A New Day! Your Kingdom of Hopeless Hotties

Of course, you're one of them. That's become rather clear. Though how one may describe "hopeless" will certainly differ. Everybody at Castle Phoenix has their quirks, and while some may be more difficult to control than others, nobody is without their faults, yet everybody here has their strengths. A new sun rises over the horizon and bathes the mountainside with a fiery glow. The tall, dark stone walls delay the morning further, though after the previous night, you awaken without a care for the time of day.

Yin is already up. She's already began to tidy up, though as others get up, she isn't left completely alone. Most prefer to wash up and get dressed, though some do help her before that. Eventually, most within are doing their part, though Yin insists you head to the Royal Bath, put on some warm, clean clothing, and then watch from your throne. Since she rarely insists on anything, you obey.

A deep breath escapes your lips as you lay back on the throne, garbed in soft, comfortable, yet regal attire made by Luna's hands using her very own silk. It's even more noble than what you've had before, with blue being the primary colour scheme as always. You may not be covered in a big fluffy coat with a massive gold crown, but this is your day off. Anyway, it's Demon King that everyone has been calling you for some time now. You reckon a demon has little need to be so formal. You still exude an aura of power, even in such light attire. You glance to the side. Lauo is sheathed, and laying against the side of the throne. Then you bring up your hand--the signet ring gifted to you by Queen Catherine II what feels like an eternity ago, back when you lived at Dragonhide Manor.

By pure coincidence, the queen then approaches you. You're doubtful she can read minds. Perhaps she merely came to your thoughts as you were watching her. As her hips sway, your memories of last night waft by. She may now be clothed again, as everybody is, but it takes little effort to imagine what's beneath. It isn't as if you need to do this, of course. She's a beautiful, amazing woman, and no matter what she wears, she does so with an elegance and confidence that causes one's heart to flutter regardless. Perhaps it's the way she looks at you. In her eyes, it's almost as if she's speaking without words, "You may look all you'd like, as long as I can do the same". Your Kitty Sense may not hear her thoughts, but you can certainly feel her emotions. Everybody here is still filled with joy, though some of the more bashful girls are certainly flustered. It's all in good fun either way.

"Now that the festivities have concluded and morning has come, may we speak, Your Majesty?" she asks with a hand to her heart. "I am once again the queen of Tivera, but despite this formal confrontation, I'm not opposed to however you'd like to discuss. We do already have intimate knowledge of every inch of each other's bodies, so an ordinary meeting of royalty is likely off the table."

"Speak then," you say with a chuckle and smile. "No need to be formal. Like you said, we're not just two rulers. I think we've gone beyond what's normal."

"Right then. I would like to formally declare Castle Phoenix as an independent nation. You already have been, but Tivera will not recognize it as such. In addition, this sovereign nation will henceforth be a direct ally to the Empire of Tivera, if you'll have it be so."

"Of course, Catherine. I'd have it no other way."

"Wonderful. Then let's speak on all that's happened. From what I understand, you were able to use magic to monitor different aspects of the war, but I imagine you weren't able to observe everything. Allow me to tell my story at least."

"Let's get you a proper seat."

"Ah. Allow me," she says before stepping closer. Then without any hesitation, she takes hold of her dress, pulls herself up onto the throne, and sits down on your lap with her bare feet hanging over the armrest. She brushes her fingers over your cheek, and then back through your brown hair. "Will this do?"

"If it's comfortable enough for a queen."

"More than comfortable."

"Then proceed."

"From what I've gathered from your allies, these final creations of Elok Daven, the golems coloured gold, were called ELIS. Elok Lifelike Intelligence Soldier. I assume this is an advancement of the ALICE automatons, yes?"

"That's right. We also liberated his control over the others. That was something he seemed to have... patched out of the next version. ALICEs are sentient. Now that they've been freed, they'll become a group similar to the insectrin, I imagine."

"An ELIS appeared in Tolis with a massive, flying automaton, and many small ones, covered in copper plates, blades, and cannons capable of firing dangerous magical blasts. We managed to hold them off, however. Lady Vraelion... Ah, I should say Malakae, as I believe she now has a complicated relationship with her family name... did much. Truly gold dragons are forces to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, many others rose to the occasion. There were elite adventurers, members of the Circle, and even criminals I think. Likely from Shadow Garden. Yes, I'm not so foolish to where I didn't know of them. That's a complicated history."

"I assume so. I mean, Rose and Mina are literally across the room."

Catherine scoots her rear back and forth on your lap. While she's likely just getting comfortable, a coy glint in her eye also informs you she may be indulging a little further beyond that. One of her hands touches a little higher on your thigh than you expected, but quickly after, those fingers glide affectionately up your chest, to your cheek. "Thadius of course allowed it to happen. He sent guards strategically away as he knew the attack was coming. Thankfully, after I exposed myself for all to see, many proved themselves to still be loyal to the queen."

"If you exposed yourself to me, I'd also become loyal!" Fang shouts from nearby.

"Should we have this conversation somewhere private?" you ask, glancing briefly to Fang, first with a deadpanned expression, though quickly followed by a smirk.

"It's fine," the queen says. "Nothing I wish to say should be private to your people."

"Then continue."

"Word spread quickly that the Empire of Tivera was under attack, and not just the capital city. Victory was assured by a combination of factors. Luck, as always, was one, but also how many people disliked the man. As quickly as he was able to spread propaganda against you, it also worked in reverse. And when word came from the battle in Avana--"

"She undersells herself," comes the sudden voice of Malakae. She's once again garbed in a familiar crimson qipao, supplied by Luna, as when she arrived last evening, she was left nude by the transformation. "Many of the people rallied because of the queen."

