Victor Harcourt

Ace / 46 / Looking Glass Do not trust an old man in a profession where men usually die young.

[valet-de-coeur-blog]

Why the eyebrow? I take it you’ve already heard the murmurings of my dear mothers plan to have Seraphina and I marry. It’s not the worst plan she’s ever had. He’d already had this talk with Hannah. And the Crow of all people. Sera wouldn’t have been his first choice for marriage. Sure there was a time in his youth when he had a crush on her, but the times have changed. Jack is still more than confused and disturbed that Sera might have a lover in the Crow…but who is he? There is always the possibility that the love is one sided, which is more problematic for Sera and himself. That’s why you’re still alive, isn’t it. Jack doesn’t expect an answer to that question. They both know that it’s the truth. Victor, in some respects I am my mothers son, since I could understand the concept of the Alices and the prophecy I have been lectured and told to get as close to them as possible, to befriend them. I have done that. I have covered all options. It would not do for me to use my influence to put on of the Alices in a throne. Who am I in the eyes of the people? If I do that, then I am as good as my mother, taking advantages of situations for my own gain without thinking of what should actually be done. Acting early will not get my anywhere

[victor-aceofspades]

Oh just the musings of an old man, Jack. Nothing with which to concern yourself. I have heard many rumours lately, including that you yourself are the Crow, but after meeting with him I can say with fair certainty that the two of you are not the same entity. It may be for the benefit of the city, and not yourself, that you should use your influence. Consider the possibility that instead of pitting themselves against each other, the Alices and the heirs acted for the unification of the city instead of fought for it. If war is what you wish to avoid, then eliminate the competition; make allies of enemies.

[ismay-the-rose]

Mr. Harcourt, we both know that I make a point of not berating or judging someone for sleeping with people. We are nothing but humans, and we make mistakes. She looks at the drink her hand a moment. Would you like to talk on a subject of your choosing? Or should I dazzle you with my skills at piano? Or again, perhaps a dance?

[victor-aceofspades]

But we both agree it was a mistake. Victor said the words, but he was not yet entirely convinced of the validity of them. He certainly had not regretted the relationship then, and it really was the following changes to the city's political landscape that made him upset at the idea of an unexpected child. That and the whole idea of a family when his was taken from him made his blood boil. Yet he could not help the slight chuckle that came at her well stated options of avoiding the topic, he could always count on the English Rose to always say the right thing and at least momentarily his mood improved slightly. He spoke with less sharpness in his voice, glad to once again at least be in control of how he appeared if not how he felt. Your skills are always dazzling, but I would much prefer the company of a friend.

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor was having trouble keeping his face in any expression other than anger. Ideally, he would have hid in his house or office, but that would show this as a sign of weakness and give his enemies a chance to move against him. No, that would never do. So he found himself trying to pretend that blasted woman's article about him and his bastard son did not bother him. It did, if ever he held an example of why behavior in one's youth could come back to haunt someone's would be it. The thought of everything was making his skin crawl, and his blood boil. When he was approached, he heard the sharp tone in his voice, and it bothered him that he was so far into his anger he had let it show. I am perfectly aware about what you wish to speak, but I strongly suggest you find another topic.

[ophelia-pyke]

She wasn’t sure if she could trust Victor. Of course, she wasn’t usually sure she could trust most people, so that wasn’t very surprising, but O knew better than most people that one didn’t reach Victor’s position in his line of work without lying, keeping secrets, crossing a few people… everything that could make a person untrustworthy. And if she’d learned anything from her mother it was that one should never show someone one’s entire hand. For all she knew, Victor would tell her mother O’s idea before she even had a chance to actually come up with a plan. You know what, nevermind, she shakes her head, it’s probably not a very good idea anyways. She was an awful liar, and she knew he could probably tell she was lying, but she was stubborn enough to be able to keep her mouth shut even if it meant lying through her teeth. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor could almost feel her close doors and withdraw. He could not blame her, and he was even a little proud of her. It was wise of her to keep this from him, an unfortunate turn for himself. He saw that trying persuade anything from her now would only serve to give her more reason to trust him. He rose from the table and excused himself. I am sure you underestimate yourself, Your Highness. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call on me.

