Trick, Bo and Vex were escorted into the Throne Room to find Regent Saladin seated in a chair on an elevated dais to the left of the Throne, and there was vacant throne-like chair on its right. There was also a member of the Seneschal standing by near the Throne. Bo and Vex took in the enormity of the room. The height of the ceiling must have been 500 feet high and half a football field in width. The room had the same architectural design as throughout the Presidium, brightly lit, simple, yet palatial.

The Seneschal motioned Trick and BO to two chairs in the middle of the Throne Room floor, and Vex to a position near the Regnant Guard.

As Trick and Bo went and stood in front of their seats flanking Trick and Bo were the Ruling Couple's ten children, five on each side, seated in their full regalia. They all wore white, the males in suit jackets that reached to their mid-calfs, and the women all in dresses. With their hair up wrapped in decorative jewelry. They all wore a thick purple sash that reached across their shoulders. It had symbols stitched across the sash that Bo recognized as similar to the symbology that she saw in the picture of the relic that Julia was searching for. They all had golden pendant on their left shoulders with a small tassel that flowed onto their purple sashes. Bo had to admit though the Ruling Couple's children were a stunning group of people.

Protocol dictated Trick and Bo remain standing until they were invited to sit by The Regnant. Bo surveyed the rest of the Throne Room. Covering the entrances were the Regnant Guard displayed in their full guard regalia of gold armor, and capes. Bo noticed they carried Seracon weapons gripped on each hand which made a twang of jealous run through her. She always thought that was the coolest weapons she ever wielded. But now she knows where the weapons originated from. Then the Seneschal nearest to the Throne stepped forward.

"The Regnant and The Queen Consort!" The Seneschal announced.

Everyone who was seated stood up immediately, as The Queen Consort entered first. All the men in the room bowed, all the women curtsied upon her entrance. Trick and Bo followed suit as The Queen Consort proceeded to sit on the edge of her throne chair with perfect regal posture. The Queen Consort was stunning. She was a tall, auburn red head, with her hair shaped in a loose bob that reached her shoulders. She had green eyes, and an hour-glass, full-figured shape, with voluptuous breasts and hips to match. Bo was impressed at how she carried herself. Every bit like a Queen.

Right behind her came The Regnant. When Bo saw The Regnant she was equally as stunned. She was the same height as The Queen Consort and just as beautiful. She was a light-skinned, black woman, had a short pixie cut that swept across the front of her forehead. Her build was more athletic, yet feminine, like that of an experienced warrior, and her carriage was equally as regal. She however, sat fully on her throne and crossed her legs. The Regnant took her seat, which caused everyone in the room to sit, except Trick and Bo.

What struck Bo is that all of the Ruling Family to include the children looked so young. Bo knew that even though Fae could live for hundreds of years they still gradually aged. Trick had said The Regnant had been on the throne for at least 1400 years, and one would think it would show. It did not in this room. They all looked so young. She made a mental note to ask Trick about that one. She would need to ask Trick about a great many things after this meeting.

"Fitzpatrick, it has been many years." The Regnant spoke first.

Trick took a couple of steps. "I thank Your Majesties for the honor you accord me here today to stand before you in audience with your family in attendance. The gesture is overwhelming."

"Fitzpatrick, you have always been welcome at the Presidium. You have been absent way too long." This came from The Queen Consort, which caused Trick to blush. Bo was struck by the Queen's diction. Very formal, very aristocratic, and very considerate.

"Who is this next to you?" The Queen Consort asked.

"May I introduce my grand-daughter, Isabeau Dennis. She goes by nickname of Bo. She is a Succubus."

This made all of the children look and murmur at one another, which made Bo a tad alert. Her eyes met one of the daughters on the left who must have seen the anxiety on Bo's face, and offered a reassuring smile, which made Bo relax and smile back.

"A pleasure to meet you, Bo," The Queen Consort said. "My name is Helen, and this is Ari." The Queen Consort gestured to The Regnant. Bo understood that knowing their names were purely informational.

"Nice to meet you, Your Majesties." Bo looked to both of them.

"And who is the gentleman dressed in black?" The Queen Consort asked.

"That is Vex, Your Majesties. I brought him along as a personal security detail. He is a Mesmer."

"I know Trick you know our first four born, but have you had the opportunity to meet the rest?" The Queen Consort asked.

"No, Your Majesty. This would be the first time, and this would be the first time for Bo to meet them all." Trick answered.

"Allow me." She gestured to Trick and Bo's right side and started the introductions.

