D16
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 16: Power
Jedda awakened and rolled onto her side, finding Krotan sprawled out on his stomach.
She rose on her knees and started stroking his back, loving the feel of his sculptured skin.
Krotan moaned a little, moving away.
She giggled and placed a deep kiss on his shoulder. She spent a few moments simply rubbing his hair, then hopped away and walked to her balcony.
Jedda spread her hands along a silver rail, pausing to look down upon her land. After the usual time had passed, she pulled her robe off, enjoyed the breeze, and turned around to head back inside.
Tightening the belt of her ebony gi, she swung a few punches, followed by kicks, thrusting her foot twice before her leg touched the floor.
Vera looked on from beneath her covers.
10 minutes of exercise came and went. Just as she completed a spinning elbow, she paused suddenly with her hands outstretched.
Once again, Vera was copying what she saw — swinging her own arms about with glee.
A bit of concern arose within Jedda. Seconds later, she walked to her daughter, and they faced one another. "I know that you're too young to understand all I'm saying, but you're still one of my very favorite people to talk to." She smiled. "There's nothing particularly bad about martial arts, but there are plenty of things that are bad about violence." Jedda ran a hand along Vera's hair. "Your mom was raised to be a warrior..." She looked deeply into the girl's eyes. "I hope that you never have to use the arts the way that I once did."
Vera eyed her in curiosity.
Jedda grinned, holding her palms out. "Gimmie ten."
With a smile, Vera slapped her hands down on Jedda's, then Jedda did the same to Vera. Afterward, the two of them pulled each other close in a quiet hug.
Following her bath, Jedda joined Krotan in the dining room below. As they were finishing up their meals, he asked about their schedule for the rest of the day.
Jedda lowered a goblet from her lips. "We have a meeting with the nobles later on..." She hesitated. "And we also have one with the commoners after breakfast."
Krotan groaned, knowing that he'd probably have to endure a lot of whining during the first session.
A suspicious smirk crossed Jedda's face as she noticed how slowly Krotan was eating. Eventually, she cleared her throat and spoke up. "You know what, babe? At this pace, we're both going to be here all day. Why don't I go and talk to the citizens alone."
Krotan threw his head back with a relieved smile, letting an open sigh escape his lips. Then he recalled that his wife was watching, and glanced at Jedda in mock surprise. "A-Alone? Are you sure?"
She rose, placing a kiss atop his head. "Don't go looking to break into the acting business anytime soon."
He released a quiet chuckle, then stared down at his plate. "I love you."
She ran her hand along his while walking away. "I love you too."
Sporting a plain white dress and her sparkling tiara, Jedda rested her arms over those of her chair. As a number of commoners were escorted into the throne room, she heard of various matters, and issued several decrees.
The final visitor spoke of an increase in prices, and asked that certain merchants be required to lower their fees.
Jedda licked her lips, interlocking her fingers. "I have to ensure that what's beneficial to you isn't harmful to others. Instead of lowering the prices, I'm going to lower the taxes in that area."
The man lifted his head in surprise.
"This is something that the king and myself have been discussing for a while," said Jedda. "This way, you'll have more money to spend on goods."
"Thank you, highness," he said, looking forward to the announcement he'd make upon his return.
Jedda nodded. "You're welcome."
A short noble with white hair quickly entered the room. "Forgive the interruption, highness, but I have very important news. I must speak with you and the king as soon as possible."
The man directed Krotan and Jedda's attention to a video screen. "This is Talis." An image of a brown-haired teenage girl appeared. "She's the one who broke into the prison on Quadra and tried to assassinate your mother. Instead, she wound up being incarcerated there. Now she's escaped, and we've been warned that she's likely coming after you."
Krotan stepped beside Jedda, holding her close. "She wants to hurt Hadea by killing Jedda?"
The man nodded. "Quadra's police are already in pursuit of her ship. If they somehow fail to catch this girl, our forces will stop her the moment she arrives."
Jedda brought a hand to her temple and closed her eyes. An old reminder rang through her head: she couldn't get too comfortable having a life of her own.
Years ago, she'd said no to her parents' dynasties, and had begun building her own. But it appeared that their lives would still come to affect hers at times. If she wasn't dealing with their expectations for the future, then it seemed she'd be grappling with troubles from their pasts.
Night had fallen by the time Talis's ship touched down.
A number of Mongoian soldiers swarmed into the woods and surrounded the vehicle. Upon inspecting the craft, however, the team discovered that Talis was nowhere to be found.
A captain ran up to Krotan, who'd been standing at a distance. "Sire, it appears that she ejected before the ship hit the ground. The craft landed on autopilot."
Krotan turned to one of his advisors. "Where could she be?"
The man's eyes tensed. "This landing was meant as a distraction."
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Over at the palace, a noblewoman had been knocked unconscious just outside of the building.
After donning the woman's robe, Talis snuck inside, waited for an opening, and eventually made her way up to the royal chamber. The girl opened the door with steely eyes, drawing a knife as she crept through the darkness.
