"I- I would love to stay," Olga neighs happily. "But first, I must ask the King's permission. I am his closest confidant, one of few he trusts to lead the Horse Witch Program. If there is no one he feels can take my role, I will be unable to stay." Olga shifted her hooves for a moment. "Also, we have been discussing the possibility of me bearing a child for him," she said shyly.
"Really?" Iris gasped. Olga nodded.
"I am not Queen material. Unlike you, Lady Iris. If you were not spoken for, I suspect the King would be demanding I bring you to the Capitol." Olga shook her head. "Anyways, though I am not Queen material, and due to my upbringing not fair enough for a concubine, the King has said that he can think of no one else he wishes to bear his first child than me."
"...I see," Mikhail murmured. Olga was positively glowing at this idea, and he was loathe to quash it. But he didn't know how to respond without telling Olga the King was surely leading her on. Luckily, Iris took over.
"I think you should ask the King," she said. "And perhaps point out that recovery here would make you more likely to have a healthy pregnancy and child. Or, should he wish to impregnate you now, this is a fine place to relax while you carry the child." Olga nodded.
"Yes. I will bring those points up. Please leave me alone so I may contact him via scrying."
Mikhail and Iris exited the barn. They were reunited with the newborns and cooed over them like new parents while they waited for Olga to finish speaking with the King. Mikhail felt dread knowing that Iris was carrying four more. Six secret heirs to the kingdom to keep track of, as well as Iris, though she seemed relatively able to take care of herself, now that she was a Witch. The stress was already giving Mikhail a migraine. Though he did have to admit part of him was pleased and proud to have sired three princes or princesses.
Finally, Olga emerged from the barn, still in horse form, while Iris was nursing the twins. She walked up to Mikhail. Mikhail stood at attention.
"Well?" he asked. "What did the King say?"