Thanks to sister-b (guess who will throw a tantrum in the future), Maellowyn (right away, but I'm stalled at ch. 16), dropletsoflight (again too much flattery *dies*), rednightmare (the document manager bites me at the moment but glad to have served you) and Zaekka (dreimal darfst du raten warum ich das "Romance" rausgestrichen habe, kekeke) for the reviews! And sorry for not answering them the last time.
To be honest, Jan had expected a meeting with the Prince sooner. Sebastian wasn't the kind of person to wait long, preferring to make rasher maneuvers. Surprise effect, he called it back in those days. Perhaps Fräulein Falkner had pondered her options a bit longer and only recently informed the Prince of her decision. The neonate had visited him last night in the company of a Caitiff she wanted to bring along. Jan agreed to it and was quite a bit disturbed that she looked injured; however, later information told him the reason for it and the ambassador wondered if there was a deeper cause behind all of this. There were still too many pieces of the puzzle missing to show a clear frame. Now he sat in one of the comfortable chairs, all the formal etiquette finished, making space to move on to the important parts.
"I excuse the sudden interruption of your affairs, but it is most important for me to know if there were any impediments to your progress on account of my personnel," the Prince spoke. Gain: more friendly formalities to gracefully steer the direction of the conversation onto a specific course. For the time being, Jan decided to play along. After all this would tell him indirectly which topics mattered to Sebastian the most.
"No, my Prince. I'm fairly surprised how well your city is organised regarding the circumstances." The Anarchs were relatively quiet – except for the attack against the Prince's protégé for obvious reasons – which made him consider being a purpose in the first place.
"Sadly I have no news on the whereabouts of Mr. Beckett. It is quite an offense if he departed without notifying me. Have you already questioned my protégé about him? I believe she could deliver some clues and information." There it was: the crucial question and for now Jan still let Sebastian handle the reins of their conversation. The Prince wasted no time in reaching the important topic which indicated that he was on the right track.
"I spoke to her two nights ago; however, our conversation merely involved Mr. Beckett." To deny their conversation would be futile and to hide his intentions about taking Katherine with him would be outright offensive. "To be honest, I am more interested in her abilities than in the information about Mr. Beckett she may have. Someone like her would be a genuine asset to the Camarilla in Europe. Intel indicates that the Anarchs are also on a popularity rise there. Needless to say, her experience would benefit our agenda and as a further advantage I am able to act as her mentor, amending your teachings." The words had to be chosen carefully, else it could awaken the impression that Sebastian's teachings weren't enough. At least not blunt and direct to his face. Truth be told, Fräulein Falkner lacked a lot of the education necessary to be a full member of the clan. There had always been a bit of competition between Sebastian and himself and those little games of theirs only cooled down when Sebastian left Europe. Of course they supported each others' business as long as their interests didn't clash. Normal Ventrue occurrences among the clan, however there was still some unspoken issue Jan was aware of. Sebastian had always looked at him with some sort of envy, being in a higher status right after the Embrace. Sebastian may be a breath of fresh air in terms of his methods, earning Jan's approval, but was too rash with their execution. A slight nod came from the Prince as he adjusted his sitting position a bit.
"Jan…" he began slowly and folded his fingertips in front of his face, elbows on the armrest. "…I'll take the liberty of assuming that you already question my decisions with regard to leading the city. I highly doubt the childe of Hardestadt has been entrusted merely with the simple search of some stray Gangrel."
"Please understand the current situation my Prince. Without any attempt to obfuscate another assignment entrusted to me, you are right; however, the worries of the elders regarding the latest events in Los Angeles couldn't go unanswered and the possible Primogen of the city urged to handle it with discretion." Golden rule number one in dealing with Princes: Never give them even the slightest reason to assume you want to take their city away from them. "Still, Mr. Beckett is of course another important assignment from my sire." A soft chuckle came from Sebastian, which irritated Jan for a second but he covered it up very well, keeping that feeling to himself. Being from the same clan, the Dutch Ventrue wouldn't have made a great secret out of this in the first place. After all it was the Ventrue's task to lead, while all of their political agendas of course stayed hidden from the other clans. There was some kind of distant, mutual trust throughout the clan; still they struggled way too much, for Jan's taste, amongst themselves for power. It was obstructive to say the least.
"The latest Primogens' treachery was handled according to Camarilla laws. Why is there fear among those who could claim that title if they are loyal to the sect?" That was true, for selling themselves and the Camarilla out to the Sabbat was inexcusable. However there should have been a more discreet solution to this predicament than public execution. It could be interpreted in various ways because of Alistair Grout's dubious death.
"With all due respect and regard to our business in the past, Sebastian, there is something unsettling in the past events." It was time to put the cards on the table, to make a direct stab into this direction. Of course it was more of a strategy to wait, but Jan had learned during the Sabbat siege that it was sometimes necessary to take the initiative instead of pondering too long. Else it could be too late and he knew Sebastian well enough to be sure that the political drabble could take weeks before he got him cornered, if not months to find an opening. Needless to mention that these words were already circulating on the streets, causing damage.
