A Weekend Affair # 3 - The Red Hunt

[Ruby]

Arklay – The Red Event



:: Daniel had asked her about Star, and when Cass told him a bit about her he smiled at her kind of weird. That was confusing, because he was the one who had asked in the first place. ::

Was I only supposed to just say ‘Yes, she’s mine’ and not offer any other information?

:: Cass felt like a person who had just woken up from a coma after several years. She tried and tried, but she didn’t know how to break through and nobody seemed to be that keen on helping her. She was frustrated and confused. ::

How can I rebuild my friendships when nobody wants me around?

:: She made a friendly overture by offering both Ben and Daniel to watch a video of Star dancing. They both couldn’t get away fast enough afterwards, however Daniel did say that he wanted to see her draining powers in action even though he was probably just being polite and didn't really mean it, and Cass felt like crying. ::

*anguished*: He [Ben] doesn’t want to know me anymore.

:: She let her hair out of her side ponytail and shook her head, letting her hair fall on both sides of her face. She bent her head down and played a game on her phone, hiding the crushed look on her face. She felt as if she were in a crowded room screaming at the top of her lungs but nobody even bothered to look up. She noticed, well, felt, somebody sit down in a chair next to her. Looking up, she noticed that it was Heidi. Perhaps she could rebuild her friendship with her instead. Cass smiled and put away her phone. ::

“Hey, Heidi. I love your outfit.”

:: She had heard that one of the creatures in the Aqua Ring had been hurt. Six, if she remembered correctly. ::

“How is Six doing?”

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club - - The Helipad

Liam and Juliette boarded first, sitting along the aft wall side by side. Jack climbed in next and sat in a single seat across from Juliette, followed by Heidi with the hawk on her arm. She settled in across from Liam, who watched the bird with interest. The shades came down automatically, reducing the ambient light, but not by much. It was still rather bright, even without direct sunlight. Heidi glanced at Juliette, who’s skin was completely covered by clothing, with the exception of her face, which was almost completely obscured by a hood. No telling what kind of tacky outfit the vampire was wearing under that cloak. Even the hawk appeared to know how horrible Juliette was.

Liam: Hey pretty girl....

Heidi thought for a single disorienting that second he was talking to her, but no, he was reaching towards the hawk to pet her. The hawk spread her wings and flapped them once, and then shifted down Heidi’s arm toward Liam. He stroked the bird’s cheek gently with a thumb, and then brushed his hand down her wing. Heidi was a bit surprised that the bird received him so well. It was almost a nice moment, and then Juliette had to ruin it by speaking.

Juliette: ‘eidee, I vould not ‘ave expected you to be fond of birds. But I suppose sea creatures sometimes eenteract vit gulls and odzer carrion scah-vengairs...

Before Heidi could even come up with a response, the hawk gave a shrill cry, and in an instant was attacking Juliette with a sudden ferocity. It was hard to tell what was happening, because the bird’s wings spread and were beating furiously, but surely there were talons involved.

Liam shot sideways into the fray, a stiff-armed shove to the bird’s body to get her off Juliette. The hawk flapped once or twice more and haphazardly landed back in Heidi’s lap. Juliette’s hood had fallen back to reveal a face that looked half a corpse, and her gloves and sleeves were shredded and the white fabric was soaking through quickly with red. Unfortunately her face was untouched. Heidi tried not to smile, but it was a challenge.

Jack: That was was bizarre and unexpected...

Liam: Well, who likes being called a scavenger?

He knows.....

Heidi thought immediately. Liam’s tone had been joking, but he wasn’t looking at the hawk warily, as one might expect after an attack. There was almost a hint of sorrow in his eyes as he gazed at the bird, and then his eyes flicked to Heidi, catching her stare before he turned back to Juliette.

 

[Savage]

The Hellfire Club - - The Catacombs

There was a lot of heated debate coming from the conference room. It was muffled because of the sound-deadening built into the walls, but still Savage could hear. He was much more relaxed during this meeting, though, because this was quite normal for the three Queens.

Most of the time they got along fine, but disagreements were often intense. Still, they never attacked each other physically, so there was little to worry about. Usually when one of them got mad enough, they stormed out in fury, but that was the extent of it. They fought like tight-knit pack members, aggressive stances, bared teeth and mean growls, but never blood.

The new Black King emerged from the elevator and came to stand next to AJ with a simple ‘Hey’. AJ gave him a smile. He hadn’t really had the chance to talk to him at breakfast.

“Hey. Congratulations, or condolences?”

Ava exploded out of the room, enraged. John took off after her.

Condolences.

There were a few minutes more of discussion between Haleigh and his Queen, and then the door opened.

Haleigh: He may not have HAD to, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t LIKE to. Remember that, Ash.

A second or two later, his Queen was leaping into his arms. AJ grinned broadly as he caught her, receiving her kiss with enthusiasm. He reluctantly set her back down when she lowered her feet towards the floor. She told him quietly that she didn’t like the way this smelled, which made him instinctively sniff the air before he realized she was speaking figuratively and smiled. She said she wanted to retain the extra men they’d brought in for the European visit, and he nodded.

“Yes, My Queen.”

Ash: And when the White Queen does become pregnant, I want the men told, the safety of the child is my utmost priority.

“As you wish.”

He replied, as she took his hand. He wondered if this new revelation was bothersome for her. She hadn’t acted like it, but sometimes she was good at masking her emotions in front of others. He almost started to ask, but then she spoke.

Ash: You should have fun today, you’ve earned it.

He sighed as they got in the elevator.

“It won’t be that much ‘fun’ without you.... but I suppose I’ll try. You know I could never turn down a hunt, and the big game animals around Arklay are irresistible.”

 

[Prophet]

Haleigh: "Well I'm glad you're turned on, but I'm fucking pissed right now and want to fight."

The women of Hellfire were certainly being fiery today. Cameron eased off a bit, but if his wife was pissed he was going to make sure he knew about what. So his mind remained on Haleigh and Ashley, worried for a moment that the course of action The Red Queen and White King might need to take was dead on arrival, that his wife wouldn't be on board after all. He of course, did keep those thoughts from Haleigh's awareness.

"I don't want us to become Diana and Helena. That we are united makes us better than them. But you have to see how all this looks, Haleigh. Are you sure a baby is worth it?"

Cameron furrowed his brow from his study, taking another sip of his drink. Ashley believed that they were truly united. That they weren't like Helena and Diana, but Cameron didn't necessarily agree with those ideals. Was he really any better than Diana or Helena? Maybe right now, but he wondered what thirty more years of this would do to him, and he was a realist. Where they united? As much as they could be..but the Hellifre Club was not a democracy. You cannot live in a world with the title of Queen or King and then truly wish to share it with others. Or at least Cameron didn't. He simply believed there were different courts for a reason, and he believed that was reason was to inspire competition. There was a trophy for being the most powerful court, and Cameron wanted that trophy, and he secretly believed the others did as well. A baby was most certainly worth it.

"Would you even think twice, if it was something you could do for AJ, and you knew he wanted it?"

"Honestly? Yeah, a part of me does. The other part is freaked the fuck out. What if I'm as horrible a mother as mine was?"

Cameron smiled to herself, for a moment wondering what Haleigh holding a baby in their bed might look like. Bringing a life into Hellfire was so selfish seeming, but when death always seemed right around the corner, to prove you could protect something seemed very fullfilling. The topic moved back towards Ava and her outburst.

"She needs a win. Appointing a King should have been that for her. And I suppose she saw my...lack of enthusiasm earlier as taking the wind out of her sails. We need to have her back with this princess situation. Once that matter is settled, I think'll feel more in control. But this Erika-Ben situation is a powder keg: she will bring him into this somehow, and I don't know what that's going to do to Ava and her court."

"Erika and Ben?"

The two names were not often mentioned in the same sentence. Immediately he began scanning through his wife's memories to replay this little meeting in his head, and his eyes widened as he heard Ava's voice in Haleigh's mind.

"Erika is Ben's half sister...Kelly told him at the White Party last night. [glancing over at Haleigh] hence him drinking and moping..."

