D45
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 45: Balance
The Phantom eased down beside Hadea on her bed.
Hadea held quiet while staring down at her lap.
"I'm sorry that I aborted our conversation yesterday." He placed his hand over hers. His insides tingled and his breathing came heavy. Amidst the silence, he began stroking the spot beneath her knuckles, enjoying the smoothness of her pale skin. "Hadea..." he whispered.
She turned to him.
"I have something very important to say to you."
She looked away and lifted her eyebrows. "I'm afraid that the element of surprise is gone. I know what you were going to ask."
He pulled back a little.
"Once I figured it out, I was left with a question of my own." She withdrew her hand and interlocked her fingers. "Why would you come here intending to propose, and then change your mind after hearing about my plans?"
The Phantom opened his lips a second, then closed them. He took a deep, quiet breath before continuing. "I haven't changed my mind. As I mentioned, I simply needed some time to absorb what you'd said, and think things through." He made a slow smile. "And I've realized that I still want to marry you."
She merely stared at him for a moment, giving no response.
His grin began to fade. "What's wrong?"
Hadea shook her head slowly. "Just doing some thinking of my own." She let her gaze wander across the room. "For a long time now, I've found that my life has been a struggle to maintain balance. While enduring work, I've sought play. While enduring pain, I've sought pleasure. It's the only way for a leader to live.
"At times, my need for balance has drawn me toward you, toward Jedda, and toward various others who I call friends. My loved ones help to keep me going." Hadea looked toward her window. "Now that I'm about to take on a whole new responsibility, I need balance more than ever." She turned back to the Phantom. "Marrying you only seems natural at this stage."
He grinned again while stroking her hands.
Hadea didn't return his smile. Instead, she looked off and lowered her voice a little. "I want to marry you, but only if you're ready to accept me for what I am." She eyed him with a firm stare. "And what I am is a ruler."
He felt a bit of tension within his gut.
"I've been a ruler since I was a child. I didn't have much choice then, but I do have a choice now...and my choice is to continue the life that I've always led." Hadea sat up a little, looking him in the eyes closely. "As I've stated before, there are certain realities that are a part of that life. One of those is the act of expansion. As a ruler, there are times when I will extend my reign beyond my borders, and take control of other lands." She shrugged and shook her head. "I thought you understood that I no longer do that as an act of conquest. I only do it when necessary."
"I do understand that, Hadea," he said gently. "Why do you think I came back and went through with the proposal?"
Her expression softened a tad.
"I'll probably always be unsettled by acts of expansion, because I've spent a long time defending against them." He had to pause a few seconds. "But I do accept you for who you are, and I know that I can trust you to make the proper decisions."
After a moment, Hadea took a deep, silent breath.
The Phantom rose from the bed and dropped to one knee before her. "So," he said, offering another smile. "Perhaps it's time that we formally brought this proposal to an end."
Hadea simply held quiet. In time, a slow wave of curiosity crept into her eyes. "Why do you wish to marry me?"
"Pardon?"
"A long time ago, you knelt before me and received a proposal — which you turned down. Now you kneel there and offer one." She placed her hands in her lap. "I wish to know what has changed."
"It's very simple." He rested his palms atop her knees. "I love you."
Hadea's face froze in awe. The Phantom hadn't often seen her like this. He could only speculate on what she was feeling. For one brief moment, he sensed that there was no room, no palace, no Netherworld, and no Neoworld. There was only the man kneeling before her — the man who'd finally admitted that he loved her. She licked her lips, then cleared her throat. "Why?" she said, trying to regain as much of her composure as she could.
The Phantom looked a little confused.
"You don't simply love another person without reason." The empress steadied her quivering shoulders, then lifted her gaze toward a distant wall. "If you don't mind, I'd like to know why you love me."
He glanced downward, adjusting his position a bit on the floor. "You're right. You don't simply love someone without reason. Actually, you love different people for very specific reasons." He nodded. "For example, a friend is someone who you admire and care for — but a lover is someone who makes you happy." He lifted his warm gaze back up to her. "I find that I admire you, that I care for you, and that you make me happy as well. You're my friend...and you're my lover." He brought his hands to hers again. "And I want it to be that way always."
Hadea felt as though she was going to melt.
In time, her silence began to perplex him again. "Do you doubt the sincerity of what I'm saying?"
"No. I believe that I make you happy...because you make me happy as well," she said. "I don't question your sincerity...but I do question your timing." She began to frown a little. "Why do you wish to marry me now? Are you planning to retire from the Defenders?" Her voice dropped to a mumble. "Was this proposal simply an afterthought?"
"No." He shook his head. "Not at all."
Hadea eyed the floor shyly. "I won't be second choice."
"You aren't." He stroked her hands. "From now on, I'm going to do all that I can to put you first."
Hadea quivered again while looking up at him.
"I don't intend to resign from the Defenders...but if we're wed, I do intend to take a one-year leave from the team."
She glanced away and spoke quietly. "For me?"
He stared into her eyes. "For you."
She could feel the tears arriving now, and did her best to hold them back.
"I'll return to work afterward, but I'll come home everyday, just as I would if we were living on the surface." A nearby portal would make traveling convenient.
Hadea frowned again. "We both know that it isn't simply a matter of marrying and living happily ever after. I'm a relative of the Empress. You're the current Phantom. We're each bound to dynasties that we wish to honor. We're somewhat different from Jedda and Krotan." Hadea squinted. "And we're somewhat different from each other as well.
"I aim to help people from the throne. You aim to help people from the field. In short, we have similar goals, but we strive to accomplish them in dissimilar ways."
He nodded. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I can continue for a longer time in my position than you can in yours. What will happen when you're no longer able to fight as you do now?"
"There will always be a Phantom — even if that Phantom is someone other than a Walker." He looked away in amusement. "When he was a boy, Kshin used to say that he was going to take my place when I stepped down. I never thought that he'd still be clinging to that dream now."
Hadea smiled.
"That moment may actually come someday...but it isn't going to arrive for a while. I intend to continue my duties as Phantom for as long as I'm able. And I intend to continue my personal duties to you for even longer."
Hadea kept beaming. She seemed to be absorbing all that she'd been told. "A part of me wishes that we could just leave our respective dynasties behind, and embrace a life of simplicity and peace."
He eyed her quietly.
"I know that we can't. Not yet anyway. But we can find happiness amongst our journeys. We can find balance, we can find stability."
He nodded in agreement. "I believe that we should provide each other with stability, and that stability should be the result of love."
After a few seconds, she looked off and let herself giggle.
"What's funny?"
"Most parents give their child advice on marriage. For us, it's going to be the other way around."
His eyes brightened. "Does that mean that I finally have your answer?"
She turned back to him with a playful grin. "I believe that you're supposed to ask a question first."
The Phantom steadied himself on his knee and held her hands gently, summoning one of the warmest smiles he'd ever produced. "Will you marry me, Hadea?"
She looked into his eyes, then nodded slowly. "Yes."
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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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