The Stench of Strategy

~ DAVID ~

I paced my study, cursing. Where the fuck was Erik? I'd sent a messenger for him almost an hour ago. He had to come through the passages which might delay him if the servants were nearby, but still.

"Getting yourself riled up will not help your cause," Stark said from where he stood across the room, almost at attention. Things were still tense between us. He didn't show it, but I knew he was furious with me.

One thing I'd give Stark, once he accepted that a circumstance wasn't going to change, he let go of any emotion attached to it. His philosophy was that if a thing couldn't be affected, it should not affect you.

Prick.

"Your impatience will only—"

"Enough, Stark! I understand! But knowledge and experience are not always aligned!"