"Out!" Lauren yelled.

"What? What's going on?" Bo asked jolted awake.

"Out!" Lauren repeated.

"What?" Bo asked again as she wiped off the drool she felt on her face.

"Into the bedroom across the hall!" Lauren yelled again as she pointed towards the door.

"My snoring again? I can rollover on my stomach."

"You do and you roll right back over. I have a presentation in few hours before Chancellor Vasteras and the Council of Healers that I need to be sharp for so out!"

"Fine!" Bo said as she struggled out of bed. "For tonight then." She then grabbed a pillow and left.


Later in the early morning after breakfast Bo was in her offices reviewing the days' agenda with her two principal aides, Willa and Landon before she was due to join The Queen for another round of planning meetings for both the Convocation and Installation Ceremony. She felt both tired and grumpy.

"Your Royal Highness, is everything alright?" Willa asked.

"Rough night that's all." Bo replied.

"Snoring again, Your Royal Highness?" Landon asked.

"Gee, does everyone know?" Bo asked. Willa and Landon smiled.

"Lauren made me sleep in one of the other bedrooms. For all the medical advances here you'd think there would be something that cured snoring." Bo said.

"Do you need a bed companion?" Landon asked.

"What? No! And…no. Wait, what?" Bo asked surprised.

"Bed companions. They are employed throughout the Realm. It's quite a common practice." Landon replied.

"Does The Queen have one?" Bo asked.

"No. But Regnant Einiah did. Several in fact." Landon replied. Bo actually pondered the notion for a moment then shook her head.

"No, thank you. I just need to figure out how to stop snoring. For now, I'm chalking it up to all the life changes happening. Once my body gets use to everything around here I assume it will stop." Bo said.

"Hopefully, the Tantra training with Her Serene Highness Rimma will cure it, Your Royal Highness." Willa replied.

"When do I start that?" Bo asked.

"This evening after dinner, Your Royal Highness." Willa replied.

"Can we agree upon something?" Bo asked.

"What is that, Your Royal Highness?" Willa asked.

"I understand protocol and all that, but when it's just the three of us, please just call me Bo." Bo replied. Willa and Landon quickly looked at one another then back at Bo.

"It's okay. The world will not stop turning." Bo added.

"Your Royal Highness, forgive us, but we had served The Queen for over 200 years. In all that time we've never once addressed her by her first name." Willa replied.

"Well, now's a first then. Please, it will make me feel more comfortable."

"Yes, Your Royal Highness, we understand, but part of our job is to ensure you become more accustomed to the nuances of sovereignty. That means indoctrinating you on the formalities of being royal." Landon replied. Bo said nothing.

"Apologies, Your Royal Highness if this troubling to you." Landon replied.

"Let me put it this way, if I'm going to be an effective Sovereign then you would agree that I need to be comfortable in my role, right?" Bo asked.

"Of course, Your Royal Highness." Landon replied.

"Then in excepted company address me as Bo."

"Your Royal Highness I must…" Willa started.

"Knowing that I can be me in front of you will help my indoctrination process." Bo interrupted.

"Your Royal Highness, you're employing circular reasoning." Landon said.

"But it works." Bo replied.

"By your will, Your Royal Highness." Willa and Landon said in unison. Bo gave them a look. They glanced at one another and then back at Bo.

"By your will, Bo." They said again in unison. Bo smiled.

"So you two served the Queen for over 200 years?" Bo asked.

"Yes, Bo." Willa and Landon said together. Bo smiled. They would have to work on that.

"How old are you guys?"

"I am 410 years old and Willa is 325." Landon answered.

"I really am a baby Fae." Bo commented. Willa and Landon smiled.

"So what's next?" Bo asked.

"You have a call with Ash Thornwood and County Regent Tamsin before you are to join The Queen."

"That would be nice today. Did they say what the call was about?" Bo asked.

"Not to us." Landon replied.