Cameron's face contorted with rage as he slammed his fist down on the desk, not knowing what was worse. That his mother had bred with a nobody, or that his sister was a half breed. He began to replay all the times in his head where he had doubts about his sister, and it suddenly made sense. Her father was a loser. His genetics obviously caused...imperfections, with Benjamin being a prime example. They were both the runts of the legendary children, and Cameron WOULD not have this information go public. Ashley knowing this was too many people for his liking. And he was going to have a little chat with his mother. She may have given his wife the ability to bare a child, but she was playing a little too close to the heat for his liking.

"I don't either, but I'm not about to let her handle it alone. Also, Cameron and I told Ava last night that we'll support whatever she decides to do with Cassandra. And Kelly's got a new Princess to focus on, and she probably won't even bat an eyelash for Cass."

The Queens agreed to talk with Ava when she cooled down, but Cameron would make sure he was at the top of Ava's list. She had wanted to speak with him and then dissappeared, and he was wondering and HOPING that the topic of discussion was going to have been his sister and Ben. Haleigh was left alone.

[to Haleigh]: "Well, you win. You're morning has definitely been more interesting. I'm starting to feel out of the loop. I'm going to change. I'll meet you on the roof, my sweet."

The White King returned to his quarters, his mood less joyful than it normally was. Things had turned the weekend a bit heavier than Cameron would have liked. He wanted to move through the next few days with ease, set up the right alliances and continue to grow his sphere of influence. Now, his wife could suddenly get pregnant, his mother had been given creative control of MysTech, Erika was going to be his White Princess, and she suddeny had a half brother who was less than savory, and to top it all off he was considering killing and removing Alek and Archer from their perspective Inner Circles. And it was only Saturday. Using his psi powers to center himself and clear his head. After changing into his clothes for the weekend, he headed up in the elevator to the roof where his wife was waiting. He extended his arm and gave her a kiss on the lips as he led her up to the helicopter and helped her into her seat, slithering next to her and wrapping his arm around her. His voice was a bit more tense than normal.

"I am sorry to have been the cause of any stress, Haleigh. It kills me to cause you problems with the Queens."

Their fingers interlocked.

"This will be fine. I promise. Ava is like our sister. We will mend that fence...and, it's probably unwise to talk about this now...but I do think there is something to Ashley's suggestion regarding Alek.."

He immediately sensed her agitation.

"Like I said. We won't discuss it now..."

The White King rested his head on his wife's shoulder, immediately more relaxed and at ease.

"For now, we walk into Arklay like we walk into any place - with power and appeal. And we continue on the path we are on...because it's OUR path, not theirs. We know what we're doing...we can't let anyone make us question that..."

Cameron kissed Haleigh's cheek sweetly.

"In any case, Arklay has thick woods and many secluded areas. I'm sure if necessary it's a sufficient place to hide a body, though I am sure it would not be the only one on the property."

The property began to appear in the distance.

"Are you ready?"[/quote]

 

[Valkyrie]

The Catacombs

As they exited on their way to Arklay, Ashley laughing at Alek not being as good as her at hunting because he never had to kill anything.

Haleigh: He may not have HAD to, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t LIKE to. Remember that, Ash.

Oh he liked it, alright. Well, maybe not the actual killing. But what led up to it, definitely. In the hallway, she jumped into Savage arms, before giving him some instructions in a low voice. They walked hand in hand to the elevator, Ashley telling him he had earned some fun.

“It won’t be that much ‘fun’ without you.... but I suppose I’ll try. You know I could never turn down a hunt, and the big game animals around Arklay are irresistible.”

She smiled, flattered at his compliment and turned on by his talk of big game hunting.

"I'm looking forward to hunting together when it's just the two of us."

She gave his hand a squeeze in the elevator, and when they stepped out onto the roof, they were immediately ushered into a helicopter. Ashley leaned against AJ, resting her head on his shoulder for the short trip to Arklay. Juliette and Liam, along with Jack and Heidi, had arrived just before them. Ashley stood on tiptoe to whisper into AJ's ear.

"You can wait for me near the tent."

She flashed a dazzling smile at the White King and Queen.

"Juliette, Liam, I'm so glad you decided to join us today. Jack, Heidi."

She nodded to the two New York members, then moved to Juliette's side, ushering her and Liam towards the gazebo.

"If you'll come this way, we've arranged for a little demonstration once we're out of the open."

She nodded to a couple of attendants stationed outside the glass gazebo. One pulled the door open, while another left with a purpose. After a few steps in there was a second door, which was opened by a third attendant. Once they were inside the second set of doors, dressed similarly to Juliette, covered from head to toe, was escorted into the gazebo.

"Just to make sure there are no concerns of...foul play."

She removed the outer layers of her clothing, and was clearly pleased, looking around her and admiring the sunlight on her skin. With a smile, the attendant motioned for the girl go back out to the lawn.

Ashley leaned in to Juliette.

"We gave her an aspirin and told her it was a pill that would allow her to walk in the sunlight. She is very young."

And as the woman stepped outside, everything seemed perfectly fine for a few moments, and the woman's smile widened. Then her exposed skin caught flame. Ashley turned her back and faced Juliette and Liam.

"The glass is specially designed to filter out the ultraviolet rays. It is also virtually indestructible. Just one of the advances being made here in our research facilities."

She smiled.

"And after today's festivities are completed, it will be disassembled and shipped to London, as a gift from the Red Court."

Ashley got Juliette and Liam settled, and then excused herself, promising to return shortly, and rejoined Savage. It wasn’t long before Alek was heading their way.

 

[Berserker]

Arklay

Alek returned to the lawn, and found that Ashley had finally arrived with her lapdog. He motioned to an attendant while he crossed to where she stood, and the attendant handed her a red velvet box about the size of a baseball, tied with a red ribbon.

"The prize for the contest."

Ashley: "I thought we decided making it a contest would put undue pressure on our guests."

Alek shrugged.

"I decided it will make it more fun."

Ashley shook her head but took the box.

Ashley: "I guess I did tell you this could be your event, so if that's really how you want it..."

"Let's get things started, shall we?"

Alek looked to see that everyone was indeed assembled, and he picked a fresh glass of champagne off a tray while uniformed servers passed out glasses to his guests. He signaled for their attention, and then began to speak. What he was saying came over a speaker in the gazebo, so everyone could hear.

"As Red King, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the beautiful Arklay countryside for this event hosted by my Red Court. We have a shooting range set up-"

He gestured with his glass towards it.

"-and thanks to my Queen's very extensive collection, we have antique weapons available to try, from early flintocks all the way up to the latest Cassadine Enterprises models. Personnel from our company Strategic Resources are on hand to assist you with their use."

He smiled charmingly.

"Remember, they're not just for coups anymore."

He cleared his throat and then continued.

"If you're feeling more Robin Hood than Rambo, we also have an archery range for your amusement."

Once again he gestured towards it with his glass.

"And last but not least, the surrounding forests and mountains provide ample opportunity for hunting. Mounts have been prepared for those that want them, and feel free to choose from the array of weapons at the ranges. And for the more sporting among you, we have organized a little contest."

He took a sip of champagne, smiling like a Cheshire cat.

"For the hunter that brings back the most impressive game, we have a prize."

He gestured towards Ashley.

"My queen, if you please?"

Ashley untied the ribbon and opened the lid of the box. She pulled from inside it a chain, at the end of which was an enormous red diamond. Alek paused for effect while Ashley held it up so everyone could see it.

"To the winner goes the Red Queen's heart."

There was clapping, and Alek smiled graciously. He leveled his gaze at Ashley for a long moment before continuing.

"Now, some rules: no cheating - we are all, mostly, gentlemen here. You must track and kill an animal found in the area surrounding Arklay. So no teleporting in a whale. And no mind controlling something to come and sit next to you at the bar [looking at Ava]. You must make the kill using your own body, a firearm, bow or blade. Let's be sporting about it - that means you, Archer."

He grinned and lifted his glass in salute to his friend.

"Lunch will be served here. Please, drink heavily. And most importantly have a fantastic time."

He drained the rest of his glass, and with a final look at Ashley, went to hook up with Arch.

