner Circle like the back of my hand. I was bloody born inside of their mansion. Ava and John want to know what's going on over there, I can tell them."

"Why don't you just tell us?"

Daniel: "Because I'm wooing your Queen, Amanda. I can't just give it all away from the jump."

The Black Princess pursed her lips and shrugged it off. There was actually something refreshing about Daniel's honesty when it came to his Hellfire ambitions. You knew where he stood. Perhaps he was a good steal by Ava. She looked at her watch.

"Don't give John and Ava more than fifteen minutes. I want them out of this place ASAP. They've been looking forward to this, and they deserve it. I'm going to get things together for Tokyo. We leave tomorrow - so read itineraries and get yourself together. I'll be in touch."

As people began to hug and say their goodbyes (or start drinking more champagne), Amanda made her way to The Black Corridor and laid down on top of her bed, staring at the ceiling. They had survived the weekend, they had a chance to breathe - and yet, Amanda found a part of herself to be suffocated, and she needed to reconnect to herself, before she became full blown reptile. This weekend had shown that the future was bleak. There was no sense of safety, and Amanda knew she was about to go into battle for her court in the months to come, but she always pictured doing it with her sword in her hands as The Black Knight. She wasn't sure how to fight this battle as a princess.

Rising from her bed, she drew a bath, having finished the itinerary early this morning. She took the opportunity to be alone - to not be anybody but who she was in that moment. To reflect, and wash the dirt of this weekend off of her. And soon, she would prepare to go home, a place she hadn't been in over a decade.
 
The Great Hall

She was distancing herself from him. Ben could sense it the moment they entered The Great Hall and she dropped her hand from his arm, and Ben wish it didn't bother him, but it did. But he was trying to stay posiitive. Ben had been in one hell of a tailspin when this weekend began. He had an ever tumultuous relationship with Cassandra, and he felt like nobody in the mansion respected him, or thought him to be one of the legacy children, because of how he was raised. Then he found out his father was Erika King's father, that he had a sister. It had been a game changer. Erika King was a legacy child - she was The White Princess. The White King's sister - and his sister. It was confusing but it made him feel that he belonged here. He wanted more than anything to tell her, but he had been instructed not to. As he watched her settle in, so fussy and delicately into her seat, he couldn't think of anything he wanted to do more than to get to know her.

Amanda: "No, I'm the long lost Zacharria sister."

Said the woman he might want to do more than get to know his sister said into her com link. Amanda had been a welcome surprise. He had been so tightly wound, so profoundly depressed. Their connection was important to him, but he also knew Amanda. She could only love something if she knew it was temporary. She could never entertain forever. So she would never fully commit. He had also just been named the new Black Knight. And he was incredibly proud - it was his first promotion in this new inner circle, and in a weekend that consisted of some very brazen staff changes, Ben was elated to be a part of the madness. Those who were valued moved up, and those who weren't found themselves in precarious positions. The Black Knight was all for it - it was time to see how this incarnation of Hellfire would move forward, and Ben felt confident in The Black Court's standing. The White Queen began to speak.

"Well maybe the surprises aren't over just yet?"

And they weren't. Haleigh announced that Zach was to be the new European Black King, which confused Ben. It seemed much more Brienne's style to make the announcement, but things were weird. The only thing that kept Brienne alive was Cameron. Otherwise, Ben would have killed her himself for good measure. Nobody plotted against his Queen and lived. He was a good bishop. He would have known if Brienne had something to do with Archer's fatal move. She didn't. But Ben was fiercely protective of his court, and in times like this, you had to draw a line in the sand. The Black Court would not negotiate with terrorists, or at least they wouldn't in his term as Knight.

He peered over to The White Court. The news didn't sit well with Ava he could tell, and John was steely and calm as ever. If John wasn't worried, neither was Ben. But he could tell that they both were plotting in their heads. When they got back from vacation, The Black Court needed to hit the ground running, so Ben was a little unsure about going to Tokyo. It didn't seem particularly necessary. But in this moment, he would have followed Amanda to the moon. The talk moved to Brienne's deviant ways.

Daniel: "I gotta tell you. I have known of Brienne Shaw's sexual prowess for years, but never, did I honestly think she was this good. A mean leaves his court for a woman he's known for forty eight hours to rule as her king. It's bloody poetic."

Benjamin laughed loudly. He was relieved to have another Brit on the team.

Amanda: "Brienne never fails to surprise - that much I've learned."

"I heard she consumes men."

Daniel: "And mass amounts of opiates, but yes."

Ben laughed, tickled yet again by the new Black Bishop. He was still wary of the man's motives, he did like Daniel's energy. He seemed to be just what their court needed. Which relieved Ben and also put him on edge. This guy could really razzle dazzle Ava. And Ben didn't want that to happen.

Amanda: "Oh knock it off, both of you. It's a good move for Zach. And it's smart for The Whiite Court to have eyes over there."

