“My Prince, Winston, is looking to schedule a meeting. He claims to have to have some business regarding a boon offered in your name.” Qadir explained hanging up the phone in her suite.

“Yes. I was expecting that. Invite him to come early tonight, say 10pm.” She paused for a moment then spoke again. “Call Massara, inform him I’d like to see him as well.”

“Of course. Did you have a location in mind?”

“Here will do fine.” She was standing in front of windows that extended floor to ceiling. Her penthouse residence offered an incredible view of New York City. The lights, the skyline, even the black of night were enough to take the breath away of anyone who actually breathed. Prince Panhard did not, though she still appreciated the scenic vantage point. She considered what she might say to her two guests. Winston had overplayed his hand, not that she could blame him for that. But she couldn’t help but be annoyed that he’d accept Alec’s offer knowing she’d be discussing it with him. Was he really so arrogant to assume that a prince, his prince would honor a boon earned as  compensation for a bar fight. She knew the rules of the Continental. She didn’t care. As far as she was concerned no ‘business’ had been conducted. Yes, Arcineaux should face consequences for his beastly indiscretion but the Brujah had earned enough good will to merit merciful consideration. 

“Why would Alec involve himself?” She thought to herself. 

If his coterie had a face it was certainly his. If they had a leader it was definitely he. Alec always seemed to play the caretaker. Whether it was protecting his insanely jealous girlfriend, sire, whatever she was to be, or defending a Nosferatu lady friend from unkind words and physical threats, he’s always been the gentleman. It didn’t surprise her when word reached her ears about his actions at the Nosferatu Ball. Nor was she shocked to know he was well received by the Giovanni.  In fact she had trusted in that personability when he and his coterie were sent to speak with Baron Torque. She was not disappointed. He was careful, thoughtful and charismatic. Why then would he offer her boon to resolve something so trivial? She began to feel irritated. If she was being honest, was it not Massara who had done this, the repayment for her intervention would be exceedingly unpleasant. But she had plans for him, plans far beyond what his youth would normally warrant. He was well regarded by many of the clans and enjoyed a diverse working relationship within the Camarilla. She decided to make this a teachable moment for him.

Alec was early. She knew he would be. The Prince dispatched one of her ghouls, an administrative assistant named Stephanie, to meet him in the hotel lobby. 

“Mr. Massara.” The young brunette called out to him. “The Prince is not quite ready for you. Would you be so kind as to accompany me to the bar?” She explained after closing their distance. She wore a plaid navy blue pencil skirt and white silk blouse. She was mid-twenties Alec guessed, with high cheekbones and storm gray eyes, a rather attractive woman.

“It would be my pleasure. Please, call me Alec.” He smiled, mustering all the charm he could. “I recognize your voice. Were you the delightful young lady I spoke with the other night? I should thank you again for your kind assistance. It was much appreciated.”

She blushed a bit.

“Oh, I don’t know how helpful I was.” She answered, trying not to stare at the strikingly handsome vampire. “I’m not familiar with everyone quite yet. I’m fairly new. I apologize if I seemed short.”

“No need. It’s quite ok.”

“My name is Stephanie by the way, pleased to meet you in person.” She shook his hand.

“Did you say Stephanie?” He asked with attentive interest.

“I did.” The ghoul smiled holding his stare. 

Her name played in Alec’s mind. Surely it was no mistake on the Prince’s part sending her to him. What it meant however, he wasn’t sure. Could it be a subtle warning, a caution that he should be a little more careful in his dealings?  It could even be a threat. Was her presence as the namesake to his own beloved Stefania meant to be a calming reassurance? Probably not, he thought. It could be nothing, simple happenstance, but Alec didn’t believe there was any such thing when dealing with the most powerful kindred in the city, the Prince whose domain was the entirety of the vast metropolis, whose word would mean final death to any who crossed her. He had known her to be more purposeful than that.

She saw the glimmer of recollection in his eyes as he looked at her. “Is everything alright?”

“Oh. Yeah. I’m sorry, just got lost in your gaze for a moment.” He grinned. “Here, let me order you a cocktail. Have any preferences?”

“Woodford Manhattan if you please.”

