Ms. Arlette Touchard, the Estate Housekeeper, flanked by two housemaids came up to Bo and Lauren as they entered the house.
"Milady, it is so very good to see you again." Ms. Touchard greeted.
"Thank you, Ms. Touchard. It's good to be home." Lauren returned.
"And children!" Ms. Touchard said in a buoyant tone.
"You may not be so thankful once they're set on the loose." Lauren replied.
"It will be sincere joy to hear the pitter patter of children about. And your room is still as it was." Ms. Touchard said.
"Really?" Lauren asked amazed.
"Yes, Milady. And while the children are occupied, we will make a room ready for them."
"Next to ours, of course." Lauren confirmed.
"Of course." Then Ms. Touchard looked at the Seneschal and Bases Kadine and Cibor. "I can have one of the house maids show them where they will be housed."
"They like to make sure we are settled first and then that will be fine." Lauren replied. Ms. Touchard nodded then led the way upstairs, followed by Bo and Lauren and the Seneschal. The rest of the housing staff gawked at the sheer size of Bas Cibor as he and Bas Kadine walked behind Bo and Lauren. Once they arrived at Lauren's old room Bas Kadine and Bas Cibor went and opened the doors first and then checked the room. Once they gave the all clear then Bo and Lauren stepped inside, while they posted themselves at the doors. Then the Seneschal went about settling their things.
"I have never seen staff like them before." Ms. Touchard said. "Even with the wealthiest of guests who've stayed here." Ms. Touchard said as she observed the Seneschal.
"They're very efficient." Bo replied.
"I can see. Is there anything we can do to help?" Ms. Touchard asked.
"Please make sure Maman doesn't feed the children too many sweets while we unpack." Lauren replied.
"Really? Their children." One of the maids blurted. Bo and Lauren smiled.
"My mother spoils them enough with cookies and pies." Bo replied.
"And they do not need a chocolate addiction." Lauren added.
"Well, I guess we shall leave you and the…Seneschal to it then. Please let us know if you need anything." Ms. Touchard said.
"Oh. Just to let you know, the Seneschal are also our Household staff, so you will see them, well, everywhere. Including the kitchens." Lauren informed.
"The kitchens?" Ms. Touchard replied. "As you well know Milady, how protective Ms. Donnet is of her domain."
"That's why I'm warning you now. Please tell her they're only to here to help. Not take over, although she might think otherwise." Lauren replied.
"Let me get on that right away." Ms. Touchard replied then nodded to one of the maids who then turned and left the room.
"And our security detail will take care of themselves." Lauren said.
"Just out of sheer curiosity, do the guards ever leave your side?" Ms. Touchard asked.
"They know when it is appropriate to be next to me and when to be nearby." Lauren replied.
"Of course, Milady." Ms. Touchard replied then looked to Bo.
"Is there anything you require, Milady?" Ms. Touchard asked which stopped the Seneschal in their tracks. Their actions caused Ms. Touchard and the one remaining maid to rear back slightly out of concern.
"Thank you, Ms. Touchard, but I'm fine." Bo replied then scanned the Seneschal and looked back at Ms. Touchard. "And you can either call me Bo. Or Milady or whatever works."
"And I go by Lauren now." Lauren added.
"Understand." Ms. Touchard replied a bit nervously then she and the maid departed and closed the door behind them. The Seneschal resumed settling everyone in.
"We better get downstairs soon. I feel we are going to need to clear up a few unintentional misunderstandings." Lauren said.
"Maybe we should have left the Seneschal behind." Bo replied.
"You know that wasn't going to happen."
"I know." Bo replied. "How are you really feeling?"
"I feel good." Lauren replied as she sat down on the bed. "Really good, but that's you're here with me." Lauren reached out her hand to Bo who took and then pulled her down next to her then kissed her. "Thank you for being here with me."
"Of course." Then Bo gripped her hand even tighter.