"This is Antony. He is our oldest." The Queen Consort started. Antony nodded his head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Antony said. Antony was white with dark hair, brown eyes, a lean build, handsome, but his accent struck Bo as British-like whereas both The Regnant and The Queen Consort had no accents. He sat ramrod straight with a seemingly strict demeanor, like a soldier. Of all the children he looked closest in age to The Regnant and The Queen Consort but then again the Ruling Couple looked like they were both at most 35-40 years of age. Bo didn't understand it. She would have to ask Trick about that later.

"This is Elena, our second." The Queen Consort said. Elena nodded her head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Elena said. She was also white, possessed no accent, green eyes, raven black hair. The shape of eyes, were both sleek and seductive. She had a majestic beauty to her, but held an equal demeanor like Antony.

"This is Dakari, our third." The Queen Consort said. Dakari nodded his head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Dakari said. He was hot Bo thought. He looked like he was from Spain or Portugal and an accent to match. He had short dark hair, dark brown eyes, a perfectly trimmed beard that followed the edge of his jawline, and merged with his side burns, and a moustache that did not connect with his beard. He had a slightly more relaxed bearing but his eyes were fixed and penetrating.

"This is Ariella, our fourth." The Queen Consort said. Ariella nodded her head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Ariella said. She was white and possessed a British-like accent like Antony's. She also had raven black hair, green eyes, and held herself like a warrior-princess.

"This is Atia our fifth." The Queen Consort said. Atia nodded her head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Atia said. Out of all the children she looked the youngest of them all, like she was out place in the order of birth. She was an auburn red head just like the Queen Consort. She had a thin build, her eyes were grey. In terms of her beauty she struck Bo to be a carbon copy of The Queen Consort.

The Queen Consort then gestured to Trick and Bo's left side and continued the introductions.

"This is Jock, our sixth." The Queen Consort said. Jock nodded his head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Bo didn't know what struck her first: his sexy looks or his sexy voice. He too possessed a British-like accent, but it was slightly raspy and deep. His gaze upon her was intense, like he was trying to penetrate her being with his eyes. He had a muscular build, his hair short, and dark brown in color, and dancing blue eyes.

"This is Rimma, our seventh." The Queen Consort said. Rimma nodded her head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Rimma said. She too was light-skinned, black woman like The Regnant. If Atia was a carbon copy of The Queen Consort in beauty Rimma was of the Regnant. She had dark black hair and brown eyes to match. Her body and gait was sleek, and she possessed a fantastic set of legs Bo thought.

This is Emilia, our eighth." The Queen Consort said. Emilia nodded her head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Emilia said. Bo noted her name as this is one whose smile made Bo relax. She was white, had a British-like accent. Bo thought she was beautiful not only in looks, but also the way she held herself, much like The Queen Consort. She had dark brown hair, and gorgeous green eyes, that held a smile of their own. Bo actually smiled at her again and it was returned.

"This is Julian, our ninth." The Queen Consort said. Julian nodded his head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Julian said. He was dark-skinned, black man and his accent sounded like, if they were on Bo's plane of existence, from the continent of Africa. Like his brothers he was handsome, and like Jock, he possessed a muscular build, his head was, and wore a thin goatee. His eyes were brown, and he looked to be just as tall as Dakari and Antony.

"This is Maxima, our tenth." The Queen Consort said. Maxima nodded her head.

"Welcome to the Presidium." Maxima said as she smiled broadly. She was white with raven black hair, dark brown eyes, and a broad jawline that made her even more beautiful. She and Atia looked like they were neck and neck in terms of who could have been the youngest. She possessed no accent but her voice sounded very jovial. She was a smiler. Bo liked that.

"Again, you do my grand-daughter and I high honor." Trick said. The Regnant motioned Trick and Bo to sit in their chairs in the middle of the Throne Room which they did.

Once they did The Regnant stood up which caused people to rise from their chairs, but she gestured for everyone to remain seated and stepped down the five stairs from her Throne and walked up to Trick and Bo, stopped five away from them.

"My children help me to rule, and are involved in every aspect of the Presidium, so if they speak here today know they speak with knowledge, experience, and authority." The Regnant said.

"I understand." Trick acknowledged.

The Seneschal came over with a simple chair and set it down behind the Regnant. She dismissed the Seneschal and sat down, which caused questioning looks from nearly everyone else in the room save for The Queen Consort and Regent Saladin. It looked as if The Regnant and Trick were having a private conversation, regardless of the other people in the room. The Regnant then crossed her legs.

"So Fitzpatrick, what has come home to roost?" The Regnant asked.

