Dr. Lauren Lewis arrived within the Grand Atrium of the Presidium with her and Bo's four, 17 - month old quadruplets with Dyson as her escort. The children were being pushed in two, dual-seated strollers, one by Dyson and one by Lauren. They were met by Bo, Kenzi, Trick, Maxima, Emilia and Rimma who had recently returned to the Presidium ahead of Lauren with her siblings Julian and Atia from the Transitional Planning Conferences with Evony, Stasio and Elder Fae members back at the County. The Seneschal were standing off to the side along with a contingent of the Regnant Guard.
Bo went up and greeted Lauren with a hug and then they embraced in a long kiss while Trick and Kenzi went up and greeted Dyson and the four children, whom they started to pull out of the strollers.
After Bo and Lauren broke their kiss Bo went and greeted Dyson with a hug, then took his face in both her hands, and planted a brief kiss on his lips as Trick and Kenzi quickly greeted Lauren with hugs as the children toddled about.
"Thank you for escorting Lauren and the children here." Bo said.
"The pleasure was all mine. Tamsin, Bruce and everyone send their love." Dyson replied.
"Tell them the same from us." Then Bo went to greet each one of her children in turn as they toddled about with Kenzi, Trick and Lauren trying to keep hold of them.
"Is the Dal Riata still standing?" Kenzi asked as she picked up Char, her namesake.
"Oh yes. By the way Janet and Zachary asked for you to call them as soon things are settled here on a couple of matters related to Dal." Dyson replied.
"Is something the matter?" Trick asked.
"No longer your domain, Your Excellency. You have a Dynasty to run now." Kenzi reminded with a smile.
"I know their Serene Highnesses Rimma and Emilia, but I have not made your acquaintance?" Lauren asked Maxima as she tried to keep hold of MaryAoife.
"Gracious! Forgive my lack of manners!" Bo said. "This is Her Serene Highness Maxima Prescotti."
"Dr. Lewis, it is my pleasure to finally meet you." Maxima said as she extended her hand out and they shook hands.
"You are just as beautiful as the rest of your siblings, Your Serene Highness." Lauren said.
"Thank you. And pray tell, who are these four beautiful children?" Maxima asked.
Bo went over to Trick who was holding one child and said, "This is Ethan Fitzpatrick Dyson." Trick and Dyson both beamed. Bo went over to Kenzi who was holding Char's hand as she toddled about.
"This is Charlotte Isabeau MacKenzie, but we call her Char." Bo said. Kenzi beamed. Bo went over to Dyson who had Ryan child gripping his leg to steady himself.
"This is Ryan Hale McCorrigan." Bo said as Dyson tried to keep Ryan steady. Bo went back over to Lauren who was holding MaryAoife.
"This is MaryAoife Tamsin. We call her MaryAoife, the same way people say Mary-Ann." Bo said.
"Tamsin still walks around proudly beating her chest that one of the children carries her name." Dyson commented.
"They are all just adorable." Maxima said to a beaming Bo and Lauren.
"Dr. Prescotti, so good to see you again." Lauren said.
"Same here." Emilia replied.
"How are The Regnant and Queen Consort?" Lauren asked.
"Fine. They look forward to seeking you at dinner tonight." Emilia replied.
"Tonight?" Lauren queried as she looked to Bo.
"Oh yes. There was talk of greeting and the children with fanfare but I told them you would find that a bit overwhelming, and a dinner would be fine." Bo replied.
"Good call." Lauren said. "Especially with trying to settle these four down. Rimma, lovely to see you again, it's been too long." Rimma smiled at the Lauren's humorous remark.
"Lovely, to see you again. I want to say I really enjoyed attending your farewell party at the Dal. That was quite entertaining."
"What happened?" Bo inquired.
"Ryan was there and he decided to pull out his 'Loki' side." Lauren replied.
"I can just imagine." Bo said.
"Hello Rimma!" Dyson said.
"Hello Ash Thornwood." Rimma replied. "Is County Regent Tamsin not joining you?"
"Not this round, but she sends her regards, and says she wants a second chance."
"Second chance at what?" Bo asked.
"Sparring. I had never heard of boxing until Ash Thornwood showed me one day what it was. It reminded of a form of sparring we do here. We worked out every morning during our entire time there and so I taught it to both him and County Regent Tamsin." Rimma replied.
"Now that I would to see!" Trick said.
"So would I!" Kenzi chimed in.
"Yes, it was quite the sight when one combines boxing with spears and close-quarters combat." Dyson replied.
"Well, Ash Thornwood, you of all Fae should know you have to keep it spicy." Rimma said in a manner which made Dyson actually blush. Everyone else grinned at Dyson's reaction.
"Something we should know?" Kenzi half-teased.
"No." Dyson said with a blushing smile.
"Some positions of the combat technique I taught them can get…quite close." Rimma clarified.
"Now I really have to see this!" Kenzi replied. Rimma smiled.
"Dr. Lewis…" Rimma started but Lauren interrupted, "Please, call me Lauren."
"Very well. Let us first get you all settled into your private chambers so you can relax and visit before joining The Regnant and Queen Consort for dinner." Rimma said as she motioned the Seneschal over. They reached out for the children, but Lauren reflexively extended her hand as if to protect them.
"Honey, it is okay. They are coming with us." Bo said.
"I'm sorry. I do not mean to offend. It's just…we are in a new place, and I want to keep them close." Lauren said rather nervously.
"No offense taken. You would not be a proper mother if you did not express concern for their well-being." Emilia said.