That was correct. As bishop, Ben had heard many rumors over the course of the weekend. There was a theory that Cameron planned to either kill Alek or send him to Europe, but he couldn't get the backing of the other Queens. With alliances shfiting so quickly, having an American presence in Europe was a no brainer. Haleigh had beat them to the punch.

"It's the only leg they have left to stand on. Anybody who makes an alliance with The White Court this weekend is an idiot. Their head doesn't know what the arm is doing."

Daniel: "And we have more eyes. I know that Inner Circle like the back of my hand. I was bloody born inside of their mansion. Avan and John want to know what's going on over there, I can tell them."

Daniel was the equivalent of a legacy child, like him. Had he chosen the American court over the European Court, he would probably have been Red King. There was gossip about Daniel, that he was untrustworthy. He was one of the very few not informed of the rebellion. He kept his position and title for posterity alone. They kept him alive because he was the figurehead of what the european red court used to represent. And Ben wasn't sure if that was an asset of a hinderence. In one direction it meant that Daniel was very loyal and chose his allies carefully. Regardless of his side in the uprising, Daniel had survived and continued business as usual. But it also made Ben feel like Daniel was hard headed. That he thought he had Hellfire figured out. In reality, The White Queen was pregnant with Twins - One of them belonging to the White King and one belonging to The Red King - anything was possible. Ben was curious to see if Daniel was more than just a grifty salesman.

Amanda: "Why don't you just tell us?"

Daniel: "Because I'm wooing your Queen, Amanda. I can't just give it all away from the jump."

Ben smiled and agreed. Daniel was definitely savvy, if not a bit obnoxious. He was a try hard. Ben dove into his omelette with reckless abandon. As soon as he finished the mansion would be SO much quieter. Even if it were just for a night, Ben needed a little quiet.

Amanda: "Don't give John and Ava more than fifteen minutes. I want them out of this place ASAP. They've been looking forward to this, and they deserve it. I'm going to get things together for Tokyo. We leave tomorrow - so read itineraries and get yourself together. I'll be in touch."

So he wouldn't be sleeping over tonight. Part of him respected her and part of him hated her for it. He was trying not to be overly excited about Amanda, because history had taught him that nothing good in his life ever lasted, but he was excited. It felt so good to have a connection with another human being. He hadn't been this relaxed in a long time.

"Aye, aye, Captain."

Amanda left and soon it was just Daniel and himself.

"Maybe when we're in Tokyo, you can show me how Daniel Reed lives."

Daniel: "Oh my god, Ben. Are you hitting on me? Amanda just left."

"Shut up. Seriously. If you're gonn be around, I want to know more about you. You're a worldly type, right? I'm sure you can plan a night out for us that is the..."

[smirking]

"Top of the pops.."
 
Hellfire - The Great Hall

The beast called her language cloying, and that was the abrupt end of their pretense to tolerate each other. She commented that he had a savage side, and wanted to remain wild. It didn’t even faze him. They glared daggers at each other while Ashley and Liam tried to recover the friendly atmosphere that once was. It was no use. The animal across the table would never accept her. The longer they masqueraded like they weren’t enemies, the worse it would be. They were attempting a duo de ballet, when they wanted bataille de deux.

She asked him what he would do, if his Queen didn’t command he sit still, and she laughed when he told it true. She respected him a little bit for that, the courage to admit his bloodlust, even though they both knew his Queen would be displeased with his answer. She did him the honor of also being honest, which was not something she would’ve granted any old dog she met in the street.

She offered an agreement, among ‘friends’, since both her King and His Queen were determined to make it so. She liked Ashley enough to at least try. The wolf didn’t want to share his Queen, though, and he made it clear, so Juliette agreed to it. Just friends, and the dance was done. They had acknowledged the rivalry. His desire to kill her was expected, amusing at this point. The feeling was mutual. Were it not for her affection for his Queen, a fight would be in order. But they were both in agreement to fight the instinct, for the alliance.

Liam tried to move the conversation along, asking about the coffee, but Ashley’s answer was curt, and then her tone was chilled. Juliette’s attention snapped from Savage to the Red Queen. Clearly Ashley was upset, most likely because the wolf had admitted to his instincts. For some reason, the Red Queen felt the need to demonstrate her control over her pet.

Juliette locked eyes with Ashley and didn’t blink. The Red Queen stuck her hand in the fire, and didn’t flinch. Juliette suddenly realized the ballet had not been a simple duet after all. Ashley was putting her en garde. Now that was interesting. Liam intervened with the snap of his fingers.

Liam: Juliette.

“I ‘ave given offense.”

Liam: Gather that, have you luv?

Ashley: I do not appreciate having my people needlessly provoked.

Juliette felt true remorse. She hadn’t meant to upset her new friend. She had only been toying with the wolf. She apologized, as best she could. It didn’t all come out in English. There was a long pause between the women, while Liam called for a Healer, though Ashley insisted it wasn’t necessary.

