A Weekend Affair # 3 - The Red Hunt

[Juliette De Lacroix]

Arklay -- Gazebo

Cameron laid his hand on Juliette's, when most everyone else had gone, and mentioned that this setting was not conducive to getting to know each other on a deeper level, a comment that raised an eyebrow on Juliette. He asked if she was a fan of classical music, and she smiled, because of course she was, and she was certain he knew that without asking.

Cam: I grew up hating it as it was forced upon me by mother..serving as the soundtrack to the never ending study session that was my adolescence, but over the years I've developed a deep appreciation for it.

"Een my adolescence, eet vas all dzere vas. I vas as deeplee enamored vit Ludvig Von Beethoven as anee young girl vould be vit a musician."

Cam: I have everything from Rousseau to Chopin in my study.

Juliette giggled a bit, pulling her hand to cover her mouth as she did.

"Dzere are dzings I could tell you about Frédéric dzat vould curl your 'air."

Cam: Perhaps before The Black Party we might spend a bit of time together? I would love to pick the brain of a woman who heard many of these compositions when they first hit the scene.

"Oh, before? No.... I vill be at dze ballet vit my King. Perhaps after dze partee?"

She replied, looking up as Liam had arrived, and was leaning down to present her with a rose and kiss her cheek. She gave him a girlish smile as she smelled the bloom. When she looked over to return the greeting Haleigh had given her, she saw the woman had sat in Cameron's lap. She smiled softly, deciding not to interrupt the lovers. She didn't have to wait long, as Cameron almost immediately shifted his wife from his lap and turned back to ask for forgiveness and explain. Apparently they were trying to have a baby and were feeling extra amorous. On the other side of him, Haleigh no longer looked so amorous. She was staring at the back of her husband's head with an expression of irritation. Cameron obliviously shifted the subject to Liam, and the mountain lion he'd brought back from the hunt.

Cam: Liam! I saw the mountain lion you brought in and the gash you sustained. Not bad! I think you stand a chance!

Liam: Hmm, well, perhaps. That was one magnificent grizzly the Red Knight brought back. But here’s to hope.

Erika: Perhaps I should not have healed that gash. It would have given a bit of an edge.. To hope. The grizzly may be big, but so is the target on it's back. It takes cunning to kill a cat.

Liam: Well, to be honest I didn't really go hunting. The cat damn near hunted me....

Liam replied, and then the American Red King was making the announcement.

Cameron: Well, this is a pleasant development. It appears congratulations are in order, Liam! Nicely done.

Liam: Thanks, looks like it really IS better to have luck than skill.

Juliette cautioned her King, noting that the Red Knight might bite, but Liam replied with humor as he left. Juliette watched with concern until it was clear that the person the wolf wanted to attack was Alek, and then it became something quite riveting. As much as Juliette didn't like the Red Knight, she knew the Red King was making moves against Ashley. For once, she might have been satisfied to see a werewolf win a fight.

"Vill dze duel? 'oo are ve rooting for?"

She asked, just to see which side of the conflict the White King and Queen were on.

 

[Black Widow]

Arklay -- Gazebo

She was expecting joy, enthusiasm, maybe even passion, but what she got was tepid almost to the point of apathy. Her husband gave her the mildest of kisses, then moved her from his lap and put her in the chair next to him, as if she were a young child interrupting the adults talking with her inappropriate excitement and poorly developed manners. He took her hand, at least, but it felt placating when he told her he'd give her everything she'd ever wanted. Even if he wasn't the first to know....

Why were you NOT the first to know? Why wouldn't you know as soon as I did? We are usually so connected, that you know what I am doing even from across the city of New York.

She wondered, and then he asked how she was, if she needed anything. Maybe she was over reacting. Maybe she was being a crazy pregnant lady right now. But she only considered that for a second, because Cameron turned back to the foreigners to excuse her behavior. Her eyes narrowed and her brow darkened. Why the fuck was Cameron apologizing to them, exactly? It was difficult to fathom, when just this morning he'd been the one to suggest fucking her on the table in the middle of breakfast. So what had changed since then? Only that he'd gotten what he wanted, an heir.

She was reticent throughout the discussion of Liam's kill. Her gaze traveled outside the glass gazebo, to see where everyone else was. It seemed there were various small groups now that everyone was back. Brienne had not wasted a second before honing in on Alek like a heat-seeking missile. Haleigh rolled her eyes. Alek split off from the bar, no doubt using any excuse he could to get away from the voodoo queen. He announced the winner of the contest as Liam. It really was the smartest thing he could have done. His Knight had brought back a dead bear. That could not be rewarded.

In addition, awarding the prize to the European White King was political genius. It was unfortunate, that Ashley would be unhappy with it, and that too was understandable. The grizzly was clearly the best actual kill, and she would have been delighted to name AJ the true champion. The moose brought in by Ben had been a close second. At best Liam's lion was third, but that was debatable considering the size of the buck that Zach had shot. Still, giving the necklace to any of their own members would be a waste. Giving it to the Europeans had purpose, and it seemed at least that Ashley recognized that.

Try telling it to Savage, though. He was furious to be denied. So much so that he stalked over to Alek and got right in his face. Haleigh tensed, ready to intervene at a split second, watching the standoff for pre-assault cues. Juliette asked excitedly if they would fight, and who they were 'rooting' for.

"Neither, really. The loss of either of them would be a detrimental blow to the Red Court."

She replied, still watching carefully. There were a lot of people moving in to break up a fight before it occurred, and so she finally relaxed a bit in her seat.

 

[Persephone]

The situation had escalated quickly with AJ moving into Alek's face and the two men standing off against each other in front of everyone. Alek had definitely succeeded in what he planned by pissing off his Knight and twisting his knife further into Ashley's side. Everything they had planned to showcase this weekend was going up in flames quickly, and they needed to de escalate the situation fast. Ashley tried to calm down AJ while Jack tried to step between AJ and Alek. Ava moved herself next to Alek and placed her hand on his chest to guide him back, telling him his point had been proven tenfold and he needed to stop. Alek was resistant at first but finally took a couple steps back, giving both AJ and Ashley a wicked smile before slipping his arm around Ava's waist.

Alek: "I would be happy to entertain the Black Queen."

Of course he would try and use her as a weapon to further his agenda. Ava looked anything but thrilled as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes and rip Alek's arm from his socket. They turned from the group and began to walk away, heading toward the mansion yet still in plain view of everyone. Ava reached behind her back, her hand sliding down Alek's forearm and wrist until it reached his hand. It would look like a friendly gesture as the Queen gripped Alek.

Alek: "So, Ava, did you miss me? Or just tired of your king already?"

She scoffed softly.

[deadpan] "I'm tired of a King, that's for certain."