They put the children back into the strollers with Bo pushing one stroller and Lauren the other, as they all headed to Bo and Lauren's private chambers. When finally arrived the Seneschal opened the doors to reveal a grand hallway entrance with rooms on the main floor and a second floor with a balcony. Lauren was taken aback and looked at Bo.
"You were not exaggerating." Lauren commented. Kenzi came up behind Bo and gently took stroller duties away from her.
"You need to be with Lauren right at this moment." Kenzi said. Dyson came up behind Lauren and did the same. Bo then went up to Lauren, took her hand, and proceeded up the staircase.
When Bo arrived at a door she opened it to reveal an outer drawing room then they went a second set of doors, and when she opened them they revealed a massive-sized bedroom with side doors that led to a private garden and a small lake. Lauren looked at Bo, her eyes wide, mouth agape. Bo smiled.
"Yeah, took me a moment too." Bo said. Lauren held onto Bo's hand to steady herself as she and Bo toured the inner bedroom. They both had separate walk-in closets that seemed to be the size of the Clubhouse itself, and the bathroom was just as big.
"I have no idea what to do with an eighth of it." Bo remarked
"Where will the children sleep?" Lauren asked.
"Remember that door on the left. That will be the quarters for the children." Bo replied.
"Yeah, you think this room is big wait until you see that one. You will need a GPS." Kenzi chimed in. Bo gave Kenzi a quick look as she did not want Lauren panicked about the proximity of the children.
"We need to exit our bedroom to access the children?" Lauren asked Bo.
"No. There is a side door over there." Bo replied as she pointed a door over in the corner near the entry to the bathroom.
"Bo, I am not sure about the distance." Lauren said with concern.
"We can make any adjustment you wish." Bo replied.
"What was the other door for?" Lauren asked.
"Private offices and another bedroom just in case one of us does not wish to disturb the other." Bo replied.
"This is all so big. How do you know if someone is even in the room or even in the house?" Lauren said. Everyone smiled.
"Do you like the rug?" Bo asked. Lauren looked down and surveyed the intricate rug that covered most of their bedroom floor.
"It is gorgeous. Is it handmade?" Lauren asked.
"By The Queen Consort herself." Bo replied which made Lauren take a few steps back as if she should not have stepped on it.
"Honey, it is made to be stepped on." Bo said.
"Maddy would be horrified we were stepping on such craftsmanship." Lauren replied.
"Yeah she would." Bo replied.
"I want to look at the children's room." Lauren said.
"Right over here." Bo said and just as she was about to escort her to the children's room the doors to the main bedroom opened again and revealed The Queen Consort.
Immediately, everyone offered their courtesies, and The Queen Consort acknowledged the bows and everyone righted themselves. The Queen Consort walked towards Lauren extending her hands out.
"Welcome Lauren! To you and your family." The Queen Consort said as they clasped hands then she looked over at the four children sitting in the stroller.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lauren replied.
"Dyson, it is lovely to see you again. Welcome!" The Queen Consort said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Dyson bowed his head again.
"I wanted to stop by because being a mother myself, I know that settling into a new location with children will cause some anxiety and concern." The Queen Consort said. Lauren blushed slightly.
"How do you like the rug?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Your Majesty, your generosity is overwhelming, and the craftsmanship is stunning." Lauren replied.
"Well, I certainly enjoyed making it. Especially, while giving Ari a good scare." The Queen Consort replied. That made everyone chuckle. The Queen Consort then locked arms with Lauren.
"Let us continue the tour of your chambers as mothers so I can address any concerns you may have. We can leave the rest of this entourage to Bo. Is that okay?" The Queen Consort asked. Lauren quickly glanced at Bo who responded with a broad smile.
"I would be honored, Your Majesty." Lauren replied as she and The Queen Consort walked off towards the children's rooms, arm in arm.
It took Bo everything in her power to pry the children out of Lauren's hands and leave them with the Seneschal for the evening so they could attend a dinner hosted by the Ruling Couple in their honor in their private apartments. Bo had informed the Ruling Couple that Lauren would be adverse to any great fanfare so they decided to keep her Reception Dinner limited to the Ruling Family, Regent Saladin, Bo and her forged family, and close guests. Between the new digs and her concern over the welfare of the children Lauren became testy as they prepared for dinner. It wasn't that often Lauren became testy but when she did Bo knew to give way, so Bo had asked the Seneschal to allow Lauren some space so she could acclimatize, and then return when it was time for dinner.
By the time the Seneschal returned for dinner Lauren was more emotionally settled and so she and Bo made their way to the Ruling Couple's private apartments for dinner. Lauren almost forgot to grab the gift that she brought for The Regnant but the Seneschal were already ahead of her, and met her as she was about to turn back around for it.
"Thank you." They bowed and left the room.
When they arrived the Regnant Guard opened the doors and motioned them in. Lauren was taken aback by the size of the Ruling Couple's private apartments. If Lauren and Bo's private chambers were the size of a small palace then the private apartments of the Ruling Couple were indeed a palace. Lauren thought half of Versailles could fit in it.
"Okay, I thought ours were big." Lauren commented to Bo.
"Yeah, ours are not even close to these." Bo replied.
"Everything here is so big and vast." Lauren said.
"And beautiful." Bo replied.
'Where have these Fae been?" Lauren commented. Bo nodded her head in agreement.
Trick, Tamsin, Dyson, and Kenzi who were already there came up and greeted them followed by The Queen Consort and the Royal children.
"Welcome, Lauren to our home!" The Queen Consort said.
"Thank you! And thank you for the wonderful welcome here. I am grateful you took the time to show me around our chambers. If it weren't for you I would still be searching for a way out of our bedroom." Lauren replied.