Ashley: Consider it forgotten, mon amie.

Forgotten, yet notably not forgiven. Juliette and Liam shared a grim glance. A misstep, she knew, but a telling one. The Red Queen likely would have thanked them for killing her King, but she would not abide them openly opposing her Knight. It had been unconfirmed until now. It would take a little more time to repair than it took for the doctor to heal Ashley’s hand. Juliette refilled her own glass now, and was sorry to see the bottle drained empty.

The other White Queen stood up, and began the makings of a small speech. Juliette was amused at the way the little pistol refused to be polished. Haleigh, as well, would always be wild. Juliette raised her glass in cheers when Haleigh said it had been a pleasure. And then of course was the all important announcement, that of Zach’s transfer. Juliette raised her voice after the applause.

“Bravo, yes, bravo. Ve vill be ‘appy to ‘ave ‘is Grace.”

Ashley: What?

Juliette’s voice dropped back down to normal as the Hall went about he breakfast service.

“Oh yes, I guess eet vas decided dzis morning. Aldzough eef you ‘ad ‘eard dzem moaning at each odzer dze last two days, eet vould not be a surprise.”

Liam: I consider myself lucky not to have Juliette’s enhanced hearing, just this once, and thankful for the soundproofing in the walls.

“On dze odzer ‘and, eet does give me a leg up sometimes. I cannot ‘elp but eavesdrop. I must say, eet vas ‘ard to tell eef Brienne bewitched Zahk, or eef ‘e vas dze von doing dze ensnaring.”
 
Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Haleigh and Brienne went back and forth. Brienne tried to act like an authority on the subject, which was ridiculous and infuriating. Alek called her out on knowing Zach for all of 48 hours, and Haleigh would have laughed if she wasn’t too pissed to even smile. She started to correct Brienne, but Zach stepped in again. This time, Haleigh didn’t over rule him. He was right, there was no need. It was all likely to be lost on an airhead like Brienne anyway.

She stood up and made the announcement, feigning happiness, and even kept the smirk when she sat back down. Many of the Inner Circle were surprised to hear the news, and the Hall was abuzz with gossip. Haleigh felt like she’d simultaneously won and lost the weekend. Alek admitted he was starving and asked after her. Haleigh nodded sincerely.

“Yeah, I’m fucking famished.”

She replied, and for a while they all just ate. Haleigh scarfed down two platefuls of food before she sat back to glance around the room and assess the situation. She could’ve posed some small talk questions to Zach to get the conversation going again as the others slowed their eating pace, but she wasn’t in the mood for Brienne’s mouth.

Thankfully an excuse not to engage them came in the form of a White Guard interrupting. He leaned in between her and Alek and told her that the woman sitting with Jasper and Darren wanted a word with her. Haleigh leaned her head slightly to get a better look at the woman, her gaze narrowed by curiosity. She turned back to Zach and by extension, Brienne.

“If you’ll both excuse me a moment, I have business to attend to.”

She said, and without much attention paid to their customary response, she stood from the table and moved off to an alcove, away from the rest of the tables where words could be had somewhat discreetly, though they were still in plain view of the rest of the Hall. Haleigh was not afraid, but she was prepared for this to be a ruse or distraction of some kind. She looked around the room to see if she could spot a plot as the woman in question and her partner approached.
 
Hellfire — The Great Hall

The car pulled up to Hellfire and it hadn’t changed one brick. Ettore got out of the car and offered a hand to assist her own exit. She took the offer and stepped out onto the curb, taking a breath to still her anticipation. Ettore got them past security as a pawn, with her his plus one in case her name would be an issue. It should have been Adriana getting them in, as the White Bishop. She was her father’s firstborn. She should have been his heir. She was little bitter about it, but she would rectify things very soon.

The Great Hall was already bustling and the food had been served. Adriana spotted Gia off in a corner. She glared, and enjoyed the look she received in return. She would let her little sister sweat it out a bit. Best not to rush revenge. She had waited this long, a little while more wouldn’t hurt. There was something to be said for delayed gratification, she had always believed that.

Ettore led her to a table on the other side of the room. They did need to eat, after all, and he knew she intended to speak with the White Queen as soon as practical. It was even more important than confronting Gia, because it was her only lead on getting her abilities back. They sat down at a table with a doctor named Jasper and a lawyer named Darren. Handsome, both, and rich. Exactly her type of clientele.

Adriana thought she heard them discussing the White Queen as she walked up, but they let whatever topic drop as they welcomed Adriana and Ettore to take the empty seats. Ettore started to tell her who was who and what the most recent developments were. The other two at table gathered that she was new, but they recognized her last name and were quickly friendly. Adriana, of course, was face-melting amounts of charming.

When she had her fill of food and information, she waved over a guard, one of the ones in white. She gave him her request, but not her name. The White Queen would know who she was. She watched the man go over to Haleigh, who was much older than the last time they’d seen each other, though they both were, really. When she looked over, Adriana locked eyes with Haleigh, unflinchingly.

