He ostensibly obeys, but after drinking Jesse's blood, comes to his senses and is released from Akasha's controlling influence. He demands his "crown", and as Akasha openly offers him her arm to feed on, he then turns on her and, aided by the Ancients, begins to drain her blood, diminishing her power; he goes to Jesse and, cradling her in his arms, donates his blood to her as Maharet, who has effectively killed Akasha by drinking her last drop of blood, turns into a marble statue and "sleeps", becoming the new Queen of the Damned.
He appears to comply, but after consuming Jesse's blood, he regains his senses and breaks free from Akasha's dominating influence. He demands his "throne," and as Akasha openly extends her arm to allow him to feed on her, he then turns against her and, aided by the Ancients, begins to drain her blood, weakening her power; he goes to Jesse and, cradling her in his arms, donates his blood to her as Maharet, who has effectively killed Akasha by consuming her final drop of blood, transforms into a marble statue and "sleeps," becoming the new Queen of the Damned.