It seemed that Iris had been right to be worried about May being crowned as Queen. May had announced that she wanted her army to go into a battle with Unova. Iris understood that even though May was happy about her status, she didn't like the way she was crowned. It was true that Iris should have treated the late Queen Caroline a lot more ethically than she did. From now on, Iris was going to make a law that everybody in Unova had the right to a fair trial. She was now beginning to have doubts if it was Caroline that really stole the sapphires.
But that couldn't have been the only reason May wanted war on Unova. Ash was seriously worried that Iris would execute him. He wanted Iris to help because King Gary's funds for Cinnibar Island had been stolen. King Gary suspected his uncle Giovanni was responsible for the stealing, and Ash had tried to clear his father's name with no prevail. Giovanni was very unpopular for his beliefs that pokemon are tools for profit and war. Iris didn't want to be involved but the conversation between Ash and Iris escalated a bit too quickly.
And Caroline's death led to Norman retiring from his duties. May would have been devastated. She could only imagine how May must have felt. But Iris was once in May's shoes. Her father had passed away from an early age, and her mother died when she was fifteen. They were both very young queens, and to be honest, Iris did not want a war with Hoenn. She was happy, she wanted to enjoy herself and feel the taste of freedom. But the battle would ensure the safety of her people.
Iris had spent the evening in Nimbasa Court. A party was hosted by Elesa, the duchess of Nimbasa. King Cilan and his brothers had prepared a banquet for them all. Beverages included sacred green teas, sweet almond milk and the finest wine in the land. It was something to keep Iris' concerns to rest, and it worked. Iris had happily chatted to everybody and danced with the gusts. When the clock stroke twelve, Iris sat on her chair and rang the bell. All were silent for Her Majesty.
Iris announced, "Tomorrow my army will go into battle with Hoenn. I wish all of my army good luck and may Arceus bless them all. I confess that I did not want this battle to start, but I must fight in order to keep my people safe. To the army!"
"The army!"
Iris' eyes caught the attention of a young man. The first thing that she noticed was the long red hair, the second was his fierce eyes. He stood at the back of the room and Iris had rarely seen him dance. Iris had never seen the man before and the fierce look in his face seemed to have hidden a sense of fear. Iris could understand that, not everyone are social butterflies the first time they enter court. Judging by the silver coat, it was evident that he from a foreign place.
"Now if you excuse me." Iris curtsied and left the room. "You may all continue." As soon as Iris left the table, the classical music and dancing started again. She went up to the man and said to him, "Good evening. You're new to court. What's your name?"
The man bowed. "Kamon Ketchum."
Iris was struck by his beauty, but she had to remind herself that she was married to Cilan, who was just as, if not more enchanting than a starry black sky. The name made her curious. "Any relations to Ash Ketchum?"
"He is my brother."
"Well welcome to court," Iris said. She hugged the prince and let out her hand. "Let me introduce you with a warming dance."
"Of course." He bowed and took her hand. The pair led each other to the dance floor. People around the corner, especially Chilli and Cress were taken by surprise that Iris was dancing with Kamon. To an even bigger surprise that Kamon even attended.
"So how is Ash?" Iris asked.
"He is well," Kamon replied. "My brother has asked you not to declare war on Hoenn."
"Really?" Iris said. She smiled and felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "I would have thought that Queen May would want to declare war on me."
"My brother managed to talk her out of it. The battle will only be friendly."
"Your brother is a good man."
"I hear him say such good things about you." As Iris twirled, he kissed her hand. "It is a joy that we finally meet."
"I ask you do me a favour, Kamon?"
"And what is that?"
Iris whispered delicately into his ear, "You come to Unova much more often. So I can honour you in every way possible."
"Certainly."
"What pokemon do you have?"
"Feraligatr, Gengar, Alakazam, Magnezone, Crobat, Weavile, Kingdra and Honchkrow."
"Are they with you now?"
"Only Feraligatr." Kamon's face turned towards the blue bulky crocodile dancing with Iris' Haxorus. "He took me here."
"You must show them to me when you have the chance. We should also have a battle with them at some point."
"I think that would be excellent."
"Is that your feraligatr?" Iris had faced the same direction as Kamon's and laughed at the pokemon's two left feet.
"It is indeed." He paused, and then chuckled. "Haxorus seems to like his company."
"You should come more often," Iris repeated herself. She felt as if she had found a new friend in Kamon. "You are absolutely invited to my castle anytime you please."
"Thank you Your Majesty."
"Iris..." Cilan's voice broke.
"Cilan, allow me to introduce to you Kamon, Ash's younger brother."
"Good day." Cilan bowed his head. "How long are staying in Unova?"
"For as long as it pleases The Queen."
"Well haven't you got a cheeky style," said Cilan. Iris laughed. "My lady may we have a word."
"Of course." Iris wrapped her arm around Cilan's shoulder and waved at Kamon. "It was a pleasure meeting you Your Highness."
"A pleasure to see you too."
Iris felt she was having a heart attack when she was carried out of the room. Cilan cradled her and lowered his head to conceal his anger. As soon as The King and Queen left the room, Kamon turned around and saw his father, Giovanni holding a goblet of wine and a small smile on his face. Everyone else seemed to be concerned. Chili and Cress found the opportunity to speak their mind.
"I think you should leave," Chilli said to Kamon.
Cress intervened. "Yes. Go back to Kanto where you belong."
"But Her Majesty said I am welcome to stay for as long as I like."
"Well your little game is upsetting my brother."
"Good evening gentlemen," Giovanni said, before biting into a strawberry pie. "I believe you may have made a mistake."
"Well your son was trying to take my brother's wife away from her."
"Nonsense," Giovanni cackled. He patted his son on the back. "Her Majesty was giving my son her good blessing."
"Oh really?" Cress barked.
"I assure you if Her Majesty is truly in love with your brother, then you have nothing to fear."
"What the hell were you doing?" Cilan asked. The rocking of the carriage made Cilan raise his voice, and to Iris it sounded as if he was yelling so all of Unova could hear him. Cilan covered his face with his green sleeves.
Iris laughed. "I was only being sociable."
"You were all over him."
"I've not seen you in that dress?" Cilan commented on Iris' blue dress. "Who gave it to you."
"Lance gave it a long time ago."
"And did Lance give you that necklace too?" Cilan held onto Iris' silver locket shaped as an axew. "And that's his wedding ring!" Cilan gasped at the huge opal on her ring. "I thought you and Lance were over."
"We are. Of course we are over. I'm married to you."
"Then why do you wear his wedding ring?"
" All the gifts from Lance are a symbol of my power. I am still Queen Regent of Johto. Why are you making such a fuss over nothing?"
"But our wedding rings are symbol of our love." Cilan began to cry. "All these things...they're you and Lance. It's like having three people in a marriage. Don't you get it?"
"I have more things to worry about then jewelry and pretty dresses. WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?" Iris paused. She stopped to watch Cilan burst into tears. "I'm sorry... Why are you crying?"
"Our beautiful is marriage is being tarnished."
"Now don't be so childish." Iris passed her husband a pink handkerchief. "Here have a tissue."
"Pagan has already declared his eternal hate to me."
"Pagan is only a child who feels that he's losing his father." Iris held onto Cilan's hand and kissed him on the cheek. "Whatever my sons say to you, don't take offence from them."