Finally they disappeared behind one of the massive tents out of sight, Ava pulling Alek's hand from her waist and letting it drop as she turned around to face him.

"You really are an arrogant son of a bitch..."

She said while shaking her head.

"What exactly did you expect to gain from that? It's one thing to humiliate your Knight who made it a point to defy you publicly. By all means, hang the asshole out to dry. It's another to humiliate your own Queen. You are negating everything we're trying to show the Europeans this weekend with your stupid little game, Alek."

Ava really didn't care if Alek wanted to piss all over AJ and show him who was Alpha; that was his place, he WAS King. But to do it to his Queen was something completely different all together.

"Everyone knows you and Ashley despise each other, but you were united in the cause before. You were a strong team despite the animosity. But now you're drawing a line in the sand, and who do you think your court is going to stand behind? A hate King? Or a beloved Queen?'

Ava warned, trying to make Alek understand that he may be King, but that didn't mean he would STAY King if he continued down his slippery slope of humiliating and hurting Ashley.

"But by all means, continue to follow in Helena's footsteps. We both know how well that worked out for her."

 

[Liam Forbes]

Arklay -- Lawn

Liam thanked Ava for the congratulations, with mild surprise that she was being so congenial, after the cold shoulder he'd gotten from her earlier.

Ava: Of course. I'm not particularly a fan of hunting, however to take down a beast like a mountain lion is no small feat. You've earned this reward. Perhaps we could get to know each other a little later at my party? I've cleared the air a bit with Juliette, and I would hope to do the same with you as well.

"Well, we'll be sure to seek you out then, when we return from the show tonight."

He said, and then he did his best to assure AJ he was only here for the necklace, because if the Red Wolf snapped and Liam defended himself, it would throw a wrench in carefully constructed alliances. Savage seemed to allow it, though he clearly didn't like it. Ashley didn't seem to mind, though. She smiled gorgeously at him.

Ash: Congratulations, Liam. For your Queen. With the Red Court's compliments.

Liam smiled graciously, accepting the prize as she handed it to him.

"Thank you, Ashley."

Ash: I know you will be enjoying the ballet tonight, but I would be honored if Juliette might consider wearing it to the Red event tomorrow evening.

"I'll mention it. I'm sure she'd be delighted."

He said, shortly before everyone left him standing there, because they all rushed to stop the Red Knight from attacking his own King. Liam watched that happen, quite interested in seeing the outcome, but alas, fisticuffs were prevented. He shrugged then, and headed back to the gazebo. He sat down beside his Queen and opened the necklace box for her to see. He smiled when he saw how Julie's eyes sparkled.

"Ashley requests you show it off at the Red Event tomorrow night."

Julie: But I 'ave no dress vor-dzey of dzis jewel.... I am tempted to vear dzis and nodzing else....

She said with a jocular lilt in her tone. He smiled, leaning in to give her a knowing look.

"Perhaps you could do that, but just for me, and not the others?"

 

[Savage]

Arklay -- Stables

Jack had commented that the 'King' didn't care if they looked like a weak court. His Queen reminded them both that they were still strong, as a trio, even if the 'King' had lost it. AJ put his arm around her, pulling her close, as he remembered a lesson learned long ago, from his human life. He quoted the book, knowing it would need no supplemental explanation.

Ash: Leaving in the field his arms, let no man go a foot’s length forward; for it is hard to know when on the way a man may need his weapon. We must strengthen ourselves, now more than ever. I want both of you to keep your eyes open around the men, see if any of them might be suitable to add to our inner circle.

Jack verbally agreed, while Savage nodded silently. A Rook, she wanted a Rook. They'd find her one. AJ tried to think of someone like Zach, or John to fill the position. Ash thanked Jack for a job well done, and then suggested AJ get dressed before they ate. Getting dressed was the last thing AJ wanted to do, now that he hand his Queen in front of him again, but he reluctantly followed her lead to the stables.

Ash took the clothes from the servant and shooed him with irritation, then tossed them aside, much to AJ's amusement. Now he realized, there was something she wanted before he got dressed to eat. He could see it in her eyes, in her naughty smile. His pulse quickened, when her hands slid up his chest, and he leaned down to kiss her, his arms going around her.

Ash: I heard you howling earlier. Looking for a new mate, were you?

"No, never. I was actually just saying hello... and sending a warning to the Black Bishop. He is one we should be wary of, My Queen."

He told her, but then she started taking off her boots and pants, and he was no longer interested in discussing the blockhead Ben. She pressed her body against him, and his mating instincts answered instantly.

Ash: I've been wondering about something all day... Last night you brought a woman to my room. Does that mean you wish to watch me with another female? My hands on her breasts...

He smiled as she guided his hand to her body, which reacted to his touch. He hungrily reunited with her lips when she kissed him.

Ash: Our tongues entwined...Or perhaps it is two mouths on your cock that you desire? You know I would give you anything you asked for...

He groaned as she pulled him from his pants, making him swell in her hand with the way she stroked him. He nibbled at her neck as he pressed himself into her hand, his hands following the curves of her body to grip her ass and pull her body into his.

"My Queen... you are all that I desire. I brought the Black Knight for you to have..."

He replied in her ear. He would not let himself think of why they had not been together last night. He wanted her too much right now to be distracted by old grievances.

"Yet I must admit... I would probably have enjoyed seeing whatever you wanted to do to her...."

He said, as one of his hands slipped around to her front and down between her legs. There was such warmth there, and when he pushed aside her panties, wetness. He growled with desperate need, backing her against the wall as he kissed her hard. His hand on her ass shifted to lift her up, as he tore her panties off with the other, making short work of the only thing still in their way.

 

[Fathom]

Arklay -- Tent

Heidi and Jack returned their horses, and turned in their game before heading into the large open tent that covered all the tables. It wasn't long before they were brought refreshments, and soon enough everyone else came back from their hunt. Gia came from the mansion, looking like she might be suffering from a hangover. Or maybe she was post-op from a lobotomy, which would be the only way to explain why she came and sat next to Heidi and Jack greeting them politely. Gia had never displayed an ounce of class in all the time Heidi had known her, and so Heidi was fairly shocked by the surreal interaction.

"Hello.... Gia."

Jack: Hello, Gia.

Gia: How's your day going so far?

Jack: Going well, thank you.

"Yes, very well..."

She replied cautiously, looking around to see how many people were watching them. None, as it so happened, because the Red Knight was returning with a giant bear on his shoulders, and what followed was almost a flaming disaster. The Red King awarded Liam the "Red Queen's Heart", a bit facetiously too. Savage was enraged to the point that Heidi thought there might be violence. There was, kind of: Zach punched somebody out at the bar, and then went back to chatting with Brienne and Erika.

