Regina had a lot of reasons to be upset with Marquis Lyns, and just as many, if not more, to value him as an ally. It was only now, after the better part of a war they’d fought together, that she realized what might be the biggest actual issue.

She simply didn’t like him.

There was enough reason for it, of course. He’d betrayed her trust several times, in minor ways, but still significantly. He’d been dependent on her help to hold up his part of the bargain and actually fight their enemies - which were arguably just his enemies, anyway - either. But she suspected it was mostly the little things, the way he acted, the way he made decisions and followed through on them. He didn’t seem to be a racist, at least not as much as other humans she’d met or heard about. But he still clearly saw her for what she could do for him, and that was that, all he cared about.

It was probably petty to complain about that part, she realized. Still, he could have let it show less. Making unilateral decisions and then expecting her to go along with it because they were allies rubbed her the wrong way. And to be fair, she’d done the same to him quite a few times, as well. But she genuinely had the better communication infrastructure and coordination, which kind of necessitated decisive action, and at this point, she probably had superior forces as well. Not to mention how she was basically propping up his entire logistical support, from food to medicine.

All things considered, Regina thought she was entirely justified to be miffed when he greeted her after he’d had the Cernlian king killed and acted like nothing had happened. Or at least nothing important, just a minor scuffle. She made it clear right away that she wasn’t interested in the story he was trying to spin and he’d better not try to pull that bullshit on her, but it wasn’t one of their finer moments, she had to admit. Without Kiara there to mediate and direct the conversation in another direction by asking about the reports from the sentries and other prisoners, this might have escalated into a real fight. The screaming arguments kind, not the actual fighting kind, although that might not be entirely off the table.

"In the future, you will keep me informed,” she told him before she left. They’d both had a bit of time to cool down.

His polite smile was a mask and everyone would be able to see it. “I certainly will, Your Majesty. However, I am now unquestionably the rightful king of Cernlia, with the … unfortunate demise of my cousin. I expect to be addressed with the respect befitting of my station.”

Regina just stared at him for a moment. Cute. “You have not been crowned yet,” she said. “If and when you are, I will certainly address you accordingly. In the meantime, Lord Lyns, I would focus my energy on securing control of Cernlia. You will largely have to rely on your own forces for this as my hive’s focus will be on the Nerlians and Esemen.”

“I understand,” he replied, outwardly unruffled. “We will take care of our business. Fair luck with your enterprises, Hive Queen. I have the feeling you might need it.”

Regina only nodded. “And to you.” Without wasting any further words, she turned and climbed on Thor’s back. He barely waited until she’d settled down before he lifted off the ground, other drones around him following suit.

Regina looked down at the human army camp as it shrank beneath her and Thor turned to head off. Kiara was looking after them, her expression set in stone. Lyns had already turned away.

I think that went as well as it could have, Max commented over the psychic link. At least he didn’t demand custody of Zephyr.

Regina agreed, although Zephyr was yet another headache. She didn’t know how long they were going to be able to keep the thaumaturge contained. She didn’t like the thought of just handing him over to Lyns, though, especially with recent developments. What if he tries to use the ritual Zephyr found against me? a corner of her mind whispered.

Max didn’t say anything else and they spent the rest of the trip in silence for the most part, only exchanging a few short updates with the other drones coming with her. At this point, Regina had gotten pretty used to traveling with a bigger entourage. Galatea was traveling on her own, but Janis was tagging along as well. Regina wondered if there might be a little more to her apparent desire to stick close to her, but she didn’t say anything about it. Janis was curious and was probably just trying to stay where the interesting things happened, which, Regina had to admit, currently happened to be in her presence.

The flight didn’t take long, since they were relatively close to the village again — Lyns’ army hadn’t gone very far into Nerlia — and they had fast mounts. She’d left the War Drones with her group behind, so only Thor and some other Winged Drone Mounts at relatively high levels to carry Max and the sapient hive members remained with her. Regina still felt restless, and she spent most of the time looking through the psychic link.

Thor banked and slowly circled down towards the ground, presumably to give the people in the village notice of their approach. There were quite a few drones, of course, but Forest’s Haunt was still inhabited by human villagers and they didn’t have the psychic link.

