The Hellions - Death of A Queen

[Silver]

Hellfire Estate - Banquet Hall

:: Bretta glanced curiously at Alec again. He didn’t seem to bite back after her comment. ::

Hmmm. Maybe it DID affect him more than we’ll ever know…

:: They entered the ballroom and Alec escorted her to her seat before taking his own across from her. She smiled her thanks and began eating. Archer got up and said a few words, then Juliette got up and said a few words as well. Bretta wondered what SHE would say. She never really had any interactions with Evelyn, aside from the three Queens and Princesses coming together on various projects throughout the years. Brienne stood up and said a few words, okay, a LOT of words, of how offensive it was that THEY thought that SHE had killed Evelyn. Lord Ravena stood up and said a few words…as was expected by a dear ‘friend’ who had lost someone. ::

Everything’s going perfectly. I’m glad.

:: Rebecca leaned into Bretta and in a low tone told her to follow the members of The Black Court and that she shouldn’t let them out of her sight for one second. Bretta turned and smiled, nodding that she understood her “mission”. ::

“Yes, my Queen.”

:: She started eating again but not for long as the entire Banquet Hall heard the ROARING of an engine making its way towards them. She smiled uneasily at Alec’s comforting touch. Soon enough, the doors CRASHED open and magnificent vision in black roared its way to the tables, finally ending up ON the table belonging to the Red Court! She let out a small scream as dishes flew here and there, food being tossed every which way…some even ending up on her dress. The rider didn’t stop until the bike was INCHES from the edge of the table…right in front of Rebecca. There was dead silence that you could hear a pin DROP in that great big room. It was official; The Black Knight, Maxine Dupont, had returned. She got off her bike and grabbed her bag, THROWING a dismembered head into Rebecca’s lap and then tossing another one to Juliette. She couldn’t really see Alec’s expression as the bike was in the way but she smirked when Maxine called him out briefly. ::

The Prodigal Daughter has returned…but for what reason?

:: Bretta had heard rumblings via Rebecca that something was happening within The Courts. Rebecca herself didn’t know what it was and Bretta had no idea either. But she had felt pretty confident that everything would work out. Now, however, she only felt dread within her body as she gazed up at Maxine. Maxine was a force NOT to be reckoned with, and Bretta felt that things would never be the same again. She listened as Maxine went about her reasonings as to why she was there and whatever else. She glanced uneasily at Rebecca. She wasn’t filled with fear at the thought of sharing this place with Maxine but it DID make her uncomfortable…especially since she had gotten rid of all security surveillences, both human AND technological… ::

Well. This will be FUN…

:: Maxine bid her adieus in the only way SHE could make something sound like a threat and warning in the same breath and headed off to Rebecca’s suites. Bretta noticed that Alec was helping The Red Queen. ::

Trying to make amends, I see.

:: She stood up and shook some of the food and drink that had gathered in her lap off of her dress. She knew she needed to see about Archer and Brienne…but first, she needed to shower and change. She quickly headed in the direction of her suite. ::

 

[Lord Ravena]

And so the charade was at an end.

Lord Ravena KNEW that the Black Knight was coming, and he KNEW that with that would come a reckoning. So as the Red Queen prepared herself to meet her in private, Archer and Brienne would find their right hands were tingling and a paper was inside. As each of them would look at the tiny page, they would find a message that would crumble into dust nearly too quickly for them to read it. Meanwhile, a certain tall, dark man was nowhere to be found.

1 hour. Excuse the delay, but I have a pretty little spy to take care of. -R

The Red Queen was a fool to think that a whisper would go unnoticed in a room full of very special people. Archer was as well, but his lapse was useful in helping Ravena sort out the motivations of each Court. It was clear that everyone found the Black Court worth keeping tabs on; Evelyn had succeeded in making the Court strong but less so at managing to do it QUIETLY. Very well.

The shower in the Red Princess suite was already running, steam rising in the bathroom. She was beautiful, her half-faerie blood had made a most beautiful mark on her form as she lathered herself in front, cleansing away the unpleasantness of the last few minutes and the work of the day. He was already free of his clothing and standing behind her. She was at this point none the wiser.

Here, allow me to cleanse your back. Even for ones such as us, certain places can be difficult to easily reach.

He had a hand on each shoulder as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant but with a patois impossible to place. He spoke essentially every language; that sort of skill made one's personal accent hard to place.

He gently began to wash Bretta's back...slowly, deliberately, his fingers touching her in odd places as he worked, nerve endings that the ancients favored for various purposes. He could feel her initial apprehension fade as she leaned back towards him as he worked. By the time he neared the small of her back, she was almost falling back into him. He caught her, lifting her easily and carrying her to her bed.

Laying her down, he returned to the spot he had traced earlier on her leg, kissing it softly. He could feel her shudder as he worked his way to his prize.

The next few minutes were marked by the Lord of New Anatolia weaving an age-old spell on the Princess. And as she enjoyed his ministrations between her legs, he took his real prize: 1 pint of Half-Faerie blood for the First Vampire. He took it from her thigh, painless as a lover's scratch, while she was preoccupied with her own rolling orgasms.

Bretta would never know, she would only feel a little weak as he finished, would feel swept away as he unwrapped her legs from 'round his shoulders and looked into her eyes as he made love to her. And as the clock ticked to the 57th minute, with the two of them satisfied, he looked into her eyes and spoke one word.

Yuxu

It was a simple sleep spell in Azerbaijani, but VERY potent. She would slumber for at least another two or three hours and, when she awakened, she would only know what he told her. He leaned into her ear, holding her close one last time as she fell asleep.


We made love, you followed me into the maze. The Black Princess, Rook and Knight are at odds on the direction of the Court. We are no real threat as we fail to be on one accord. The Black Court suspects that the White King and Queen are gathering forces to take over the Club. There is distrust of the Black Knight. We separated, having failed to resolve anything.

The beauty of all of this is that the Red Queen miscalculated in her treatment of Maxine; the Black Knight was always fastidious in her duties and very effective. He knew there would be no record of the night's events. Dressing quickly, he teleported himself...

...to the maze where he sensed Brienne and Archer had gathered and emerged from the shadows.

 

[Avalanche]

The Hellfire Estate - Banquet Hall

As Archer took his seat, Juliette rose to speak for her court. She was charming and funny, and really that was all that she had to be. Being the only representative of her court had given her a LARGE amount of clout, and as long as she remained congenial with the crowd, her popularity with the courts would soar. She was in a very good position.

As Juliette sat back down, Brienne was the next to speak, and a smile creeped across his face. He knew this would be good...and uncomfortable. Brienne was polished as a porcupine sometimes and that was what he enjoyed about her. She was incredibly powerful but she was rough around the edges, and really when it came to ruling The Black Court, it was the only advantage that she gave him. Archer was solid, but many thought he was not ready to rule. Brienne seemed like a shoe in, but he knew that not even Cordelia Shaw could sway the other members of The Supreme Council to choose Brienne for Black Queen. She was too polarizing...too dangerous. No other King or Queen would feel safe with her on the same level as them. He also wasn't exactly sure whether or not Brienne even WANTED to rule The Black Court, as he himself was only beginning to picture himself as a possible replacement.

Brienne's eyes shifted over to Rebecca as she suggested the killer was among them.

"I say to you this. You may have killed our queen, but you have no killed our court. And passing the blame on to me? Well....you enjoy that laugh while it last."

Taking a seat, everyone in the room was silent.

"OH! To Evelyn."

Brienne raised her glass once more before taking a sip of her drink. Others in the room were taken aback by the princess' words but after a moment of hesitation, raised their glasses for the toast. Glancing over to her grandmother, Cordelia was simply shaking her head with a small smile spread across her lips.

Archer shook his head and laughed, raising his glass.

"To Evelyn!"

Next was Lord Ravena who gave one HELL of an endorsement of The Black Court, seeming to back them completely. As much as Archer trusted Lord Ravena, there was a small part of him that viewed the man as a wolf in sheep's clothing. The incredible power and knowledge that he wielded was a scary thing, and his face betrayed none of his intentions. He was simply unreadable. Archer knew that Evelyn trusted him grately...but who knows, perhaps that was part of her downfall. Still, at this moment in time it was good to feel that he was on their side.

And finally...it was Rebecca's turn to speak.

:: She would never say such a thing out loud and thankfully the crowd died down as Rebecca stood from her chair. ::

"Such...moving and inspiring speeches from The Court today. A mixture of reverence, respect and much needed laughter. As I sit here, I think of the many times that I have sat alongside Evelyn at these tables. Together, throughout the years we've worked tirelessly to pursue the agenda to which The Hellfire Club deserves...and looking back, I wish I would have had the chance to tell her...that she was and always will be...My best friend..."

Archer's thoughts flickered between seething anger at The Red Queen's seemingly blatant campaigning and the urge to turn Rebecca into solid ice and shatter her with his fists. She was trying to portray a closeness with Evelyn that would make others believe that HER opinion might somehow be the opinions of Evelyn. She was obviously pandering, but Rebecca wasn't a NOVICE in games like these. She was doing what she knew to be tried and true, and while others in the courts may have doubted her sincerity, Rebecca's LONG STANDING rulership of The Red Court was something that The Supreme Council DID respect.

:: She raised her glass high in the air ::

"To my friend...and FALLEN sister...I bid thee goodbye. May the next chapter of your story be one filled with peace! Another toast for our Black Queen, EVELYN PIER---"

:: Rebecca's voice was soon drowned out by a DEAFENING sound heard throughout The Hellfire Estate. A sound Rebecca had hoped she wouldn't have had to hear. The sound of trouble. ::

Archer mindlessly went for his champagne glass, thankful this dinner was coming to an end, when all at once his ears were assaulted by...

"A Motorcycle?!"

A BLUR of black and fury BURST into the club, landed on the table of the Red Court and gunned right for Rebecca herself, stopping INCHES from The Red Queen's face. As the woman got off her bike and THREW a severed head into Rebecca's lap, Archer's suspicions were confirmed....This was The Black Knight. Archer had met her only once and by complete accident. She didn't introduce herself and he only assumed her to be one of Evelyn's many contacts throughout the world. To know that this woman was the almost mythical Black Knight was incredible. Nobody had seen her in years...

:: Maxine turned to face the crowd once more. ::

"I have returned for two reasons, and two reasons alone. One, to pay my respects to Evelyn...and Two...to figure out who was behind her murder, who KNEW that her murder was being PLANNED and who remained SILENT about it...and then I plan on killing them...preferably in a PUBLIC forum.."

:: She began to once again walk towards Rebecca slowly, like a predator stalking it's prey. Their eyes locked as Max spoke, her deep alto voice with the faintest hints of a french accent filling the hall. ::

"And...if i'm being honest...there is a THIRD reason. In an effort to keep the legacy of our fallen queen preserved..I shall stay until there is a new King or Queen crowned in The Black Court...one that is to MY liking, and per an agreement that The Supreme Council made with me YEARS ago...one that they OWED me, I shall be left alone in order to assess the courts as I see fit..."

Archer watched her with a mixture of arousal and fear. She was so severe...so effective in the way she was able to shock and captivate those around her...and mostly, for the incredibly obvious way she made Rebecca's skin crawl. Something about Maxine's reappearance SHOOK the woman to her core, and this interested Archer greatly.

