D38
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 38: Empress
The Phantom froze in shock upon spotting Hadea's palace. His eyebrows lowered and a shiver rocked his spine. Thousands of Hadea's soldiers had set up camp beside the building, each sprawled among a mass of cots and tents. Hundreds of combat vehicles were lined up as well, each looking prepped and ready to ride into battle.
Upon entering the building and reaching Hadea's chamber, the Phantom got the second biggest surprise of his day. Hadea looked absolutely glorious — even more so than usual. A sparkling white gown adorned her body. Her hair was styled in a thick straight line. And a lovely golden crown had replaced her tiara.
Just as the Phantom was about to speak, Hadea took a step forward and lifted her palm. "Before you ask what's going on, I should mention that you probably aren't going to like what I have to say."
The Phantom flashed a suspicious frown, then folded his arms over his chest.
Hadea held quiet while sporting a cautious grin, eyeing him with a tense, knowing stare. "I'm about to become the ruler of another kingdom."
He looked a bit confused. "You're leaving the Netherworld for another land?"
"Not quite. I'm going to govern both, from a palace located between the two."
The Phantom quivered, opening his mouth in silence. Whenever he thought of the Netherworld, he thought of Hadea. She'd been synonymous with it for a very long time. The idea of her living elsewhere seemed quite odd. "Why?" he muttered.
She shied away from his gaze, and her voice became a bit softer. "Because by imprisoning my mother, I've left her kingdom without a queen. I can't simply turn my back on her people. I have to 'clean up after myself,' as you humans say." She smiled, then turned around. "So I'm taking over my mother's old land, Isindroth — better known as the Neoworld. I'm bringing the kingdoms together again."
"What do you mean by 'together again?' "
Hadea looked toward her window, staring out at the horizon. "The Netherworld, the Neoworld, and all of the other lands were once considered territories within a single kingdom, not unlike a country on the surface world. The high ruler of all territories was known simply as the Empress. She ruled from a home built in her honor, the Golden Palace, which is where I shall now live."
A bit more curiosity arose in him now. "The Golden Palace? As in..."
She nodded. "The queens of each kingdom have always been known as the Emerald Queen, the Ruby Queen, the Diamond Queen, the Silver Queen...and the Golden Queen." Hadea looked down and ran a finger through her hair. "No one knows the details surrounding her bloodline, her legacy, but the Empress is thought to have been a native of the Netherworld, a Golden Queen who established peace and unity between all of the lands — a woman whose descendants were meant to follow in her path."
He stroked his chin. "How did the Empress's kingdoms become divided?"
"I've been searching for the answer to that question for years." A breeze lifted a lock across her calm expression, wrinkling the lovely nose on her face.
"Are you planning to unite all of the kingdoms again?"
"No. As I mentioned, I only intend to rule two."
"And how will that work?"
"Peacefully," she assured him, turning around. "The soldiers of the Neoworld are going to lay down their arms and allow us across the border."
He nodded slowly, hesitating before he spoke. "Then what?"
She rolled her eyes. "Then nothing. Naturally, my people will establish a presence there, but life within the kingdom will largely remain the same."
"What will the main differences be?"
"The Neoworld's current leaders will no longer be in control. From now on, my generals will run their armies, and my nobles will lead their lands. I'm going to bring the citizens of the Neoworld and the Netherworld together, with a queen of my choosing ruling each kingdom. I'm going to see that both lands live in harmony and prosperity. From this point onward, I will no longer be known as 'Queen Hadea.' " She looked upward as another breeze ruffled her hair. "As of today, I am Empress Hadea."
While he listened on, the Phantom began to find himself moved by her words. "It sounds like you're planning something that will be beneficial to a lot of people." He recalled the tension that she'd displayed before. "Why did you assume that I'd be upset by... Wait..."
Hadea closed her eyes while bracing herself.
"Were you asked to do any of this? Did the leaders of the Neoworld invite you to rule their land?"
She let her gaze drift back down to him.
