"Mummy, Mother!" Antony greeted after he walked through the doors of Their Majesties private apartments and bowed.

"Come here!" Helen said as she extended her arms out. Antony raised himself up and embraced his Mother as she kissed him on the cheek.

"You look well. Nearly five months in Nassoria suits you." Helen noted. Antony smiled in response as he went and greeted Ari.

"How is Nassoria? Any changes?" Ari asked as she directed him towards facing couches.

"Aunt Nehanda is continuing with the site investigation." Antony replied as he took a seat on one couch while his parents sat on the facing couch. Antony replied.

"At what level is the investigation now?" Ari asked.

"Still attempting to identify the source and extent of the contamination." Antony replied.

"Assessment parameters?" Helen asked.

"Examining everything as possible routes for the contaminated exposure. Fae, ecological, geological, hydrogeological, atmospheric, environmental fates." Antony replied.

"Any indications from the abutting regions that it may have spread to them?" Helen asked.

"Have not heard anything yet, but Ariella and Jock are keeping a close watch on Zifan and Ohenes. They plan to visit their patronages during your Sleep." Antony replied.

"Any more preliminary analysis?" Ari asked.

"Once Nassoria completes their sampling activities we can put together a remedial approach based off the results." Antony replied.

"Very good. When we all travel home for my Sleep I'll be able to take a look personally." Ari said.

"Everyone is excited to see you. Aunt Yammy is already making plans." Antony replied.

"I'm sure." Helen said.

"Have you been brought up to speed on the Convocation planning?" Ari asked.

"Yes, Thaddeus briefed me on the deployments of the Combined Armies. I plan to start inspections tomorrow." Antony replied.

"As you know, the core focus this round of the Convocation is the inclusion of the 25th Delegation. Not only are the Planer Representatives already here, but the Planar Rajahs are attending as well." Helen said.

"All of them?" Antony asked.

"All of them." Helen replied.

"That is news." Antony stated.

"There's something we need to discuss with you." Ari said.

"Yes, Mummy?"

"Brys Rolande has raised the issue about total supremacy over the planes. We believe he plans to take informal soundings during the Convocation." Helen said.

"Is your mind made up on the question?" Antony asked.

"The situation with the Monoliths, Bo's Recognition, and the inclusion of the 25th Delegation begs the question now. The Planar Rajahs must sense it too if there are coming en masse." Ari replied.

"If Prime Representative Rolande plans to take informal soundings he must mean to galvanize support to raise the issue formally." Antony said.

"We thought so too, and to control the impact we mean to instigate him to do it. Elena will see to it. That way, Brys is seen as the focal point and we are seen as only reacting." Ari replied.

"And then we can shape the question to our advantage." Antony followed.

"Precisely. And we need the Tetrarch to shape it." Ari said.

"Mummy, in order to shape the question, I need to understand your stance on it. Are you in favor of total supremacy?" Antony asked. Helen looked at Ari.

"The question can no longer be avoided, but then again the question is not solely for me to decide now. Bo must also have a say." Ari replied.

"Has she been approached?" Antony asked.

"She and I are of the same mindsets; we want to see where the discussion leads." Ari replied.

"Rana McCorrigan has a direct interest in the outcome so he will not be too difficult so long as the solution favors Bo best interests. The Tulach Dynasty may have concerns, but it's the LauDessar Dynasty that'll be the biggest problem." Antony said.

"We agree." Ari replied.

"I will speak with Scarlett about deploying Agency resources. See what scuttlebutt they pick up." Helen added.

"Now that you are back Regent Saladin can now convene The Regnant Council." Ari said.

"Mummy, Mother, there's something I'd like to raise with you." Both of them nodded.

"What is it?" Helen prompted.

"Kenzi. I would like to see her. Formally." Antony said. Ari and Helen glanced at one another.

"Your interest in Kenzi is unsurprising, but is your relationship with Theodosia truly at an end?" Ari asked.

"Yes." Antony replied. Ari and Helen glanced at one another again then back at Antony.

"She's met Kenzi." Helen said.

"When?" Antony asked.

"At Oliver House shortly after Bo's arrival. Bo had taken her…automobile out for a drive and they stopped at Oliver House. Theodosia was already there having dinner. Eva told me of the interaction." Helen replied.

"I've spoken with Kenzi several times over the last several months. She's never said anything." Antony replied.

"Probably thought there was nothing to say." Helen said.

"Well, Theodosia and I are over." Antony replied.

"With that being settled, the other issue is about Kenzi herself. While we think Kenzi is quite lovely, she's also human." Helen said.

"From what I understand from Nadu we're not entirely sure of that either." Ari said.

"What are your concerns?" Antony asked.

"We're concerned about the uphill battle you'll face with other Fae. Bo's situation is a whole other matter, but you, the first-born son of The Queen, and Rana of the Prescotti Dynasty dating a human? The Fae are going to think there's an epidemic!" Ari said. Antony and Helen laughed.