"The children all settled in okay?" The Queen Consort asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Lauren replied as she took Bo's hand. "Still getting use to the Seneschal, though." Everyone either smiled or chuckled.
"Remember to think of them of them as a support system rather than an infringement." The Queen Consort advised.
"I shall endeavor to try, Your Majesty." Lauren replied.
"If this helps, all Seneschal are combat capable. They are well able to handle any threats." Ariella chimed in.
"Good to know, Your Serene Highness." Lauren replied.
"How do you like your chambers?" Maxima asked.
"I still don't believe they are real. It is like having a personal palace. And the gardens are amazing. So colorful. The gazeebos, the pathways, and the lake behind it. It is like have your own personal park." Lauren replied.
"How do you like the Infinity tub?" Kenzi chimed in.
"Diving in as soon as possible." Lauren replied which made everyone smile.
"Each of us have similarly designed private chambers." Trick added.
"Someday someone will need to explain how all of this is possible." Lauren said.
"All in good time." The Queen Consort replied. Then Seneschal came over with two glasses of red wine for Bo and Lauren.
"And someone will need to explain how the Seneschal do that as well." Lauren said.
"We are awaiting Ari, Saladin, Elena and Rimma. They were called away before dinner to speak with Antony on a matter, but Ari asked me to hold dinner. She wants to be here for your first evening at the Presidium." The Queen Consort said.
"I am honored." Lauren replied.
"I will leave you and Bo to mingle while I check on what is keeping them." The Queen Consort said as everyone offered their courtesies as she turned and departed.
"Shall we retire out to the portico?" Kenzi said in faux haute voice as she motioned for the balcony.
"Lead the way." Lauren replied.
"Hello Dr. Lewis. Welcome to the Presidium!" The Regnant said as she entered the portico with Regent Saladin, Deputy Regent Elena, and Third Regent Rimma thirty minutes later.
"Your Majesty." As everyone offered their courtesies before The Regnant to wit the Regnant acknowledged with a slight bow of her head.
"I trust you are all settled?" The Regnant asked.
"Yes I am, thank you, Your Majesty." Lauren replied.
"Glad to hear." The Regnant replied.
"Your Majesty, I brought you a gift." Lauren said.
"Really?" The Regnant said surprised. Lauren turned to look for it only to find the Seneschal standing there with her gift in hand.
"Thank you." Lauren said to the Seneschal who bowed and walked away. Lauren then handed the wrapped package to The Regnant. Helen and their children gathered closer together out of curiosity as the Regnant opened the package. When she saw what it was The Regnant let out a broad smile.
"What is that?" Ariella asked.
"Star Trek!" The Regnant replied when she showed the contents of the package to everyone.
"Pardon?" asked Maxima.
"Star Trek. It was the series I watched while I was recovering at the JFM. It is one Dr. Lewis's favorite entertainment shows, and now it is mine. Thank you, Doctor." The Regnant said as The Queen Consort and Emilia exchanged resigned looks.
"Please, Lauren, and you are welcome." Lauren replied.
As The Regnant sifted through the DVDs to read the packaging Lauren said, "I got you the best episodes from each of the series."
"Thank you, Lauren. A thoughtful gift. Ari will enjoy these for sure." The Queen Consort said.
"As will we all. Starting with you and me, Junior!" The Regnant said to low chuckles from Ariella's siblings as her shoulders slumped in exasperation.
"Why am I always the test dummy?" Ariella commented.
"The benefit of being my formal namesake." The Regnant replied as she smiled at her daughter. Ariella's shoulders slumped some more as her siblings chuckled out loud.
"Don't fret Ariella, I have already been through what you are about to go through." Emilia said as she continued to laugh.
"Well, on my plane it would be the coup of a lifetime: The Regnant a Trekkie." Everyone looked at Lauren perplexed at the term, but The Regnant just let out another huge smile. Bo just shook her head.
The Seneschal entered signaling dinner was ready. The Queen Consort turned to everyone.
"Dinner is ready." The Queen Consort said as she and The Regnant led everyone into the dining room.
When everyone entered the dining room they all went stood behind their designated chairs as Ari and Helen went to Helen's chair. Ari then held out Helen's chair for her to sit. Bo was placed to the right of The Queen Consort and Dakari to her left. Sitting on Bo's right was Saladin and sitting on Dakari's left was Ariella.
"Thank you, my love." Helen said. Once she sat down that was everyone else's cue to sit down.
As The Regnant took her seat at the opposite end of the oval-shaped table Lauren was seated to her right and Elena to her left. To the right of Lauren sat Taoiseach Eva Sandalli, and to Elena's left sat Julian.
"So Lauren, how are your private chambers?" Ari asked as the Seneschal began the dinner service for eighteen.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Our chambers are wonderful, and the rug Her Majesty made for us is beyond words."
"So was I when she started on it." Ari replied. That made the entire table chuckle.
"And Kenzi, how is the Agency shaping up for you?" Helen asked.
"Very well, Your Majesty. A great deal to learn." Kenzi replied. Kenzi sat between Atia who was on her left and Trick on her right.
"It is my understanding Agent Prime de Lucia has assigned Agents Greystone and Korvo to train you?" Regent Saladin queried.
"That is correct. And boy, there are tough to say the least. Notwithstanding the 4:30AM wake ups." Kenzi replied.
"4:30 AM wake ups?" Lauren queried.
"Welcome to the Presidium." Eva replied.
"Everyone wakes up at 4:30 AM?" Lauren asked.
"If you want to keep up with the day." Eva replied.
