D25
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 25: Lovers
Jedda sat with Krotan alone on their thrones. They were devouring each other's mouths. Jedda was sprawled on her husband's lap. Krotan was squeezing her plump, firm thigh.
A door across the floor began swinging open. They both turned toward it, pulling apart.
By the time a nobleman had entered the room, Jedda was sporting an innocent smile.
Krotan reached over and adjusted her crown, then interlocked his fingers while facing their subject.
"Majesties." The man nodded. "A class of soldiers are graduating from their academy today. Commander Ilan has asked if either of you wishes to make an appearance."
Krotan lifted his chin. "Tell the commander that I'll come and give a speech at midday."
"Actually, tell him that I will," said Jedda. "The king spoke last time, so I'll go today. It's always nice to meet people who are serving our kingdom."
The nobleman bowed and turned around, closing the door behind him as he went.
"Now then..." Jedda smiled and hopped back onto Krotan's lap, drawing his lips to hers once more.
With a quiet moan, Krotan began running his hands through her long, thick locks.
One minute later, the door moved again.
Jedda sighed, swinging her legs off of Krotan's.
"Majesties," said a robed noblewoman, "the local village leaders are on their way."
Krotan winced in confusion. "I thought that meeting was tomorrow."
"It's actually today," said Jedda, flinging her hair behind her shoulders.
After a pause, the king sighed. "All right, then. I'll handle that one."
Jedda held up her palm, and Krotan flinched before giving her a weak high-five. The queen giggled.
After bowing, the noblewoman made her exit.
As the door closed again, Krotan and Jedda picked up right where they'd left off. She beamed quietly as his mouth teased her neck.
Before long, another person began pushing the door open.
Krotan let out a slow groan. "I'm guessing it's the cook, coming to ask about lunch."
Jedda chuckled. "It's probably the tailor, trying to impress you with his work."
Seconds later, the king lifted an eyebrow, and the queen did the same. Standing in the doorway was their two-year-old daughter.
Vera was fresh from breakfast with her maid, a drop of juice visible on her pink pajamas. She clutched a stuffed toy. Her voice was smooth and sweet. "Are we still going to play the memory match game?"
Turning to each other, Krotan and Jedda shared a quiet laugh.
"Yes," Krotan uttered with a smile, "you, me, and mommy are still going to play the memory match game. Actually, why don't you go and take your place at the board," he said, referring to a square table that sat one foot above the floor. "Mommy and I will be there in a moment."
Vera grinned, running past her parents and heading upstairs.
A cloud of silence began filling the room, and Krotan stared in Vera's direction for what felt like a long time.
Jedda began to grow curious upon sensing his mood.
"I never had much time for playing games as a child." Before he knew it, his head was sagging. "I was always too busy learning about conquest."
Jedda shrugged, flashing a casual smile. "I was always too busy learning about heroism." She rose, beginning to look toward the stairway herself. "I want her to have a better childhood than either of us had. I want her upbringing to be normal."
Krotan let his eyes linger on the floor.
"What's wrong?"
He shook his head slowly. "When Vera gets older, she's going to be proud of your past." A deep blush overtook his face. "But things are going to be different when she learns about mine."
Jedda opened her mouth in surprise. "Hey..." she whispered, moving back onto his lap. "It's going to be okay."
Krotan held his stare elsewhere.
Jedda grinned and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. "It's going to be okay."
Hours later, Krotan was sitting at an oval table with the village leaders.
Amidst the discussion, a servant stepped into the room and placed a silver platter before the king. "It's from her majesty the queen, highness," he said with a grin.
Krotan winced while staring down at the tray, which carried a brilliant red flower and a sealed card. He glanced up at the others and lifted a palm. "Pardon me for a moment."
Upon opening the note, the king found handwriting that was unmistakably his wife's. The message read, "Jedda loves Krotan." A smiley face was included.
Krotan chuckled, stroking the card with both hands.
About half an hour after she'd finished her speech, the queen was escorted back to her transport.
Jedda froze in place as the vehicle's door swung open. The back seat was now filled with two dozen bouquets of multi-colored flowers. A note was waiting in the center of them all.
After finding a place to sit, she opened the card and read a message from her husband:
"Krotan loves Jedda more."
The queen giggled, licking her lips with a mischievous smile. Then she lifted a small phone, and made a direct call to the palace.
After finishing up the meeting and exiting the room, Krotan flinched upon entering the hall. The once-barren corridor was now filled with freshly delivered bouquets and candy.
A printed note sat waiting at the opposite door.
Shaking his head with a grin, Krotan opened the paper and found a message from Jedda:
"You sure about that?"
Upon returning to the palace, Jedda quivered to a halt. Her point of entry was strewn with colorful bouquets, assorted candy, fancy decorations, and stuffed animals. At the center of the room was a multi-layered cake, and a card was sitting at the very top.
The queen opened the note and scanned Krotan's words:
"Yes. I'm sure."
Moments later, a servant informed Krotan that his wife was looking for him.
Upon reaching the room with the assortment of gifts, Krotan ducked as a chunk of cake was hurled his way. The king whipped off his cape and strode forward. "You've just chosen the wrong battle."