:: Maxine BROKE eye contact with Rebecca as she shifted her attention back to the attendees of the dinner, speaking a little louder this time. ::

"But fret not, mes amis...I do not plan on getting in the way of any of your agendas..unless your agenda has involved MURDERING The Black Queen..In FACT...If any of you are SMART ENOUGH to overthrow a court and rise to power, I applaud you...and hell, I might even draw my sword and fight beside you...To the members here who have NO aspirations of court appointment, feel free to stick around and enjoy the show...or don't, I don't really care..but know I have deactivated all security protocols within the estate and i've already proven how dispatchable some of your "defenders" can be..."

:: Bending down, Maxine stole a glass of champagne that managed to survive the wreckage of her entrance and took a long and deep sip before throwing the glass to the side. ::

"Other than that...Enjoy the next few days...Now...If you'll excuse me, your Red Queen and I are just DYING to catch up with each other in private. So unless somebody has anything else to add, which..spoiler alert..is NOT the best idea...I guess this concludes dinner!"

:: And with THAT, Maxine Dupont jumped off of the table as her boots smacked the ground with a large thud. She didn't look back as she made her way OUT of The Great Hall through the doors behind where The Courts were sitting and began to make her way to Rebecca's private chambers. These two had MUCH to discuss. ::

And with THAT, Maxine Dupont sauntered out of The Banquet Hall...effectively ENDING dinner on the spot. The crowd was shocked...and so were the courts. They now had a variable in the mix that they weren't planning on...but from Archer's point of view, it seemed that Maxine would lean on the side of The Black Court. This was of GREAT benefit to himself and Brienne. They already had a huge power player like Lord Ravena show his support, and now THE resident Bad Ass of The Hellfire Club was here, ready to seek revenge.

As Maxine exited, Ravena spoke loud enough for everyone. He addressed the Red Queen.

It appears you have a date Madame. I suggest you not tarry.

He then looked over those assembled. A feeling of dread permeated the room as his eyes reddened and his shadow cast a cold pall over the room.

As for the rest of you, this party appears concluded, and in a fashion that Evelyn would relish. Anyone who has no business to be in continued attendance has 10 minutes to leave this place. After that time, I cannot guarantee your...safety.

Archer nodded in agreement.

"Vell! Dzat vill be discussed at length in dze next few days, no?"

He shot a look to The White Princess.

"I know I shouldn't say this...but that was bloody SMASHING.."

He watched as both Bretta and Alec made their ways to attend to The Red Queen in her own way. That's when Lord Ravena moved in, acting in perfect unison to his wishes. Archer knew he needed to speak to Brienne..but he also needed the chance to see where the other courts were at. He had realized he was in ear shot of Juliette when he spoke...and he could tell Bretta would most likely be "around" a lot this evening, as the eyes and ears of The Red Queen. He needed to ensure that Juliette would at least be listening to Brienne and Archer and he wanted Lord Ravena to take care of The Red Princess for the evening, which as he watched the Lord dissappear he knew he would be taking care of things.

At that moment a note materialized in his hands, from Ravena. Archer smiled as he nodded to Brienne. Quickly, he made his way back up to his suite at The Hellfire Club. He was done with the suit and the tie for the night, and not knowing what the night would bring, he wanted something he could potentially fight in...comfortable. He had many things to think about. The result of his meeting with Brienne and The Lord tonight could potentially change the shape of The Black Court as well as the balance of power within The Inner Circle. There were important things to get done and Archer was beginning to think he knew what those things were.

 

[Seer]

The Night Goes On....

<< And so...things were beginning to get VERY interesting at The Hellfire Estate. The Prodigal Daughter of The European Hellfire Club had returned with a BANG, asserting her authority and vowing to get revenge on the people responsible for The Black Queen's death. Maxine was a fountain of information and a force to be reckoned with and she was about to show The Red Queen just how fragile ALL of their positions on The Inner Circle could potentially be. >>

<< As dinner winded down, many members of The Hellfire Club could not leave the estate fast enough, the numbers dwindling to a far more manageable number. Many of The Inner Circle members had stuck around and those brave enough to face potential battle in order to get a tidbit of gossip. >>

<< The moon hung high as members of The Black Court gathered in The Maze, ready to discuss the next move for The Black Court. It was apparent that many of the others were aware of this meeting, so there was no telling just WHO would show up to either join or oppose. Lord Ravena had seemingly taken care of Bretta, but with Alec free to roam the estate with Rebecca being tied up with Maxine, would HE be the one to FINALLY gain the favor that Bretta usually got within The Court, and was he sincere in truly wanting somebody to PASS him on the way to the crown? >>

<< The Members of The Inner Circle were about to get to the nails and tacs of the situation at hand. Alliances would form as well as rivalries..and ONE thing was clear...NOBODY could be trusted...and NOBODY was safe. >>

<< And So...We Watch! >>

 

[Crimson]

The Hellfire Estate - Banquet Hall

Rebecca watched with a restraint that surprised herself as Maxine barreled into the Banquet Hall essentially declaring war on the courts in the name of her fallen queen. Although The Black Knight may have thought her entrance to be surprising and intimidating, Rebecca had expected it, and Maxine had unknowingly reacted just in line with The Red Queen's wishes. For as smart and cunning as she believed herself to be, Maxine Dupont was just like everybody else to Rebecca, predictable and easily manipulated. While The Red Queen's face showed the slightest glimpse of fear, her thoughts were far more calm and serene as she watched Maxine pontificate.

[surveying the crowd]

"Isn't that right, Cordelia? I would say it was good to see you...but well, I'd rather peel my own face off with a potato peeler and be forced to eat the scraps than say so...but come to think of it [laughing for a moment] That is a rather macabre and horrible thing isn't it?"

:: She spun on the heel of her spiked boots as she once again made eye contact with Rebecca. ::

"In fact...continue to lie me as you are Rebecca..and I just might have to test that idea out on that timeless little face of yours."

:: Maxine turned to face the crowd once more. ::

"Oh Maxine...you would be dead before you grabbed your weapon..."

"I have returned for two reasons, and two reasons alone. One, to pay my respects to Evelyn...and Two...to figure out who was behind her murder, who KNEW that her murder was being PLANNED and who remained SILENT about it...and then I plan on killing them...preferably in a PUBLIC forum.."

:: She began to once again walk towards Rebecca slowly, like a predator stalking it's prey. Their eyes locked as Max spoke, her deep alto voice with the faintest hints of a french accent filling the hall. ::

"And...if i'm being honest...there is a THIRD reason. In an effort to keep the legacy of our fallen queen preserved..I shall stay until there is a new King or Queen crowned in The Black Court...one that is to MY liking, and per an agreement that The Supreme Council made with me YEARS ago...one that they OWED me, I shall be left alone in order to assess the courts as I see fit..."

:: Maxine BROKE eye contact with Rebecca as she shifted her attention back to the attendees of the dinner, speaking a little louder this time. ::

"But fret not, mes amis...I do not plan on getting in the way of any of your agendas..unless your agenda has involved MURDERING The Black Queen..In FACT...If any of you are SMART ENOUGH to overthrow a court and rise to power, I applaud you...and hell, I might even draw my sword and fight beside you...To the members here who have NO aspirations of court appointment, feel free to stick around and enjoy the show...or don't, I don't really care..but know I have deactivated all security protocols within the estate and i've already proven how dispatchable some of your "defenders" can be..."

Rebecca maintained her gaze with Maxine, never faltering. To show her fear would be to metaphorically abdicate her crown.

"And *I* shall prove exactly what i've known about you to be true..that you're easily domesticated and rendered USELESS without an OWNER..."

:: Bending down, Maxine stole a glass of champagne that managed to survive the wreckage of her entrance and took a long and deep sip before throwing the glass to the side. ::

"Other than that...Enjoy the next few days...Now...If you'll excuse me, your Red Queen and I are just DYING to catch up with each other in private. So unless somebody has anything else to add, which..spoiler alert..is NOT the best idea...I guess this concludes dinner!"

:: And with THAT, Maxine Dupont jumped off of the table as her boots smacked the ground with a large thud. She didn't look back as she made her way OUT of The Great Hall through the doors behind where The Courts were sitting and began to make her way to Rebecca's private chambers. These two had MUCH to discuss. ::

Rebecca stood from her chair as Alec began to fawn over her.

Maxine then went on about something but Alec was no longer paying attention. He was calculating his next step, his next MOVE. It was IMPORTANT that he go about this carefully. Finally Ravena told everyone that dinner was indeed over and then he suggested that Rebecca not tarry. Alec sprang into action.

“Here, my Queen. Let me take…THAT from you.”

He gently picked up the head from Rebecca’s lap, and with intense focus on Rebecca and NOT the disembodied head he held, he gestured to her dress. Not that he was sickened by it. When he found out whom and WHAT he was, he went on a mission to KILL every last remaining member of his birth family and family lineage. It was gruesome, but it had to happen. After that ‘little’ massacre, well, things just got interesting from there and he had been DISCREETLY killing witches ever since…as per his ‘lord’ and master.

“I’ll have someone bring up some soda water to your suite to clean up that bit of mess, if you’d like?”

Rebecca cocked an eyebrow at Alec before dismissing him entirely.

"You will do what I told you to do earlier, Alistair, and nothing more. The Black Court is appearing to be right about you. REMOVE your lips from my backside."

She shot a knowing look at Bretta before she looked at the panicked crowd.

As Maxine exited, Ravena spoke loud enough for everyone. He addressed the Red Queen.

It appears you have a date Madame. I suggest you not tarry.

He then looked over those assembled. A feeling of dread permeated the room as his eyes reddened and his shadow cast a cold pall over the room.

As for the rest of you, this party appears concluded, and in a fashion that Evelyn would relish. Anyone who has no business to be in continued attendance has 10 minutes to leave this place. After that time, I cannot guarantee your...safety.

"I am not about to lose CONTROL over our guests because Maxine Dupont has decided that she requires attention..but thank you for your concern."

Rebecca turned her attention up to the balcony seating where her Red Bishop, Daniel Reed was sitting...waiting for a cue from his queen. She nodded to him..As she did, Daniel cast out his hands as his eyes glowed a flickering green. Daniel was an incredible asset to Rebecca, a gifted Empath and Illusionist. He worked quickly casting his ability over the crowd, tempering their emotions and soothing their doubts, as they began to make their way out of The Banquet Hall and the estate itself with not so much as a TREMOR of fear. Daniel knew not to effect members of The Inner Circle and his ability was so fine-tuned that this was not an issue.

Satisfied with his display, Rebecca left out of the back of The Banquet Hall, made her way to the elevator and pressed the button for the basement levels of The Hellfire Estate; The Catacombs. This was where The Queens and Kings did their business, with their private working chambers resided. Rebecca allowed herself a moment to exhale and gain her composure, and didn't forget to apply another coat of her Crimson Lipstick, using her reflection in the titanium reinforced steel as her guide. As the doors opened, Rebecca moved with purpose.

"And now to find Grendel a Beowulf to fight..."

The Red Queen made her way down the hall, the train of her red dress slightly floating across the ground as she went. She turned the handle to her chambers as her red nails wrapped around the door. She opened the door to see Maxine sitting in the giant red chair that sat beside her desk, smoking a cigarette.

"And people accuse ME of being rehearsed and over the top. Welcome home, Maxine."