"They didn't, did they?" He fell quiet for a long moment. "This isn't a mere expansion, this is an invasion. What you're planning is an act of conquest."
"I'm not going to 'conquer' that kingdom. I'm going to control it."
"And what's the difference in your view?"
"There will be no battle, no bloodshed." Hadea shook her head. "And the citizens will not be treated cruelly afterward. Instead, they'll receive the same treatment that my own people receive."
"But you're still taking over that kingdom without consent."
"Have you forgotten that they planned on doing the same thing to me? This is my way of ensuring that the Neoworld never threatens the Netherworld again."
The Phantom scowled. "Is this about revenge?"
"It's about security. They attacked my kingdom first."
"And that gives you the right to invade theirs?"
"It gives me the right to protect mine by any means necessary."
"This reminds me a little too much of when you conquered the galaxy."
"Don't you dare compare this to when I conquered the galaxy." She swung her finger at him. "You know that the circumstances are entirely different."
The Phantom looked away while stewing in silence.
"Fine," she said, letting her hand hit her side. "Let's discuss what happened back then. When I ruled Mongo, when I had the necklace...I seem to recall you leading an attack against me, in order to ensure that your realm would be safe from any possible invasions." Her eyebrows lowered. "How is what I'm doing today any different?"
The Phantom quivered a little. Seconds afterward, he took a deep, slow breath. "I can't help wondering about your true motivations. I suspect that this invasion is about your anger toward your mother."
"Well, you're mistaken. It isn't."
He waved a hand. "Fine. But what if you're met with resistance? Think about the consequences of that. Jedda revived the soldiers who fell during your conquest of the galaxy. The Necklace of Oros can restore anything that it destroys. But if there are casualties this time, there won't be any way to bring the fallen back."
"Then let's hope that no one opposes me. They have no real reason to."
The Phantom looked downward with a solemn stare.
"All right. What if I simply leave the Neoworld alone, and they attack my people several months from now?" asked Hadea. "How am I to live with myself knowing that I could have prevented that?"
"I thought that you'd warned the Neoworld's leaders that any further attacks would result in Lillien's execution."
She shook her head again. "That won't deter them forever."
"Why not?"
An irked frown crossed her face. "Why must you constantly question my judgment? Why can't you simply trust what I'm saying?"
He slowly looked away once more.
Hadea sighed. A long silence lingered throughout the room. "You're a soldier. I'm government. There are going to be times when we see things differently." She stepped forth. "But this is one of the biggest ventures that I've ever undertaken, and, at some point, I expect you to at least stand by my side."
The Phantom mumbled. "How can you expect that of me?"
"Because you're my mate."
"Is a mate someone who doesn't think for themselves?"
"No. That's not my definition of a mate at all." She sighed, running a hand over her head. "I'm not doing this to prove my power. I'm doing it to protect my people — to keep the peace."
"Find another way, Hadea."
"I can't."
"You can." He touched her chin. "I believe that you simply need more time to do that." The Phantom eyed her for a moment, then left the room.
Hadea brought her hands to her hips, then let her gaze drop to the floor.
Hours later, a nobleman rushed into the throne room and knelt before Hadea. "I'm afraid that I have unsettling news, highness."
Empress Hadea stood. "What has happened?"
"It appears that our vehicles have been tampered with."
She shook a little. "By who?"
"We don't know. The technicians are scrambling to repair them as we speak. At present, however, we are unable to advance on the Neoworld as planned."
Hadea suddenly recalled the Phantom's parting words. She closed her eyes, then looked across the room with a sigh.
Just as he was leaving the Netherworld, the Phantom felt someone tackle him from behind. Upon hitting the ground, he found several more hands struggling to pin him down. Amidst the skirmish, he caught sight of his attackers' uniforms. The assailants definitely weren't from the Netherworld.
While struggling to rise, he felt a small piece of metal pressing into his side. A second later, an electric shock jolted throughout his body, and darkness arrived moments afterward.
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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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