Crossword Genius

Arousing state monarch (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

waking

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'arousing state monarch' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'arousing state monarch' is the wordplay.
'arousing state' becomes 'wa' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'monarch' becomes 'king' (king is a kind of monarch).
'wa'+'king'='WAKING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for waking that I've seen before include "Stirring, coming to life" , "prelude to rising" , "getting aroused" , "Emerging from sleep" , "conscious hours" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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