Bo and Lauren arrived downstairs about 30 minutes later and entered the Main Drawing Room to find Lauren's parents' attention split between Gareton playing with the children while Livia was on the phone as Ms. Touchard stood nearby. Trick and Eva were already there, seated with drinks in hand along with Mary and Maddy. The Seneschal stood in the background while the Household staff gawked, not so discreetly, at them. As soon as Bo and Lauren walked in all four children went up to them. Bo and Lauren led them to a nearby couch, sat down and the children proceeded to crawl all over them.
"You've only been away from them for 30 minutes." Gareton commented.
"They know when to take advantage. Their time is very structured at home." Lauren replied.
"And you're right about those two. They do tag team." Gareton said.
"And we have no idea how that started." Bo replied.
"That's because their twins and twins can sense one another." Livia replied after she put down the phone.
"Is something happening at work?" Lauren asked.
"Oh no. I was putting the finishing touches on dinner tonight." Livia replied.
"Your Mother insists on holding a small dinner party in your honor." Gareton added.
"Maman!" Lauren pleaded.
"I absolutely insist! It will be only our closest friends for now. It will take time yet to marshal the extended family."
"Maman! We wanted it to be just us. We have some much to talk about!" Lauren pleaded again.
"There's no stopping the train now." Gareton added.
"Everyone will be so glad to see you again. And I cannot wait to show off these beautiful grandchildren! It will be wonderful! Dinner at eight!" Livia enthusiastically replied.
"Well, then whose coming?" Lauren asked.
"Bridgy and Maret." Livia replied.
"Those are the Talessi's." Lauren explained to the rest of the group. "Bridgy and my mother have been friends since they were children."
"Bridgy is aristocracy, and Maret, her husband, works for the Frostter Global Investment Fund." Livia informed.
"Who else?" Lauren asked.
"Raggie and Sylvestre Sauvageau. Gareton and I met them at University. Raggie is the Minister of Economy and Finance here in France. And her husband, Sylvestre is head of the Operations arm for the World Bank in Europe and Asia."
"Impressive." Mary replied.
"And what do you do, Mary?" Livia asked.
"I'm retired, but I'm helping to build up our hometown clinic in Grimley. Our population is growing so we need more expanded services than just the town country doctor." Mary replied.
"Oh. Is there something we can do to help?" Livia asked. "The Foundation has many resources." Mary looked at Lauren a bit nervously.
"Thank you, Maman. We are fortunate the clinic has donors who've contributed greatly in setting up the new clinic. And I have taken on a small role in its development." Lauren replied.
"Don't let Lauren fool you. She's very active in making sure our clinic is properly resourced to serve the needs of our community." Mary said.
"Sounds like you have quite a lot on your plate, dear." Livia replied.
"You have no idea." Bo commented.
"So, who else is coming?" Lauren asked.
"Dori and Javier Caron." Gareton replied.
"Really? I'll be glad to see them." Lauren replied.
"They spoiled Karen rotten." Livia informed.
"Maman, I go by…" Lauren started.
"Yes, yes of course. You'll just have to excuse the slip ups." Livia acknowledged.
"I see that you took your favorite Grand Uncle's name." Gareton noted.
"I also made sure the family was reflected in the naming of our children." Lauren replied.
"Wait? What?" Bo perked up.
"Bo doesn't know?" Gareton asked. "Ethan and Charlotte."
"Those are your names?" Bo asked incredulous.
"Yes." Livia replied. Bo then looked at Lauren.
"You never asked." Lauren answered.
"I thought those were names you liked. Not that they were your parent's names!" Bo said still floored.
"Charlotte is my middle name." Livia answered.
"As is Ethan for me." Gareton added.
"Lauren said your middle name was Sigurður, after your father." Bo queried.
"That is correct. But that is known only to the family. After we had settled in Maine, and to blend our family in as much as possible, my parents selected the name of Ethan as a formal middle name."
"So, all our children have names that reflect both our families." Bo said then turned to Lauren and smiled. "You little sneak." Lauren smiled broadly.
"So back to whose all coming?" Lauren redirected.
