"Your Royal Highness." Tamsin greeted as she entered Lauren's hospital room. Bo and Crystal sat in chairs around Lauren's hospital bed while she slept. A nurse monitored her vitals while the Seneschal monitored Lauren's comfort. Bo and Crystal looked up at the sound of Tamsin's voice. Tamsin was about to curtsey when Bo stood up and said, "Enough of that," and greeted her friend with a hug. When they broke the embrace Tamsin waved at Crystal.

"Hello Crystal!" Tamsin greeted.

"Hey Tamsin!" Crystal greeted.

"Are you okay?" Tamsin asked.

"Yes I am. Thank you for asking." Crystal replied.

"So, how's Lauren doing?" Tamsin asked.

"She's stable now." Bo replied.

"Has she been sleeping the whole time?" Tamsin asked.

"Yeah." Bo replied.

"Does Mary know what happened yet?" Tamsin asked.

"I called a little while ago." Bo replied.

"How'd she take the news?" Tamsin asked.

"Not well. Mama wanted to come right away with the children and sit with Lauren, but I told her to stay in Grimley. Once Lauren is back on her feet we are going to head there." Bo replied.

"When do the Docs expect Lauren to be back on her feet?" Tamsin asked.

"Amazingly, in a couple of days." Bo replied.

"Really?" Tamsin said surprised.

"Presidium Medical technology at its finest." Bo replied.

"Bo, look, I'm sorry. I thought…" Tamsin started.

"Don't even think about blaming yourself. There's no blame to be had. This is who and how we all are." Bo replied.

"That's for sure." Crystal chimed in. Bo and Tamsin looked at her.

"Hey, I'm right with you guys, drinking the kool-aid to the bitter end." Crystal added. Bo and Tamsin smiled.

"Bo's right, don't blame yourself. We all knew what we were doing and it could get rough. We're just grateful you kept a close eye and sent in the Desperados." Crystal said. Tamsin smiled in response then looked around.

"Is it just me or has this place turned into the National Botanical Gardens?" Tamsin observed.

"Popawi, the Head Gardener from Presidium Medical sent them on the behalf of the entire Presidium. The smell of them is supposed to help speed her recovery. Besides, you know how Lauren loves plants." Bo replied.

"Yeah. Hey, you got a minute?" Tamsin asked.

"Sure." Bo replied.

"Can we talk outside?" Tamsin said. Bo looked at Crystal and they exchanged nods and then Bo and Tamsin stepped out into the early morning and walked along one of the garden paths.

"I was about to head to the Ducal Compound to catch up." Bo said.

"That's one of the reasons why I'm here so you can be brought up to speed and yet stay close to Lauren." Tamsin replied.

"So what's the latest?" Bo asked.

"The purges are no longer." Tamsin reported.

"By whose order?" Bo asked.

"Agent Prime's. Apparently, the 'Special Mandate' had an underlying purpose aside from exacting old time revenges." Tamsin replied.

"What was it?" Bo asked.

"It seems the 'Mandate' was also intended to root out those that conspired in the attack on The Queen when she was here, and the death of some Primus." Tamsin replied.

"Primus Cocher?" Bo queried.

"Yeah, that's the name." Tamsin replied. Bo slowly came to a stop suddenly gripped in thought.

"Bo?" Tamsin prompted.

"It's like something is there but I cannot make all the pieces work. Primus Cocher's murder, the attack on Ari, the Athenaeum, the relic, what does all this mean? They seem connected, but yet they're not, and yet they are. But how?"

"Does the name Bastiaan Rumlar ring a bell?" Tamsin asked.

"No."

"He's an Agent of the Presidium, and according to the other Agents one of the best in their history." Tamsin replied.

"What about him?"

"He was named as one of the conspirators by another Agent, Agent Harada, and trust me, you did not want to be there for that interrogation." Tamsin replied.

"I can only imagine."

"There's some more news and it hits close to home."

"What is it?" Bo asked.

"Agent Greystone has been ordered to find and apprehend Aoife and bring her in for questioning before the Agency." Tamsin replied.

"Who ordered that?" Bo asked her temper suddenly flared.

"Agent Prime." Tamsin replied.

"How dare she!"

"Bo…"

"How dare she!"

"Bo…"

"She is the Princess Mother!" Bo flared with a touch of haughtiness in her voice.

"Presidium starting to rub off on you?"

"She is my mother!" Bo yelled.

"Who could also be considered a conspirator given what she knows and who she's in bed with! Besides, it's the right call, Bo. After all, you yourself had her detained by the Desperados." Tamsin reminded.

"To protect her against those Fae, humans or whatever else she might be in bed with, not to be treated as some common criminal!"

"Agent Prime's order could also be construed as a protection order."

"Really, Tamsin?"

"We need to know what she knows, Bo!"

"Whose side are you on?" Bo yelled.

"Yours and you know it!" Tamsin yelled back. Bo exhaled with slumped her shoulders then sat down on the nearest bench and rubbed her forehead. Tamsin went and sat next to her.