"And that is why you came to the conclusion that Miss Falkner could clarify any doubts about these unsettling events. To speak clearly – with regard to our shared past – that my leadership is being questioned by the elders." Now it was finally spoken out loud.
"Yes. All key events lead back to an illegally-sired Kindred. The whole city is asking why the Prince trusts someone like her." 'A Ventrue without proper education,' was the hidden message. Sebastian stood up slowly, the burden on his shoulders now clearly visible. It silenced Jan, never having been witness to this side of the Prince. Naturally he'd seen many Princes with the same expression on their faces, clouded by their burdens in times of danger, but to see it on Sebastian's young face – the very same Sebastian who never hesitated to overcome any obstacle in his way – stopped his speech. Thoughtfully the Prince walked to the fireplace, his silhouette lighted by the red flames.
"I knew this day would come, and such questions arise." Hands folded behind his back, Jan couldn't see Sebastian's face. "And I know that it could be scandalous upon revealing it." Shaking his head Sebastian turned around. Jan had to collect himself to not look outright shocked by the expression in his clanmate's eyes. Clearly they stated some kind of pain Jan knew very well, and that this could happen to Sebastian LaCroix caught him completely off-guard. Was he actually right with his theory? Could it really be that Sebastian had fooled this whole city more than three times? "You want to take her with you, because you see it as a possibility to gain knowledge of my greatest secret as of yet, am I right? Please answer faithfully Jan. I don't need to tell you what burden my position brings, so please: I want at least the knowledge that you, as my friend, are not going to backstab me." Jan was startled, taking his glasses from his nose and massaging its bridge. He'd anticipated denial, excuses but an outright confession? Never!
"I never planned to sell you out, Sebastian. I'm handling it as an internal matter of clan Ventrue, of course, but I need to report it to the elders in any case because of -"
"I love her." Jan's head jerked up, staring silently at the Prince who'd interrupted him. His jaw opened to say something, but he closed it again and swallowed the startled 'What?' Instead, he shook his head, placing the glasses back on his nose. "I know what you think. It is not appropriate for a Ventrue, a Prince with such a large city to rule, and even more to have such emotions for an illegally-sired fledgling. That is why I harnessed it. The gossip would be ghastly, the sheer possibilities for my enemies to exploit countless." Sebastian turned around, punching the upper decor of the fireplace, clawing into it desperately. "Her abilities are indispensable to me but that is not all. I never told her what I feel, that I still can feel, despite knowing Katherine would never exploit it. I don't want her to be in more danger than she already is as my protégé."
"I…" The older Ventrue sighed heavily. "…I know how you feel." Slowly Sebastian lifted his head and gave Jan a glance, a silent question, 'How could you possibly know?' "In Baltimore I was confronted with a similar…predicament and like you I let her go because of the politics." Now he stood up, stepping towards his fellow clanmate and placing a hand on his trembling shoulder, only a slight suspicion arising that this could all be but an act. It made sense. Somehow.
"Don't take her away from me Jan. She's the only person in this city who I can trust like my own childe. Miss Cecilia is not half as talented as her. I know very well the scandal it could let loose and that this isn't answering all the questions you have." Again, Jan shook his head.
"No…no. It answers many questions. It answers why you trust her word so much, even calling out a blood hunt on Nines Rodriguez when her word was the only evidence." But it still didn't answer the strange anomalies in her memory. "It answers why you entrusted her with so many important assignments, even placing your life into her hands. If it weren't you, I would say your feelings cloud your ability to lead this city." Another sigh as Sebastian's eyes slightly narrowed. "But you kept your distance to protect our clan's reputation, placing its needs above your personal feelings." Like he did in Baltimore. That is why clan Ventrue was leading and not the Toreador. Sebastian had inherited that point of view so Jan didn't look down on the younger Ventrue, no, he could only compliment him for displaying this sort of strength and being honest towards him. "And why you were very upset to hear that she'd killed Nines Rodriguez despite your orders to organise a truce." 'And called, without conclave, a blood hunt on her.' Surely Sebastian knew that that was a mistake.
"So what are you going to report to our clan's elders? That Prince Sebastian LaCroix is a love-struck fool, unable to lead the city properly, placing all his faith into a sireless Ventrue he's in love with?" The words were bitter and if someone other than Jan were sent, it would end that way but Jan was interested neither in gaining power nor in toppling Sebastian. His ways of course conjured many a frown among the elders, not abiding strictly by the old ways and that was why his French clanmate was very suitable for the position as Prince of Los Angeles. This wasn't a European city.