Rebecca walked over to Maxine, promptly GRABBED the cigarette from her hand and THREW it in the the roar of the fireplace that was burning, casting a soft glow on what was about to be an intense altercation.

"Smoking kills...and so do I for that matter..."

For the moment, The Red Queen allowed Maxine to sit in her seat as she took a spot in the fainting couch by the fire.

"I knew Evelyn's death would bring you out of isolation...I merely hoped to intercept you before you made a display like that."

A lie. Maxine had reacted EXACTLY how Rebecca had wanted...but Maxine didn't need to know that yet.

"So are we really actually going to have a conversation like adults do, or would you like to have another temper tantrum, because if so..I'm going to need three fingers of scotch and a tranquilizer pill."

She waited for The Black Knight to speak.

 

[Domino]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Queen's Chambers

Rebecca: "And people accuse ME of being rehearsed and over the top. Welcome home, Maxine."

:: The Black Knight barely regarded the arrival of The Red Queen as she SLINKED down into the chair, propping her legs over one of the arm rests as she tilted her head back, taking a drag from her freshly lit cigarette. ::

"Nobody thinks you are rehearsed, Rebecca...they just think you are a cunt. And they're right..."

:: She laughed as The Red Queen's eyes widened at her words. Maxine laughed for a moment. ::

"Hah! I can drop a severed head in your lap and that's all well and good, but my profanity you have a problem with? I forget how often you beleive yourself to be in some kind of epic british history drama.."

Rebecca walked over to Maxine, promptly GRABBED the cigarette from her hand and THREW it in the the roar of the fireplace that was burning, casting a soft glow on what was about to be an intense altercation.

"Smoking kills...and so do I for that matter..."

For the moment, The Red Queen allowed Maxine to sit in her seat as she took a spot in the fainting couch by the fire.

"I knew Evelyn's death would bring you out of isolation...I merely hoped to intercept you before you made a display like that."

"On the contrary, Rebecca...I think you wanted to show the courts what a big bad monster I can be...I just haven't figured out why yet."

Rebecca: "So are we really actually going to have a conversation like adults do, or would you like to have another temper tantrum, because if so..I'm going to need three fingers of scotch and a tranquilizer pill."

:: Maxine smiled with a haunting curiosity at Rebecca's sudden burst of confidence. She stood from her chair and made her way over to the bar to the left of the fireplace as she quickly prepared the drink Rebecca had requested and sauntered over to the woman until she was standing right in front of her, drink in hand. ::

:: She kneeled down until her bright pale blue eyes were met with the Queen's wild and alive brown. For a second there were no words exchanged between the women, that is until Maxine, in one swift movement, took the drink in her hand and HURLED it's contents into the Queen's face before slinking down in the chair across from Rebecca. ::

"Let's not overestimate our worth or ability here, Rebecca..."

[lighting another cigarette out of spite]

"You are NOT my superior...or my EQUAL. The only reason I am not DEVOURING you like a LION does a GAZELLE is because you managed to pique my interest by sacrificing two guards to ensure that I would make an entrance not to be forgotten...which..."

[exhaling smoke]

"I would have done regardless. You are attempting to work an angle, and before I kill you..I'd like to know what exactly your angle is..."

:: Maxine rose to her feet once more and meandered back to the bar, promptly fixing herself a drink, before leaning against the wall next to the fire place. She stared at Rebecca, hoping that by showing the queen that she would not entertain her fake confidence and newly inflated ego would lead to Rebecca finally leveling with The Black Knight. ::

"Who knows? You might end up saying something that causes me to WANT to spare your life. I told you that I came here to assess the courts as I see fit, and I guess I should tell you why shouldn't I? Not that you DESERVE it..."

:: She spoke with disdain at the end of her sentences. The Black Knight placed her drink on the mantle as she made her way back to the chair adjacent to Rebecca and took a seat. ::

"I've spent the last year or so in the states, watching the political climate...checking in on our American counterparts...and I will tell you one thing...The SIX may have been successful in dismantling my creators (MysTech)..but the American Branch of The Hellfire Club is alive and more renewed than ever...."

[leaning back in her chair]

"There's a power shift occuring within their courts...one that could stand to restore them to the power they once wielded when the Doctors of MysTech were at the reigns. The last time that happened...they rendered our courts inert. They creeped up on our soil and they interferred with our affairs...they made our titles merely points of vanity and we've barely recovered. Should this shift happen while our courts remain in unrest, we may as well all but relinquish our club over to them, serve NEW Kings & Queens, and keep our tails between our legs...."

:: Maxine crossed her left leg over her lap as she leaned back in her chair, surveying Rebecca's face. ::

"It would be easy to look at me and wonder why I care what happens to ANY of you. For most of my life, I've wanted nothing more than to press a few buttons on my computer and ruin each and every one of your lives. But many think my anger is directed at The Hellfire Club; it is not. It's directed at the people who have RUN this Club over the years. I see the true benefit of The Hellfire Club as a political ASSET. Unfortunately, for many years here in Europe..you have turned this club into a SOCIAL club..using your status in the club for the shortsighted...You've been making reservations at RESTAURANTS instead of making PLANS to MOVE us forward...to increase our visibility in government matters and matters of intelligence...and what's worse..SEVERAL of you have had a hand in MURDERING the only woman who lived at this estate who had ANY ideas for the future outside of what theme of the annual gala should be that year..."

:: She stood once more, making her way back over to the mantle of the fireplace, grabbing her drink and taking a sip of the now somewhat warm scotch. Her nose crinkled as she threw the contents of the drink into the fire, this time opting for an entire BOTTLE of vodka. Cracking the top on the bottle, she took a long swig, before wiping her mouth on the sleeve of her leather jacket. ::

"So it looks, Rebecca...that either way, whether I murder you in the name of The Black Queen, or The American Branch comes to town and throws you out of power faster than you can say 'bloody hell'...it appears that your days as The Red Queen could be numbered...BUT..."

:: Maxine began to walk towards Rebecca, her spiked boots clicking against the hardwoor floor as she went. ::

"You aren't a DUMB woman...In fact, you've managed to survive SEVERAL power shifts within the club over the years..and while you may not have EVER been her favorite...Evelyn did trust you to a certain extent...."

:: Taking another Swig ::

"I'm going to ask you SEVERAL questions, and your answers will require honesty...or at least they will if you want to WALK out of this room alive. I want to know....did you kill Evelyn Pierce...and if not, who do you believe to be behind the murder? Furthermore...I know you are already assessing The Courts in order to assess the best fit for the ruler of The Black Court...I'd like to know who that is...and WHY."

:: Once more she was seated, her up and down nature indicative of her inability to stay in one place for very long. ::

"The time for small talk is over, Red Queen. You want to talk BUSINESS with me?! This is your only opportunity..."

 

[Avalanche]

The Hellfire Estate - Preparing....

Archer had finished changing into a comfortable shirt and a pair of form fitting jeans. He sat at the seat of his desk, eyeing the many bottles of liquor and other paraphenelia that adorned his table. In the far right corner of the desk were two pictures; one of his adopted father Michael Fairchild and the other of The Black Queen herself, Evelyn Pierce. In a sick and cryptic way, these were essentially his family.

His parents had barely acknowledged his existence which was par for the course for the neighborhood in which he grew up. They had been too shortsighted to see the potential that Archer had. For as big of a monster that Michael Fairchild was, he had taken Archer under his wing and took care of him. It may have been only to benefit his growing empire in the beginning, but over time...Michael grew to love Archer as a son, eventually adopting him as such and giving him the keys to an empire that Archer had turned into something that not even Michael could have imagined. Archer Fairchild was the leader of a crime empire..an empire that had their hands in nearly every facet of illegal trade; nuclear weapons, blueprints, drugs, diamonds, technology. His reputation was legendary as a seemingly natural born killer, the man who had lost his father and sought revenge in the most brutal of ways. Many accused him of still trying to impress his dead father...and to a small degree they were right. There was not a second of the day where Archer didn't wonder whether or not he would be making Michael proud..but Michael had given him a LIFE...and that gift was not wasted on Archer.

When he looked at Evelyn, a tinge of what he decided was sorrow...a feeling he quickly pushed down inside him and trapped in the same place he trapped the rest of his emotions. Evelyn was a force of nature. She had ruled the courts in a way that nobody else did. She had picked her court to perfection and she had won their undying loyalty...Maxine Dupont was evidence of that. Each member of her court had a deep and personal relationship with Evelyn and she ensured their safety while growing her own wealth and power. When Evelyn was Queen..there was simply nothing to worry about.

<< FLASH! >>

Evelyn and Archer sit in The Hellfire Estate, in the library sharing a cocktail.

Evelyn: "I'm beginning to worry about things around here, Archer...there are whispers of an uprising."

Archer: "Well...whatever it is, we'll get through it, My Queen. We always have, haven't we?"

Evelyn smiled at Archer and placed her hand over his.

Evelyn: "You are always so sure of me, Archer. Always ready to defend your Queen..which is good, because I fear I will be the first target of this coupe...I've "seen" it several times in my dreams."

Archer: "My Queen! We need to be proactive! Who did you see in your dreams? Who wants to kill you?!"

Evelyn: "Archer...some things we simply cannot prevent...just know, that if anything SHOULD happen to me...our COURT is strong enough to survive it..I've designed my court to ensure that..and when it comes to The ROOK in the game of chess...it is CLEAR that novices to the game often underestimate the Rook...they sacrifice him early on..but if he is used correctly..he becomes a FORCE to be reckoned with in the game, and towards the end...he only becomes STRONGER. He mates the King in the endgame, and he protects the advancing pawns early on. The Rook is a power player...Remember this Archer...in the days to come...when the court may need you..."

Archer: "Evelyn..I don't want a Court where you aren't Queen.."

Evelyn: "Quiet now, my Rook! There will be plenty of time to hatch a plan..For now, sit and drink with me."

Evelyn knew that somebody was coming after her, but what had unsettled him was how resolved she seemed to be about everything. The Black Queen was a big picture kind of woman and it seemed odd that she didn't seem worried about what would be her impending MURDER..but Archer didn't like to question her, and now he couldn't ask her..so he simply would follow her advice. He would remain strong during this time and he would ensure the survival of The Black Court.

Archer stood from his desk as he walked back over to his window, looking down at the front of the estate. He watched as many made their way away from the Hellfire Estate and back to their lives. His attention was taken from these faceless shapes as he made out the shape of Brienne Shaw being ushered quite aggressively into a black stretch town car. She seemed to be taken against her will. Several seconds later, he watched as Cordelia Shaw made her way into the car as well before it zoomed off into the night sky. He shook his head with dissapproval.

"The old bitch won't even let her fight her own battles anymore...Pity..."

Looking down at his watch, Archer realized that the time had come to meet with Lord Ravena. He wasn't counting on this being a solo meeting. He really needed to know where Brienne's head was at, but it appeared that it would be CORDELIA pulling whatever political strings she had in the club in order to get her daughter the position she wanted. This did not sit well with Archer.

He wandered through the sprawling and expansive estate, passing people who still offered condolences as he made his way to the maze, walking in and around several times before resting on one of the many gothic stone benches that resided on the path. He waited for Ravena.

 

[Lord Ravena]

He wandered through the sprawling and expansive estate, passing people who still offered condolences as he made his way to the maze, walking in and around several times before resting on one of the many gothic stone benches that resided on the path. He waited for Ravena.