She did not see an expression of recognition, and that was curious, but the White Queen beckoned her over with a hand gesture anyway. Both Adriana and Ettore rose from their seats at that gesture. Haleigh, too, left her table, to take up a position in an alcove away from other guests where some privacy could be had. Adriana met her there, confidently.

“Haleigh. You look good.”
 
Hellfire — The Great Hall

The woman looked familiar, and that irked Haleigh, like an itch she couldn’t scratch. Haleigh never forgot a name, never. And yet she couldn’t recall this one. It was like a wall in her brain that she couldn’t quite scale. She took a moment to look over the man she was with. Tall, dark, and handsome, he was a Hellfire pawn. Ettore Testa, a man of the mafia, one of the Count’s men to be exact. But the woman was a mystery.

“Who the fuck are you?”

Blonde: Did I concuss you too much to recall?

The woman smirked, as Haleigh narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Her tone was easy, non threatening, like a friend, not a foe.

Blonde: Oh, how I used to kick your scrawny little teenage ass all over the mats. Fond memories, it pains me that you’ve forgotten. Adriana—

“Nefaria.”

Haleigh finished, because now she did remember. The wall in her mind defragmented, and it was like rereading on old file. Everything came back. This woman was the Count’s first born daughter, the one he despised. Adriana had taught Haleigh everything she knew about hand-to-combat, years ago. Haleigh’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“How could I have forgotten?”

Adriana: It was probably your mother. No doubt she didn’t want you to spring me from the looney bin she trapped me in. Knowing her, she erased me from everyone’s minds.

“Why didn’t you just spring yourself?”

Haleigh asked. It didn’t make sense for Adriana to be held anywhere against her will, given the powerset Haleigh now remembered her to have. Adriana reached up to the nape of her neck.

Adriana: Your mother had a power suppression chip implanted in my brain stem.

Haleigh’s irises glowed a bright red as she used X-ray vision to verify that assertion.

“So I see.”

Adriana: Would you please remove it?

“Maybe.”
 
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Hellfire — The Great Hall

She had to jog Haleigh’s memory, but that really wasn’t too surprising. Haleigh was one of the very few that personally knew Adriana, to the rest of them she was just some pawn, if they even remembered seeing her at all. Her father had done his best to shun her. She wasn’t allowed to even come here when he was alive, though that hadn’t stopped her getting in.

There were times she would catch her father’s eye from across the room, and his expression would soften, for a second or two. She looked so much like her mother that it captured him. But her mother was only a ghost, and he would remember it after a short pause. Then he’d have the guards escort her out, discreetly.

He despised her for killing her mother, but she had only been a baby when it happened. Her mother had died bringing her into the world, and her father had avoided her ever since, hiding her away at the Nefaria mansion, while he lived here at Hellfire and brought his other daughter to Court.

So nobody here would know her, nobody except her stupid sister Gia, and Haleigh, who had turned up for lessons at her dojo by sheer coincidence. Haleigh had been a scrappy little teenage girl, naturally violent but lacking discipline. Now she was a grown woman, with the power to repay Adriana for giving all those private lessons years ago.

They discussed Adriana’s predicament. Haleigh looked at her with glowing eyes and knew she was telling the truth almost instantly. That was too easy. Haleigh was not leaping at the chance to help. It was clear she was calculating the options. Adriana wasn’t so certain she could persuade a machine to do anything.

“You killed your mother.”

Haleigh: Much more intentionally than you did yours.

“I owe you a debt of gratitude. If there is anyone you’d have me kill in return, just name them.”

Haleigh: Anyone? Even your own sister?

“Especially my sweet sister.”

Haleigh: And if I were to forbid you from killing someone instead, would you abide that request?

“I guess. Choose wisely, though, you can only pick one. Unless you became My Queen.... then all your friends would become my family, and all your foes my enemies. I understand you have a recently vacated Rook position.”

Haleigh: You’re ambitious, aren’t you?

Adriana shrugged.

“I’m Italian.”

Haleigh smiled and looked back at Adriana’s neck. Adriana felt a chill run down her spine, and just like that, she felt her power come back, tingling spreading to the tips of her fingers.

Haleigh: That’s all you’re getting for now. Behave yourself, or I’ll put it right back in.
 
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Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Calder: Such words from such a nice British girl.

Heidi smiled coquettishly. She was not British, though it was a common misconception due to her accent. She had learned to speak English in Britain, and so she sounded like she came from there. She rarely corrected the mistake, though. She usually just let it slide, as it didn’t really matter in the long run which country she identified as from. Civilizations rose and fell, on land and under the sea. She had been a part of so many it was hard to say where she was ‘from’.

“Calder, stop.... you’re making me blush.”

She replied playfully. Jack interjected to ask a couple more questions about Calder’s powers, ever the serious Bishop that he was. Heidi drained her flute and made herself another drink as the men talked. The conversation was derailed when a serving girl asked the doctor behind Heidi for his assistance at the Red Queen’s table.