Heidi sipped her drink as her gaze flickered back to the big scandal between AJ and Alek. A fight seemed imminent, but it was narrowly avoided by the intervention of two Queens and Jack. Ava led Alek away from the group while the rest of the Red Court talked for a minute or two, before the Red Queen led her Knight off to the stables, and Jack came back to the tent and sat down. Servants came by to take their requests for lunch, and then after they left, Heidi turned to Gia again with mild skepticism.

"Gia, why are you being.... nice? Usually you're antisocial and rude for no apparent reason."

 

[Valkyrie]

The Stables

As soon as his arms came around her, that complete feeling of safety washed over her, and it was just the two of them, no one else mattered, nothing that had just happened meant anything. She was playful with him, asking if the howling she'd heard earlier was him looking for a new mate. She beamed when he replied never.

"No, never. I was actually just saying hello... and sending a warning to the Black Bishop. He is one we should be wary of, My Queen."

"Oh?"

She began to undress, until only her unbuttoned shirt was left, and drew him into an empty stall with her. She delved into a subject that had been nagging at her since he had mentioned bringing Amanda to her room last night: did her wolf want to watch her with another woman? She pantomimed for him teasingly, guiding his hands to her body, his mouth to her own. He kissed her hungrily, and he grew hard again in her hand as she stroked him. They had been interrupted when he'd returned from the hunt, but now they could happily resume things. Her breathing picked up as his mouth went to her neck, and his hands to her ass, pulling her body tightly against his.

"My Queen...you are all that I desire. I brought the Black Knight for you to have...Yet I must admit... I would probably have enjoyed seeing whatever you wanted to do to her...."

She smiled broadly, both at the fact he wanted only her and at his admission that he wouldn't not have enjoyed watching her with Amanda. She ran her hand through his hair at his temple.

"Well then, perhaps we will have to revisit it another time. But not with Amanda."

She did not want to think about Savage being with another woman. At least, not without her. His hands were moving on her body, and she spoke breathlessly, pressing herself against his hands.

"When I saw you with your kill, I wanted you inside me right then."

His hand slipped between her legs, a soft moan coming from her lips, while a growl escaped from his, increasing her arousal. She looked up at him with strong desire.

"I want you, so badly...I need you my wolf..."

His mouth was on her, and he was pushing her back, until she hit the wall. Her arms went around his neck as they kissed passionately, and she felt the change in the position of his hands. She jumped up, helping as he lifted her, her legs wrapping around his waist. She reached between them with one hand to guide him in, and then he pushed hard into her, evoking a loud moan from her this time. She cradled his head with her arms, her mouth needily attacking his.

"So good...you feel so good..."

And then she cried out, using her arms to move herself against him, her head dropping into the curve of his neck. She bit at his earlobe and neck.

"Deeper, I want you deeper..."

Every cell of her body was on fire, her arms and legs gripping him tighter. Her head draped backwards as she bounced against him, her moans getting louder until she felt her lower body clench as if her spine was doubling over, the pressure building within her. And then her body began to shake, clenching his cock as she came, warmth spreading over her body. Her mouth clamped onto his, her tongue slipping into his mouth, tasting him. She kept jerking every time her moved, and when she squeezed his hips with her knees she soon came again. She met his eyes as their bodies continued to move as one unit.

"My love..."

 

[Berserker]

Towards the Mansion

This was certainly a day to remember as far as his relationship with Ava went - he didn't think she had spoken to him this much in one day...ever. He asked her if she missed him, or perhaps was tired of her own king already?

[deadpan] "I'm tired of a King, that's for certain. You really are an arrogant son of a bitch..."

"Thank you."

He grinned, while Ava removed his hand from her waist once they were out of sight of the others. She stopped and turned so that she was facing him.

"What exactly did you expect to gain from that? It's one thing to humiliate your Knight who made it a point to defy you publicly. By all means, hang the asshole out to dry. It's another to humiliate your own Queen. You are negating everything we're trying to show the Europeans this weekend with your stupid little game, Alek."

He scoffed, waving a hand in the air in exasperation.

"Me? I'm not the one parading my pet all around when we have visitors. How does that look? Should I just allow Ashley to make a fool of me? To lay down and allow her to do as she pleases with no consequences? Just let her be with him while I have to-"

He stopped, and glanced away for a moment.

"A king has to be strong, and show he cannot be crossed. She needed a warning."

"Everyone knows you and Ashley despise each other, but you were united in the cause before. You were a strong team despite the animosity. But now you're drawing a line in the sand, and who do you think your court is going to stand behind? A hate King? Or a beloved Queen? But by all means, continue to follow in Helena's footsteps. We both know how well that worked out for her.'

"*I* am Helena's heir! *I* put Ashley on this court. And now she expects me to bow to her? Maybe John is content to stand behind his queen but I am not that man. *I* lead this court, *I* go first. I've earned it! And she wants to steal it all, when it's mine by rights. Her and that dog."

He looked at her for a moment.

"She is only beloved because she fucks them and then poisons them against me. This court would be nothing without me."

 

[Ruby]

Hellfire Club – Black Princess Suite


Amanda: "You should accept it, Cass."

Fuck.

:: Part of her was disappointed by that statement but part of her also wasn’t that surprised either. ::

Is there any hope that our relationship can make it?

:: But Cass wouldn’t voice it out loud. No, this time together was about Amanda and not her. A slight dig slipped out regarding the Black Court. ::

Amanda: "Cassandra. It's not that simple."

:: Cass winced and closed her eyes briefly before opening them again. She held up one hand. ::

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.”

:: Cass reached over and pulled out Amanda’s gift from the nightstand. She was excited and couldn’t wait to give it to her. Only...Amanda didn’t seem that excited. In fact, she looked a bit...nervous? Cass was confused. ::

I don’t understand...I thought that she’d love it.

Amanda: "Cass..really, I don't deserve a gift a from you.."

:: Then suddenly, it hit her: Amanda didn’t know that she was out from underneath Kelly King’s control. The poor thing probably thought that this was all a setup. Cass could’ve slapped herself for not realizing it earlier. ::

*softly*: “Yes, you do. I said it before, and I’ll say it again: we’re sisters – no matter what happens.” *quietly*: “I’m NOT Kelly; there are no strings attached.” *chuckling*: “Well, except for this one.”

:: Cass plucked the gold ribbon from the bed with her fingers. ::

Amanda: "That's becoming a foregone conclusion, it seems. Or at least an uphill battle. It's not just Ava to consider anymore. John doesn't trust me. And I'm royally fucking up everything that comes across my path. I'll be lucky to remain the Knight at the end of the weekend."

:: Cass looked surprised by this. Sure, Amanda walked out on Ava and John’s parade at breakfast but that didn’t mean that ALL was lost right? Cass shook her head emphatically – and immediately regretted it as she grimaced at the sudden dizziness that had accompanied it. ::

*fiercely*: “No, I’m the royal fuck up.”