"I have to plead 'Spartacus' for that." Ari said which made everyone look at her, except Bo who smiled and kept eating her food.
"What is Spartacus?" Emilia asked looking around the table. She sat between Ariella who was on her right and Jock who was on her left.
"Your Majesty, you know of Spartacus?" Trick asked.
"Seems Lauren and Kenzi are not the only influences here." Rimma replied as she looked at Bo which made everyone turn to Bo who looked up in response from her food and surveyed the table.
"Spartacus is my mother's favorite historical movie and became one of mine growing up." Bo said.
"Explains volumes." Trick replied to a mix of smiles and chuckles.
"Sure does." Dyson chimed in. Dyson sat between Eva who was on his left and Rimma who was on his right.
"Well, I thought Her Majesty might enjoy it." Bo said pressing onward.
"Is this becoming a trend? Might we need to bring more of these…films here?" Maxima asked who sat between Trick who was on her left and Julian who was on her right.
"I think not." Helen replied. That made everyone chuckle.
"Back to the original question, yes Doctor, early morning wake-ups are part of our routine, so we can take in morning exercises before tackling the days' work." Elena said who sat across from Lauren.
"Exercise routines?" Lauren queried.
"Oh yes. No one escapes that here." Atia replied.
"You don't normally engage in an exercise routine, Doctor?" Ariella asked.
"No." Lauren replied.
"How do you stay in such great shape?" Rimma asked.
"Ethan, Char, Ryan, and MaryAoife." Lauren replied to a chorus of chuckles.
"Don't let that fool you, she has always been in great shape even before she and Bo had children." Dyson said.
"My compliments, Doctor." Rimma said.
"I need your genes. I have to fight every day to keep it together." Eva said to the sympathetic nods of several people at the table.
"And what is your regimen Kenzi?" Dakari asked.
"Starvation, coffee and chasing behind Her Royal Highness here, Your Serene Highness." Kenzi said matter of factly which made everyone laugh.
"Well, you won't starve here." Atia replied.
"I know! You need the workouts to stave off the three squares the Seneschal feed you on a daily basis." Kenzi said as she glanced at the Seneschal. "Sorry." The Seneschal smiled.
"Well, the Seneschal have the ability to anticipate ones' needs. They must sense your need to eat." Dakari said.
"I think it is more their desire that she does eat." Atia replied which made Kenzi look at her and smile.
"Your Serene Highness has a quick wit." Kenzi said. Atia met Kenzi's smile with a smile.
"How is the Transition planning coming along, Dyson? Does the Grand Ducal have everything she needs?" Regent Saladin asked.
"Very well. It looks like we have what we need so far to set the stage, and we are thankful for the assistance of their Serene Highnesses Atia, Rimma, and Julian to help set the framework. We will have a lot to do to prepare." Dyson replied.
"How are the security forces working out?" Regent Saladin asked.
"Very well. We have them deployed amongst the Clans to reinforce their existing security. Grand Ducal Marquis continues to assure the Elders as some of them have opted to emigrate to the Presidium while some have opted to remain on our plane no matter what." Dyson replied.
"Understandable." Trick said.
"Their Serene Highnesses Atia, Rimma, and Julian will remain at the forefront of the Transition. Agent Prime de Lucia will be sending the first wave of Agents over the next several weeks to begin the infiltration part of the plan. Agents Greystone and Korvo will also be part of the process." Regent Saladin said.
"It all sounds so ominous. That we have to talk about my home plane in such terms." Bo commented.
"This will not be the first time and it will most certainly not be the last. In time, as you grow into your responsibilities as the Princess Royal such framing of terms will become commonplace." The Regnant said.
"Is there anything that Evony may need specifically?" The Queen Consort asked Dyson.
"Nothing she has mentioned, Your Majesty." Dyson replied.
"Helen, Saladin, Fitzpatrick and I are well aware this is not Evony's first rodeo at transitioning a delegation, but her circumstances in this unique situation are. Do not hesitate to ask if you need anything beyond the resources we plan to phase in." The Regnant said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Dyson replied.
"I overheard you mention something before dinner about Brazenwood?" Lauren asked.
"Brazenwood? What's going on?" Bo asked. Dyson glanced around the table.
"We are not sure. We had sent word to ask the Brazenwood community of their intentions, whether to remain on our plane or emigrate to the Presidium, but we haven't received any word back from them. We sent word again, but still have not heard from them." Dyson replied.
"No word at all?" Bo asked while exchanging glances with both Kenzi and Trick.
"None, Your Royal Highness." Dyson replied.
"That's strange. Most of the time they pipe up and tell us to mind our own business." Kenzi said.
"Yeah, they do." Bo added.
"What is this Brazenwood?" Emilia asked.
"It is one of their more eccentric Fae communities" Rimma said.
"Are they able to live openly among the humans?" Maxima asked.
"Yes. But they choose, instead, to live in isolation from other Fae." Rimma said.
"Right before we arrived here I asked Erik to go out there and check it out. I asked Tamsin to contact me once Erik gets back to the Compound and report. Just waiting to hear back." Dyson replied.
"That reminds me. What did Antony have to say earlier?" Helen asked Ari.
"There seems to be a problem with the soil in Nassoria. The Mesha Delegation says they started noticing it during the harvest. Pulling up really bad dirt in some areas. Nehanda plans to join him there to assist with the investigation." Ari replied.
"Bad dirt? I don't recall Nassoria ever having such a problem before. Has Zifan reported anything?" Helen asked Jock.
"The Keftiu Delegation has not apprised me of any issues, Mother but I shall inquire." Jock replied.
"And what about Ohenes? It abuts Nassoria too." Helen asked Ariella.