Heidi reassured her breakfast company that everything was fine, hoping that Juliette had gotten bit by AJ. She deserved to get mauled, but that didn’t appear to have happened, unfortunately. Heidi restarted their topic by giving Calder a chance to ask his own questions. He started off with the most difficult question of all. Heidi’s smile melted a bit as she cast an uncomfortable look over at Jack.

Jack: The only one who can answer that is you. We’ll each have to make the decision for ourselves, based on the situation.

“Pray you never have to choose.”

She replied, as her Queen stood up to make a speech, and a surprising announcement.

“I can hardly believe it, the White Court without Zach!”

She said to Jack and Calder. She would've been less shocked to hear that Zach was moving in with Haleigh and joining her, Cameron and Alek in bed every night. It was a smart strategic move, though. Zach was diplomatic and affable enough to win over all of Europe, and he would never turn his back on Haleigh. He was as loyal to her as anyone could claim to be, of that there was no doubt. It made Heidi wonder if Archer’s death had been a hit.

Breakfast was served and the hall was filled with the din of gossip and cutlery on ceramic plates. Heidi only pushed her food around, eating bits of it here and there. It was all land-locked food, of which she was not a particular fan. It wasn’t a big deal, she could have room service bring her something more to her liking after the event. She rather spent the time observing the rest of the Hall. It was suitable for a Knight to be on watch, anyway.

She overheard the girl at the table behind her ask to speak with her Queen, and she casually glanced over her shoulder to see her before watching Haleigh accept the request and beckon the girl over to an alcove. Heidi sat up a little straighter, preparing to take action and protect her Queen if necessary. She couldn’t hear what they were saying from here, so she just watched their body language.

“Looks like we’ve got some intrigue developing. Jack, do you know that woman?”

Jack: No, I don’t think I’ve seen her. The man looks familiar though.

“Yes, I’ve seen him around the commons. One of the Italian mobsters, I think, but not a thug. Top brass, if I recall.”

Jack: Calder, you worked security before. Do you know them?

“Or do you care to copy someone’s power and be our recon man?”

Heidi asked, eager about the idea.
 
The Great Hall

Alek was polite but didn't pretend to feel excitement about Haleigh's speech. He glanced at Cameron, who was not sitting with Ava - typical. He was surprised Cam hadn't tried to usurp Haleigh and make the announcement himself, as much as he liked being the center of attention. He made sure to take her hand and conspicuously squeeze it when she sat down.

He was happy to see that Haleigh was still feeling okay, and was able to eat with a healthy appetite. They managed to get enough to eat before they were interrupted YET AGAIN. Though this time, it wasn't such a bad thing, considering their company. One of the white guard told Haleigh a woman wanted to speak to her. Haleigh addressed Zach & Brienne, probably more politely than necessary.

Haleigh: “If you’ll both excuse me a moment, I have business to attend to.”

He rose as she stood, but put a hand gently on her arm as she moved to go.

"Do you really think it's a good idea?"

She, of course, was Haleigh so was not going to be stopped. Alek motioned with his head to the nearby Red Guards who were assigned to Haleigh, that they should follow. They knew enough to keep their distance, but be close enough to intervene if needed. He sat back down and watched her speak with a young blonde woman. He tried to place her, but she didn't look familiar. She had been sitting with some of Haleigh's people, pawns but nevertheless people she trusted. He leaned towards Zach.

"What do you make of that? You ever seen her before?"
 
The Great Hall

Calder was having a good time, and Heidi was good company. She laughed easily - and was damn cute to boot.

Heidi: “Calder, stop.... you’re making me blush.”

He asked how to navigate regents who were at odds, but there didn't seem to be an easy answer to that. And then the White Queen announced that her rook was being the European's black king. Pretty impressive. Everyone seemed shocked by it as well.

Heidi: “I can hardly believe it, the White Court without Zach!”

Calder clapped and toasted as he was supposed to, then leaned forward.

"So, what's this Zach guy like? I never met him. Is he a good choice?"

He spoke conversationally, and then the food arrived and he dug in hungrily. Heidi got distracted by something happening at her queen's table, especially when her queen got up and started talking with someone he didn't know.

Heidi: “Looks like we’ve got some intrigue developing. Jack, do you know that woman?”

Jack: No, I don’t think I’ve seen her. The man looks familiar though.

Heidi: “Yes, I’ve seen him around the commons. One of the Italian mobsters, I think, but not a thug. Top brass, if I recall.”

Jack: Calder, you worked security before. Do you know them?

He shook his head.

"Not her. The mobster is Ettore Testa. He thinks he's big time."

Heidi then suggested maybe he's like to borrow a power and spy for them.

"Is that..."

He lowered his voice.

"...allowed?"

He didn't want to get fired (or worse) his first day for spying on the white queen.

"Though I guess if you're asking me to..."