:: Cass’ lips twisted into a smirk as her eyes filled with mirth. She always did have a sick sense of humour. ::

*jokingly*: “That can’t be taken from me as well.”

:: Cass became serious again. She offered a small smile. ::

“If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think he trusts me either.”

:: Cass asked Amanda what happened to them. ::

Amanda: "This place happened to us, Cassandra. I wish I could give you a clear answer. But there isn't one. Kelly left and she took one last chance to give me a jab. It wasn't your fault...but I resented you. And you just couldn't connect to Ava. It put me in an impossible situation...”

:: Cass reached for Amanda’s hand and took it, squeezing it gently. ::

“I know. I know. You have to understand this, Mandy, I did fight for you because you DID – you DO – deserve the Black Princess title. I did fight for you there. Maybe I didn’t fight hard enough, and that’s completely on me, but I did fight for you. I did.”

And Kelly punished me for that.

“As for Ava...” *sighing*: “Let’s face it, though. She never saw me for me. She only saw Kelly.”

Amanda: "And you just laid down and let everybody walk all over you. You cried victim to Kelly's manipulations when both Ava and myself had experienced it. Ben too. You went crazy. I didn't know how to read you...I still don't know how to read you sometimes..and before I knew it..the Cassandra that I knew no longer lived in Hellfire. All that was left was a shell of a woman who lived in the past. But the past was DEAD, Cass. We BURIED it...You pined for Ben, you could barely have a conversation that didn't end in tears or some dramatic display...I couldn't explain things away at a certain point...so I threw my hands in the air and I separated myself. Maybe it was cold, but what was I supposed to do?"

:: Cass winced. Was she really that bad? Apparently she was. But now was the opportunity to explain things from her side. There were two sides to every story after all. Maybe it would do some good to finally share just what Kelly did to her. Cass was stuck on what Amanda said about her pining for Ben because, well, that was true – and it was the start of her nightmare. ::

*remembering*: “I was happy...we [her and Ben] were happy – and in love. So in love.” *bitterly*: “Then she took that away.” *hotly*: “She had NO right to do that!”

:: Cass could feel tears slide down her cheeks which she took as a good thing, because it meant that she was, at long last, finally mourning what had been cruelly taken from her; something she had never been able to do. ::

“It’s all true. I did live in the past. It...really couldn’t be helped. Literally. My suicide attempt was the beginning of the end for me.”

:: Cass unconsciously rubbed her fingers over her scarred wrist. ::

“Kelly was beyond pissed. After I recovered, she punished me ruthlessly.” *voice breaking*: “I had lost the love of my life and she...she wouldn’t let me mourn that properly. Hell, she wouldn’t let me mourn that AT ALL.”

:: Cass sniffled and let out a small sob. ::

“I reacted rashly. I know that now, but at the time...I just needed him [Ben]. So I showed up in his bedroom one night not looking for sex – I...I just wanted, needed, him to hold me and he couldn’t – wouldn’t. All I wanted was a bit of, I don’t know, maybe it was healing? So, yes, there were a lot of tears and dramatics back then...until there wasn’t.”

:: Cass bit her lip. ::

“I always was an emotional person – I can’t help that and I won’t apologize for that either. Kelly...Kelly made it so I couldn’t show any negative emotions on the outside. I don’t know how she did it, but those emotions could not come out and instead...they drove me to insanity.”

:: Cass looked at Amanda, pain in her eyes. ::

“It was awful because I couldn’t deal with them and so they continually ate at me, driving me madder and madder. It was scary too because while I hated Kelly for what she was doing to me, I still loved her. She made it so. She made it seem like the only person I could trust was her – and nobody else here.”

:: Cass took hold of Amanda’s hand and looke her right in the eyes, silently urging her friend to hear this next part. ::

“Even though in my madness I felt that I couldn’t trust you or Ben, I still had loyalty towards you both deep down inside.” *sighing*: “It was awful. The madness had taken its toll on me. Though I ate lots of food...you were right. I was a shell. It affected my life. I couldn’t really sleep, so I got up and wandered the halls of the mansion several times a night. I couldn’t hunt, so I had to make do with the prisoners. I couldn’t go outside without an escort, probably because they were afraid I’d jump in front of a car or something. Hell, I probably would have.”

:: Cass sniffled and wiped her eyes with her hand. ::

“It was terrifying. What was even more terrifying was that I wanted help – I needed help. I craved help, but I couldn’t even ask, couldn’t even beg, for it. I didn’t know how.”

:: Cass gave her friend a wobbly smile. Amanda had said earlier that she still had trouble reading her. She hoped that Amanda would be able to read her now. ::

“I don’t know what happened, but last night during the White event at Aquarius I was talking with Bretta about the Black Court and...I don’t know. Something triggered in my mind and it was like that story in the Christian bible about the city’s walls coming down? It was as if the walls around my mind started crumbling down. It was as if everything was in full colour and I could breathe again. For the first time in a long while, I felt HOPE. I tried to find you afterwards, but you had already left the event.”

:: Cass smiled gleefully at Amanda, her face showing the excitement that she was feeling. ::

“I know that I know that I know that I know, that I am finally out from underneath Kelly King’s control.”

:: Her face grew somber again and she took hold of both of Amanda’s hands in hers. She gazed into Amanda’s eyes, her own eyes silently imploring her to really hear this. ::

*choked up*: “Amanda, I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you; that I wasn’t strong enough for you. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most. I had FAILED my best friend, my sister, and no amount of words or gestures will ever add up to how sorry I am, and will always be, for that.”

 

[Persephone]

The entire weekend was supposed to showcase how strong the American Branch of Hellfire was. They had risen above two Queen's more powerful than any that had ruled before them. They had completely gutted the Inner Circle and revamped it into something spectacular and strong. They were supposed to prove that they were better than the Europeans by showing that they were. And so far it had been one miss step after another, including Alek publicly humiliating his Queen. Ava tried to tell him as much.

Alek: "Me? I'm not the one parading my pet all around when we have visitors. How does that look?"

Sighing out heavily, it was Ava's turn to be exasperated.

"Oh, I don't know? That Ashley likes to fuck her court members for fun? That she enjoys bed hopping? That she's a whore? Spin it however you want, Alek. There were other avenues you could have easily taken to explain it away to the Europeans."

Alek: "Should I just allow Ashley to make a fool of me? To lay down and allow her to do as she pleases with no consequences? Just let her be with him while I have to-"

Ava raised her brows.

"While you have to what?"

Alek hesitated and looked away, obviously more to what he was about to say. It didn't surprise Ava he wasn't forthcoming with her. She wasn't Haleigh. They didn't have a relationship of any kind outside of buisness within the Inner Circle.

