I think that it's quite apparent and obvious that Eva's position does hold power, otherwise the Priestess wouldn't be using her.
The Priestess quite feasibly assumed or usurped the power of the role which Eva holds. Thereby increasing her own position and power, by association with The Virgin Queen.
So, the Priestess caste gained power and influence by bringing the Queen to the people. Then by usurping Eva's power, by acting as The Queen's voice.
If the Priestesses lose some of that gained power, because they did not succeed in The Hunt & public opinion wanes, then it goes to either Eva, the Warrior caste, or maybe to the new Hero.
For the solo path, The Warriors did not succeed. Cam did.
Maybe the Queen will speak for herself, now, with the Hero supporting that.
I never once claimed that "the 2 factions will stop vying for power". I also never mentioned "Erylin suddenly playing nice".
I do not think either of those things will happen & neither of those statements were made by me.
What I said can happen, is that the power balance can shift, as a result of the MC becoming Hero of The Hunt & not being associated with either caste.
What I can also see, is them being brought together under a good leader, for the benefit of their species.
Rather than fighting each other, unite them and turn their expertise outwards.
The fact that there can now be a 3rd faction, which has the Hero (The Hunt has not produced many victors, don't forget) and the Queen, that doesn't represent a shift in power, to you?
Certainly does to me.
I don't understand why some people think just because he won the hunt that 2 factions vying for control of their planet are just suddenly going to stop and bow to his whim..... You are in the way of both of their plans, they aren't just suddenly going to stop those plans because you say so. Even with winning the hunt do you honestly think the people would allow him to take their queen?
Now that The Queen has The Hero by her side, who's to say she won't start making more public appearances, now that The Priestess possibly has less of a stranglehold on her?
If that happens and The Queen assumes more of her role's authority, I suspect that she would be more able to make her own decisions.
Perhaps even delegate.
So her leaving with him may not be seen as him taking her away, anyway.
The power balance has shifted. When someone, other than the ruling powers, wins the feat of honour and bravery & gains status, the ruling powers lose some of their status.
The people have a new hero, who is not from either caste. Word spreads.
A couple more deeds to reinforce the perception &, before you know it, public support sways.
I would not be surprised if these deeds came in the form of a "test" or "challenge", issued by either/each of the existing castes.
Presumably with the odds stacked against MCs survival, made worse by the castes.
I am sure that some of their own members would not look kindly on such "dishonourable" actions.
If he overcomes that and exposes the dishonesty & cheating, which was also seen in The Hunt, public support, in this "honourable society" gathers.
If the Priestess chooses to lie about the bug's eye, then this will possibly enable the MC to expose her dishonesty, even further.
People can lose respect for the Priestess caste, as a result.
I can easily see the Warrior caste following an honour code and, if Eva & the MC proves themselves worthy, they could feasibly allign with their Queen & their Hero, quite naturally.
yet i'm seeing people think not picking sides will make everyone friends ..... amongst a people on the verge of civil war ..... with one of those people being a power hungry narcissist willing to offer up her own daughter against her will just to get him on side.
I don't share your optimism.
No idea who said that "not picking sides will make everyone friends".
What I am suggesting, is that not picking a side can introduce a new faction which can take power away from the 2 existing choices.
I think you might be underestimating the clout that The Virgin Queen & The Hero of The Hunt, combined, will carry.