"Kenzi lives in wholly Fae world. It's expected she would eventually enter a relationship with a Fae. And it's not like this is the first time the Realm has born witness to a Fae-Human relationship." Antony said.

"Not where it concerns royalty. Bo's partnership with Dr. Lewis is a first-ever in the history of the Ruling Families. Now the second in that same history involves her dearest friend? See my point?" Ari continued.

"Are you truly opposed?" Antony asked.

"I remember the look on your face when you first met her at the Dal Riata. Your intent is true, but you know as well as I do that Fae can be tolerant so long as it is convenient. The moment it becomes inconvenient the truth will out." Ari replied.

"Do I have your blessing?" Antony asked.

"Of course, you have our blessing!" Helen replied.

"Thank you Mummy Mother." Antony replied. Just then Seneschal entered the room and bowed.

"Your Majesty, Regent Saladin is calling. He needs a brief word." The Seneschal said. Ari stood up.

"I'll be right back." Ari said and left the room.

"While your Mummy is out of the room there is one final thing you should know?" Helen said.

"Yes, Mother?"

"Mummy plans to stand watch over Regnant Einiah's tomb." Helen informed.

"What prompted this?"

"Not sure. Anytime I ask her she gives me a vague answer. I wanted you to be aware."

"Thank you, Mother." Antony replied. Ari then came back into the room.

"What did Saladin want?" Helen asked.

"To apprise me that Bo has made a request of the Agency to change the location Kenzi's first assignment."

"Really? To Where?" Helen asked.

"Back to her home plane." Ari replied.

"Really? Must be out of nostalgia." Antony commented.

"Perhaps. In any event, let us not keep you. You have lot to do." Helen said.

"Did you make your offering yet?" Ari asked.

"After I leave here." Antony replied.

"Have a good evening, then." Ari said.

"You as well." Antony said as he kissed both his mothers on the cheek then bowed, and then he turned and left.


Antony's next stop was the Monadori Sanctuary. It was customary to make offerings for the prosperity for the Realm whenever they returned from travel. His siblings, Jock and Atia greeted him at the Sanctuary and joined him as he made his offerings. At the conclusion of the hour-long ceremony they returned with him to his private Chateau only to find Elena, Dakari, and Julian there waiting for him.

"Well, this is quite the reception!" Antony greeted.

"We wanted to welcome you back." Elena said as she greeted her brother with a hug and kiss.

"Plus, we have ulterior motives." Dakari added as he greeted his older brother with a hug followed by Julian.

"And what are those?" Antony asked.

"Juggerbol, of course! We fought our way into the championship series, and now we need our Captain to push us to victory." Dakari replied.

"I saw a couple of the matches. Excellent job, Elena as Captain, but then again you are amazing at everything." Antony said.

"Thank you!" Elena replied.

"That last match was so intense it made me miss it even more. Can't wait to get back to it." Antony replied.

"How's Nassoria?" Elena asked.

"Same status as before. For now, let's be thankful there are no indications that the contamination has spread, but we still have no clue what caused it in the first place. In certain areas, it runs deep. The color of the soil is disconcerting, like it's sick or something. I've purposely tamped down my reports so Mummy can remain focused on the Convocation. But when she returns to the Homelands for her sleep and sees the condition of the soil first-hand she may return to full-time farming to find a solution." Antony replied.

"Delaying her sleep even more. Perhaps I should return to Zifan now." Jock said concerned.

"It sounds as if all of us should return to our patronages now." Julian added.

"That may not be a bad idea, but let's wait until after the Ceremonial Opening and the introductory meetings and then I would say go." Elena said.

"Mummy and Mother brought me up to speed on Brys." Antony commented.

"There will be a lot to manage there." Elena replied. Then the doors opened and the Seneschal announced the arrival of Rimma, Emilia, Ariella, and Maxima.

"Welcome home!" Emilia greeted as she went up and embraced her brother and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hello, fierce tiger." Antony greeted. Then Ariella came up and hugged her brother.

"Welcome home!" Ariella greeted.

"Hello, Junior!" Antony greeted. Then Maxima came up and hugged her brother.

"We've missed you!" Maxima greeted.

"The shine in all of our suns! Hello lovely!" Antony greeted. Then Rimma came up and hugged her brother.

"We have missed you!" Rimma greeted.

"Sorceress! Aunt Nehanda cannot wait to see you." Antony replied.

"And I her. How's Nassoria?" Rimma asked.

"We were just talking about the need for all of us to return to our patronages once the Convocation is in full swing." Atia replied.

"Situation's that bad?" Emilia asked.

"Sounds as if it could be if it spreads." Dakari replied.

"You heard that the Planar Rajahs are coming?" Rimma inquired.

"Yes, from Mummy and Mother." Antony replied.