"I have heard nothing but I will check with the Khanak Delegation." Ariella replied.
"It is concerning to say the least. We have seen contaminated soil before, but not on the scale that Antony is seeing it. In any event, it cannot turn into a long-standing problem. I want nothing to mire Bo's Installation Ceremony." Ari said.
"Which, by the way, Your Majesties, we need to set the date for Her Royal Highness's Installation Ceremony so the entire Realm can prepare." Eva said.
"The entire Realm?" Lauren asked as she looked to Bo who smiled back.
"Oh yes. The entire Realm will be joined in days-long celebrations leading up to Her Royal Highnesses' Installation." Eva replied rather excited. Trick tried to send eye signals to Eva to tone it down so as to not spook Lauren.
"Days long?" Lauren repeated as she looked at Bo again who offered a wider smile in return.
"Everything will be fine, Doctor. It sounds majestic, and it will be, but you can also make it very containable in your mind if you allow it." Elena advised.
"Spoken like a true warrior, Your Serene Highness." Lauren replied to several smiles to include Elena's.
"I thought a Scientist such as yourself would appreciate a structural approach." Elena said with a smile shared by others.
"And I do. Thank you for the advice. I will keep it close." Lauren replied. Elena smiled.
"Speaking of which, Mother, Mummy I planned to ask Bruce to the Installation Ceremony if that is alright?" Ariella asked to the smirks of some of her siblings which did not go unnoticed by Ariella.
"Really?" Ariella said.
"How long has it been since you two have seen one another? And yet still." Julian teased. Ariella gave her brother an evil eye.
"Well, I would like to invite Vex, if that is alright." Maxima added as she looked between her parents and everyone discreetly did the same. Helen looked straight at Ari who kept her focus on her food.
"Antony is going to love that one." Dakari commented which made Julian chuckle causing Maxima to poke him in the side and give him a look.
"Even here at the Presidium, we cannot get past siblings teasing one another." Rimma said then added. "Even if it has merit." As she glanced asides at Ariella with a smile that was also met with an evil eye.
"And what about you, Emilia? Dr. Padameshi inquired about you several times. Do you plan to ask him to the Installation Ceremony?" Atia poked. Emilia met her sister's inquiry with slightly narrowed eyes.
"I haven't decided." Emilia said as she took a sip of her wine.
"My dear, lovely, elusive sister." Jock replied. Emilia responded with aside glance at her brother as she took another sip of her drink. Bo smiled at the interaction.
"Mummy, Mother?" Maxima pressed forward. Ari looked at Helen.
"Whom you choose to invite is your own affair." Helen said as she looked at the Seneschal. "I think we are ready for dessert now."
After dinner while everyone mingled Lauren saw a nearby balcony and went and stepped outside, leaned on the edge of the balcony and took in the evening sky and the light breeze. She took the sight of the city of Nahala in the distance. Lauren found it just as beautiful at night as she did during the day. The day had just been a whirlwind for her, taking in the scale and the sights of the Presidium as she went. The technology, the capabilities, and the fact that practically all life on the Presidium plane were Fae, and Fae that could live openly without restraint. As she made her way to her chambers earlier that day she had noticed Fae that would have never been able to pass as humanoid on her plane but were able to traverse openly on the Presidium plane. She even saw a few Ogres which made her smile, and reminded her to ask Trick where the Ogre that lived in a cage beneath the Dal was now on the Presidium plane. There was a part of her that rationalized everything she had seen and experienced at the Presidium thus far, and then there was a part of her that found it all so surreal. But yet there was another part of that was more concerned about the safety of the children. For some reason she felt the need to be ready to pack them up and bolt because everything seemed to be so surreal. One of the things she loved about Bo is that Bo took everything in stride. She wished she had that same quality.
"Are you enjoying the evening?" said a voice behind her. Lauren turned to find Elena standing behind her, and offered a smile.
"Yes, Your Serene Highness. Thank you." Lauren replied. 'Just catching a breath of fresh air and taking in the city of Nahala."
"It is a beautiful city." Elena said.
"Very much. Now I understand that each one of you have a Patronage?" Lauren asked.
"Yes. Nahala is patroned by Maxima, and as you can see it is very much a reflection of her."
"Quite the compliment."
"Well-earned."
"What is your patronage?" Lauren asked.
"The City of Ashal, represented by the Ahmasis Delegation."
"Are you the Delegational head as well?"
"No. Jusso Laaksonen is much to my frustration at times." Elena said. Lauren smiled.
"Dr. Lewis, I have been meaning to say…" Elena began.
"Please, just Lauren."
"And please just Elena." Elena countered with a smile.
"Hard to call someone by their first name who happens to be Deputy Regent and the Bashan of an elite Order of Knights."
"I think the same awe can be expressed of someone who possesses the skills such as yourself to save my Mummy."
"That was very much a team effort."
"Granted, but even Emilia says that had you not had the triage skills to keep Mummy alive she would have been dead." Elena said.
"It's my job."
"You are far too reserved, Dr. Lewis. It is clear your job is your passion, and that passion saved my Mummy."
"I thought we were on first names?"
"I want to say thank you, Lauren. Thank you for saving the one person who is the center of our family's lives." Elena said. Lauren smiled.
"So I take it you also have a passion for fieldwork?" Elena asked.
"I do, but have not been able to get out and do any for the past several years for obvious reasons. I hope to resume field work once the children got older." Lauren replied.
"Are you aware of our aid mission programs here?" Elena asked.
"The Regnant spoke to me several times about them. So did Rimma and Julian when they were back at the County."
