A Weekend Affair # 6 - The Red Bacchanalia

They had taken it slow at first, Ava wanted to savor the intimacy with John. She so desperately wanted to feel every part of him at the deepest level, but even she couldn't take the tease. Ava could see in John's eyes his need, matching her own, so she told him to let go and be with her the way he wanted to. She kissed him heatedly, her hips moving faster against him. But John took control and rolled them both over so he was on top of her now. His hands slid over her ass, down her thighs, and pressed her more open for him. Ava's breathing was rapid, knowing what would come next, and wanting it so damn badly. John paused, his face only mere inches from hers. Her dark eyes met with his as she slid one hand across his slick back and the other around his shoulder as it to brace herself. Then he dipped his face to the crook of her neck and began to fuck her hard, grunting with each powerful thrust. Ava's cries matched his, an exclamation point each time his hips met with hers. Her nails dug into his back as her eyes shut and head extended back, feeling her body getting pushed further and further to it's climax. She was dizzy with pleasure, John anchoring her to reality. But soon her body couldn't take anymore intensity causing Ava to cry out loudly as she came. Her body shook under his, Ava burying her face into the crook of his neck now while she rode out her orgasm. Moments later, John came as well, the warmth filling her and making her shudder.

Panting out heavily as John began to kiss her neck, Ava's eyes were shut, drunk off of him and what he just did to her. She didn't want it to end, her body so overwhelmed physically and emotionally. Her breathing became ragged as he kissed her cheek while his fingers caressed her other. Ava tried to hide her face against his, her arms gripping him tightly and pulling herself closer to him. Everything that happened that evening hit her all at once, the release John gave her seemingly opening up the flood gates.

John: "Are you okay, babe?"

Ava pulled him close, her face burying into his neck. She gently nodded, though the burn of tears were unmistakable. She had a moment in the shower, and a moment when they first started to make love, but outside a couple rogue tears that managed to escape, Ava had kept herself in check. She had kept herself from fully succumbing to the aftermath of the attack and allowing herself to truly feel the fear and mortality that she had experienced. But she couldn't keep it back any longer, hiccuping a muffled and shaky cry. It was like an instant release of tension, almost as intense as the pleasure he just gave her. She felt her body relax beneath his, the anxiety she had been carrying dissipating from her body. She had try to stay strong after Archer had made her feel so incredibly weak, but in reality, she needed to feel and let go. So she did, in the safety of John's arms.
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite

Ava was clinging to him, desperately, and he worried that maybe he'd been too rough, too soon. So he asked her if she was okay. She buried her face in his neck, her head nodding, but he could tell she wasn't. He could feel the wet of tears on his skin.

"Hey, hey...what's wrong?"

He moved to the side so he could put his arms around her, his hand cradling the back of her head. He could feel that these weren't tears of joy, that she was practically sobbing against him.

"It's okay..."

He just held her, murmuring reassuring words as she cried, stroking her hair.

"What can I do, babe?"

For the second time that night, he felt helpless. Not sure if he had done something to upset her, or if it was about what Archer had done, he was at a loss of how to make it better.

"Everything's going to be okay."
 
She felt horrible breaking down right after they had made love, but the emotions were too overwhelming to keep bottled up like she always tended to do. So she finally let them go, crying into his neck as she clutched onto him.

John: "Hey, hey...what's wrong?"

She shook her head as he moved his body off hers and to the side, his arms fully wrapping around her now. Ava kept her face buried in his chest, her one arm tucking in between them while the other still stayed strong around his back, holding herself against him. He soothingly began to stroke her hair, her breath shaky as she took a breath in to try and calm herself.

John: "It's okay...What can I do, babe?"

Ava could tell he didn't know how to react or what to do. He was probably blaming himself, or thought he had done something wrong. She finally managed to steady her breath enough to speak.

"I'm sorry.."

She shook her head again, though still kept her face buried.

"It's not you...you were wonderful..I just--"

Her voice cracked as she spoke and her words cut off, unable to figure out how to explain how she felt. But she needed this release, in more ways than one. It was a foreign concept for her to feel utterly helpless, and it terrified her to the core. More than even she realized. The weakness, the uncertainty, and facing death without a fighting chance of survival were all things she never had to face, even during battles. When the odds were stacked against her, she knew somehow she would survive or go out taking as many people as she could with her. But that night, she felt like a beaten dog in a cage that couldn't fight back. She had kept herself in check, but the emotion of being with John and knowing how close she was to not being with him was too much.

John: "Everything's going to be okay."

Finally Ava began to calm, her breathing becoming more steady and the tears drying on her cheeks. She kept her eyes shut, her face still buried against John's chest, the rhythm of his heartbeat tempering her anxiety until finally, Ava lifted her face to look at him.

"Not the sexiest ending.."

She finally said with a small, embarrassed smile. But then, she looked at John more seriously, her hand sliding to the nape of his neck to hold him.

"I just got overwhelmed being with you...knowing how close I was to not being with you. You were perfect, John...You made me feel alive and loved."

Ava exhaled slowly, the tension and stress finally leaving her body. She gave him a half smile, knowing how badly he worried for her.

"I'm okay....I promise."

She gently pressed her lips against his before whispering that she promised once more.
 
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Hellfire - The White Rook's Suite

Brienne: “So I'm the ugly stepchild of my branch. Perfect."

“Nonsense. You couldn’t be ugly if you tried.”

He said, one arm still holding her close as he drained her stress away and assured her that once the others calmed down they would want to talk, mostly to alleviate the concern she might retaliate. She pointed out that if she’d wanted to do that she would’ve attacked Erika.

