Queen and princess

You spend the next couple hours discussing the path that led you here, with the usual surprise at Kali, and your manipulation of the portal. Kallista listens intently, never letting go of Elys, who has calmed down and is content to hold her mother.

As you finish your tale, Kallista is quiet, clearly thinking. “So you only found out about Elly‘s connection here after you left the dwarves?”

You nod. “Until then, I only knew the barest backstory, and I didn’t want to pry. I’ve seen very few happy stories come through the portal, which is partially what brought me here.”

Kallista nods. “Elly...why did you wait to tell him? He is family, is he not?”

Elys looks down, speaking quietly. “I wasss a criminal, I ran away, I wasss exiled...I wasss ssscared you wouldn’t take me back...”

Kallista hugs Elys tighter. “Oh my poor daughter, no matter what happened, I always wanted you back. When I heard what that greasy idiot Halid did, I almost attacked him. The Allied Kingdoms would have retaliated, and it wouldn’t bring you back. I never should have agreed to that betrothal, Elly. I never thought I would see you again.”

She turns to you. “And now a powerful mage brings her back, with an offer of alliance. It sounds like you have been treating my little girl well. This isn’t some strange negotiation tactic, is it?”

You shake your head. “I would never play with someone like that. Plus, Maya would kill me if I used her girlfriend like that.”

Kallista looks at you, slightly confused. “I thought they were all with you?”

Maya grins. “We are! But Elys is with me. Josh doesn’t mind.”

You nod. “That’s the easiest way to say it. We’re all a family, and there’s little groups within the family. I know it’s complicated, but everyone’s happy this way.”

Kallista smiles. “I suppose that’s what matters. Well, I guess this solves our succession issues...Elly is the princess. My crown will pass to her. Since she is with you, that makes you the future king here. I see no reason not to ally with you, especially considering who you’re already allies with.”

Everyone looks surprised. Elys looks at her mother. “J-jussst like that? No one will complain?”

Kallista smiles. “Some might, but the siren queen is still quite popular with her subjects, and a certain daughter of hers is still quite beloved. All I ask is that she stay here with me for a while. I miss my daughter...”

You smile, and look at Maya, who nods. “Elys, what do you think? Do you want to stay here for a while and spend time with your mother?”

Elys looks at you, and at Maya. “Would it be ok? If I ssstayed a while?”

You nod. “Of course. We need to look out for the ones we love, and if you’re going to inherit the kingdom, you should spend some time here. We’ll be ok, and we can visit often.”

Elys smiles. “Ok. But no going to war without me. I know how you are.”

You chuckle. “Deal. Queen Kallista, welcome to the alliance. We should get a name sometime.”

Kallista laughs. “Just Kallista is fine, especially since you’re essentially my son-in-law now. Now, shall we move this little meeting to dinner? I am quite hungry, and I’m sure you all are too, with your long trip!”

You smile.