Everyone had gathered in the main drawing room to await the arrival of the guests. Bo and Lauren were the last to enter the room with Ryan, Char, MaryAoife, and Ethan with Maddy and the Seneschal right behind them.
"Look at them!" Livia gushed as she went towards the children and knelt down. Mary followed.
"They do impress when they're gussied up." Mary commented.
"And so well-behaved." Livia said.
"For now." Lauren warned. Then Mr. Ostcliffe entered the room.
"Madam. The first set of guests are here." Mr. Ostcliffe announced.
"Please show them in." Livia replied as she stood up. Mr. Ostcliffe widened the door and in walked Bridgy and Maret Talessi and Sylvestre and Raggie Sauvageau, and gawked at both Bas Cibor and Bas Kadine as they passed them.
"Mon mon! Qu'est-ce qui se passe avec les arbres qui gardent les portes?" Bridgy asked.
"Et c'est quoi avec la sécurité à l'extérieur?" Sylvestre asked right behind her.
"Hello everyone!" Livia greeted followed by Gareton. After exchanging hugs and handshakes
Bridgy saw Lauren in the background and grinned broadly.
"Karen!" Bridgy quickly went over with extended arms closely followed by Maret, Sylvestre and Raggie. Lauren found herself nearly being strangled with hugs.
Bridgy quickly launched into a tirade of French when Livia quickly jumped in.
"First, she goes by the name of Lauren now, second we need to speak English." Livia interjected and then nodded in the direction of Bo and the children. "Third, this is Bo, Lauren's partner, and fourth, these are my four grandchildren!" That launched Bridgy and Raggie into a round of ooh and coos over them all.
"Children?" Sylvestre prompted.
"I've been busy." Lauren replied. Then Mr. Ostcliffe entered the room.
"Madam! The Carons, and Mr. Roland D'Aramitz!" Mr. Ostcliffe announced as they walked in.
"Dori! Javier!" Gareton greeted in English.
"Où est-elle?" Dori lovingly demanded while her head bobbed about.
"Right over there, amid the crush. Oh, and Karen goes by Lauren now and please use English for tonight. Her partner and family are here as well." Dori bee-lined it for the crush.
"Mr. Ostcliffe! Please let all future arrivals know they are to address Karen as Lauren and to speak English and the reasons why, so we don't have to keep repeating this exercise."
"Yes, Dr. Beattie." Mr. Ostcliffe replied and departed the room. Gareton then shook hands with Javier and Roland.
"Welcome! Great to see you both again." Gareton greeted.
"She goes by Lauren now?" Roland asked.
"Yes, and there's a long story that goes with it that I'll acquaint you later with." Gareton replied.
"And there's children it seems?" Roland noted.
"Four." Gareton replied.
"Four?" Roland repeated astonished.
"Quadruplets." Gareton replied.
"You and Livia must be in heaven right now." Javier said.
"We are. It was a joyous enough occasion when Lauren said she was coming home, but then she surprised us with the rest, and now our hearts are overflowing with joy." Gareton replied.
"Yes, indeed." Javier said.
"She still looks fantastic!" Roland commented.
"I quite agree. For all the change in her life over the past years she does look happy and healthy." Gareton said. "That dark-haired woman next to her is her partner, Bo. Her mother, Mary is with her and her grandfather, whom they refer to as Trick is here, along with his girlfriend, Eva. They also brought the Nanny, her name is Maddy, and whom is, mind you, supported by an army of staff."
"By all the security staff I see around here?" Roland asked.
"In part." Gareton replied. "Oh, and that reminds me, see that staff lurking in the corner?" Gareton pointed over with his head. "They are part of their staff as well. They are called the Seneschal."
"They're an interesting looking lot." Javier commented.
"Yes, and exceptionally good at what they do. I would offer them a job if my daughter would give them up." Gareton replied.
"That good?" Javier queried.
"That good." Gareton replied. "Now, please go say hello to Lauren and meet all the rest. And Roland, she'll be glad to see you again. We told her you have been concerned this whole while." Javier and Roland walked over and joined the crush.
About twenty minutes later Mr. Ostcliffe entered the mingled room.
"Madam! Ms. Nouria Courte" Mr. Ostcliffe announced. The guests all turned as Nouria entered the room. In a motorized wheelchair.
When Lauren saw her, she broke away from her latest round of conversations, went straight over to her, kneeled and hugged her. They embraced tightly and a burst of tears flowed from both of them. MaryAoife became concerned.
"Why is Mommy crying?" MaryAoife asked as she looked up to Bo then was about to run over to Lauren followed by the rest of the children, but were quickly stopped by Maddy, Bo, Mary, and Livia.