 

[Wallflower]

Hellfire - Arklay

In her mind, she was present, ready to seduce Archer and do whatever was necessary to move The Black Court forward, but her mind kept racing to a text message she had received just before arriving at Arklay through the underground rail system.

"Narcissus."

It was one word, sent to her from her Black Queen, but it had a very heavy meaning. Ava appreciated Amanda's literary mind, and The Black Knight was a bit of a greek mythology buff. Many times Amanda had recounted to her Queen the legends and stories about the very being Ava channeled her power from. There were many stories about Persephone's descent to the Underworld, but the one that always stuck out in Amanda's mind was Persephone and the flower Narcisuss. They were planted by Gaia to enchant Persephone, and attract her away from the safety of her guides. She plucked the flower and found herself in The Underworld. Ava liked the story, though her own understanding was a bit different than most in terms of the take away. Ava praised Persephone for having the bravery to pluck the flower in the first place. It was like Eve and the apple, and it was also the inspiration for the code word they had agreed upon that would set into course a very particular mission - Ava rewarding a certain black king's bravery while pulling the rug out from underneath them. Amanda was surprised, but also...very relieved. This meant that her earlier disrespect would be forgiven, contingent she assumed on executing her part of a plan that would garner them BOTH a considerable amount of power within Hellfire.

So Amanda did not stop Archer Fairchild when she saw his path had drifted from the bathroom towards the stables. In fact, she excused herself, telling the others that Archer was obviously very lost and that she needed to show him the way personally. She stalked him like the predator that she was, appearing behind him, her body camoflauging into the scenery around her. He could not see, but SHE could see everything. Archer ripped into The Black Queen with his bruised pride and alarming smugness. Archer admonished The American Black King, and for a moment Amanda felt responsible.

"If I hadn't stormed out, people wouldn't feel so free to speak of John like this..."

It was a bitter feeling. She was still a little raw about John's surprise coronation, but to know her Queen was prepared to make such a bold move with Amanda at her side, it easily relieved her concerns. Amanda was still important to Ava, and now it was time to show her Queen why that loyalty was worth it. She sent a text with the same word to Gabriel Jerome, a very carefully selected pawn of Ava Cassadine's. When he received the word, he would be sure to play his part as well.

"Tell me what I've done to you Ava. TRULY done to you in a way that warrants your behavior towards me. Selling your already on the black market assets? Hitting on you profusely without the knowledge you were banging your Rook and making him King? WHY do you refuse any attempt I make to get your attention? I'm devilishly handsome...powerful...smart, despite what y ou might think...and I know how to get things done without waiting on the empty words of allies who'd sooner see me DEAD. What is it?"

Ava should have killed him right then and there, but both women knew that before Archer Fairchild was going to die, he was going to lose everything he had built, and it would be at THEIR hands. Ava had given the order and it was time to remind the other courts just how powerful The Black Court could be should it become necessary. The Black Queen played her part seemlessly.

"You're right...I've been a cunt to you since the moment you arrived, and for good reason. You're an asshole Archer [smirking] everyone knows that. And as much as I hate to admit it, you are smart and resourceful...You are powerful and cunning.....and while I AM pissed that you stole my weapons and sold them to the Asian black market, I'm not naive to the fact that your methods benefit me as well. You're bringing money into my very deep pockets. You're doing something not even my own King can do."

"Oh gross."

Amanda was grateful that she was the only one around to see such a phony performance, but Archer dealt strictly in innuendo. He was such a pig. He was the kind of man who thought that his lack of a pedigree was somehow a skill, or somehow made him more appreciative of the things he had, that he knew a world they didn't. Amanda wasn't just born with a silver spoon in her mouth, that spoon had been hand crafted and molded specifically to fit her mouth. She had grown up in a world that few, even those who lived in Hellfire knew, but she wasn't disconnected from the world around her. Her upbringing definitely shaped her, but it didn't define her, and though she had lived an extremely privileged life, she didn't use that as a weapon. In fact, most people didn't know that much about her history at all, and she liked to keep it that way. But she WAS willing to play a few cards if it meant taking out somebody as obnoxious and dangerous to the black court's survival as Archer Fairchild.

"And truth be told, I've been planning on making John my King for quite some time...It would have been in bad taste to entertain your advances, as bold as they have been. However.."

Ava moved closer to Archer, playing with his collar and eyeing his body up and down.

"Now that he is King? It doesn't matter who the fuck I do now, does it? Politics take a back seat when titles are in place, don't they? And now we're free to do as we please...maybe you..can finally get what you deserve..."

The Black Knight pursed her lips into a smile as Ava worked her magic. The women of the black court were known for being femme fatales - beautiful and deadly, and Ava was the embodiment of that. Both Amanda and Ava were famous for their kills, and had reputations for mixing violence with their sex, at least when it came to work. Not only that...they BOTH had very deadly kisses.

She whisphered before pressing her lips against his. Ava slid her hand up the back of Archer's neck, pulling him deeper into their kiss. It was then she began to secrete a poison from her lips, pumping it into Archer as her tongue tasted him. Ava slowly opened her eyes, looking past Archer to see Amanda standing in the doorway. Ava's eyes 'smiled' deviously before closing once again, finishing her poisonous kiss with Archer before finally breaking it.

"We are really doing this..."

Ava: "Amanda...why don't you escort Archer back to the greens. We wouldn't want the Black King to miss the hunt."

Amanda nodded.

"Of course not, my Queen. Most of the Inner Circle has arrived. I came to let you know..."

Archer seemed daze as she wrapped her arms around him. In ninety minutes he would get violently ill, and The Black Knight and The Black Queen would move on to the second phase of their plan. For now, Archer would simply think that The Black Queen was one hell of a kisser. Amanda wrapped her arm around Archer, using her Cobra stare to keep him a bit enthralled and confuse him from the symptons that would soon take place in his body.

"If I know Alek, there will most certainly be a prize for the biggest kill, and Archer? I'd like you to be on my arm when I win..."

He smiled a confused smile as Amanda led him away from the stables and back to the lawn as they arrived at the beginning of a speech from The Red King.

"And last but not least, the surrounding forests and mountains provide ample opportunity for hunting. Mounts have been prepared for those that want them, and feel free to choose from the array of weapons at the range. And for the more sporting among you, we have organized a little contest."

Amanda gripped Archer by the bicep.

"What did I tell you?"

The Red Queen untied a beautiful wrapped trinket to reveal a brilliantly beautiful red diamond chain. Amanda could not help her competitive nature.

"For the hunter that brings back the most impressive game, we have a prize. To the winner goes the Red Queen's heart. Now, some rules: no cheating - we are all, mostly, gentlemen here. You must track and kill an animal found in the area surrounding Arklay. So no teleporting in a whale. And no mind controlling something to come and sit next to you are the bar [looking at Ava]. You must make the kill using your own body, a firearm, bow or blade. Let's be sporting about it - that means you, Archer."

Archer: "Well piss on it then, I'm out!"

Amanda feigned laughter. Archer was starting to feel better, but it would not last. She wondered briefly for a few moments how many points the European Black King would give her if she were to drag his carcass to the scales, but she refrained from the thought. She wasn't here to win a diamond, she was here to solidify her court.

Alek: "Lunch will be served here. Please, drink heavily. And most importantly have a fantastic time."

Amanda agreed with The Red King's first sentiment and promptly grabbed a scotch from one of the serving trays as it passed by. The Red King soon approached. She did have a bit of hesitation in having Alek hitched to their side for the afternoon. He might suspect something, but she decided that once Archer became capacitated there were a number of ways she could explain away his behavior and make a quick exit. For the moment, The Black King seemed in good spirits.

Archer: "I think this boils down to the three of us, don't you? I mean...Ben'll most likely cry the second he takes the life of an animal, and Daniel, well...we'll be lucky if he doesn't sit on his rifle out of sheer boredom..."

Archer looked around and surveyed the scene.

Archer: "Although who knows? Erika looks like she knows how to execute a kill shot."

Amanda laughed.

"Well...if a witch IS going to hunt, it's definitely going to be a KING. Those women love to watch the life drain from something's eyes.."

