AU: Terre D'Intrigue - We Need To Talk About Matthieu

[oneman_onevote]

The apprentice that presents a letter at Brix nó Balm de Marsilikos' house is still young enough to be properly called a child, but bears the direct gaze and assured air of one who knows he is meant to stay with House Mandrake.

He waits with creditable calm and quiet for one who knows his vaguely-intimidating teacher is actually waiting just across the street in a carriage, and might arch an eyebrow in no uncertain terms if he takes too long.

(Havelock nó Mandrake's ways are sometimes strange, but it would be unthinkable to question him.)


The letter - when it reaches Brix - is sealed tight, and inside reads simply,

Brix, I need to talk to you.

-Havelock

Comments

[gothamsheiress]

She cocks her head.

"Perhaps I should recommend you to him."

[oneman_onevote]

Havelock raises his eyebrows.

"If his tastes are as I read them, I do not think we would get on."

And if he turns out to have been the man to cause Matthieu uncertainty? Definitely not.

Still, he considers the notion.

"It would give me an excuse to speak with him," he says. "Would he consider Mandrake at all?"

[gothamsheiress]

"He seems curious about the Night Court. It isn't out of the question."

She looks at him from under her brows.

"You would not be willing to yield to him, would you. Whether or not he's Matthieu's . . . unpleasant patron."

[oneman_onevote]

Havelock shrugs.

"To find out, I would."

Never underestimate Havelock's determination. Or his control issues.

"But ordinarily, no."

As previously mentioned, he does not trust easily.

[gothamsheiress]

"No, of course not." She shakes her head. "And I wouldn't suggest it -- not yet. Not unless there's need."

[oneman_onevote]

"It's a possibility."

He'll allow that much.

"But assuming he attends other functions at the Night Court, a simple conversation shouldn't be too hard to engineer."

Although it does mean Havelock will have to turn up.

[gothamsheiress]

A faint, humorless smile.

"And if worse comes to worst, it would not be unheard of for me to hold a soiree of my own."

[oneman_onevote]

"I do enjoy your gatherings."

Good wine, good company, minor intrigue.

[gothamsheiress]

"I'm sure lurking in my corners rather than Mandrake's adds much-needed variety to your life."

[oneman_onevote]

He eyes her tolerantly.

"Precisely so," he says lightly.

[gothamsheiress]

She chuckles, and it's a release.

"If I've overstepped my bounds, sir, you'll have ample opportunity to make reparations." Her smile fades. "But later."

[oneman_onevote]

He nods.

"Later."

Not too much later, with luck. Havelock wants this ugly situation resolved.