(Untitled)

[spysinspades]

It seems I have been... remiss. [Yes, that is his version of an almost-apology. Don't let it go to your head.]

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[bitchofhearts]

He might have been remiss- But Laureline had not been. Oh, quite the opposite really. And normally she would not have invited herself into the Den to speak with The Man who was the greatest rival. How many of her plans could he ruin? And how many could he advance without his own knowledge?

"I'm sure you're disappointed in yourself." She said with a slight tilt of her head. "But suspect it will cause you little trouble. It never has in the past."

[spysinspades]

[Not so remiss to have missed her machinations, always working she was. An adversary he'd like to say wasn't worthy, and would appreciate if she didn't make so very much work by being far too good.

It left him to wonder how much her working would muck up his own plans, and how much she could be encouraged into doing that would help them - likely very little, but hope springs eternal.]

I'll endeavor to not allow it too much precedence, I'd hate to prove you wrong.

[The smile he sent her had been his best shield when she was still a Spade.]

[bitchofhearts]

"And such a poor day that would prove to be, when no longer David the Giant leads his suit down the truest path. I wonder though," she said with a pause and a tilt of her head. "Do you lead your suit? Or does your suit lead you?"

After all- his 'remiss' behavior had come hand in hand with lower ranks berating other suits for being in public areas. It was a shame- but then so was the inner turmoil and disgraceful fighting. A Seven that dared to attack the Ace? A harsh comment was a laugh of punishment if you asked her.

[spysinspades]

[One tiny twitch of his eyebrow before his lips curved up more. Yes, there was tension as of yet, but it was nothing like the tension before Athena had left his Suit.

And you know what? Athena wasn't going to be mucking around in the Spades any time soon. The Hearts on the other hand... Well. Laureline's plans likely wouldn't go as well as she had hoped.]

I suppose it may be a bit of each- [Which was how a Suit should function, as far as he's concerned. When the Monarch no longer worked with his people, he was not a very good monarch.] But as I no longer have your Jack to contend with...

[Athena was quite the handful. He wished you no luck at all, Laureline.]

[morallydefunct]

"You're majesty has been busy," Victor said in a rather diplomatic manner. "It is of no concern. I have my preliminary reports on the upgraded security."

He held out the file, standing while carefully balanced on his one good leg, so not to lean too much on his crutches.

[spysinspades]

[Taking the file took stretching across his desk, but it seemed unfair to force Victor to move any closer.]

Have a seat, Victor.

[Give him a moment to read the report, hm? And ask questions he wants answered.]

[morallydefunct]

He'd rather die than let the slightly grateful feeling show. Standing with the crutches was a sheer pain, but he didn't really want to risk having to run to Frankie for something remotely related to his leg.

So he sat.

"As you wish, My Lord."

[spysinspades]

[The file doesn't take long to read, skimming over various parts of it an a search for information.]

Have you worked with Meghana to... [What was the word he had read somewhere?] ...sync up? The systems?

[cutslikeaspade]

That's a bloody word for it, ran through his head, but what left his mouth was, "Oliver's not here, Sire. Nor have I seen Delilah since earlier this morning." He glanced up briefly, then returned his attention back to the shuriken he was sharpening, slow, even strokes of the whetstone after expertly testing one edge with his thumb.

[spysinspades]

[So that's how things were, then? Of course it was. Very well, he didn't have any way of fixing... whatever was wrong. Not when all he'd done had been what he thought was best.

Instead of trying, he set the gift he'd gotten for Ethan on the workbench beside his collection of to-be-sharpeneds.]

Thank you, Ethan.

[He'll simply have to look elsewhere for Oliver - it was time to relieve him of his emissary duties.]

[cutslikeaspade]

"Of course, your Majesty."

Why would things be any different? After all, David now had his own flesh and blood to be concerned over. Ethan knew exactly where he stood with his king; he was simply another Card in the mix. So be it.

He glanced at the box casually, figuring it was something personal of David's he needed either polished or sharpened. "Will you need this back soon, Sire?" If so, he'd work on it next and deliver it before the morning.

[spysinspades]

That won't be necessary. You may keep it.

[Blood, after all, had no bearing or importance in David's life. Not anymore. Not now that they were dead.

He still didn't have the words, though. Not for... this sort of thing. Maybe it was best if they didn't get along, anyway. There'd be no more people telling him of the conflict of interest. Others would cease assuming special treatment between them.

being King was easier without emotions, yes? Yes. So it was just as well, he supposed.

Wanting to celebrate freedom - finally, for the first time in his life, freedom from fear - was silly. No one had known. No one would know. It wasn't for public consumption, and therefore not something to celebrate.]

If you see Oliver, tell him to come to my office.

[maidenthespade]

Katya's brows arch up. "Have you?"

She waits patiently for him to elaborate. One discovered such interesting information by allowing other person to speak first.

[spysinspades]

Mm... I should not have left on such... short notice. [Not that he would change anything he'd done. But one should express remorse when it was fairly obviously not the best choice they could have made.]

[maidenthespade]

"Under circumstances, I think it best you were away when you were." Athena's return must be stressful, but he seems better able to deal with it now, and that pleases her. "Trip was good for you."

[spysinspades]

It was exactly what I required. [The sharpness that came into his smile said it hadn't been the kindest visit, however.]

You think we'd pass this up?

[acethatmatters]

That is the King's prerogative, I suppose, your Highness.

[Despite that, he might be smirking. A little. A hair.]

Of course not.

[spysinspades]

Yes, it is.

[He's so pleased you've realized that. So pleased, in fact, that you're not upset he forgot to pass along this Very Large stack of paperwork meant for Julien's desk.]

The lack of an assistant has left me forgetful, it seems.

[The sharp smile he's got might have it be slightly less than a mistake.]

[acethatmatters]

[He doesn't frown, but the hint of a smirk does vanish.]

I would be delighted to find one for you, your Highness.

[Such a helpful Ace.]

[spysinspades]

No need, Julien. Urania has managed nicely.

[can't you tell by the found paperwork?]