D61
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 61: Peace
Castra sat quietly in the Golden Palace, waiting for a chance to speak with Hadea. After about five minutes, the door she'd entered from began to open again. She turned to her right, seeing a young brunette woman in a long-sleeved top and khaki pants.
"Oh," she said upon spotting Castra. "Are you here to see the empress?"
Castra nodded.
"I came to speak with her too." She walked over and extended her palm. "I'm Rachel."
Castra stood. "I know who you are," she said, eyeing Rachel in fascination as she shook her hand. Seconds later, both of them heard the sound of footsteps.
The Phantom walked into the lobby, pausing for a second as he saw the latest guest. "Rachel..."
She nodded with a grin. "I have an appointment with Hadea."
"I know." He moved his gaze over to Castra. "And you're here for advice, correct?"
"I am," said Castra.
"Sorry to keep you both waiting, but the empress is a bit busier than she expected to be today. Perhaps I can be of assistance while..."
A door was flung open, and a third guest came barging through. "I have to speak with the empress!" Dale stood at the entrance wearing a black leather jacket and dark pants.
Castra glared upon recognizing the woman who'd abducted her husband. "Who allowed her in?" she asked, taking a step forward.
The Phantom lifted an arm, holding Castra in place. "Dale..." he said quietly. "What are you doing here?"
"Listen," said Dale. "I've been traveling through the kingdoms as a private investigator. A group I've had my eye on for the past month is about to make an attack."
The Phantom stood beside Dale, Castra, and Rachel in the throne room. Each of them held their attention on a video monitor.
"There they are," Dale said. "That's definitely them."
A hovercraft moved across the screen. The vehicle was carrying a group of pale soldiers similar to Hadea's. Each man was wearing a hooded black robe.
Rachel stepped closer. "Looks like they're heading to the Neoworld."
"That's Aura's kingdom," said the Phantom. "And she's making a public appearance today. She's about to give a speech."
Dale shook her head. "It can't be a coincidence that those men are about to strike now. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but this group is going to try to assassinate Aura."
Castra narrowed her eyes, shaking a little.
Rachel watched as the group sped out of sight. "We don't know for sure that this is a team of assassins."
"They are," said Dale. "I've followed them closely."
Castra ran a hand over her face and sighed. Her sister hadn't even ruled the Neoworld for very long, yet she already had people trying to kill her, it seemed.
Rachel looked over at Dale. "What kind of evidence did you find?"
"We don't really have time to get into the details now," Dale replied. "If Aura is out in public, then someone has to stop those men before they can reach her. Or, we need to make a call and move her out of harm's way."
Rachel quieted, holding her stare on Dale a moment.
The Phantom turned around. "I'll contact some of Aura's guards. They'll intercept the men en route."
"But that would decrease the number of guards around Aura," said Rachel. "That may be what this team wants. They could have partners in the Neoworld right now." She looked back at the screen. "Instead of sending Aura's guards out to stop them, maybe we could do it ourselves. That hovercraft was one of the slower models. We might be able to catch up."
"No," said Castra.
Everyone turned to her.
Castra looked at Rachel and the Phantom. "Hadea wouldn't want either of you to put yourselves in danger." She turned to Dale. "And you're someone I simply don't trust." Castra turned back toward the screen, then balled her hands into fists. "I'll take a few men and stop this attack myself." She paused, feeling rather surprised by what she'd just said.
Aura had been standing atop the stage for around 30 minutes. Just as she was nearing the end of her speech, the men in black robes arrived and began storming through the crowd, firing their weapons upward to clear a path.
As Aura's citizens began scrambling for cover, several guards rushed forth to stop the attack.
Amidst the ruckus, Castra's hovercraft arrived and sped toward the scene. Before long, Castra's guards had hopped out and joined Aura's in the battle.
One of the pale attackers slipped past the fray, charging toward the stage and aiming his weapon at Aura.
Aura froze in place, fidgeting where she stood.
Just as a laser was flying straight at her, Aura felt a strong tackle at her side. The queen fell as the shot flew over her head, and the man who'd fired was quickly subdued.
As the brief battle came to an end, Castra's and Aura's guards stood over the fallen attackers.
Aura moaned on her side, then looked up at her rescuer.
"Are you all right?" asked Castra.
Once again, Aura froze in shock.
Castra stood, helping her sister up as she rose.
The Phantom reentered the throne room and approached Dale. "I just got word from the Neoworld. It turns out you were right. Those men were planning an attack."
"Is everyone okay?" she asked.
"They are," he replied. "Thanks to you."
Rachel stood off to the side, folding her arms as she listened on.