“Exactly, and it won’t be hard to get them to realize that.”

He said, and then she admitted she didn’t know what to do, so he started to brainstorm with her, to give her ideas on how to go from here. First and foremost she’d want a King to watch her back, someone she really trusted.

Brienne: "You wouldn't happen to be looking for a promotion? It comes with the perk of having everything in shambles and no benefits whatsoever.”

He smiled, his hand cupping her chin as he gazed into her eyes.

“I’m looking at a benefit right now.”

He replied, though he didn’t let himself get too excited about what she’d said, because she was probably only kidding anyway. He told her she’d have time to think things over, and build the court she wanted, make the alliances she was interested in, which hopefully included him, because he thought he’d die a miserable lonely death if she never spoke to him again.

Brienne: "I just feel like I'm back at square one again. But maybe it's for the best....maybe now I can prove I'm not just a bitch with a title and last name."

“Oh of course.... you’ve also got a fantastic pair of legs.”

He added helpfully, and then in all seriousness he told her she was welcome to stay with him as long as she wanted, his guest, not his prisoner. She WAS still a Queen, she could do as she pleased.

Brienne: “You really would make an amazing King, Zach. I wish...[sighing] you didn't have such strong loyalties here. I would take you in heartbeat.”

It was the second time she’d brought it up, and it was clear she wasn’t joking now, which made his heart skip a beat. It wasn’t just being King, which every man in Hellfire wanted. But the idea of being her King was undeniably enticing.

“Well.... my loyalties would be your allies.... and my current Queen might be receptive to the prospect of having someone she trusts in London.”

He suggested hopefully, still trying to keep himself from getting too worked up about it.

Brienne: Anyway...regardless of my court situation, we'll still have fun if you decide to visit. If you thought my panties collection was extensive here...

All intelligent thought ended there. His brow raised in curiosity as a dirty smile spread across his lips.

“Do you mean to tell me, when you were pretending to pack last night, that wasn’t every pair of panties you own?”

He dragged his knuckles down the cutout that served as a neckline on her dress.

“The real mystery I’m trying to solve here is why on earth you have so many, when it seems you are so delightfully opposed to wearing them.”
 
Zach was being incredibly sweet, trying to tell her that the Americans wouldn't do anything to jeopardize their ties with the European Red and White Courts by attacking her. It made her feel like the ugly stepchild of the bunch - like the Black Court didn't present anything of value. He told her she couldn't be ugly if she tried, and despite her self deprecating views of how her and her court were at the moment, she couldn't help but faintly smile at his words. He really did know how to make things feel like they weren't as terrible as they seemed. She wondered if he was looking for a promotion, jokingly asking. Though it literally had no perks or benefits whatsoever considering the status of her court.

Zach: “I’m looking at a benefit right now.”

His hand was cupping her chin as his piercing blue eyes met with hers. Her heart skipped a beat and stomach fluttered with butterflies in a way she hadn't felt in a very, very long time. It was a feeling she didn't realize she missed, but one that also terrified her at the same time. So she went back to talking shop, Zach telling her that she could build her court up the way she wanted by cleaning house of Archer loyalists. It was a sound move, one she definitely agreed upon. She could truly make the Black Court hers and build it into something more than just a running joke or eye roll to the Americans. Juliette and Bretta knew what she was capable of, but she now wanted to prove she deserved the American's bids to make her an ally. Brienne slid her hand down Zach's forearm as he held her chin, gripping the crook of it as she admitted that she wished he wasn't so loyal to the Americans and his Queen because she would snatch him up as her King in an instant. It was a very bold and straight forward statement for Brienne, one she would not have normally admitted.

Zach: “Well.... my loyalties would be your allies...."

Brienne tensed with excitement hearing Zach work out the details like he was actually considering it. Would he really consider becoming her King? To choose leaving his life for her?

Zach: "...and my current Queen might be receptive to the prospect of having someone she trusts in London.”

Of course....She thought, her stomach dropping like a child coming down to Christmas and seeing no tree and presents. Of course he would consider this for Haleigh; it would make hers and his home court stronger. She was a fool to think otherwise.

"Haleigh...of course. [Brienne shook her head] It would be a tactical advantage.."

Brienne pushed aside the feelings of disappointment and shifted the conversation back to sex, her go to when all else failed and she felt vulnerable. She teased that if Zach decided to come and visit, he'd be surprised at the extent of her panty collection.

Zach: “Do you mean to tell me, when you were pretending to pack last night, "

"I wasn't pretending."

Brienne interjected with a defiante smile.

Zach: "that wasn’t every pair of panties you own?”

She raised her eyebrows coyly, giving him a little shrug. It was then she felt Zach's knuckle dragging along her chest, between the cut outs of her her dress. Her chest expanded out a she inhaled a breath of desire, her eyes watching him as he watched his own hand.

Zach: “The real mystery I’m trying to solve here is why on earth you have so many, when it seems you are so delightfully opposed to wearing them.”

Brienne grinned at that, leaning forward as if she were about to kiss him, but instead slipping her hand into the pocket of his tunic to retrieve her phone. She had asked him to hold it for her earlier, considering the fabric of her dress barely held her. Brienne stood back upright, thought much closer than before. She unlocked her phone, the light of the screen illuminating her face.

"It's true...I don't particularly like wearing them. But..."

Brienne brought up her photos folder on her phone, turning it to Zach to show him. There were rows and rows of sexy professional photos and selfies of her in various panties and lingerie.

