Regina had not been here before. It was not a dark corner this time, but an entire room dedicated to one purpose within a building annex mostly dedicated to a similar purpose (and that could be quickly turned in either direction). There was no real reason for her to avoid it — after all, they were still inside the new Imperial palace's security — she simply hadn't had a reason to bother before.

Right now, she lit another candle and placed it on the stone shelf in the front of the room, taking a deep breath of the incense she'd just lit. It was the good stuff; what was worth doing was worth doing right, after all.

"Thank you, Leian," she said quietly.

Regina fell silent and looked around for a minute afterward. She'd kinda hoped that Leian would take the opportunity to show up so they could talk, but there was nothing. She was probably busy.

Regina didn't linger long in the shrine after that. She still wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it, or entirely comfortable with it, to be honest. But enough of her people were now, to variable degrees, followers of Leian that giving them this space was only appropriate. And it was convenient for things like this.

She might have looked in the wrong place, though — she'd barely gotten back to the main palace building before Iseis found her.

"How did it go?" Regina asked immediately. "How is Janis?"

She'd gotten her and Galatea's initial message and updates from other drones, but since the old Hivekind base in the south was outside her range, she was still mostly in the dark.

"No change so far, but I wouldn't expect any," Iseis answered. "She's unlikely to wake up before we remove her from there, which is a good thing, since that hall is not welcoming to magical life. But don't worry, Leian put up some shielding to protect her against any passive negative effects. I admit I'm not certain of the details, but it's certainly working. Janis will need people to make sure her body is hydrated and such, of course, and to keep an eye on her condition — I would suggest rotating caretakers — but that should be all. Well, and security, of course. I admit I am a little concerned regarding that aspect."

"I'll tell Max to assign another company to the base," Regina said. "Unless you think that's a bad idea?"

"As long as they're stealthy," Iseis shook her head. "Obscurity is that place's first line of defense, as always." She paused. "You really should not worry too much. Janis is safe and we've beaten the curse."

Regina exhaled heavily, nodding. "I'll try." Even with all of the worries that remained, the news that Leian had intervened personally to remove the curse had already lifted a metaphorical weight from her.

She had already sent a few of her most trusted and senior servants to take care of Janis, but it didn't feel like enough, either. She itched to see Janis herself, but she would have to exercise her patience.

Well, perhaps not entirely. Regina bid goodbye to Iseis, heading back to the wing that held her personal offices. She checked on the psychic link as she walked.

She met new drones all the time, though few of them really stuck in her memory by this point. However, there were still a few who did. Jim was one of them; not that new, but she hadn't actually seen him before in person except in passing. Now, she reached out to him again, filtering through the minds in her psychic link to find him. He was the former leader of the squad they'd assigned to guard the southern Hivekind base most recently, until now when most of them were being recalled and replaced.

Everything went according to plan? she asked as she entered her own rooms.

Yes, my Queen, he answered. Janis should be fine, I hope. Tor was looking after her when I left.

Show me, please.

He had only just returned from the base and was still in Nerlia, but Regina didn't care. She dove deeper into his mind. Jim opened up to her, welcoming her in. He focused on his recent memories of the base and Janis, and Regina looked through them.

Jim wasn't a mage, so he hadn't sensed the mana — a requirement they'd instituted for spending any time in or near the Hall of Ruin, as the people assigned there had informally and rather dramatically dubbed the underground space with the 'Flames of Ruins', or whatever the real name was. Without that effect, it looked remarkably peaceful; the hall was wide, the crystalline substance made for nice scenery, and Leian had somehow got a comfortable, elevated bed inside (magic, duh); Janis was lying on it, looking like she was sleeping. Jim had gotten close enough to confirm that she was indeed breathing. Regina simply lingered in the memory for a moment, assuring herself that her friend was okay. Whatever measures Leian had taken weren't visible, but they must be working.

Thanks, Jim, she finally said, retreating mentally.

He sent wordless acknowledgment and support in reply, and Regina returned her focus to her current surroundings.

There was, as always, a mountain of work waiting for her. The Empire didn't stop running just because Janis was in danger. Ira had clearly taken a bit more from the stack of folders than usual, but Regina still set to work on the rest. It was kind of boring, since she was mostly dealing with routine paperwork that still needed her attention right now, but the routine was grounding. Just what she needed to center herself a little before she went to talk to Kiara again. Well, she also added a little paperwork of her own, dealing with the present situation.

