Explaining the plan

You and the girls manage to get everything cleaned up before Samuel returns that evening. As usual, Sadie and Maya are all smiles, plotting their next scheme. Once you settle again, Iris sits beside you, a curious look on her face. “So, what is your plan? How long do you think you will need?”

You smile. “Honestly, we could start any time. I want to meet with these people to get a feel for what’s coming, but I don’t plan on involving any of them in the actual plan.”

Maya looks at you sidelong. “It sounds like you have another of your ideas that involve getting yourself in danger.”

You chuckle. “It was always going to come to that, you know that. But yes.”

Uzume rolls her eyes. “At least we’re here to drag you out of trouble, then! Hopefully this time I don’t have to get rescued as well.”

You shake your head. “We’re not killing a god this time. Plus, if this goes well, there won’t be a fight at all.”

Iris furrows her brow. “What do you mean?”

You look at her. “You said yourself that the queen’s actions were out of character for her. I am willing to believe that someone took advantage of her grief over her husband’s death to gain some control over her. Wether it’s magical in nature or simply manipulation, I don’t know yet. But if we can expose or break that control, I think we can solve this relatively bloodlessly.”

Maya nods. “It would be nice to avoid a bloodbath, but if they try to hurt you…”

Sadie giggles. “It would be a very bad decision for them!”

You shrug. “Between the five of us, there’s very little that could threaten us. Between my magic, Sadie’s as well, and Uzume’s strength with Maya for support, I’m not worried for our safety. But if it comes to that, we could incite a civil war. People don’t take well to a foreign leader coming in and killing a ruler, even if it’s in self-defense.”

Iris nods. “A good point. Even though Queen Mayella has been a tyrant, people will still support her over an outsider.”

Maya looks at you. “Oh! So that’s why you’re having this meeting with Iris’ resistance! You want some support in case things go wrong.”

You shake your head. “No, if things go wrong, we’re beyond the point where their support matters. At that point it stops being assistance and becomes a coup. I want their cooperation so we can figure out what could be influencing Mayella.”

Iris sighs. “I guess you have it all figured out. Let’s hope it goes like you think.”

You nod. “I’m hopeful. If there’s a way to solve this peacefully, we’ll find it.”

Uzume chuckles.