"I work with a lingerie company modeling their line. I get more panties than I know what to do with."

Brienne was known as a London socialite, very popular amongst the club scenes and fashion world. She used that status to not only gain connections throughout the fashion world, but to link herself to huge global companies and use them to launder her money for Hellfire. Archer had his little underground black market business while Brienne held a more legitimate business to keep up appearances. The people wanted to work with her because of her look, and she kept them wanting to work with her because of her abilities to tear them and everyone they loved apart if they decided to deviate. It was a superficial method, but the world today was superficial, and Brienne capitalized on it.

She smirked as she clicked her phone off purposely so Zach couldn't see anymore pictures. Brienne tossed her phone onto the nearby couch, her hand then going to Zach's, who fingers seemed to be magnetize to her chest. She slowly guided them under the thin material that covered her breasts, Brienne's lips parting as he grazed her nipple.

"When you come to visit...I could give you a private show..."

She enticed with a seductive lilt to her voice as she tilted her head to press her lips against Zach's neck, slowly tasting his skin. He smelled of cologne and sweat, two things that extremely turned her on. Brienne nipped his neck before pulling back, her face close to his as she looked into his eyes.

"Maybe entice you to stay a bit longer..."
 
Hellfire - The Bacchanalia

Juliette was enjoying a young dark-haired youth when the American Red Queen came over. Liam took point, inviting Ashley to sit with a tongue in cheek comment about biting. Ashley rightly found it hard to believe, and suggested maybe she did bite, which made Juliette smirk.

Liam mentioned the Red diamond necklace that he’d won in the hunt, complimenting how it looked on Juliette and passing along his thanks to that boorish Red King. Ashley was diplomatic, and flattering. Juliette gave a coquettish smile.

“You are too kind, chéri.”

Juliette replied, as Liam ate food from skewer. Ashley addressed the elephant in the room, that fight between the American White Queen and King they’d all just witnessed. She seemed confident that Haleigh and Cameron would work just fine together, and noted that it was less and less common to see Regents that were romantically linked. Juliette nodded casually, seeing the truth in it.

Ashley: “I did wish to ask you, if you will indulge me - how did the two of you manage, before Juliette began White Queen? Was there much opposition from the other members in London?"

Liam: “Oh, sure.”

“Dze previous Queen ‘ad a significant problem vit our relationship. Dzat vas not fun to deal vit. But sometimes von must stop and remember, ve vill easily outlast dzese petty people.”

She said with a shrug.

“And eef not? A solution eventually presents eetself.”

Liam: Eventually.

He agreed in between bites.
 
The Bacchanalia

Ashley added to Liam's compliments of the red diamond necklace, recognizing the honor it was to have the White Queen wear it.

Juliette: “You are too kind, chéri.”

Ashley blew her a kiss with a smile. She tried to assuage any concerns they might have about what they just witnessed between Haleigh and Cameron. But they didn't seem terribly worried. So she segued into something she'd wanted to ask them since they'd met, and as this was the last night of their visit, she might not get another chance. Liam and Juliette had been an item when Juliette was only the White princess. But still they had managed it. Has the others of their club been as hostile as Alek was?

Liam: “Oh, sure.”

Juliette: “Dze previous Queen ‘ad a significant problem vit our relationship. Dzat vas not fun to deal vit. But sometimes von must stop and remember, ve vill easily outlast dzese petty people.”

"That's what we keep telling ourselves...but in the present, it's tiring."

Juliette: “And eef not? A solution eventually presents eetself.”

Liam: Eventually.

She smiled at them, knowing the previous White Queen had been killed during their coup. A solution indeed.

"I find I am torn between what is good for my Court and what is good for me."

Ashley stared into the distance for a moment, before taking in a deep breath and exhaling, then giving the White King & Queen a smile.

"Well, I won't interrupt your meals any further. If we don't speak later tonight I'll definitely see you tomorrow before you go."

She stood, and smiled again.

"Thank you."

It wasn't just the answer they had given to her question, but what they represented. That sometimes things did work out. Eventually.

She moved back to where AJ was eating, and sat next to him, resting her head on his shoulder and patting his leg. Other than Liam & Juliette, the other regents had all left the party. Which strangely seemed to be more freeing.

"We have the whole party to ourselves."

She could see that the fights had started up again below them. She reached for her goblet of wine, indicating the pit with it.

"You should be proud, the men did well."

She took a drink, slipping her other hand around his bicep.

"I wonder who we would have been if we'd lived in Roman times. You could have trained gladiators, and I your wife. Or we could have been generals."

She got lost in her daydreaming.

"Or you, the Emperor's trusted adviser."

She pressed her lips against his shoulder.

"Or maybe we would have been simple farmers."
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite

As he held Ava after they had finished, it became apparent to him to she was upset. He asked her what was wrong, said soothing things to her, stroked her hair. But she just buried her face against him. Finally, she spoke.

Ava: "I'm sorry...It's not you...you were wonderful..I just--"

"You don't have to be sorry."

He told her everything would be okay, and eventually he could feel her breathing more normal. She moved her head to look at him.

Ava: "Not the sexiest ending..."

He brushed her hair off her forehead.

"Every ending with you is sexy."

He kissed her cheek.

"But I'm here, alright? I won't let anything happen to you. You're going to be just fine."

Ava: "I just got overwhelmed being with you...knowing how close I was to not being with you. You were perfect, John...You made me feel alive and loved. I'm okay....I promise."

She kissed his lips, whispering that she promised again. When they parted, he looked into her eyes, serious.