She saw Iseis again the next day. Travel between the base and the temple was limited to avoid drawing attention, but she had been told that Iseis had returned to it to check on their defenses, and on Janis, and then spent a few hours in the temple before returning to the capital again. At least she was on time for the minor ceremony Regina had planned.

It would not have been proper for the star of the show to be missing, after all.

Regina had chosen semi-formal surroundings, an audience chamber not far from the official throne room. There were not that many people present, but the event was formal enough for the purpose. She was wearing her 'day crown' with a new suit (a few of the drones had started experimenting with spider-silk, using biomancy or related Class Skills), and Iseis had also dressed up a little in a nicer robe than usual.

Regina gave a short speech, quickly outlining what had happened and emphasizing Iseis' bravery, cool-headedness in a crisis and skill, but she kept it vague. And short. Iseis was kneeling in front of her as etiquette required, and she'd heard enough complaints about her knees from the old elf to not want to add to her trouble with long minutes of kneeling on hard stone.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"For your actions, we grant you the Imperial Meritorious Service Award," Regina concluded. She stood up and stepped forward, taking the silver pin Max held at the ready and pinning it to Iseis. It was rather generic, admittedly, but she'd wanted something tangible to give her as part of this event to show her recognition.

"In addition to," she continued, with a dramatic pause, "a stipend of five thousand Imperial marks." She watched Ira hand Iseis an envelope (containing the account details at the new Imperial Bank of New Anberg); then another. "As well as a royal grant of twenty thousand marks for the purpose of either the expansion of existing temples or the construction of new temples for the goddess Leianaleine, at your discretion."

"You honor me, Your Imperial Majesty," Iseis replied, now standing, and bowed deeply.

"It is nothing less than deserved," Regina replied. "Furthermore, we grant you a patent of nobility; you are now formally Lady Iseis Alturiel, the title to be held by you and your heirs in perpetuity."

There would probably be some grumbling simply because Iseis wasn't human among the hardline conservatives, but Regina didn't care. It also wouldn't escape anyone's notice that this was purely for prestige and there were no actual lands attached to the title. (Something Regina was generally reluctant to do; she wanted to slowly abolish nobility, especially landed nobility with coercive power, legal or de-facto, over their lands' local citizens outside national law and justice; not add more of them.) She had chewed on this decision for a while, and thought it was probably a good compromise, even if it still felt a bit unsatisfying.

Suddenly, Kiara spoke up. "If I may, my liege?"

Regina tried not to show her surprise. They hadn't discussed this. She inclined her head gracefully. "Of course."

Kiara stepped forward. She was also dressed lavishly, wearing a tiara. And she had an attendant with a box following her.

"Lady Alturiel," she stated, "the crown of Cernlia would also express its gratitude and recognition of your long and worthwhile service. You have long been a steadfast and farsighted advisor, and saving the person of the Imperial heir is an act any loyal Imperial citizen must unquestionably be grateful for. As it happens, the barony of Delares is currently without master, as its last lord died with no suitable heirs. It has thus reverted to the crown, as is tradition, to be granted to those deserving. You are a woman of proven wisdom, valor, virtue and piety. I can think of no more worthy holder. As such, I award you title to the barony, with all associated incomes." She paused, smiling slightly. "I believe there is a very capable steward, so it will not take much of your time from your other duties."

Regina frowned slightly before she could stop herself. Not sure I like this. Iseis' eyes darted to her briefly, though, and Regina gave her a slight nod.

"This is quite the surprise, Your Majesty," Iseis replied, "and I feel deeply honored by your consideration. I did not do anything I have done in hope of reward, and this is a heavy responsibility. Nevertheless, if you are certain in your choice, it will be my honor to accept."

Regina kept quiet as her award ceremony was somewhat hijacked. She could deal with that.

Luckily, she had already scheduled a reception after this little impromptu ceremony. She'd wanted to speak to Iseis, but clearly she needed to touch base with Kiara as well.

It was probably a good idea, anyway. She glanced at the people present as they started mingling, most of them with a glass of wine or other spirits, or something else for the drones. The mood was good, and the overall reaction felt positive.

Up until now, Regina had probably been a little too stingy with these kinds of rewards. She needed to give out more awards and medals. Especially in the military, and especially with the war on. They had a more formal system now than at the start, and she did need to honor people explicitly more regularly. For one, Ada should get a medal for successfully taking that Western city, even if the damage dealt in the process was apparently higher than Regina would have liked. But her generals and commanders would take their cue from her and she needed to lead by example as well as by policy.

