The next day, Casey tries to go about business as usual.  She and Lex spend ample time together, talking about the nature of the situation.  Lex points out just how much Casey has changed since she became a Phoenix Fighter, leaving Casey to wonder if the change has been for the better or for the worse.  Unfortunately, before she can reach a conclusion, there is a knock at the door.  Queen Darla arrives at the House and explains that she has come, in the wake of Jacqui's death, to find a new bodyguard for herself and the family.  Lex observes as Darla orders Casey around, treating her like a child, and Casey takes it without objection.

 

Darla demands that Aden and Adriana be brought out to her.  She explains that she has come to choose a new bodyguard from the ranks of the Phoenix Fighters.  Aden and Adriana try to convince her that the Phoenix Fighters are not slaves to be bought and sold, but Darla is determined.  She takes a room on the first floor, in order to better observe the Phoenix Fighters in action before she makes her decision.  After examining and testing them, she settles on Philip, much to Ariadne and Adriana's horror.  They try to convince her that Philip cannot leave the House, but Darla insists.

 

Of all people, Quinn pays a call on Casey to try and comfort her over her shattered marriage.  Just as they are about to reach a unique understanding, however, Darla arrives at Casey's room.  She interogates Casey about Philip.  Quinn watches from the shadows, observing the abusive way Darla treats Casey.  He encourages her to stand up to her, but Casey insists that she just doesn't have the backbone.  Quinn, however, believes in her.

 

The next night, Darla goes over Adriana's head and calls a meeting in the lobby.  When the Phoenix Fighters assemble, Darla announces her intention to leave the House with Philip in the morning.  Adriana and Ariadne object fiercely, but Darla insists that Philip must go with her and that it is a great honor to them all that he has been chosen.  Casey suddenly stands up, confronting Darla about the way she treats the Phoenix Fighters, eventually concluding that Dagllas was right, they don't need the queen, the queen needs them.  Darla is so shocked by Casey's nerve that she storms out of the lobby and Casey follows after her to continue the fight.

 

The battle quickly delves into the past as Casey accuses Darla of being responsible for some of the greatest tragedies in her life.  Darla waves off the accusation, reminding her to focus on the present, not the past, but Casey points out that the past has made her the person she is today.  She offers Darla a route to be rid of her forever if she claims that Casey was killed by the Ebene, but Darla hesitates.  She admits that she is curious to get to know the new Casey.  They come to terms with their past and Darla agrees to leave without Philip.  Casey promises to remain a part of the life of the royals, provided that from now on, they treat her like a real person.  From the shadows, Quinn watches.  He tells Casey he is very proud of her.  She thanks him for giving her the courage to stand up to Darla and agrees to let him take her away from Shaldani for a brief celebration by the Twin Lakes of Miranda.