His smile turned mischievous.

"I just happened to pick out a nice power earlier while I was waiting for everyone to arrive."

His eyes found the pawn with the enhanced hearing again, and then focused on Haleigh and the mystery woman.

"Sounds like they know each other. She wants Haleigh to remove a power suppression chip from her brain."

Half under his breath he added:

"Shit, do they make those?"

His focus returned to his table-mates.

"She said her name was Nefaria."

He shrugged.
 
The Great Hall

Steel, Bretta and Ava sat down at the table with Cameron and Erika, Steel pulling over an extra chair and signalling for another place setting to be brought.

Cameron: "Now here are three faces I am relieved and happy to see. Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning. You're looking well."

Not like a man whose wife asked him for a divorce the night before. Well, not a man who liked his wife, anyway. He chatted a a bit with Bretta, and then Haleigh announced that Zach was going to be the new Black King in Europe, which seemed odd, but who was he to judge? Ava, however, pointed out Haleigh's clear ulterior motive, and he agreed with her. It was a bit troubling.

Erika was being catty, and John was surprised to hear Cameron admonish her.

Cameron: "She knows what she's doing Erika. She's not an idiot. She's going to continue to act so incredibly unbothered until people begin to believe against their better judgment that she is. She's scared."

John of course could sympathize with Haleigh - her world had changed this weekend, and it was a scary thing. Her feelings were completely understandable. Not that he didn't also have a soft spot for Cameron's side - having your wife in another man's arms sucked big time. It really was surprising that Alek was still alive.

He tucked into his breakfast, starting with his lightly browned toast, and began making small talk to lighten the mood. He asked Cameron about his plans for the vacant rook position.

Cameron: "Honestly, I think we've all had a bit too much change in the last few days. I'd prefer to let the water settle. But I also can't promise I might not be eating my words tomorrow. My wife might require it. And right now, within reason, I have to give her what she wants. Except a divorce."

John splayed his hands. He hadn't meant the topic to turn so dark.

Cameron: "Anyway, let's talk about something lighter. John, please tell me you have something spectacular and romantic planned for your Queen. It's time you celebrated your coronation, properly."

That made John grin broadly. He reached for Ava's hand.

"We're heading to Paris. We spent some time there together years ago and have been wanting to go back. It's the perfect time for a little break."

He kissed the top of Ava's hand, smiling at her, before turning back to Cameron.

Cameron: "I'll be spending the week showing my daughter New York City.."

Cameron produced a picture and showed it around.

Cameron: "She's perfect, right?"

"Aw, Cam, she's beautiful. I think she has your smile."

He was genuinely happy for Cameron - he needed something good in his life right now.

"It's great that you'll finally get to spend some time with her."
 
Hellfire Club – Great Hall

:: John asked her if her ‘dance card’ was full; she replied that it wasn’t. ::

John: "Well, then that settles it: you must sit with us."

“That would be lovely; thank you so much.”

:: Though the weekend had been filled with drama, Bretta was a bit sad that it had come to an end. She would’ve loved to get to know the American Hellfire Kings and Queens more thoroughly. Bretta had been watching, and now she had an idea as to how to move her Court forward. She wished that Alastair had come, if only to show him his potential, but, and even Bretta had to admit this, he most likely would’ve gotten himself killed. He had absolutely zero filter and he most definitely would’ve offended their American counterparts somehow. She caught a glimpse of her Prince and Princess out of the corner of her eye. Cassandra seemed to be more relaxed. Damien was good for her. She managed to catch his eye and they nodded in acknowledgement of each other. Cassandra gave her a respectful nod as well. She turned back to John, who was speaking to her. ::

John: "Any special plans when you return home, Your Majesty?"

*chuckling*: “Aside from breaking in my new Princess? No, I don’t have any special plans, but this weekend certainly has given me a few ideas on how to move my Court forward. I suppose I should go on holiday, goodness knows we all need one after this weekend.”

:: They continued on to the table where John, ever the gentleman, pulled out chairs for both Queens. Bretta thanked him and sat down. She turned Cameron, Erika, and Gia. ::

“Good morning, darlings.”

Gia: *distractedly*: “Good morning...I need to go.”

:: With that, Gia got up and left. Bretta hoped that she was okay. She seemed distracted by something. Bretta turned her attention to Haleigh, who was about to make a speech. She cocked her eyebrow at the White Queen’s language, surprised by har cavalier words. Bretta was surprised to discover that she wasn’t all offended by her use of choice words. In fact, it only endeared her to Bretta even more. Bretta wished that she had had more time with her. She clapped as the announcement was made that Zachary Armani would be the new European Black King. She would look forward to working with the new King. Hopefully he’ll be a better king than Archer ever was, and that he’d treat Brienne better than Archer did. ::

:: The food arrived and Bretta was content to eat while she half-listened to the conversation around her. ::

Cameron: "I'll be spending the week showing my daughter New York City.."