 

[Pathfinder]

On The Way To Arklay

Her new Rook proved to be just as naughty as she had anticipated. So much so that he began to override her body with desire for him. In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to give The White Rook the release he was so desperately looking for, and she had to admit, she kind of liked being paired with a man that could take control of her. He manhandled her, pulling her into him with intensity as their lips met again. Soon, Zach had managed to find a headset and instructed their pilot to return back to the mansion. Erika smiled a wicked smile as Zach came over her, pinning her from behind. Her body swelled with passion as his bearded mouth caressed her neck with a child like wonder.

Zach: "How's this for compromising, Princess."

"I'm yours. Take me, Zach."

Zach had taken control of the situation as she found her panties between her knees, her sex wet with desire for his manhood. And though she knew she should be on the green with others, she could not resist the urge to have him deep inside of her again for the third time this morning. She exhaled with exalted passion as she used her free hand to guide him inside of her, her hips and ass cheeks thrusting against him with a great force. His hand knelt her down, with her head pressed against the leather cushions of the seats of the helicopter as she cried out with ecstacy.

"Pull my hair."

And he did, with wild abandon. There was an energy coursing through their bodies, that had synched up with such an effortless synergy that it felt as if his cock belonged inside of her always, as if it were his natural state. She craved him. His touch, the feeling of him overwhelming her with his sex. It was primal. It was uncomplicated, but it was deep. In more ways than one. She began to assume the position, submitting to his command as he took her from behind, his hips thrusting against her, causing her ass cheeks to ripple as he took her with force. Every pump, every grunt, every bead of sweat dripping from his glistening chest caused Erika to swell with excitement.

She braced her knees with anticipation as Zach's thrusting became more rapid and wild. She cried out his name, never looking at his face, but simply lost in a moment of pure desire. It was beyond anything she ever felt, and as he came with a hard grunt and a mighty thrust inside of her, Erika felt her knees go weak as she buckled underneath his weight. She collapsed on the leahter seats as Zach did as well, pressing ever deeper inside of her. For a moment, they stayed in position, The White Rook inside of The White Princess, no pressing matter, just connected as two greedy, horny souls.

"Goddammit, you feel good..."

Erika shifted her body so that her breasts were now facing Zach's face as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into her and kissing him deeply as her eyes met his as they began to head back towards Arklay, the pilot seeming to see underneath the guise of Zach's request.

"If I could stay this way all weekend, I'd be a happy woman..."

She shifted her weight again, moving around him, beginning to pull her pants on as she fixed Zach's hair, delicately pulling his trousers up and securing his manhood behind his zipper before buttoning his pants up. In the distance, Erika could see the group gathering on the lawn. As the helicopter touched ground, Erika opened the door, and helped Zach down intentionally with a smile.

"Let's go, my Rook..."

As she made her way towards the ground, Erika noticed The Red Queen taking Juliette and Liam aside, and she specifically noticed the ornate glass gazebo. It was likely something crafted to allow Juliette to remain in the fray of things without getting burned alive. It was in that moment that Erika realized another attribute she had that the others didn't - magick. She could easily create a ring that would allow Juliette to walk in the sun. Liam seemed like a man of science and procedure, but somebody who defied science and nature might be pleased to know that somebody like Erika was on their side. She would make sure to connect with both of them, especially since it seemed The Red Queen was slowly cornering a market that Erika knew Cameron and Haleigh wanted.

Erika arrived at the area in the nick of time.

"Lunch will be served here. Please, drink heavily. And most importantly have a fantastic time."

Erika smiled.

"Now that's a banner I can stand underneath!"

She grabbed a flute of hemlock and took a delicate sip before looking at the crowd.

"Big strapping men. Guns. The wilderness. Why, I can't wait to see what the boys bring back for us!"

[smirking for a moment]

"And The Red Queen's heart as a prize? Well...had I known that was an option, I might have reconsidered my stance on hunting..."

 

[Persephone]

Ava had been dealing with Archer's advances long before he came to their club a day ago, but this particular visit he was even more relentless. Added to the fact that he had been stealing her company's technology and weapons, bolding telling her that it was for her benefit and that she should be thanking him, was the straw that broke the camels back. Now, he was cornering her, insisting she was acting like a bitch because who could deny such a handsome, well rounded, powerful man like Archer Fairchild. Ava had enough. She had an Ace up her sleeve since day one and was finally going to put it to use. Archer Fairchild was going to get EXACTLY what he deserved.

Ava kissed Archer deeply, her lips and tongue secreting a poison into his system that would initially cause him to feel euphoric and dizzy. She could feel his body melt into hers the longer they stayed connected and the more poison she pumped into him. If she chose to she could have secreted a poison that would immediately kill him, like her drink of choice: Hemlock. But no....Ava would have a little fun with Archer. She would show him exactly why he should never poke the beast.

Amanda was there, watching. Ava could sense her presents due to her physiology. After breaking the kiss with Archer, she instructed Amanda to take him back to the greens for the hunt, smiling seductively at the Black King as her Knight walked over. Ava had crafted this plan with Amanda quite a long time ago, sitting on it until the right possible moment. She was still extremely pissed off that her Knight had disrespected not only Ava but John that morning, but that took a back seat as of right now. If completed, Amanda would not only redeem herself in Ava's eyes, but John' and the other Kings and Queen's as well. Still, as Amanda turned Archer around, Ava placed her hand on her Knight's delicate wrist to stop her for a moment.

[parsel tongue] "We will speak later. Until then, do what I know you're capable of and we will both win in the end."

She whispered to Amanda before her Knight escorted the Black King back to the greens. Ava showed a face of disgust at the thought of kissing Archer, wiping the corners of her lips as if she could wipe away his touch. Cracking her neck from side to side, she put on her game face before making her way out of the barn and down to the tents where everyone was gathered. She spotted John, weaving her way through the crowd until coming next to him. Giving him a small smile, she slid her hand into his, interlinking their fingers while holding his arm with her other hand. Leaning into him, she whispered into his ear.

"I have the horses saddled and ready. We need to talk after this."

She knew John wouldn't be pleased with her kissing Archer. He would probably be pissed the fuck off which was why Ava decided taking a ride away from everyone was probably the best course of action in case he blew up at her. It'd be better for him to do it out of prying eyes until Ava could explain why she had to do it. Kissing his bicep, Ava turned her attention to Alek and Ashley as Alek began to make his speech about the hunt and how there would be a grand prize of the Red Queen's Heart - Ashley flashing a beautiful necklace to the crowd. Subtle...Ava thought, knowing the "red queen's heart" was Alek's way of fucking with Ashley and AJ. Alek set the rules in place, not that Ava cared because she wouldn't be participating. But then he sent a jab her way about not mind controlling the animals to sit by her at the bar. Narrowing her eyes, she then gave Alek a 'playful' smile and rolled her eyes in jest to play up his joke to the crowd; giving a little innocent shrug as well. Then finally, his announcement was over and everyone began to talk freely and prepare for their hunt.

Ava's eyes found Archer and it looked like the initial dazed effect of her poison had worn off and he was back to his obnoxious self. Perfect. Amanda was staying close by to him as instructed. Turning to John, Ava smiled warmly up at him, her hands slipping around his waist.

"Ready for that ride?"

Ava decided it would be better to ride with John now before having to mingle with the White King and Queen. She wanted to clue him into exactly what was going on so there were no surprises, especially if Archer had an adverse reaction to her poison and keeled over unexpectedly. The sooner he was informed the better, then she could get to work on the European White Court.

 

[Steel]

Arklay

He was chatting to Daniel, asking if it was nice for him to get to see the friends he didn't normally get to.

"It's been very nice, King John. I have not seen Heidi in quite some time. It was very nice to recollect on old times. And the party itself was unique, so I appreciate that. I'm definitely looking forward to The Black Party..I trust The Black Queen has set up something memorable? Or are we going to get a preview of the new Black King's flavor tonight as well?"

Steel held up his hands in a self deprecating gesture.

"No, no, tonight is all my Queen's doing. I'm afraid my humble attempt would only amount to a pub and a box of cigars. It's much better to leave such things to the experts."

Daniel returned to his conversation with Cassandra, and John had a moment to look over the people around him. He was pleased to see Amanda taking to her task with such gusto, even if he detested being in the same vicinity as Archer. He continued to make small talk, but happily Ava returned shortly thereafter. Her hand found his like that was always where it was meant to be.