"As goes the spirit of Tivera," Catherine replies, wrapping her fingers around the ruby wolf which hangs from her neck. She then at last slides from your lap, and stands proud once more. She readjusts the crown atop her head and turns back to face you. "I knew it wouldn't fall, even in the incapable hands of Thadius."

"So where is he?" you ask.

"I'm afraid I don't know. He fled, but he's certainly not taking the throne again after all that. If he had remained, and faced judgement, he may have had the opportunity to convince enough people he had meant no harm, but running away is normally what guilty people do."

"Uh. Well, we had to run away when he sicced everybody on Kyle," Niki chimes in from behind.

Beside her stand Eva and Amara.

"Fair," the queen replies. "I suppose I did say normally. Regardless, Avana is where much happened, and I wasn't present for that. I've only heard news second-hand. It seems to me something similar happened with adventurers rising up, though it wasn't just that. Reinforcements arrived, led by the great Yaera Tedrilui, and many familiar faces I see around me now. You saved Avana, Kyle. For what you and your people have done, I can never repay."

"It's fine!" Eva shouts, waving her hand dismissively. "We had to kick Elok's butt one way or another."

"Call him David. It's funnier," says Niki.

"I did battle with my father," explains Malakae. She appears solemn. Her eyes remain down, and she stands with a hand gently over her heart. "He is older, and therefore mightier than I, but due to the chaos of battle, I wasn't alone. When the battle turned in our favour, he fled. I don't know where he is now, but he's lost everything--his political power, his home and wealth--"

You look her in the eyes. "Most importantly, you."

"... I suppose, yes. Indeed. He did lose me. In fact, he lost his entire name in a sense. I am Malakae Vraelion, and he's nothing but an enemy of Tivera. A dangerous enemy, but he no longer deserves to be called what he once was. Not Lord Vraelion. Not father. I'll now call him nothing more than Baspiax."

The queen turns to her. "You have my support. As ruler of Tivera, I hereby strip him of his name in full. No longer will I recognize him as head of the Vraelion family. Granted, that may do little in practice, but just know that the Empire itself is on your side."

You look around for a moment and catch the eyes of Yin. "Hey, can you come here for a moment, Yin?"

"Yes, Master!" the devil calls with a big smile on her face, as if knowing she's needed by you grants her the greatest joy. "What can I do for you?"

"I'd like a complete account of what happened at Castle Phoenix during the invasion, if you can."

She pinches the hem of her skirt and curtsies politely. "Of course, Master. B-But can I have a seat then too?"

You sigh and chuckle warmly. "Of course."

Giddy, she hurries over and sits down on your lap. She does so with less grace than the queen, though the wiggle of her rear is adorable, and it feels as if a heating pad has just been dropped upon your legs. Her body burns so hot that you can feel it through her clothing as well as your own. Though thankfully, it's already somewhat into the season of autumn, so it's feels amazing. In the cooler seasons of the year, she truly is the greatest one to cuddle.

You run your hand back through her dark hair. "All right. Ready?"

Her smile widens as her eyes flutter.

Amara chuckles. "Are you certain you will be able to heed Kyle's command in such a position?"

Yin's eyes pull wide open. "Y-Yes! Of course." She then clears her throat. "Just as it happened in Tolis, according to the queen, an ELIS arrived with reinforcements in-flight. You already know The Edge appeared. It was quite the battle still. There isn't all that much to explain. Mistress Dajy, Klava, Raleza, Brizi, Vodrani, Linzeri, Mipa, Jelly, Chini, Chula, Chila, Patricia, Fava, Laira, Luna, Dixby and I, all did our best, and so did the other residents of Castle Phoenix. While they were not all fit to fight, everybody did their part."

"I can only imagine he didn't have a lot of his army to spare, especially on such short notice," adds Catherine. "I assume he knew a battle was coming eventually, but you likely took him by surprise enough."

"There were a ton of foes in his lair," you say. "If we had waited and he was able to set up a proper invasion, it may have been too much. Say, does anyone know what happened to Zazra, Bill & Phil? Imaeris too. Rinlin and Allie as well."

Eva turns her head to Nyllia who doesn't stand far. She beckons her over, though her keen elven hearing had likely already heard the words. She makes her way over, clad in the same new attire she was wearing last evening just as most others are.

"They are still aiding Avana," the templar explains. "As for Imaeris, I am unsure. I believe that if he fell, we would have found his body, so it is more likely he still lives. As much as it pains me to admit it, I do hope he is well."

Mina hustles over. Her big, adorable ears bounce as she comes to a stop. "The last time I saw Allie, she was also in Avana, but as far as I know, nobody knows exactly where she went."

"Word is that Rinlin is also aiding those in the city," Nyllia explains.

You take hold of Yin's sides, and in response, she lets out a small "eep". With a smile, you tug her in closer for an embrace.

"I hate to say it, but I'm going to need you to do something for me that doesn't involve my lap," you say.

"Anything!" Yin hops off, turns, and bows low.

"Can you gather the others? Tom, Vodrani, Bek, Koblix, etcetera. Even the various others that joined our numbers. For when this room is cleaned, which is almost seems to be, I want to give a speech to every resident of Castle Phoenix. It would be pretty strange of me to not, after everything."

"It shall be done," Yin responds. She then takes her leave.