His wait was not very long as Ravena emerged from the shadows, his hands clasped behind his back as he began to slowly pace in front of Archer. He stopped and looked, then smelled the air.

So, our Princess is absent? A pity. Given her familial associations, I can easily see why, though I find it irritating. That means that we know already who will be the next Black Queen. They key now is...

Lord Ravena leaned in very close to Archer as he said the next words. They were barely above a hissing whisper.

Are you prepared to be a strong King? What are you willing to do to stop a Cordelia Shaw puppet regime?

He stood to his full height and took a step back. This was clearly his test, and he was looking to see if Archer wanted it as much as he would need to in order to control the court.

 

[Juliette De Lacroix]

DuPont was a wildcard, a free agent that Juliette had not accounted for. She wondered if the Black Knight was interested in being crowned. She seemed a bit extreme for the position, but then Brienne was a bit young for it. From what Juliette understood, the Black Knight had a lot of pull with the Supreme Council, which meant that just because Brienne's grandmother was on the council, didn't mean she was guaranteed the promotion now that Maxine was throwing her weight around again.

The Red Rook removed the head from his Queen's lap, placing it on a waiter's tray, prompting an amused smile from Juliette. She came from a time when heads really WERE served on silver platters.

Alec: I’ll have someone bring up some soda water to your suite to clean up that bit of mess, if you’d like?

Rebecca: You will do what I told you to do earlier, Alistair, and nothing more. The Black Court is appearing to be right about you. REMOVE your lips from my backside.

Well now, THAT was rude..... but useful! Juliette glided over to Alec as the Queen abandoned him. She straightened his bow tie 'lovingly' before linking her arm with his and guiding him through the hall.

"Vell dzat vas uncalled for, vas it not? She underestimates and underappreciates you, cherie. Be not enraged...... dze day vill come vhen she sees dze error of 'er vays. (Tossing her hair back and gathering the front of her gown slightly with her free hand) I vish to take a valk. Vould you be so kind as to escort me trough dze gardens? Ve 'ave much to discuss."

She wouldn't take no for an answer. They left the motorcycle on the table and didn't look back. Juliette's guards emerged from the darkness and followed her like twin tuxedoed shadows, all in white. Juliette didn't say another word until they were outside the castle.

"Change is inevitable, Alec. I 'ave vatched dze vorld change for over two 'undred years. Rulers rise and fall quickly and vitout varning. Dze deat of dze Black Queen 'as shaken dze entire 'ellfire Club. Evelyn vas easily dze best of dze Queens, and vitout 'er, ve must take aggressive action to ensure dze longevity of our organization. Dze Red Queen is vain and shortsighted. Dze White Queen is veak and unstable. It is time for a new Regime."

She talked quietly as she walked, keeping her senses tuned to avoid any eavesdroppers, and to hone in on Archer's meeting. Ah, there they are. She could hear the low rumble of Lord Ravena's baritone. She knew all to well that she could not hide her presence from him, so she did not try. Instead, she strolled right into view, with Alec still on her arm.

Lord Ravena: So, our Princess is absent? A pity. Given her familial associations, I can easily see why, though I find it irritating. That means that we know already who will be the next Black Queen. They key now is...... Are you prepared to be a strong King? What are you willing to do to stop a Cordelia Shaw puppet regime?

"Vell vould you LOOK at dzat! Ve 'ave 'appened upon friends!"

She said theatrically, as her and Alec slowed to a halt. She didn't waste any time.

"Rav, you know, dzat is not dze only question ve should be asking ourselves. Vhat are ve villing to do to stop dze 'ellfire Club from becoming anemic and dismembered?"

 

[Duke]

Hellfire Estate - Banquet Hall

”You will do what I told you to do earlier, Alastair, and nothing more. The Black Court is appearing to be right about you. REMOVE your lips from my backside.”

Even when he was being sincere, she still treated him like shit. What was worse was that she would’ve chewed him out if he DIDN’T help her. He just couldn’t win and he was reaching his limit. He wished he still had that head; he would’ve thrown it right at the back of her head.

Keep going like this, BITCH, and we’ll see how many allies you will still have. One day soon even Bretta will come to know the true you.

He actually WAS planning on doing some kitchen duty but not now, not after the way she had treated him. He didn’t have time to do anything else, though, as Juliette came up to him and fixed his bow tie before she linked arms and guided him through the Hall.

"Vell dzat vas uncalled for, vas it not? She underestimates and underappreciates you, cherie. Be not enraged...... dze day vill come vhen she sees dze error of 'er vays.

*bitterly*: “You got THAT right…”

I vish to take a valk. Vould you be so kind as to escort me trough dze gardens? Ve 'ave much to discuss."

Alec smiled at The White Princess.

“How could I say no to that request? The old bitch can go fuck herself.”

They continued on through the Hall, leaving the motorcycle where it was. The staff would somehow deal with it but Alec couldn’t care less of what happened to the vehicle. He could only hope that Maxine was right now killing Rebecca in a slow, torturous, manner. That would be nice. Juliette didn’t speak until they were outside of the castle.

"Change is inevitable, Alec. I 'ave vatched dze vorld change for over two 'undred years. Rulers rise and fall quickly and vitout varning. Dze deat of dze Black Queen 'as shaken dze entire 'ellfire Club. Evelyn vas easily dze best of dze Queens, and vitout 'er, ve must take aggressive action to ensure dze longevity of our organization. Dze Red Queen is vain and shortsighted. Dze White Queen is veak and unstable. It is time for a new Regime."

*quietly*: “Oh I hear you, and I’m with you on THAT sentiment.”

They just ‘happened’ upon both Archer and Lord Ravena and strolled right into view. Alec took out a pack of cigarettes, chose one, placed the pack back in his suit pocket and lit up using a lighter he had in his pants pocket.

So, our Princess is absent? A pity. Given her familial associations, I can easily see why, though I find it irritating. That means that we know already who will be the next Black Queen. They key now is...... Are you prepared to be a strong King? What are you willing to do to stop a Cordelia Shaw puppet regime?

Hmmm. The Black PRINCESS is absent NOW? How interesting…

"Vell vould you LOOK at dzat! Ve 'ave 'appened upon friends!"

Alec looked at Juliette with a look of mock surprise.

“Well so we have!”

"Rav, you know, dzat is not dze only question ve should be asking ourselves. Vhat are ve villing to do to stop dze 'ellfire Club from becoming anemic and dismembered?"

Alec shrugged. He didn’t care what people thought about him.

“Personally, I think whoever killed Evelyn killed the WRONG Queen. Speaking of which, have you NOTICED that out of all the Kings and Queens on The Court only ONE representative has been in attendance here tonight?”

 

[Crimson]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Queen's Chambers

:: Maxine smiled with a haunting curiosity at Rebecca's sudden burst of confidence. She stood from her chair and made her way over to the bar to the left of the fireplace as she quickly prepared the drink Rebecca had requested and sauntered over to the woman until she was standing right in front of her, drink in hand. ::

:: She kneeled down until her bright pale blue eyes were met with the Queen's wild and alive brown. For a second there were no words exchanged between the women, that is until Maxine, in one swift movement, took the drink in her hand and HURLED it's contents into the Queen's face before slinking down in the chair across from Rebecca. ::

"Let's not overestimate our worth or ability here, Rebecca..."

[lighting another cigarette out of spite]

"You are NOT my superior...or my EQUAL. The only reason I am not DEVOURING you like a LION does a GAZELLE is because you managed to pique my interest by sacrificing two guards to ensure that I would make an entrance not to be forgotten...which..."

[exhaling smoke]

"I would have done regardless. You are attempting to work an angle, and before I kill you..I'd like to know what exactly your angle is..."

As the remnants of scotch dripped off of her face, Rebecca clenched her fists as a halo of bright red and crackling energy appeared over both of her hands. She fought back the urge to blast The Black Knight into oblivion..but for now she simply grabbed a bright red cloth from the table next to her and wiped her face.

"This insufferable bitch will get hers in good time...Remain calm, Rebecca..."

:: Maxine rose to her feet once more and meandered back to the bar, promptly fixing herself a drink, before leaning against the wall next to the fire place. She stared at Rebecca, hoping that by showing the queen that she would not entertain her fake confidence and newly inflated ego would lead to Rebecca finally leveling with The Black Knight. ::

"Who knows? You might end up saying something that causes me to WANT to spare your life. I told you that I came here to assess the courts as I see fit, and I guess I should tell you why shouldn't I? Not that you DESERVE it..."

:: She spoke with disdain at the end of her sentences. The Black Knight placed her drink on the mantle as she made her way back to the chair adjacent to Rebecca and took a seat. ::

Rebecca decided that one good turn deserved another and as Domino sat there, pontificating on the many things she had seen overseas in the states, The Red Queen took a moment to pull out her compact and fix any damage that scotch had done to her face. The damage was minimal at best.

"I've spent the last year or so in the states, watching the political climate...checking in on our American counterparts...and I will tell you one thing...The SIX may have been successful in dismantling my creators (MysTech)..but the American Branch of The Hellfire Club is alive and more renewed than ever...."

[leaning back in her chair]

"There's a power shift occuring within their courts...one that could stand to restore them to the power they once wielded when the Doctors of MysTech were at the reigns. The last time that happened...they rendered our courts inert. They creeped up on our soil and they interferred with our affairs...they made our titles merely points of vanity and we've barely recovered. Should this shift happen while our courts remain in unrest, we may as well all but relinquish our club over to them, serve NEW Kings & Queens, and keep our tails between our legs...."

:: Maxine crossed her left leg over her lap as she leaned back in her chair, surveying Rebecca's face. ::

"It would be easy to look at me and wonder why I care what happens to ANY of you. For most of my life, I've wanted nothing more than to press a few buttons on my computer and ruin each and every one of your lives. But many think my anger is directed at The Hellfire Club; it is not. It's directed at the people who have RUN this Club over the years. I see the true benefit of The Hellfire Club as a political ASSET. Unfortunately, for many years here in Europe..you have turned this club into a SOCIAL club..using your status in the club for the shortsighted...You've been making reservations at RESTAURANTS instead of making PLANS to MOVE us forward...to increase our visibility in government matters and matters of intelligence...and what's worse..SEVERAL of you have had a hand in MURDERING the only woman who lived at this estate who had ANY ideas for the future outside of what theme of the annual gala should be that year..."

Rebecca's face showed no emotions as Maxine spoke. The truth was, there had been stirs for quite some time that the remaining members of The American Branch were positioning themselves for power once again..Evelyn wasn't the only person with connections in the states. The Red Queen knew that Diana and Helena were alive and well...she had only hoped that the two would spend the rest of their lives licking their wounds from The Six.

[on the remark on the gala]

"Ah yes...Heaven and Hell '96 was a memorable gala indeed..."

A smile flickered over Rebecca's face as Maxine seemed to be winding down her uncharacteristically long winded speech.

:: She stood once more, making her way back over to the mantle of the fireplace, grabbing her drink and taking a sip of the now somewhat warm scotch. Her nose crinkled as she threw the contents of the drink into the fire, this time opting for an entire BOTTLE of vodka. Cracking the top on the bottle, she took a long swig, before wiping her mouth on the sleeve of her leather jacket. ::

"So it looks, Rebecca...that either way, whether I murder you in the name of The Black Queen, or The American Branch comes to town and throws you out of power faster than you can say 'bloody hell'...it appears that your days as The Red Queen could be numbered...BUT..."