"Rana McCorrigan and Ms. Malikov should be here momentarily. They are to be involved in the call as well. They asked after Dr. Lewis but we informed them she was indisposed." Willa replied.

"Hm. Maybe they are just calling to say hello. Anything else?" Bo asked.

"Nothing until your afternoon briefing." Willa replied.

"Thank you." Bo said and the meeting ended.

Fifteen minutes later Trick and Kenzi were announced by Landon.

"Your Royal Highness!" Trick and Kenzi said in unison as they offered their courtesies, and Bo acknowledged them with a slight bow of her head. After Landon closed the door Bo shuffled over to Kenzi and hugged her.

"Hey! How's it going? How's your Agency training? We miss you!" Bo greeted.

"Missing you too!" Kenzi replied after they broke their embrace. "Training is going well. There were some rough spots but I managed." Kenzi replied.

"I was worried about that. But then when I heard nothing I knew you were okay. Gosh, you look great!" Bo said.

"As opposed to?" Kenzi poked.

"You know what I mean." Bo replied as she lightly socked Kenzi on the arm. Then she greeted Trick with a quick hug then directed them to seats in the main seating area of her office. The Seneschal entered with two coffees and a cup of Kalestia tea, served everyone then left.

"I know I say it all the time, but the..." Kenzi began.

"The Seneschal are amazing. So what's next with your training?" Bo asked with a broad smile.

"Hitting the books, and then taking on a field assignment as part of my final phases of Agency training." Kenzi replied.

"By yourself?" Bo asked.

"No, Ian and Gunnar will be with me." Kenzi replied.

"Where will your first assignment be?" Bo asked

"The City of Lacommande under the LauDessar Dynasty." Kenzi replied.

"It's curious that her first assignment is in the same city from where Evony's ancestors came from." Trick added.

"Really?" Bo said surprised.

"Not sure what that's about." Kenzi replied.

"What will you be doing?" Bo asked.

"Haven't been told yet." Kenzi replied.

"Speaking of not being told of things, what's this call about?" Bo asked.

"Your guess is as good as ours." Trick replied.

"So how's Lauren and the four amigos?" Kenzi asked.

"All good. The children would love to see their Auntie. Can you do dinner tonight with us?" Bo asked.

"Sure!"

"Trick?" Bo queried.

"I have dinner plans with Eva tonight." Trick replied.

"And Lauren, how is she?" Kenzi asked again. Bo took in slight breath.

"Presidium Medical has her running. She has a presentation before the Council of Healers this morning so she has a lot on her mind." Bo replied with a bit of a tone.

"Something up?" Kenzi asked, her curiosity piqued.

"We're…sleeping in separate bedrooms." Bo replied as she looked down in her cup.

"What?" Both Kenzi and Trick replied with alarm.

"It's not like that. It's my snoring." Bo clarified. Kenzi breathed a sigh of relief while Trick fell into a chuckle.

"She made me sleep in another bedroom last night." Bo continued.

"That bad?" Kenzi asked.

"I thought it would go away, but apparently not." Bo replied.

"Presidium Medical doesn't have anything?" Kenzi asked.

"Nope."

"Is your exile permanent?" Kenzi asked.

"Apparently, until I get can get out of this snoring business." Bo replied.

"Any other options?" Kenzi asked.

"They're hoping my Tantra training will solve the problem."

"Tantra? As in Tantric?" Kenzi asked.

"Yep."

"Oooh, so what kind of training will that involve?" Kenzi asked.

"So when is this call with Dyson and Tamsin again? Trick quickly interrupted. Bo and Kenzi smiled.

"Willa!" Bo yelled. The doors opened.

"Your Royal Highness?"

"We're ready." Bo replied. Willa turned around and left the room for a few moments then came back.

"Call is ready." Willa reported.

"Call on!" Bo called into the air. The air shimmered and the offices of Ash Thornwood appeared. Dyson and Tamsin were seated at the main conference room table in his office.

"Hey guys! Nice to see you! How's everything going?" Bo asked.

