Lauren stood and checked her appearance in the full length mirror. Bo had insisted that she shower first and the doctor appreciated the gesture. But she knows that woman very well. Bo is probably anxious about this spur of the moment trip. They had stopped off at the Dal to get a few bottles of Lauren's favorite Vodka and were stunned at this new adventure. But they wouldn't turn down the offer.
She imagined Bo's nerves are shot. Well, as far as Fae's nerves can be shot. But here she stood, with two ears waiting and wanting to help. At least she doesn't have to worry about her old car because Aife had it polished and returned to their home. Bo cried at the sight of that too. She's probably crying in the shower, right now. Lauren agreed to give her a few extra minutes alone in case that's the case. But soon noted the time and was ready to go in, when the bathroom door opened.
"Bo!". Lauren gasped.
"I'm sorry if I took too long. But I wanted to look nice". Bo shyly stood just outside the door.
"You said you only have plain looking clothes. But you are so beautiful right now". Lauren couldn't say much. Bo is dressed in a sleeveless black dress. Her hair was pinned up and the back hung around her shoulders.
"It's not too much?". Bo asked.
"Absolutely not. I know you want to look good for your grandmother but you look gorgeous". Lauren smiled as she walked over and hugged the woman.
Bo squeezed the doctor and pulled back. "I'm sorry I could have worn this on our date today, but I had honestly forgotten about it until I started ruffling through all of my clothes". Bo felt a tad self-conscious. She rarely wears dresses. "I need a spot for my sheath". Bo looked down.
"No. There will be no fighting. We are taking a few Fae with us, I am sure Aife won't allow us to be falling on our asses". Lauren pulled away from Bo and grabbed her car keys.
"We should get going." Bo looked around.
"Bo, it's okay. It will be okay". Lauren turned back and grabbed the woman's hand.
"It's not just nerves about possibly fighting someone. I am just as nervous to meet my grandmother. I was named after her. What if she looks at me and laughs saying this is my namesake? It would be embarrassing". Bo bowed her head.
"She will love everything about you, like I do. Remember, Aife is going too. She probably hasn't seen her mother in years. Lean on her too." Lauren spoke softly. Bo is so powerful but so vulnerable too. A sight not too many get to see.
"You're right. Mom's going to be all balls or all nerves going in". Bo blew a heavy breath out and smiled at Lauren. "Thank you".
"You're welcome. Are you ready to go?". Lauren asked. Who is she kidding? She's ready to meet the Succubus too. Queen Isabeau? Holy hell. She is one of the Succubus Lauren got to study about, but when she did, she never knew it was Bo's grandmother back then. Now she gets to meet the legend she read up on.
When a car horn blew, they knew who it was. "Aife". Lauren smiled.
"Let's go". Bo leaned in and kissed Lauren quickly before they walked downstairs.
The women emerged from the house and found Aife standing next to her car. When they looked at her strangely, she pointed behind her car. The Valkyrie was in her car, looking annoyed.
"Don't worry about her. Evony gave her orders, she has to follow them". Lauren took Bo's hand and walked down to Aife. The old Succubus smiled and spoke on their beauty and they all decided they would ride in Bo's old car. Lauren waited for Aife to climb into the backseat then she took the passenger seat.
Aife turned around and waved for Tamsin to drive ahead of them. She's the only one that knows where they are going. After half an hour, the Valkyrie pulled over.
"This must be it". Aife leaned forward. "Listen ladies, I did this by the seat of my pants. I know Bo and I are nervous as hell but nothing is going to happen to us. I have pull and friends too. Mother had a lot of friends die before her. They will help with any bullshit we come across, although I doubt there will be much."
"What about these shoes? They clash with my dress and don't look like I can fight in them comfortably". Bo eyed the ancient looking things.
"Hold them but never put them on". Tamsin spoke from the side of the car.
"They're shoes. Aren't shoes meant to be worn?". Lauren asked.
"Those shoes represent darkness and a hell like you've never seen before. Evony ordered me to help you, that's what I'm doing. Besides, any trouble that comes with those will come for me too, since I'm with you". Tamsin explained.
"So, we're good, right? Aife looked around the group.
"We're good". The trio replied.
"Come on, come on. Let's get this over with". Tamsin waved them out of the car.
"Not a good tour guide are you?". Bo laughed and helped Lauren out.
Bo, Lauren and Aife matched steps. Tamsin looked annoyed again. They didn't care. This isn't about her. It's about meeting Isabeau and talking to her.
The Dal
Trick paced back and forth. He can't believe what had gone down in such a short amount of time. He'd sent Dyson to find Tamsin and he couldn't find her. Then the Morrigan strolled in, followed by Aife, Bo and Lauren. It's terrible.
"They really have you stressed". Dyson walked in.
"I told you to go home!". Trick screamed.
"I hung around to see the four of them all leave. This isn't good Trick." Dyson took a seat.
"You think I don't know that?! You think I don't know Bo is about to meet her grandmother? You think I don't know that Aife will likely come back crazed and out for blood more than she's ever been before?! Trick screamed.