"Look, I know it's been awhile since you've seen her, and I know you don't want any harm to come to her but Aoife is in it deep. We can't protect her unless we know what we are protecting her against." Tamsin explained. Bo said nothing.

"You have a lot on your mind. Lauren, the children, the Convocation and now this situation with Aoife. Let me take the Aoife part off your shoulders at least. I will make sure when Agent Greystone finds her she is questioned properly."

"You're right. I do have a lot on my mind. And you're right about Aoife. I just want her to be safe. So much has changed since we last saw one another. And I want her to meet her grandchildren." Bo replied then looked at Tamsin. "Sorry about my outburst."

"Hey, I totally understand. You're only the next Queen of the Fae Realm." Tamsin said with a bit of humor which made Bo crack a smile.

"Any other news?" Bo asked.

"Kenzi has been assigned to replace that Chas Marrero under Agent Eanes for North America." Tamsin replied.

"Before her training is completed?" Bo asked.

"Sounds like her first full-fledge assignment is to be part of her final training." Tamsin replied.

"Wait, that sounds like she will be here for a while." Bo noted.

"Sounds like it."

"Beatrice and Antony are not going to like that."

"I suppose not. Besides, we need to find her first." Tamsin said.

"Find who?" Kenzi said from behind as she walked up. Both Bo and Tamsin stood up and they all exchanged hugs.

"Hey!" Bo greeted.

"Hey! So how's Lauren?" Kenzi asked.

"Out of surgery. She's stable now, and is sleeping." Bo replied. "How are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm going to leave you two to catch up. I want to check in on Reed and Clio before I have to head back to the Ducal Compound." Tamsin intejected as she rubbed both Bo and Kenzi on the arms.

"Let me know if anything changes with Lauren, okay." Tamsin said.

"I will." Bo replied. Then Tamsin turned and headed back inside the JFM.

"Tamsin!" Bo called out. Tamsin stopped and turned around.

"Thank you for being there. For all of us!" Bo said. Tamsin bowed her head then turned back around and headed inside the JFM. Bo turned to Kenzi.

"Everything okay?" Bo asked.

"Yeah, I didn't do it though." Kenzi replied.

"Changed your mind?"

"No, someone was quicker on the draw."

"What?"

"And it seems whoever did it got Val too."

"What?"

"Looks like she's been dead for days. Her throat was cut along with all of her staff."

"What the hell?"

"I know it's crazy! Look, I know you may not want to hear this but I need to stay here for a while."

"I think Agent Prime is already ahead of you on that."

"What?"

"Tamsin was just saying Agent Prime has you replacing Chas Marrero."

"You know, that's actually a good thing, although Beatrice is going to have a stroke."

"Why is that?"

"Sturgis may have also been involved in a larger conspiracy."

"Good grief! Another one?"

"Dude gets around that for sure."

"So what's this 'conspiracy' you think he may have been into?"

"Something he said right before he was killed about a toxin that I think it may be connected with what's happening in Nassoria."

"How?"

"I think the toxin may have originated here."

"Here? On our plane? How?"

"I have my…sources."

"Kenzi, we are about to ask for inclusion into the Presidium and you uncover a conspiracy that may be crippling the hometown of its Queen?"

"Well…yeah."

"Kenzi, do you know what this means?"

"I know exactly what this means, and that's why I need the hugest favor from you."

"What's that?"

"I need to keep this quiet between us." Kenzi replied. Bo sat down again and thought for a moment.

"I can't." Bo said.

"Bo, please…!"

"I can't!"

"You have to!"

"Kenzi! This impacts The Queen's own homelands! How can I not say something?"

"I need to make sure I'm right first!"

"And if you are right and further damage is done, perhaps even lives lost how am I to justify keeping it from Ari for that long?"

"Tell her that not only did you need proof but you also needed time to find the culprits." Kenzi replied.

"Kenzi, this is the biggest gamble we have ever taken!"

"Ari saved my life! The Queen of the Fae Realm saved my life, and I really like her son. I promise you, I won't fail!" Kenzi stated. Bo exhaled.

"Fine, but I can only play coy for so long but if the poison spreads then I have to say something."

"Deal!"

"How long will it take you because this could risk the inclusion of the humans into the Fae Realm."

"When's the vote on the inclusion?"

"It's scheduled for five months from now."

"Then I have four months and twenty-nine days then."

"Won't you need help?" Bo asked.

"I think I know where I can get help, but for right now I need you to keep this between us." Bo exhaled again.

"Keep me posted will ya?" Bo asked.

"I will!" Kenzi replied. Bo stood as they hugged. "I better get going to the Ducal Compound and report in to Agent Prime. I'll peek on Lauren later on afterwards."

"Okay." Bo said. Kenzi then smiled then turned around and left.


"Hey Hooker!" Crystal greeted softly after Lauren's eyes fluttered open which earned her a subtle, yet reproving look from the Seneschal. Dr. Danna and Head Nurse Jobina were in the room checking her vitals.

"I know, I know. After Bo ascends the throne I will stop calling her that…at least, in front of you guys." Crystal said and then winked. Dr. Danna and Jobina smiled.

"How do you feel?" Dr. Danna asked as she came over and stood on one side of Lauren's bed.

