D23
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 23: Proposal
Several Years Ago
Long before he'd become a Defender of the Earth, the Phantom had joined the ranks of another super team. Three years later, one of his teammates had been arrested as a traitor — just after she'd given birth to a girl named Jedda.
Several months afterward, the Phantom found himself visiting a maximum-security prison.
After taking a seat and being told to wait, he pulled out a picture of his infant daughter, eyeing it with a somber stare.
Upon lowering the photo, he found a stone-faced woman on the other side of the glass, raven locks spilling over her worn gray uniform.
The Phantom quivered, his lips parting.
She eyed him in silence, then tossed her head back with a shrug. "Did you come here to gloat?"
"I came here to talk."
"There's nothing to discuss. We had a chance to be wealthier than we'd ever dreamed of. Instead, you opted to put the mother of your child behind bars."
"You, alone, were responsible for the choices that you made." His eyes narrowed. "I merely saw that you were held accountable for them."
She scoffed. "And as a result, Jedda's lost a mother, and you've lost a wife."
"Your targets would've lost the same if I'd done nothing — if I'd let you and those criminals remain free." He felt his heart sinking. "Jedda will be an adult by the time you're released. By then, I'm hoping that she'll have found someone else who she can count on as a mother..." The Phantom stood. "And perhaps I'll have found someone else who I can count on as a wife."
Several Years Later
Five days had passed since Ming and Hadea had first met. The two were presently holding a meeting in the Netherworld.
"Why the Phantom?" Ming stroked his chin. "Why will you ask him to become your mate?"
Hadea let her gaze drift about. "When I was a girl, my parents abandoned me in pursuit of their ambitions. They left me to rule this realm on my own.
"When I look at the Phantom and his legacy, I see a man of loyalty and diligence — one who would never abandon his companion."
Ming's stare grew calm and curious.
"And that is the kind of man who I wish to make my partner in life."
The Present
Hadea and the Phantom stood side-by-side at an altar.
A huge crowd of citizens had gathered in the streets to witness the wedding. Those who couldn't spot the king and queen up close were watching them on an elevated video screen.
As a Mongoian minister began reciting the verses, the Phantom felt his cheeks reddening, and his knees shaking.
Upon noticing his tension, Hadea interlocked her fingers within the groom's. She greeted his stare with a reassuring smile, then she turned back to the minister, feeling a thrill stir her spine.
"Do you, Hadea, take this man to be your groom and king?"
Hadea took a deep breath as a tear glistened in her eye. "I do." She turned to the Phantom once more.
The minister averted his stare. "And do you, Phantom, take Hadea to be your bride and queen?"
The Phantom opened his mouth, hesitating a tad. He turned and looked at Hadea's face. This woman had changed considerably since they'd first met, and his feelings for her had changed as well. She'd always be prideful — she was a queen, after all — but she was also affectionate, caring, loving, and strong. She had numerous qualities that he valued in a partner.
In addition to that, he reminded himself that he didn't have to fear betrayal when it came to Hadea, because he'd already seen her love prevail.
And in addition to that, it was probably worth noting that the two of them shared a daughter, a granddaughter, and a son-in-law as well.
And in addition to that, he couldn't ignore the fact that Hadea was one of the most beautiful women that he'd ever seen. Not that this ultimately made a difference, but, by now, it was something that he could finally allow himself to enjoy.
The Phantom had never met a woman with so many attributes.
With a slow, contented sigh, he cleared his throat, and turned back to the altar. Just as he was about to answer the minister's question, a burst of static overtook the video screen above.
Everyone found themselves glancing upward.
As the static disappeared, the image of a young Mongoian woman arrived in its place. "Greetings, royals. My name is Klare."
Hadea fidgeted as confusion gripped her face.
"At first, my partners and I were planning to keep this message private, but it seems that you've given us the chance to make a much bolder statement." Klare stepped aside, looking over her shoulder. "If you've been wondering where your captain is, you now have your answer."
Rick lay gagged and bound in a small room. A couple of armed men stood before him.
The Phantom jerked away from the altar, locking his eyes on the screen.
A gasp swept across the crowd of citizens.
"We'll contact you again in an hour," said Klare. "I suggest that you follow our instructions if you want Rick back in one piece."
The screen faded to black.
The Phantom swung his head to the nearest knights. "Will you be able to trace that message to its point of origin?"
"We'll get right on it," replied one of the men.
Hours later, Rick had been rescued, and Klare's group had been arrested.
"It's all my fault," Rick said. "If I hadn't gotten careless, you two wouldn't have been interrupted." He blushed while staring at the groom and bride, eyeing them with a look of surprise and skepticism.
Hadea hesitated, then placed a hand over his shoulder. "We're glad that you're all right." She turned to the Phantom. "And besides, we can simply postpone the wedding until tomorrow." Hadea quieted, noticing that the Phantom's attention was on a nearby window. Upon following his gaze, she and Rick saw a familiar space craft landing in the distance.
A quiet ruckus began to spread throughout the palace.
Soon afterward, the doors to the throne room slowly opened, and everyone saw that Jedda and Krotan were home.
After the initial greetings were spoken, the young queen embraced Hadea with a smile. "Did we miss anything?"
Hadea wrapped her arms around Jedda, then exchanged a glance with the Phantom. Seconds later, she closed her eyes with a soft chuckle, then brushed a hand over Jedda's head.
"It was probably for the best." The Phantom relaxed against the grass while looking up at the stars. "Did you truly want to get married that way?"
Hadea held her stare on the sky. "What way?"
"At the urging of others. Did you truly wish to do this because they were ready to see it happen?"
Hadea quieted for a few seconds. "I was ready for it to happen as well."
He turned to her.
Hadea's face grew somber. "But I realize that you probably weren't."
The Phantom looked upward again. "I didn't say that."
She flinched in surprise. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that if an event such as this ever did come to happen, then it should only happen at a time of our choosing." He took a deep, quiet breath. "I propose that we alone decide when the time is right."
After a moment, Hadea smiled. Then she reached over and took one of the Phantom's hands in her own. "That sounds like a proposal that I can definitely accept."
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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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