"Your Royal Highness!" Dyson and Tamsin replied in unison.

"Really? No one's around but us." Bo replied.

"Protocols, Your Royal Highness. Your Excellency, nice to see you again." Dyson said as he looked to Trick.

"You as well. So what's happening?" Trick asked.

"We wanted to brief you all on a few items before Evony, Stasio and company arrive for the Convocation in a few weeks." Dyson replied.

"We'll be seeing you guys as well, right?" Bo asked.

"Myself for sure, but Tamsin's staying behind." Dyson replied.

"Why?" Bo asked.

"Somebody has to stay back and mind the store." Tamsin replied. Bo's shoulders slumped.

"Can't you leave Reed in charge?" Bo asked.

"Duty calls, Your Royal Highness." Tamsin replied.

"You know, duty right now can…" Bo started.

"So that's great news, Tam Tam! Up at bat! In charge of the entire Human plane of existence!" Kenzi quickly interjected. Bo glanced over at her and smiled.

"Don't panic me any more than I already am." Tamsin replied.

"I keep telling her she'll be fine." Dyson said.

"I said it before you were born for it." Trick chimed in.

"Yes, she is." Bo added.

"Okay, enough with the accolades!" Tamsin said blushing slightly. "Besides, I will have Reed and Erik to help me. Along with the thousands of Agents the Presidium sent here as part of the Transition."

"There are millions of Agents throughout the Presidium. Literally, millions." Kenzi added.

"So what's up?" Bo asked.

"With the Light and Dark divide gone you may have heard about the purges of some of the Fae including some Elders and humans?" Dyson queried.

"Yes." Trick replied.

"Did you know some of those purges were at the direction of Agent Iriliam himself?" Dyson queried. Bo's eyebrows furled.

"You may recall, Agent Iriliam is in charge of the security activities surrounding the Transition." Dyson reminded.

"Purges are standard political operating procedure in transitional situations, so I'm not surprised." Trick added.

"What's happening?" Bo asked.

"Seems that Agent Iriliam is operating under a 'Special Mandate.' We're not familiar with what authority and power these Agents can wield. Can they operate like this?" Tamsin asked.

"If they're under a 'Special Mandate', yes." Kenzi replied.

"What's a 'Special Mandate'?" Bo asked.

"Exactly how it sounds; a unique set of orders intended to carry out an objective." Kenzi answered.

"The establishment of the 25th Delegation is the centerpiece of the Convocation agenda, and it will fall to Evony to spearhead its inclusion. Even with the support of The Queen there's still the Parliament of Fae to convince. Thus, the less undermining interference the better at winning its inclusion." Trick explained.

"How many Fae and humans have been purged?" Bo asked.

"Over a thousand." Tamsin replied.

"Not to sound unfeeling but a thousand across the world is not that big of a number." Kenzi replied.

"Over a thousand within our County and the surrounding ones alone." Tamsin replied.

"What?" Bo, Kenzi, and Trick all said shocked.

"Any Fae deemed unsupportive of the Transition are being purged, and not only that any Fae deemed unsuitable or unable to adapt to Presidium rule. The humans that are being purged are largely those claimed by the Fae in question, or happen to be collateral damage." Dyson explained.

"It sounds like the Una Mens all over again. Bo, did you know about this?" Kenzi asked.

"There has been talk amongst the Fae here at the Presidium who believe some of the Fae on our plane may be...primitive to put it nicely. Like I said, the practice of purging is a matter of standard political operating procedure and we'll have to understand that." Trick answered.

"But not accept it." Bo said reflexively then looked at Dyson and Tamsin. "Is it truly like the Una Mens all over again?"

"I would be lying to you if I said I would miss some of the Fae and humans that have been purged, but there have been some who've been purged for reasons that I do not necessarily agree with." Dyson replied.

"What do you need from me on this?" Bo asked.

"Understanding as to how these Agents operate and to what extent can they operate." Dyson replied.