Upon reaching Jedda and Krotan's bed, she noticed a figure beneath the covers. Tightening her grip on the handle, Talis lifted her blade and whipped the blanket aside. To her surprise, she found only a pair of long pillows laying atop the sheets.
"If you're looking for Hadea's daughter, you've found her."
Talis swung her gaze across the room.
Jedda stood a short distance away, completely alone.
Talis tightened a fist with an icy stare. "Nothing personal."
Jedda whipped her cape off, revealing an outfit which resembled an Earth-made sports bra, with matching shorts.
Talis raised the knife and charged forward.
Jedda dodged the slice, caught the girl's arm, and rammed her free elbow into Talis's face.
Dropping the blade, Talis fell onto her side with a painful wince. In only a couple of seconds, however, she swung her leg at Jedda's ankles.
Jedda fell onto her back, then threw a leg up, catching Talis as she lunged, and tossing her overhead. Rolling back on her shoulders, Jedda thrust out her legs and sprung to her feet.
Upon pulling herself up, Talis charged again, catching Jedda with a palm to the face.
Jedda stumbled backward, then dodged another swing. Taking hold of Talis, she drove a series of knees into the girl's stomach.
Talis began to cough and wheeze.
Finally, Jedda hammered an elbow onto the back of her attacker's head.
Talis dropped, groaning where she lay.
The doors swung open, and Krotan charged in with a number of guards. Rushing forth, he studied Jedda's face before wrapping his arms around her.
Jedda closed her eyes, hugging her husband back.
The next morning, Talis knelt on a stage with her hands firmly bound.
The penalty for attacking a royal was public execution, and a huge gathering of commoners had arrived to bear witness.
A clear fury shone in Talis's watery eyes. Upon being instructed, she lowered her head.
Donned in her crown and cape, Jedda approached Talis with a sword in her hand.
A current of tension swept through the crowd. Some citizens looked nervous as they eyed their queen, while others cast hateful stares at her attacker.
Krotan took a deep breath, steadying himself.
Training her eyes on Talis's neck, Jedda lifted her arm, tightened her grip, and brought the blade down with a powerful swing.
Several onlookers gasped. Moments later, all of them eyed the queen in confusion.
Jedda had stopped a few inches from the point of contact. She pulled the sword away, and addressed the crowd. "From this day forward, enemies will be punished, but they will not be executed. We are no longer a merciless kingdom, we are a merciful kingdom.
"Forgiveness is a quality that we must cling to at times. That is the only way to distinguish our present from our past..." She looked toward Talis. "And it is the only way to distinguish ourselves from our enemies."
A hushed silence had overtaken the audience.
"I want you to always remember that in your daily lives."
Talis had been sent back to Quadra and placed under increased security.
Hours later, Jedda sat in a chair, holding a sleeping Vera in her lap. "Whether you're a warrior or a queen, sometimes you have to exercise restraint and caution when using your power. The moment we forget that, we're no better than Ming." She looked down at her daughter's eyes. "Your grandfather viewed compassion and mercy as acts of 'weakness'...and he was wrong.
"Showing compassion is an act of strength. Rather than taking the easy way out, you're choosing to do something that's a bit more difficult."
Vera lay silent, snuggling against her mother.
"I think that you'll teach that to others one day too."
Jedda and Krotan lay still in their bed, cuddling each other under the covers.
Krotan had known that Jedda wouldn't go through with it, but remained uncertain of how he felt about that. "If I'd been in your place, I would've been inclined to do it. Part of me suspects that I actually may have."
She ran a hand along his chest. "The old you may have, but I know the current Krotan better."
For a moment, he merely stared. "Were you ever tempted? Were you ever angry?"
"I was," she acknowledged. "But I also believe in what I said out there. I believe in leading by example." Her eyes wandered, and her voice softened. "It's not just that, though. A few days ago...I began to suspect that I was pregnant again."
"What?" Surprise covered his face.
"I'm not," she said, stroking his shoulder, "but the experience heightened my appreciation for the value of life. It gave me even more faith that people can change." Jedda smiled. "After all...I've seen change firsthand."
Krotan wrapped both arms around her. "You've been so good for Mongo, Jedda, and so good for me."
Jedda nuzzled against him. "I think that we've been good for each other."
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Chapters
Volume I
Shorly after Jedda leaves the team, Queen Hadea begins a galactic conquest.
Jedda finds herself back on Mongo — and reunited with Prince Krotan.
Despite their affection, Jedda endeavors to counter Hadea's plans.
Seeking to resolve the matter with Hadea, the Defenders begin a climactic mission on Mongo.
Rick enjoys a meaningful reunion.
Volume II
Jedda and Krotan confront their feelings.
Against the wishes of his wife, Krotan grows tempted to pursue a vendetta.
Rick has a difficult time moving on.
In the wake of Krotan's actions, Jedda faces a difficult choice.
Hadea reunites with an old acquaintance.
The Royals of Mongo organize what's supposed to be a friendly feast.
A glimpse into the future on Mongo.
