D22
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 22: Engagement
Hadea exited the forest and approached the lake. Sunlight sparkled along the water's surface. Birds chirped quietly throughout the trees.
After claiming a spot upon the grass, she lowered herself and sprawled out on her side. In no time at all, a pair of Mongoian butterflies began hovering around the queen, while a small group of birds landed near her as well. Their attention came as no surprise; throughout her life, Hadea had found that all manner of creatures were drawn to her beauty. Some had attempted to resist her at first, but sooner or later, everyone gave in — and that included the man looking on from the woods.
The Phantom staggered forth, ogling her in awe.
Hadea remained purposely indifferent for a moment, then looked upward with a haughty stare.
While watching him fidget, she couldn't help but smirk. Her gaze began to feast on the trembling of his knees, the sagging of his jaw, and above all else, the look in his eyes. Where she'd once seen stubbornness, she now saw submission. Where she'd once seen resolve, she now saw relief. The Phantom was finally ready to yield.
Hadea stripped her dress off, then stepped into the lake — motioning for the man behind her to follow.
After the Phantom had joined her beside a quiet waterfall, Hadea found that the only article of clothing that remained was his mask.
She reached upward and pulled it away.
The Phantom quivered, but didn't resist.
Once the garment had been removed, she steadied her gaze on his familiar features.
While eyeing Hadea face to face, the Phantom felt a mysterious calmness spread throughout his body. Something about this moment simply seemed right.
Hadea stepped forward, and they kissed slowly.
As the lovers embraced behind the waterfall, the mask drifted farther and farther away.
The Phantom dropped to his knees with a deep groan, kissing her stomach and embracing her thighs.
Hadea rested a hand atop his damp hair, knowing that the Phantom's resistance was a thing of the past. She threw her head back amid her moment of triumph, feeling splashes of water dance across her chest.
Hadea awakened to a half-empty bed.
Upon realizing that the moment at the lake had been a dream, she closed her eyes with a deep sigh.
A boat bobbed quietly across the sea.
"How long did it take her to think this up?"
Hadea shrugged. "Not long."
The Phantom turned, beginning to stroll about aimlessly.
"Is it really so awful that she wants her parents to grow closer? After all, you've admitted that there are genuine feelings between us."
He slowed to a halt, paused where he stood, then slowly looked toward her again. "Perhaps you're right."
Hadea flinched in surprise.
Upon returning to the table, he pulled out the chair across from his. "Come and sit."
Once they'd finished eating, he invited Hadea to the center of the floor, where they danced to one of his favorite songs.
As they swayed about while holding hands, she watched him with a steady smile.
Their lips came together as the song reached its end.
The Phantom awakened with a shake, glancing around the room.
Deciding that he could use a walk, he pulled his mask on and stepped into the hallway. Upon turning a corner, he nearly stumbled into Hadea.
"Oh. I'm sorry," she said, glancing between his tense face and his bare chest.
"It's all right," he mumbled.
"What are you doing out here at this time of night?"
He averted his gaze, then looked back at her. His eyes began gleaming with the same vulnerability she'd seen in her dream.
Hadea shook, her mouth falling open.
Seconds later, the two embraced in a loving kiss.
As Hadea began pulling his hands inside of her robe, Vera suddenly cried out, bringing the passion to an end. Hadea took a deep breath, then eyed the floor. "I've got her." She gripped one of his hands while walking away, clinging to it for as long as she could.
The Phantom stood in place for a few moments, then turned and headed back to his room.
Rick sat alone in the corner of a bar, eyeing a bottle with a gleeful stare. He eventually noticed someone approaching his table. Upon glancing up, he saw a young Mongoian woman staring down at him.
Her black eyes gleamed with curiosity and concern. "Are you okay?"
Rick spread his arms. "Never better." He chuckled. "Duty's just been a little rough lately, so I decided to get out and live a little."
"Oh." She grinned. "So you're a hard-working man?"
"Probably too hard-working for my own good right now."
She took a seat. "And why is that?"
Rick cast his weary eyes on the mug again. "Long story short: I came close to screwing up pretty bad recently — and that's sort of made me a workaholic.
"Lately, though...I've gotten so bogged down in discipline and maturity that I've probably begun to overdo it a tad." Rick beamed. "So that's why I'm here. I needed to get away." He swung the glass about. "You know what they say about 'all play and no work'...or however it goes."
She snickered. "You know what? I think you've had enough. Why don't we get out of here? We can head to my place."
"Oh. Well...sure. Okay." Rick nodded excessively.
"What's your name?"
"Rick Gordon — King of Mongo." He burst out laughing again. "Yours?"
"Klare." She reached down and helped him up. "You can call me the Queen of Mongo if you like. I certainly wouldn't mind holding that title."
Rick giggled away as they stumbled toward the exit.
The next morning, Hadea and the Phantom were greeted by an advisor.
"I'm afraid that a certain problem has arisen," said the woman. "The people are growing impatient with the two of you."
The Phantom frowned. "What do you mean? I thought that our work had been pleasing most of the citizens."
"It has." She paused to smile.. "This isn't about your performance, it's about your status."
Hadea lowered her eyebrows in confusion.
"Tradition dictates that the King and Queen of Mongo be married — even if they hold those positions in acting roles."
The Phantom and Hadea eyed each other in surprise.
"Acting rulers have typically been lower-ranked royals from another kingdom...but, naturally, the queen preferred having the two of you here instead."
The Phantom shook his head. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that as long as you rule here indefinitely, you're going to need to enter into a marriage. It's the best way to honor tradition and to keep the people happy."
Hadea's face began to beam with a slow smile. She turned toward the Phantom, holding quiet.
The Phantom felt himself shaking. "Perhaps we..." He paused, taking a deep breath and running a hand over his face. "Perhaps we could wed on a temporary basis, then dissolve the marriage once Jedda and Krotan return."
The advisor lifted an eyebrow and opened her mouth, ready to inform him that Mongoian marriages were permanent.
Sensing the woman's intent, Hadea fidgeted and held a hand out. "If we were to go through with this...how soon could we be wed?"
"Today," she said with a calm nod.
Hadea's skin began to tingle with anticipation. Her breathing became slow and heavy. She turned to the Phantom once more, seeing him look back at her with an uneasy stare
"So then..." The woman looked them over. "What will your decision be?"
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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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