"And slow them down. Their actions are panicking the Fae here and their claimed humans. The Fae here know they can emigrate to the Presidium, but why would they if they feel they're going to a worse place than where they came from?" Tamsin added.

"Makes sense." Bo said then turned to Trick. "I realize this may be standard political operating procedure, but this is our home plane. If they are doing this to the Fae imagine what they may do to the humans, claimed or not claimed."

"My fears exactly." Kenzi added. "We didn't build the DRM up only to have all the relationships and trust that goes with it go to hell in a hand basket simply because we changed addresses."

"Agreed. We need to keep our promises to both the Fae and their claimed humans they still will be protected and limit, as Dyson said, any collateral damage with unclaimed humans." Bo said.

"This is delicate, Bo. You are The Princess Royal who comes from the Human plane. That in it of itself has implications." Trick said.

"I know." Bo replied.

"Politics are not the only thing in play here." Trick said.

"Evony's past relationship with The Queen, I know." Bo replied.

"Yes! The Queen will ensure Evony is completely supported. If Evony deems the entire Human plane be put to the timber and burned for all eternity don't be surprised if it happens. Not only are they old lovers they are old friends, warriors in arms." Trick said.

"Well, how should I approach this then?" Bo asked Trick.

"Speak with Agent Prime de Lucia first." Kenzi answered. "If you direct her to reign in Agent Iriliam, she'll do it."

"True. But then she'll report the action to Regent Saladin who, in turn, will report it to The Queen, and then you will have to defend your actions before The Queen herself. Before you act on any of this define your parameters first. Evony is the Grand Ducal of the Human plane, and as such, has both the authority and responsibility to act accordingly. Her authority, heck, any Grand Ducal's authority, and trust me, there are some ruthless Grand Ducals cannot be undermined or mitigated simply because you may be offended by some of their approaches, The Princess Royal or not." Trick added.

"What's Evony's part in all of this? Is she acting willfully?" Bo asked Dyson and Tamsin.

"Evony has taken advantage of the situation to get rid of some of the more problematic Elders. You may recall Elder Loaghaire O'Quinn during the Elder Fae Council meeting before The Queen?" Dyson replied.

"Yes." Bo replied.

"Dead." Dyson replied. Trick lowered his head for a moment.

"All I'm saying is strike a delicate balance in your discussions because after The Queen you will have to deal with the fallout with Evony." Trick said then looked to Dyson and Tamsin, "And so will you two."

"Don't worry about us. It's just another day in the political neighborhood." Dyson replied.

"After this call, you and I will need to figure out how to approach this without getting everyone into too much hot water." Bo said to Trick. Trick nodded.

"Let's also keep Lauren out of what's going on for right now. I don't need this on her mind." Bo said.

"Something going on?" Tamsin asked.

"Just that she has this big presentation today." Bo replied. "So anything else going on? Any news about Brazenwood?" Bo asked.

"None so far. We have JJI on it." Tamsin replied.

"If you find out anything I want to know. You know what Brazenwood means to me." Bo asked.

"Yes I do, and I will." Tamsin replied.

"Anything else?" Bo asked.

"Nothing else." Dyson replied.

"Well, looking forward to see you here in the next few weeks. Wish you could be here as well, Tamsin." Bo said.

"Me, too. But I'll be there for the Installation Ceremony after the Convocation is done. Oh, yeah, what about your Mom? Should I bring her with me when I come?" Tamsin asked.

"Still haven't decided on whether she should come." Bo replied.

"The Installation Ceremony is kinda of a big thing. She'll want to be there." Tamsin said.

"I know, but I need more time to decide if she can handle seeing so many Fae at once. She's still getting use to the Regnant Guard. Lauren and I do need to visit her soon though. Lauren wants to ween her more off the dementia medication."

"Can't Dr. Danna or Jobina stop by?" Tamsin asked.

"I asked Lauren that myself but she wants to examine Mama herself."

"I understand." Tamsin replied.

"Anything else?" Bo replied.

"Nope." Tamsin replied.