"You don't have to be okay. You don't have to be strong for me."
 
Ava felt terrible for literally crying right after making love to John. It wasn't exactly what a man wanted from their partner, and Ava apologized for it. It had nothing to do with John and everything to do with her own emotions over the attack.

John: "You don't have to be sorry."

Ava finally looked up at him, the tears dry on her cheeks. She gave him a little half smile, slightly embarrassed by her overly emotional state. It was very unlike her. This whole weekend of emotions was very unlike her.

"Not the sexiest ending..."

John: "Every ending with you is sexy. But I'm here, alright? I won't let anything happen to you. You're going to be just fine."

John kissed her cheek as Ava nodded. She believed him, wholeheartedly. But she wanted to explain to him anyway why she was feeling the way she was. Everything was so overwhelming that being with him after the attack just made her have an outpouring of emotions. But she promised him she was okay, softly kissing his lips.

John: "You don't have to be okay. You don't have to be strong for me."

"I know.."

Her thumb gently traced along his cheek as she looked into his eyes.

"But I need to be strong for me."

Archer had taken her power away, and she wasn't going to let him keep it. Ava was strong and powerful, and Archer could only beat her because he had to take that strength and power away from her. It was unsettling, but at the same time, a bit of a comfort for Ava to know that. She just wished she had a bit of closure when it came to the attack. While Ava would be forever grateful to Erika for saving her, she wished she could have ripped Archer's heart out, killing the bastard.

A soft knock on the bedroom door made Ava lift her head enough to see one of the chamber maids bring in John's nightly tea on a cart. It was perfect timing as she rolled the cart next to the bed before bowing respectfully then disappearing as quickly as she came.

"I smell chamomile and lemon.."

Her voice still strained; the thought of hot tea sounding amazing.

"Care to make me a cup, oh might tea master?"

She joked with a smile, starting to finally feel the normalcy returning to her after a rocky night.
 
Hellfire -- The Bacchanalia

As bad as her whole day had been, there were good moments throughout, and the one common thread had been Alek. Especially apparent when they were alone, he had a knack for helping her forget about all her concerns and frustrations. Either offering a distraction or his support, or some combination thereof, he always made her feel better, and this time was no different.

By the time they'd reached his room she was no longer thinking about all her problems. She was thinking about his warmth, his arms around her, his strength. She was thinking about the underwear he was probably definitely not wearing. She made an innuendo about a sword, and he replied that she'd need two hands for it. She practically purred with pleasure, as he started to undress her.

She turned to face him, and told him she wanted him, that she always had, always would, as she pulled him into bed. He told her he'd do anything for her, and she smiled softly, kissing his chest as she pulled off his tunic. She wanted to believe it, wanted to think it was more than just a figure of speech, but she had learned that men said lots of things when she was naked that didn't hold true later.

He kissed her hard, and she didn't care about that anymore, she just wanted this to last as long as possible. His hands were on her and she sighed happily, moaning with pleasure when he touched her, her head dropping back on a pillow for a moment. Her hand traveled down his abs to grasp his hardness, pulling him towards her to guide him where she wanted him, and he shifted on top of her.

Her hands went back up his chest slowly and into his hair and she kissed him, but he paused to smile down at her for a moment. She searched his gaze expectantly, waiting for him to say something, but he drew her legs apart and began to tease her. She made noises of protest until he entered her, and then, a moan of pleasure.

"Oh, God.... Alek... make me yours...."

She lifted her hips up to meet his, her hands pulling him harder into her kiss.
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite

He hated that she kept her emotions bottled up, that she always thought she had to be strong. She had always been that way. He told her she didn't have to be strong for him.

Ava: "I know...But I need to be strong for me."

He knew it was true, but it didn't make it more palatable, knowing she was hurting and keeping it inside. He rubbed her back, trying to be consoling.

"You can talk about it, if you want to."

A maid brought his tea, as usual. He always ordered enough for two, now that there was actually someone else in the room who might want some. And that's what one does: tea was meant to be shared.

Ava: "I smell chamomile and lemon.."

He smiled warmly.

"I might have chosen something that is good for sore throats."

Ava: "Care to make me a cup, oh mighty tea master?"

"The term is tea sommelier."

He grinned more broadly then, sitting up and scooting over to the cart to pour them both a cup, making his a bit stronger than hers. He handed her the cup and saucer before taking his own.

"And have a biscuit. It brings out the flavor in the tea."

He put a thin cookie on the saucer of her cup before she could say no. He took a bite of his own, then a sip of the tea.

"Now, isn't this relaxing. Balm for the soul, this is."
 
John: "You can talk about it, if you want to."

She felt comfortable talking to John about pretty much everything and anything, even before they had gotten together. For whatever reason, she never felt like she would be judged by him for choices that may have been questionable, or if she felt weak in any kind of way. But in this situation, she just wanted to forget the whole thing happened. So Ava nodded graciously, her hand gently rubbing his side.

"Thank you, babe."

It was then the chamber maid knocked on their door to deliver John's nightly tea. Ava tended to enjoy a glass of wine at night while John, being the Englishman that he was, enjoyed a cup of tea. But tonight, tea actually sounded perfect for her throat, especially when she smelled the aroma of chamomile and lemon.

John: "I might have chosen something that is good for sore throats."

Ava smiled softly at the fact that he thought of her throat first and foremost. Sitting up with him as he reached over to the cart, she noticed the set up that seemed a bit extreme for a simple cup of tea.

"Care to make me a cup, oh mighty tea master?"