"Dori sells Real Estate globally, except her company only handles commercial properties. Javier is in Antiquities. He travels around the world buying and selling them on the market. It's his passion and often times he's asked by clients of Dori's to select pieces they can buy and/or display at some of the properties. Taken together, it has made them very wealthy. And it's from Javier that…Lauren developed a love for it as well." Livia continued.
"So that's where you get it from." Bo replied as she smiled at Lauren. "You should've seen her place back home. Looked like a small art gallery."
"Then there's Roland D'Aramitz whose coming." Livia said.
"Maman!" Lauren pleaded once more.
"Who's he?" Bo asked.
"Someone who had an unreciprocated crush on our daughter." Gareton said.
"He's maintained a concern for your well-being." Livia added.
"What's he up to?" Lauren asked.
"He works with Maret as an Investment Manager. But don't worry about him trying to assert himself. I told him you brought a whole new life with you. Nevertheless, he's eager to see you again." Livia replied.
"I'm sure." Lauren replied. "Any other surprises?"
"Nouria Courte." Livia replied.
"Maman, this doesn't sound like this dinner was an impromptu one." Lauren said.
"Not quite impromptu, but then again I wasn't expecting grandchildren either." Livia returned.
"Touche." Lauren said.
"Whose Nouria Courte?" Bo asked.
"One of Lauren's dearest friends who also has been very concerned." Livia replied.
"She was my first love." Lauren added as she looked at Bo. "Don't worry. It was long over between us before I left France."
"I also forewarned her that you have a whole new life." Livia said
"What's she been up to?" Lauren asked.
"A great deal. She asked me to leave it up to her to catch you up." Livia replied.
"Well, this is going to be quite the evening." Bo said.
"And of course, Margot and Vespy will be here." Gareton announced just as he was about to refresh his drink, but the Seneschal were already standing next to him with a fresh one which he took and thanked them for. "How did they do that? I didn't even see them move."
"That's what they do." Mary replied.
"Vespy? As in Dr. Vespasien Lavoie?" Lauren queried.
"Who else would it be?" Livia replied.
"And he's for sure coming?" Lauren asked.
"Why, yes! He's one of our oldest friends, and he would be glad to see you again." Livia replied. Bo and Lauren looked at one another.
"Is there a problem?" This came from Gareton.
"No, Papa." Lauren quickly answered.
"Uh huh. Out with it!" Gareton demanded.
"I just know he wasn't very happy with what all happened, that's all." Lauren replied.
"Why do I get the feeling that's not what you're really concerned about?" Gareton pressed. "Does this have something to do with Ash Pharmaceuticals?"
"I should hope not. I sit on its board." Trick interjected.
"You do?" Both Gareton and Livia said in unison.
"Yes, one of the founding members." Trick replied.
"And all of this security is necessary?" Gareton asked.
"Unfortunately, yes. Both Bo and Lauren are extremely valuable to the Company." Trick replied.
"I've seen some of the most sophisticated security details in the world, but the one here is the most sophisticated of them all. There are guards posted at every doorway in this house short of the bathroom and move about with you throughout each room." Gareton went on. "What kind of business are you into? The mob?"
"No, no. Not the mob." Trick replied.
"Then what, then?" Gareton asked in frustration. "I would like to understand what kind of Company has so ingrained itself into my daughter's life."
"Maman, Papa. Can we please discuss this later?" Lauren asked as she glanced at the children who by then migrated between Mary, Maddy and the Seneschal.
"And what about these Seneschal? They are the most…unique staff I've ever seen. Heck! I might even recruit them for this Household." Gareton said.
"Again, Papa can we discuss this all later?" Lauren asked.
"Very well." Gareton acquiesced.
"Maddy said the children's birthdays are coming up soon?" Livia queried.
"Their second birthdays. In a couple of weeks." Bo replied.
"So soon after you leave here?" Livia asked.
"That's the reason why we're leaving after the week is over, so we can see our friends and family at my old stomping grounds." Bo replied.