She could tell before she set down that neither of the Neralts was home. Marianne, of course, was still held by the Esemen, while Elric was currently in the territory the hive had taken over across the Nerlian border. He’d been making himself useful and helped them noticeably. Regina was already considering some kind of reward. Right now, though, she didn’t pause as she headed directly for their manor, where their guests were staying. Her drones cleared out of her way and even the humans around made sure not to impede her, although she noticed the small stir her arrival created.

Inside the manor, Regina politely declined the offer of tea from one of the baron’s employees while the Lyns ladies readied themselves to greet her; evidently, one needed to be presentable to present themselves to the local ruler even if she dropped by unannounced. At least they were quick about it. Only Max, Ira and Janis had accompanied her inside, and Janis took up the offer of tea.

She could sense Florance’s slight apprehension and surprise when Regina looked right at her before the door even fully opened. She didn’t let it show, though, and instead stepped inside gracefully and bowed. “Your Majesty. It is an honor as always.”

Regina inclined her head. “Lady Florance, a pleasure. Lady June, likewise. Please do come in, take a seat.”

June followed her mother into the room and dropped into an armchair. “We heard about your victories,” she said, and Regina could hear some of the excitement and apprehension she sensed in her voice. “I hope you are all alright.”

“We’re fine,” Janis responded with a smile.

“How have you been?” Regina asked. “Any issues or further symptoms?”

“Nothing beyond the usual for a pregnancy,” Florance told her. “June has been feeling worse again lately, though.”

June shot her mother a look, but didn’t actually protest.

Regina stood up and stepped up to them. “I’ll perform a more in-depth treatment later, but let’s do a quick check right now. May I?”

They nodded, and Regina started with June, taking her hand and focusing on what she could sense. It was largely what she’d expected, overall. Her lungs were getting clogged up again and there were signs of inflammation. She suspected her energy levels were low. Regina did a sweep through the lungs, clearing them of debris and excess fluid and forcing her body to metabolize it. She’d take a closer look and see if she could do more later, but she’d prefer to do that with more privacy and time.

With that done, Regina released her hand, gave her a reassuring smile, and then turned to check on Florance.

From everything she could tell, the woman was right. Her pregnancy seemed to be progressing pretty well, and her body was coping with the strain about as well as could be expected. Regina checked on the baby carefully, but it seemed lively and she made sure it got enough oxygen. It would probably be kicking quite a bit. Well, she wasn’t a specialist, and there was only so much you could tell from a fetus, but at least it seemed healthy.

Regina took a step back in order not to crowd them and smiled. “All seems to be well, Lady Florance,” she said. “I’d prefer another session with June later, but there are no causes for concern for you.”

Florance let out a relieved breath. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” She hesitated for a moment. “The baby, is it …?”

“Perfectly healthy.” Regina retreated to the chair she’d taken previously and sat down before she spoke, fixing both of them with a serious look. “There is something I’ve been wanting to speak to you about, Lady Florance. I was not entirely sure before, but now it’s rather clear.” That wasn’t even a lie; she hadn’t been a hundred percent sure of the baby’s sex, just almost. “The baby you are carrying appears to be a boy.”

There was a moment of silence as they clearly processed this revelation. Regina saw the slight tightening around June’s eyes. It was the only visible sign that betrayed her feelings, however. In contrast, Regina could tell that she felt a lot more strongly about it. Dismay, mostly. To her credit, Regina had the impression that it was born out of loyalty to her sister, that she was thinking of her rather than her own place in the succession. Unlike her daughter, Florance felt a small flare of joy before it morphed into another version of dismay and apprehension, with a tinge of fear. Regina wasn’t sure whether she was afraid for herself or her children, though. A potential fight over the succession would clearly not be good for any of them.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Florance replied with a smile, to all outward appearances calm and pleased. “That is welcome news. My husband will be happy to hear it.”

Regina cocked her head and couldn’t help but frown a little.

“What is it, Hive Queen Regina?” June asked. She narrowed her eyes. “There’s something else, is there not?”

Regina sighed and sat up straighter again. “There is more news, yes. I am uncertain if you heard, but Lord Lyns fought and captured the Cernlian king a short while ago.” She paused. “King Nicholas has been killed, ostensibly as a result of an attempt to escape.”