Trick put his head down for moment, looked at his fingers then raised his head.

"My past. For which I take full accountability and responsibility."

"Why are you here?" The Regnant asked. Trick knew The Regnant had been fully briefed by Regent Saladin, but answered the question anyway. He knew he needed to approach this audience with perfect pitch or his efforts over the past ten years would be for naught.

"I am here to ask for protection of my County against future attacks from our enemies. And in doing so, I call for the establishment of a new paradigm of law and order for the Fae on my plane of existence and…" Trick hesitated for a moment then added, "the dissolution of laws prohibiting marriage between Fae and humans." Trick replied.

"After the War of the Five Ranas, you left the Presidium of your own volition. Then there was the Great Fae War on your plane of existence of which you were catalyst. That led to the Fae rebellion, the establishment of your so-called 'Blood Laws', and Fae stratified into Light and Dark factions of which you were instrumental. The Fae who exist on your plane operate according to the paradigm you set. This situation is what you created…in your own blood. You should be able to resolve your concerns in the exercise of own authority and…abilities. Why approach the Presidium?" The Regnant challenged.

"It is out of control." Trick admitted.

"Why don't you just write your problems away? In your own blood?" The Regnant asked.

"Writing in my own blood is no longer a solution. Each time I write in my blood to resolve a problem I create three more in its place. It is clear that my blood is no longer an asset; in fact it never really was. It is nothing but a curse." Trick replied.

"Fitzpatrick, I never, ever sat in judgment of who you are. We are rulers. I took one path and you took another. But you had an opportunity to exist here at the Presidium and take your place amongst the Tetrarch after the War of Five Ranas. Instead, you chose to turn your back on the very people that tried to help you and fled. Why should anyone even countenance the thought of helping you let alone trusting you again?" The Regnant challenged.

"Because I am not the man…" Trick implored.

"Rana." The Regnant corrected.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Rana I once was." Trick completed.

"You mean the one who has killed billions." The Regnant said pointedly. Trick looked pained.

"Yes." Trick answered softly.

"Just because you wiped your memory of your own history does not negate it. So I ask again why should anyone ever help or trust you again?" The Regnant asked.

"Because the issue is not about trust but of faith." Trick countered. This statement caused the Regnant to raise one eyebrow.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty." This came from Jock. The Regnant nodded her head signaling that he could continue.

"Your Excellency, trust relies on good qualities of one who is expected by others to act honorably in truth. Faith on the other hand, requires a belief without logical proof, but even faith requires a measure of trust. You are asking The Regnant to have faith in your intentions without having any trust or faith that you will keep your word. How is this possible?" Jock asked.

"Because I ask not for me but for my grand-daughter and her future." Trick answered as he looked to Bo then back at The Regnant. "I have done all that I can to guide Bo and put her on her path towards her destiny."

"Pardon me, Your Majesty." The Regnant nodded her head. "Destiny?" This came from Antony, who then glanced at Jock.

Trick and Bo looked at Antony quickly then back at the Regnant. Trick then took a deep breath. It was now or never.

"I believe Bo to be you." The Regnant leaned back, and Trick pressed onward. "I believe she is the next Regnant." Trick declared. This caused everyone in the room to stir in murmured comments for a moment, except for Regent Saladin, The Queen Consort and The Regnant.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty?" The Regnant nodded. "Your Excellency, The Regnant is anointed by Destiny as you are fully aware. You yourself bore witness when The Regnant herself was anointed on the battlefield during the War of the Five Ranas. What makes you think your grand-daughter is the next Regnant?" This came from Rimma.

"The signs and portents we have received over the last 14 years." Trick replied.

"With regard to her Destiny?" Rimma asked.

"Not specifically." Trick replied.

"Meaning?" Rimma pressed.

"Meaning, her appearances before Bo and other signs have come in relation and response to issues that have portended a greater purpose for Bo."

"Pardon me, Your Majesty?" The Regnant nodded. "Your Excellency that sounds like you are searching for reasons that she may be destined rather the reverse?" This came from Atia.

Trick kept his gaze fixed upon The Regnant.

"Your Majesty, I grant you, Bo has not been struck by Destiny like you were on the battlefield, declared Sovereign before the entire Fae Realm, but the signs and portents are there."

The Regnant looked at Bo and then back at Trick, but said nothing. Trick was not sure what ground he was on let alone whether he had actually convinced The Regnant of anything, so he pressed on with his gambit.

"Your Majesty, you have no reason to trust me, no reason to have any faith in me, but I ask you to have trust and faith in Bo. She is the future of the Fae Realm. Your future."