"Everything okay?"

She leaned in to whisper to him, and he couldn't ignore the way her body felt pressed against his.

"I have the horses saddled and ready. We need to talk after this."

He chuckled.

"You make it sound like we'll need to make a quick escape before the townsfolk realize we've robbed the bank."

He gave her hand a squeeze and nodded, happy to get away and be alone with her for any reason. Alek called everyone to attention to make a welcoming speech, which John studied for future reference. Alek wasn't a wordsmith like Cameron, but he was well liked - at least by everyone other than his queen - and made this seem more like an intimate gathering of friends than a formal event. It also didn't escape John's notice the way Alek referred to the Red Court as his, then made sure to use "we" and "our" strategically throughout the rest so as to not be glaringly offensive to his queen. It was smart. He leaned towards Ava.

"A well-timed plug for Cassadine Enterprises."

He wondered if he could tempt Ava over to the archery range later. He would love to see her show up everyone there with her prowess. John joined in the clapping with everyone else. He felt a small twinge at not joining in on the hunting, if only to have the chance to present his queen with the giant diamond the Red Court was offering as a prize. Though, he reasoned, Ava would be unlikely to wear anything red anyway. But perhaps he would have to see about a gift for her, when he was able to get away from the mansion.

"And no mind controlling something to come and sit next to you at the bar [looking at Ava]."

Ava was gracious, though he knew she would probably be secretly annoyed. He leaned down again to whisper.

"You should do it, just to piss him off."

The image in his head was quite amusing, and he laughed to himself. Alek's speech finished, Ava turned towards him, her hands coming around his waist. He smiled, his own arms circling around her, and leaned down to plant a tiny kiss on the end of her nose.

"Ready for that ride?"

"Yes, my Queen."

He grinned playfully, and followed her to where a groom was standing by with their horses.

"I know I shouldn't offer to give you a leg up?"

She was a better rider than he was, and could certainly make it into the saddle on her own. Still, the gentleman and likely the Rook in him couldn't not make some kind of offer. He swung up onto his own mount, letting her lead the way.

 

[Black Widow]

The Hellfire Club - - The Catacombs

Ash: I don't think anyone could be as horrible a mother as yours was.

Haleigh gave her sister Queen a wan smile.

"Let's all hope."

She said, and then they discussed Ava a bit further, until finally Haleigh was ready to kill something, and suggested they get a move on the Red Hunt. Ash joked that all was fair game except Archer, but only because Ava would never forgive them if they took the privilege of murdering him away from her. Haleigh chuckled and agreed not to steal the joy from their Black Queen.

Ash: But I'm afraid I told Alek I'd entertain the non-hunting guests while he went out and showed everyone what a big dick he has. He just knows I'm a better hunter than him. But he's never had to kill anything - except that one time. You know, when he died.

Haleigh gave her a wary look. Just because Alek never HAD to kill anything, didn't mean he didn't enjoy the act, which Haleigh took care to remind Ash. She wasn't referring to hunting either, but Ash was too busy leaping into AJ's arms to catch the meaning, it seemed. Haleigh left the Red Queen with her Knight and went up to meet Cameron for the ride over to Arklay. He was in her head already, saying that her morning had been more interesting than his, that he felt out of the loop. She didn't reply just yet, just trudged up to the helipad to stand under the steady beating of the rotor blades. There was something soothing about it, the sound, the vibration, the engines, the rotor wash swirling the air around. By the time her husband appeared, she wasn't as angry as before. His arm around her felt nice.

Cameron: I am sorry to have been the cause of any stress, Haleigh. It kills me to cause you problems with the Queens.

"It's not your fault, Stud. I made my choices, I can live with the consequences. Even if those consequences are pissed sister Queens. I just... wish that had been better received."

Cameron: This will be fine. I promise. Ava is like our sister. We will mend that fence...and, it's probably unwise to talk about this now...but I do think there is something to Ashley's suggestion regarding Alek...

DO YOU NOW?

Cameron: Like I said. We won't discuss it now...For now, we walk into Arklay like we walk into any place - with power and appeal. And we continue on the path we are on...because it's OUR path, not theirs. We know what we're doing...we can't let anyone make us question that...

Haleigh nodded in grim agreement as he kissed her cheek.

Cameron: In any case, Arklay has thick woods and many secluded areas. I'm sure if necessary it's a sufficient place to hide a body, though I am sure it would not be the only one on the property.

Finally, she cracked a smile. He asked if she was ready, and she gave his hand a soft squeeze.

"Always."

They landed and an attendant opened the door. Cameron was the first out, followed by Haleigh. They'd arrived just in time for the welcoming speech. Alek never wasted his words. He got to the hunt started, laid the ground rules, and set the mood. And he looked so goddamned good doing it, Haleigh had to make herself glance around at the others to keep from fixating on him. After the speech, an attendant brought Haleigh's gun over to her. She grasped it easily with one hand, despite its weight and size, and then she kissed her husband's cheek.

"Alright, wish me luck. I'm off to win the Red Queen's heart, apparently. You like threesomes, right?"

 

[Savage]

The Hellfire Club - - On the way to Arklay

Ash: I'm looking forward to hunting together when it's just the two of us.

"Mmm, me too."

He said, day dreaming about it on the helicopter ride over. It still amazed him, the machines men had built to defy gravity. They arrived at Arklay and almost immediately, his Queen went to work, telling him to wait for her near the tent. A servant brought him a cold beer, which he drank deeply of. He could already pick up the scents of various game. He was still deciding which scent to track when the Red King began his speech.

Alek thought he was so damned witty, but truly, he was a greasy shop rag through and through. Slick, and not really worth a damn. AJ drained his beer just to get through the welcoming shtick without scoffing. There was a lot of unnecessary self-congratulating and 'clever' joking. AJ had almost stopped paying attention when Alek mentioned the contest.

Alek: For the hunter that brings back the most impressive game, we have a prize. My queen, if you please?

Ashley revealed a piece of jewelry that AJ didn't personally want, but immediately thought would look very nice on his Queen.

Alek: To the winner goes the Red Queen's heart.

The sound of applause drowned out the guttural growl that Savage emitted. There was no disguise for the contempt in his scowl, directed right at Alek. Savage wanted to kill him now. He might not have cared for the consequences, but there was Ashley. If AJ killed Alek publicly, Ashley would have to deal with the fallout too, and he just couldn't justify subjecting her to that. After the crowd began to disperse, AJ found Ashley immediately. He put his hand under her chin and gave her a brief kiss.

"My Queen Ashley, I will win."

He promised, his voice low.

 

[Prophet]

He was grateful for a few quiet moments with his wife. They were a perfect union, but they didn't always agree, and that kept things interesting, but Cameron still could help but feel a tinge of jealousy when Haleigh advocated for Alek, The Red Queen's taunting playing in his mind as the property began to fade into view beneath them. This was the perfect time to align with Ashley and do her a favor. Getting Alek to the European Court like he had all but promised would show The Red Queen that The White King was willing to play ball with The Red Court if it were Ashley calling the shots. Also, if he could accomplish this, Ashley might be less obstinate about a King heir being brought up in Hellfire. She would trust him more, and he needed that.

Cameron led his wife out of the helicopter as they made their way over towards the red tent where Alek was giving a speech, one that left quite a bit to the imagination. He knew the Red Court had a different philosphy but Cameron was a man that wanted to be remembered, and when they looked back at the history books, he wanted more than just "we're gonna shoot things and drink beers" to be found. Conversely, Alek's no nonsense attitude had been of great benefit to the courts. But he had half of the political skill as his Queen, and in talking to her this morning, Cameron realized that should he ever need to go into battle in the future, he would make sure that The Red Queen was on his side.

So he relaxed a bit as Alek announced the prize of the hunt - a brilliant diamond he had dubbed "The Red Queen's Heart". Cameron appreciated a bit of drama, but it was a rather cheeky and petty move on Alek's and it seemed to be directed solely at AJ, the thought of which brought Cameron great pleasure.

"Perhaps these two will truly tear each other apart right in front of us before the day is over..."