:: Maxine began to walk towards Rebecca, her spiked boots clicking against the hardwoor floor as she went. ::

"You aren't a DUMB woman...In fact, you've managed to survive SEVERAL power shifts within the club over the years..and while you may not have EVER been her favorite...Evelyn did trust you to a certain extent...."

:: Taking another Swig ::

"I'm going to ask you SEVERAL questions, and your answers will require honesty...or at least they will if you want to WALK out of this room alive. I want to know....did you kill Evelyn Pierce...and if not, who do you believe to be behind the murder? Furthermore...I know you are already assessing The Courts in order to assess the best fit for the ruler of The Black Court...I'd like to know who that is...and WHY."

:: Once more she was seated, her up and down nature indicative of her inability to stay in one place for very long. ::

"The time for small talk is over, Red Queen. You want to talk BUSINESS with me?! This is your only opportunity..."

Rebecca stared at Maxine for a moment with an eery calm before she stood.

"I'm glad we've reached the point in our relationship where we are able to have a conversation like this..but there is something that you have seemed to forgotten during your time away from the estate..."

A glimmer sparkled in The Red Queen's eyes as a CRACK could be heard within the air. As Maxine looked down she would see herself IMPALED by a long dagger like construct composed to The Red Queen's Crimson Shroud Like Energy, as it extended from the Red Queen's right hand. The Crimson Shroud Energy was INCREDIBLY destructive...it fed off the LIFE FORCE of things, and consumed them completely. Maxine would feel an INCREDIBLE amount of pain shoot through her body, even despite the superhuman level of durability and invulnerability she had. Rebecca's face was illuminated against the haunting red glow of her own energy. She spoke with a far harsher yet composed tone.

"YOU....Maxine are NOT the only woman around here who has a CHIP on her SHOULDER or a vendetta to COMPLETE...And for ALL intents and purposes..while you are at this ESTATE...I WILL be treated with RESPECT and addressed by my title of QUEEN...if for no other reason than for the fact that YOURS is DEAD and the other has run SCARED..."

Rebecca FLEXED her power as she dug her energy construct DEEPER into Maxine's stomach. She knew that Maxine could handle an incredible amount of pain...she had seen what the girl had been put through as a child.

"If I were the one to have killed Evelyn Pierce...rest ASSURED that there would have been no BODY to have been FOUND...*YOU* may need to assert your dominace by grandstanding on tables with your MOHAWK and your PIERCINGS... I prefer OTHER ways...but I will NOT be marginalized by some CHILD SERVANT who's ONLY use has EVER been to SERVE under a ruler...because like it or NOT...when it comes to The Red COURT?! I...am the QUEEN."

And then just as quickly as the RAGE had welled up inside of her...it was gone. She had retracted her energy construct from Maxine's stomach as her energy signature dissapated in the air. She took a seat across from Maxine once more as she watched The Black Knight cough for a few moments.

"Do NOT attempt to retaliate for now, Maxine. Despite your incredibly durability, you will be weakened for several minutes...and should you ever attempt to truly kill me..I would like to say that I went up against The Black Knight at her full force..."

She crossed her legs and straightened out her gown before continuing.

[flatly] "I did not kill Evelyn Pierce...and as for who I think DID? Well we need only to look at our courts. The leaders of The White Court were not in attendance as I am sure you are aware...and with good reason. The girl who you THREW the head to? Juliette De La Creaux...we have had our eyes on her for quite some time...there is word of an uprising...and many have heard that The White Princess is at the center. She is a cunning and brilliant woman...well spoken, and well liked. She can get people to listen to her....which is WHY when I gave words to the guards to not let you in, I KNEW you would arrive as if you were ascending the barrier from HELL...I wanted to SCARE her..."

Rebecca then GRABBED the bottle of vodka that Maxine had been swigging and took a long drink herself before setting it on the table next to her.

"If there is ANYBODY here capable of staging a precise plan to KILL The Black Queen and not get any blood on her hands, it's Juliette. She couldn't take anybody out in her OWN court first...she'd be the prime suspect, and The White Court would have already had her killed if only to be PROACTIVE...what SCARES me is to know that she isn't working ALONE..."

The Red Queen leaned in.

"All of this news might be pleasing to your ears, Maxine...but it SHOULDN'T..Juliette may have YEARS of experience under her belt, but the others? This younger blood that has been infused into the club over the last ten years?! They don't have the sight to see the bigger picture. They don't have the connections they THINK they do and if given the chance to RUN things...we will see this place burnt to the GROUND...and everything that we've done...everything that YOU'VE been through...will have been for nothing..You may sit here and ACCUSE me of being stagnant, but you are WRONG..in the days leading up to Evelyn's death, we saw unity amongst the queens...we were working TOGETHER. We saw what holding the hands of our members had done...and we were attempting to fix it...why do you think Evelyn SENT you to the states to begin with...we had heard the rumblings of the American Branch... we had WATCHED the fallout that the world experienced when that MERCENARY Bishop tried to ruin it for ALL of us...the second word got back to us that The Six had made a TRUCE with The Queens of The Hellfire Court...we began to worry...So Evelyn enlisted her KNIGHT and I enlisted my own members and we began to formulate a plan for our FUTURE..."

Rebecca stood from her chair as she walked over to the bar and grabbed two glasses, plopping several ice cubes into each glass before bringing them back to where The Red Queen and The Black Knight were sitting before pouring the vodka into two separate glasses.

"The way you arrived has also served another purpose. You scared Cordelia Shaw enough to have her grandaughter, The Black Princess REMOVED the estate...she isn't out of the running for The Black Queen, but for now...the threat of Juliette securing a magick user against the courts has been somewhat removed...leaving only Lord Ravena...and both of us know that his interests do NOT lie within The European Hellire Club...he is here only to ensure the legacy of Evelyn Pierce carries on. He will champion FOR The Black Court...and as long those responsible for her death are avenged, he wll leave well enough alone...."

The Red Queen handed Maxine a glass...

"I am all for change among the courts, Maxine...but I am looking for the RIGHT kind of change. I fear for The White Queen's life..and if she is to die, we both know that Liam's ego will balloon to heights that would rival even my own. He is NOT equipped to move with the times...as we've unfortunately we've seen with any MAN who rules a court. He will use the club as his personal bedlam, and he will run any momentum we make into the ground. If The Sisterhood arrives, they will NOT respect him...nor will they respect the impestuous youth that wishes to take over...they will be looking for a woman who has EXPERIENCE on her side...a WOMAN who has seen this court through the last TWENTY YEARS and NEVER been caught off guard...if you want to ensure the survival of The European Hellfire Club as a political asset....for as much as you HATE me...you're going to need me..."

Rebecca slinked back in her chair as she took a slow sip of her vodka, her lipstick not so much as making an impression of the glass as she sat it back down on the table.

 

[Discord]

From The Shadows...

:: Daniel Reed was not a man of many words around The European Hellfire Club. Sure there were plenty of whispers as to how an American managed to grab a seat on The Red Court, but the reasons behind it belonged to him and Rebecca Everhart alone. He did what was asked of him out of respect for his Queen and his understanding of the way things worked on the courts. For several weeks, after returning from New York City on business, he had maintained residence at The Hellfire Estate, helping Rebecca make preparations for the wake as well as informing her of the things he had seen during his stay. ::

:: The Red Bishop was a Venture Capitalist, and a very good one at that. Though he like any other investor had experienced set backs, his succcesses had brought him an immense amount of wealth and stake in some of the most profitable businesses in the world. He was a big deal in Europe and was slowly making his presence known in the states, most recently for his acquisition of a piece of land in France that was holding back construction on The Parisian Parthenon, much to the chagrin of Cameron King and Ava Cassadine. When his meetings were cancelled due to a 'family emergency', Daniel decided that it would be best for him to stay in New York for awhile and enjoy himself, taking up residence at The American Branch of The Hellfire Club. But that was months ago. Now he was back in the countryside of London and he was busy with Court Matters. ::

:: The Black Queen had been murdered and everybody was up in arms. Some were planning revolutions, others were simply trying to keep their heads above water. Daniel was doing niether. He was simply waiting for an opportunity to show his worth and prove his reliability to The Supreme Council. Unless these would be revolutionaries were planning on murdering the entire Supreme Council, they would STILL need approval before rising to the ranks they so desperately wanted. Still, as a businessman Daniel understood the need to take a risk, that was the nature of his business...but Daniel always assessed risks before taking them, and he made sure that the risk was worth the benefit. He had simply decided to go in a different route than the others. ::

"And there is our rag tag bunch of brits now..."

:: Daniel stood in the wilderness above the maze as he looked down upon them. His omega level mutant status and INCREDIBLE control and finesse of his illusory and empathic abilities made him nearly indetectable. For now he was to watch and report back. Rebecca had been growing wary of Bretta and Alec for quite some time and although it was Bretta's job to watch the others in the court, it was HIS job to watch The RED Court. Should any of Rebecca's would be followers show signs of defecting, his job was to kill them and report back. His reward was the promise of his own court and that was something he wanted desperately. Rebecca had been priming him for it since his ascencion to Bishop status. While others were not trusting her intentions, he would continue to trust The Red Queen until she proved she was untrustworthy. His abilities as well as his relations with the American Court made him a powerful candidate for The Black Court and he wasn't about to let it fall to the wayside because of a woman in white. For now, he remained silent in the distance, waiting for the Queen's suspicions about the courts to be confirmed. ::

 

[Avalanche]

The Hellfire Estate - The Maze

His wait was not very long as Ravena emerged from the shadows, his hands clasped behind his back as he began to slowly pace in front of Archer. He stopped and looked, then smelled the air.

So, our Princess is absent? A pity. Given her familial associations, I can easily see why, though I find it irritating. That means that we know already who will be the next Black Queen. They key now is...

Lord Ravena leaned in very close to Archer as he said the next words. They were barely above a hissing whisper.

Are you prepared to be a strong King? What are you willing to do to stop a Cordelia Shaw puppet regime?

He stood to his full height and took a step back. This was clearly his test, and he was looking to see if Archer wanted it as much as he would need to in order to control the court.

Archer was about to speak when the sounds of Juliette's parisian voice filled the air around them.

"Vell vould you LOOK at dzat! Ve 'ave 'appened upon friends!"

She said theatrically, as her and Alec slowed to a halt. She didn't waste any time.

"Rav, you know, dzat is not dze only question ve should be asking ourselves. Vhat are ve villing to do to stop dze 'ellfire Club from becoming anemic and dismembered?"

The Red Rook spoke up as well.

Alec shrugged. He didn’t care what people thought about him.

“Personally, I think whoever killed Evelyn killed the WRONG Queen. Speaking of which, have you NOTICED that out of all the Kings and Queens on The Court only ONE representative has been in attendance here tonight?”

Archer flung his hands in the air.

"You are all speaking as if the battle is already won. I would love a chance to rule the court, but it's not as easy as MURDERING everybody who gets in our way. I agree...the Courts have gone soft. We haven't done anything worth writing home about in quite some time..."

He stood from the bench he was sitting on as he continued.

"But that doesn't changed the fact that somebody MURDERED Evelyn. Somebody who had a plan in place and before I make ANY move...I am NOT about to jump in bed with her murderers.."