[valet-de-coeur-blog]

I have already started to use them to my and Seraphina’s advantage. It has quite a few of the old staff at the place shaking in their boots. Jack knows that any of the actually old staff of his mother’s that had been around while he was a child knew exactly how to go about their job without getting caught up in any sort of negative implications. This is how they managed to still have their jobs and their heads. This face served him just fine because of those servants he knew which were the ones who could be trusted, which were loyal to his mother and which were simply interested in keeping their heads. Many of them he quite liked. That’s one way to over all the bases and ensure that you are sometimes pleasantly surprised. 

Victor, we discussed this before, war is the very last resort. It’s messy and the last war left the City is such chaos that another one would likely cost more than it would achieve. As for the recent events…unless you have some information you’d like to share about the Alices I am just as much in the dark as the rest of the City as to the identity of the true Alice, which makes any move when they are concerned a dangerous one. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor raised an eyebrow at the comment of helping Seraphina as well. Jack was not one given to too many emotional attachments, so he had decided to include Seraphina in his plans or the rumours of a marriage between the two had some possibility. I am seldom pleasantly surprised, but nearly always well prepared. It is, and yet we find ourselves speaking on this topic time and time again. Victor smiled one of his tight, perfectly polite smiles at Jack's inquiry as to whether he had more knowledge or not. He was never one to reveal too terribly much. I confess no special knowledge of our City's prophecied. You presume there is a true Alice and that you have no influence in the outcome of which, if only one or any, come to bear influence on this city's government. I never thought you one to be unaware of your power and influence in the city.

[ophelia-pyke]

I don’t think the Red Knight is as concerned about my safety or what I want as much as he’s concerned with spying on me and trying to get me to return to the palace on my mother’s behalf, O replies with a frown. Her disdain for her hulking shadow was hardly a secret to anyone who even remotely knew her. It wasn’t even a secret to the knight himself. She furrows her eyebrows slightly, surely Victor knew she wouldn’t agree to bringing Rowan as her backup, and it was at that realization that she also realized he hadn’t mentioned a specific knight. Was he saying she should bring Nat? He was the only one of the knights she knew would definitely take her side. But her mother also wanted him dead, and taking him to a meeting with her would hardly be a sign of good will. Not to mention it would likely endanger Nat, which she certainly didn’t want. She tilts her head slightly, another idea coming to mind. Have you ever heard the saying that ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’? she questions, I think I have a better idea than bringing a knight.

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor once again sat in uncharacteristic silence letting Ophelia reject the surface proposal of bringing Rowan. He smiles as she works through it in her mind and the realization of what he had actually meant came to her. If he were to he honest, he would be pleased to say that she had surprised him, if only a little, just how well she was doing at holding this double layered conversation. Yes, she had been at court and had been around this but she had always made her distaste for his career path well known, and people who despised his line of work were more often than not poor at these kinds of things. I would venture to say I am quite familiar with that particular idiom and you will always gave my ear, should you wish it. So please do share with me what idea has come to you.

[ophelia-pyke]

O nods as he points out the issue with the Hatter’s shop. The last thing she wants is more press coverage, that’s why she’d made a deal with Charlotte. Or attempted to, anyways. A reputable establishment… O repeats quietly, appearing pensive as she tries to think of possible locations. She doubted Ismay would allow the meeting to take place at the Garden, even though it was obvious it was the best location. Ophelia wasn’t particularly sure she’d like to have it take place there, either. She wouldn’t want her mother thinking it okay to regularly visit her at work. O raises an eyebrow at the comment of coming unaccompanied. Yes, I’m sure it’d be perfect. Too bad I don’t trust her. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor let Ophelia think for a moment in silence. He may have been a man of many words but even he knew when to let someone work things through for themselves. Ophelia was brighter than most gave her credit for, and Victor was not one for underestimating players. He smiles at her raised eyebrow. Excellent, he had been understood. Ah, is more the pity.  If you must bring someone with you, surely you would agree to a Knight you are already familiar with, one already charged with your safety. Victor knew Rowan would be in attendance to this meeting, at the command of the queen. Even if he wanted to keep Ophelia safe Rowan was tied to honour the Queen's wishes, even if they were to force her back to the courts. There was only one man Victor knew would actually be on Ophelia's side in that meeting. But there was no safe way to use names to suggest that Ophelia ask the White Knight for help, not here in an open room.