The White Queen manifested her gun as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. One of the things that made them such a powerful duo was that they were both the kind of people that got on better with the opposite sex. Haleigh could charm a man with such an ease, Cameron was unsure of how there were not temples dedicated in honor of her sexual prowess, and Cameron prided himself on creating deep relationships with the women around him, a biproduct of having grown up in a very femininely strong atmosphere. It had taught him a lot, and he knew how to engage with powerful women.

Haleigh: "Alright, wish me luck. I'm off to win the Red Queen's heart, apparently. You like threesomes, right?"

Cameron thought of Ashley for a moment. Ever since their meeting he could not get her out of his mind. The way she spoke, so simple and yet so strong and effective. The way her beauty crept in with every glance and word. In fact, he found himself thinking some very devious thoughts at his wife's words.

"Please...she'd only let me watch the two of you together..which would still be very satisfying..."

He kissed his wife again.

"Go do what you do best, my Queen."

The White King moved over towards the group of people that seemed to not be joining the hunt. Ava seemed ready to ride off in the sunset with her king, but Cameron wasn't going to let her go that easily. His eyes regarded his sister for a moment. He was grateful that Zach had been doing such a wonderful job of keeping her in check. She seemed relaxed and at ease, and she had yet to piss anybody off. This was a good sign. Erika was good as long as you could keep her motivated, if she felt like she was failing at any second, she would go off the deep end. Zach would be important to her success as The White Princess, and he would make sure it would be worth The White Rook's while.

"He would make a very appealing Prince..."

Though he was a bit bitter at his sister's appointment. He had wanted to make Heidi his White Princess. He was wanting to see how she handled this weekend, coming face to face with the very people who drove her from Europe a few years ago, and he felt bad, as if he had been priming her for something she would not get. But it was part of the small cost he had paid for being able to produce a child with his wife. Cameron grabbed a pint of beer and flashed a smile to those staying behind.

"I think I'm the only man staying behind this afternoon...but what can I say? I'm a pacifist."

[his head immediately turned towards Ava]

"Ava, darling...a word before you escape into the forest?"

[Pausing]

"I'm sorry John, this will just take a minute."

She nodded reluctantly as the groups began to converge and converse, getting ready while they stood several feet away, Ava on her horse, not being heard against the many voices all talking at once.

"So...did you forget that you should have told me about Erika and Ben before the others? Or should I be worried?"

[flatly]

"I could have kept this contained. Now..The Red Queen knows..not that she's a gossip, but I don't need any MORE reasons for another court to be weary of white, Ava.."

He eyed her up and down, knowing the conversation she had just had with Ava, Ashley and his wife.

"Are you okay, Ava?...do you really believe that I would ever make a move against you? Even my wildest visions for what Hellfire could be have you standing right next to me. Not behind me...not behind my WIFE..NEXT to me. I don't say that lightly, and I don't want ANYTHING that happens in the days to come lead you to think otherwise..."

[taking a sip of his pint, his voice softening a bit]

"I am sorry for the backlash of John's coronation. Just tell me what to do to make it up to you, and I will do it..."

[smirking]

"Seriously, you know I never deal with you being mad at me or my wife well..I hate it."

 

[Berserker]

Arklay

He exchanged his champagne for another beer and made his way over to where Archer was, having returned with Amanda. He vaguely wondered if the two of them had already had a deep discussion behind the stables, or if he was going to have to watch a ridiculous amount of flirting this afternoon. He decided he didn't really care, he was already feeling up after thumbing his nose at his queen and her little dog.

Archer: "I think this boils down to the three of us, don't you? I mean...Ben'll most likely cry the second he takes the life of an animal, and Daniel, well...we'll be lucky if he doesn't sit on his rifle out of sheer boredom...Although who knows? Erika looks like she knows how to execute a kill shot."

"You're very sure of yourself, Arch. Of course, riding my coattails will get you far."

He clapped Archer on the back, laughing good naturedly. Alek was the best tracker there, so anyone with him had a distinct advantage.

"Though the White Queen will likely be somewhere...lurking...with a gun she knows intimately."

Given a choice it would have been the two of them hunting together, piss on the rest of these people. The blood of a fresh kill would make Haleigh very aggressive indeed. But alas...it seemed there would be a crowd out there today. Alek snapped his fingers at an attendant, who came over carrying a tray with a bundle on it. Alek unwrapped the cloth from his hunting knives, twirling one.

"I've picked an excellent mount for you Arch. The grooms are bringing the horses up now."

 

[Masque]

Arklay – The Red Event


Gia had finished with her business meetings and now she was running late – again. This time, she had an acceptable excuse, and she hoped that both her King and Queen would appreciate it. Dressed for a day out at Arklay, complete with boots, Gia headed for the roof where a helicopter was waiting.

Oh, thank god!

She climbed in and noticed, with surprise, that the European Red Queen was already in the chopper! Gia sighed with relief. Apparently she wasn’t the only one running late. Gia admired Bretta’s outfit.

*politely*: “You look nice today, Your Majesty. I like your boots.”

Bretta: “Thank you, Miss Nefaria. You look nice as well. I’m glad to see I’m not the only held up here.”

Gia smiled and chuckled. She paused a bit in her talking, in order to make sure she had the proper protocol in front of Bretta.

“I’m sure you already know this from His Majesty Fairchild, but I had business to attend to.”

The copter took off and Gia stared out the windows. She was looking forward to this day. She had a horse, Brownie, which she was looking forward to riding. Though she loved hunting, she felt that it would be best if she didn’t partake in it today. She knew that it would be very easy to just accidentally-on-purpose knock her off. However, Daniel’s words came back to her and suddenly she wished that he was staying in America. With him around, maybe she wouldn’t feel as alone as she did. Bretta’s voice broke through.

Bretta: “How’s your Rook?”

Zachary?

Gia looked at Bretta questioningly.

“I…I don’t understand what you mean.”

Bretta: “I don’t know if he meant to or not, but he may have said something that I might have taken the wrong way?”

Oh crap. Gia had to do some damage control real fast…and then she was going to throttle one Zachary Armani.

“Uh…I mean, Your Majesty, what did he say?”

Bretta: “He may have implied that my sincere offer of working together, our Hellfire and yours, and taking on the world together was not sincere at all, simply because my King isn’t here.”

At Bretta’s words, Gia’s eyes widened in surprise. Surely ZACHARY couldn’t have made that faux pas! He never made mistakes. Well, hardly ever. Besides, she had always thought that he was an ‘equal opportunity’ kind of guy.

“Your Majesty, I don’t know what to say. He’s a great Rook. I’m sure he didn’t mean to insult you.”

I’m going to KILL him!

Gia felt indignation on Bretta’s behalf. She, too, knew how it felt to feel less than simply because she wasn’t a man. She had had to deal with that shit ever since she became the defacto leader of the Nefaria organization, and ever since she took on that role upon her father’s death. For whatever reason, Gia felt the need to protect him.

“Your Majesty, I promise that I will get to the bottom of this. Zachary is usually so in tune with everything. I can’t believe he said such a thing. Don’t say anything to our King or Queen. Please? I’ll deal with it.”

Gia’s hopes soared when Bretta smiled.

Bretta: “That would be lovely, Giuletta. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, Your Majesty.”

Gia discreetly took out her phone and texted Zachary.

Care to keep your dick out of Erika King long enough to have a chat? We NEED to talk about the European Red Queen ASAP.

He probably wouldn’t answer, but Gia DID promise Bretta that she would deal with it, so she would deal with it. The helicopter landed and Gia hopped out first and then helped Bretta out of the chopper before they made their way to the red tent. They arrived to hear the tail end of Alek’s speech.

Yeah, I don’t think so.

Bretta took her arm and Gia looked over.

Bretta: “Would you mind showing me the stables? I love horses.”

“Of course.”

Gia led Bretta to the stables and introduced the stable manager and stable hands to her before leading her to the horse stalls. Her grey eyes lit up as she went up to a beautiful brown horse.

“This is my horse, Brownie. Brownie, be nice. This is Her Majesty, Bretta O’Malley, from Hellfire UK.”

Bretta came near and patted him on the snout.

