Queen Isabeau

"Change of plans, bring Kenzi to me". The Queen spoke into her phone and hung up. Aife will have a thousand questions that can and will be answered in person. "Get Dagny here". The old royal ordered Cedric.

Bo and Chloe

"Mama's so, so sorry that my singing disturbed your cartoons". She cradled the baby in her arms and walked back and forth with her until she settled down. Lauren was walking with Charlotte. Karaoke had been fun until Bo tried to hit a high note and it went downhill quickly from there. They shut the machine down and ran to the girls' cribs.

"It will be okay, Bo". Lauren looked over to the Succubus. Her mouth was on Chloe's head, kissing her repeatedly.

"I know. I know". Bo tearfully smiled back. She never wants to hurt their children. They will likely be Succubus and everything that Lauren is. Which means they will be part dark, like Bo's Succubus. She is sure her alter loves them just as much as Bo does. A threat against Lauren has long been her trigger. That's why Hades threw that relationship at Bo. He knew the Dark Queen would surface and she did. Now they have babies and a baby on the way that are both Bo and Lauren. That same love and protection breathes inside of them right now. But for right now, Bo just wants them to worry about being babies. Growing up in a loving home. Being happy as royals but not spoiled into thinking they are better than others.

"We should take them inside now". Lauren smiled softly at Bo. The succubus nodded and followed the blonde in. She stood by why Lauren locked the house up and they went upstairs and put the kids to bed.

Bo looked at them to make sure they were content. She leaned in and kissed them goodnight and walked over to the door to a waiting Lauren. "You don't have to do that".

"I do. I'm a wife and a mother. I do have to do that". Lauren gently took Bo's hand and they walked to the upstairs living room.

Bo set a baby monitor on the coffee table and plopped down on the couch.

Lauren watched Bo. After all of these years, she still looks so young and so uncomfortable. Like she's expecting to make a mistake. It probably falls in line with her fear that she will lose the doctor again someday. Leaving her a single mother. All of those years running the streets alone. Going home to the cold club house and then to an even lonelier bed besides her kills.

She looked at her wife and joined her on the couch. "Bo, I love you. You don't have to carry all of this alone. That's all over. Our past is our past. We are wives now. Back then we only wanted a relationship. This is bigger than any of those attempts. We are mothers now. This is bigger than any family we had back then. Your running the streets and running in your mind days are over. We are all here for you. We won't let you live or be alone anymore."

"I have wanted this life for so long now that it is a reality, I'm still afraid it will turn into a kiddie fairy tale". Bo rested on Lauren. She smiled when the Doctor played with her hair. She has longed for the days she would pull it in the heat of passion too.

"Well, our story is long but a lot more detailed than that. I'm real. The kids are real. Our mothers are real". Lauren pulled a lock behind Bo's ear.

"Our mothers. That's adorable, Lauren". Bo kissed Lauren's ring finger.

"Well, they are. They treat us like mothers. They talk to us like mothers. So they are not my mother in law's, they are my mothers too". Lauren replied.

"I'm sorry about mom, Lauren. But she did the right thing. She knew if you knew what I did, you would worry and that would stress the baby. It's embarrassing to talk about. But I just wanted to not think for a little bit. I'm glad she was there because that would have left our oldest two in stress too". Bo sat up and pulled Lauren to rest on her.

"I'm not mad anymore. Aife is always going to be Aife. There will always be something that she's up to. But I know when it comes to us, her intentions will always be good. She wouldn't hurt us because hurting us hurts them. Her aura is like fireworks around them. Love just waiting to reach the hilt and explode". Lauren settled back.

"So, karaoke is over. What shall we do now?". Bo looked around the cabin. She hadn't been in every room yet. But she can't wait until all the kids are older so she can return with her wife and have it off in every room. It's not her succubus hungry for that, it is Bo's love and adoration for the woman that hungers for that.

"We can sit here and talk". Lauren shrugged.

"How long did it take you to decide that you wanted to come back?". Bo asked.

"Oh, Bo. Not very long. Once I understood that I could come back, I was ready to. I never expected to see your mother and grandmother. I was ready to settle in and get used to that part of life. That part of the human life. I knew I would never see you again because I didn't die at Fae hands. I cried almost hourly when I died. Then I transitioned and looked for my own parents. I don't know where they are. But I hope they are safe and loved." Lauren whispered.

"We can look for them, Lauren. You know Grandmother would find them if mom, you or I can't". Bo squeezed the blonde.

"I don't know, Bo. It's a risk. They may be so old and ill that they may have forgotten me by now. They never knew I changed my name. They probably think Karen Beattie is dead. Can you imagine me showing up and telling them about my life and what they've missed. I imagine they would be angry with me for staying away for so long because of my time with the Fae and knowing the Ash would have killed them". Lauren wiped her eyes after a tear had fallen.