For now, Regina instead headed straight for Kiara, subtly projecting an aura of aloofness and isolation to discourage other people from approaching her. Kiara turned to meet her, her face cam and unreadable.

"Thank you for coming, Kiara," Regina started. "I didn't know you were planning to give Iseis that barony."

"It felt appropriate. She saved Janis," Kiara answered.

"Hm." Regina glanced around, making sure they were alone. "I would have appreciated it if you'd let me know beforehand."

Kiara frowned. "With all due respect, Regina, I'm still the queen of Cernlia. Handling my vassals is still my duty, and that includes granting titles. Do you disapprove?"

Regina sighed. "It's not that I want to interfere with you. Although, yes, I don't think I quite approve. You can guess why. The issue is more that I don't want you blindsiding me."

"That wasn't my intention, my Empress," Kiara stated. "My apologies."

Regina paused. Screw it, no sense beating around the bush. "You're angry with me, Kiara. May I ask why?"

Kiara pinched the bridge of her nose. She was definitely still feeling irritated. "You talk about not blindsiding me, but I'd prefer to be informed, too. Janis is … well, you know what she is to me. I should have been involved in, in everything that's been happening."

"I'm sorry," Regina said softly. "I tried to keep you in the loop. Admittedly, everything was happening pretty quickly, and I focused on finding Iseis." Which did turn out to be the right decision, but she should have made more time for talking to Kiara about it personally.

"I'm sure," her friend said. She was feeling a bit resentful, and Regina didn't know what to do about it. "I appreciate the apology. If you'll excuse me, I have other duties."

Regina let her go, looking after her for a moment. She sighed. She needed to speak to Kiara again later, to really talk this out, but perhaps letting her cool off a bit first was best.

"Trouble brewing?" Iseis asked, stepping up beside her. "Is there anything I can do?"

Regina shook her head, smiling at her. "Not at all, we'll work it out. And you've done enough for us, certainly."

Iseis fingered the pin at her breast. "Perhaps, but …" she began quietly, hesitating. "My Empress, are you certain about this? I have hardly done anything to deserve these rewards. I tried, but — I didn't manage to save Janis."

"From where I'm standing, Janis is alive because of you," Regina replied. Tentatively, she patted her shoulder. "You realized what was wrong with her and had the sense to bring her to the temple. Would Leian have healed her if you hadn't prepared the groundwork? I'm not sure. You made sure she could be saved. And, well, I can hardly summon Leian to an award ceremony," she joked, smiling. "Besides, apparently your purification helped, didn't it?"

"I hope so," Iseis murmured. She did straighten up a bit, though. "I've attempted to commune with my goddess. She has been quiet."

Regina tugged on her mandible, considering. "This is where you say there was a cost, isn't it?" she asked.

Iseis looked serious. "A working like this was not an easy feat, and such a thing takes magical power to do. Leian has a lot of it, of course, but still less than other gods. She will also need to pay increased attention to Princess Janis, and to the base, and I know she is trying to analyze the curse and find where the curse might have originated. If nothing else, I would not expect her to intervene in our favor in the coming weeks or months."

"That makes sense," Regina said. She could hardly complain about it now. "I understand."

Iseis inclined her head. "Good, thank you. Also, Berren implied that he might be willing to help me if the need arose, in exchange for a favor. It might be something to keep in mind if something else on this scale happens again, though I would prefer to avoid it."

"Did he?" Regina paused. "Good to know. I think I agree. Is there anything else?"

"Not to be shameless, but if I could ask another favor …"

"Of course, go on."

"I would like to further my studies of soul magic," Iseis said, speaking very quietly. "I will likely need to gather some materials, and a proper workspace would be a boon. I know you have given me quarters in the palace near the shrine, but it should be isolated. And a closer look at your and Galatea's setup to detect psychic potential; I might work on it with her."

"Absolutely," Regina agreed right away. "I'll see what I can do regarding a good lab and materials. If you don't mind entertaining me on occasion, I'd also like to learn a bit more about soul magic. And I'm sure Galatea would like to collaborate with you on it, too."

"Thank you. I'll speak with her on the matter."

Regina nodded, glancing at the gathering. People were coming forward to speak with both of them. Time to get back into the fray.

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