"Good to hear," said Dale, licking her lips before taking a deep breath. "I trust that you'll inform the empress of my efforts today."
The Phantom studied her for a few seconds. "I know that you wish to become Queen of the Netherworld again. You may have just made a strong case for yourself."
Rachel unfolded her arms and walked over to the Phantom. "We need to talk."
He eyed her in surprise. "All right," he replied, shifting where he stood.
"Not here," she said. "In private." Rachel looked over at Dale, making no effort to hide the distrust in her stare.
Dale winced a little, narrowing her eyes.
The Phantom began glancing back and forth between them, then steadied his gaze on Dale. "Excuse us."
Dale slowly nodded, keeping her stare on the other woman.
"This all seems a little suspicious to me," said Rachel.
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't it odd that Dale showed up just in the nick of time? Isn't it strange that she couldn't even explain how she knew about the attack? This feels like a controlled crisis. You know what that is, right? You're a former agent. You've been in the game."
The Phantom eyed her curiously. "I'm a bit out of touch with the current terms."
"All right, it's when someone thwarts a crisis that they secretly created. The idea is to make themselves look good, or to prompt a change of some sort. Either way, they're manipulating things for their own benefit." She glanced toward the closed door. "I think Dale hired those attackers. She knew that we'd save Aura in time — which is what she wanted. What she probably didn't expect is that her partners would be captured."
He scowled a little. "Why would Dale set this up?"
"She wants to be one of Hadea's queens again. Look, all I'm saying is that before you go putting her back on the throne, you might want to consider a thing or two."
The Phantom turned and stared at the door himself, then began walking toward it. By the time he and Rachel arrived in the other room, Dale was nowhere to be found.
The Phantom glanced around. "Dale?" he called.
"She's gone," said Rachel. "I think she realized we were on to her."
He paused, touching his forehead. "I'll have the attackers interrogated. We'll see if they confirm your theory." A part of him hoped that they wouldn't. The Phantom looked down and began to murmur. "Find yourself, Dale."
Aura took a seat beside Castra on the stage. Both of them held their gazes outward. "Why did you save me?"
Castra recoiled a little, as though she'd just heard a trick question.
"Is it because I'm pregnant?"
Castra sighed, then swept a hand across her hair. "I saved you because it was the right thing to do," she said, still looking forward. "I saved you because we're sisters."
Aura turned to her for a second, then looked down at her lap.
"Don't ask me what I meant by that." Castra shook her head, holding quiet for a moment. "These days, I don't know what that means anymore than you do."
Aura frowned, finding that Castra's words had affected her in a surprising way. She cupped her hands and lowered her gaze. After a long period of silence, she quietly spoke up again. "Tevrok isn't the father of my baby. There never was an affair."
Castra nodded to herself, absorbing the information without saying a word. Moments later, she rose from her seat and began walking away.
"I heard about your contributions today," Hadea said as she crossed the floor.
Rachel shrugged, digging her hands in her pockets. "Just doing my part to keep the throne safe."
Hadea let a smile cross her face. "If you really want to do that, you can return to it yourself."
Rachel turned toward a video monitor, watching a live feed of the Netherworld with a warm stare. "Maybe," she said. "When the time is right."
Hadea stroked Rachel's arms, then nodded at her. "In any case, you'll always be welcome here."
Just as she was about to turn in for the evening, Castra heard the door to her bedroom swing open. She turned toward the doorway, then froze where she stood. "Tevrok."
He nodded, sitting his pack on the floor.
Castra ran across the room and wrapped her arms around her husband.
Tevrok closed his eyes while returning her hug. "Aura contacted me."
Castra pulled back, eyeing him in surprise.
"She said that you've missed me as much as I've missed you."
"I have," Castra said, running a hand along his face.
Tevrok paused, studying her. "She also said that she believes we belong together, which is something that I've long believed as well."
"We do." Castra nodded. "I'll never doubt your faithfulness again."
He pulled her close, and the two embraced once more.
The next day, Castra and Aura stood before the Phantom, who was sitting upon Hadea's throne.
"Many siblings become competitors at some point. I myself know that quite well. If taken too far, however, competition can come to define the relationship, and that's something that should never happen," he said. "As my wife told you before, you now have a chance to build the bond that you were always meant to have."
Aura and Castra turned toward each other.
"The question is, are you willing to?"
After a bit of hesitation, Castra extended her hands toward Aura.
Aura reached out and stroked her sister's palms.
"Tevrok and I would be pleased if you joined us for dinner tonight, Aura."
Aura looked surprised, then licked her lips and nodded. "I'd like that."
Moments later, the Phantom smiled as he watched the sisters exit together.
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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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