Her Majesty, Helen, The Queen Consort entered the Waiting Room with her daughters Dr. Emilia Prescotti, Deputy Regent of the Presidium and Bashan of the Knights of the Guard Elena Prescotti, Dr. B'Lanna Makar, Bas Magnar, the head of her Personal Guard, the Seneschal, and a contingent of the Knights of the Guards dressed in their Presidium regalia. At her arrival everyone in the room all rose, and either bowed or curtsied. She looked at Antony.
"Where's Mummy?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Follow me," as he took his mother by the arm and led her, Dr. Prescotti, Deputy Regent Elena, and Dr. Makar to ICU was with the Bo, Trick, Dyson, Kenzi, Clio, and Tamsin in tow. Julia joined the group as they moved through the corridor as she finished her call.
When they entered the Observation Room next to The Regnant's ICU room, they saw Dr. Lewis inside with Dr. Padameshi reviewing The Regnant's vitals. The entire staff outside of the room either bowed or curtsied at the presence of The Queen Consort while Dr. Prescotti and Dr. Makar, suited up, went inside the room, and went up to Dr. Lewis.
"What is The Regnant's condition?" Dr. Prescotti asked. Dr. Lewis turned in surprise as the staff inside the ICU room looked around and noticed that The Queen Consort was standing at the window and either bowed or curtsied to include Dr. Padameshi.
"I am sorry but who are you?" Dr. Lewis asked.
"I am Dr. Emilia Prescotti. This is Dr. B'Lanna Makar." Dr. Prescotti responded as she began to check The Regnant's vitals.
"Dr. Prescotti! Welcome!" Dr. Lewis said.
"Thank you. What is her status?" Dr. Prescotti asked. By this time The Queen Consort had suited up, entered the room, and was on the other side of the bed looking down at her wife, rubbing her head gently.
"Her Majesty, I take it?" Dr. Lewis asked.
"Yes. My name is Helen." The Queen Consort said without looking up from The Regnant. "You must be Dr. Lauren Lewis."
"Yes I am." Dr. Lewis replied.
"How is she?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Stable for now. I can provide you all with a briefing if you would like. We can go into the Observation Room, and do it there." Dr. Lewis replied.
"I need a moment." The Queen Consort replied. Helen continued to gently rub her wife's head and then kissed it.
"Of course, Your Majesty. Please take all the time you need. We can convene when you are ready." Dr. Lewis responded.
"Thank you." Helen looked to everyone in the room, smiled while tears flowed down her cheeks. Then she looked back to The Regnant and rubbed her forehead.
"My love, I am here now." The Queen Consort gently spoke to her wife. The Seneschal presented a chair for The Queen Consort to sit down, and then went and stood behind her as she continued to gently rub The Regnant's head.
Dr. Lewis led Dr. Prescotti, Dr. Makar, and Dr. Padameshi back into the Observation Room, and they all unsuited. When Dr. Emilia Prescotti unsuited she threw her hair back which caught Dr. Padameshi's eye. A reaction that did not escape Antony, Jock or Bo's notice.
"Another one conquered." Jock whispered to his brother as he shook his head. Antony let out a slight grin.
Dr. Lewis noticed the contingent of Guards dressed in an impressive golden regalia with capes, and they all carried long pikes.
"What's this?" Dr. Lewis asked.
"The Knights of the Guard. They are The Regnant's personal elite order of Knights." Jock explained.
"The Regnant Guard is not enough?" Dr. Lewis asked.
"The Regnant has been attacked, and her life remains in the balance. It is the honor of the Order to secure her person." Elena explained.
"And you are?" Dr. Lewis asked.
"Lauren, this is Her Serene Highness Elena Prescotti, one of the Regnant's daughters. She is the Deputy Regent of the Presidium, and is also the Bashan of the Knights of the Guard. Elena this is Dr. Lauren Lewis, head of the JFM, my partner, and the mother of our four children." Bo said.
"Doctor, an honor to meet you." Elena bowed her head slightly.
"Nice to meet you. Bashan?" Dr. Lewis asked.
"Commander-in-Chief." Bo replied.
"Wow!" Lauren replied.
"Status of the Presidium?" Antony asked of Elena.
"Ariella was left to rule in our parent's stead. The rest of our siblings are doing what they can to assure Delegational representatives of The Regnant's recovery, and Regent Saladin is in the throes of a meeting with Regency Council to reassure the government. And of course, the Monadori Sanctuary is maintaining constant vigils." Elena replied.
"And the families?" Julian asked.
"Are beside themselves. It took everything in Mother's power to keep them assured before she came here. Uncles Masilo and Bearnard, and Aunts Chione and Lilian are all at the Presidium helping Maxima keep people informed and assured." Emilia replied.
"I can just imagine." Jock replied.
"Not really. Antony, you are going to have to speak with Regent Saladin and your Deputy, Pela soon. There are loud rumblings about retaliation." Elena said.