"We'll never know unless we try, babe. I want you to have a bigger family. Not just kids, but blood relatives of your own. Your parents, your brother. Everyone you knew to be your family". Bo kissed a tear away.

"Okay. We can try. But this isn't going to be a vacation devoted to them. It is going to be a vacation devoted to us. Sure, we aren't actively working women, but rest is rest. You have been working overtime with worry in your head. My job as your wife and mother to your children is to take those burdens into my own hands and help you let them go." Lauren sat up and made Bo stand.

The Succubus watched the blonde walk to the stereo and turn some music on. She returned to Bo and pulled her into her arms. There they stood. Dancing to slow music. Lauren listened to every sound her ears could hear. Bo's breaths. The clocks in every room.

Bo breathed the blonde in. She was warm and strong. She rested her head on her shoulder and closed her eyes. Lauren is a living dream. She's everything that Bo has wanted before she knew what she wanted. Beautiful. Smart. Loving. Kind. Everything Bo had seen in human relationships. When she realized she wanted a life like that, she tried for one with Kyle. But it lacked everything including a love like theirs. Out of the blue, Lauren planned this trip. She walked in and told the royals that they were leaving and not to expect them back on a certain time. She knows the women adore Lauren so they didn't give her any lip about up and going. Lauren is right, Bo needs to let go and she needs to let Lauren help her to let go.

"Let's go to bed. The sooner we sleep the sooner we can wake up to another day". Bo whispered and pulled back. The Succubus didn't want to make love tonight. She wants to hold the woman warm against her like that night she couldn't get the Doctor's body warm. The women crawled into bed and used each other as sheets and blankets.

Queen Isabeau's Castle.

"We're here, My Queen". Aife smiled and bowed.

The old Queen walked from behind her throne and Aife gasped. "I need to change".

"You don't, but they do". Queen Isabeau pointed towards Kenzi and Dagny.

"Where are we going?". Kenzi asked.

"We're going to run five miles. The first woman that drops, will be dropped from the family. These trials are not all about punishment. But to see if you have the stamina to be blessed in my ranks and circle". Queen Isabeau gestured to Cedric to take them to change.

"I wish I was going. I'd take a video camera. They will never outlast you". Aife laughed.

"Aife you have your orders. I haven't forgiven you for what you did to those kids. Don't get too comfortable here while I'm away. Cedric will see to your comfort and to keep an eye on you. I love that woman so dearly, and you hurt her". The Queen stretched and readied for her run.

Kenzi was cursing under her breath so quietly that it was like an unspoken thought. Go for a run? Her? Kenzi? She doesn't run unless she's running from someone and at the moment there wasn't anyone she was running from.

Dagny watched Kenzi change and shook her head. How they had gotten here floored her young Fae mind. She thought being Fae would have its perks. But she allowed her human to get into her head and into trouble. She misses the Queen's arcade room. Those doors have been locked for weeks. She knows, she's tried to open them but then the alarm would sound and the guards would come.

"Let's go". Kenzi spoke as they followed a guard back to the Queen. Kenzi noticed they have new decorations and antique vases. She wasn't casing the joint, just noticing new luxuries.

"Let's go!". The Queen screamed and everyone moved rather quickly as the sound shook the building.

"Good luck". Aife laughed as she toasted Kenzi and Dagny. "Mom's a track and field star. Try not to pass out". She grinned.

"Are we really going running?." Dagny asked.

"We are. Now get going". Queen Isabeau pushed them from behind. Kenzi rolled her eyes and started jogging. Soon, she was passed by the Queen. "If you lose, you're out".

Dagny was not as far as the Queen but she was keeping a good steady pace. Kenzi kept her pace and wasn't really getting anywhere. She shook her head. Why is she doing this? Bo hates her. Lauren hates her. Even if she beats out or outlasts the Queen, that tension will always be there. Bo has a family and it's not Kenzi. She had been in the Fae world long enough to know how to play the game. Lauren has always been Bo's soft spot. Everyone knew that. Even Dyson. She knew The Morrigan was a bitch but didn't think their deal would come back to bite Kenzi in the ass. She thought it was over and forgotten about.

Bo. Bo was always confusing. It was Dyson. It was Lauren. It was Dyson. It was Ryan. Then it all circled back again. But the men were never kidnapped for what they could get from Bo. But Dyson being kidnapped did bring Bo to help him. Which also brought her back to Lauren. Whether she wanted to go or not.

Lauren. Yes, they are friends but not as close as Lauren and Bo. When Bo told Kenzi that Lauren wasn't returning to the Light Fae, she thought that was it. Then she needed to go to the Doctor. She saw her with Evony and it looked like they were getting close. If Lauren wanted to be Dark, who was going to stop her?

