B36
Defenders of the Earth: This Is Their Side Story
By James
Chapter 36: King and Queen
Mongo B
10:20 pm
The throne room was covered in a dark-blue glow, faint moonlight passing through the tall panes. Krotan had long had a thing for this chair, even when he wasn't plotting Ming's downfall. This was the quietest spot in the home. It often allowed him to unwind and relax.
That wasn't the case on this evening, though, given the missive that he'd just received. He'd gotten a message. He'd gotten a threat.
The far door opened. His wife walked in. "Krotan?" she uttered, approaching in white — a glittering dress beneath a silver crown.
He held her gaze, then lowered his head.
Jedda climbed the throne, and knelt at his side, both of her hands resting over his wrist. Her bright eyes glistened with a hint of compassion. Jedda knew that something was bothering him. She didn't need telepathy to sense his distress. All she really needed was her wonderful heart.
Back when he was raised in this elegant home, he'd had a couple longings that endured for years: to punish his father, and conquer the world. Those were his cravings. Those were his goals. He'd known he wouldn't ever long for anything more.
But everything changed after he'd met her. Prior to that, while planning his coup, he'd thought he'd had a raging desire within, a powerful passion that consumed his being. He was entirely mistaken, though. He'd never known passion until Jedda arrived. It wasn't just a sexual attraction, however. That became apparent when they started to bond. During those days, several lovely women threw themselves at his feet. He'd ultimately shunned every one of them, though. His longing for Jedda wasn't based on her looks. It was mainly based on the person she was.
Now she was here, just as he'd dreamed — the mother of his children, the light of his world.
He'd never realized he could love this much.
"My king," she whispered, soothing his skin, honoring traditions of formality. "Tell me what's wrong."
He cupped her cheek, holding it. Then he dropped his hand and faced the distant wall. "One year ago, when Father reigned, a rogue governor chose to challenge him. He abducted Aura in the midst of the battle...and I sent our soldiers to rescue her." He paused to sigh. This would be tough. "They felt it'd be best if we traded for her. Without permission, the soldiers abducted the governor's son. The child was only a four-year-old." Krotan squirmed.
So did she.
"Children are supposed to be strictly off limits. Even I realized that back then. Nevertheless, we made the trade. Afterward, the governor fled." He cupped his hands. "But now he's returned. Karlak's back." He pressed a remote. A screen came on, displaying the former governor's profile. Karlak was round, with stark white skin, brown hair streaks along his near-bald head. "In retaliation for what was done, he's threatened to abduct Juliana and Chris."
Jedda quivered now, her eyes narrowing.
"It seems my past is catching up with me." He eyed his lap.
"It wasn't your fault," his wife affirmed. "You didn't tell the soldiers to take that boy."
"But all of it began with an act of rebellion. Karlak rebelled mostly due to me. He absolutely hated my father's guts, but I was the person who set him off. I didn't give enough thought to fairness then." He was ashamed, deeply ashamed.
"We can't change the past." She got to her feet. "All we can do is try to learn from it...and start to conduct ourselves properly."
As usual, he held her gaze as her words sunk in.
Two Days Later
The knights had succeeded in catching their foe.
Karlak knelt, hands at his back, head bowed low before Jedda's throne. Krotan was seated in the chair on her right, waiting patiently for his wife to proceed.
"Prisoner Karlak," Jedda said. "You've been found guilty of conspiracy. King Krotan will reveal our response."
Krotan paused, resolute. "Normally, a threat to the royals warrants execution. I've given you a ten-year sentence instead. During the time of your incarceration, your son will receive proper schooling and care."
Karlak was quiet. He appeared stunned. A few seconds later, the guards took him off.
Jedda placed a hand over Krotan's own.
He held her fingers, stroking them.
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Chapters
Volume I
As the New Rebellion rages across Mongo and Earth, Jedda and Krotan unite against Ming — and find themselves pursued by one of his ships.
2: Mongo Is Burning — Part 1
Desperate to end the battles, Krotan and Jedda, who have fallen in love, agree to a politically driven wedding — which Rick opposes.
3: Mongo Is Burning — Part 2
Despite growing opposition to the wedding, Jedda and Krotan remain firm in their decision.
Rick observes Amy venting, then ends up on a wild ride.
Amy visits her ailing foster mother, only to realize that she's fallen into a trap.
Rick and Amy take May to the Netherworld, where an invasion has begun.
Against the wishes of Rick and others, Amy makes a bargain with Damian Dark.
While the Defenders scramble to catch up with Amy, another battle occurs in the Netherworld.
Volume II
Flash sets out to free Ming, who has vital information regarding an impending attack.
Lothar and April move to counter an assassination attempt.
The team hurries to prevent LJ and Rick from carrying out an assault on another planet.
The Royal Five converge to counter a group of outlaws who've abducted Castra's husband.
Despite Castra's objections, Hadea grows tempted to remain on Mongo and take over as queen.
Kshin and LJ suspect that Veena is planning to bring her father back.
The Gordons arrive at Dale's grave.
Castra and her relatives vie for the position of queen on Mongo.
Volume III
Dale reveals the identity of her first child.
Veena uses her powers to help others.
Flash gets a startling surprise while chasing Ming.
20: The Princess Makes Her Move
In Dimension K, Ming weds his ambitious stepdaughter Hadea.
A visitor arrives from Dimension Y, intent on taking Dale back with her.
Duffy attempts to bond with Dale, who learns of a portal to another dimension.
After arriving on Earth K, the duo find themselves captured by Queen Hadea, who tasks Dale with a mission.
Now a mother of four, Dale attempts to help ease tensions between April and Duffy.
Rick learns that Duffy might have another special ability.
Volume IV
After using her seer to avert a grim future, the Hadea of Earth K believes herself unbeatable.
April receives a visit from her aunt, Commander Abigail Gordon, who seeks her help on a mission.
Amy confronts her mother Cathleen, who is attempting to conquer Earth P.
On Earth C, Agent Kristina Graf seeks members for a new defense team.
April and Duffy are approached by Kent Madden's daughter Clare, who claims to need their help.
Sheila reflects on her choices.
32: Parental Guidance Required
Duffy develops an unexpected bond.
The Defenders are challenged inside Monitor.
In response to the recent assault, Abby and Dale take action against Madden.
Duffy begins acclimating to life on Earth B.
Krotan receives comfort from Jedda in the midst of a new matter.
Amy seeks to help an old friend.
Hadea and Jedda bond on Earth H in the series finale.
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