“Excellent choice.” Alec winked. “I’m a bourbon guy myself.”

Alec ordered her drink and a Blanton’s Gold for himself.

“So am I to assume you’re here to distract me until the prince is ready to see me.”

“I don’t know.” She smiled, biting her lip. “Do you find me distracting?”

“At the risk of finding myself in more trouble than I already am, may I say, you are quite beautiful.”

“I was warned you can be charming.” She grinned. 

“Am I?”

“Let’s just say it’s a reputation well earned.” 

She sipped her cocktail. “So what could someone as handsome and charismatic as you have done to draw the prince’s ire?”

The question caught him off guard. “I was careless in a negotiation, not typical for me. I’m generally well composed.” He answered truthfully. 

“Are you now?” She took another sip of drink and eased back in her chair crossing her legs. “It may be fun to test that, but then we’d both be in trouble wouldn’t we?” She teased.

“I don’t know. I’d consider it worth the risk.” He sipped his bourbon. “That is, if you didn’t work for the prince. There are lines I will not cross.”

“Well that’s disappointing. Perhaps if circumstances change, who know, the prince might even approve.”

“That would truly be delightful. Until then…” He raised his glass.

She clinked her glass into his. “Until then…”

Alec watched as Winston entered the hotel lobby and was greeted by another attaché. He was quickly led to a manned elevator, disappearing behind its closing doors.

“Stephanie, would it be rude of me to ask how much trouble I’m in?”

“It wouldn’t be rude at all. Unfortunately, the prince doesn’t keep that kind of confidence with me. I typically assist in maintaining her schedule and managing her appointments. Though I can say this much, it would seem to me, far less than if you were someone she held in less regard. I’d call it a soft spot but I’m not sure that’s the right way to explain it. Helene Panhard doesn’t really have one. Anyway, you’re sitting here with me instead of being visited by Qadir, so that’s a good thing. Yes?”

“Quite fortunate indeed.” He agreed. “All things being equal, I much prefer your company.”

She blushed a bit then sipped her cocktail.

Upstairs in the prince’s suite Winston was shown a chair and handed a glass.

“My prince, it is good of you to see me on such short notice. I know how busy you are so I’ll get straight to the point.” He produced a marker. “Young Alexander has vouched that you would offer a minor boon to assuage the consequences to be levied against his coterie mate. The Brujah.” He slid the silver disc toward her.

“Yes, I am aware. Massara called me immediately and explained the situation. Now I’d like to hear your side of the story.” She slid the marker to the side.

“Well, I trust Alexander’s narrative. He’s not one to make up stories or spread falsehoods, certainly not to you Helene.”

“And you believe then, that what occurred at the Continental warrants the boon of the Prince of New York City?”

“He did offer it.”

“I’m told you were exhaustively difficult.”

“Is that what he said? I’m disappointed.”

“He did not. Massara simply offered recompense and contrition for his part in this trivial misunderstanding.”

“Good. I’m happy to see my appreciation of the lad is not misplaced.”

“So why then are we having this conversation, Winston?”

“To be honest, Helene, Alexander proved a remarkably competent negotiator. I was prepared to meet him at his terms and still save the face of the institution I hold so dear. We all know the rules. We all understand the need for consequences.”

“So what happened?” She asked flatly.

“Solomon Nazir.”

“Explain.”

“Well just as Alec and I were to come to a gentleman’s agreement, Nazir felt the need to insert himself into the conversation in a manner I found both disrespectful and distasteful. I warned him he should keep quiet. Evan Naraku knew enough to hold his tongue and let Alexander speak.”

“And then?”

“Nazir arrogantly boasted that he and his comrades were the reason I still maintained control of the Continental. He then boldly, or foolishly, based on your perspective of things, demanded that I overlook the violation of the rules in my establishment because I ‘owed’ him. The nerve of that haughty, self-important, egotistical neonate, have you ever heard anything more ridiculous?”

“I can think of one.” She answered stoically.

“So while I may have been a tad heavy handed with Alexander, it is really Nazir who caused the problem. Had he not frustrated the lad disrupting his focus, had he allowed Alexander to do what he is best at and not interfere, then I believe you are correct. We would not be having this conversation.”

