The undead throne

You finally make your way back to the throne room, leaving Becca to clean herself up. When you arrive Sadie and Uzume are there already, looking quite pleased with themselves. Maya is there as well, and she gives you a grin as you approach. “So, I’m guessing Becca found you?”

You chuckle. “Yes, yes she did.”

Maya nudges you. “So…how did it go?”

You smile and give the grinning dragon girl a kiss. “I think you know exactly how it went!”

Maya giggles. “You’ll need to give me more details later! Iris will be here any minute, so I suppose we should try to act professional.”

You roll your eyes. “Since when do you care about that?”

She smiles. “I only mess with YOUR royal mystique! Queen Mayella should get to have a little more dignity in her throne room!”

You laugh, but before you can answer, Iris walks in, with many of the resistance members you met in tow. They all look nervous, especially with Mayella waiting on the throne for their approach. Iris gives you a nod, and you walk beside her and approach the queen.

The vampire looks at the group of people and sighs. “I see your worries, and it pains me. I remember being…at least liked, if not loved. I’m so sorry…but that doesn’t change what happened. It won’t fix what I caused. I led us down a dark path.”

She looks at Iris. “Meanwhile, you risked everything, and sought help. And in so doing, led us back to the light. You even rescued me! An now I find myself restored, but not whole.”

She shakes her head. “I cannot lead. I should not. And so, I will not. I renounce my crown, and if the rest of you will accept, I would name Iris as my successor.”

There’s a moment of shocked silence, and then cheers from the resistance members. Iris looks like she’s about to protest, but then straightens. “I accept. I do not want the power, but I will take it and try to lead our people as best as I can.”

Mayella nods. “That is all anyone can ask.”

Iris turns to you. “We can still join with Athkalla, correct? Us being…intimate doesn’t change anything?”

You chuckle. “If anything, it’ll make your nation more welcome. Congratulations, Queen Iris.”

Iris smiles, and hugs you, and then Maya. Stepping back, she nods. “It seems like I’ll have some work to do here, then. I know you have another birth to get ready for, but I must stay.”

You smile. “I’ll get the artificers working on a communication mirror quickly. And I expect a visit once things are settled, all the girls like you!”

Maya grins. “And keep an eye on Becca for us!”

Iris looks confused for a moment, then her eyes go wide. “Did you…oh! I see…”

Maya laughs, and you shake your head.