[valet-de-coeur-blog]

Yes, I would say that’s enough. I wasn’t very old, but I remember vague murmurings of things my mother did to the old Clubs. Funny how people assume that a child doesn’t hear things. If Jack had less control over his face he would have winced at Victor’s line about the Red Queen testing his loyalty. There are stories about her that make the ones about my mother pale in comparison, whether or not those stories are true….

Jack sighs, Okay, fine, I deserved that. But how do we take into account the variables? This isn’t an algebra problem where x is the overthrow of the queen of Hearts and y is…I don’t know…a bomb, or a knife, an axe. This can’t be a game of chance. 

[victor-aceofspades]

It is the vagueness of those memories that are both your friend and enemy. You can use those vague memories and rumours in others to fuel their fear of your mother. Refusing to show any more weaknesses to the younger man, Victor controlled the desire to show distaste on his face at Jack’s inquiry. Always assume the worst outcome of a rumour is true. No, there are many variables but the most important ones depend upon the outcome desired. Has your desired outcome changed in recent days, Jack? Or have not even recent events swayed your ambitions and goals? Because if you still only desire the throne then a war will not suit your needs, you are your mother's natural heir. However, if your pursuits were to be more complex in nature and you had begun to consider less linear models for government then changing variables would become not only ideal, but necessary.

[ophelia-pyke]

Do you have a specific location in mind? Perhaps the Hatter’s shop? That’s where she always meets with the Queen of Hearts, isn’t it?

[victor-aceofspades]

The Hatter's tea shop does have the benefit of being distinctly neutral, however it has the disadvantage of being rather public and overseen by the doormouse. Your mother and  yourself meeting there would certainly be a great topic of discussion in the following days with even greater speculation following. The private back room of an reputable establishment would suit your desires better, I believe. A reputable establishment was not likely to favour Ophelia over the Queen, but it still seemed a decent half way point. The place most likely to favour Ophelia was here at the Garden, and it was unlikely that the English Rose would let the meeting happen there. Even if she were to allow it the Queen being allowed back onto Garden would be a victory Victor could claim he had a part in. Of course, it would be perfect if you came unaccompanied, a show of trust. Victor smiled a ever so slightly sarcastic smile, hoping she would understand that he meant she should do very much the opposite, but he had a close game to play. He could never be too obvious about subverting the red queen and yet he needed Ophelia to remain out of her control.  

[ophelia-pyke]

She knew that just about anyone in Court who convinced her to meet with her mother, or even better to return to the palace, would benefit from doing so– that much was clear from how hard Rowan seemed to be trying to convince her. Victor was obviously no different in this regard, but she couldn’t blame any of them for trying. What sorts of things do you mean? 

[victor-aceofspades]

The types of things that would keep the possible outcomes from harming yourself or another. For example, if you chose to meet with your mother it might be best for your own independence if it were done in the City and not the Court. Finding the balance of a location that is both private, neutral, and public enough would be the primary concern, if I were in the same situation as yourself.

[redmetaljackets-deactivated2016]

Rowan shakes his head at Victors words. He was, truth be told, still in a daze about this whole aspect of the Red Ace. He saw the man in a whole new light He was not as calculating and cunning as he’d once thought. Because wasn’t that the first thing someone so precise would calculate? The consequences of spreading a woman’s legs? Then again if he were used to indulging in such rigors with men he might not know… Oh, come on! Everyone knew about how people come into being. Unless he’d thought just because he wasn’t in love with the woman his seed might not take. “It might keep her distracted for the moment. Though I do not doubt she will call you for an audience and will expect an accounting with more detail. Do you know who the poor bastard is? I would like to keep my eye out for potential danger. Peace is such a fragile thing and can be broken by even the most unassuming speck of dust.”