"They really have gotten to you. You are more powerful than they are, do something about it". Dyson shook his head. He had never seen Trick like this.
"I'm not as powerful as Bo, I can't do anything. My hand on the colony is slipping away". Trick huffed and took a seat.
"What's going on?". Kenzi walked in.
"Not now Kenzi, this doesn't concern you". Dyson snapped.
"Still being detective dick huh?". Kenzi shook her head.
"What do you need, Kenzi". Trick asked.
"I came to check on things. But seeing and hearing Dyson's mood, I am just going to go back home". Kenzi shook her head.
"Kenzi, wait. I'm sorry". Dyson stood.
"I won't peddle your dick to Bo. She's made her choice and it looks like the right one, too". Kenzi kept walking. She did come to check on Trick. But that will have to be another time. A time when they're not being assholes.
She thought about Bo and Lauren. They shouldn't be mates or a couple at all, but they are. She is almost envious of Lauren. Not that she's into women, but she's living a good life among assholes like Dyson. It's amazing how fast he turned on her. But then again, he'd always badmouthed human Lauren too. She would wait until Dyson drives away and then she'll go and see Trick. He's her only hope for something to eat and liquor.
Valhalla
"These are the gates, you might want to put some coats on". Tamsin said.
"Do you see us with coats?". Bo asked.
"Here. I always keep a few nearby". Tamsin threw over three freshly cleaned coats.
"Here, Lauren. Wear mine too". Bo draped her coat over Lauren's.
"But you will be cold." Lauren shook her head.
"I'm fine. Besides, we just walk through the snowy part and it gets better, right?". Bo looked to Tamsin. She hated having to ask the woman for help considering she's Dark Fae and they can be asswipes, but this is important.
"Yes, but let me do the talking before running off to find the Queen. There are protocols in place. One wrong move and we could all be damned, literally. Bo, hold on to the shoes as I said, but never put them on, no matter how tempted you are". Tamsin looked at the woman and Bo nodded.
"Alright, let's go". Aife wanted to give Lauren her coat too. This ugly thing was clashing with her outfit. She will drop it anyway when she sees her mother. Aife has rarely cried. She cried when her mother died. She cried every night she was away from Bo. Now she's taking Bo to meet her mother. A part of her hopes the old Fae would be willing to come back. But who would want to?
"Tamsin this isn't a zoo, you can't just bring people here". A blonde woman laughed.
"Just get me Freyja, Stacey". Tamsin rolled her eyes.
"She's busy and you know she hates to be disturbed." Stacey shook her head.
"I'm not busy." Another blonde appeared.
"Freyja, I'm sorry. I tried to warn them". Stacey moved back.
"Do you not know who they are, Stacey?". Freyja asked.
"No. Who?". Stacey shrugged. You saw one Fae, you saw them all.
"These are Isabeau's girls. Although the blonde doesn't look like her family". Freyja eyed Lauren.
"She's my girl". Bo stepped in front of Lauren.
"I see. Well, follow me". Freyja turned and walked up a long winding staircase.
Bo and Lauren were shocked to see how much it looked like a plain hotel. There's even a check in desk.
"Summon the Queen". Freyja ordered the guy. He nodded and she gestured for the women to sit.
"I'd rather stand and so would they". Aife smiled.
"She's right. I don't want to sit and have my back to anyone". Bo replied. She was holding Lauren's hand to the point she felt every bone in it.
"Quiet. The Queen is coming!". Freyja screamed and the other people went deathly silent.
Bo and Lauren looked around. What does she look like? What is she wearing down here? Is she behind them? They turned in circles hoping not to miss her entrance from any angle.
"Should we bow when we see her?". Lauren whispered.
"No. She would hate that given who we are". Aife smiled as she looked around with them too. When a trumpet started to play they turned in its direction.
Bo gasped. There was a dark haired woman walking towards them down a long red carpet. She looked almost frozen. Her face never changed but she was looking directly at the three of them.
"Aww fuck it. Mom!". Aife screamed and ran towards the woman. The Queen lifted her hand and Aife stopped before she could reach her.
Aife returned to Bo and Lauren and waited for the Queen to reach them. She smiled and turned to Aife. "My baby!". The young succubus fell into the woman's arms and cried and cried.
"Leave them". Freyja spoke and the room emptied out.
"Mom, I just had to come and see you. I couldn't wait any longer. Especially after I found the shoes". Aife cried.
Queen Isabeau rubbed her back and pulled back. "Those cursed things aren't needed here. Where are they?".
"Here". Bo's voice cracked. For years she longed to have and know her mother. Now she stood in front of her mother's mother.
"And who might you be?". Queen Isabeau smiled wide.
"I'm Isabeau, your granddaughter. I was named after you". Bo smiled.
"Of course you were. I was just waiting to see if you would actually say my name or Bo". Queen Isabeau bowed to Bo.
Bo looked at Lauren. "She bowed to me".
The Queen burst into laughter and the ladies were even more confused. "You are absolutely adorable and worthy of my name". The Queen bowed again.
"Queen, Grandmother, I'd like you to meet Lauren. My love and my mate". Bo's voice cracked again.