"The Planar Representatives are in more of their usual form than ever. Atílio is pulling his hair what's left of his hair out." Rimma said.

"We'll get a handle on it once Saladin convenes The Regnant Council. Now since you all are here I need to speak with you on something." Antony replied. Those who had yet to be seated took seats.

"What is going on?" Elena asked.

"Kenzi. I've asked Mummy and Mother for their blessing to see Kenzi formally. I'm now asking for yours." Antony said. His siblings laughed.

"What's so funny?" Antony challenged.

"We've known since you first met her you were thunderstuck!" Julian replied.

"Go away, you cretins!" Antony said as he shot out of his chair and went to a window and looked out of it.

"We have been wondering what you planned to do about it. Kenzi said you had been calling her periodically from Nassoria. Those are the actions of someone who is smitten." Atia said. Antony rolled his eyes as he turned back to face his siblings.

"Plus, we heard about the flowers and the brooch you gave her." Ariella said.

"Did you blab about anything else?" Antony asked his brothers.

"My dear brother, you are not one who can or likes to hide much." Emilia said.

"And we are very happy for you." Maxima added.

"And what about Theodosia?" Rimma asked.

"That is over." Antony replied.

"Truly?" Rimma asked.

"Yes." Antony replied.

"That's sad to hear." Rimma said.

"Why is that?" Antony asked.

"We know what she meant to you. You nearly proposed to her." Rimma replied. Antony said nothing.

"I rather enjoyed listening to Theodosia's...extremism. Always gave Jock a good rise." Atia poked.

"Glad you enjoyed the verbal matches." Jock replied. "So now we have another set of a Fae and a human together." Antony let out a chuckle.

"Mummy said Fae would declare it an epidemic." Antony replied. Now it was his siblings turn to laugh.

"So when and where is the first outing?" Maxima said as she sat up in her seat more.

"Antony should more concerned about whom you plan to bring to the Installation Ceremony." Julian deflected.

"Julian!" Maxima said exasperated. Julian smiled broadly.

"It's not that one that was here with Bo when she visited the first time? What's his name?" Antony asked.

"Vex." Julian reminded.

"You're joking?" Antony said incredulous.

"I like him." Maxima defended.

"That's not all. Junior here is asking Bruce to the Installation." Dakari said.

"Keep treading the same old ground. Can't find anything new to play with?" Antony challenged.

"I like him. A lot." Ariella fired back.

"And Emilia has someone on the field." Jock chimed in.

"And on that note, I should head back to the lab." Emilia said as she stood up out of her chair and went over and hugged Antony again.

"Is it that mouse? Tell me it's not the mouse?" Antony asked.

"His name is Louis, as you well know, and I haven't decided whether to invite him to the Installation as Jock well knows." Emilia said then gently punched her brother in the chest. "And he's not a mouse." The she reached up and kissed him on the cheek." Welcome home! And my very best with Kenzi." Then Emilia turned and left.

"He's a mouse." Antony said after she left. His brothers chuckled.

"We should be lucky she's interested in anything other than the lab lately. It's been a long time since she's been out with anyone." Elena said.

"Look whose talking?" Atia challenged.

"And one that note," Elena said as she got up and hugged her brother, "Welcome back." Elena said.

"Wait! I'll walk out with you." Rimma said as she went up and hugged and kissed brother again. "Welcome back." Antony turned to Atia.

"You suddenly haven't given up your vows have you?" Antony asked. Atia scoffed.

"And listen to your ridicule of my dating choices?" Atia said as she got up and hugged her brother. "Welcome home!" Then Ariella and Maxima followed suit and walked out with Atia. Antony watched them go as his brothers came and stood near him.

"We should have encouraged Mummy and Mother to marry them off." Antony said.

"Then we would have had Vex, Bruce, and Louis as brother-in-laws." Julian replied.

"Bite your tongue!" Antony replied.

"I must say there a lot of conversation about Kenzi of late." Dakari said.

"What else is going on?" Julian asked.

"Agent Prime informed me that Bo and Fitzpatrick visited her asking about Agent Iriliam and his Special Mandate." Dakari said.

"When I was with Mummy Saladin informed her that Bo asked that the location for Kenzi's first assignment be changed to the County." Antony replied.

"Where was her original assignment?" Jock asked.

"The City of Lacommande." Dakari replied.

"The home of Grand Ducal Evony Marquis's ancestors." Julian added.

"With Bo asking about Agent Iriliam and his Special Mandate coupled with the assignment change sounds like something is going on back on her home plane. Is there?" Antony asked.

"Nothing more than the usual procedures." Julian replied.

"There is one more thing." Dakari said.

"What's that?" Antony replied.

"She's due to leave right at the start of the Convocation." Dakari said.

"That's in a few weeks' time." Antony replied then thought for a long moment. "Tell me what her assignment entails, and then I may have one for you."