"Still a bit groggy." Lauren replied.

"Gotta keep our best doctor relaxed with the best meds in the house." Dr. Danna replied.

"Are you feeling dizzy or anything?" Nurse Jobina asked.

"No, just a bit groggy." Lauren replied then looked at Crystal.

"Hey." Lauren greeted.

"Hey." Crystal greeted again.

"Are you okay?" Lauren asked.

"Me? I'm fine compared to you." Crystal replied.

"How's everyone? Is Aeson okay?"

"Aeson?" Crystal queried.

"Bas Cibor." The Seneschal answered. "Yes, Milady he is in recovery."

"And everyone else?" Lauren asked.

"Always the Doctor, aren't you? Everyone is fine. All patched up and resting." Dr. Danna replied.

"When I get my bearing I want to check in on them all." Lauren said as she looked to the Seneschal.

"Yes, Milady, and the Ruling Family and the Presidium offer their best wishes on your recovery and return." The Seneschal replied.

"Thank you." Lauren said then looked around, "Where's Bo?"

"She's out talking with Tamsin catching up on the latest." Crystal replied.

"Did she check in on the children?" Lauren said.

"Sure did." Crystal replied.

"How are they?" Lauren queried.

"They're fine." Crystal replied.

"Good." Lauren replied then looked around some more and saw all the flowers. "Oh my word!"

"Oh yes, these all came from a Mr. Papawi?" Dr. Danna replied. Lauren smiled.

"So I guess everything is out of the bag now?" Lauren queried.

"So out of the bag! You and Bo are due for several rounds of lectures." Crystal replied.

"You know, you were pretty amazing during our little undercover op!" Lauren said.

"What about you, miss Wonder Woman meets the Enchantress. Bo isn't the only one picking up a few tricks at the Presidium." Crystal replied.

"No I'm not." Bo said when she entered the room. Everyone was about to curtsey when Bo raised her hand.

"Hey babe!" Lauren said.

"And I will leave you two to it. I'll be back later." Crystal said as she stood up, patted Lauren on the arm and headed for the door. Dr. Danna, Head Nurse Jobina and the Seneschal followed behind her and closed the door.

"Hey babe!" Lauren greeted again this time with an outward hand. Bo exhaled and went to her, sat on the edge of her bed and they embraced in a long, but light kiss. When they broke their embrace Lauren leaned back onto the bed.

"How do you feel?" Bo asked as she stroked Lauren's hair.

"Pretty good on these drugs. The benefits of Presidium medicine." Lauren answered.

"You and your bright ideas." Bo lovingly admonished.

"Thought it would be a simple in and out matter. Not uncovering some grand, ancient conspiracy."

"You should know our luck by now."

"I'm glad you came." Lauren replied. Then they kissed again.

"I thought I lost you." Bo said.

"It would take more than a couple of pokes."

"Don't joke like that."

"I'm sorry, just trying to lighten the mood." Lauren reassured.

"I love you." Bo said.

"I love you." Lauren replied. "Crystal said you already checked in on the children?"

"Yep, although Mama said that MaryAoife couldn't sleep."

"That's odd."

"I know."

"And Mary knows what happened to me?" Lauren asked.

"Oh yes, and she's not happy. I told her when you back on your feet we would head there and spend some time before heading back for the Convocation." Bo replied.

"So what's the latest?" Lauren asked.

"Agent Marrero is dead."

"Already?" Lauren replied so quickly that it made Bo blurt out a laugh.

"I mean, we knew it was coming eventually, but who did it?" Lauren asked.

"We aren't sure. He was about to be escorted out when his chest exploded."

"When? Where?"

"Soon after you left."

"Another attack?" Lauren asked alarmed.

"Yes, but everyone is fine."

"Where's Aoife?"

"I had the Desperados take her back to the Ducal Compound but she escaped enroute." Bo replied. Lauren looked concerned.

"Back into the clutches of the Dark Fae?" Lauren reminded.

"Honey, those distinctions no longer exist."

"Not to us, but they still do to her."

"It was the only safe place I knew for her. And now that she's out there on the loose she's probably just as much in danger as this Chas was. Besides, Tamsin is right we have to know what she knows." Bo argued.

"You're right." Lauren replied then furrowed her eyebrows and looked around.

"Where's Kenzi?" Lauren asked.

"Heading back to the Ducal Compound. Looks like she will staying here for awhile taking over Chas Marrero's assignment."

"For how long?" Lauren asked.

"At least six months."

"Beatrice and Antony are not going to like that." Lauren said. Bo chuckled then looked at Lauren then bent down closer to her.

"I thought I had lost you." Bo said as she rubbed the side of Lauren's face.

"I'm here." Lauren replied as she returned the gesture and Bo kissed the inside of her hand.

"I know this is us, and what we do but maybe we need to be more…" Bo started.

"Remember, we promised eachother that we're in this together, right?" Lauren reminded.

"I know, but…"

"Together! No you, no me, us, together!" Lauren said more firmly. Bo acquiesced.

"Us, together!" Bo repeated softly.

"I love you." Lauren said.

"I love you."