D6
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 6: Love
Night had fallen over the capital of Mongo.
Krotan sat slouching in his shady throne room. One of his hands clung to an empty goblet. The other was propped on his sagging head.
As usual, the king was completely alone. He'd been this way for several months, and planned to stay this way for several more. The affairs of state were left to others.
A mystical cloud began appearing before him, brightening the room — brightening the dark.
Krotan glanced up with a raised eyebrow. His first assumption was that he'd drank too much. Upon realizing that he hadn't, he stiffened with fright.
Seconds later, the light faded away, and a woman appeared with her back to the king. A simple nightgown was covering her body, and a sparkling necklace hung around her neck.
Krotan's eyes widened as he slowly rose.
The woman stood in place, holding still and silent. She appeared to realize that she wasn't alone.
He approached her quietly, then paused to stare. "Jedda?" he said, as he studied her frame.
After a moment of hesitation, she slowly turned and looked her husband in the eye. Her lips quivered as they faced one another.
Then his stare drifted from the beauty of her face, to the bump in her stomach.
His smile faded. The awe returned.
"I didn't realize I was pregnant until after I left." Jedda ran a hand over her belly. "And in case you're wondering, the answer is no: I haven't made love to anyone else." She took a step forward. "It's yours." Her eyes softened as they settled on his. "It's ours."
"Why didn't you return sooner?" His eyes shook. "These recent months have been horrible for me."
"And do you assume that they've been easy for me?"
"We could've been there for each other." His own gaze softened now. "We could've comforted each other."
Jedda looked off. "There were some things that I needed to sort out on my own. It was the only way to follow my head instead of my heart.
"I came back because it seemed like the best thing to do for the baby."
A hint of disappointment appeared on Krotan's face. He'd hoped that she'd had another reason as well.
Jedda's voice lowered, softening. "But I was thinking about you too."
He lifted an eyebrow.
"I couldn't deny you the right to raise your child."
Krotan smiled, but couldn't do so for very long. What she'd said had struck a chord, but it still wasn't quite what he wanted to hear. Jedda kept speaking of what was right for the child, and of what was right for him. However, she'd said nothing about her own desires.
He wanted to be a bigger part of the reason that she'd returned. He wanted to know that she still loved him as much as he loved her.
She tensed a little as her gaze lowered. "And there was one other reason..."
Krotan listened with anticipation.
"I came back because I couldn't..." Jedda began to mutter. "I couldn't..."
Something dark and personal had entered her expression now — something that Krotan quickly recognized. He immediately stopped thinking about himself, and started thinking about her. "You couldn't bear the thought of letting our child grow up as you did — with only one parent present."
Jedda looked up, a flash of vulnerability shining in her eyes. No one knew her quite like her husband did.
Krotan let his own gaze lower. "I was hoping that you had another reason," he finally muttered. "I was hoping that you'd realized we belong together."
Jedda nodded. "I did believe that once..." She touched the jewel at her chest. "Until this came between us."
"Jedda..." he said, shaking his head while facing her. "For nearly a year now, I've wanted to tell you how wrong I was, how sorry I am. I don't care about power. I don't care about conquest. All I care about is you." He eyed her stomach. "The both of you."
Her lips shook again as she stared. More than anything right now, Jedda wanted to believe what she'd just been told.
Before long, she removed the necklace, letting it hover in the air. As Jedda concentrated, a mystical, transparent globe appeared around the jewel, carrying it toward the ceiling.
Seconds later, the globe and the necklace had disappeared — neither could be seen or accessed by anyone but Jedda. She no longer had its power, but she could still summon it.
"The Necklace of Oros is safe," she said. "And as of this moment, it's out of our lives." A sense of relief washed over her. She didn't ever want to wear that jewel again.
Approaching her, Krotan rested his hands on Jedda's shoulders. "I'll never miss it. All I desire now is to be with you."
Her eyes shone with longing, with affection — and yet she continued to hold both feelings back.
"I'll prove it," said Krotan. "Just give me time."
The next morning, a huge crowd of commoners gathered outside the palace. None of the citizens knew why they'd been summoned.
Flanked by several well-dressed nobles, King Krotan addressed the gathering from a balcony. "People of Mongo, I have great news to report. Share it with your families, share it with your friends..." He looked over his shoulder, extending an arm backwards. "Our queen has returned."
Donned in a red cape and a glittering tiara, Jedda took a deep breath and stepped onto the balcony.
A huge burst of cheers erupted from the crowd. Faces brightened and hearts filled with joy.
Jedda blushed, the tears coming quickly as she looked down at her people.
A noblewoman opened Jedda's cape, revealing her pregnancy for all to see.
Another rouse of cheers arrived.
The noblewoman smiled. "Welcome home, highness."
Jedda grinned back. Moments afterward, she looked over at Krotan, seeing nothing but affection as he returned her stare.
One month later, Jedda lay in bed covered with sweat. As her blurry vision began to clear, a doctor appeared above her head, continually asking if she was all right.
Jedda managed a slow nod...but soon found her attention drawn to another voice in the room — the one that was making soft, constant wails.
"Shh," Krotan murmured, smiling at their newborn daughter, Vera. "Let's go say hello to your mother."
Several nights later, Jedda stared into a crib while watching her daughter sleep. A curtain of blue was hanging over the room. Vera's green skin seemed to glow at this hour.
Jedda was wearing a constant grin. In all her life, she'd never felt a love that was quite like this.
Krotan entered the room quietly.
Jedda turned to him, staring in silence.
"Is everything all right?"
Jedda nodded slowly. The two of them were donned in twin gray robes — but there was something else that didn't quite match. While eyeing her husband, and hearing her heart, Jedda started beaming even brighter than before. "Where is it?" She wriggled her fingers.
"Where is what?"
Looking him in the eye, Jedda extended her left hand.
Krotan froze, looking grateful and stunned. Moments later, he retrieved her ring — the very same one that she'd left behind.
Dropping to his knees, he placed the gold ring back on Jedda's left hand, then looked straight up at her face again.
She stroked his hair.
As Krotan stood, they started to embrace in a very slow kiss. Seconds afterward, their robes hit the floor.
Later in the night, Krotan cuddled Jedda as she slept peacefully. His biceps hugged her own muscular frame. He heaved a soft sigh, calm and content. His wife, his daughter, and his kingdom were together.
He kissed Jedda's head. This time forever.
Scene Commentary
"Shh," Krotan murmured, smiling at their newborn daughter, Vera. "Let's go say hello to your mother."
I think that this is the most radical step the story has taken thus far. The TV show had already raised the possibility of a Jedda/Krotan marriage, but now they actually have a baby. This sort of marks a point of no return for them.
Out of a weird 'respect' for the source material, there are times when I'm reluctant to let a fanfic mess with the status quo, so part of me was hesitant to do this when the chapter was written.
Now, however, I can't imagine having not gone through with it.
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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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