“Good I’m glad we agree.”

“What are you proposing, Helene?”

“In all the time Massara has been among us, he has comported himself with respect and dignity despite living under the thumb of Anastasiya Dragomir. He is well spoken and trustworthy and we both know he has a bright future in our clan as well as in this city. I’ve no doubt Fiorenza would scoop him up for herself were I to allow it. I say we make this a teachable moment for Massara, a lesson on what the lack of composure, what the danger of giving in to frustration could lead to. Accept his boon on your marker and be done with it. You don’t need mine and I can assure you Winston, you do not want it. Not for this frivolity.”

Winston sat for a minute contemplating what the prince had said. Her position and feelings about the matter were quite clear. He could force the boon, but at the cost of damage to his relationship with her. That would far out value the benefit of the minor boon he had been offered. 

“Agreed.” He said thoughtfully. “This one time.”

“There will not be a repeat. I can assure you.” 

She reached for her phone and began to text.

Brrrrr. Stephanie’s phone began to vibrate.

“The prince is ready for you Alec. Let’s go.”

She led him to the elevator and accompanied him up to the penthouse. She escorted him to a set of carved white doors framed by craftsman molding. She turned the silver handle, opening the door and waving him in.

“Good luck Alec.” She smiled.

“Thanks.” He returned her smile, straightened his jacket and stepped in. Sitting around a coffee table was Prince Panhard and Winston, the manager of the Continental. Qadir stood quietly off to the side. He nodded slightly to Alec but offered no other expression. Alec moved toward the table and bowed remaining standing. “My prince.” He held his head down until she acknowledged him.

“Massara.” She replied curtly. “You are familiar with the manager of the Continental?”

“I am my prince.” He raised his head. “Good evening Winston.” He greeted the venerable Ventrue in amicable fashion.

“Hello Alexander.”

“I trust you enjoyed Stephanie’s company?” The Prince asked. 

“She’s quite remarkable, my prince.”

“She is.” Her tone remained stoic. “Massara we have a problem.”

“How may I serve my prince?”

“Well to be more precise.” She continued without answering him. “You have a problem.”

“I understand. I will accept the judgment of my prince with no ill feelings.”

“Do you not wish to further explain yourself, perhaps enlighten me as to why my scourge would interfere in your negotiations?”

“No my prince, it was me who became frustrated. It was me who far too hastily offered the boon. I am solely responsible for it and refuse to blame anyone else for my shortcomings.”

“Despite the fact that another may have been the reason for the breakdown of your bargain?”

“I don’t see it that way. Were that the case, I could have… should have silenced him. It was my responsibility to manage the negotiation, my misstep, my poor judgment. I will accept the totality of the blame for it, if it pleases my prince.”

“It does not.” She answered coldly. 

She slid the marker toward Alec. Without hesitation he picked it up, forced his canine into his thumb then pressed it to the marker before closing it and returning it to her.

“Good.” She handed the marker to Winston.

“But I thought?”

“I have deemed it not to be so, Alexander.” Winston offered pleasantly.

“Thank you, sir.” He looked to Helene Panhard. “Thank you, my prince.”

“May I assume you learned an exceedingly valuable lesson from this unpleasantness?”

“I have my prince.”

“Alec, do be more thoughtful in future should you decide to inconvenience me again. I may not be in the hospitable mood I am now.”

“I will, my prince. I apologize for your inconvenience.”

“Accepted. You may go, Massara.” 

“Thank you, my prince. Good Night.” 

She nodded.

“Winston.” He bowed.

“Alexander.”

“Good night Sheriff.”

Qadir nodded his head.

Alec left the suite and closed the door behind him. He called upon the blush of life, if for no other reason than to allow himself the ability to exhale deeply. Stephanie was waiting by the elevator.

“The prince suggested you might need a drink.”

“Yeah. I’m thinking I do.”

She slid her arm through his. “How did it go?”

“I was very fortunate.” He paused for a moment. “To be honest, I got lucky.” 

She grinned mischievously. “Not yet you haven’t.” 

He shook his head and smiled back.

Stephanie chuckled to herself. “Definitely charming.” She called for the elevator. “Now about that drink…”