"Mommy's fine. Those are tears of joy. She hasn't seen her friend in a while, and they are glad to see to one another." Bo quickly explained. MaryAoife looked skeptical.
"Looks like we have an audience." Nouria said. Lauren turned around and soon as she did MaryAoife bolted for her and hugged her, which then made the rest of the children tug away from their holders and run to Lauren. Bo came up behind them with Maddy, Mary and Livia behind her.
"Nouria, this is my partner Bo Dennis." Lauren introduced.
"Hello!" Bo greeted.
"I'm Nouria."
"Nice to meet you." Bo replied.
"You as well." Nouria said.
"And these little ones are ours. This is Ryan, Ethan, and Char, and the one gripping me is MaryAoife." Lauren introduced. "This is Bo's Mom, Mary Dennis."
"I'm also Lauren's other Mother." Mary quickly amended. Lauren smiled.
"And that's Maddy, our Nanny." Lauren finished.
"You shall have to forgive the children. They're usually not this needy." Bo said.
"They're beautiful. Plus, they are in a strange place, away from home." Nouria replied.
"Thank you!" Then Bo started to corral the children quickly followed by Maddy, Mary and Livia. "This is Mommy's friend. She needs to talk to her."
"Yes, let's go out onto the terrace." Maddy said. The children quickly forgot what they were concerned about and ran for the open doors followed by the rest of the guests.
"Shall we follow them?" Livia said to the guests then followed the children outside and the guests right behind her, leaving just Bo, Lauren and Nouria.
"I'll leave you two to catch up." Bo said as she rubbed Lauren's arm.
"Thank you, sweetie!" Lauren replied. Bo walked outside.
"She's gorgeous!" Nouria said. Lauren smiled then went and sat in a nearby chair. Nouria moved closer. "So, who had them? You or her?"
"I did, but her eggs." Lauren replied.
"Her eggs? MaryAoife looks like you for sure."
"It's the blond hair, and that's about it." Lauren replied. They both chuckled.
"I dunno. Looks like she has your sense of empathy."
"Perhaps." Lauren replied then focused. "So, tell me. What happened?"
"Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." Nouria replied matter of factly.
"To the point it placed you in a wheel chair?"
"Yes."
"When did this happen?"
"About 12 years ago, obviously after you had left."
"Nouria!"
"I would have reached out you and told you had I known where you were, but I'm glad you're here because I wanted to tell you myself." Nouria replied. Lauren looked pensive.
"So, Mr. Ostcliffe says you go by the name of Dr. Lauren Lewis now."
"Yep."
"How did that name come together?"
"After Grand Uncle Larus and Aunt Josie."
"Clever." Nouria said then looked over in the direction of Roland. "I see my former arch-nemesis for your love is here." Lauren chuckled. "You know, he always remained concerned for your well-being."
"I know. So, what have you've up to lately?" Lauren asked.
"Still in the Art world. Curating Collections for both public galleries and private collectors. One of the great things about modern technology is that I can do a lot of what I do from home without traveling much. You haven't lost anything I've taught you about art by the way?"
"Never. In fact, after I had settled in at the County, I had purchased a few pieces from the Esclavissat, Bellasai, and Sangare Collections."
"I curated one of those. Can you guess which one?" Nouria tested. Lauren narrowed her eyes in thought.
"The Esclavissat." Lauren replied after a long moment.
"Why that one?" Nouria asked.
"The Neoclassicism mixed in with the Post-Modern. That's what first drew my eye." Lauren replied.
"What piece eventually made your eyes focus?"
"It was a Cubism piece. Very analytic. Its overall shape was clear to the human eye, but each part of the form, for all of its angles and shapes held infinite possibilities."
"You haven't lost your eye."
"I should have known that was you. You always liked clashing themes, plus, the Esclavissat had a large anchor piece, and you always liked large anchors pieces in your Collections. It's like your signature."
"Oh, how I have missed you!"
"And I've missed you!" Lauren replied as they gripped hands. "Say, I will only be here for a week, but that being said, I want to take a look at you."
"Livia brought me up to speed on things with you and your work. I didn't know it was your Company who cured Dementia."
"And we're working on more break-throughs."
"I bet."
"I want to take a look at you."
"I don't mean to sound impolite, but what can you do that an army of doctors, recommended by your mother couldn't solve?"
"My mother?"
"Yes. After you had left, and this happened Livia stayed in regular contact and keeps abreast with all that is happening with me." Lauren smiled.
"Please. Let me see what I can do."
"This isn't guilt talking is it?"
"A bit, but also because I'm your friend, and I want to see what I can do to help."
"I don't want your pity."