"Why should I have any trust and faith in her?" The Regnant asked.

"Because my grandfather has had nothing but love, trust and faith in me and for the future of all Fae kind." This came from Bo. Everyone's gaze turned to Bo, including Trick's whose eyes went wide as Bo pressed forward.

"The blood-thirsty...Rana you knew is not the man sitting before you now. Yes, he was instrumental in the Great Fae War, yes he was a catalyst for the Fae Rebellion, yes he has killed billions to achieve his ambitions, yes his blood laws proved corruptible, and yes, he used his own blood to flee the chaos for which is personally responsible for. The Blood King is guilty as charged. But the man you see before you now is one who has since strived for hundreds of years to build a better Fae community. He created a weigh station to provide Fae with safety, security, homes, jobs, and most importantly a forged family. Not only he is a husband, a father, grandfather, and a great-grandfather, but also a teacher and mentor not only to me but to thousands of others who have felt lost or abandoned hope. These actions are not limited to just the Fae, but to humans who have been discarded or abandoned by their own families.

He has risked his own life countless times for the protection of all Fae and humans more times than one can know. He realizes that his blood is not the answer, and he knows he must atone for all that he has caused and done. He has already paid dearly for it: with his blood of his wife, his daughter, and may yet one day pay with his own blood. But if you do not think for one minute that he does not regret his past actions every minute of every day of his life then only look to what he tried to achieve for the good of the Fae and humans to atone for all the bad.

My grandfather is no saint, but he is also no longer the blood-thirsty Rana that you had once known. His generosity, kindness, and love serve as a beacon for both Fae and humans for what is not only right but what should also be reality. I love my grandfather, my children love their great-grandfather, and our community loves our champion we proudly hail as the Ash. He is asking for your help to preserve what he has built, and yes he asking for you to have faith and trust in him regardless of his past. And so am I. Help us, so we can together overcome the sins and chaos of our past and build a truly united Fae society." Bo finished. One could have heard a pin drop. Vex didn't know whether to applaud or faint. Trick thought they were dead people walking for sure until The Regnant smiled.

"What do you want?" The Regnant asked Trick.

"I want to preserve our future, or we will destabilize and crumble into eventual nothingness. We are hunting our own selves into extinction like a bunch of feral animals! Enough is enough! I can no longer hold it together without the support of the Presidium! I have done all that I can, and I come to you to take hold!" Trick said with a declaration and finality that he had made the best case he could.

"You do know what you are asking?" The Regnant clarified.

"Yes I do!" Trick said without hesitation.

"And do you understand what this means?" The Regnant asked.

"Yes I do!" Trick said without hesitation.

The Regnant looked over her left shoulder at Regent Saladin and then looked back a Trick and Bo. Trick, Bo and Vex all looked at The Regnant perplexed from the exchange.

"We have monitoring your plane for a while now, but per our agreement we chose not to interfere. But when Lachlan came before us and pleaded his case for assistance against the Garuda we knew that our monitoring was fortuitous." The Regnant said then shook her head. "Helen and I knew Lachlan's family. A tragic loss of a highly competent and capable Fae. If he had been here at the Presidium he would be serving in the Parliament of Fae now."

The Regnant rose from her chair, which caused everyone to rise from their respective seats, as the Seneschal hustled over quickly to remove the chair from behind The Regnant.

"Very well. We shall meet tomorrow to discuss specifics, to include evaluating your claim that your grand-daughter may be the next Regnant."

The Regnant said then turned to look at both Jock and Atia

"I trust you and Atia to arrange the evaluation with the Seer." The Regnant directed.

"Yes, Your Majesty." They both said in near unison. The Regnant turned back to Trick and Bo.

"The outcome of that meeting still may not determine without a shadow of a doubt whether Fitzpatrick's claims are true, but it will certainly provide a greater basis than signs and portents." The Regnant said.

"What is this evaluation?" Bo inquired, but Trick quickly placed a hand on Bo's arm as a signal not to ask any further questions. The Regnant turned and looked at Bo.

"Pardon, Your Majesty." Bo said.

"I trust you will join us for dinner?" The Queen Consort asked Trick and Bo.

"It would be our honor, Your Majesties." Trick replied.

"I trust that you all have…appropriate wear?" This came from Atia who looked at Vex. Vex got the hint.

"Yes, Your…." Vex stumbled as to how to address her, but was saved.

"You may address the siblings as either His or Her Serene Highness." This came from Maxima.

"Thank you, Your Serene Highness. Yes, I have appropriate wear." Vex said.