The two of them exchanged a glance. “He’s dead?” June repeated. “How did he die?”

“According to your father, Lady June, your cousin once removed violated his parole and attacked the guards assigned to him in an effort to escape, and was killed in the resulting fight. I hear some are already doubting this account, however.” Regina placed subtle emphasis on the ‘according to your father’. And from June’s reaction, she understood that Regina was one of the ‘some’.

“They think Nicholas simply killed the old king to secure his own claim,” Florance stated quietly. Regina was finding it hard to sort out how she felt about it.

“Does that mean Father is king now?” June asked hesitantly. She suddenly looked a lot more like a teenager who had never gotten out much.

“Not quite yet, I think, but I’m sure Lady Florance is more knowledgeable about the law and the nuances of the situation than me,” Regina answered.

“I have been somewhat out of touch, but in practical matters, my husband will have to secure his claims by taking control of the rest of the country, anyhow. Will you be helping him, Hive Queen?”

Regina met Florance’s gaze. “I’m not going to withdraw the support I am giving,” she said. “That includes healers and supplies. However, the hive will be busy dealing with our own part of the war. It is still raging across Nerlia, and we need to deal with the Esemen, as well. We also can’t expose our southern flank to the gnomes.”

“I understand, of course, and wish you luck in your campaigns, Your Majesty,” she said earnestly.

Reigna forced a smile. “Thank you, that is appreciated. Is there anything else you need or wish for?”

“I’d like to write a letter to my husband,” Florance said slowly, hesitantly.

Regina paused. This was the moment of truth now. Am I going to forbid her from telling Lyns about the baby’s gender, or just let her write what she wants? She’d hoped that Florance would just not mention it on her own, but she realized that was a naive thought. Of course she’d feel obligated to share the news with her husband.

“Perhaps it would be best to keep speculation and anything we are not certain of yet out of such letters,” Regina said delicately. “We wouldn’t want to worry him or get his hopes up, after all.”

Florance just stared at her for a moment and she could feel a brief shadow of fearful anxiety, before the woman nodded, still seeming composed. “Of course, Your Majesty, you are quite right,” she agreed. There was actually a bit of relief, at the thought of putting off this potential conflict, now, she thought.

Regina smiled, trying not to show that she’d rather grimace. “I’ll make sure your letter gets delivered promptly,” she promised. “Is there anything else you wish for?”

“Just to make sure my June gets healthy,” Florance replied seriously. “We are very happy with your arrangements otherwise. It is a shame Lady Marianne is still absent, however; is there any word on when she might return?”

“Unfortunately not,” Regina responded with a tight smile. “June, would you come with me? Let’s see what I can do for you.”

None of the others talked as she led June to the converted examination room. Regina started a quick exchange with the healers who’d been taking care of her through the psychic link, but there was nothing she hadn’t already known about.

It was almost routine now. Regina didn’t bother with complicated preparations or disinfections, since she only needed skin contact and wouldn’t do anything else. She had June sit in a chair and placed her hand on her chest, then closed her eyes to investigate her condition.

The more she did this, the better Regina felt she understood her patient, although it was very incremental progress. She took her time and carefully went over every centimeter of her lungs, as well as checking all of her organs and tissues, even those she wouldn’t expect to be affected. Then she actively used her Skill Greater Heal to heal June as well as she could.

Finally, Regina opened her eyes and stepped back, making herself smile at the girl’s anxious look. “I’ve given you another treatment,” she said. “You should be feeling better from now on. I’ll need to monitor your condition to see if it comes back, and how quickly.”

“I’m not cured, am I?” June asked quietly. “Your Majesty, do you think it is possible, still?”

Regina sighed and sat down again. “It is possible,” she assured her. It has to be. “If this doesn’t work, we may have to take a look at other methods. Or potential sources.” She hesitated and tugged on her mandible as she thought. “I’d like to hold a few lessons on magic for you. Perhaps we can learn something.”

The more she looked at the young woman, over time, the more she was convinced there was something more to it. Regina was only trained in conventional medicine, but if there was something in or connected to June’s magic causing trouble? She’d figure it out. Examining her magic and how she used it would be a good start, and even if it wasn’t, teaching her would be good anyway.

June smiled, although she still looked a bit hesitant. “I’d be honored, Your Majesty.”