"This is not about that and you know it."
"Well, it's not your fault either. This is my baggage to carry."
"But I refuse for you carry it alone."
"You are your mother in many ways."
"I absolutely insist. In fact, I'm thinking of several regimens already I believe can help."
"Fine. But I don't want to take away time you could be spending with your family while you're here."
"Are you kidding? They got grandchildren now. They've forgotten about me already." Lauren quipped. They both smiled. Then Mr. Ostcliffe opened the doors widely and stepped in the room.
"Madam! Dr. and Mrs. Vespasien Lavoie." Mr. Ostcliffe announced then Dr. Vespasien Lavoie and his wife Margot entered the room. Lauren stood up slowly as their eyes met.
"Karen!" Margot advanced with extended arms.
"Lauren, dear." Vespy reminded.
"Yes. You're quite right. Lauren." Margot corrected. Lauren quickly hugged her but kept an eye on Dr. Lavoie. When they broke their embrace Margot launched into French, peppering Lauren with questions when Vespy reminded her again to speak in English.
"Of course!" Margot replied then looked at Lauren up and down. "You look stunning!"
"Thank you." Lauren replied.
"And Nouria, so good to see you again." Margot greeted.
"You as well." Nouria replied then looked at Lauren. "I'll leave you to it. We'll catch up more later." Nouria quickly said and rolled out onto the terrace, passing Gareton and Livia who came up to greet Dr. Lavoie and Margot with hugs.
"Now, Lauren I know it's been awhile, but we should embrace." Dr. Lavoie said as he came up and quickly embraced her.
Livia then pointed to the grandchildren out on the terrace, and Margot took Livia by the arm and pulled her out on the terrace to meet them. As they went, they passed Trick, Eva and Bo rejoining Lauren.
"Oh, and this is Trick, Bo's grandfather." Gareton introduced.
"It is an honor to meet you, Trick." Vespy greeted with an even smile.
"I understand you are an old friend of the family." Trick replied.
"Very old." Vespy replied.
"Here let me get you a drink. Your usual, I presume?" Gareton asked.
"Please." Vespy replied and Gareton walked away.
"So, at long last, I finally meet the Blood King." Vespy started.
"I was surprised you showed up here given what all has happened." Trick replied.
"It would look odd if I didn't, being one of their oldest friends. Besides, you and I have a great deal to discuss." Vespy said.
"I agree. It's time to put an end to this game." Trick replied.
"The game has only just begun." Vespy said. Then Gareton walked back up with Vespy's drink.
"Here you go!" Gareton said when he returned with Vespy's drink.
"Thank you, my good man!" Vespy replied.
"Gareton! Darling! Could you come out here for a moment?" Livia called out from the terrace. Gareton nodded at Trick and Vespy and joined his wife.
"Your Royal Highness, I would bow but then I'm sure you know that would cause eyes to turn about." Then Vespy looked to Eva. "And you are?"
"Eva Sandalli. The Taoiseach." Eva replied. Vespy cocked his head a little.
"Head of the Parliament of Fae." Trick clarified.
"Ah yes. The famed Presidium. I was not born at the Presidium. I only heard about it through stories until Her Royal Highness's recognition, and the subsequent reports heard throughout the Fae community here about…transparency?" Vespy prompted.
"Yes." Trick replied.
"You do realize you won't be able to control that for long. A great many things have been set in motion." Vespy said.
"Our main concern is you and your conspiracy against the Realm." Bo replied.
"I am but a bit player." Vespy said.
"But why drag my parents into all of this?" Lauren asked.
"The game was afoot long before I befriended Gareton and Livia." Vespy replied.
"Yet, you still put them in peril." Lauren said.
"They wouldn't be in peril had what happened at Zandri Labs with that raid not happened. They would have remained blissfully ignorant. And yes, I am aware that was you, Your Royal Highness."
"Why do you think that?" Bo asked.
"Let's just say that while I may not have been born at the Presidium, nevertheless, I have sources from there."
"You do realize that once you leave here tonight everything is over for you." Trick stated.
"Perhaps, but then again so will it be for Gareton and Livia." Vespy replied.
"How so?" Lauren asked.
"Zandri is effectively controlled by me, and the Plato Foundation has been infiltrated by the Fae for years. All we have to do is say the word and Livia will be ousted, and the both of them will exposed for the taking." Vespy replied.
"They're supposed to be your dearest friends." Lauren asked.
"They are." Vespy replied then took a sip of his drink.
"That's a load!" Bo said then stepped closer. "Know this, Lauren's parents are under my protection."
