D58
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 58: Team
10 Years Into The Future
Vera and Lowe walked side by side along the palace grounds. Both were clad in togas and sandals. A number of guards quietly kept watch over the royal children.
"What's wrong?" asked the 12-year-old princess. "Why have you been so quiet lately?"
Lowe stared along the white stone ground. "I've been hearing a lot of talk around the palace," he said. "Everyone wonders which of us is going to take over once Mother and Father step down."
Vera's lips parted as she stared at him.
"Most people expect it to be you...and I concur." He nodded. "You're going to become ruler of Mongo."
She glanced away, feeling quite shy all of a sudden.
"I don't have a problem with that. But I do take issue with the reason."
"What's the reason?" asked Vera, lifting a hand to block the sun.
Lowe's face became a bit more somber. "It sounds like the commoners don't trust me. After all, I'm the grandson of Ming, and the son of Krotan." He shrugged. "I know that a lot of people love our father now, but they still remember his past. So when people look at you and me, most of them would prefer that you become ruler — just in case."
Her gaze softened. "What is it that you'd prefer?"
"I don't know just yet. If I were to become king, I'd be helping people. But since I won't become king...I guess I'm just going to have to help people in some other way." He smiled at her.
Vera grinned back. "I feel a sort of drive to help others, given the positions that we're in."
"So do I."
"You're well-educated, Lowe. You have a lot of options."
He glanced at the clouds. "Do you think Mongoians will ever fully trust a male ruler again?"
Vera cast her gaze forward. "When I become queen, I'm going to work to eliminate the prejudice you spoke of. People should judge the males in our family based on who they are, and nothing else."
"So who am I?"
She brushed a hand along his back. "You're my little brother, and you're the sweetest person I know."
Lowe smiled again. "Thanks, sis."
Jedda and Krotan sat alone on a beach. The queen's back was nestled against her husband's chest, and all of their swim wear had been removed.
Krotan's hands were gently covering Jedda's chest. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her shoulder. "I've spent a good deal of my life loving you," he said.
Jedda wore a bright grin while watching the waves.
"It feels like that's what I was always meant to do."
Several minutes later, they moved down to the shore and sprawled out on their sides, cuddling as a wave rushed forth and pulled them into the water.
"It's nice to spend a day like this," said Jedda.
"Always," Krotan agreed.
"Have you noticed that we're drifting out to sea?"
"I have," he said as they floated along the surface.
She giggled, nuzzling closer to him. "So where, exactly, do you think we'll end up?"
"It doesn't matter to me," he said, "as long as we get there together."
Shortly after she'd reentered the palace, Vera walked into a huge ballroom with marble walls. Her reflection moved steadily along the floor. She tossed her sleeping bag down with a grin, readying herself for a fun indoor camping ritual. Just as she was preparing to leave and collect more items, Vera noticed that she wasn't alone in the room.
Another green-skinned girl stood near the center of the floor. A tiara sat upon her braided hair, and she was wearing an elegant crimson dress. She smirked while eyeing the Princess of Mongo. "Hi, cousin," said Aura's daughter, Brigit.
Vera flashed a surprised frown at the younger girl. "What are you doing here?"
She glanced around. "I always enjoy visiting the palace. After all, it's where I plan to live once I become queen."
Vera chuckled, rolling her eyes. "You can visit all you want...but I'm afraid you're never going to live here. Not as anything other than a guest, anyway."
Brigit nodded as she began to leave. "I just wanted to remind you that you're not the only one who's got her eyes on the throne."
"Your mother never became queen here, and you won't either. You don't seem to be learning from her mistakes. The future of this dynasty will be controlled by me, my parents, and my brother."
Brigit's arrogance remained on display. "I guess we'll see." She quietly exited the palace.
Vera stared after her, flashing a confident smile of her own.
Jedda ran a hand along Lowe's face. "You seem to be in a pretty good mood," she said.
"Earlier today, I wasn't...but Vera helped cheer me up."
Jedda grinned at her daughter, then eased down beside the others at a game board.
Lowe turned to his father. "That report came in from the village while you were away."
Krotan nodded. "I'll see to that business soon."
"No need. I handled everything as you normally do. It wasn't that difficult."
Krotan was quite surprised. "Thank you, son. I appreciate that."
Vera smiled, speaking softly as she ran a hand across her ponytail. "I like how we help each other out with both political matters and personal ones."
"That's how it works," said a beaming Jedda. "We're a family — and a family is a team."
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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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