That statement nearly made Bo turn to look at Vex, stunned he had anything decent to wear other than his standard goth clothing.

"And yours?" The Regnant asked Trick.

"Your Majesty?" Trick asked not sure by what she was referring to.

"You are a Rana." The Regnant reminded. Trick now understood.

"It has been awhile since I last worn my regalia." Trick replied. The Regnant looked to the Seneschal

"Ensure His Excellency is appropriately outfitted." The Regnant ordered. The Seneschal bowed.

The Regnant looked to Bo, but Bo anticipated her and said "I brought appropriate wear."

The Regnant arched one eyebrow to wit Bo replied, "A girl can never go under-prepared." This caused smiles from the siblings, and The Queen Consort.

"Very well." The Regnant said then turned to the Queen Consort, and blew her a kiss.

"I leave you to it my love." The Regnant said. The Queen Consort bowed her head slightly in response.

"Regent Saladin!" The Regnant called and together they left the Throne Room.

The Queen Consort stepped down from her Throne-chair, went up to Trick and Bo.

"Bo, if there is anything you need let the Seneschal know and they will attend to it." The Queen Consort said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty I will." Bo replied.

"Dakari, please escort Bo to dinner tonight." The Queen Consort said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Dakari replied.

"Ariella, please escort Vex." The Queen Consort said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Ariella replied

"Elena, please escort Fitzpatrick." The Queen Consort said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Elena replied.

The Queen Consort clasped Trick's hands with both of hers, and looked between him and Bo.

"We will see you at dinner."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Trick replied as he bowed and Bo followed suit with a curtsey.

Then The Queen Consort departed the room. All of the siblings followed her out, except for Dakari, Elena, Ariella, and Emilia and Vex who all went and joined Trick and Bo. Dakari stepped forward.

"Nice to meet you again. We look forward to this evening." Dakari said as offered a slight nod of his head then walked off with Elena and Ariella in tow who also offered nods as they walked away.

Emilia hovered behind and extended her hand to Trick to shake hands, but instead he kissed it gallantly.

"Your Excellency, you do me great honor." Emilia commented.

"The honor is mine Your Serene Highness." Trick replied. Emilia then turned to Bo.

"I just wanted to say I am looking forward to this evening." Emilia said.

"Thank you for the reassurance back there. Emilia, correct?" Bo queried.

"That is correct. Impressive. Usually it takes people a few rounds to remember all of our names." Emilia said.

"It may take me that still. I just made it a note to remember yours." Bo replied. Emilia smiled.

"Looking forward to dinner tonight." Emilia said as she extended her hand to shake Bo's, but Bo followed Trick's lead and kissed her hand lightly.

"Me as well." Bo replied. Emilia offered one last smile to the group and then left.

"Nicely handled." Vex said.

"Just trying to be friendly." Bo replied.

"Well, I think I am in love. That Maxima is stunning." Vex noted.

"They all are." Bo replied.

"We should head back to our respective chambers and get ready for dinner. I need to check in with Dyson and Tamsin also." Trick said.

XXXXXXX

"Well, I think that went about as well as could be expected." Bo said as they were escorted back to their private chambers by the Seneschal.

"I think your last comments were impactful, to say the least." Trick said.

"Well, I needed to say something." Bo said.

"Yeah, well, you certainly proved to all of them you have brass balls the size of a bull. You were amazing, although my heart skipped a beat fearing for your life." Vex said.

"I agree with Vex. Your last comments were a gamble." Trick said.

"My intent was not to score points but to emphasize that people do change and should be recognized for that change." Bo explained.

"I understand, and thank you." Trick replied.

"I have to say, though, I was impressed with the audience. It was like watching a chess match between brains." Bo said.

"It was well orchestrated to say the least." Trick noted.

"And I can't stop thinking about the romantic gesture The Regnant made at the Queen Consort before she left the Throne Room. Over 1400 years of marriage and they act as if they fell in love yesterday. And the Queen Consort, how she was so graceful and kind." Bo noted.

"The Queen Consort is truly an amazing woman. When I met Helen, it was before the War of the Five Ranas, and they were not yet married. She has not changed at all, and is totally devoted to Ari and vice versa. You know, she too fought in the War of the Five Ranas." Trick replied.

"That incredibly regal woman we just saw in there is a blood-stained warrior?" Vex asked astonished.

"Very much so." Trick replied. "Ari pleaded with her to stay away from the battle and remain in safe location, but she would not leave Ari's side. You are quite right Bo, theirs is a love affair."

"What kind of Fae are The Regnant and The Queen Consort?" Bo asked.