She teased, pulling the comforter over her chest to keep herself warm.

John: "The term is tea sommelier."

John smiled broadly at her as Ava put her hand on her chest as if embarrassed for not knowing such a term.

"Well, pardon me. The only sommelier I was aware of are of the wine variety....[kissing his shoulder] But you make a fantastic one."

She grinned with a little laugh as John made her a cup of tea, placing it on a saucer for her and handing it to her. He suggested a biscuit to bring out the flavors of the tea, but before Ava could protest - not particularly hungry at the moment - he placed one on the saucer for her. Ava shook her head gently with a smile, knowing he did that on purpose.

"Thanks."

She teasingly deadpanned with a playful look. Settling back against the pillows, Ava blew a bit into the hot tea before taking a small sip of her. The mixture of lemon and honey within the chamomile felt absolutely amazing against her sore throat. She sighed out happily with a smile.

John: "Now, isn't this relaxing. Balm for the soul, this is."

"See? Who needs a doctor when I have you."

She leaned in and gave John a small kiss.

"It feels wonderful on my throat...thank you, babe."

Taking another sip of the tea, Ava settled the saucer on her lap and let her head rest back against the pillows. The fire was roaring, the room still light beautifully with candles. It was perfect.

"It's strange..."

She started, her mind thinking about the current situation they were all in.

"We're the only regents who are an actual couple now. Alek and Ashley were, then they fell apart. Haleigh and Cameron were....and they're on the verge of falling apart. Lets hope it's not a continuing trend...."

Ava grimly joked, the thought of being in a similar situation as Ashley and Haleigh not appealing in the least. She looked over at John, her hand taking his.

[with a smile] "We need to defy the odds."
 
The Black King & Queen's Suite

He offered for Ava to talk to him about what had happened, but she politely declined to say anything more, instead asking for a cup of tea, which he was delighted to provide to her. He made sure she got a cookie as well - he thought she deserved a little treat after all she had been through. He watched her over the rim of his tea cup, she leaning against the headboard, he having turned to sit cross legged so he could face her.

Ava: "See? Who needs a doctor when I have you."

He gave her a skeptical look.

"I still think you should get checked out..."

He let it trail off as she gave him a kiss. He sighed out, knowing he had lost the battle, and gave her a resigned smile.

Ava: "It feels wonderful on my throat...thank you, babe."

"I'll make a tea drinker of you yet."

He sipped his tea, munching on his own biscuit in between, just enjoying being with her.

Ava: "It's strange...We're the only regents who are an actual couple now. Alek and Ashley were, then they fell apart. Haleigh and Cameron were....and they're on the verge of falling apart. Lets hope it's not a continuing trend...."

He set his cup down on the saucer resting on his leg and looked at her. He shook his head.

"It won't be."

She reached for his hand.

Ava: [with a smile] "We need to defy the odds."

"Babe..."

He scoffed.

"We're not like them. They built their relationships on things that weren't real. Haleigh and Cameron and their open marriage and making no real commitment to each other, caring about marrying another crown rather than loving each other. Ashley chased Alek because he looked like some dead guy, who he wasn't. That's no basis for a relationship."

He shook his head again.

"But you and me? I know everything there is to know about you, and you know everything there is to know about me. We've been side by side for fifteen years. Our relationship is built on friendship and respect, and true caring and love. We are nothing like them."

He brought his cup to his lips and took another sip.

"We could never be them."
 
Hellfire - The White Rook's Suite

He could sense Brienne’s excitement as he explained that his allies would automatically be hers if he became her King. And his own enthusiasm grew, as it seemed it was not just something she was saying as a joke, but rather an interest, however sudden. He ran with it, suggesting his current Queen would agree that having someone she trusted in London was a good thing.

Brienne: “Haleigh...of course. [Brienne shook her head] It would be a tactical advantage...”

She said, and Zach’s brow furrowed, as he picked up on something. There was a shift in her mood, to disappointment.

“Well yeah, I mean we have to think of some way to sell it to her, or she’ll never agree to let me leave her Rook position....”

He tried, realizing he’d fucked up, but not really knowing how.

“I would be honored to be your King, Brie. But you’re right to bring up my current obligations... they must be addressed properly, or else your Court will suffer the consequences of my burned bridges.”

She anyway’d them into a discussion of her panty collection, which was extremely effective in getting him to switch topics. He asked her why she had so many pairs when it seemed she was allergic to actually wearing them, and then she showed him the jackpot of photos on her phone of her modeling lingerie.

He brushed his knuckles against her skin, his gaze memorizing the pictures she was scrolling through. Then she clicked the phone off and tossed it away, and he groaned in protest. That protest was cut short when she guided his hand into the neckline of her dress, and offered to give him a private show.

Brienne: Maybe entice you to stay a little longer...

“Good luck getting me to leave!”

He exclaimed, his other hand roaming under the back of her dress to squeeze her ass.

“You’re going to send me those pictures, right? Don’t make me go through your phone like a weirdo. I’ll send you some pictures back....”
 
Ava settled against the pillows comfortably as she took a sip of the hot tea. It felt amazing on her throat, the combination of the heat and honey instantly soothing the soreness caused by the attack. She smiled at John as she gave him a small peck on the lips, telling him she didn't need a doctor when she had him. But as she sat back, he had a skeptical look on his face and Ava immediately knew why.

John: "I still think you should get checked out..."

Ava hated doctors. She hated being treated like she was made of glass or getting poked like some kind of lab rat. But as John sighed, giving her a weary smile of concession, Ava knew he would continue to worry if she didn't get looked at.