"Well, we shall have to do something for the children here as well." Livia said.
"You don't have to do that, Maman!" Lauren replied.
"Of course, I do! They are my grandchildren! I will not hear anything else." Livia insisted which made Lauren smile.
By this time, the children had made it to one set of doors and tried to open them. Maddy, Mary and the Seneschal all sprang into action, but Livia wouldn't hear of it.
"Please let them wander." Livia said.
"Well, we should follow them to make sure they don't break anything." Mary replied.
"We can take them out to the gardens." Livia said.
"They would love that. They love being in the garden with Lauren at home." Bo said.
"Good! I would love to show you all around then." Everyone stood up except Lauren.
"Lauren?" Bo prompted.
"I think I just want to wander the house for a bit. Reminisce." Lauren answered.
"I understand." Bo replied.
Everyone went out into the gardens while Lauren headed for the one place she secretly dreaded upon her return: Her brother's old room. It was not far from her old room and when she entered it was as she remembered it.
"It wasn't your fault." Livia said from behind. Lauren immediately burst into tears and sat down onto the king-sized bed that dominated the room.
"Maman! I can't…" Livia came and sat down next to Lauren. A few seconds later then Seneschal appeared.
"Milady?" The Seneschal prompted.
"I'm fine." Lauren replied as she wiped her tears.
"She's fine. I'm with her now." Livia added. The Seneschal did not move until Lauren looked at them and nodded her head.
"Those are some faithful servants." Livia said. Lauren said nothing. Livia brought her arms around Lauren which made Lauren rest her head on her mother's, and they watched the outside through the window.
"You understand why I had to leave?" Lauren queried.
"No, I don't, frankly." Livia replied.
"Eleven deaths, Maman? Including Calvin's?" Lauren asked.
"You didn't have to run. We could have dealt with it. After the police told us what happened we did more digging into the incident. Granted, we knew Calvin had extremist views, and we understood you looked up to him greatly, but we also knew that neither one of you were capable of committing murder. It was a horrible, tragic accident. One that I do not blame you or your brother for at all." Livia replied.
"But I made the bomb that killed them all." Lauren stressed.
"To make a political statement in blowing up the facility, not the people inside it! Why you felt the need to run when you could have told us is beyond our understanding." Livia replied.
"Calvin was your son." Lauren said
"And you are our daughter! We love you and have missed you desperately!" Livia replied. They embraced in a flood of tears. "If anything, I'm furious I've missed so much of you and my beautiful grandchildren."
"I'm so sorry."
"I know your father kept tabs on you, but if it weren't for my conversation with Eliie Saen forcing the issue…"
"I know." Lauren said softly. Livia picked up on the tone.
"I take it you've never told Bo about your past relationship with Ellie?" Livia asked.
"Over time, I felt it became a moot point."
"Ellie misses you."
"I'm sure, but Bo is my life, and Ellie knows that."
"Livvy asked after you as well."
"How is she?" Lauren asked.
"She was accepted into VPI and is loving it. Wants to thank you personally."
"There's no need."
"It seems important for her to do so."
"Best to let that all that lie."
"Eventually, you will have to face them both."
"Perhaps. But for now, let's focus on just us." Lauren said as she and Livia gripped one another in another flood of tears. "Maman. I need to tell you and Papa something."
"What is it?"
"It's something that will explain everything. Why I've been gone all this time, why I'm with Ash Pharmaceuticals, with Bo, why we have our family. All of this."
"Okay."
"It's going to be a lot to take, but I need for you to know and understand. Especially, if the children are going to be part of your lives."
"What are you trying to tell me?"
"Let's go find the rest first."
Bo, Lauren, Trick, Eva, Mary, Maddy, Gareton and Livia all reconvened in the Main Drawing Room with the four amigos who toddled about. The Household wait staff had been dismissed leaving only the Bases, the Regnant Guard, and the Seneschal split between being inside the Drawing Room and on Guard outside the door. Gareton and Livia sat on a middle couch and Trick, Eva, Bo and Lauren sat on flanking couches while Maddy entertained the children.