"Take care guys, and Dyson, we'll see you in a few weeks." Bo said.

"Your Royal Highness." Dyson and Tamsin said together and bowed their heads. The call ended.

"Willa!" Bo called out. Willa entered the room.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness?" Willa asked.

"I need some time on the schedule today to see Agent Prime de Lucia." Bo said. "And tell her I will have Rana McCorrigan with me."

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Willa replied.

"How soon before I meet up with The Queen?" Bo asked.

"You have thirty minutes, Your Royal Highness." Willa replied.

"Remind me when the time gets close, will ya?" Bo said.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Willa replied then left the room and shut the door behind her.

"I need to get going. I'm on a short leash today. I'll see you at dinner." Kenzi said.

"Before you go, anything I need to be aware of when talking to Agent de Lucia?" Bo asked.

"She. Misses. Nothing." Kenzi replied.


Later in the mid-afternoon after shadowing The Queen for most of the day, Bo and Trick arrived at the offices of Scarlett de Lucia, Agent Prime of the Agency. As Bo and Trick approached the inner offices of Agent Prime de Lucia her principal aide, Dyak Liya stood waiting for them.

"Your Royal Highness, Your Excellency. Agent Prime de Lucia is expecting you." Dyak Liya greeted as she curtsied.

"Thank you." Bo replied as she was led into the office and saw Agent Prime de Lucia standing in front of her desk and curtsied. Bo acknowledged it with a slight bow of her head.

"Your Royal Highness, Your Excellency. Blessings and felicitations!" Agent Prime de Lucia greeted.

"Same to you, Agent Prime." Bo replied.

"Your Royal Highness, you can address me by my first name. I am the subordinate."

"Still getting use to all of the protocols." Bo replied.

"Completely understand, Your Royal Highness. Please, shall we?" Agent Prime de Lucia directed to a side seating area and they all took their seats.

"This is my first time at the Agency. Is it always this busy?" Bo asked.

"We have a lot to manage." Agent Prime de Lucia replied. Then Dyak Liya stepped over with two Kalestia teas and one coffee on a tray, served them, and then left the room.

"To what do I owe this distinct honor, Your Royal Highness?" Agent Prime de Lucia asked.

"I need understanding." Bo replied.

"Please, continue." Agent Prime de Lucia said.

"The Agents that are working with Grand Ducal Evony Marquis on the Transition of the 25th Delegation into the Presidium I understand Agent Iriliam is the head of the contingent?" Bo asked.

"Yes. Is there a problem with Agent Iriliam?" Agent Prime de Lucia asked.

"I need to understand what a full-fledged Agent does when they've been given an assignment." Bo asked.

"Ms. Malikov has not explained the responsibilities of an Agent to you?" Agent Prime de Lucia asked.

"Not since she's been in training." Bo replied.

"I understand, Your Royal Highness. Agents operating in the field, whether solo or part of a Team, are investigators whose job it is to ascertain situational shortfalls, recommend solutions, and where mandated conduct activities to prevent, disrupt, or defeat incipient threats and the conditions that give rise to them. In doing so, Agents must be quick to understand the environment in which they are operating, including any complex historical, political, economic, religious, or socio-cultural circumstances present." Agent Prime de Lucia explained.

"It's my understanding that Agent Iriliam is working under a 'Special Mandate.' Is this true?" Bo asked.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Agent Prime de Lucia replied.

"I understand 'Special Mandates' are a unique set of instructions separate from the duties of an Agent." Bo said.

"That is correct, Your Royal Highness."

"Can you be more specific?" Bo asked.

"As the Agent in Charge Agent Iriliam is responsible for the coordination, deployment and oversight of Agency resources pursuant to the successful Transition of the 25th Delegation against any and all opposition, both on the Human plane and here at the Presidium. Agent Iriliam is under a 'Special Mandate' to conduct what you might term irregular operations aimed at both the threats themselves, as well as elements of the operating environment, including the population and the causes and conditions that give rise to the threats. As an Agent, he is trained to employ all facets of special operations to remedy threats. This assures safeguards have been implemented for the successful Transition of the 25th Delegation." Agent Prime de Lucia replied.