“Oh, how lovely!”

:: Cameron pulled out a picture of his daughter. Bretta couldn’t help but smile. ::

“Cameron, she’s beautiful.”
 
Hellfire Club – The Great Hall


Gia was drinking her Bloody Mary silently. Her grey eyes were roaming around the room, taking notes of who was there and who wasn’t. She gave a start when she spotted a blonde woman coming in on the arm of one Ettore Testa. At first, though she was very familiar, Gia couldn’t place her. When the blonde glared at her, however, Gia finally knew who she was. Her grey eyes widened with shock.

*under her breath*: ”Adriana?!”

This was fucking not good. Her bitch of a HALF-sister was supposed to be locked away in some asylum. Diana had made it –

Shit.

Diana was no longer around. That bitch must’ve laughed herself silly when she learned about that. Still, Gia was curious. Their father despised her. Why the hell was she here on the arm of her father’s right hand man? Very suspicious. Her grey eyes followed every move of Adriana’s. She was momentarily distracted by Haleigh announcing that Zach would be leaving to become the new European Black King. Her jaw dropped. Zach was...leaving? He was the only other person besides Haleigh that she actually liked on the White Court. Who was going to be the new Rook? Mixed feelings aside, she turned back to watch dear old sister.

Hell fucking NO!

Her sister was trying to get Haleigh’s attention! Gia quickly got up. Ava, John, and Bretta arrived just then, Bretta throwing out a greeting in her charming accent. Normally Gia would be on point, but she was too distracted by the arrival of her sister.

Bretta: “Good morning, darlings.”

*distractedly*: “Good morning...I need to go.”

Without waiting for a response, Gia took off to a table with a perfect view of Haleigh and Adriana. There were two options that she could do. Options 1 was to storm right over there and throw it down with Big Sister, which would create a HUGE scene, or there was Option 2, in which she stayed where she was and not intervene. She spotted a pair of Red Guards following discreetly behind Haleigh so she went with Option 2 – for now. Her grey eyes never wavered from Haleigh and Adriana.
 
Hellfire -- The Great Hall

AJ had never been grateful for Liam’s existence, until the man extinguished the flame at the table. His Ashley didn’t want a healer, she insisted it would heal quickly, but Savage could smell the burn and it was bad. She hid it in her lap, wrapping it in her linen. AJ felt so terribly he wished she had ordered him to burn himself instead. His Queen wanted whiskey, probably to dull the pain. AJ grabbed the wrist of a passing server, his grip like a vise. Hadn’t the girl heard?!

“Bring the whiskey!”

Waitress: Which whiskey, sir?

“All of it!”

Thankfully Jasper didn’t leave the table until the wound was healed, and then Haleigh was up and speaking. She remarked on the weekend, and didn’t clean up her usual speech for posterity. Zach would be King, in Europe. His Ashley was surprised, but not Juliette or Liam. She had enhanced hearing. AJ, too, had enhanced senses and could not stop himself from overhearing quite a bit of privileged information.

Zach would make a good King. AJ thought that he would miss the White Rook, and hoped his friend would like Europe, but he said nothing as the rest of the table discussed it. Bottles and bottles of whiskey were delivered to the table, on a tray so large that it required a stand. The waitress turned to AJ, but he gestured to his Ashley.

“For the Queen.”

He grumbled, and the girl switched her focus to his left before she started to list off the brands in offering. He snuck a glance at his Queen as the food was served, trying to read her. Eggs and bacon, biscuits and gravy, ham and sausage were heaped onto his plate without him saying a word by staff that knew how he ate.

Slowly, with painstaking care, he ate, as neatly as possible. He had once been a polished man, well mannered in trousers and cravats. He doubted he could make the current company forget he was so beastly now that he’d utterly ravaged the situation, but at least he could attempt not to make things any worse. He was sure he’d die of misery if his Ashley had to spend the rest of breakfast apologizing for his behavior, so he resolved to be as good and quiet as possible.
 
Hellfire - The Great Hall

There were lots of congratulations given to him, and he raised his glass and drank to each one. Many were surprised at the suddenness of the announcement. Zach couldn’t blame them, the weekend had been a whirlwind for him too. The whole room felt happier, overall, but here at the table the vibe was bittersweet.

They had stopped attacking each other once the food arrived. Zach was grateful for that, at least. Alek’s feelings on the matter were mild, but then Zach didn’t really care how the Red King felt. Brienne was happy about the move, of course, and that was nice. Zach looked at Haleigh softly.

She felt nothing, which might’ve hurt Zach, if he didn’t know any better. She was shutting down her emotions, and she only did that when she was in pain. Maybe he should talk to her, alone. After breakfast, perhaps. He was about to suggest they take a walk through the Gardens, for old times sake, when a Guard leaned in to tell Haleigh that someone wanted an audience.

Alek: What do you make of that? You ever seen her before?

Zach looked over at the couple Haleigh met in an alcove. His brow furrowed a bit as he gazed at them.