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor watches Rowan's face go through varying states of confusion. Surely he understood that things had been very different in the city before the war, that options available now were not available then. And at the time his goals were not so ambitious. His current skill was a result of necessity and talent. Had he listened to the advise of mentors and not been as fascinated with the pleasures of life in his youth, this would not be happening now. But he had not, and so he had to deal with the present situation as best he could having already decided that having mother and son killed would not end well. I would expect nothing less of our illustrious Queen. He is a student at the Academy, presently, but I am unaware to what end he is actually studying. I have found what information I was able in the little time I have learned of his existence. 

Victor pulls out a book from his inner coat pocket, and carefully removes an envelope which he then hands across the desk to Rowan. There was a feeling of concern in him which he could not quite place, he was after all, only doing what was necessary for himself as he had always done. Those pesky concerns he had long ago learned to squash and ignore. Then, perhaps because feelings for a woman he long thought forgotten were brought to his attention again or perhaps because of he felt some odd desire to look out for this boy, Victor came to an abrupt decision. I am going to recognize him privately, if Her Majesty allows it, which should mitigate some of the damage he could cause.

[ophelia-pyke]

Yes, I’m sure she would be. O comments with a bit of a frown, not entirely happy with the prospect of giving her mother exactly what she wants. I’m not quite so pleased to be considering it. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor offers a small smile, he knew all to well the unpleasant feeling that came with meeting with the Red Queen sometimes. But it suited his plans to keep Ophelia independent from her mother,  yet it would be a boon to him if he could persuade this meeting to occur. Perhaps then it would be best if you considered some things before agreeing to or arranging this meeting.

[redmetaljackets-deactivated2016]

A son? A son? That meant he’d had a relationship with a woman. He’d had sex with a woman? Victor Harcort? Somehow Rowan was seeing the Red Ace in a new light. It was odd, to say the least If anything he’d always thought of Victor playing for the homme team. He wasn’t overt as some were but there was just this certain something. “So a kid shows up out of nowhere… there’s been a lot of this kind of thing going on in the government.” 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor watches the wheel turn in Rowan's head, and the mild confusion on his face. He had been young, there was an experimental phase that lasted probably a little too long. Besides, what did his past relationships matter to the Red Knight. He had buried his past, and most of his ties with his old friends from before his time in the Red Court (them seeing him as a traitor was helpful in that regard). Victor very nearly started telling the Knight as such but stopped himself, he had no need to explain himself to a bodyguard that needed basic politics explained to him. "Yes, I imagine it is related. If Her Majesty's secrets have been given to the city in such public forum, what is to keep theirs safe." He paused and kept playing with the pen. If Victor was not going to justify his past relations to Rowan, it was going to be a cold day in this hell before he even would think of hinting at the latest letter from the Queen of Spades. “Nonetheless, it has been distracting, and” he cleared his throat, “I hope Her Majesty will understand I am most apologetic and that it will no longer be a problem.”

[ophelia-pyke]

O glances up at him a bit distractedly, only just realizing she’d spoken aloud. Oh, uh, yes- of course. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor inclines his head by way of a thank you and takes the seat across from her. If you refer to Her Majesty as the one whom you must meet, then I believe she would be most pleased to hear it.

[ophelia-pyke]

I’m going to have to meet with her, she mutters quietly, thinking aloud.

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor pauses at the table Ophelia is sitting at in the Garden when he overhears her. He makes an attempt to not be too pushy with her, but if she was saying what he thought she was he could not simply walk by. He gestures to one of the empty chairs. It sounds as though you need a sympathetic ear, may I join you?

[charmingcolette]

Oh. So you’re saying I’d have to have a better reason? Colette smirks at his reaction, not about to expand upon what she’s already said. 