"Like you, both The Regnant and The Queen Consort are hybrids. From what I know of the Queen Consort she is telekinetic, and a very powerful one at that. She also possesses super intelligence so give up any hope trying to match wits with her, and she is also pyrokenetic." Trick replied.

"Not packing lightly is she?" Bo said.

"No she is not." Trick said.

"And The Regnant?" Bo asked.

"She too is a Succubus." Trick said.

"Really?" Bo and Vex said in unison. Trick smiled

"Yes, but her ability does not rely primarily on sex to heal. That is may be why you received the reaction that you did when I said you were a Succubus." Trick explained.

"I thought all Succubi were some form of sex chi eaters?" Bo asked.

"That we know of, however, The Regnant is ancient Fae. Whereas you use your hands to enthrall, she can use her hands to both enthrall and channel chi. But, I suspect the latter is an ability that is taught, rather than a genetic output of her species."

"What kind of Succubus is she?"

"A Ranoruk."

"Okay, really never heard of that one." Bo said.

"And you probably never will again. On our plane of existence they are considered extinct. Both her parents were also Ranoruks, and because of which her DNA is exceptionally unpredictable." Trick explained.

"Meaning?" Bo asked.

"Ranoruks are natural hybrids; their Fae powers are not necessarily dictated by the immediate parent but also by their environment, and because of which, the heritage of their children as well as their powers are unpredictable, like roulette."

"That explains the evident heritage differences we saw in the children." Vex commented.

"The unpredictability also applies to their Fae powers. Just because the Ruling Couple possess a certain set of Fae powers does not necessarily mean it follows in the children." Trick said.

"So they have no idea what Fae power they have until, what, their dawning?" Vex asked.

"From what we understand of the Ranoruks, yes." Trick replied. "Also, it has been known that Ranoruks develop powers later in their lives."

"So they could possess powers they themselves might not yet even be aware of?" Bo asked.

"Correct." Trick answered.

"Wow!" Bo said.

"And when you combine The Regnant's hybrid nature with the firecracker combination of The Queen Consort's, you get…" Vex said

"Some very powerful children." Bo interjected.

"Yes." Trick replied. Both Bo and Vex let out a deep exhale.

"Wait until I tell Lauren all of this. She will be like a kid in a candy store. Her head will be spinning for days just on the scientific possibilities alone." Bo mused out loud. Trick and Vex nodded.

"What does 'Rana' mean?" Bo asked.

"Effectively, 'Monarch.' The Tetrarch is comprised of four Ranas representing four Dynasties: the Prescotti Dynasty which is ruled by the current Ruling Family. It was Rahinotep Dynasty beforehand. The former Regnant, Einiah hailed from the Rahinotep Dynasty. After the War of the Five Ranas and after his death the Dynasty was reconstituted into the Prescotti Dynasty.

"Is this Einiah and the current Regnant related?" Bo asked.

"No. The position of The Regnant is selected by Destiny. Ari's father, Nassor Prescotti, was a Regional Head within the Mesha Delegation, but he was also one of the best warriors the Fae Realm had ever known. He was so popular and so influencial that they renamed the City in which the Prescotti Homelands reside to Nassoria after him, and renamed the Delegation that represents his birthplace of Nehes to Nassorian."

"And her mother?" Bo asked.

"Eshe, Ari's mother, was largely a businesswoman, and a ridiculously successful one at that. She too was a warrior but when she and Nassor married, they settled down to raising their six children and she took up managing the Prescotti Homelands which are enormous as they are gorgeous. If we achieve our objectives here, I will take you there one day. It like the Serengeti meets Venice meets France."

"Rahinotep sounds a bit Egyptian, and the name Nassor sounds African." Vex noted.

"You are correct on both counts. When we left this plane we influenced a great many cultures on our plane of existence. Influences that can be traced back here to this plane so you will see more and more of that." Trick replied.

"They must be proud that Ari became the Regnant." Bo said.

"They were. Both are gone now. Ari was largely a farmer herself. Ari loves her homelands. She probably would be there now running the lands had Destiny not struck first. But she also is a warrior at heart just like all of her siblings, but Ari rose through the ranks and was selected to serve in the Knights of the Guard. The elite Warrior Order that serves the position of the Regnant itself."

"Who are the Regnant Guard then?" Bo asked.

"They are the Household Guard who protect the Presidium and the Ruling Family. They are not some light force. They can handle their own. The Knights of the Guard do not operate collectively all the time. They have jobs, lives, families, responsibilities, but when they are called to serve, it is in service above all other considerations in service to the Regnant. During the War of the Five Ranas, or in any major war for that matter they serve as the center of the main battle formation." Trick replied.