"I'll tell you what....if my throat is still bothering me in the morning? We'll go to the infirmary and i'll get checked out, okay?"

She gave John a warm smile, putting her pride on the side and deciding to do this for him. But she did thank him for the tea regardless, telling him it was making her throat feel much better.

John: "I'll make a tea drinker of you yet."

"Ehh..."

Ava half considered the idea, jokingly looking doubtful by the notion before chuckling.

"We'll see."

She teased with a grin. Soon her eyes found the fireplace, her mind going to the nights events before the whole Archer situation. She began to muse out loud how they were going to be the only regents that were an actual romantic couple. Alek and Ashley having long been broken up, and Haleigh and Cameron on the verge of breaking up. She hoped that it wouldn't be a continuing trend.

John: "It won't be."

He was firm and unwavering with his answers. It made Ava smile, taking his hand.

"We need to defy the odds."

That was when John scoffed, going into how none of the other regents had a solid base to start their relationship. His words were filled with passion and conviction as he spoke, leaving no room for arguments.

John: "Babe...We're not like them. They built their relationships on things that weren't real. Haleigh and Cameron and their open marriage and making no real commitment to each other, caring about marrying another crown rather than loving each other. Ashley chased Alek because he looked like some dead guy, who he wasn't. That's no basis for a relationship. But you and me? I know everything there is to know about you, and you know everything there is to know about me. We've been side by side for fifteen years. Our relationship is built on friendship and respect, and true caring and love. We are nothing like them. We could never be them."

Ava watched as John took a sip of his tea, the case closed in his eyes. It made a smile grow on her lips broadly, every word he said being true.

"You're absolutely right."

Ava sat up, placing the saucer of tea next to her on the bed so she could lean forward. Her hands went to either side of his face as she looked into his eyes.

"Whatever happens with the others, we will stand strong together. Like we always have."

Ava gave John a kiss before grinning against his lips.

"Mmm...you taste like cookies."
 
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The fact that Zach was actually considering taking the position as her King made Brienne more excited than even she would have thought. But as soon as he mentioned Haleigh, her heart sank and disappointment set in. She was a fool to think he would do this for anyone but Haleigh, realizing that this would be a great tactical advantage for his home court and his Queen. Zach's brows furrowed as he looked at her, Brienne withdrawing a bit both physically and emotionally.

Zach: “Well yeah, I mean we have to think of some way to sell it to her, or she’ll never agree to let me leave her Rook position....”

That made her look up at him with surprise.

"What?"

He wasn't considering this for Haleigh, but as a way to try and sway Haleigh into letting him go. Brienne had immediately jumped to the conclusion that Zach was simply using her for power, as many men tried to do in the past. Or pull an Archer and gain the title but be in the game for himself. But as he looked at her, his eyes kind and sincere, Brienne realized Zach was nothing like any man she had been with.

"I just assumed..."

Brienne's words trailed off, still unsure of how to read Zach and how open and honest he was with her in regards to his feelings. He didn't hide anything, not the way others tended to do, and it was compeltely new territory for Brienne to navigate. But the more she was with him, the more she liked it.

Zach: “I would be honored to be your King, Brie."

She couldn't help but smile, the thought of having someone by her side that cared more about her than the drugs she supplied. That they could actually be something more than just a fling, but a force.

Zach: "But you’re right to bring up my current obligations... they must be addressed properly, or else your Court will suffer the consequences of my burned bridges.”

Brienne shook her head.

"That won't happen. We'll figure it out....if you really are serious..."

There was still some lingering doubt, one she couldn't ignore. Brienne suffered years upon years of lies and selfish manipulations, that old habits died hard. So, she swayed the topic for a moment to her panty collection, Zach questioning why she had so many when she never wore them. She presented her phone to him, showing him the numerous photos of her modeling lingerie. His eyes were glue to the phone as his fingers graced her chest. Brienne watched him, a smirk pulling on the corners of her lips before she clicked the phone off and tossed it onto the couch. He audibly groaned making her give him a slightly pitiful look, though it was coated with devious pleasure. She then guided his hand beneath her dress, allowing him to touch her as she watched him. Brienne offered giving him a private show to entice him to stay in London longer.

Zach: “Good luck getting me to leave!”

His hand slipping under her dress and gripping her ass. Brienne seductively giggled, her hands sliding up Zach's chest plate to the buckles that held it in place.

"Funny....that's the slogan for the brand I model."

She joked with a sexy smile, slowly unbuckling the straps.

Zach: “You’re going to send me those pictures, right? Don’t make me go through your phone like a weirdo. I’ll send you some pictures back....”

Brienne's eyebrows perked up.

"Oh really?"

She smiled salaciously before pulling the chest plate to the side and off Zach's body and letting it drop to the floor, leaving only his tunic in place.

"Well....the perks of being my King are...what's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine....That includes pictures..."

Brienne began to kiss the exposed part of his chest.

"Videos...."

Her mouth trailing up his neck.

"Private shows..."

She whispered into his ear before taking his lobe into her mouth. She then pulled back enough to look at Zach, their faces close, lips grazing, eyes locked.

"And me."

Brienne's lips then connected with Zach's slowly, as her arms slid around his neck, pulling herself against him. She didn't want to just be the visiting Black Queen anymore, she wanted to be his Black Queen.
 
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The Black King & Queen's Suite

Ava mentioned not needing a doctor, and he knew it was a fight he wouldn't win, but he suggested she still get checked out anyway.