[turning to Juliette]

"The Inner Circle's reign doesn't END at their deaths. They all have connections...years of accumulated ALLIANCES with people. Whoever wants to start a revolution? Well they are willing to start war with the entire mutant/mystic/other population of Western Europe. Forgive me for sounding FAR more concerned than I usually care to be..but this isn't as simple as BANG BANG BANG and putting on a crown..."

[looking to Alec]

"The Red Rook is right...we all know The White Court ISN'T looking for Evelyn's killer..."

Archer turned back to Juliette and Lord Ravena.

"What is going on with The White Court...why aren't they HERE...and DID they have anything to do with Evelyn's death?"

 

[Juliette De Lacroix]

Alec: Personally, I think whoever killed Evelyn killed the WRONG Queen.

"Dzey keeled dze STRONG Queen."

Alec: Speaking of which, have you NOTICED that out of all the Kings and Queens on The Court only ONE representative has been in attendance here tonight?

"MY toast at least vas sincere: she vas dze voman dzat kept us to-ge-dzer. Now dzat she is gone, dzere is a clear divide. Ve are no longer a club; ve 'ave become a collection of Courts. YOU (Alec) are concerned vit dze Red Court, YOU (Archer and Lord Ravena) are concerned vit dze Black Court. I am concerned vit dze organization and dze future."

Archer: You are all speaking as if the battle is already won. I would love a chance to rule the court, but it's not as easy as MURDERING everybody who gets in our way. I agree...the Courts have gone soft. We haven't done anything worth writing home about in quite some time...

"Fortune favors dze bold, darling. If ve do not take action, ve vill be subject to dze vill of dzose dzat DO take action. Dzat is just dze law of dze jungle."

Archer: But that doesn't changed the fact that somebody MURDERED Evelyn. Somebody who had a plan in place and before I make ANY move...I am NOT about to jump in bed with her murderers... The Inner Circle's reign doesn't END at their deaths.

"Tell dzat to King Louis."

She quipped, though she knew the boys probably wouldn't know the monarch of her human years. They might remember Napoleon from history class, but as it is told now, Napoleon is the hero of the story. Yet that was precisely her point.

Archer: They all have connections...years of accumulated ALLIANCES with people. Whoever wants to start a revolution? Well they are willing to start war with the entire mutant/mystic/other population of Western Europe. Forgive me for sounding FAR more concerned than I usually care to be..but this isn't as simple as BANG BANG BANG and putting on a crown...

"You show me dzeir allies, I vill show YOU dzeir enemies. I VILL go to var if I must. But dzis is not my first revolution, you see. I know from experience dzat once dze bodies start 'itting dze floor, allegiances vill shift like so many avalanches."

Archer: The Red Rook is right...we all know The White Court ISN'T looking for Evelyn's killer... What is going on with The White Court...why aren't they HERE...and DID they have anything to do with Evelyn's death?

"I 'ave my suspicions, but speculation proves little. Dze White Queen does not trust dze Red. Dze White Knight and Bishop vill not make any appearances vitout dze one dzat keeps dzem in power. Dze King lost a true friend and really DOES vant to find 'er murderer, but dzat requires 'im to keep an eye on 'is Queen and 'er lackeys, a task dzat requires dze assistance of dze Rook. Now riddle me dzis........ vhere does dze Black Knight stand in all of dzis, aside from atop dze table?"

 

[Lord Ravena]

Intelligent. Calculating. Evelyn was right about Archer. After Juliette dropped the charade and decided that sneaking was not going to work, he gave a brilliant assessment of what he DID know and what that might get them. He gave a pointed question to Juliette who gave a damned honest answer. But there were too many ears. FAR too many.

Ukudukisa

A potent Zulu Shaman spell, only the 4 speaking now would receive what was said. Anyone else would hear them bicker and accuse, would see Juliette fail at playing the room, would come away finding this group falling apart instead of coming together. But in truth...

Archer: The Red Rook is right...we all know The White Court ISN'T looking for Evelyn's killer... What is going on with The White Court...why aren't they HERE...and DID they have anything to do with Evelyn's death?

"I 'ave my suspicions, but speculation proves little. Dze White Queen does not trust dze Red. Dze White Knight and Bishop vill not make any appearances vitout dze one dzat keeps dzem in power. Dze King lost a true friend and really DOES vant to find 'er murderer, but dzat requires 'im to keep an eye on 'is Queen and 'er lackeys, a task dzat requires dze assistance of dze Rook. Now riddle me dzis........ vhere does dze Black Knight stand in all of dzis, aside from atop dze table?"

The Black Knight has her own mind, and keeps generally her own counsel. In the end, her largest issue will likely be the destruction of whoever killed Evelyn. And to make sure that the Courts are worthy of her inspection.

Ravena stepped forward, his hands resting on Archer's shoulder and Juliette's waist.

We know that the two of YOU are not the killer. We also know that the two of you have shown yourselves tonight to be capable of leadership - you HAVE been leaders already. Do you think I am here with you because you are NOT ready? HA!

Trust me children, I know that this will not necessarily be easy. But understand that you are better off here WITH me, than out there AGAINST me...

The Lord glances at Juliette, the feeling of menace goes from none to off the charts.

..or PRETENDING to be looking for a killer while you slap Evelyn's memory in the face.

Just as quickly, he relaxes, and the place seems calm once again.

I have gifts...gifts for the two of you. Gifts Evelyn wanted the two of you to have. Gifts that I had to be sure you two were ready to receive. WORTHY. And you BOTH are, as long as you trust me.

He then turns to the Red Rook.

Our White Princess trusts you. Your Queen treats you as a dog. You can be trusted with what you have heard here and earn my regard in that manner, be rewarded based on your ACTUAL worth and live. OR you can betray what you know, which is not enough to benefit your Queen but more than enough to horribly disappoint me. I will not do you the disservice of speaking of how I treat such people. But I do want to know this, Crimson Rook.

What do YOU want? I know what THEY want and I could see a place for you perhaps. But you have to be ready to TAKE it instead of working in a goddamn kitchen.

 

[Duke]

Hellfire Estate - Maze

Alec truly had a unique perspective on what went on at the Hellfire Estate. Sure, he was a hard-core partyer but he was always – ALWAYS – on the ball. One could never know what one might miss on those seemingly ‘lazy’ days at the Estate. He may indulge in a lot of drugs and a lot of alcohol but that was merely all part of the game. Don’t think he didn’t notice his own Red Bishop skulking around when he happened to be by himself sometimes. Don’t think he didn’t notice how…interested that blasted American seemed to be whenever he and Bretta were together. Though he had no idea what Reed was up to, he DID have a feeling that it was something big…a very bad feeling. He had suspicions that maybe, just maybe, Rebecca was a bit WARY of him AND Bretta. That kind of gave him pause because Bretta, for right now, was as loyal as they came and if Rebecca even had a sense that Bretta was disloyal, Alec wanted to protect her. No…he NEEDED to protect her. Now Lord Ravena spoke to him.

Our White Princess trusts you. Your Queen treats you as a dog. You can be trusted with what you have heard here and earn my regard in that manner, be rewarded based on your ACTUAL worth and live. OR you can betray what you know, which is not enough to benefit your Queen but more than enough to horribly disappoint me. I will not do you the disservice of speaking of how I treat such people. But I do want to know this, Crimson Rook.

What do YOU want? I know what THEY want and I could see a place for you perhaps. But you have to be ready to TAKE it instead of working in a goddamn kitchen.

Alec took one last drag of his cigarette before throwing it to the ground and stamping on it. It made him feel good that he could be trusted…and that Juliette trusted him as well. He looked Lord Ravena right in the eye.

“I was being sincere when I said that whoever killed Evelyn had killed the wrong Queen. I want Rebecca DEAD. You know what I WANT? I want BRETTA to become the new Red Queen because I KNOW many, MANY, people like and respect her. My god, she gives and she gives and she gives to that old BITCH and she seems to get nothing in return. And, after Bretta becomes the new Red Queen, I want to be The Red King. I have been fine with being the Rook all these years, as I have my own castle so it's kind of fitting for me, but yeah. I want to be King.”

Alec took a breath.

“My first concern is for Bretta, because she can’t see Rebecca for what she truly is. If this EVER gets out, my thoughts on Rebecca? I’m as good as dead and then I won’t be able to protect her, which is why I’m glad she isn’t here. Things aren’t what they seem on The Red Court, that’s all I can say for right now.”

Alec shrugged and shook his head. He wasn’t going to bring up his suspicions on Reed for the time being; at least, not until HE had more than a few 'suspicions'.

“Rebecca is a very, VERY, powerful woman. I’m not even sure WHAT she is but after seeing some of the brutality she had shown towards her own staff? She won’t go down easy.”

 

[Domino]

The Hellfire Estate - Red Queen's Private Chambers

Rebecca: "I'm glad we've reached the point in our relationship where we are able to have a conversation like this..but there is something that you have seemed to forgotten during your time away from the estate..."

:: Maxine cried out in pain for a second as she felt a white hot blast TEAR through her body, assaulting her completely, as if a fire were consuming her from the inside out. The Black Knight had made a mistake in underestimating Rebecca who was able to fire off an attack before Maxine could parry, which for somebody who could dodge a bullet at point blank range, was QUITE a feat. ::

"YOU....Maxine are NOT the only woman around here who has a CHIP on her SHOULDER or a vendetta to COMPLETE...And for ALL intents and purposes..while you are at this ESTATE...I WILL be treated with RESPECT and addressed by my title of QUEEN...if for no other reason than for the fact that YOURS is DEAD and the other has run SCARED..."

Rebecca FLEXED her power as she dug her energy construct DEEPER into Maxine's stomach. She knew that Maxine could handle an incredible amount of pain...she had seen what the girl had been put through as a child.

"If I were the one to have killed Evelyn Pierce...rest ASSURED that there would have been no BODY to have been FOUND...*YOU* may need to assert your dominace by grandstanding on tables with your MOHAWK and your PIERCINGS... I prefer OTHER ways...but I will NOT be marginalized by some CHILD SERVANT who's ONLY use has EVER been to SERVE under a ruler...because like it or NOT...when it comes to The Red COURT?! I...am the QUEEN."

:: Maxine was beginning to get used to the pain just as Rebecca DUG her energy construct further into the mutant. She winced at The Red Queen's words. This was the side of Rebecca that not many lived to tell about. Most of the time, she was a diplomat, who spent her time attempting to move her political pieces through her words and charm...but there was ANOTHER far more violent side to The Red Queen, one that proved that she was NOT to be counted out, and for a moment...Maxine respected her. For a MOMENT. ::

"So the bitch has got more bite to her than I remember...good for her..."

And then just as quickly as the RAGE had welled up inside of her...it was gone. She had retracted her energy construct from Maxine's stomach as her energy signature dissapated in the air. She took a seat across from Maxine once more as she watched The Black Knight cough for a few moments.

"Do NOT attempt to retaliate for now, Maxine. Despite your incredibly durability, you will be weakened for several minutes...and should you ever attempt to truly kill me..I would like to say that I went up against The Black Knight at her full force..."

Maxine coughed as she slinked back in her chair, recuperating from the brutal and sudden onslaught. She cracked a half smile at The Red Queen.