Bretta: *cooing*: “Hi, Brownie. You’re a handsome boy.”

Gia next gestured to the next stall, where a black horse was.

“This is Cassandra’s horse, Starlight. Everyone just calls her Star, though.”

Gia watched as Bretta walked up to Starlight.

Bretta: *cooing*: “Hi, Star. You’re such a beauty. Do you like Arklay? We have a beautiful countryside that you’d love, wouldn’t you?”

Gia shifted uncomfortably. From the way Bretta was talking, it sounded like she was interested in buying the Black Princess’ horse.

*uncomfortable*: “Your Majesty…if you’re thinking of buying Star, you’d really have to talk to Cassandra about it. I mean, she loves that horse.”

Bretta gave her a, to what Gia thought anyway, patronizing look.

Bretta: “Oh, I’m not interested in buying her, Miss Nefaria. Just making conversation.”

Gia watched as Bretta patted Star and whispered something in the horse’s ear before she turned back to her.

Bretta: “Shall we get back to the party?”

Gia nodded and the two headed out of the stables and towards the red tent.

Bretta: “Thank you for showing me the stables and some of the horses, Miss Nefaria.”

“You’re welcome, Your Majesty.”

Gia took a flute of champagne and took a seat.

 

[Liam Forbes]

The Hellfire Club - - On the way to Arklay

Liam had enjoyed the tour of the Aqua Ring, and discussing nuclear plans with Jack. It was nice to have another person to talk shop with, a fellow scientist, even if they worked on vastly different projects, at least they could understand and appreciate the nature of each other’s work.

He was also pleased to find that whatever rumors about the rebellion had reached Heidi, she didn’t seem to hate him now. He hadn’t wanted to be rid of Heidi, but politics had gotten in the way. By the time she’d told him she was going to America, it was a relief not to have to worry that there would be a showdown between his Princess and his Bishop. He should have been more concerned though.

The divide had split his Court cleanly in two, and when Heidi left, the power shifted. It may have been Evelyn’s death that catalyzed the revolution, but the underlings had been cooking for a while already. Rebecca had used and abused her own Court, and made them want to kill her. Camille had been a good Queen, despite her instabilities. It was her Knight Damien that had been her downfall. He’d given her access to prescription drugs and kept her addicted, to him and to the pills.

Liam had tried to put an end to it, but Camille didn’t want to be saved. As time went on the former White Queen grew weak, and the underlings were emboldened to revolt. Camille commanding Damien to kill Evelyn had sealed all their fates. Even if Liam had known of the plot, he wasn’t sure he could’ve stopped it, and he did love his Princess. But Heidi, she would’ve stood in the way of the others attempting to coup. She’d have died for it, but still. She might’ve come to him if she discovered their plot. Liam found himself wishing he could have a moment alone with Heidi, just to talk, to tell her what really happened. Maybe that chance would come later this weekend.

Right now they were getting in the helicopter, with Juliette meticulously covered from the sun. Liam still worried about taking risks like this during the day, despite Julie’s insistence that it was fine. Jack climbed up behind them, and then Heidi, with a hawk on her arm. Liam smiled gently.

“Hey pretty girl.”

He said, and reached to pet her. He had known Danielle was bringing the bird, of course. He knew where the bird came from. He had set the rest of the birds free from the Atrium, as Camille had wanted. He knew why she stayed.

Juliette: ‘eidee, I vould not ‘ave expected you to be fond of birds. But I suppose sea creatures sometimes eenteract vit gulls and odzer carrion scah-vengairs...

The hawk attacked with vengeance, and it was left to Liam to break it up. He had to put himself in the way to do it, but once he got in there and shoved the bird, she stopped her attack. Jack broke the tense silence that followed that it had been bizarre and unexpected.

“Well, who likes being called a scavenger?”

Liam asked in a tone meant for joking. He gazed at the hawk solemnly for a moment, then caught Heidi staring at him, and so he turned back to his new Queen to check on her.

“Julie, you alright?”

He asked, even though he could see she was healing up already. He helped pull her hood back up.

“Maybe we should keep Buffy away from the vamp in the future, yeah?”

Heidi smirked knowingly as the helicopter landed. She was the first out, and she walked off without so much as a goodbye.

Ashley: Juliette, Liam, I'm so glad you decided to join us today. Jack, Heidi.

“Well, we wouldn’t miss a Red event, after the Queen went to such lengths to welcome us. But we should be getting My Queen out of the sun.”

He said, and Ashley began to lead them off.

 

[Juliette De Lacroix]

The Hellfire Club - - On the way to Arklay

Juliette should’ve known Heidi would train her pets to attack her. Juliette would’ve just killed the damned bird, but Liam jumped in. No matter. The American White King and Queen would hear of this, and likely the bird would be killed for her. Liam made jokes to ease the tension, and soon they’d landed. Heidi shot out of the helicopter with her little bird in hand, probably trying to escape punishment. She was lucky that the American Red Queen was there to receive them, and distract Juliette from seeking Haleigh and Cameron out immediately.

Ashley welcomed them, and Liam charmed a bit before suggesting they get out of the Sun. Ash led them towards a glass gazebo, mentioning a demonstration. Even all covered up, it was a bit warm to Juliette, who didn’t want to linger, but she graciously followed the Red Queen anyway, out of sheer curiosity. There was another vampire here, and she was beginning to remove her protective layers.

Ash: We gave her an aspirin and told her it was a pill that would allow her to walk in the sunlight. She is very young.

“And very stoop-eed, obvee-us-lee.”

Ash: The glass is specially designed to filter out the ultraviolet rays. It is also virtually indestructible. Just one of the advances being made here in our research facilities. And after today's festivitiesare completed, it will be disassembled and shipped to London, as a gift from the Red Court.

“Ash-lee.... you deedn’t ‘ave to go trough all dzis trouble.... but you ‘ave my grah-titude.”
She said, pulling her gloves off first. When her hands didn’t catch fire, she laid back her hood. Under the glass of the gazebo, the sun felt good on her skin. Warm, but not unpleasantly so. She shrugged off her cloak to reveal a sleeveless silk blouse and a flowing skirt. Surprisingly, with the ultraviolet rays filtered out, her skin appeared to have a normal yet fair tone.

The Red King was making his welcoming speech. And attendant brought Juliette a glass of B positive, which she accepted, as the Red King announced that the winner of the hunting contest would get the Red Queen’s heart. Interesting dynamic there. Not caring if your Queen beds others was one thing, but offering her up as a contest prize was yet another. Juliette would’ve been quite displeased if Liam had pulled a similar stunt. Ashley didn’t seem very pleased either. Likely she wanted to choose for herself who won her ‘heart’.

“Lee-ahm.... vill you be ‘unting?”

Liam: Well I would like to go for a ride. I can find something to kill along the way, if you want another night with the Red Queen.

“Ensure eets some-dzing eem-pressive.”

Liam smiled and gave her a wink, then kissed her hand and left for the horses.

 

[Fathom]

The Hellfire Club - - Arklay

Heidi disembarked the chopper as soon as it landed. She didn’t want to spend another second near Juliette, even with Liam there to run interference. Jack trailed after her towards the main tent. ‘Buffy’, as Liam had called her, took flight to circle the grounds. Heidi and Jack took a seat next to the Black Princess while they waited for the others to show up.

Cass: Hey, Heidi.

Heidi glanced at Cass, a bit of mild surprise on her expression.

“Hello, Princess.”

Cass: I love your outfit.

There was a pause in which Heidi tried to determine if Cass was being facetious.

“Er, thanks. You... look nice too. Very American Cowgirl Chic.”

She offered in returncautiously, in case Cass was just honestly being nice. They didn’t often interact, so Heidi was a bit wary. Certainly, she knew how the Queens felt about the Black Princess, so she wasn’t entirely sure she should be seen talking to her, but here they were.

Cass: How’s Six doing?

Heidi gaped at Cass for a moment. This conversation was getting weirder by the second. Heidi glanced at Jack, who shrugged silently.

“He’s good. His stitches are holding. When did you take a sudden interest in the Aqua Ring creatures?”

She asked curiously, and then another, more pressing question came to her.