"Your Royal Highness, you obviously don't have a clear view or a clue. This all goes back to Eulises, Rainer, and even that mother of yours, Aoife. Now with Inclusion supported by members of my faction on the Presidium side the Fae have an unassailable foothold on the Human Plane. You cannot just presume to come here and murder us conspirators away. You will have to deal with us directly, or risk open war with your precious humans in the middle of it." Vespy replied.
"In any case, you sir, are exposed and you will jeopardize your own cause trying to hang on to power." Trick said.
"Perhaps. But I have the upper hand, my dear Blood King." Vespy replied.
"Dinner is ready!" Mr. Ostcliffe announced. Vespy smiled at the group and turned and walked away.
"And now we know why Inclusion was so readily won." Sandalli said.
"This is getting crazy! Now they're holding this Plane hostage, including my parents!" Lauren replied.
"I agree." Trick said.
"Yeah, but over what? What are they waiting for?" Bo asked. "We have to move faster on this.
"I agree." Trick said.
"And someone is driving all of this." Lauren replied.
"I agree." Trick said.
"And out of all the people he mentioned, only one remains." Eva replied.
"Aoife." Trick said.
"We need to find my mother." Bo replied.
"You think she may be in danger?" Eva asked.
"When isn't she?" Bo, Lauren, and Trick replied in unison.
"Let's head into dinner, and then afterwards I can step out and contact Their Majesties, and then we can formulate next steps." Trick said.
As they walked down the hall to join the rest of the guests in the Dining Room Mr. Ostcliffe ran up flustered followed by Mr. Perillard, the Under Butler. Behind them were several men and women in uniform clothing, displaying badges and sidearms, wearing jackets with the word "INTERPOL" blazoned on the back of them.
"Drs. Beattie!" Mr. Ostcliffe called out. Gareton and Livia came out of the dining room followed by the rest of the guests. Bases Cibor, Kadine, Kael and the Regnant Guard came together around them.
"These ladies and gentlemen are here for Dr. Lewis." Mr. Ostcliffe.
"What is the meaning of this?" Gareton thundered.
"Our sincerest apologies, but we are here to execute a warrant for the arrest of Karen Beattie." The Lead Officer announced. At this, Bas Cibor, Bas Kadine, Regnant Guard, and a contingent of the Seneschal surrounded Bo and Lauren while Bas Kael stepped in front of Trick and Eva. Lauren looked frantically for the children.
"The children?" Lauren asked.
"They are in the other room, safe Milady with Ms. Maddy and Mrs. Dennis." Bas Gamba announced.
"Take them away from here." Lauren ordered.
"At once, Milady." Bas Gamba replied, then turned and left in the direction of the children, Maddy and Mary.
"Dr. Karen Beattie, you are under arrest for murder, attempted murder, weapons possession, burglary, and acts deemed terroristic in nature." The Lead Officer said and then stepped forward to take Lauren into custody. Bas Cibor stepped forward and was about to seize the Lead Officer by the throat when Lauren called out.
"Cibor! Step back!" Lauren ordered. Bas Cibor reluctantly did as he was told. By this time, the INTERPOL Officers had their hands on their guns.
Bo went up to the Lead Officer then turned and faced the Bases and the Regnant Guard.
"Remember? We knew this might happen." Bo replied then turned back to the Lead Officer.
"This woman is my life! If you so much as lay a wrong hand on her it will be your last!" Bo declared.
"Ma'am. Threatening an INTERPOL officer…" The Lead Officer started.
"Doesn't mean squat to me." Bo cut off. Then Lauren came up and stood in front of Bo.
"Remember, we planned for this." Lauren reminded. Tears welled up in both their eyes. "Don't let our children see me in jail."
"Never!" Bo declared.
"I will be fine." Lauren replied. Then another Officer stepped forward with cuffs.
"Is that necessary?" Livia yelled as Gareton kept a hold on her to prevent her from lunging towards the Officers.
"Procedure." The Officer replied. The Officer slipped the cuffs on Lauren then gently turned her and led her out the door.
Bo followed them out the door and to their parked vehicles. She watched them gently lower Lauren's head as they put her in the back seat and shut the door. Then she watched as the caravan of vehicles pulled away until out of sight.
"Cibor!" Bo called out.
"Yes, Milady?"
"You know what you need to do!" Bo ordered.
"Understood, Milady." Bas Cibor then bolted out the door with a contingent of the Guard and The Seneschal behind him.
The Bo turned to the contingent of Seneschal left behind.
"Get Kenzi here, will ya? She'll know why." Bo said. The Seneschal nodded and left the room.
Then Bo suddenly narrowed her eyes and scanned the shocked guests. Dr. Lavoie, nor his wife Margot were anywhere in sight.