"As i'm sure Evelyn will attest...DEAD queens tell no tales.."

[coughing]

She crossed her legs and straightened out her gown before continuing.

[flatly] "I did not kill Evelyn Pierce...and as for who I think DID? Well we need only to look at our courts. The leaders of The White Court were not in attendance as I am sure you are aware...and with good reason. The girl who you THREW the head to? Juliette De La Creaux...we have had our eyes on her for quite some time...there is word of an uprising...and many have heard that The White Princess is at the center. She is a cunning and brilliant woman...well spoken, and well liked. She can get people to listen to her....which is WHY when I gave words to the guards to not let you in, I KNEW you would arrive as if you were ascending the barrier from HELL...I wanted to SCARE her..."

Rebecca then GRABBED the bottle of vodka that Maxine had been swigging and took a long drink herself before setting it on the table next to her.

"If there is ANYBODY here capable of staging a precise plan to KILL The Black Queen and not get any blood on her hands, it's Juliette. She couldn't take anybody out in her OWN court first...she'd be the prime suspect, and The White Court would have already had her killed if only to be PROACTIVE...what SCARES me is to know that she isn't working ALONE..."

:: So The Red Queen thought she could use The Black Knight as a pawn to scare away those who might wish her harm? A bold and brazenly STUPID move on her part...but for now, Rebecca was actually speaking with the remants of sense. In her short time crashing the dinner, Maxine had recognized Juliette as a power player. She could sense that she had thrown The White Princess for a loop, and she could also sense the almost primal attraction and fascination that she had for Bretta O'Malley. Maxine would use that to her advantage...very SOON! ::

The Red Queen leaned in.

"All of this news might be pleasing to your ears, Maxine...but it SHOULDN'T..Juliette may have YEARS of experience under her belt, but the others? This youngerblood that has been infused into the club over the last ten years?! They don't have the sight to see the bigger picture. They don't have the connections they THINK they do and if given the chance to RUN things...we will see this place burnt to the GROUND...and everything that we've done...everything that YOU'VE been through...will have been for nothing..You may sit here and ACCUSE me of being stagnant, but you are WRONG..in the days leading up to Evelyn's death, we saw unity amongst the queens...we were working TOGETHER. We saw what holding the hands of our members had done...and we were attempting to fix it...why do you think Evelyn SENT you to the states to begin with...we had heard the rumblings of the American Branch... we had WATCHED the fallout that the world experienced when that MERCENARY Bishop tried to ruin it for ALL of us...the second word got back to us that The Six had made a TRUCE with The Queens of The Hellfire Court...we began to worry...So Evelyn enlisted her KNIGHT and I enlisted my own members and we began to formulate a plan for our FUTURE..."

Rebecca stood from her chair as she walked over to the bar and grabbed two glasses, plopping several ice cubes into each glass before bringing them back to where The Red Queen and The Black Knight were sitting before pouring the vodka into two separate glasses.

"Bullshit, Rebecca...BULLSHIT"

:: She thought quietly to herself about The Red Queen's words of unity amongst the Queens. Rebecca was a convincing speaker, that was true...but Maxine knew her own queen well enough to know that Evelyn was never comfortable around Rebecca. She believed The Red Queen to be far too calculating and unreliable as an ally. Even if Evelyn and The White Queen WERE working with Rebecca, The Black Queen would have had an ulterior motive for doing so. Rebecca was giving herself far too much credit. Still the things that Rebecca were saying had been confirmed to Maxine months ago when she was stateside. Maxine listened with marked intensity as Rebecca continued. ::

"The way you arrived has also served another purpose. You scared Cordelia Shaw enough to have her grandaughter, The Black Princess REMOVED the estate...she isn't out of the running for The Black Queen, but for now...the threat of Juliette securing a magick user against the courts has been somewhat removed...leaving only Lord Ravena...and both of us know that his interests do NOT lie within The European Hellire Club...he is here only to ensure the legacy of Evelyn Pierce carries on. He will champion FOR The Black Court...and as long those responsible for her death are avenged, he wll leave well enough alone...."

The Red Queen handed Maxine a glass...

"Would he now...?!"

A fleeting flicker of a smile ran across her face as she grabbed the glass from Rebecca. She had no idea of Lord Ravena's role in Evelyn's life...or The Black Court's for that matter. Nearly every opinion she had heard about the man up until this point had been a flat out lie, contrived from the desperate need to figure him out. She was almost jealous that he was seemingly the only person affiliated with The Hellfire Club that was MORE enigmatic than SHE was.

"I am all for change among the courts, Maxine...but I am looking for the RIGHT kind of change. I fear for The White Queen's life..and if she is to die, we both know that Liam's ego will balloon to heights that would rival even my own. He is NOT equipped to move with the times...as we've unfortunately we've seen with any MAN who rules a court. He will use the club as his personal bedlam, and he will run any momentum we make into the ground. If The Sisterhood arrives, they will NOT respect him...nor will they respect the impestuous youth that wishes to take over...they will be looking for a woman who has EXPERIENCE on her side...a WOMAN who has seen this court through the last TWENTY YEARS and NEVER been caught off guard...if you want to ensure the survival of The European Hellfire Club as a political asset....for as much as you HATE me...you're going to need me..."

Rebecca slinked back in her chair as she took a slow sip of her vodka, her lipstick not so much as making an impression of the glass as she sat it back down on the table.

:: Maxine leaned back in her chair, sipping her drink. ::

"You make a case for yourself, Rebecca. I'll give you that much. But, when it comes to a girl like me...well I'm more of a 'kill the bitch now, deal with the consequences later' type of gal. You've shown me that you aren't solely a vain twat hellbent on keeping a title for herself because it's the only thing she's got...and I have to say...it's SURPRISING..."

[standing]

"But I know you...and I know that the majority of the time, your words are simply that. Just words...though my desire to DEVOUR you has lessened after this conversation...I'll tell you what...for NOW, you live...if only because you've given me a chance to confirm what you've told me...I'm sure you already have people on the job, but I need to get my hands dirty. I'm tired of sitting around...I'll continue my assessment of the courts, and should you find yourself ALIVE by daybreak...consider yourself lucky..."

:: The Black Knight began to make her way out of the door of The Red Queen's private chambers. ::

"One more thing before I go..."

:: All at once, Maxine landed a painful right hook to Rebecca's face with a speed The Red Queen would be pressed to match. She left enough force to give the Pretty Queen quite a shiner, but not enough force as she had against the guards, who's heads she had knocked clean off. ::

"Lay a fucking HAND on me again, and you'll end up in a FAR worse position than your GUARDS..I'll be in touch..."

:: Before Rebecca could even recoil from the punch, Maxine was gone into the night to "assess" the Courts in the way that she saw fit. Juliette was high on her list...but FIRST? She needed Vampire Bait. ::

 

[Avalanche]

The Hellfire Estate - The Maze

Juliette: "Fortune favors dze bold, darling. If ve do not take action, ve vill be subject to dze vill of dzose dzat DO take action. Dzat is just dze law of dze jungle."

"Fortune ALSO favors the well prepared..."

He was indeed intrigued by The White Princess' bold nature, but it was a rather aggressive plan of action. He was perplexed by the usual carefree and easy going attitude she normally had and the brazen and bold woman that stood before him. He tried to appeal to her sense of reason. Surely she didn't think she could kill the courts and just ascend to the crown.

Juliette: "You show me dzeir allies, I vill show YOU dzeir enemies. I VILL go to var if I must. But dzis is not my first revolution, you see. I know from experience dzat once dze bodies start 'itting dze floor, allegiances vill shift like so many avalanches."

Archer thought for a moment.

"You make a great deal of sense, Juliette. I've seen it happen in my own life. I took out an entire crime family by my hand alone and it sent their once allies into my arms...with little to no coercion."

She was beginning to appeal to his far more aggressive, barbaric nature. The nature by which he had gotten his reputation. He inquired about The White Court.

Juliette: "I 'ave my suspicions, but speculation proves little. Dze White Queen does not trust dze Red. Dze White Knight and Bishop vill not make any appearances vitout dze one dzat keeps dzem in power. Dze King lost a true friend and really DOES vant to find 'er murderer, but dzat requires 'im to keep an eye on 'is Queen and 'er lackeys, a task dzat requires dze assistance of dze Rook. Now riddle me dzis........ vhere does dze Black Knight stand in all of dzis, aside from atop dze table?"

It was true. The White Knight & Bishop truly seemed to be pawns rather than high ranking chess pieces. They did not have the reputation of the others on the court and he had never seen them on the battlefield to have any opinion of their abilities. Juliette asked about The Black Knight to which Lord Ravena interjected.

Lord Ravena: "The Black Knight has her own mind, and keeps generally her own counsel. In the end, her largest issue will likely be the destruction of whoever killed Evelyn. And to make sure that the Courts are worthy of her inspection."

Well...he was glad that Lord Ravena at least had a clue as to what The Black Knight's motives were, but then again who would be better suited to speak about such an enigma than an enigma himself?

Ravena stepped forward, his hands resting on Archer's shoulder and Juliette's waist.

We know that the two of YOU are not the killer. We also know that the two of you have shown yourselves tonight to be capable of leadership - you HAVE been leaders already. Do you think I am here with you because you are NOT ready? HA!

Trust me children, I know that this will not necessarily be easy. But understand that you are better off here WITH me, than out there AGAINST me...

The Lord glances at Juliette, the feeling of menace goes from none to off the charts.

..or PRETENDING to be looking for a killer while you slap Evelyn's memory in the face.

Just as quickly, he relaxes, and the place seems calm once again.

I have gifts...gifts for the two of you. Gifts Evelyn wanted the two of you to have. Gifts that I had to be sure you two were ready to receive. WORTHY. And you BOTH are, as long as you trust me.

"Is this really happening? Are we really planning to OVERTHROW the COURTS?!"

Even though Lord Ravena had cast what Archer assumed to be a protection spell of some kind, he couldn't help but survey the area around him, looking up towards the estate as he watched the balconies, the lights in certain buildings that still remained on. Instinctively he dropped the temperature in the area around them as somewhat of a buffer to keep people from wanting to explore the gardens.

He watched Lord Ravena question the Red Rook.

He then turns to the Red Rook.

Our White Princess trusts you. Your Queen treats you as a dog. You can be trusted with what you have heard here and earn my regard in that manner, be rewarded based on your ACTUAL worth and live. OR you can betray what you know, which is not enough to benefit your Queen but more than enough to horribly disappoint me. I will not do you the disservice of speaking of how I treat such people. But I do want to know this, Crimson Rook.

What do YOU want? I know what THEY want and I could see a place for you perhaps. But you have to be ready to TAKE it instead of working in a goddamn kitchen.

Juliette and Lord Ravena seemed sure of this man...Archer was not. He did not want to rule alongside Alec as he felt that he simply wasn't up to snuff with the rest of them. He talked a big game but when the big bad Red Queen came around, his tail went between his legs just as fast as Bretta's did.

Alec took one last drag of his cigarette before throwing it to the ground and stamping on it. It made him feel good that he could be trusted…and that Juliette trusted him as well. He looked Lord Ravena right in the eye.