"And the other Dynasties?" Bo asked.

"The LauDessar Dynasty is headed by Rana Duvall Chavalier, a crafty bastard. In fact, the entire Dynasty is a bunch of crafty bastards. They all bear watching." Trick said as if already exasperated just speaking about them. "The Tulach Dynasty is headed by Rana Edmund Atherstone. The Tulach Dynasty where The Queen Consort's family comes from. Each Rana is selected from amongst their Grand Ducals within that Dynasty. Once selected they remain in that role until their death. Helen's father was Grand Ducal Serene Highness Padraig Arasgain. He represented the Atherley Delegation. Exceptional statesman. Now Lillian, Helen's sister leads the Delegation. She is equally as exceptional. Helen's mother, Lilas, had an interesting career."

"Which was?" Bo asked.

"She was a spy." Trick replied. Bo and Vex looked at him shocked.

"Yep. And she was really good at and loved it. Thought spycraft taught one more about the motivations of others than anything else, more so than even politics, and she loved the intrigue and influencing agendas in the background. In fact, that is how operators such as Agent Chennai came into existence, and how The Agency came into being. Lilas pushed for its creation as necessary tool of government. It is also how she and Padraig came to know one another. Sadly, they both are gone now as well. Helen herself served with her father as an Attaché of sorts, but largely worked within the Parliamentary Council promoting programs, and reforms to improve the welfare of the Fae. Helen is a master at sewing together different agendas, objectives into a cohesive objective. She was key in putting the Realm back together after the War of Five Ranas."

"And how I am supposed to follow those two?" Bo asked incredulous. Trick smiled.

"The fourth and final Dynasty is mine. The Quedarin Dynasty. It was formerly the Ohdrain Dynasty, but was reconstituted into the current one after the War of the Five Ranas. Rana Cleve Stuart is the current Rana." Trick said.

"Stuart? You mean, Stuart, Stuart?" Vex asked.

"Yes." Trick replied.

"Boy you were not joking about influences across the planes." Vex said. Trick laughed.

"Get this, one of the Delegations is named Teutorigos. After the war, some of them joined me on our plane of existence. In modern-day English Teutorigos translates to Tudor." Trick replied.

"Are you saying?" Vex asked. Trick smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

As they arrived at the door of Trick's private chambers Bo asked, "Wait, what did The Regnant mean when she said towards the end of the audience 'Do you know what you are asking.' This is second time that phrase was used. First, during the meeting with Regent Saladin, and now with The Regnant."

"Bo you have to understand The Regnant is far from stupid. Every question she asked had a tactical purpose and she knew the answer before she even asked it. The purpose of that audience was to determine how genuine and how desperate I was before she decided to act. The Regnant is right; I have acted with duplicity in the past and she has no reason to trust me, and has every right to question my intentions. She may seem a loving wife and mother of ten, and she will genuinely try for peace, but make no mistake she is the victor of the War of the Five Ranas, crowned by Destiny to reign over all of Fae kind. If she feels it is in her best interests to preserve the Presidium against her enemies she will not hesitate to strike. By coming to the Presidium for help, l have bet the farm, acquiescing my authority as The Ash, and submitting both the Light and the Dark Fae factions on our plane to direct authority and intervention of the Presidium. I am taking an enormous gamble here Bo, playing my last political card, by setting in place the building blocks in efforts to place the future of all Fae kind in your hands and to fully realize your destiny. Either we succeed here in achieving our objectives or we will all die at the hands of the Presidium." Trick said.

"I think I need to sit down." Bo said suddenly feeling overwhelmed.

"I think you need a stiff drink." Vex countered.

Bo was in her private chambers being prepared by the Seneschal for dinner. She was just in awe of how the Seneschal were able to anticipate her every need. As soon as she entered her bedroom inside private chambers the Seneschal approached her.

"Your call to Dr. Lewis is ready, Milady."

"How did you know that I wanted to call Lauren?"

"It is our duty to anticipate your needs." The Seneschal replied. Amazing, Bo thought.

Bo nodded and then saw the atmosphere shimmer and Lauren's face appeared. Bo was still taken aback by the technology. When Lauren appeared on the screen she was at home. The children were toddling about as Tamsin was trying to entertain them all at once while Kenzi and Maddy prepared dinner. It looked chaotic to Bo, but she loved every minute watching it.

"Hi Honey!" Bo said.

"Hey! How is it going? Everything okay?" Lauren asked.