"Well, such missions fall under the umbrella of the Communities of Health and Prosperity or CHP as we call it. Maxima oversees CHP. It's her passion. But there is cross-coordination between Presidium Medical, Parliamentary Council staffs and the Grand Strategum. As the Head of the Presidium Medical you will be in a prime position to exercise your passion for fieldwork." Elena said.
"Well, I certainly hope to do so when the children are older." Lauren replied.
"You are not use to thinking of the Seneschal yet?" Elena said.
"I am not use to of any of this yet." Lauren replied. Elena chuckled.
"I understand. Well, I certainly look forward to working with you in this area."
"You do fieldwork?"
"Quite a few of us do. Emilia has a passion for all things environmental. Even though Rimma is Third Regent she prefers engaging the delegations and communities. Of all of us, she is most like grandmother Lilas. And Julian is a master at bringing resources together." Elena replied.
"I was impressed with the work he did with adding the Prescotti wing on the JFM. So was Bo." Lauren said.
"For him, that is just a days' work." Elena replied.
"So you like fieldwork as well?" Lauren asked.
"Enjoy it immensely. It brings a cetain peace within me." Elena replied.
"That is how I feel when I am out in the field." Lauren said.
"Then we have something in common." Elena replied with a smile. Lauren met her smile then a thought dawned on her and she quickly looked around for the time.
"Is there something wrong?" Elena asked.
"It's getting late. The children should be in bed by now, but I want to peek in on them, kiss them goodnight." Lauren replied.
"Understand." Elena replied as they moved back into the main drawing room and found Bo engaged in a group conversation with Dyson, Trick, Kenzi, Emilia, Eva, and Atia.
"It's getting late, and we should say goodnight to the children." Lauren said when she came up to Bo and took her hand.
"Yes, we should." Bo replied then she looked back at Dyson.
"How long are you staying?" Bo asked.
"Leaving the day after tomorrow." Dyson replied.
"Good, then we can catch up some more tomorrow, then." Bo said then turned to Lauren and they made their way over to The Ruling Couple who were in conversation with Rimma and Jock.
"Thank you for the welcome dinner. It was so wonderful and gracious of you. Bo and I need to peek in on the children, kiss them goodnight." Lauren said.
"Our pleasure, Lauren. We look forward to many, many more." The Queen Consort said as she wrapped her arms around Ari's left arm. Bo and Lauren curtsied before the Ruling Couple and when acknowledged they turned and left for their private chambers.
After Bo and Lauren left Their Majesties made their exit followed by Regent Saladin, Elena, and Rimma, and then rest of the Royal siblings. Only Dyson, Kenzi and Trick and Eva remained. They were about to head out to a nearby balcony, and take in the evening breeze while they finished their drinks when the Seneschal approached, handed Dyson a message, bowed slightly and then left. Dyson opened the message and his eyes narrowed as he read it. When he finished he looked up at Trick, Eva, and Kenzi.
"News about Brazenwood?" Trick asked. Dyson nodded.
"So what do you think of Ariella and Maxima's requests to bring dates to the Installation Ceremony?" Helen asked as she brushed her long auburn red hair. This was Ari's favorite part of the day watching her wife brush her hair every night before they went to bed. She also liked to watch as Helen put on her make-up which she hardly needed but whenever she did Ari would sit in a chair and admire her as she did so.
"Bruce, I understand. He and Ariella have been smitten since they first met. It is unfortunate his family left with Fitzpatrick, otherwise there could have been hope." Ari replied.
"And Maxima with Vex?" Helen queried
"Cannot see the interest there." Ari replied.
"Emilia was pretty cryptic." Helen commented
"That is my special girl." Ari replied as she got up from admiring her wife and prepared for bed. Helen smiled.
"I think Atia and Kenzi hit it off." Helen said.
"Seems that way. I know Dakari seems to like her. He kept teasing her after dinner." Ari said.
"I hope Kenzi realizes that is just his way." Helen said.
"Did you notice Elena seemed to perk up more with Lauren." Ari said.
"Yes I did, and I am glad for that. I know Elena has friends but I worry about her…self-isolation. She and Ariella take their responsibilities too seriously sometimes." Helen replied.
"They are responsible for a great deal."
"Yes, but it should not be at the expense of their private lives. They need closer friendships, relationships. Especially, Elena. If she is not going to take the vows then she should at least open herself up more to others. Hovering in the realm of indecision can no longer be an excuse for avoiding intimacy, be it in friendship or a relationship." Helen replied as she finished brushing her hair.
"Agreed." Ari said as she crawled into bed. Helen soon followed and they cuddled together.
"Lights!" Ari called out and then the lights went off. Ari closed her eyes but Helen looked out the window focused on the night sky.
"Ari?"
"Hm."
"Are you truly opposed to more children?" Helen asked.
"I tease. But it's been nearly 850 years since we had Maxima."
"I know." Helen said still taking in the night sky.
"Are you experiencing any signs?" Ari asked.
"No."
"Then I think we should be blessed that we have ten strong, healthy, prosperous children." Ari said.
"Yes, you're right, of course." Helen replied.
"Let us sleep, then. We have a full day tomorrow." Ari said groggily.
"Ari?"
"Hm."
"Speaking of sleep, your deep sleep?"
"Yes, yes. We can figure that out tomorrow."
"I just don't want you to put it off too much longer."
"I know. Thinking after Bo's Installation." Ari said as she gently shook Helen. "Now to sleep."
"Ari?"
"Yes, my love."
"I love you." Helen said as she hugged Ari closer.
"Love you." Ari said as they both trailed off to sleep.