"Wait. What?" Kenzi asked quickly.
"While cooler heads remain there are some quarters that want The Regnant transported back to the Presidium, and this plane of existence…dealt with." Elena replied.
"Dealt with? How, Your Serene Highness?" Dyson asked.
"Exterminated." Trick answered.
"What?!" Several of them said in unison.
"They can't do that?!" Kenzi shouted.
"Yes, they can, and they will." Trick answered.
"This is a Human plane!" Kenzi
"Matters not to the Presidium." Trick asked.
"Matters to me! Matters to all the humans on this plane!" Kenzi shouted.
"That is why we are here. To ensure the realm of The Regnant's health and to find out who perpetrated this attack. Besides, one of the things keeping the Presidium at bay is the fact that Bo comes from this plane of existence." Elena replied then she turned to Bo. "Your Royal Highness, we have been brought up to speed as to what happened. Now what is being done to find the perpetrators of this attack?"
"We have someone in custody now who can lead us to the person who may have staged this attack." Bo said.
"Who is that?" Elena asked.
"Sadie, the Afreet. She is an old friend of your Mummy's." Ryan replied. Elena looked to her brothers who nodded in agreement.
"What else have you got?" Elena asked.
"For now that is about it." Bo replied.
"Your Royal Highness, this was an attack on the Sovereign of the Fae Realm. I would think you would have every resource at your disposal devoted to the hunt." Elena said.
"We have everyone focused on this attack so we can get to the heart of the matter as quickly as possible. Sadie is our key." Bo replied.
Just then the doors to the Observation Room opened and in walked The Queen Consort followed by the Seneschal, and Bas Magnar. As she entered the waiting room, people rose and either curtsied or bowed, as she acknowledged the room with a slight nod of the head. Helen greeted her sons in turn with a hug and a kiss. Then she saw Ryan and went over and embraced him.
"Ryan. It is terrible that we meet again in such circumstances." The Queen Consort said.
"I agree Your Majesty. But fear not, Dr. Lewis here is the best we've got. If anyone can pull The Regnant through it would be her." Ryan replied. The Queen Consort then sat down on the nearest couch and looked at Bo.
"So what is the status?" The Queen Consort asked.
"We have a lead, Your Majesty." Bo replied.
"What is it?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Sadie, the Afreet. Mummy's old…" Antony answered.
"Yes, Antony I know who she is with respect to Mummy." The Queen Consort interrupted. But what does she have to do with this?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Your Majesty, Sadie was the last person to have contact with the agent that attempted to lure The Regnant to the Warehouse." Bo said.
"Where is Sadie now?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Grand Ducal Marquis threw her in one of her dungeons." Dakari answered. The Queen Consort sighed.
"Have Sadie released from Evony's dungeons." The Queen Consort ordered.
"Your Majesty, Sadie is a valid lead. We should at least inquire." Trick replied.
"Ari's visit was an impromptu one, so unless there is some greater design that reveals her involvement I highly doubt Sadie would have endangered Ari's life." The Queen Consort replied.
"Grand Ducal Marquis seems to think otherwise, Your Majesty." Tamsin said.
"That is because Evony does not care for rivals. Ari had met Evony soon after she and Sadie ended their relationship, Evony didn't care for her proximity then, and still doesn't. Have Sadie released before Evony finds some pretext to kill her." The Queen Consort ordered.
"I will see to that one, Your Majesty." Tamsin said surprised by The Queen Consort's frankness, curtsied, and left the room with her phone in her hand. Just as Tamsin exited Evony entered the room and promptly curtsied.
"Evony." The Queen Consort said as she rose from the couch, extended her arms as she and Evony met one another and embraced. One could hear a pin drop in the room.
"It is good to see you again." The Queen Consort said when they broke their embrace.
"You as well, Your Majesty. When I heard about The Regnant's injuries I came right over." Evony replied.
"Thank you. I know you love and care for Ari as much as I do, and I know Ari would be touched by your consideration. Please, sit with me." The Queen Consort gestured for Evony to sit next to her, which she did, and they held hands together to the shock of most people in the room.
"I have directed that Sadie be released from your dungeons." The Queen Consort said.
"Your Majesty, Sadie is the link to the assassin that attempted to kill Ari. We should question her at the very least." Evony replied.
"You know as well as I do that Sadie would not have harmed Ari in any way. She loved her."
"Your Majesty, time changes people, their feelings, and their motivations." Evony replied.
"Seems time has not changed yours?" The Queen gave Evony a knowing look. Evony smiled.
"Your Majesty, my keenness to question Sadie was out of the principal concern to quickly apprehend whoever could have orchestrated this attack on The Regnant." Evony replied.
"I have no doubt of your diligence, and I thank you for it." The Queen Consort said as she smiled back then looked at Dr. Lewis.