“She looks kind of familiar. Maybe I—”

His eyes darted over to Brienne for a second. He had almost said maybe I’ve slept with her, but he didn’t think Brienne would like hearing that.

“No, I don’t think I know her. Must be one of Haleigh’s old friends. Haleigh is amused by her, at least. And that man she’s with is Ettore Testa. He’s old man Nefaria’s consigliere.”

Zach started, but he was pretty sure consigliere was a big word for the Red King to digest, so Zach kindly explained a little further.

“Kind of like an advisor, the right hand man of the Count.”

Haleigh used to have a schoolgirl crush on Ettore, in her teens, but if Zach divulged that, she might well kill him. She returned to the table and Zach gave her a little smile as he pushed his plate away.
 
Hellfire -- The Great Hall

Alek: Do you really think that’s a good idea?

Haleigh looked up at him, a little surprised. She wondered what exactly gave him pause, but now was not the time to ask. She tossed a glance at the woman she was going to meet, and then looked back at Alek with a smirk.

“If it’s not, you’re about to watch me kick that blonde chick’s ass.”

The blonde chick was Adriana Nefaria, Haleigh discovered, after recovering memories that were wiped by her own mother, apparently. Haleigh verified her story, finding the power suppression chip she claimed to have, but she didn’t remove it right away. She could, easily, but right now she wanted to see just what services Adriana would offer her. A death, a life, a Rook, even.

“You’re ambitious, aren’t you?”

Adriana: I’m Italian.

And amusing. Haleigh removed the chip, and warned Adriana to behave. She hadn’t decided what she wanted in return, but leaving a mutant flat-scanned didn’t sit well with her, especially when it was a person who’d taught her how to fight. Adriana thanked her, and seemed to be waiting around for the price tag.

Haleigh looked around the room. Gia was off in a corner, watching them talk. She appeared to be riveted to her chair. Gia had given her so much trouble lately, but she was straightening up. Her Knight was also monitoring them, calmly yet carefully. As always, she was ready to spring into action. Haleigh didn’t believe Heidi would ever turn on her, even for Cameron. Speaking of her future ex-husband, he was proudly showing off pictures of his daughter. It turned her stomach. Haleigh grimaced and turned back to Adriana and Ettore.

“So you were at Blackwell’s asylum for the last few years?”

Adriana: I’m not crazy.

“I didn’t say you were. You have a place to stay now that you’re out?”

She asked, and when Adriana confirmed that she would return to one of the Nefaria townhomes that she’d always lived in, Haleigh nodded.

“Don’t be a stranger around here, I’ll call you when I need you.”

Haleigh said, and then she left the alcove to return to her table. She sat down and back, her hand over her mouth. It made her look thoughtful, but in reality she was just nauseous now. She leaned closer to Alek, speaking quietly in his ear.

“I think I ate too much. You done here?”
 
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The Great Hall

Ashley couldn't hide her shock at the announcement of Zach as Black King of Europe. Ten minutes ago she would have said that Zach would die in this mansion, still Haleigh's Rook.

Juliette: “Oh yes, I guess eet vas decided dzis morning. Aldzough eef you ‘ad ‘eard dzem moaning at each odzer dze last two days, eet vould not be a surprise.”

Ashley crinkled her nose.

"Ew."

Liam: I consider myself lucky not to have Juliette’s enhanced hearing, just this once, and thankful for the soundproofing in the walls.

She raised her glass to him in agreement.

"Truly a modern marvel. Perhaps we should take up the challenge of making some that would spare poor Juliette from such an assault on her ears."

Juliette: “On dze odzer ‘and, eet does give me a leg up sometimes. I cannot ‘elp but eavesdrop. I must say, eet vas ‘ard to tell eef Brienne bewitched Zahk, or eef ‘e vas dze von doing dze ensnaring.”

"He can be pretty damn convincing."

She drifted off in thought for a second, before snapping back to the conversation, giving Juliette a resigned smile.

"Which it appears you will now have the opportunity to discover for yourself."

Whiskey was brought for her. Apparently, all the whiskey in the mansion. She gave the servant a chastising look as the girl started naming the brands. She cut her off with annoyance.

"Yes, yes, Powers, the same as always."

She raised the rocks glass, first to Juliette, then to Liam.

"To your next visit being a longer one."

Her annoyance with Juliette had evaporated as quickly as it had come. But it had been important for her to make a stand on it: she would not be a pushover nor would she allow her Court to be mocked, or provoked. And she wanted it to be clear what Ashley's feelings would be should Juliette try to make a complaint about AJ's behavior. It was lucky that it was only the four of them at the table.

Finally breakfast was being served, and Ashley was grateful. She was also relieved to see that it was standard breakfast fare rather than something fancy. Her mood brightened as she tucked into bacon and scrambled eggs, tipping a generous amount of hot sauce onto the eggs.

"Juliette, shall I send for something for you?"
 
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