"Who issues 'Special Mandates?'" Bo asked.

"I do." Agent Prime de Lucia replied.

"Based on what?" Bo asked.

"The needs of the assignment, Your Royal Highness. However, in this case the mandate was issued based upon a directive." Agent Prime de Lucia replied.

"A directive? A directive from whom? The Queen herself?" Bo asked.

"His Serene Highness Dakari Prescotti." Agent Prime de Lucia answered. That made Bo look quizzically at Trick.

"It's consistent. Given the attack on The Queen back at the County it makes sense." Trick commented.

"Is there some other understanding I can provide for you, Your Royal Highness?" Agent Prime de Lucia asked.

"No, none at this time." Bo replied.

"Have I answered all of your questions?" Agent Prime de Lucia asked.

"Yes, you have, and I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule."

"Ever in the service of The Regnant in honor of the Realm." Agent Prime de Lucia replied.

"I will leave you to it then." Bo said as she rose from her chair followed by Trick.

"Your Royal Highness, Your Excellency." Agent Prime de Lucia said as she curtsied.


As Bo, Trick, and their Guard contingent walked down the hall to parting crowds Bo contemplated her options.

"I see the wheels turning, Your Royal Highness. What are you thinking of doing?" Trick prompted.

"Kenzi's first assignment is in the City of Lacommande, right?"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

"There may be a slight change of plans." Bo said.

"Thinking of sending her back to our plane?" Trick queried.

"You're right, Evony's authority as the Grand Ducal cannot be undermined, but Agent Iriliam's authority needs to be constrained. I want Kenzi to be that constraint. But I also don't want Kenzi's presence to seem so obvious as to why she is there." Bo replied.

"I agree. I would recommend sending Kenzi back to the County while Evony is here for the Convocation. Make it her training assignment. On the surface it would be seen as nostalgic, even with Agent Prime de Lucia, which is you want, but at the same time she can also use the opportunity to dig discreetly. See what's truly happening." Trick said.

"I was thinking that too. Yeah, and have her remain there until Evony and company return."

"I would also recommend sending Agents Korvo and Greystone with her. Make it look consistent with completing her training." Trick advised.

"Agreed. I'll let Kenzi know about this after dinner, out of earshot of Lauren, and then handle the politics of her new assignment later with Agent Prime and The Queen."


After dinner with Lauren and the children, and Kenzi Bo arrived at the private residence of Her Serene Highness and Third Regent Rimma Prescotti. Unlike most of the children of the Ruling Couple who lived within the inner confines of the Presidium in the private residences, Rimma resided in a chateau on the countryside grounds of the Presidium.

Bo stood in the middle of the chateau's brightly lit courtyard with a combination of lights and torches. The courtyard was surrounded by a lush garden and rainforest trees with cement walking paths that tentacled outwards in various directions. At the center of the courtyard there was a large, round table decorated with various plantings, fruits and vegetables, and satees scattered about, but what caught Bo's eyes were the canopied beds. There were several of them of various sizes scattered about as well. Bo smiled in speculation, but was quickly interrupted when the Seneschal approached her with a glass of Chela wine.

"Your Royal Highness." The Seneschal greeted with a bow.

"Thank you!" Bo replied as she took the glass of wine. The Seneschal bowed again and then left while Bo spun herself around to take in the full view of the courtyard and its surroundings.

"Welcome to my home, Your Royal Highness." Rimma said as she descended down a long flight of stone stairs in a yellowish-gold dress with black heels, with a split that went up the middle of the dress that stopped right a top of her inner things. Usually, Rimma wore her hair in a high pony tail but tonight she wore her hair down. She wore ornate rings on her hands that were tied together with thin chains, but no necklace or earrings.

"Hello." Bo said as she admired the view. Rimma smiled in response.