"So Dr. Lewis, what is the prognosis?" The Queen Consort asked.
"If I may?" Dr. Lewis asked pointing to a chair.
"Please." The Queen Consort replied. Dr. Lewis pulled up a chair.
"Your Majesty, The Regnant suffered extensive trauma to her back from an attack by the scales of a Basilisk she battled inside Engelram's old Warehouse. She took an enormous dosage of poison in the process, and her system is now battling the neurotoxins from the poison. We need a sample of the Basilisk's DNA so we can develop an anti-toxin." Dr. Lewis replied.
"Otherwise Ari could develop hemorrhagic fever." The Queen Consort replied.
"Yes." Dr. Lewis said surprised.
"So what protocols are your using?" The Queen Consort asked.
"We are giving her platelet transfusions to slow the progression until we can develop an anti-toxin." Dr. Lewis said surprised again.
"I was informed you described this Basilisk as prehistoric? Am I correct?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Yes Your Majesty." Dr. Lewis said.
"Between Ari's genetic make-up, and that of this prehistoric Basilisk I would recommend increasing the dosage of the anti-toxin regime to slow the progression further. Ari's system can manage higher than usual doses." The Queen Consort said as she looked to both Dr. Prescotti and Dr. Makar.
Dr. Lewis raised her eyebrows and nodded her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty for the recommendation. May I ask, are you trained medical professional as well?" Dr. Lewis asked impressed with The Queen Consort's knowledge.
"I am aware. Plus, it helps to have a daughter so passionate about her field of work. One learns a lot." The Queen Consort replied.
"Do not let my Mother's humility fool you. She is exceptionally well-versed." Dr. Prescotti said.
"Dr. Makar's specialty is in the field of Genetics. She can assist your staff with managing the complexities of Ari's genetic make-up." The Queen Consort said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate the help." Dr. Lewis said as she stood up and looked to Drs. Prescotti and Makar. "We should all get started then. Oh, and may I ask one thing, Your Majesty?"
"Please." The Queen Consort replied.
"The Guards." Dr. Lewis queried.
"Of course, the Knights will remain outside Ari's ICU room door, and a contingent will remain here inside and as well outside the Observation Room." The Queen Consort replied.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Just wanted to maintain the mobility of the staff to operate." Dr. Lewis said. Dr. Lewis turned to Drs. Prescotti and Makar and motioned them to the door. "This way please." Then she touched Bo by the arm.
"The children?" Lauren queried.
"Yep, I will." Bo nodded and patted Lauren's hand.
After Drs. Lewis, Prescotti and Makar left the room, The Queen Consort asked, "Is there a problem with your children?"
Bo perked up. "Oh no, Your Majesty. This is around the time when we check in on them." The Queen Consort nodded then addressed everyone in the room.
"So we have a two-prong objective at this point: One, we need to discover who perpetrated this attacked on Ari. Second, we need to make preparations should Ari not pull through…" The Queen Consort said as she looked to Bo, "for your ascension to the Throne."
Everyone straightened up a bit in the room. Bo and Kenzi exchanged anxious looks.
"Your Majesty, it is my sincere hope and wish that moment is years away." Bo said.
"I know." The Queen Consort replied.
"Your Majesty, let us not dwell on the second point as of yet. Let us focus on the first objective, and get to the bottom of this attack."
"I agree. But we must also be realistic. We would be remiss in our responsibilities if we didn't."
"I understand. We will get to the bottom of this, Your Majesty. By your leave?" Bo queried.
The Queen Consort nodded. Bo turned to Dyson, Kenzi and Trick.
"Guys, let's convene in Lauren's office so we can come up with a battle plan." Bo curtsied to The Queen Consort, turned as Dyson, Kenzi, Trick, Julia and Clio were offering their courtesies Elena spoke.
"Mind if I join you, Your Royal Highness?" Elena asked.
"Not at all." Bo replied.
"Me as well?" Jock asked.
"Please."
"Me Three?" Ryan joined.
"Sure. Bo replied. As they were about to leave, Kenzi decided to approach The Queen Consort.
"Your Majesty, I'm Kenzi Malikov. The person The Regnant saved. I wanted to say this to Her Majesty herself, but I want to you know I am sorry The Regnant risked her life for me."
"Why would you ever apologize for Ari saving your life?" The Queen Consort asked.
"It is because she saved my life that she is in there fighting for hers right now." Kenzi replied.
"That is Ari. She is a warrior at heart. It is what I love about her, and what drives me mad about her. But I wouldn't have it any other way. It is what makes Ari, Ari and I love her for it." The Queen Consort said.
"I also have to say she is was awesome taking on that Basilisk. I was scared out of my pants, but she took it head on." Kenzi said excitedly. The Queen Consort smiled.
"Okay, adding my two cents. The Regnant can fly! Way cool!" Julia chimed in. The Queen Consort smiled broadly.
