[ota] to have fair kingdom...

[bitchofhearts]

Laureline was a careful planner. She kept most things to herself, as well- leaving a smaller chance of discovery to worry about. Not even her sons truly knew what was going on, though Jordan might well suspect. But the less he knew, the less likely he would be caught in the backlash should the unexpected occur

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[uncutclarity]

It's relatively rare that Avery found herself in Heart Castle so late at night - but not unknown. The Ace was her best friend, after all, and she was leaving Wren's rooms in the Royal suite when she met Mrs. Novak.

It was probably telling that her first association for the woman wasn't as Jordan or Hadyn's mother but Davin's sister. "Mrs. Novak," she murmured, and inclined her head in a regal way that would have pleased both Rachel and Säde. "How are you this evening?"

[bitchofhearts]

Laureline turned and regarded Avery Hamilton with no small measure of disdain for the briefest of moments. Avery might well have been Jack of Diamonds, but holding such a high rank was not the only means by which worth was measured.

"The evening finds me well, Miss Hamilton." She said, with a slight inclination of her head. "And how does it find you?"

[uncutclarity]

The expression was mutual, though in Avery's case she held it a moment longer than Laureline did. She might have been Davin's sister, and certainly Davin was fond of her, but Avery was Hadyn's friend too. And Laureline was responsible for no small amount of Hadyn's misery.

She was the woman who couldn't be told no, after all.

"Oh, quite well, Mrs. Novak." Her smile was Diamond-bright and not the least bit sharp. But then Avery's smiles never were. "I hear Hadyn will be favoring us with the Prince of Denmark this year."Another thing Hadyn didn't particularly want, she thought.

She couldn't possibly guess who pushed that one.

[bitchofhearts]

"He is. Hamlet has long been a role he'd coveted." Though he seemed less enthusiastic about it than he would have been before this whole 'medicine' business. It was a waste of talent, if Laureline's opinion was asked.

"I do hope you'll be attending. Perhaps with one of your many gentleman friends?"

[uncutclarity]

God forbid Laureline's opinion not be asked.

"I imagine I will." And not even a flicker of reaction as she tilts her head to one side. "Did you have a particular suggestion?" Your brother, perhaps. But no, Avery was well aware that Laureline considered her one of the sluttiest women in the Deck. She and Säde should have tea sometime and discuss Avery's inappropriateness.

[bitchofhearts]

"I understand that the lower numbers have a taste for risk, perhaps they would be a good choice for someone like you."

Or she could crawl back to that hovel she calls an office and spread her legs for Diamonds alone. But in truth, Avery had best be thankful that it was her she ran into most often (as it were) and not Vivienne Bernard.

Laureline, after all, was the but a pale image of her mother.

[uncutclarity]

A low number. Like Laureline herself? Avery smirks, almost considers suggesting that. But then, it had always struck her as odd that Laureline Novak had never risen above Three; she'd always wondered why. The woman was, after all, a conniving, manipulative bitch. There was no one that equaled her in the Hearts, even if she played the part somewhat well. You could see through it if you looked.

Particularly, if like Avery, you served as target practice.

Someday someone would give Laureline just exactly what she deserved. Avery hoped she saw it coming and wasn't able to do anything to stop it. She, personally, planned on applauding.

"As much as your opinion is of neverending importance to me," she said, instead of any of what was running through her mind. "And despite the utmost respect I have for such a stellar teacher, I believe I'll make my own decisions, as I always have." If the worst she had to deal with, after all, was judgment from two judgmental queen bitches, then she didn't think she did so badly

[bitchofhearts]

She would break that violin, truthfully. She needed no sympathy in that regards. Instead she merely offered Avery the barest of amusement, tilting her head ever so slightly.

"My Lady Jack, My brother is a grown man with many needs. If you spread your legs for him, he cannot help but to partake. Like dogs, men have no mind about themselves in that regard. Even those who hold themselves to a certain degree of composure." But Avery was not looking for a relationship, and that much was well known. "But one stop at one? Perhaps you should asked Mr. Valentine as well, Dr. Rhodes and Mr. Dietrich? And while we are at it, Mr. Addison, I believe, has also been among your conquest. The poor dear. Quite the mess you made of that one, My Lady."

[uncutclarity]

The stillness, the pause - that was for Lucas, more than anything else. She was used to having the rest thrown in her face. She was used to, in fact, being called a whore. Laureline Novak wasn;t alone in that assessment. But even Säde hesitated before bringing up Lucas Addison.

Or perhaps she didn't think of it.

She inclines her head, her eyes icy, Nordic blue and her lips curved in a small smile. "Do take care, Mrs. Novak," she said, soft and sweet. "Someone might think you more than a mere teacher of Hearts."

She stepped around the Three of Hearts, head high as she walked down the hall. Laureline Novak wasn't much different than the Diamonds she'd marched past, then her Ace - more dangerous, certainly, more manipulative, absolutely. But just like the rest of them, she could believe just exactly what she chose.

Avery would continue to not give a flying fuck.