"Come on, Kenz!". Dagny screamed.

"Okay! Okay!". Kenzi screamed as she sped up. The Queen was miles ahead of them by now. Kenzi wasn't used to wearing tennis shoes. So, running now was disturbing her feet from their heel clad comfort level. For the next few hours, they ran. They weren't beating the sweat constantly falling from their faces. Kenzi threw her wig down. It was nasty and irritating.

"Hey, you're a Valkyrie, fly us within a mile of the Queen and set us down again". Kenzi suggested.

"Good idea Kenz but look". Dagny pointed towards a sign. "Don't use your Valkyrie skill sets".

Kenzi screamed and kept running. She wanted to give in. To cry because the Fae literally had her by the balls. If she had them. Go back to the human world, Kenzi. Go back, she repeated over and over again.

Hours and hours passed and Kenzi had enough. She took a seat while she watched Dagny run to the Queen. The old Succubus was done and facing them. Dagny stopped when she reached the woman.

"You've got stones, Dagny. I knew Kenzi wouldn't make it. She's a quitter. She's lazy. I watched her for years with Isabeau. She's also a user. I can see how you would have thought she was all that when she was less than nothing. Look at Hale. His body wasn't cold in the ground before she took her inheritance and fled. She's a friend of convenience. Something I have no patience for. So, to spare us all hours of wasted time and energy. I will make a deal with you. I will allow her to stay in the colony but you must claim her. I cannot vouch for her safety should the Fae want to avenge the Morrigan or any other enemies she's made over the years. Remember young Valkyrie, you are not your mother, you don't have lives and lives to live. Live yours wisely. Claim the human and behave yourselves.". The Queen nodded for her car. "You are to both work, I'm to receive your time sheets. For every hour or day missed, we'll come back to this. She won't last a marathon".

"How are we going home?". Dagny asked.

"There's the only belongings you left at my castle. Find your own home". The Queen gestured at a bag that was dropped in front of Dagny. Kenzi was still a mile away. She sat and waited for her.

"What did she say, now?". Kenzi gasped for air.

"I have to claim you. We have to get jobs. We can't live at the castle or go near it. But none of that is new. What is new is that I'm tired of being treated like shit. I didn't ask to be born Fae or even born here. I'm tired of living like shit. I know you raised me, but you need to grow up too, Kenzi. They all hate us and three of them are related to me". Dagny spoke as softly as she could.

Valhalla

"Damn, Tamsin. That's rough". Hale shook his head.

"It is but she's right. She didn't ask for that life. She's a sister and an aunt now and to be. The Queen has always been a no nonsense woman. She could have thrown them out of the colony with nowhere to go. This could be good, if Kenzi cooperates". Tamsin took a seat. She felt for Dagny but knows she has her head on right and blood to fight anyone that threatens them. While they were better off under the Queen's protection, she's also Hades' daughter, just like Bo. That's the only thing saving her life right now. The Queen wouldn't break Bo's heart by killing her sister.

The next morning

Bo made a shushing sound as the girls laughed and played in their double stroller. She had one hand on it and the other was busy cooking breakfast. Obviously it is going to be a simple breakfast but she wants to do something nice for Lauren. She laughed when she heard feet behind her. "Couldn't resist in not helping huh?".

"I'm hungry and that smells wonderful. Hello my loves". Lauren kissed Bo and then the girls.

"If you want to take them, I can finish up here". Bo let go of the stroller and Lauren pushed it to the dining room and pulled them out to play.

"Hi!". Lauren smiled wide at the twins. They laughed and kicked in her arms. Bo looked back and smiled. She couldn't see them clearly, but she heard their joy and glee.

"Let's hurry and eat. We have a nice day ahead of us". Bo smiled as she walked their plates to the table.

"Oh yeah? Like what?". Lauren smiled.

"You will see. Which is why I'm on a timetable here". Bo pulled the blonde's chair out to make sure she'd actually sit and eat.

An hour later, the kids were packed up and Lauren stood at the front door as she had been instructed to do.

"We're ready". Bo smiled into her phone and waited. She grabbed a baby and Lauren grabbed the other. The women walked out to a horse drawn carriage with a cover over the seats.

"Bo! How thoughtful!". Lauren smiled.

"Hey it's hot out. They are going to be cool as we go for a little ride". Bo beamed.

When everyone had been loaded on, Lauren couldn't hold her first question back. "Where are we going?".

"We are going riding until we find our next wedding spot". Bo smiled.

"Bo!". Lauren smiled again.

"Hey, I said I will marry you after every baby. Now is the time to pick the next spot because every wedding will be different and most of all loving". Bo leaned over to kiss the blonde. She laughed when she felt their baby kicking as she gently touched Lauren's stomach.

TBC