Lauren awoke to her first full day at the Presidium courtesy of a small beam of sunshine that permeated through their bedroom curtains. She laid there for a moment then went into that typical momentary panic when one forgets where they are at, and nearly bolted out of bed out fear of not knowing where the children were at. She turned to see Bo sleeping on her stomach next to her, remembered where she was, and calmed down. She looked at Bo, kissed her on the cheek, rose from bed, and put on her robe. Lauren went to the window and leaned on the sill and took in the sunshine. Their first night in the Presidium together as a couple was sexually uneventful. Lauren was so tired from the previous days' whirlwind of events that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
She looked out onto the morning thinking about what a whirlwind the last few days have been. Packing up the children, the house, and transferring the protocols of the JFM over to Dr. Abigail Danna. Even though Dr. Lewis was only human the Fae staff at the JFM were clearly sad to see her leave. The JFM staffin league with Liam and Ryan threw her a large going away party at the Dal Riata with all the requisite gifts and speeches. Bo, Kenzi and Trick were at the Presidium awaiting her arrival, but Dyson, Tamsin, Vex, Bruce, Evony, Stasio, Reed, and Erik all showed up. Afterwards, Lauren informed Bo that Bruce and Ryan would have made Kenzi proud at how they prepared the Dal for Lauren's shindig. So much change she thought.
She turned from the window, looked at Bo once more, who by this time had turned on her back and walked into the bathroom only to be startled by the presence of the Seneschal preparing her bath. Even though the Seneschal had been around Lauren for the past couple of months they still startled her from time to time. Lauren reasoned she was in some sort of subconscious denial and she would have to learn to deal with it.
"Milady?"
"Sorry. First day jitters." Lauren replied.
"Of course, Milady." The Seneschal answered as they handed her a cup of coffee.
Lauren was still not use to someone else taking care of her, let alone an apparatus such as the Seneschal. She shook her head and wondered what person in their right mind would argue with an apparatus that basically sees to your every daily need? Lauren looked at the Seneschal preparing her bath. Lauren normally took showers to prepare for the day, but today she wanted to take a bath and one inside the Infinity tub.
"Need to go wake the children, and get them moving." Lauren said to the Seneschal. Even though the Seneschal were with Lauren back at the County she and Maddy still handled waking the children and preparing them for their day.
"Pardon Milady, the children are already up, being bathed, and will be dressed and presented to you and Princess Royal at breakfast." Lauren was not sure what part of the Seneschal's statement set her out of sorts, but it caused her to react.
She pointed in the direction of the children's room and said, "I am going to go see my children," a little more forcefully than she meant to and moved in the direction of the children's room.
"Of course, Milady." The Seneschal following behind her concerned they may have done something wrong.
Lauren entered the children's bedroom thinking she would observe the same chaos she and Bo had back in their old home when they prepared the children for the day only to find none of it. The children were indeed up, toddling about, making baby noises, the Seneschal were moving about in an orderly fashion, drying off the children, and dressing them for the day, and the children seemed happily obliged.
Then the four toddlers saw Lauren and became excited. Ryan toddled over to Lauren and she picked him up and kissed him, which caused the other children to toddle up to her as well. Lauren sat down on the floor and greeted them all and kissed each one in turn. The Seneschal watched patiently, smiling.
"So this is where you disappeared." Bo said from behind Lauren. The children saw Bo and started waving, and reaching for her. Ethan toddled over to Bo, and she met him by sitting on the ground next to Lauren. By this time all four children were crawling all over Bo and Lauren like they were human jungle gyms. Bo looked at Lauren and saw she was deep in thought.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Bo asked. Lauren took Ryan's little head, kissed it again, and held his head up against her face and tears welled up in her eyes. Bo looked up at the Seneschal.
"Can you give us a few?" Bo prompted.
"Of course, Your Royal Highness." The Seneschal said as they bowed and departed the room, leaving just Bo and Lauren and the children.
"Honey, what is wrong?" Bo asked with a concerned look.
"Nothing." Lauren replied. Bo knew that "nothing" meant something so she remained quiet as they sat together playing with the children until Lauren decided to share her thoughts. After a few minutes Lauren spoke up.
"There is just so much change in our lives. A new place to live. An enormous place to live, mind you, and Kenzi is right you need a GPS to find your way around here. Staff at your beck and call. Guards posted everywhere, new job, and the children…" Bo put her one available arm around Lauren to pull her close, but said nothing.
"There is a part of me that just wants to pack up and bolt for home and forget all of this ever happened. Everyone seems nice. The Seneschal are incredible from what little I have seen thus far of them. But I feel angry. At all this change. But I shouldn't because we chose our life together, and I just have to accept what comes with that." Lauren said as she turned to look at Bo. "I love you. I love our children. I love us. But you are gonna have to be patient with me as I come to accept this" as she threw both hands up in the air "whole new way of existence here. Nevertheless, know this: this is our life, and I am glad for it because I have you and our four beautiful rug rats here. And I would not trade one second of it. Ever."
"Lauren, you are without a doubt the strongest woman I know. You cannot know how much I love you for being so brave in taking me on, and sharing this journey with me. We can do this together because without you, I would be lost." Bo assured as they shared a long kiss, and then rested their heads together for a few moments.
"I feel I need to be with the children right now just because it is their first full day here at the Presidium." Lauren said.
"As will I." Bo then got up, went to the door, and opened the door to find the Seneschal waiting for them.
"Lauren and I will take over getting the children for their first day here. You understand, of course."
"Of course, Your Royal Highness." The Seneschal answered.
"Thank you. We will see you at breakfast and we can arrange the day from there." Bo said. The Seneschal bowed and departed.