"Maman, Papa. There's something we need to tell you." Lauren announced.
"Let's hear it." Gareton replied.
"Your grandchildren are…unique." Lauren said.
"In what way?" Livia asked nervously.
"They are what we call Fae." Lauren replied.
"Fae?" Livia prompted.
"What kind of Fae?" Gareton asked matter of factly to astonished looks. "What? It's not like I haven't read a fairy tale or two."
"It's no fairy tale." Trick replied.
"What do you mean?" Gareton challenged. Bo and Lauren looked at one another then Lauren nodded.
Bo looked back at Gareton and Livia and then shifted her eyes. Gareton's eyes narrowed while Livia's widened.
"So, the fairy tales are true!" Gareton said fascinated by Bo's eyes.
"Astonishing!" Livia said in the perfect of voice of doctor curiosity. Lauren rolled her eyes slightly.
"So what kind of Fae are you?" Gareton asked.
"A Succubus." Bo replied.
"A Temptress!" Gareton commented which made Bo smile. "I've read many tales of the Succubus prowess. Isn't it right up there with the Sirens?"
"No and yes. Or…maybe…yes and no." Bo replied as she shifted her eyes back to their brown color.
"And the children?" Livia asked.
"MaryAoife and Char are Succubi while Ryan and Ethan are Incubi." Lauren replied. Gareton turned to Bas Gamba who stood off to the side.
"And they will have blue eyes like you?" Gareton asked.
"Eventually. When they come of age." Bo replied. Gareton scanned the Bases and Seneschal.
"And you, sir. You too are Fae?" Gareton asked Bas Gamba.
"Yes." Bas Gamba answered.
"May I ask…" But before Livia could finish her sentence Bas Gamba shifted his face and growled. That caused Gareton and Livia to rear back and grip one another. Livia quickly glanced over at the children who played around them completely unfazed. That caused Livia to release her grip.
"You're…a Lycan? Is that the correct term?" Gareton asked.
"There is an older term but that one is just as fine." Bas Gamba replied.
"My dear. I have been married to you all these years and never realized you possessed such knowledge." Livia said.
"I always said I would keep you on your toes." Gareton replied as they gripped hands.
"My apologies, Milady. I thought it would be best to just come right to the point." Bas Gamba said.
"And they too must be…Fae." Gareton said as he pointed to the Seneschal.
"Yes." Bo replied.
"What I find even more fascinating is that the children weren't even fazed." Livia noted.
"They live in a wholly Fae world. Bas Gamba is very much normal to them." Lauren replied.
"Are you Fae as well?" Livia asked Mary.
"Nope. Entirely human." Mary replied.
"Does the staff visit you like this? With such a massive entourage?" Livia asked.
"You have no idea." Mary replied.
"And they are all Fae?" Livia asked.
"Yep." Mary replied.
"Of different types?" Livia asked.
"Oh yes." Mary replied.
"How do you manage?" Livia asked.
"After Bo, I had no real idea about the different types of Fae until Dyson who surprised me much like Bahadur did with you just now, but after Bahadur nothing fazes me anymore. Although, I hear The Queen is a sight to behold." Mary replied.
"The Queen? What do you mean Queen? Which Queen?" Livia asked.
"That's the next leg in this story." Lauren replied.
"And you are Fae too?" Gareton asked Trick.
"I am a Blood Sage." Trick replied.
"And you as well?" Gareton asked Eva.
"Yes I am."
Just then the children went up to Bas Gamba and clamored around his legs.
"That's their cue that they want to go and play." Lauren said.
"Your Royal Highness, Milady." Bas Gamba bowed quickly as he, followed by Maddy left the room with the children.
"Your Royal Highness?" Gareton and Livia said in unison as they looked between Bo and Lauren.
"Oh boy! We are going to need booze for this." Bo said as the Seneschal walked up with a round of drinks.