Alright, then, dealer’s choice. She laughs at his request. My name? Jenny, and your flattery is wasted, I’m afraid, as I was already going to tell you the story. Colette clears her throat theatrically, dancing a bit with the memory of the drug-addled night. So, I happen to come into some substances of noxious intent to which I wasn’t entirely entitled to use, and being a thief by profession, I thought I might find a use for the chemicals. To be perfectly frank, I didn’t know what the exact effects of them were, as I had only tried one of them before and never mixed with anything else, so it was a bit of a crap-shoot. Anyway, this Five had been driving me a bit crazy, as guards are wont to do, following me around, trying to catch me stealing something. He had this chain around his neck that he would play with all the time, especially when he was nervous. Well, I had decided a bit ago that I wanted the chain, if more for the purpose of driving him a bit crazy in return than actually liking the jewelry. So, let’s just say, hypothetically, I dosed his morning tea and I waited for God knows what to happen. Colette can’t help but giggle a bit. So it turns out that the drugs were separate orders, put in the basket for a hare to go to different clients, and not at all meant to be taken at the same time. So this guy heads to work, only instead of getting in the street car, he sees me. He’s a little pissed at first, I told you we didn’t get along, but then all the sudden he’s smiling at me, laughing, and following me down the pathway to the Palace. And I’m concerned. Like, really worried that he’s either going to arrest me or at the very least turn me in when instead, he takes my hand, spins me around and professes every secret he’s ever had. We’re talking shit you wouldn’t want your mother to know, much less the girl you’ve been trying to arrest for weeks. And now I’m laughing my ass off, wondering just how much I could get from the Cat for all his dirty laundry, and other people’s too, when he kisses me on the cheek and tells me I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen! 

At this point, I’ve got no idea what’s happening, but I’m going with it ‘cause clearly this is better than just taking the necklace off some passed out body.  Anyway, he’s dancing around, smiling, spouting secrets and compliments and the idiot trips and ends up in the Palace fountain, begging me to come ‘swim with him’ and I’m laughing so hard I can’t even manage to tell him no.  Well, his friends leave their posts by the doors and all crowd around to watch him doing laps around the Cupids and spouting nonsense about true love and poetry I’m pretty sure he’s just made up and everyone else starts laughing their asses off. The poor guy falls out of the fountain and onto the grass just as the Red Queen is marching out the doors, and he tells her that he is sorry, but he’s in love with someone else, and she looks at him like he’s grown another head. At this point, one of his friend’s grabs him, covers his mouth and crab-walks him out of the way of the Queen, and I am out of there before anyone realizes I’ve gone. I never did get his necklace, now that I think of it, but I did end up with enough secrets to live off of for a month. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Precisely, very pleased we understand each other. Flattery is never wasted, Jenny. Victor listens to her tale, very much doubting her name is actually Jenny. Regardless of her name, she had said plenty enough to incriminate herself, so as the approached the border to Wonderland he slowed their pace and eventually stopped - leaning on a wall, pretending to need a rest. Most entertaining, and enlightening. What came to be of the unfortunate guard who earned your ire? Victor knew that the guard had ended up alive, barely, after personal punishment by the Queen, but whether this young thief knew or cared interested him greatly. With the smallest of nods, a passing Four was told to stop and wait, which she did, just down the street from the unlikely pair.

[valet-de-coeur-blog]

That is a huge, massive admission to be making. Especially from someone like the Red Ace! To the former prince of Hearts! If Jack was one with less control of his emotions he would have made more of a face than the one of passive interest. Victor is clearly at least comfortable saying these things out loud in his home, Jack doesn’t want to push lest the man clam up again, but he does want to know. Do you mind me asking what your position was, under the Queen of Spades? He like Victor watches the little fish, for a brief moment. If a war was to break out again it would likely lead to the same result. The destruction of another two suits. It would remain to be seen if that meant no more courts entirely, or a new type of governance led by the remainders of one or both of them. Victor, we all have twenty twenty hindsight, and young people who don’t listen to those who know what they’re talking about. 

[victor-aceofspades]

Victor finally looks at Jack instead of Bubbles, in response the colourful fish begins exploring his new home decidedly not looking at either men. Not in the capacity my ancestors served. I was in the Court, that is enough to sign my death warrant in the eyes of many even though Vanessa saw to it my loyalty was tested thoroughly, and repetitively. There are too many unknowns influencing the outcome, at present. Victor gives Jack a very pointed look and gets a sharp tone to his voice. Yes. I have noticed the stubbornness of some.