Ceremonial Rites

Twenty-One - Blood in the Water

The Plaza Hotel

09:00PM

"Sir, Viktor Samira has arrived." The receptionist whispered to Hector.

She received a suspicious look from Hector knowing why she went all the the trouble to inform him. The pretty lady swallowed a few times to take up the courage to continue. Hector snapped his fingers to finish her unsettling news.

"And he has some company. The Samira Horsemen, sir."

That immediately set off Hector. There has been no horsemen ever since the late Lord Philip Samira died, and that's been a long time. This is either a provocation or an elaborate scheme of Viktor. Before he could scrutinize the said visitors, a council member approached their table. He is below that person that's why they were needed to stand up for respect snatching Catherine out of her chair.

"Lady Selena Astor. So nice of you to come here." Hector instantly spoke accomodating the matriach of the Astor family.

"Good to see you, Hector. Since your father is quite occupied with something else, I may have to ask you some important questions which I will highly appreciate if you provide them with appropriate answers." The fine lady fired. She may have say it in a well put up manner but Hector got the message.

"Of course, milady. What is it?"

"We all know how gossips work, don't we? They spread like wildfire. It came to my attention that your company is facing some tax evasion case. As much as I want to sympathize I want to make sure that we are not standing on a quick sand. If may be we could manage to allow ourselves to step aside." Lady Selena did not waste any moment to make sure her point was clearly understood by Hector.

"Well, that's merely an allegation, milady. Our legal team is currently handling the situation with the department of audit. Everything is under control and no one has to step aside." Hector countered. He will not allow this conversation to ruin their party.

"I believed that's not the assurance we needed but it can convince the many," She then fixed her eyes to the fine young woman smiling at her. "You must be Alexander's granddaughter? Catherine?"

Caught off guard but she was able to put up a smile and nodded to the woman in front of her. Powerful woman that any time of the day can take down her grandfather in a race to the throne.

"I really do hope your mother is still alive to see what you've become. Very pretty." It was compliment mixed with a personal slice of lemons.

"Thank you, milady." Catherine reponded, pretending to be flattered by the remarks.

"Very well then, I'm leaving. I have some old friend to cope up with." And she was referring to her good old friend, Thalia Alderige.

Hector and Catherine rolled their eyes in unison. They sat back in rage. Thalia greeted her most dearing friend when Selena reached the table.

"Bitch." Catherine muttered.

"Catherine." Hector reprimanded her. Curious ears might catch that unsolicited opinion towards a council member.

Now that the momentary disturbance was out of the way, Hector dropped a look to the controversial visitors that had arrived. The horsemen. Four well body built gentlemen accompanying Viktor to his designated table. For all it's worth, their foes are not trying to be subtle. Three famous oppositions of the Drax leadership were sitting on the same portion of the room.

"Those guys look familiar." Catherine stated while she inspect those men.

"Really? Have you seen them before? They look like soldiers to me." Hector shared his own personal analysis.

"How can you tell?"

"Ever since they were seated they were looking around the area. Trying to familiarize themselves with the surroundings. They watched all possible exits." Hector responded not letting go of his sight to those men.

"Oh, that's why they're familiar to me. We watched black hawk down last night."

She may have replied casually but she knew who those people. They were with Vincent in Brazil mission. Panic started creeping inside her as she scan the entire place. She knew that Vincent will be here tonight. No one can tame that obonxious doctor aside from his own parents.

Alexander went back to their place in an urgent manner assisted by his two elite security. Hector quickly stood up to make sure his father is alright. Not a single word was spoken by Alexander. He is trying to calm himself given the issues he just received.

"Papa, is everything okay?" Hector handed his father a glass of water.

"You look pissed. What happened?" Catherine added.

"The Pride withdrew their support." Alexander answered shortly.

Despite the growing confusion and fear inside Hector, he still tried to convince himself in denial of all that's happening. The Pride family has pledged their support to their throne when his sister was married to Richmond Pride, Catherine's father. After Richmond was assassinated, his nephew took over. Catherine may have a claim to the Pride empire but she is only third in line. Nathan Pride, the current head of the family also promised his support but tonight he changed his tone.

"Nathan." Catherine whispered firmly.

"What changed their mind, papa? They cannot do that. Richmond made sure that Catherine will not be left out." Hector felt his blood pressure rising as he started processing what is exactly happening.

"This is a coup. There's blood in the water and Thalia is not the only one circling. The Astors and Hawthornes are starting to dive in. They knew that the moment Iñigo Constantine left the council." Alexander calmly responded.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say Steven Samira is also into us. We cannot defend ourselves when we are being attacked at all fronts."

"I can try and talk to Nathan. Maybe he'll listen to me." Catherine suggested.

"I may not require you to do that, mija, but we really need your family to side with us when Thalia declares war against us. This is a war we cannot win. We need to move fast while they are still not showing any kind of aggression."

***

Four gentlemen in formal suits. It might be overwhelming for them but they felt like they ought to be here. Something instilled in their DNA that they've been doing these kind of things for quite generations already. That's because Viktor picking them as his new pet to play was not a lucky coincidence. Each of their ancestors or their current close family is in line with Viktor's agenda. They weren't just picked randomly by Vincent that particular day. Vincent had a very precised instructions who to pick for his business trip to Brazil.

"Enjoying the night, gentlemen?" Thalia Alderige and Selena Astor were standing in front of them. A powerful duo to be on the same side.

"Yes, Mrs. Alderige and Mrs. Astor. Quite a party." Marco politely responded.