“I was being sincere when I said that whoever killed Evelyn had killed the wrong Queen. I want Rebecca DEAD. You know what I WANT? I want BRETTA to become the new Red Queen because I KNOW many, MANY, people like and respect her. My god, she gives and she gives and she gives to that old BITCH and she seems to get nothing in return. And, after Bretta becomes the new Red Queen, I want to be The Red King. I have been fine with being the Rook all these years, as I have my own castle so it's kind of fitting for me, but yeah. I want to be King.”

Alec took a breath.

“My first concern is for Bretta, because she can’t see Rebecca for what she truly is. If this EVER gets out, my thoughts on Rebecca? I’m as good as dead and then I won’t be able to protect her, which is why I’m glad she isn’t here. Things aren’t what they seem on The Red Court, that’s all I can say for right now.”

Alec shrugged and shook his head. He wasn’t going to bring up his suspicions on Reed for the time being; at least, not until HE had more than a few 'suspicions'.

“Rebecca is a very, VERY, powerful woman. I’m not even sure WHAT she is but after seeing some of the brutality she had shown towards her own staff? She won’t go down easy.”

Archer threw his hands in the air dismissively.

"It's almost sweet the way you champion for Bretta O'Malley...but you need to be prepared for the VERY real possibility that Bretta may be AS LOYAL to Rebecca as people talk about. Bretta has NEVER shown the kind of separation from Rebecca as the rest of your court has. She cares for Rebecca...and personally...I believe that to some extent Rebecca cares for her. She treats her differently than the others...like a servant YES...but Bretta reaps benefits that other members of the court do not..not even YOURSELF...."

[he put a hand on Alec's shoulder]

"I'm not sure I feel comfortable working alongside a man who seems more interested in advancing the position of a woman he is interested in before advancing himself. Some may think it romantic...or poetic...but to ME? I think it's bloody stupid..."

Archer turned to Juliette and Lord Ravena.

"Perhaps it's the copious amount of drugs and alcohol i've ingested tonight, but you are starting to convince me that this is a plausible plan...I can go along with your plan Juliette..but realize that I am holding The Black Court's interest to the highest degree. I know you speak of unity amongst the Courts...of RULERS who work together...and I trust you in battle, Juliette...but personally...we need something to gaurantee each other's allegiance..If only for the fact that I do NOT trust the Red Court in GENERAL to not report back to Rebecca or to betray any gestures of good faith..."

 

[Juliette De Lacroix]

Archer: You make a great deal of sense, Juliette. I've seen it happen in my own life. I took out an entire crime family by my hand alone and it sent their once allies into my arms...with little to no coercion.

"Precisely, Archair.... if you eliminate all dze ones dzat could actually trouble you, dze underlings vill cower. Such a display of power commands respect, and it is exactly dze kind of demonstration dze Supreme Council vill acknowledge. If Maxine DuPont could coerce dze Council to accept Evelyn as Queen, dzen it stands to reason dzat a vell executed coup detat vill be appreciated. After ALL..... Ve vill be ridding dze club of its dead veight."

Ravena: The Black Knight has her own mind, and keeps generally her own counsel. In the end, her largest issue will likely be the destruction of whoever killed Evelyn. And to make sure that the Courts are worthy of her inspection.

"Vell, dzen ve should be fast friends. Ve 'ave dze same endgame."

Ravena: Trust me children, I know that this will not necessarily be easy. But understand that you are better off here WITH me, than out there AGAINST me....or PRETENDING to be looking for a killer while you slap Evelyn's memory in the face.

"Trust ME, my Lord. Dzey vill get vhat dzey deserve soon enough, I guarantee it."

Ravena: I have gifts...gifts for the two of you. Gifts Evelyn wanted the two of you to have. Gifts that I had to be sure you two were ready to receive. WORTHY. And you BOTH are, as long as you trust me.

"Gifts? Forgive my apprehension, Rav, but dze last time someone said dzey 'ad a gift for me, dzey tossed me a severed head."

Alec: Rebecca is a very, VERY, powerful woman. I’m not even sure WHAT she is but after seeing some of the brutality she had shown towards her own staff? She won’t go down easy.

"Excellent. I vas 'oping for a challenge."

Archer: I'm not sure I feel comfortable working alongside a man who seems more interested in advancing the position of a woman he is interested in before advancing himself. Some may think it romantic...or poetic...but to ME? I think it's bloody stupid...

"So dze lovable scoundrel 'as a 'eart, it is not a crime. If you can't trust any of us, dzis vill be 'arder dzan it 'as to be."

Juliette didn't care what reason Alec gave, she wasn't depending on his good will toward Bretta. She knew a great deal about human nature. She knew that all humans, good or evil, wanted to feel like they were appreciated. Duke didn't feel appreciated by his Queen, and so he was persuaded to join their cause.... and Juliette knew that Rebecca would not change the way she treated him, even IF he told her about their plot.... because she ALREADY suspected the plot. He would only be confirming what she thought she knew. She would take the credit for 'knowing' it all along.

Archer: Perhaps it's the copious amount of drugs and alcohol i've ingested tonight, but you are starting to convince me that this is a plausible plan...I can go along with your plan Juliette..but realize that I am holding The Black Court's interest to the highest degree. I know you speak of unity amongst the Courts...of RULERS who work together...and I trust you in battle, Juliette...but personally...we need something to gaurantee each other's allegiance..If only for the fact that I do NOT trust the Red Court in GENERAL to not report back to Rebecca or to betray any gestures of good faith...

"Dze funny dzing about trust; it must be given and earned simultaneously. You are uncomfortable vit a leap of fait.... dzat is all right, I vill make it for you. I vill reveal my plan to you ALL.... You dzen have a choice. You may take part and reap dze revards, or you may expose my treason and ruin my carefully constructed coup. It is up to YOU to prove your allegiance, I vill take dze first risk."

She glanced at each of them in turn, and one she was certain she had their undivided attention, she continued.

"I vill execute dze White Knight before sunrise. I vill not disguise my involvement in his death. It vill be known troughout dze club, and it vill be your cue. All dze focus vill be on me. Archer, if you vish to join forces, you vill 'ave a clear opportunity to eliminate dze White Bishop. DZAT vill earn my loyalty to YOU. Once she is gone, Dze White Queen vill be isolated and vulnerable. Ve vill NOT vait for dze vote to determine dze Black Court's new Queen. Voting is for democrats and sycophants. You vill declare yourself King, Lord Ravena and I vill back your play. Dze Supreme Council is likely to name Brienne Queen, but dzey vill be bogged down vit politics vhile ve crush dze competition. Lord Ravena, I vill be counting on you to recruit or distract dze Black Knight. Duke, you vill deport dze American Daniel Reed by any means necessary, preferably an untimely demise. Vhy Rebecca vanted a tourist in dze inner circle is beyond me. Dze colonists LEFT dzis country, ve should leave dzem across dze pond vhere dzey belong. Once dze support system is crippled, ve vill all join forces to take out dze remaining Queens, and dzen declare ourselves successors. Any rebellion vill experience dze full spectrum of our combined might."

 

[Duke]

Hellfire Estate - Maze

"It's almost sweet the way you champion for Bretta O'Malley...but you need to be prepared for the VERY real possibility that Bretta may be AS LOYAL to Rebecca as people talk about. Bretta has NEVER shown the kind of separation from Rebecca as the rest of your court has. She cares for Rebecca...and personally...I believe that to some extent Rebecca cares for her. She treats her differently than the others...like a servant YES...but Bretta reaps benefits that other members of the court do not..not even YOURSELF...."

[he put a hand on Alec's shoulder]

"I'm not sure I feel comfortable working alongside a man who seems more interested in advancing the position of a woman he is interested in before advancing himself. Some may think it romantic...or poetic...but to ME? I think it's bloody stupid..."

Alec merely glanced at Archer’s hand before shrugging it off. He would’ve laughed at Archer’s feeble attempt to be the Alpha Male in the group if he weren’t so offended.

“Listen, MATE, you may call it ‘stupid’ but I call it wisdom. You really think people would take great steps to advance ME before Bretta? This IS me we’re talking about. I know my reputation around here and I also know Bretta’s reputation. Speaking of which, did you not just hear me when I said that she can’t see Rebecca for what she is? Of COURSE she is as loyal as they come.”

Alec shook his head. Honestly. Sometimes he wondered how they even got anything done at the Hellfire Club. Too many egos in that organization it was a wonder how any of them survived each other. He wanted nothing more than to deck Archer right then and there, but he also knew that though it would be extremely satisfying to HIM, it wouldn't be helpful for what they were talking about.

"So dze lovable scoundrel 'as a 'eart, it is not a crime. If you can't trust any of us, dzis vill be 'arder dzan it 'as to be."

“Thank you.”

He listened as Archer talked to Juliette and Lord Ravena…as if he wasn’t even there.

”…we need something to gaurantee each other's allegiance..If only for the fact that I do NOT trust the Red Court in GENERAL to not report back to Rebecca or to betray any gestures of good faith..."

“Um, hi. I’m standing right here. Seems I can direct that same question onto YOU. YOU know my feelings on Rebecca. How can I trust that YOU won’t report back to Rebecca on what I had said?”

"Dze funny dzing about trust; it must be given and earned simultaneously. You are uncomfortable vit a leap of fait.... dzat is all right, I vill make it for you. I vill reveal my plan to you ALL.... You dzen have a choice. You may take part and reap dze revards, or you may expose my treason and ruin my carefully constructed coup. It is up to YOU to prove your allegiance, I vill take dze first risk."

She glanced at each of them in turn, and one she was certain she had their undivided attention, she continued.

"I vill execute dze White Knight before sunrise. I vill not disguise my involvement in his death. It vill be known troughout dze club, and it vill be your cue. All dze focus vill be on me. Archer, if you vish to join forces, you vill 'ave a clear opportunity to eliminate dze White Bishop. DZAT vill earn my loyalty to YOU. Once she is gone, Dze White Queen vill be isolated and vulnerable. Ve vill NOT vait for dze vote to determine dze Black Court's new Queen. Voting is for democrats and sycophants. You vill declare yourself King, Lord Ravena and I vill back your play. Dze Supreme Council is likely to name Brienne Queen, but dzey vill be bogged down vit politics vhile ve crush dze competition. Lord Ravena, I vill be counting on you to recruit or distract dze Black Knight.

"Well. You have this all planned out, don't you?"

Duke, you vill deport dze American Daniel Reed by any means necessary, preferably an untimely demise. Vhy Rebecca vanted a tourist in dze inner circle is beyond me. Dze colonists LEFT dzis country, ve should leave dzem across dze pond vhere dzey belong. Once dze support system is crippled, ve vill all join forces to take out dze remaining Queens, and dzen declare ourselves successors. Any rebellion vill experience dze full spectrum of our combined might."

Now Alec had to rethink the whole Reed situation. He shrugged again and decided to let them in on his suspicions of the American.

“Deporting Mr. Reed, now THAT will take some miracle. It seems as if our good American chap has found favour with Rebecca. You guys are all suspicious of Bretta because she’s the eyes and ears of Rebecca. Well, I have a feeling that Reed is the eyes and ears for Rebecca in regards to The RED Court. I have noticed him…lurking about when he thought I wasn’t watching and he definitely seems to be more INTERESTED whenever he finds me and Bretta together. I have a feeling that Rebecca doesn’t completely trust anyone on her Court…aside from THAT barbarian.”

He looked intensely at Archer.

“Not even BRETTA. In fact, I doubt she even knows she’s under suspicion.”