“And where’s your little friend, Gia? You and the White Bishop are usually attached at the hip.”

She said. That very fact was the reason Heidi and Cass never really talked much. Heidi absolutely hated the ever uncouth mob rat Gia, had despised her since the moment they’d met.

Alek started to welcome them all, giving the details on the day’s event. Neither Jack nor Heidi were much into tracking and hunting, and Neither cared to win the contest. They’d already agreed to ride out to the river, where they could swim and fish, and Jack wanted to pick up a shotgun just to try his hand at shooting down a bird or two near the river banks. After Alek finished his speech, Jack got up to go get their horses.

 

[Valkyrie]

Arklay

Knowing Savage's distaste for Juliette and, after last night, Liam, she didn't force him to stand by while she greeted the London White King and Queen. She wouldn't have been surprised had they skipped this event, it being in the day time and all. But she was genuinely happy to see them, having decided that she enjoyed their company immensely.

“Well, we wouldn’t miss a Red event, after the Queen went to such lengths to welcome us. But we should be getting My Queen out of the sun.”

Ashley smiled and nodded, ushering them to the gazebo, where she had organized a demonstration of its usefulness. Ashley explained to Juliette the ruse they had used to make their test vampire so agreeable.

“And very stoop-eed, obvee-us-lee.”

"Well, yes, there was a reason she was chosen for this experiment. Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak."

She gave Juliette and Liam the specifics, and also announced that she was presenting the structure to them as a gift.

“Ash-lee.... you deedn’t ‘ave to go trough all dzis trouble.... but you ‘ave my grah-titude.”

She smiled graciously.

"The next time you visit, I promise we will have a night hunt."

She excused herself to assist Alek with welcoming their guests, with a promise to return. When he saw her, he crossed the lawn to meet her, having an attendant give her the prize for the most spectacular kill of the hunt. It wasn't worth it to argue with him, and she had told him he could be in charge of this event, though she would have liked the afternoon to have remained friendly rather than competitive.

"Let's get things started, shall we?"

Ashley nodded, holding the box between her two hands. Alek's speech was more complimentary to her than she would have expected, that he acknowledged her existence and only referred to the court as his once could be considered a win for their partnership. He ran through the activities they had planned, for the hunter and non hunter alike. When he began to discuss the prize, he gestured to her to reveal it, so she pulled the ribbon from the box and opened the lid. She reached in and pulled out a long chain, on the end of which hung a red diamond that was nearly too large to be practically worn about the neck. She held it up so that all the guests could see what they might win.

"To the winner goes the Red Queen's heart."

Her jaw set. This was a new low for him, and to do this now, in front of everyone, in front of their guests. He was being petty, a spoiled child. He had no interest in her, so to attempt to humiliate her in this fashion...

The guests were clapping, and Alek was smiling triumphantly. But he was looking at Ashley, and she held his gaze unflinchingly. He then finished off giving the rules, making a few jokes, and then went off, leaving her alone. She handed the box with the jewel back to the attendant who had given it to her. She was very much reconsidering not partaking in the hunt. If she fed Alek to the literal wolves, she was reasonably sure Cameron wouldn't give her away. And if she went far enough from the mansion to do it she wouldn't be seen...

But then AJ was there, and he was lifting her chin for a kiss. She tried to smile reassuringly.

"It doesn't matter."

"My Queen Ashley, I will win."

Her smile widened, and became more sincere. She put a hand on his chest.

"You already have my heart."

Her hand slid up to his neck.

"Just come back to me in one piece, that's all I care about."

Reluctantly, she let him go. She found herself alone, and was feeling more alone than she ever had in all her long years. She desperately wanted to run away. But instead, she smoothed her ponytail back, and straightened her fur vest. If Alek was going to spend all his time fucking around with the Black Court - Brienne and Archer - that left the serious business to her. She did want to talk more with Juliette, but first she needed to touch base with London's Red Queen. She slipped into the tent, and found Bretta sitting near the White Bishop, which was interesting.

"Bretta, darling, how are you today? You disappeared at the party last night."

She sat down next to her at the table, crossing her legs at the knee. A server set an imperial pint of stout in front of her.

"How are you liking New York so far?"

 

[Orion]

The Hellfire Club - - Arklay

Erika: Goddammit, you feel good...

She'd said afterward, as they knelt there in a pitching helicopter, still connected. Zach smiled and kissed her breathlessly. She turned towards him and they kissed some more, as if that was the way they were going to catch their breath.

Erika: If I could stay this way all weekend, I'd be a happy woman...

"If I have anything to say about it, you will be a happy woman.... but we can't stay like this, unfortunately."

He replied, when language returned to him. She fixed their clothing, and they slid back into their seats, just in time for Arklay to come into view. Zach tried to stay close to her a little while longer, knowing they'd soon be apart. She didn't want to go hunting, but it was just as well. She was Princess now, and needed to get into the politics, and it would be best if he wasn't hovering over her protectively while she did it. Besides, he was up to his eyeballs in politics, and was looking forward to unplugging and spending an afternoon in the forest.

They were present politely for the Red King's welcome. It would have been nice, except for the twisting little knife he sank into Ashley's side. Zach did his best to quench the tempers that flared, in the Red Queen and her Knight as well. Everyone else seemed neutral to amused by the announcement of the 'prize', but those two could get into a bit of murder if they were so inclined, and Zach knew Haleigh would be quite upset if anything happened to Alek, so even though Zach personally didn't care for the Red King, he acted as a relief valve for Ash and AJ until they were able to reconnect and reassure each other. Erika was already grabbing a drink and looking pleased to be at another party.

Erika: Big strapping men. Guns. The wilderness. Why, I can't wait to see what the boys bring back for us! And The Red Queen's heart as a prize? Well...had I known that was an option, I might have reconsidered my stance on hunting...

Zach grabbed her free hand and kissed the back of it.

"I promise to bring you something good."

He said, and left to head over to the shooting range to collect a hunting rifle. He'd be after deer, as usual. If he won the contest by accident, he'd gladly give the 'prize' right back to AJ. He'd had Ash in the past, and she was phenomenal, but he had no intention of angering the Red Knight, and he knew deep down Ashley's heart wouldn't be in it, and what fun would that be? Besides, a little gesture of good will would go a long way in retaining a decent working relationship with them both.

A groom brought over his horse, Arion. Arion was a beautiful steed, an enormous draft horse that was as strong as he was swift. He had been a gift from Ava, a few years back, when Zach had romanced her. That had been nice, dangerously close to love, but Ava had pushed him away when she became Queen. She would not let herself really fall for him, even when they were dating, and after she was crowned, she had all but put an end to their relationship. She hadn't wanted the 'weakness' of attachment. Zach had accepted the rejection as gracefully as he could, but it was never the same between them after that. The sex was still good, on occasion, though surely that would end now that she'd made Steele her King.

Zach checked the tack before he smoothly mounted his horse, with his rifle slung on his shoulder. He saw Haleigh heading out on foot, and rode over to catch up with her, already a few hundred yards from the party. He slowed Arion up to walk beside his Queen, who turned to look up at him. He gave her a friendly smile.

Haleigh: Zach. I've been meaning to thank you for all the hard work you've been doing this weekend. I DO appreciate it. When the foreigners have gone home, I'll have to insist you name your own reward.

"Really? Well, I'll have to think about it then. Although, you may change your mind when you hear from the European Red Queen. I'm afraid I may have unintentionally offended her."

Haleigh: Well believe it or not Casanova, there are SOME women out there that may be immune to your charm.

Zach chuckled.

"Evidently. Only, I wasn't particularly trying to charm her. She was saying she was looking forward to working with our branch. I mentioned that the leadership here might not be so motivated to join forces with a HALF a Court. She left in a huff after that. If I'd known she would have such a knee-jerk reaction to me noting that her King was absent, I'd not have--"

Haleigh: Don't sweat it Zach. Have fun hunting. I'll send Cameron a heads up. If she's worth a damn, my King will smooth it over. If not, fuck her and her absentee regent.

Zach nodded and wished her luck, though he was sure she didn't need it, considering her skill with firearms. If Haleigh wanted to shoot something, it was practically dead as soon as she trained her sights on it. He rode off into the forest.