Alek: "A king has to be strong, and show he cannot be crossed. She needed a warning."

"No, she didn't. She's your equal Alek. She's not the Red Rook anymore."

Ava tried to explain to him that he was working himself into a corner with the rest of his court because they would easily fall in line behind Ashley. He was following very closely in Helena's footsteps.

Alek: "*I* am Helena's heir! *I* put Ashley on this court. And now she expects me to bow to her?"

Ava had to laugh at that, shaking her head in disbelief as she gestured to Alek as if to say that was her whole point.

"EXACTLY! Ashley is your Queen because you obviously know she's capable of a hell of a lot more than just fucking her Knight and pissing you off. She doesn't expect you to bow down to her, she expects you to respect her professional and leave her alone personally. For God sakes, you fuck everything that walks within a ten foot radius of you, how is this ANY different?"

It was no secret Alek was fucking Haleigh, so for him to pass judgement on Ashley in any way, shape, or form was absolutely absurd. Yes she was fucking someone below her title, but that was a reflection of her, no one else.

Alek: "Maybe John is content to stand behind his queen but I am not that man."

"No, you're not. You could only hope to be half the king John has been in the last eight hours."

She snapped protectively, her eyes darkening at Alek's insult.

Alek: "*I* lead this court, *I* go first. I've earned it! And she wants to steal it all, when it's mine by rights. Her and that dog. She is only beloved because she fucks them and then poisons them against me. This court would be nothing without me."

It was like trying to talk to a brick wall. Was this a Knight thing? Obnoxiously stubborn and bullheaded? Ava sighed and looked away from Alek. But it then dawned on her why he was so adamant about proving that this court was his. He was Helena's 'heir' and it rightfully belonged to him. Helena had taken in Alek as a surrogate son, and from what Ava gathered, Alek's life before Helena was garbage. This court was his legacy and he was afraid to lose it all to Ashley.

"No, it wouldn't."

Ava finally said before looking back at Alek.

"You're a good king, Alek. You wouldn't be in this position if you weren't. But what you don't seem to understand is that any time I speak with Ashley, as much as she hates you, she sings your praises about how you rule this court. But now you're backing her into a corner and she's fighting back. Add a guard dog to the mix and it's one Bishop shy of another coup."

Ava warned, knowing Ashley would have the backing of Jack if she were to ever try and overthrow or kill Alek.

"I don't want to see another Red King on the throne. You may be an asshole, but you're good at what you do and this branch needs that. We can't show any more weakness to the Europeans otherwise they will swoop in here and pick us apart when we least expect it."

Ava run her fingers through her hair, pulling it away from her face as she sighed.

"Try and find a middle ground with her, that's all i'm trying to say."

 

[Berserker]

Near the Mansion

Ava was trying to tell him that he was the one making the Red Court look bad. He asked what Ashley cavorting with her knight looked like to the visitors.

"Oh, I don't know? That Ashley likes to fuck her court members for fun? That she enjoys bed hopping? That she's a whore? Spin it however you want, Alek. There were other avenues you could have easily taken to explain it away to the Europeans."

"Explain it? Why should I have to explain it?"

He asked her if he should just let Ashley make a fool out of him, to do as she please while he had to... But he didn't finish his sentence.

"While you have to what?"

He looked at her sharply, but didn't answer. Then he told her that a king needed to be strong, he couldn't look weak. Ashley had made him look weak, and so she needed a warning.

"No, she didn't. She's your equal Alek. She's not the Red Rook anymore."

He scoffed.

"My equal? You don't seriously believe that. She's certainly not your equal. Not Haleigh's... No, she knew how to be a rook. She doesn't know how to be a queen."

Ava said the Court would back Ashley were they to have to choose. But of course they would - that was exactly the problem. Ashley turning his court against him. He had given her everything, and this is how she repaid him? Expecting him to bow to her?

Ava laughed when he said it, and he scowled at her.

"EXACTLY! Ashley is your Queen because you obviously know she's capable of a hell of a lot more than just fucking her Knight and pissing you off. She doesn't expect you to bow down to her, she expects you to respect her professionally and leave her alone personally. For God sakes, you fuck everything that walks within a ten foot radius of you, how is this ANY different?"

"It's different. None of the women I fuck want to take Ashley's place."

There was a stab in chest as he said it. He redirected the conversation, saying that John might be content to stand behind his queen, but Alek was not. That was not who he was.

"No, you're not. You could only hope to be half the king John has been in the last eight hours."

Alek rolled his eyes.

"You only say that because he agrees with every thing you say and do."

This was his court, by rights, and he said so. He told her this court would be nothing without him.

"No, it wouldn't."

She had looked away, but now her gaze fell on him again, as his eyes snapped to her. That she gave him credit for anything surprised him more than he would care to admit.

"You're a good king, Alek. You wouldn't be in this position if you weren't. But what you don't seem to understand is that any time I speak with Ashley, as much as she hates you, she sings your praises about how you rule this court. But now you're backing her into a corner and she's fighting back. Add a guard dog to the mix and it's one Bishop shy of another coup."

Now his eyes widened in surprise at her words. He always assumed when the queens got together Ashley used it as a catty bitchfest to trash him. But still...

"Which is why I can't allow her to continue to throw disloyalty in my face. If I look like I can be taken..."

"I don't want to see another Red King on the throne. You may be an asshole, but you're good at what you do and this branch needs that. We can't show any more weakness to the Europeans otherwise they will swoop in here and pick us apart when we least expect it. Try and find a middle ground with her, that's all I'm trying to say."

He looked at her for a long moment, considering.

"I'll...think about it."

As much as he fought it, and as much as he would hate for her to know it, the things Ava had said were running through his mind. Did he want a war? Not really. But he didn't want to be submissive to his ex lover either. If he thought it would make Ashley lie down, he'd walk over to the Knight and end him right then and there, in front of every club member. That would reassert his position easily enough. But that would leave Ashley with nothing to lose, and she was much easier to manipulate when there was something for him to take away. So maybe there was something to what Ava was saying. And maybe Ashley would grow tired of her pet and everything would work itself out.

"But I will not put up with Savage's disrespect for much longer. And if he attacks me, she will not be able to protect him from me."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Explain it? Why should I have to explain it?"

Ava rolled her eyes.

"So you'd rather humiliate her and showcase the cracks within your court? [scoffing] For fuck sakes Alek, I think the Black Court has enough cracks for everyone right now. You could have at least kept your court looking put together."

Her tone bitter and coated with annoyance. She was fully aware her court was looking less than strong since day one because of Cass' erratic behavior. Throw in the situation with Amanda into the mix and it literally looked like Ava had no control over her court. It was frustrating and humiliating, but she had to keep pushing forward. She had to show them that despite the miss steps that SHE was strong and that she was queen for a reason. But Alek seemed to hold back on what he wanted to say, Ava calling him out on it. He looked sharply at her but didn't answer, telling her that he needed to put Ashley in her place. Ava countered him telling him that they were equals now.

