Stays in power, to abdicate after son moves (6)
I believe the answer is:
reigns
'stays' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reigns that I've seen before include "Singer who governs" , "Periods of sovereign rule" , "Rules as monarch" , "Rules over like singer" , "Rules over, occupies throne" .)