Return and redemption

With Mayella’s help, you manage to shut off the barrier device. Afterwards, as your group makes its way up the stairs, she speaks to Iris. “I want to apologize, for everything. Could you bring the members of your resistance to the palace? I need to ask for forgiveness. If I am to remain queen, I need to make penance, and that seems like a good place to start.”

Iris nods. “Of course. It may take some time to convince them that you’re…better, however.”

Mayella sighs. “A lot of trust has been broken. If I cannot regain it…I may need to hand off the crown to another. Someone trusted and wise, a proven leader. Someone like you, Iris.”

Iris blinks in surprise. “Me? What do you mean, your highness?”

As you reach the top, Mayella stops and turns to face the banshee fully. “If I cannot convince the members of your resistance to accept me as queen, I will abdicate, and hand over the crown to you.”

Iris gasps. “But…why?”

The vampire looks away, speaking quietly. “A leader who is despised by their people is no leader at all. Meanwhile, you risked your life to seek help, and succeeded.”

She turns to you. “As a part of that, I ask to become a part of your nation. You have done so much for us, despite our only offering you threat.”

You nod. “Of course. Despite the animosity of your former advisors, your people have been…quite welcoming.”

Maya grins. “He means Iris slept with him, and there’s a mummy with a crush on him.”

Mayella smiles. “You weren’t kidding about the irreverence, were you.”

You chuckle. “If I’m honest, I wouldn’t change her if I could.”

Maya winks, and Sadie laughs. “We treat Joshie with plenty of respect!”

Uzume rolls her eyes. “Kinda undermines your point to call him Joshie when you say that, Sadie.”

You interrupt before they can really get going on the argument. “Regardless, consider it done, Queen Mayella. No matter who is in charge, I happily accept your nation as part of Athkalla.”

At this point your group has returned to the now-empty throne room. Iris, still deep in thought, turns to you. “I will go to collect the others.”

Maya nods. “I’m coming too. I want to talk to you for a bit.”

You smile. “Hurry back, you two. I want to get home soon.”

Maya grins at you. “I think you should go get cleaned up!”

You raise an eyebrow at her, and she simply giggles, walking off with Iris. With a sigh, you turn to Mayella. “It’s generally a good idea for me to do what she says. Do you have somewhere I can get cleaned up?”

Mayella nods. “The guest rooms are off that way. I will send someone for you when everyone is here.”

You head off, with Sadie and Uzume in tow, the pair chatting about sharing a shower. You chuckle at their not so subtle innuendos towards each other.