"Didn't think all you Prescottis could be any more beautiful." Bo replied.

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness. Have you eaten?" Rimma asked.

"Yes, and since it is only us please call me Bo."

"By you will, Bo."

"Boy, we are really going to have to work on that." Bo replied to herself.

"I'm sorry?"

"An inside joke." Bo clarified as she surveyed the place. "Your home is stunning."

"Thank you!"

"Do all of you have private homes like this? I haven't had the time to really get out and visit all of your homes."

"That is understandable. Next to our parents, only Antony and myself have chateaus. Elena has a smaller home further away from here that she uses, but she and Ariella split their time primarily between Presidium proper and the Knights of the Guard Training Facilities. Like Maxima, Dakari actually spends a great deal of time in his patronage, and splits his time. Jock and Atia have domiciles within Presidium proper, but live mostly at the Monadori Sanctuary. Emilia and Julian find it convenient to live within Presidium proper as they travel quite often all over the Realm. Maxima lives within Presidium proper, but desires her own private residence."

"Why doesn't she have one of her own?" Bo asked.

"Our parents are…reluctant to let her go." Rimma replied.

"Isn't she like 850 years old?" Bo chuckled.

"Tell that to our parents." Rimma replied.

"The problem with being the baby of the family, I guess." Bo commented.

"I would agree. Please." Rimma replied as she directed Bo to a small table with two chairs.

"So I understand I'm here to teach you the principles of Tantra?"

"That's what I understand."

"And hopefully, this will also help cure your snoring?"

"Does everybody know?"

"Sisters talk." Rimma replied with a smile. "So what do you know about the principles of Tantra?"

"From what I understand Tantra is a technique to help control one's sexual energy and urges." Bo replied.

"Correct. And for both Succubi and Incubi it is also an essential tool for meditation. if you were a Ranoruk it would be a necessity."

"I know Ranoruks are different, but are the differences really that stark?" Bo asked.

"Ranoruks can be quite primal if their urges were left unchecked. It's probably why The Queen wants you to learn Tantra because of the fragmented way your Succubi skills have developed so far." Rimma replied.

"I've learned quite a few skills over the years in efforts to control my urges and handle my feeds, but I could still benefit from a more formalized approach." Bo said.

"That's our belief as well, and because your development has been so fragmented we believe following the Ranoruk developmental approach would be the best one for you."

"I'm all in favor of mentorship!" Bo said with spirit.

"Before we get started may I ask how did you and Dr. Lewis handle your needs in the years you have been together?" Rimma asked.

"Please call her Lauren. We're both so grateful of your acceptance of her."

"Why wouldn't I be. She's an impressive woman."

"Yes, she is."

"So please, tell me."

"Well, when we first started dating, we had rules where I could…be…with anyone that we jointly approved of." Bo explained. Rimma nodded.

"Anyway, at the time we were trying to come up with a scientific way to control my hunger. That didn't work out so well so we agreed to a "I don't want to know" policy that we have followed ever since."

"Rather noble of her."

"Trust me, if it wasn't necessary, she wouldn't be so noble about it. When we decided to commit to one another I learned to discipline it better, and made sure my encounters were out of absolute need rather than to indulge my desire as well as my need."

"Rather considerate of you."

"I have to be, especially now that we have children."

"You do know you have the Seneschal to supplement your feeds?"

"I know."

"Ever thought of using a bed companion?"

"I just heard about those from Willa and Landon."

"Bed companions are quite common and quite convenient."

"But not safe. At least for my health." Bo replied. Rimma smiled.

"Bo, one of the over-arching principles of your training program is indoctrination. Getting you use to not only living in a wholly Fae world but thinking as a Fae in a wholly Fae world. Your consideration for Lauren's feelings is laudable, but it also stymies your development, and in some ways your Fae health."

"It was the path I chose when I made a commitment to Lauren."

"And we do not wish to be inconsiderate of that commitment. We want you to have the best of all worlds, and Tantra will help you redevelop your Succubus skills so you can manage and sustain your replenishments longer than what you are accustomed to."

