Awakening as a king

After an exhausting, emotional day, you collapsed into your royal bed and fell asleep almost immediately. Maya joined you, and for once the two of you just slept. In the morning, you’re surprised to find the bed empty.

You head to the dining room and see Maya at the table, looking miserable. Clarissa is beside her, gently rubbing her back, while Anna sets a glass of water in front of her. Maya groans, looking up at you as you walk in.

“I knew it was coming, but it still sucks!”

You chuckle. “Morning sickness, huh?”

Maya nods. Anna smiles at you. “She’ll be fine, but I think she should rest. One of the nurses was here and assured us that this is normal.”

You smile. “Good. Well, not good that Maya is feeling sick, but good that it’s normal.”

Clarissa grins. “Still want in on that, Anna?”

Anna nods. “Very much so. Master knows I’d do anything to do this too.”

You laugh. “Between you, Lynn, and now Kali, I think we’re going to be busy. You do know we just had a kingdom at war land in our laps, right?”

Clarissa smiles. “Don’t worry, Josh, the rest of the girls are going to pick up the slack. I’m sure we’ll catch the fever once the babies start showing up though...”

Anna giggles. “You don’t hide it very well, Miss Clarissa.”

Clarissa blushes, looking away. “I...shush. It’s not time for that conversation.”

You smile and nod. “Regardless, I hope you feel better soon, Maya. You can rest today, there’s not much that I’ll need help with. Just getting my bearings and checking in with our allies.”

As you’re talking, Yura walks in and sits down at the table. Anna excuses herself to go to the kitchen, and Yura looks at you curiously. “So what do we do now?”

“Well, our first objective is to eliminate this resurgence of the HPP. And unfortunately, that means we’re going to have to take on these remaining human kingdoms.”

You turn to Clarissa. “Will the dwarves help in this, or will we need to do it without them?”

Clarissa smiles. “I can’t say for certain, but I know that the council will likely support anything you do to advance towards your stated goals. Dismantling regimes corrupted by the pawns of the demon lord certainly applies.”

You nod. “That makes this easier. Militarily, we’re superior. But they have shown they’re not above using assassins and poison. I think it’s time to consult my fellow leaders for some advice.”