The Queen bowed to Lauren too. "Wow".
The Queen laughed again. "No wonder you two are mates. You are humble and adorably dense. I bowed to you deary, because you are her mate and worthy of the crown to be bestowed on you".
"I'm confused". Bo scratched her head.
"Sit, we'll talk". The Queen gestured for them to sit on seats that were brought in. They are all white and have crowns in the middle of the cushion. "Wine and whatever else they prefer". A man bowed at the Queen and readied to take orders. "Everyone good?".
The trio smiled and nodded.
"When Aife was a teenager, we spoke of her having her own succubus some day. We spoke of life and death. Well, I made her promise that should she ever have her succubus and that succubus picks or finds a mate, said mate shall be afforded everything that I would afford her, had I still been alive. But since I am not, I am calling that in right now. Bo said you are her mate. That's binding. Here and in the upper world.
Now, I know Trick is your grandfather. He can be a stubborn old fool, but he can't do anything about what I am saying. I am royal blood. He was just my King. Now that Aife has brought you here as a symbol of her own approval, I approve of this relationship lives are about to change." Queen Isabeau snapped her fingers and a contract was signed and given to a man that left the area. "Those shoes belong to your father, Isabeau. Hand them to me". The Queen held her hand out.
They all watched her throw them into a fireplace and heard a small explosion.
"You know about him?". Aife asked.
"I do. He's been angling to surface for years. Now, he never will. I will protect me and mine". Queen Isabeau drank her own wine.
"Well, I guess that answers that question". Bo bowed her head.
"What question is that sweetie?". Queen Isabeau asked.
"If you would be willing to come back with us". Bo raised her head to answer.
"I am so sorry, but no. I will not be going back with you. This is your time. You have your mother and your mate. I love you and will always keep up with you but I can't go back. My time was over years ago." Queen Isabeau reached out and squeezed Bo's hand.
Bo lifted her head again. The woman's touch almost felt like she was pulsing her but she wasn't.
"Lauren, there are hundreds of books just beneath the floor of Trick's lair. I know you're a bookworm and you may have all of those books and my personal notes. You will find everything you haven't read or learned about me before. Those are my open letters to all three of you." Queen Isabeau finally let go of Bo's hand and reached for Lauren's.
"You feel that?". Bo asked.
"I do". Lauren smiled.
"See, you kids don't need an old lady like me." Queen Isabeau smiled. "This is your story. Mine is up there in books and deeds".
Aife bowed her head and raised it again. "I had hoped that too".
"Where did this funeral come from? I'm not dead, dead. I will always be here. You can always visit as often as you like. Don't worry about Freyja or Tamsin, they can't stop you because they are not royal fae blood. Could I go back? Sure. But like I said, my time was over years ago, even though I was murdered". Queen Isabeau spoke as softly as she could. She was about to tear up too. But that is not going to help things.
"I guess so". Aife spoke softly.
"We are succubus. Royal succubus. We don't sulk. We don't cry. We don't give up. Now get up and go be great. Go do the things I can't do up there. Go out and kick ass. Make love. Do whatever you want. That's your world. This one is mine now. There will be no tears here, only family, love and strength. You have found love Isabeau, rare for any Fae. Especially a Succubus. Go and make little Succubus, or not. But go and be great. Be happy. Every good emotion any of us can experience but never sulk, especially over me". The Queen stood and the others followed.
"She's right! That's our world. Let's go rule it!". Aife smiled and raised her fists in glee.
The women stopped and stared at the Queen. She said they are always welcome but it's not the same as knowing her. Having her just a phone call or text away.
"Come here". Queen Isabeau said. The three women walked to her and she held them all at once then let go and held them one by one.
"You are rare, Lauren. I am happy my kids found you and have you in their lives. You are smart, you deserve this life even when the asshole fae says that you don't. Don't you worry about anything. When we Succubus do love, it's forever." The Queen gently squeezed her and let go.
"Bo, I am so proud you are my beautiful granddaughter. I know it's still a new world to you, but you can do whatever you want to do in that world. You are ours. We are all proud. Don't let Trick dick you around. Kick him in in the balls if need be. But never bow or do anything you don't want to do. Take care of the Doctor". The Queen kissed the side of Bo's head and let go.
"Let's go, Lauren. The longer we stay, the more this goodbye will hurt". Bo looked down as she grabbed Lauren's hand. Tears fell from her face and splashed on the ground.
"I bow to you". Queen Isabeau stood and watched them walk away and back down the stairs. Aife caught her eye once more and the Queen winked at her.
The gang was mostly quiet when they found the car and piled inside. They left Tamsin but figured she would and could find her way back.
"Well, we have been anointed". Lauren squeezed Bo's free hand.
"Then let's go spread the wealth". Aife clapped her hands.
Bo smiled but kept her hand on the steering wheel and her eyes on the road. That was that. Lauren had met someone else important to her. The woman doted on the Doctor and it was beautiful. Then she remembered her words. Don't sulk.
"Let's get something to eat and then we can all process this". Bo smiled as she turned down the next street.
TBC