"Rest assured that I won't my friend," he said in a soft tone. Indirectly Sebastian was seeking his help and the noblesse oblige of the clan commanded him to aide a clanmate in need, regardless of personal opinions; though his personal opinion of Sebastian wasn't negative and he knew what a threat the Sabbat was, having witnessed their assault of New York firsthand. "I will report that Prince Sebastian LaCroix was simply faithful to his words, adopting the spared neonate and treating her like his own blood. That is why he will be successful in securing Los Angeles as a Camarilla domain. His ability in recognising talent very fast is an indispensable asset towards the long procedure of claiming back California. Repelling the Kuei-Jin, uncovering a secret attempt of the Sabbat to undermine the very core of the Camarilla in Los Angeles, it is undeniable that Prince LaCroix's decisions and judgment of the complicated status of this city are correct." It was visible how a heavy weight was lifted from Sebastian's shoulders, as he gained back some of his former authority.
"And your plans regarding Katherine?" he asked with a low voice and Jan gave him a smile. Miss Falkner really lacked the cunning finesse to exploit the Prince's feelings and as of yet she wasn't even aware of them.
"I didn't lie when I said she would also be an asset in Europe. Her understanding of military tactics is outstanding but it is needed more in a contested territory, after thinking on it again, and I trust that you will make the right decisions regarding her education." Returning the smile, the Prince took his hands away from the decor and straightened his suit as if it helped him regain his lost self-control, awakening the question in Jan's mind once more if this wasn't all a perfectly calculated act; but he highly doubted that Sebastian would embarrass himself freely in such a way, even with the knowledge in hand that the Prince had a knack for very dramatic scenes to say the least. Jan simply filed it away as a typical trait from Sebastian's time. He was a proud Ventrue and it was presumably a huge step for him to swallow his pride, opening himself up so much. Even if Jan's intuition told him that there was still something not right. How could someone like Sebastian fall for such a woman as Fräulein Falkner? She was by no means outstandingly beautiful nor did she possess any special charisma. Could it simply be her abilities which struck the Prince? Not all is gold that glitters and having been the 'victim' of countless attempts at seduction from very enchanting women, Jan came to the conclusion that it must really be Fräulein Falkner's non-existent charm. Either that or a rough military charm Jan couldn't be fond of, which struck the Prince who was an officer himself during his mortal days. Affection may be despised by the code of dignitas, being regarded as an unnecessary source of distraction leading to grave mistakes in important decisions, however Jan couldn't legitimately raise his finger admonishingly against him despite Sebastian being well aware of the dangers such affections bore. It oddly reminded Jan of a bourgeois tragedy written by Friedrich Schiller: Kabale und Liebe – Intrigue and Love. A noble, Major Ferdinand von Walter fell in love with a commoner wife that was bound to end in tragedy because of politics and intrigue. Jan didn't want to slip into the role of Hofmarschall von Kalb and felt a little bit of guilt in having pressed the Prince this far, urging him to embarrass himself in front of him.
"Thank you my friend. I would prefer to tell her the reasons why she will stay in Los Angeles and I've already taken measures to avoid such questions in the future. Miss Cecilia received yesterday night an assignment to protect the childe of Baron Abrams. At first I, of course, wanted to appoint Kat-, er, Miss Falkner but it seems that it is a wise decision to improve her education before giving her any more assignments." Taking away his hand from the Prince's shoulder, Jan nodded and was quite surprised that there was an indirect acknowledgment that the previous teachings were quite inaccurate.
"Of course, however I have to admit she's quite a safe bet. It was her who gave you the interesting title as le phénix rusé." Sebastian raised an eyebrow and Jan had to swallow an amused chuckle. "Is there anything more you'd like to discuss with me?" Now with the usual polite smile, Sebastian shook his head.
"That would be all. I thank you for understanding my predicament and acknowledging my successes rather than trying to find missteps on my behalf and swarming over them like those vultures out there. I knew a fellow Ventrue – and friend like you – would understand." Jan bowed down.
"Good evening, Prince." Walking slowly backwards out of the office, Hardestadt's childe still couldn't fend off the feeling that something was wrong. That the frame of the puzzle may somehow be complete, giving a full image, but some tiles were left over and didn't fit into the complete frame Sebastian had just given him. Again bits of guilt arose in Jan's stomach as he took the elevator back down for mistrusting his former friend from Europe. It was his duty to make sure that either none of the accusations against the Prince were true or to prove they were, and he wouldn't disappoint his dear sire. Failure was not an option. As much as Jan wanted to believe Sebastian, he couldn't simply let go the investigations which would be a step more easy and complicated at the same time with the Prince thinking himself safe.
AN: Can you imagine the horror, the pain I've gone through while writing this chapter? I worked on it while having "the" Wikipedia article in my mind. It's another reason why "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" needed to happen: You shall all have a part of this pain and sister-b is still struggling with the image of LaCroix and the Sheriff! But I'm pleased to read, that all of you now have those images instilled. Score! Bwahahahaha!
Ah well but the story still misses a stereotypical joke from Kat about Dutch people who jam the streets with their caravans.