Visit the queen.

Deep within the city of Avana stands a fortified manor surrounded by tall walls of stone brick. Up above, there are guards. Around the corners, guards. Ahead to block the entrance, even more guards. It makes sense so many would be stationed, as it was the same way the first time you were here all that time ago. This is where you first met Queen Catherine II when you returned with Nyllia, and soon after, you were given Dragonhide Manor as a reward. You look to her, and she to you, as you exchange a silent memory of good times in the past.

Xiaoqing, still clad in the raiment of a frozen princess, steps beside you with the click of heels tapping cautiously along the smooth stone road--getting used to the feeling, from one who hasn't dressed in such a manner in ages, or perhaps ever. "Are we really to walk right up to the queen like this?" she asks.

"Awhile back, Nyllia and I returned here with good news. We had just returned from a cavern, which led to an ancient dungeon filled with dangers like purple slimes and goblins, but most importantly, a lich," you explain. "Though unlike last time, I won't just need her word to enter."

"That is correct," says Nyllia. "He was knighted by the queen herself, in Tolis. That and I believe our reputation precedes us."

"But what about me?" asks Xiaoqing.

"Sir Warren will surely allow entry for the two lovely ladies at his side."

You glance to the worried girl with a look of comfort. "It'll be fine. You're with us. And if they don't let you follow, we won't enter."

"Halt!" A woman stands guard before the front doorway. Her upper torso is armoured by steel with grey and brown furs stuffed beneath it, though both of her strong arms are bare, with the right one covered by markings from her shoulder all the way to the back of her hand. It's fusion of varies individual pieces, from flowers to flames, though one of the most prominent is a ruby wolf head--the symbol of Tivera. After inspecting you for just a moment longer, while you're doing the same in return, her stern, piercing glare warms to one more softened. "Lady Nyllia Tesgella, Sir Kyle Warren. Apologies. Should I say King Warren now?"

"Whichever you prefer," you answer with a smile. "Yes, that's us. We were just hoping to see the queen before this evening."

"Naturally, you should." She nods, and slams her arm up against her breastplate. Beneath that is bare stomach. Two silver beads pierce her belly button. Hanging from a wide belt around her waist is a small metal shield, and opposite of that is a rather peculiar weapon. It looks like a small, stubby spear, no longer than a hand axe. She wears baggy shorts squeezed by armoured plates, as well as hefty boots with steel soles which come to dangerous points at her toes. Her long auburn hair is brained back into a thick ponytail, and both ears are adorned by similar piercings to what she wears upon her naval.

"I do not believe Kyle here has seen you since your return," says Nyllia. "As you likely know, strange things happened in your absence."

She lets out a long, exhausted sigh as she presses a hand to her temple. Her eyes struggle to open and make contact with yours. "Ugh. Yes. Well first of all, King Warren, my name is Lady Isabelle Turner. I swore my life to protect the royal family, but then one of the Vampire Queen's minions came and turned everything upside down. You likely remember the fake Princess Abigail. My own memories were altered to think I was her bodyguard, though when they noticed I was starting to resist her power, they took me away. Dezro, the court wizard, was slain by vampires. I managed to escape alive, though it took me some time to fight my way back."

"Oh yeah. That was a whole thing," you reply. "Sorry that happened, but I'm glad I was able to help. It was certainly a strange time."

"I heard you definitely took care of that one. I owe you. I really do. Nothing will bring Dezro back, but other than that, nobody in the royal family was hurt, and that was because of your actions. Yours and a witch who was with you, from what I've heard. Then there's Thadius... Don't even get me started. In fact, I'm rambling on now. Please come inside. Queen Catherine II has been awaiting your arrival, and Princess Dayna is excited to meet you."

"Oh yeah. The sister who was elsewhere. Is that the whole royal family then?"

"Not quite. Princess Dayna's husband, Prince Finaros, has come to visit as well. The two spent quite a bit of time in Wolvenhood, but they recently returned from an extend visit to the free cities southwest of us. They have a son as well, Prince Einarr. From what I understand, they'll all be returning to Tolis together at last, which is relieving to me."

So Queen Catherine II is the eldest daughter, though it seems her parents are no longer around. I guess technically Cat is the oldest, but she's given up on making a claim to the throne. Then after Catherine, it's Thadius, though he's never taking control again. Princess Dayna and her husband are next, and then lastly, their kid. Elok Daven really was a crafty one. Thadius was the perfect way in. The next in line, and also likely envious of his older sister's power. Meanwhile, the rest of the family wasn't even nearby at the time.

Without even needing to flash your signet ring, you've been invited into the home where the royal family stays when they visit Avana. It would have likely been the case regardless of who stood guard, though it's good fortune you were able to meet up with the fake Princess' missing bodyguard. Xiaoqing follows behind, allowed entry as well.