"Yes. I wanted to call you before dinner. How are you seeing this?" Bo asked.

"On my computer." Lauren replied. Amazing Bo thought.

"How is everything going at home?" Bo asked then squinted her eyes and leaned over to the left a bit. Lauren followed her gaze, turned and saw shed was looking at Tamsin trying to corral the children.

"How did Bo and Lauren have four of these?!" Tamsin said in frustration.

"You say that every time you babysit." Kenzi replied. Bo and Lauren laughed.

Lauren turned back to the screen, and it was her turn to squint.

"Are you sitting in a hallway or something?" Lauren asked.

"No. In the bedroom of my private chambers. You wouldn't believe the sheer size of this place. It is amazing." Bo replied.

"So what is going on? We are about to head into Day Two." Lauren asked.

"Well, we had our first audience with The Regnant and The Queen Consort who are both stunning by the way. Trick made his case. Turns out the Presidium were well ahead of us. They have anticipating Trick's visit for quite some time." Bo replied.

"Machiavellian."

"Quite."

"What about the issue surrounding your destiny and the marriage laws?"

"As far as my destiny is concerned, there will be…an evaluation."

"An evaluation? What kind of evaluation? Like the glass factory kind?"

"Have no idea yet."

"That is concerning." Lauren said.

"Don't be. From what all I witnessed today in the Throne Room I doubt there will be a repeat of my first initiation encounter with the Fae."

"Good to hear. What about the marriage laws? Were they discussed?"

"No. I think with Trick declaring that I may be the next Regnant took precedence." Bo replied which made Lauren blurt out a chuckle.

"I am sure. So tell me about the Royal Family?" Lauren asked.

"The Regnant's name is Ari, and Queen Consort's name is Helen. Like I said they are both stunning, and so young-looking. Neither one looks more than 35-40 years of age. And that is to include their children, which by the way they have ten of."

"Ten?"

"Ten. And they are all gorgeous. But was is even more curious is that they are all so young looking. Just as young looking or younger than the Ruling Couple." Bo said.

"Well, Fae age slower than humans." Lauren commented.

'I know, but the Ruling Family seem to age slower than even the Fae. Trick said The Regnant and the Queen Consort have been married for close to 1400 hundred years. But when you look at them they just seem so young." Bo said.

"That is interesting. Well, Trick said they were ancient Fae."

"Trick said The Regnant is also a Succubus."

"Really? What kind?"

"A Ranoruk."

"A Ranoruk is one of the rarest Succubi among the Fae. They hail from the African continent, at least the Ranoruk that reside on our side of existence. They are considered nearly mystical in some respects. But no one has seen a Ranoruk in hundreds of years." Lauren explained.

"Trick said the Queen Consort is a hybrid; part telekinetic, part pyrokinetic with a super intelligence to boot."

"Wow! That is a powerful combination." Lauren said.

"It matches her beauty. Wait until you meet her. She is so elegant." Bo replied.

"You are obviously impressed." Lauren smiled.

"Trick says The Regnant is like a double-hybrid."

"Explain further?" Lauren asked.

"Trick said both of The Regnant's parents were Ranoruk's and because of her rare hybrid background, along with the Queen Consort's the children may possess powers they themselves might not even be aware of. In short, they may still be evolving." Bo replied. Lauren's mouth went agape. Bo smiled.

"In all of my time with the Fae I have never encountered such a situation." Lauren said with piqued interest.

"I knew you would find that piece of information intellectually stimulating." Bo said.

"So…it sounds like is you have some items to accomplish yet. When is this evaluation?" Lauren asked.

"Not sure but I assume as soon as possible. Then I will know what may be going on next." Bo replied.

"I will remain patient." Lauren said.

"I will do my level best to speed things along." Bo said.

"Good. Because this is taking working long distance to a whole new level." Lauren quipped, which made Bo laugh.

By this time the Seneschal entered the room, and Bo realized that was her signal to dress for dinner.

"Honey, I have to go, but do me a favor will ya?" Bo asked.

"What?" Lauren asked.

"Don't hang up. Just go back to what you were doing. I just want to see and listen to the sounds of our home." Bo said.

"Honey, are you okay?" Lauren asked.

"Just missing you all near me that is all." Bo admitted.

"Well, then on with the 'Kenzi/Tamsin attempting to wrangle the children' show." Lauren quipped. Bo laughed.

"Love you." Bo said.

"Love you." Lauren replied.

Bo spent the next forty-five minutes watching and listening to the various conversations and noises over the call as she dressed for dinner, and smiled the entire time.