Kenzi saw Bo grinned like an idiot while the Seneschal helped her prepare for her first official date with His Serene Highness Antony Prescotti.
"You can stop grinning any year now." Kenzi said.
"I'm grinning because I haven't seen you this excited to go on a date in a long time. You've been out on dates over the years, but I haven't seen you this jittery. What is this? The seventh wardrobe change?" Bo replied.
"He's the eldest son of Their Majesties, Rana of the Prescotti Dynasty, and the Pashan of the Combined Armies, and he's taking me out to dinner in the City Nahala, and I'm betting at Oliver House, so I want to make a good, first impression." Kenzi said.
"I think you made that the moment he laid eyes on you." Bo replied.
"How's the planning for the Convocation coming along?" Kenzi asked.
"Well, I am certainly receiving an education, and poor Trick is running like a chicken with his head cut off." Bo replied.
"How are he and Eva? Still going strong I see."
"Oh yes, but as the Taoiseach, she is one of the main leaders of this whole shebang. I may be The Princess Royal, but let me tell you I would not want to be in her shoes right now."
"Ready for your first speech before the Convocation?" Kenzi asked.
"Not even."
"You'll do fine."
"Beyond statements before DRM investors, I've never really done grand speeches."
"You have done more grand speeches than you realize. You'll be fine." Kenzi assured.
"Yeah, those were life and death situations, true, but this will be before thousands of Fae, which will be worse than life or death." Bo said.
"Isn't the age old advice is if you're nervous about giving a speech before an audience to think of them as all being naked?"
"That would be quite the sight." Bo replied. Kenzi chuckled as she checked her latest outfit.
"What do you think of this one?"
"I like this one along with previous six wardrobe changes you've made."
"Well, I want to make sure I have the right outfit."
"I'm sure you are trying the patience of even the Seneschal."
"Am I trying your patience?" Kenzi turned to the Seneschal and asked.
"We are here to serve, Milady." The Seneschal replied.
"Way to swerve, guys." Bo replied. The Seneschal smiled.
"It's this one or bust then." Kenzi decided. The Seneschal gave a slight bow and then left the room with Kenzi's previous six outfits in hand.
"So, have you spoken with Lauren?" Kenzi asked.
"Well, she had her meeting with Evony."
"And?"
"No change."
"Not surprising. We'll connect heads when I get there and get to the bottom of this."
"Yeah, by the way, when are you leaving?"
"Pretty soon."
"You know, we haven't talked about your assignment." Bo said.
"The less said the better, don't you think."
"As I said before, you could've said no to this entire thing. The Presidium. The Agency."
"And leave you? No. I left you once. I will not leave you again."
"Kenzi, I don't want you to do anything you'll come to regret later. You're my heart." Bo said. Kenzi went over and sat next to Bo and caressed her face.
"And you are mine. We are family, and we are all in this together, remember? To the bottom!" Kenzi replied. Bo smiled as she took Kenzi's caressing hand into hers.
"To the bottom." Bo repeated. "Well, do you at least know who it is?"
"Haven't been told yet." Kenzi replied then the Seneschal walked into the room.
"Your Royal Highness, your office?" The Seneschal informed. Bo sat up.
"Hmp. Call on!" Bo said into the air and Willa and Landon shimmered into view.
"What's going on?" Bo asked.
"There's been a requested change to part 158 of the Convocation Agenda as it relates to the outline to discuss the slate of interagency agreements between the Brinari and the Aonghus Delegations." Willa said.
"I thought we settled that?" Bo asked.
"As did we, but the Brinari Delegation asked for an amendment and Rana McCorrigan, Rana Chavalier and The Queen Consort's offices wanted to make sure you were briefed on the requested change and if you approve." Landon replied.
"Presidium rule waits for no one." Kenzi commented.
"I can take this in the next room." Bo said.
"No. Do it here. That way, my ears can be entertained until Antony arrives." Kenzi replied.
"Thanks."
Kenzi sat and waited for Antony to arrive while Bo spoke with her staff over the comms. When the Seneschal announced his arrival 30 minutes later and he walked in Kenzi and Bo's mouths went slightly agape. He was dressed in what looked like leaned out combat gear straight out of a Halo game and carried a helmet.
"Hi! Did I miss the memo? I thought we were going out on a date?" Kenzi said.
"Yes, we are." Antony looked over to Bo and bowed. "Your Royal Highness." Bo smiled and acknowledged the bow.
"Okay. I must have a misunderstanding as to how one should dress on a first date on this plane of existence." Kenzi said.
"No, no. We're still having dinner, but I thought you could watch me play Juggerbol first, and then attend dinner afterwards." Antony replied.
"Juggerbol?" Kenzi repeated incredulous.
"Yes, my team is in the championship series. We play the first round tonight." Antony replied. Kenzi just looked at him.
"You asked me out on a date on the same evening your team is playing in a championship series? Why even ask me out tonight?" Kenzi asked again just as incredulous.
"Because I thought it would be fun, I wanted our first evening to be memorable, and I wanted to share this experience with you." Antony replied. Kenzi's ire deflated.
"Well, why didn't you tell me of the change in plans? I could've dressed differently." Kenzi said. Antony stepped closer to her.
"Trust me, you are perfectly dressed." Antony assured.
"We are going to some sweaty sporting event, and I'm dressed as if I'm about to attend an evening at the opera. I need to change, Antony."
"You look beautiful. Doesn't she, Your Royal Highness?" Antony prompted.
"Well, yes." Bo agreed.
"Do not change a thing." Antony said softly as he walked up, turned and extended his arm out. Kenzi took his arm.
"Spoken like a true guy." Kenzi replied.
As they walked out the door, Kenzi looked back to a giggling Bo.