Jedda laughed, arming herself with another handful as she ducked behind a chair.
For the next few minutes, the two scattered about beneath a sparkling chandelier, tossing cake around the room as they teased and taunted.
Eventually, Krotan grabbed Jedda from behind, scooped her off the floor, and smeared a huge chunk of frosting across her face.
A patch of fading sunlight crept into the bedroom.
Jedda and Krotan walked across a mat and bowed before one another. Each was donned in a white training gi.
Moments after they'd assumed their stances, the queen spun into a series of fast high kicks.
Krotan could barely dodge them while backing away. Unbeknownst to the king, he wasn't avoiding Jedda — Jedda was avoiding him. Upon spotting an opening, Krotan swung a soft palm against his wife's torso.
After awarding him the point, Jedda halted her attacks, then stepped backward. Seconds later, she and Krotan lifted their hands again. "There's no need to be worried about what you mentioned earlier," she said.
Krotan dodged a swing. "What do you mean?"
Jedda blocked one of Krotan's arms, then swung a painless chop at his neck. "Vera isn't going to see you for who you were. She's going to see you and love you for who you are."
Krotan lowered his hands, then took a step backward. "How can you be so sure?" he mumbled.
Jedda flung another kick.
Krotan ducked under the swing and flipped her to the ground, laying inches above his fallen wife.
"Because I speak from experience," said Jedda.
Krotan stared deeply into Jedda's eyes. Seconds later, he lowered his lips onto hers.
Amidst the kiss, Krotan began opening Jedda's gi, while Jedda reached up and relieved him of his own. As their naked bodies touched, Jedda sunk her palms into his powerful shoulders.
Krotan lifted up one of her thighs, then felt both of them wrapping around his waist.
As the kiss was broken, she breathed heavily while staring upward, digging her fingers into his hair.
Jedda lay flat on the floor, still watching the ceiling. Starlight lingered over her unclothed body.
Krotan reentered the room and scooped her into his arms. After carrying Jedda to another room, the king placed his queen into a huge hot tub, then slipped into the water right behind her.
Jedda and Krotan dove beneath the surface, waving at each other as they swam around like fish.
By now, Krotan had a number of favorite images with regard to Jedda's allure. He liked watching sunlight drift across her nose as she surveyed the kingdom in her fluttering robe.
He also adored her savvy grin as she lay sprawled on her side, a thin sheet draped across her unclothed body.
But if there was one image that he could choose to have captured in a portrait, it would probably be the beauty of Jedda swimming naked. He loved all the little details that composed this sight: her arms tucked firmly at her sides, her toes pointing straight as she swung her legs, and her hair flowing freely throughout the water.
Amidst his travels through the depths of space, Krotan had laid eyes on many people. If his wife wasn't currently the most beautiful woman in the galaxy, then he had no idea who it could possibly be.
As Jedda continued her swim on the surface, Krotan eased against a corner and enjoyed the sight.
Jedda eventually drifted into Krotan's arms, and the two playfully nuzzled their noses together. Amidst this affection, they paused to share one of their little moments — during which they simply smiled at each other in awe and excitement, celebrating their ability to defy the odds. After all, they were never 'supposed' to end up this way. Given their respective backgrounds, the two had seemingly been destined to hate each other, not to love each other. But as Jedda and Krotan had grown and changed, they'd begun a marriage, had a child, and ultimately chosen their own destiny — and the pair had decided that their destiny was to be together for good.
Nearly an hour later, Krotan followed Jedda back to their bedroom, giving her tush a light slap as they stepped through their chamber.
Jedda raised an eyebrow and made a seductive squeal.
Before long, they reached their bed and began cuddling beneath the covers. Vera was being tended to by her maid, leaving the king and queen alone for the evening.
As Krotan drifted off to sleep, Jedda lay back and let her grin linger. No one on Mongo was happier than her.
She again thought back to her days on Earth, contrasting them with her life at present.
Once upon a time, she'd been Jedda of the jungle — a strong and sensitive girl who'd largely tried to do good. Now she'd become the Queen of Mongo — a strong and sensitive woman who tried doing the same.
The difference: She now had two parents, a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, and a wonderful kingdom.
Jedda rested her head with a chuckle, wondering what she'd ever done to deserve all the happiness she had. Eventually, she closed her eyes and shrugged. If life wanted to spoil her, she certainly wasn't going to complain.
Jedda awakened to the touch of Krotan's lips on her face and neck. The queen giggled with closed eyes.
A quiet beep sounded off by their bed.
Krotan reached over and pressed a button. "Yes?"
The voice of a male subject flowed through a speaker. "Good morning, highness. I was hoping to speak with the queen."
"Go ahead," said Jedda, keeping her eyes closed.
"We've been contacted by your mother, highness. She wishes to arrange a meeting."
Jedda chuckled. "Tell her to drop the silly formal stuff. She knows that she can meet with me anytime she wants to."
The man paused. "Not Hadea, highness, your other mother..."
Jedda opened her eyes.
"Your birth mother."
She and Krotan both turned their heads, eyeing one another with smitten stares.
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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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