Alek: "My equal? You don't seriously believe that. She's certainly not your equal. Not Haleigh's... No, she knew how to be a rook. She doesn't know how to be a queen."

That surprised her. Ava wouldn't have thought that Alek looked at her as above Ashley. In fact, Alek had always made it a point to remind Ava that everything she ever had was given to her on a silver platter and that she didn't earn any of it. So for him to say that was...shocking. She looked at him for a long moment before finally speaking.

"But she IS queen, Alek. And she's going to stay queen, so get used to it."

She tried to tell him that he was being ridiculous in regards to her fucking Savage. He fucked every breathing thing that was hot who walked by him.

Alek: "It's different. None of the women I fuck want to take Ashley's place."

Ava let out a sardonic laugh.

"Do you really think AJ wants to be king? He barely knows how to use the internet let alone run a fucking court, Alek. AJ wants ASHLEY, and the only reason he's being defiant is because you're purposely hurting the thing he loves. How would you feel if Cameron started to purposely hurt Haleigh?"

Ava tossed him that little bone to hopefully open his eyes. She knew Alek would want to kill Cameron if he ever tried to lay a hand on Haleigh, despite Haleigh fully being capable of taking care of herself. But Alek wouldn't do it as a means to become White King, he would do it as a means of protecting the thing he cared about. Alek then pulled the John card saying that he stood behind Ava. She snapped back telling him that John was more a king than Alek could ever hope to be in his short reign.

Alek: "You only say that because he agrees with every thing you say and do."

Ava couldn't help but laugh at that.

"Believe me. That is most definitely not the case."

Her mind going back to the Archer situation. Ava tried to explain to him that he WAS a good king and that she didn't want to see another Red King on the throne. But he needed to get his shit together if only because the Europeans would use any opportunity and opening to try and fuck with them. She wasn't telling him to bow down at Ashley or AJ's feet. Hell, she wasn't telling him to even be NICE to Ashley. She was simply telling him to meet Ashley half way and TRY and be civil like they used to be up until recently. Alek looked at her for a long moment and Ava could see that for the first time since their conversation, he was actually thinking about her words and absorbing them.

Alek: "I'll...think about it."

Ava looked a little surprise. She was honestly expecting him to tell her to fuck off and he would do as he pleased with his court and queen. But the fact that he was going to at least think about what she said showed that he was king for a reason.

"That's all I ask..."

Alek: "But I will not put up with Savage's disrespect for much longer. And if he attacks me, she will not be able to protect him from me."

Ava pressed her lips together as she slowly nodded. The Savage situation was tricky because he was an alpha personality and his 'mate' was being strong armed by Alek. Naturally he was going to try and come at Alek. But AJ was a Knight and Alek was King. It was his duty to fall into place under Alek.

"I have no issues with you punishing your Knight for being disrespectful and insubordinate. He needs to learn that your status is JUST as important as Ashley's, otherwise the power of hierarchy crumbles. THAT is the beginning and end of where I agree with Diana and Helena."

Ava softly scoffed out with a little smile.

"I'm not the roll over and take it type, Alek. As much as you think I am."

Ava had a bit more in common with Alek than she realized. Alek was Helena's heir and Ava was Stavros'. They both had a standing within Hellfire before they became king and queen, and now that they ruled? They wouldn't let anyone threaten their status.

" 'Daddy' didn't give me this; I earned it just as you did. And no one is going to take it from me. So I get it. More than you may think."

 

[Berserker]

Towards the Mansion

Ava tried to say he should just explain away Ashley's behavior, make excuses. But why should he have to?

"So you'd rather humiliate her and showcase the cracks within your court? [scoffing] For fuck sakes Alek, I think the Black Court has enough cracks for everyone right now. You could have at least kept your court looking put together."

"THEY are the ones who took it so seriously. As if she didn't already fuck Liam last night."

And in my bed, no less.

Ava said Ashley was his equal, but he begged to differ. He told her she didn't know how to be a queen, unlike the other two.

"But she IS queen, Alek. And she's going to stay queen, so get used to it."

"Well then she needs to start acting like it."

She tried to make it out like because he slept with other women it was okay for Ashley to waltz around with their knight on her arm. He didn't have someone next to him gunning for Ashley.

"Do you really think AJ wants to be king? He barely knows how to use the internet let alone run a fucking court, Alek. AJ wants ASHLEY, and the only reason he's being defiant is because you're purposely hurting the thing he loves. How would you feel if Cameron started to purposely hurt Haleigh?"

Alek's mind went back to earlier, when he'd asked Haleigh if Cameron had done something to her to make her get pregnant. If Cameron hurt Haleigh it would be the last thing he ever did. Another reason he was a better king than AJ could ever be.

"Do you really think he would be content just as Ashley's knight, never wanting more power, never wanting to rule?"

He laughed. She asked him to meet Ashley half way, for the sake of the club. He considered it, and told her he would think about it.

"That's all I ask..."

But, he told her, he would not put up with open aggression from his knight, and she nodded.

"I have no issues with you punishing your Knight for being disrespectful and insubordinate. He needs to learn that your status is JUST as important as Ashley's, otherwise the power of hierarchy crumbles. THAT is the beginning and end of where I agree with Diana and Helena."

"I'm glad we agree about that, at least."

"I'm not the roll over and take it type, Alek. As much as you think I am."

He was quite calm now, surprisingly enough. Talking to the Black Queen seemed to have dissipated much of his anger. He looked at her face, appraising her. She really was quite beautiful, when she was acting like a queen. His lips spread into a grin.

"Perhaps it was more wishful thinking."

" 'Daddy' didn't give me this; I earned it just as you did. And no one is going to take it from me. So I get it. More than you may think."

He sighed, raising his hand in a gesture of acceptance..

"True, I have seen you fight to climb from Kelly's shadow. Perhaps our stories are not as different as they might appear."

He expelled a small scoff.

"Except, of course, that your father is still alive."

 

[Persephone]

Alek: "Do you really think he would be content just as Ashley's knight, never wanting more power, never wanting to rule?"

Alek had a point. They weren't content being a Knight and a Princess before, there was nothing stopping AJ from wanting the same eventually. Add that to the fact Ashley loved him and despised her own king, Alek had a reason to be nervous.

"He's content for now. And if he stops being content..."

Ashley was her friend, but one Knight uprising could lead to another, and then another, and there would be an all out war within Hellfire. Ava was too comfortable on her throne to lose it to the hunger of those she ruled over.

"We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it."

There were tiers of power for a reason and he had every right to discipline those in his court who defied him, even if they were the queen's lover. Ashley needed to reign in AJ just as much as Alek needed to reign himself in.