Volume III
Instead of spending a romantic evening together, as Jedda intended, Hadea and Phantom find themselves pursued.
Amid their exploits, Phantom and Hadea discuss personal matters.
Flash visits Ming's prison while thinking of Dale, and Rick learns that a new girl will be joining the team.
A vengeful woman targets Jedda.
The Defenders face an internal crisis.
Will she choose affection or ambition?
Needing to depart Mongo on business, Jedda and Krotan ask Hadea and Phantom to fill in for them temporarily.
Volume IV
As the enormity of his situation sinks in, an anxious Rick finds unexpected comfort.
Hadea continues to counsel Rick by reminding him that his actions have consequences.
Phantom and Hadea are advised to marry.
The acting rulers face a variety of issues on their big day.
The Defenders consider returning to solo work.
Volume V
Krotan and Jedda try to find time for their marriage while tending to duty.
Someone from Jedda's past returns.
Krotan and the guards attempt to defend the kingdom without Jedda.
Krotan and Ming have another confrontation under different circumstances.
Flash and Rick have a personal discussion.
As Rick prepares to leave the team, he and LJ receive a surprise visit.
Volume VI
The new trio embarks on a mission.
The Phantom is left startled by the recent development.
After spending a couple of days with Jedda, Rachel departs for the tme being.
In the future, Vera receives advice and comfort from her mother.
Jedda reflects on the recent years.
In the aftermath of an attack on her land, Hadea seeks help from a mercenary.
Flash is stunned by his discovery on a distant planet.
Volume VII
Hadea makes an announcement that leaves the Phantom unsettled.
The Phantom works to undo his mistakes.
In the future, the Royals of Mongo enjoy quality time together.
Rachel assists LJ and Hadea in very different ways.
Rachel adjusts to her new position awkwardly.
With Rachel and Jedda at her side, Hadea learns more about the history of her kingdom.
Volume VIII
The Phantom plans to propose.
Hadea and the Phantom attempt to work through their issues.
Rachel visits Hadea to discuss new intentions.
The Defenders confront a group of aliens who have descended on Earth, while Ming continues to scheme behind the scenes.
Flash, Rick, and Krotan engage Ming in battle.
Jade reunites briefly with her daughters.
A special occasion has finally arrived.
Volume IX
Rick has a meeting with Zyna that leaves him staggered.
Flash and Rick travel to another planet to investigate news.
Dale begins to set her agenda in motion.
The Royals of Mongo have a lengthy discussion about the past and future.
Dale takes bold steps forward.
Flash and Rick confront Dale to discuss her actions.
Empress Hadea appoints new queens.
Volume X
In the future, the royals have a discussion about politics on Mongo.
LJ and Lothar discuss family affairs.
Jedda views her official government profile to learn where she ranks among Mongoian queens.
Castra and Aura look to put their differences aside.
The Phantom learns more about Hadea's duties.
Volume XI
The Phantom, Hadea, and Rachel depart for a mission in the Bandar village.
Rachel heads off to find Kurt on her own.
Dale provides answers for Rachel.
Jade observes a significant discussion beween Phantom and Kurt.
Phantom learns that the village mission affected Hadea on a personal level.
Volume XII
Jedda and Krotan renew their commitment.
Krotan pampers Jedda as they discuss the future.
Nearly everyone joins the Phantom for a mission via boat.
The group arrives on Raven Island and learns the identity of the opposing team's leader.
Flash, Dale, and Rick spend time with Flash's sister, Commander Abigail Gordon, and her daughter Sara.
Rick and Kristina head off on a late-night mission.
Kristina, Rick, and Hadea confront their personal matters.
Once again, someone lands on Mandrake's yard during a storm.
Volume XIII
A woman arrives in the Netherworld, claiming to be the rightful ruler.
LJ, Rick, and Rachel investigate the Netherworld matter.
Flash and Dale's date is interrupted by news that Rick has been captured, and it's up to Kristina to save him.
While grouped together one night, several people must team up suddenly in order to defend the mansion.
Atascadero discusses her upbringing with Mandrake.
Volume XIV
Soldiers from Atascadero's kingdom come looking for her.
Ata heads to her kingdom to resolve the issues there.
Vera begins learning more about Jedda's past.
In response to the recent events, Hadea makes a controversial decision.
Rick attempts to resolve a certain personal issue.
Rick and his girlfriend decide to go their separate ways.
Flash, Dale, and Rick reunite with Dale's father, as well as Flash's.
Jonathan Gordon becomes overzealous, leading to repercussions.
Flash and Dale chase Ming down.
Kristina bonds with Rick in the aftermath of the events at the base.
Volume XV
In the future, Jedda and Krotan have to teach Vera the value of humility.
In the future, Vera is courted by several boys.
Rick and Kristina become stranded on an island.
Hadea is approached by an old suitor.
Kristina and Rick grow closer while stuck on the island.
Ata and Mandrake discuss their relationship.
Castra and her husband have a talk about their longtime commitment.
Krotan and Jedda discuss the past, and look to the future.
Flash and Dale reaffirm their feelings.
The series finale.
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