Ava: "I'll tell you what....if my throat is still bothering me in the morning? We'll go to the infirmary and i'll get checked out, okay?"

She gave him a smile, and he matched it, nodding. He knew she was a goddess, and more super powered than he was, but there was still worry that Archer had done damage that wouldn't heal on its own. And that she would make this compromise, it showed that they were growing in their relationship.

As they sipped their tea, they talked about the state of Hellfire's kings and queens, and how after tonight only he and Ava were a couple. Ava was talking about "defying the odds" - but they were nothing like the others. They had a commitment to each other that had already stood the test of time. There were no secrets between them, no illusions. And they accepted each other, as they were. The others' relationships had been built on things that weren't real, and that is why they failed. It annoyed him a bit to be compared to those others, like Ava and his relationship was just a roll of the dice, when he knew it wasn't.

Ava: "You're absolutely right."

He nodded once, definitively. She sat up, and put her hands on his face so she could look into his eyes.

Ava: "Whatever happens with the others, we will stand strong together. Like we always have."

She kissed him, and he wondered if she could possibly know what she meant to him. That she was his world. That he didn't care about anything else but her. Another reason why they would last where the others hadn't. Steel didn't want to rule the world or build successful alliances or grow a company: he wanted to keep Ava safe and happy. And that was all.

Ava: "Mmm...you taste like cookies."

That made him smile.

"All part of my devious plan."

His smile broadened to a grin.

"Now."

He took another sip of tea and set the cup down beside the bed.

"Tell me what would make you feel better."

He put his arms around her.

"We could...curl up and get some rest. Or..."

He mimed like he was thinking.

"Take a blanket up to the Conservatory and watch the stars..."

He nuzzled her ear.

"Or I could give you a massage...I am at your service mademoiselle."
 
Hellfire -- The Bacchanalia

His Queen went to speak with the Europeans, as AJ reclined on a sofa and ate. The servants brought him whiskey, and various samples of meats. He still watched the party for signs of trouble, but it seemed that after the excitement of Cameron’s return, many had dispersed or else grouped off to gossip.

Most of the regents were gone, with a few exceptions. Cameron seemingly refused to be ashamed of his public mistreatment of his “wife”, as he had just announced with a flourish that he was bringing his mistress and his bastard daughter to Hellfire to throw in Haleigh’sface, and now he stood in approximately the middle of the party with a martini, daring anyone to say anything about it.

AJ did not really care about the affairs of the others, only giving consideration when it affected him or his Queen. So now as he ate, he wondered to what effect having all these children around would have on his Queen, and he tried to anticipate what the shifting dynamic of the Inner Circle would mean for the two of them. Ashley had quickly seized on the idea of Alek’s daughter being her Red Princess, instead of waiting for it to inevitably be forced upon her, she had turned it into a very beneficial truce. So that was one problem solved.

But this impasse between the White King and Queen was looking like it would simmer and frequently boil over, especially with how vindictive Cameron was proving to be. Bringing Elena, a woman who seemed universally disliked by the Queens, along with his daughter to Court, was not going to go well. Tonight, disaster had been averted, but it was easy to predict that in the days to come, there would be more arguments between the so-called husband and wife of Hellfire. AJ was contemplating how to navigate that when his Queen sat back down.

Ash: “You should be proud, the men did well.”

“Yes, it has been a good test run for us.”

He said, as she settled in. She spoke of who they might be in Roman times. There were several possibilities, and all made him smile.

“As long as we were together, I’d have been happy being anyone.”

He moved his arm behind her shoulders, pulling her in closer to him, as he spotted Siphon, and waved him over.

“This is a good opportunity to tell him of his promotion, and solidify a bond.”
 
The Bacchanalia

Ashley watched AJ as she left Juliette and Liam and made her way back to him. He was such a hulking mass, so strange and yet fitting right in reclining there, eating, his body mostly bare and painted. It gave her goosebumps, wanting him to carry her off like his namesake into the night. And moreso, her heart swelled to see him, because she was his and he was hers, and nobody had the right anymore to say anything about it. And if they weren't completely free, they were free enough. At least today.

She sat with him, and leaned against him, the need to feel his skin against hers almost as keen as the need to breathe. She told him he should be proud, that their men had done well. She wanted him to know she credited him, the time he took, the work he did. She started to daydream about who they might have been had they lived in Roman days. Her dreams had always been of her alone, until him. And now she looked for places big enough for two.

AJ: “As long as we were together, I’d have been happy being anyone.”

His arm came around her, and she smiled, burying her face into his neck. She was deciding whether she could climb into his lap and have him right then, when he was waving Siphon over.

AJ: “This is a good opportunity to tell him of his promotion, and solidify a bond.”

He was right, of course. But it was with more than a little regret that she lifted her head from his shoulder. She knew from AJ and Jack that Calder was loyal, but she also knew that he was teetering on the dividing line between her and Alek. Alek had asked for this promotion thinking he could sway their new Rook to his side. The man already idolized his king, and clearly Alek felt it would take no great effort to make Calder his man. But Siphon was powerful, perhaps more than he realized, and she could not afford to have Alek poison him against her.

She sat up a bit, and saw Jack nearby, with Heidi. She called to them both, and signaled to a servant to bring more wine. Siphon knelt when he approached her, and she had to admit, she liked that. This tall Dane, in complete subservience to her. Not like Alek, who thought he was better than her. She held out her own goblet to be filled, and when it was, she stood.