Alek: "I'm glad we agree about that, at least."

It was a strange that they actually agreed on something; the last time that happen was during the uprising. Ava and Alek had never really spoken beyond Inner Circle business because they had nothing in common. He hated that she grew up rich and 'spoiled', making his feelings towards her extremely apparent since day one of meeting. That left such a bad taste in Ava's mouth that she never looked at him as anything other than an arrogant asshole since. But this little conversation gave a bit more insight on the king. They really weren't all that different.

"I'm not the roll over and take it type, Alek. As much as you think I am."

Alek: "Perhaps it was more wishful thinking."

Ava narrowed her eyes, though there was amusement behind them.

"I find it hard to believe you're the type of man who doesn't like a bit of a fight."

She raised an eyebrow and finally smirked despite herself. As strange as it was, she was having a bit of fun with Alek. She had always been drawn to dark personalities. She told him that despite Stavros, she earned her place as queen just as he did.

Alek: "True, I have seen you fight to climb from Kelly's shadow. Perhaps our stories are not as different as they might appear."

Finally, some validation. Not that she needed it, but it was appreciated.

Alek: "Except, of course, that your father is still alive."

Ava inhaled sharply at that, lifting her chin defiantly just a bit as she looked away from him. The difference between Diana and Helena was that Stavros actually loved Ava. She was his world since the moment she was born and showed her that every single day up until she cast him out of Hellfire after the uprising. Stavros was definitely Ava's achilles heel in more ways than one, and she knew that was her one weakness amongst the other royals.

"He loves me. Not because he can control me...but because he actually loves me."

She didn't know why she felt the need to tell Alek that, but she did. Her line of sight lowered for a moment before finally she looked back at Alek; her dark eyes meeting with his blue. He was brooding with his stance, even when not trying, and she couldn't help but appreciate it in that moment. Always drawn to the darkness, even as a child. Her father used to tell her, saying her blood ran black. It quite literally did now, topped with a crown.

"We should head back."

She finally said, breaking the silence.

 

[Berserker]

Alek scoffed at Ava’s assertion that AJ would be content as just a knight forever.

"He's content for now. And if he stops being content..."

“The damage will already be done.”

"We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it."

“You do what you want, but I’m not about to wait for some halfwit to try and murder me in my bed.”

He wasn’t going to wait to act until it was too late. It was good to see that Ava agreed with him about the importance of the hierarchy of things. He seemed to have more support from her than he had expected, which was good to know, if it ever came down to it. She was rich, and had grown up with everything she ever wanted. But she had come through during the rebellion, and had worked hard to keep her hold on her court ever since. He allowed that they were similar...but Ava hadn’t lost her father in the uprising. She had gotten everything and lost nothing.

"He loves me. Not because he can control me...but because he actually loves me."

He put his hands in his pockets.

“Must be nice.”

Alek’s own parents never thought much of him. He stood there looking at her, wondering what it would have been like to have a father that he would have wanted to save.

"We should head back."

He nodded, and turned to go, then looked back at her.

“Unless you want to make out a while?”

He bared his teeth in a cheeky grin.

 

[Persephone]

Alek: “Must be nice.”

Ava knew he resented her for getting to wear the crown while her father still lived. On some level Alek loved Helena because she took him in, but he loved power more and took the life of the woman who saved him in order to get it. Ava didn't have to do that. But what done was done. She had driven Stavros out of Hellfire and New York and hadn't seen him since the moment the crown was on top of her head. She missed him, but she knew their relationship had changed that day. As much as she adored him, she couldn't be his little girl any longer; not when she was queen.

Ava changed the subject, suggesting that they head back to the party considering they had been gone for a bit. She was just happy she managed to calm Alek down enough not to rip AJ in half when they returned. Alek turned to leave but then stopped, looking back at her with a cheeky grin.

Alek: “Unless you want to make out a while?”

Ava gave him a sexy smile as she brushed up next to him, turning her body as she moved around and ahead of him. Her finger trailed across his bearded cheek as she did so.

"Not a chance."

It was her turn to give him a cheeky grin before she turned her back on him and began to walk. She lightly laughed as she turned to look over her shoulder at Alek.

"Wrong Queen, Hallbjorn."

She smirked as he strode next to her, both of them leaving the barrier of the tent and making themselves present on the greens once again. Breaking off from Alek, she gave one last look before heading back under the red tent to where John and Ben had been conversing. She approached the table but didn't sit back down.

"That was an utter mess. We're in the eye of the storm....but who knows for how much longer."

Rolling her eyes, Ava sighed out with a small smile.

"I'm going to head back to Hellfire. I've had enough drama to last me until tonight."

She knew there was no doubt going to be more at her party.

 

[Masque]

Arklay – The Red Event


Heidi: "Hello...Gia."

Jack: “Hello, Gia.”

Gia was mentally prepared for whatever bitchy comment Heidi was determined to throw her way, so she was quite shocked herself when Heidi said hello back. Then she asked Heidi and her boytoy how their day was going.

Jack: “Going well, thank you.”

*warmly*: “You’re very welcome.”

Heidi: "Yes, very well..."

“That’s really good.”

Gia couldn’t help it – she utterly enjoyed how bewildered Heidi looked. She followed Heidi’s line of sight and spotted a naked Red Knight carrying a bear across his shoulders. Gia felt nauseous at the sight. How Ashley found him attractive, she didn’t know. Alek was certainly better looking. What followed was a complete trainwreck – no matter how much you wanted to look away, you just couldn’t. Alek awarded Liam the “Red Queen’s heart” which undoubtedly provoked Savage. He looked about ready to kill the Red King, but by that point, Gia was bored so she looked elsewhere and spotted Bretta coming back from the stables. Bretta sat down across from her and so Gia smiled at her.

“How was your ride, Your Majesty?”

Bretta: “It was lovely, thank you for asking, Giuletta. However, Cassandra got ill on the way back and had to go back to Hellfire.”

Ah, so that’s where the Black Princess was. She had wondered why she wasn’t there.

“Oh, that’s too bad.”

Bretta: “Indeed. I’m going to check up on her when I get back.”

“That’s nice. I’m sure she’d appreciate it.”

Since her own Court is full of jackasses and the Black Queen doesn’t give a damn about her.

Gia felt bad for Cassandra. She’d have to make up with her somehow in someway. A servant came by and asked what she wanted for lunch but Gia wasn’t very hungry so she just ordered a salad. She turned to Heidi, who looked at her with skepticism.

Heidi: "Gia, why are you being.... nice? Usually you're antisocial and rude for no apparent reason."

Oh, honey, I was never antisocial. I just didn’t want to hang out with you bitches.

Gia could feel Bretta watching and so she laughed gaily.