"Like The Queen?"

"Her Majesty's capabilities as a Ranoruk are further supplemented because she is the Anointed Queen."

"I think I experienced some of that at one of our recent workout sessions when she first taught me to absorb chi through my hand. Her body was fully illuminated."

"You will learn feeding from Her Majesty will sustain you for weeks."

"Is that because of her abilities as Fae or as Queen?"

"Both."

"Will I ever learn that? Fully illuminate my body like she can?"

"Perhaps. But that is the purpose of your overall training program. To help you develop skills and techniques as close as to The Queen as possible. After all, you will be the next Sovereign."

"Can I ask a question?"

"Sure."

"Doesn't that bother you? That some outsider will be the next Queen?"

"It is not for me to decide. It is only for Destiny to decide and Destiny chose you."

"But still?"

"Are you asking if I have ambitions greater than my current station?"

"Well…sort of…yes. Not that I'm implying anything here."

"I do not. I have been blessed to come to know that my first destiny has always been about helping people. I love the challenge of forging partnerships and agreements between different parties. It's a dynamic that's always changing and I love the unpredictability of it. Keeps me on my toes."

"From what I've heard and seen you are amazing at your job as Third Regent."

"Thank you, but Elena is the true prodigy. She was born to be Regent. I just try and keep up. So what I would like to do is start you off with some Pi-Man-Ya breathing exercises which can effectively relax and tone muscles including your throat muscles which can help reduce or counteract snoring altogether. As we move along we will move into more intimate exercises."

"Okay."

"I must advise that some of these exercises will be very intimate. Are you sure you will be comfortable with that?"

"I will be fine."

"Well, then let us begin." Rimma said.


Later that night, after Bo and Lauren said good night to their children they walked back to their bedroom and stopped at the door.

"We better get to bed. I have a long day tomorrow, and so do you." Lauren said. Bo looked at Lauren expectant.

"I know that look." Lauren said.

"Of course! Me, in bed, with you, tonight." Bo replied.

"Did you solve your snoring problem with Rimma?" Lauren asked.

"Planning on testing the theory tonight." Bo replied with a wide smile.

"By sleeping or sex first then sleeping?"

"Kinda hoping for the latter."

"I'm not out the water yet with this presentation. Apparently, Grand Ducal Tarin of the Sintaki Delegation will be sitting in on the next round tomorrow so I have to be well rested."

"Well, you can be well rested afterwards." Bo said with a sultriness in her voice as she pulled Lauren closer. I have been thinking about you all day."

"I know, but we have to get at the root of the problem. Hopefully, Rimma's training will help." Lauren said as she kissed Bo on the lips, "Have a good sleep, sweetie," and then turned and opened the door to their bedroom.

"C'mon Lauren! People snore!" Bo said frustrated.

"But we are not ordinary people with ordinary responsibilities." Lauren replied then took a deep breath. "Look, I would be perfectly happy being a good-old fashioned, ordinary human doctor in a human world, but we're in your world now, which I am happy to be a part of because I love you and our family. But here I have to prove myself twenty times more than anyone else because I am both human and the partner to the next Sovereign. I want and need to do well for both our sakes, but in order for me to do that I have to be at my best. That means well rested."

"I don't like sleeping apart from you." Bo said dejected.

"You think I like sleeping apart from you? I don't, but someone has to be the strong one here." Lauren replied.

"I want to make love to you." Bo said as she stepped closer and took Lauren in her arms.

"Let's see how next few days' fare okay? See if the training helps." Lauren kissed her again. "Goodnight."

"Lauren!" Bo called after her even more frustrated.

"See you in the morning." Lauren called back as she entered their bedroom and shut the door behind her. Bo's shoulders sank. Then the Seneschal appeared.

"Your Royal Highness is there anything you need?"

"Something that makes me stop snoring!" Bo snapped and then entered her bedroom across the hall and slammed the door behind her.