"Such a gent, this one. But I'm very sad to inform you that your compliments might be misplaced. We're guests here just like the four of you." Selena chirped back.

"Oh, we're gonna make sure Don Alexander hears our sentiments." He replied humorously.

"I'm quite impressed that you are well informed." This time, Thalia responded.

Marco was neither naive nor stupid not to know who these women are. Like they were trained, they all did their homework and researched about this glamorous ball. As per recollections to what Viktor explained to them Thalia has no desires to replace the Drax family in power but the woman beside her has all the attention to the crown. Ever since Selena arrived she's been gathering all there is to side with her when a hostile takeover happens.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I see you all have been acquainted." Viktor suddenly sat with the four men.

"Viktor." Thalia acknowledged which Viktor answered with a nod.

"I see you have gathered your armies. That's great." Selena added.

"The Prides decided to review their support to the Drax family." Viktor stated clearly throwing the good news to the very person that would be glad to hear that, Selena.

"How convenient for us." Selena smirked.

"Anyway, Thalia, if you don't mind me asking, why is it that you lack interest to the very throne your family has been sitting for generations?" Viktor asked nicely but only a whisper for her to hear. He clearly wanted to see a Clement takeover the throne once again than the Astors who have been second in line since the beginning.

"It's not about the throne but controlling who sits on the throne is the most important thing." Thalia smiled sweetly.

"Indeed." Viktor agreed.

Selena was quick to notice Catherine walked to Nathan who is sitting next to the table. With a fast eyebrow signal to both Thalia and Viktor, she managed to relay the movements. Catherine is on the move to persuade her cousin to rally back to their side. Thalia casually strode in front of Catherine blocking her way.

"Mrs. Alderige. Lady Selena." Catherine immediately curtsy. A bit embarrassed and pissed that the two ladies have deliberately stood in her way to stop her on approaching Nathan.

"Catherine." Thalia spoken with too much spicy Catherine could almost feel the heat transpiring from the lady.

"Oh, I do remember you went to Yale with Vincent. You two were very good friends. I really thought both of you would end up together. So sad, I do know the feeling dear, marrying for convenience," Selena commented and casually sipped on her wine like Catherine won't notice the umbrella above her shading her.

"Well, I guess this might be the good time to say my condolences, Mrs. Alderige. I'm very sorry. Vincent was a good friend. He's like a brother to me." Catherine stated sincerely to Thalia.

It might be dangerous to trade with their all time enemy but Thalia never did anything unusual to her. She respected her friendship with Vincent. Thalia smiled. Catherine could not decipher that one.

"Water under the bridge." Thalia replied.

"I'm very sorry, dear. Were you going somewhere because we really apologize for holding you up. It's just fascinating how you've grown. How useful you've become." Selena Astor could not be undone. Another shade was thrown but all Catherine could do was to smile in response. Even with the Pride and Drax combine, they cannot take down the Astors.

"It's fine, Mrs. Astor. I was hoping to talk to Nathan. We haven't seen each other like forever."

"Then you better be going. I'm pretty sure it will take more than the glass of his favorite champagne to change his mind." Selena sweetly spoken.

She couldn't hide her scoff after the two ladies left to return to their table. Catherine knew very well what that was all about. They knew that the Pride is now not on their side but she needs to try before it's too late.

With her most pleasing smile she sat to the Pride family table. Nathan instantly smiled detecting the reason why his cousin is dining with them. Nathan's mother, Jessica, immediately embraced Catherine. She was genuinely glad to see her for she have no idea what her family has been hiding under the rugs.

"Catherine, it's good to see you. I see married life has been good to you. Was Renard a good husband?" Jessica asked nicely expressing true interest.

"It's good to see you too, Jessica. And yes, Renard's been a good husband. I really wish he is here to meet you but he is on a business trip."

"In another time, then." Jessica assured.

"What brought you here, Catherine?" Nathan muttered.

He grinned after Catherine handed him his favorite champagne. Words may have reached their ears about his withdrawal. Champagne will not suffice.

"You have my attention." Nathan retorted.

"You know why I'm here." Catherine whispered avoiding to let Jessica overhear their conversation.

"Yes and my decision still stands."

"My father promised to support us and he made sure you will. Why are you leaving us to the wolves now?" Catherine firmly said.

"In case you haven't notice, your family's ship is sinking and everyone's jumping sides for their own survival. If your ship will be on the bottom of the ocean while the Pride family is tied to it, we will be in an open water where big fish are already circling. We cannot afford to be in the middle of a crossfire, Catherine." Nathan answered.

"But I need this family more than ever." She pleaded.

"Then jump to our lifeboat. I can guarantee your survival with us but not along with them." Nathan whispered back full of convictions.

"How could you say that? They're also my family. Dad loved my mom very much and you knew that. I can't just watch my grandfather be eaten by sharks!" She exclaimed. Fully shocked to what he offered.

"Then you know my answer. You are important to me, Catherine, because you are afterall my own blood but I won't let this entire family become your soldiers just because you want to win a battle. A battle you cannot win. Why are you all Drax familia even clinging to the very thing you are not entitled to have?"

"I'm begging you, Nathan. Please. If the Samira family will leave us, no one is gonna survive in our family. You know that. I'm gonna let you sleep through the fact that I came here begging for your help and you just push me away. I will never forget this."

Just like her very own name, she took her pride with her. She will no longer beg and drag herself to the mud. If this battle will reach their courtyard then they will fight, if necessary, alone.