“I thought I’d try to play nice; see if it sticks.”

 

[Savage]

Arklay -- Stables

She wanted to revisit the possibility of having another woman with them some other time — anyone other than Amanda, apparently. Whenever, whoever, it was fine with him. Really he just wanted her, especially right now, when she was talking about wanting him inside her, talking about needing her wolf. He lifted her up, and her legs went around his waist, as she brought his tip right to where he could thrust inside.

Quickly he took her, needily, his mouth on hers, his chest heaving. He held her in his arms, moving his hips aggressively, spurred on by the noises she made, and her teeth on his skin. He grunted when she told him she wanted him deeper, his hands gripping her body and pulling her down onto him hard as he obeyed her commands.

He growled as he kissed her mouth, and then dropped his lips to her breasts when her head went back. She was moaning loudly, her body quaking, and he wanted her more with every second. His mouth met hers again, his hand in her hair, pulling her into him, closer, ever closer.

Ashley: My Love....

“Yes, yours, my Ashley....”

He replied, his eyes on hers. Her legs wrapped tighter around him and he groaned, thrusting harder as her body demanded him. He felt like he exploded when he came, and his hips began to slow, his heart pounding in his ears, his arms closing around her body, as he eventually came to rest, leaning into her and against the wall.

 

[Goliath]

Arklay - The Red Hunt

He was just about to grub down on some food when The Black King addressed him as Ava went to go run damage control on Alek and Ashley, an interesting route for her to take.

John: "You saw what happened with Amanda?"

Ben nodded.

John: "What would you have done?"

The Black Bishop pondered for a moment before taking a sip of his drink and setting his fork down on the table next to him. Amanda was often a cheerleader for Ben, one of the few who approached him and encouraged him to break out of his shell. He was a bit dumb founded by the question because he never thought a question like that about Amanda would ever pop up.

"I think the punishment fits the crime. Amanda is very prideful - public embarrassment is worse to her than losing a limb or being blinded even. I don't foresee her slipping up anytime soon.."

[pausing]

"That being said, I just found out my biological sister is also the sister of The White King - somebody I've watched live a life of wanton privilege without consequence while I've been made to live in the shadows - and while I had a moment earlier, I've certainly been able to keep it together for the most part. Amanda knows better..and while I do care about her, and love her as both a friend and an ally, she needs to know boundaries. She can't just do or say whatever and rely on her closenes with Ava to pull her through, and while I know Ava isn't going to let her walk all over her - I think that puts you in the uncomfortable position of being "bad cop".."

The Black Bishop took another sip of his drink.

"The upside there is that your suspect is a truly loyal person. She trusts you. She respects you..but this was kind of thrown on us, my king. There is going to be an adjustment period for everyone - some shorter than others. I think now that the situation has been addressed, we can all move forward.."

He thought for a moment.

"But if you would like me to keep a closer eye on Amanda than I normally would, I will."

Soon Ava arrived from the fray, appearing a bit frazzled.

Ava: "That was an utter mess. We're in the eye of the storm...but who knows for how much longer. I'm going to head back to Hellfire. I've had enough drama to last me until tonight."

Ben looked at his watch. He needed to cram a bit of few into his mouth, take a cat nap and get ready for The Black Party himself.

"I think the entire Inner Circle could use a nap before the evening. That...and a Percocet."

He rose from his seat.

"Before the two of you leave, is there anything special you need from me this evening? Anybody I should talk to, make nice with, kill?"

 

[Pathfinder]

Arklay - The Red Hunt

Erika smirked with delight as she pushed the exact button that she knew would set Brienne off. The two had a history of doing so with one another over the years, so it wouldn't neccessarily be a revelation to anybody in The Inner Circle to see Brienne and Erika bickering - which offered Erika level of protection in the confrontation.

Brienne: "Is that any way to speak to a Queen? [glancing at Zach] Or have the American's lost ALL respect for hierarchy."

Erika laughed dubiously.

"Forgive me, Brienne. I hadn't been made aware that you were a Queen now. I was late to the party last night, my apologies.."

[sipping her hemlock, she smirked]

"Well, you finally got what you wanted. [Condescendly] Good for you."

Brienne: "I'm quite positive I could break your neck in two without so much as anyone lifting a muscle to help you."

"That's one thing I've always enjoyed about you. Your positive attitude."

Erika was not scared of Brienne or most people in general. Her brother tasked her with figuring something out by any means necessary, and if he was stupid enough to not realize all of the means a girl like Erika was capable of cooking up, then that was his problem. Brienne may have been a Queen..but Erika was a King, and she wasn't scared to flex that whenever necessary.

Brienne: "You're a psycho who only hangs around because mommy makes your brother keep you around. So, watch your mouth, King. I'm a GUEST by your sister in law's invitation."

"And as a guest by my sister in law's invitation, you saw it fit to use magick on her without her knowledge or consent? When The Inner Circle here has always had a bit of a murky relationship with magick users at best? Especially my brother?"

The White Princess knocked her hand on the bar counter in a door knock gesture before returning her eyes back towards Brienne's dark smoky pupils.

"Oh sorry, I was just knocking on Morgan Victoria's grave to let her know that the significance of her death has finally been forgotten amongst her friends and peers."

Brienne: "And while she nor your brother have shown ANY interest in MY court...well...let's just say I've been nice enough to keep to myself thus far."

"You can't show interest in somebody who isn't there. It's nobody's fault but your own that you haven't made an impression on anything outside of a mattress since you've been here."

Brienne: "But if you keep up this passive aggressive bullshit? I'll make it a point to show them BOTH Juliette and Liam aren't the ones they need to win over."

"There's nothing passive about me and you know it. And I'll be sure to pass your message along to both Liam and Juliette, I'm sure they'll appreciate the sentiment, but since we're making threats? You said it yourself...I'm a psycho. A psycho who's now been tasked by The White King himself to make sure that you don't pull any more garden variety parlour tricks during your stay here, so tread lightly."

Brienne: "I don't deal with crazy."

"Then keep your magick to yourself and you won't have to."

Brienne: [to Zach] "Is this a fair representation of your White Court? And here I thought we were becoming friends."

"Yes, Zach, you're a diplomat. Make it [gesturing between Brienne and herself] better."

[pausing]

"Though we really should be sending our thoughts and prayers to your King. I heard Archer took a turn for the worse in the woods. Bit suspicious don't you think? But...who could want The Black King dead?"

She took another sip of hemlock, finishing her glass.

"Oh that's right...everyone."

Erika looked down at her diamond Cartier watch.

"As fun as this has been, I should probably be getting back to the mansion. It's going to be an eventful night, I can tell."

She winked at Brienne.

"Adieu."

Erika turned to Zach.

"Care to escort me back to the heliopad? Or is this going to take a minute to finesse?"