In a show of support for Lauren's first full day at the Presidium, Kenzi, Trick and Dyson showed up for breakfast at Bo and Lauren's private breakfast room along with Elena, Ariella, Atia, and Rimma. When she toured their private chambers the previous day Lauren was amazed there were separate dining rooms for breakfast, lunch, and a formal one for dinner. Everyone milled and chatted with one another around the large breakfast table when the doors opened revealing Bo and Lauren and their four toddling children. Kenzi, Trick and Dyson went over to greet them. The daughters of The Regnant and The Queen Consort hung back so Bo's forged family could enjoy their moment together. Once everyone was done with the felicitations Lauren looked over at the Seneschal.
"Forgive my anxiety attack earlier but there is still so much to take in." Lauren said.
"No apologies necessary, Milady. Shall we settle the children for breakfast?" The Seneschal asked.
"We shall feed the children ourselves this first morning, and then after breakfast you can take them. Lauren will have a lot on her plate today." Bo then turned to Lauren, gripped her by the hand. "Okay?"
Lauren kissed her and replied, "Yes, okay."
As the Seneschal seated MaryAoife and Char one end of the table, and Ethan and Ryan on the other Kenzi walked over to Bo.
"Rough first morning?" Kenzi whispered to Bo. Bo nodded.
"We'll talk later." Bo replied as she went over and held out Lauren's chair for her.
"What's this?" Lauren asked.
"Holding your chair out for you?" Bo replied.
"When did this idea get into your head?" Lauren asked.
"Here." Bo replied.
"We have been together for over 10 years now. There is no need." Lauren said.
"Is it so bad?" Bo asked.
"No, but…" Lauren started.
"Great!" Bo looked at Lauren assured. Lauren resigned herself as she took her seat with MaryAoife and Char flanking her which cued to take theirs as well. On the other side of the oval-shaped table Bo had Ethan and Ryan flanking her. While the Seneschal began the breakfast service Elena looked to Lauren.
"There is a purpose for this breakfast for our attendance at breakfast this morning. The Queen Consort asked us to assist you with familiarize you with the residence, grounds, facilities, and protocols of the Presidium. Each one of us, in turn, will be responsible for your acclimatization to royal life here. Ariella will assist you in familiarizing yourself with the Regnant Guard and general security procedures. Maxima will assist you with establishing the management protocols of your household to include management of the children, their training and schooling. Rimma and Atia will take you on a tour of the Royal residences, and familiarize you with royal protocols. Emilia, of course, will take you on a tour of the medical and laboratory facilities and introduce you to the staff, and last but not least, Ariella will also lead your initial combat training sessions." Elena said. Lauren blinked at that last statement.
"Pardon. Are those in addition to the workout sessions?" Lauren asked.
"No. they will be part of your regime. Everyone here must go through basic combat training, handling of knives, swords, and shields, at minimum. Even the Seneschal are well-schooled in the art of combat." Atia chimed in. "Mummy believes it is important everyone should have a basic ability to take care of themselves in a fight if it comes down to it."
"Yep, I am routinely getting my butt handed to me by Ian and Gunnar." Kenzi added.
"When will the combat training sessions begin?" Lauren asked
"I will be the last on your checklist." Ariella replied.
The Regnant was right, Bo thought to herself as she and Lauren met with Administrator Annika Leyva, Head of the Seneschal and Bostanji Jedrik Leonhard, Head of the Regnant Guard along with Ariella and Maxima. There are aspects of family life you just have to leave to the other half. Planning the daily schedules of the children Bo wanted to gladly leave to Lauren, not because Bo did not care so much as she simply trusted Lauren with their best interests.
After the meetings with head of the Seneschal and the Head of the Regnant Guard were over, they took a quick break before Lauren had to move on with Rimma and Atia on a tour of the royal residence and grounds, and after lunch Atia would walk her through the royal protocols. Emilia was scheduled to be with Lauren the following day, touring the medical facilities, meeting the new staff, and receiving briefings on the latest cases, and programs they were involved in. Bo could see Lauren was feeling far less anxious than she was this morning now that her mind was able to put structure around her new surroundings.
Bo informed the Seneschal that she and Lauren would join the children for lunch then informed Lauren she had a meeting with Trick, Dyson, and Kenzi on a couple of County-related matters and they were conferencing in Tamsin at Trick's offices at the Tetrarch. Then she had a meeting with The Regnant after that, and would catch up with her and the children at lunch.
"I leave the rest of this to you, Sweetie." Bo then kissed Lauren, made her excuses, and left for the Tetrarch.
Bo arrived at the offices of the Tetrarch a short time later, and Beverly led her into Trick's office where Trick, Kenzi, and Dyson were waiting and she saw Tamsin was already linked in on a conference call.
"Hey!" Bo said to everyone as they all stood up and offered their courtesies which Bo acknowledged with a quick bow of her head.
"Hey! How goes the battle? Lauren okay?" Kenzi asked.
"I think now she is. This morning was a bit overwhelming for her." Bo replied.
"I can sympathize. A human taking in all of this for the first time." Dyson chimed in.
"Agreed." Tamsin added.
"Lauren is strong. I am certain she can and will adapt." Trick said.
"Yeah, I am hoping Emilia's tour tomorrow of Presidium Medical will help settle her down some more." Bo said. "We are having lunch with the children today so I will be able to check in again. So what is going on back at the County?"
"We heard back from Erik on Brazenwood." Dyson replied.
"And?" Bo prompted.
"It's gone." Dyson replied.
"Gone?" Bo repeated.
"Gone."