"You have served us well, Calder Henriksen. You have saved the life of the Red Court's heir, without thought to your own safety. Our Knight, and our Bishop, sing your praises. You have risen to the top of our guards, distinguished yourself. It is because of your hard work, your discipline, that tonight we make you our Rook. Rise, Siphon, you are part of the inner circle now."

She handed him her own goblet, a servant quick to replace it in her hand. This new cup she lifted in salute and drank deeply. She sat again, sinking back down against Savage, her body sighing at the familiar curve of him. She smiled at her new Rook.

"Welcome."

She gestured for him to sit as well, there being plenty of the padded benches that looked down into the fighting pit.

"You can move into a suite in the Red Wing in the morning. Perhaps with your new position that will help with that girl you've been trying to woo."

She chuckled, and waved her hand in the air.

"And if not, there are plenty of others who it would."

She sat up, and gave him an expression that was closer to stern.

"Just stay away from the White Queen, if you want to keep your life."

She didn't indicate who he would be in peril from, but clearly there were multiple choices. Just as quickly her smile returned, and she chuckled.

"You are likely to have an interesting first day on the job, I'll give you that."
 
The Bacchanalia

When the trouble had started, he'd found his way to the White Queen with the rest of the praetorians. That was the plan, even though his shift had ended - they were all supposed to collapse on her location and protect her no matter what the cost. Of course, it hadn't come to that. There had mostly been talking. Aggressive, spite filled talking, but no violence. Down in the arena, where they had been giving a demonstration for the party guests, he had felt powerful dressed as a gladiator, fighting, showing off a bit. But now he felt exposed and a bit ridiculous, and though he had been told to stick around the party in case anything else came up, but that he could enjoy himself in the meantime, he didn't feel comfortable and didn't know what to do with himself. He had taken to watching the others, feeling out of place an wanting desperately to fit in. And then the Knight had summoned him.

He had knelt in front of his Queen, not knowing what she would bid him to do but honored to be asked. His eyes were lowered, but he surreptitiously glanced at the Knight, and the Bishop, who were in the group. And also the White Knight. She was a strange addition to the group, but he had heard she was with the Red Bishop. It surprised him, but also filled him with a bit of pride, to be a part of a court so modern. He had known the rumors, which had been completely confirmed to everyone during the day's events, and so he knew his Queen might have held something against the White Court, forbidden her Bishop to associate with someone from that color. But she hadn't, and that said something about her, and the way she treated her people.

But when it came down to it, she was a leader, and though the men loved their King, one would be hard pressed to find a man in red who didn't respect her. There was some animosity in the ranks towards the White Court, but very few blamed the Red Queen for their King's wandering eye. And it was the Queen's own apparent acceptance of the situation which kept lines from being drawn in the sand between courts. It was clear to Calder that she knew how to keep her soldiers happy and unified, and that she was willing to sacrifice for it. Her practicality was what made her different from the last queen, or so he heard from the men who had been their longer. Helena had been selfish, and jealous, flippant and cold.

The King had a way with the men also, but he was their mentor rather than their leader. Alek was the man the rank and file aspired to be. When they had made it through all the fighting, and gained a position of substance. Alek, with his perfect suits and his charm. He was as refined as his queen was brazen. And every soldier wanted a queen on his arm, and Alek had had at least three.

Savage, on the other hand, was one of them, and well respected, if not a bit scary. But he was fair, and his relationship with their queen was somewhat stuff of legend. Who among them hadn't thought of catching a queen's eye? They all wondered, though, when he would make his move on their king. No one seemed to think it would be very long.

His queen had stood, and his eyes raised to her. It was difficult to keep his eyes off her bare breasts, though he tried. He wondered what she had looked like all those years ago, on a battlefield, sword in hand.

Ashley: "You have served us well, Calder Henriksen. You have saved the life of the Red Court's heir, without thought to your own safety. Our Knight, and our Bishop, sing your praises."

His eyes flicked to Savage and Neptune, nodding to them.

Ashley: "You have risen to the top of our guards, distinguished yourself. It is because of your hard work, your discipline, that tonight we make you our Rook."

For the first time, his eyes met his queen's. His were filled with shock, surprise, but her's had only warmth and confidence. He was speechless, as he tried to thank her.

Ashley: "Rise, Siphon, you are part of the inner circle now."

"Your Majesty...My Queen...thank you..."

She gave him her own goblet of wine, which was probably worth more than he made in a year. Maybe ten. But the gesture meant more to him than a vault full of jewels. He clutched the cup in both hands.

"It's an honor. To serve you and our king."

She then drank to him, and he felt like he was in a daze, but managed to drink from the cup he held. And then his queen sat down, and he felt a tinge of jealousy as she leaned back against the Knight.

Ashley: "Welcome."

He smiled nervously, and say when she bid him to. Others, his brothers - former brothers - were still fighting down below them. While here he was, sitting on a tufted bench. It was hard to believe it was real.

Ashley: "You can move into a suite in the Red Wing in the morning. Perhaps with your new position that will help with that girl you've been trying to woo."

His queen laughed in a most charming way, and he blushed that she knew about his feelings. But it made him feel important, that she had remembered.

"Oh, I don't know..."

Ashley: "And if not, there are plenty of others who it would."

He cleared his throat, but then she gave him a warning, which made his blood run a little colder.

Ashley: "Just stay away from the White Queen, if you want to keep your life."

And then she was smiling again.

Ashley: "You are likely to have an interesting first day on the job, I'll give you that."

"Well, today wasn't exactly boring."

He took a long drink of his wine, to hide his nervousness.
 
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