D67
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 67: Epilogue XI
The Phantom took a seat beside Hadea on the throne. "Is everything all right?" he asked.
She nodded.
"You've been rather quiet since we returned from the village."
Hadea let her stare linger on a distant wall. "When I was a girl, I didn't have parents around as role models — so I came to idolize the Empress instead. I wanted to be like her. I wanted to be greater than her. At this point, I'd like to think that she would be proud of the progress that I've made," she said.
"She would be." He smiled. "People are beginning to call you the Golden Empress now."
Hadea grinned a little. "I've been a ruler for almost as long as I can remember. For most of my life, I've been content with that." The joy in her expression began to fade, replaced by a somewhat unsettled look. "But when we visited the village, I was given an opportunity to live simply as a woman, and not as a ruler...and, to my surprise, I've found that I actually like living that way."
The Phantom winced in surprise. He'd been so busy dealing with his brother that he'd overlooked an issue with his wife. "What are you saying?" he asked, running a hand along her hair.
"I'm saying that I don't want that feeling to go away."
He quieted while studying her face.
"It would appear that there are three options available to me," said Hadea. "The first is the most dramatic: I can walk away from all five kingdoms, and leave them to fend for themselves."
The Phantom lifted an eyebrow and leaned his head to the side. He already knew that she wasn't going to do that.
"Or, I could step down as empress and become a queen again. That would lessen the amount of responsibility on my shoulders."
He held silent, listening carefully.
"Finally, I could remain an empress, and simply visit the Bandar village from time to time. We could take 'vacations' there, as you would say."
He began to notice that Hadea didn't seem very conflicted with regard to the three options. "It sounds like you've already reached a decision."
"I have," she acknowledged.
Just then, a nobleman walked in and bowed his head. "Your guests have arrived, highness," he said, referring to a lucky family of commoners who'd received a chance to visit their empress.
"Show them in."
The Phantom and Hadea spent the next half hour speaking with a husband, a wife, and the couple's young daughter.
As the family was preparing to leave, the little girl walked over and knelt before Hadea, eyeing the empress with a deep affection. "When I grow up, I want to become just like you, highness," she said. "You're my heroine."
Hadea grinned as she felt a slow warmth spreading throughout her heart.
Once the family had exited, the Phantom turned to his wife again. "With regard to what we were discussing before, what was the decision that you reached?" he asked.
Hadea looked down at her lap. "I chose the third option," she said. "I think that we should continue visiting the Bandar village on occasion, but I also think that I should remain empress here for the time being." She looked in the direction that the girl had gone. "I wasn't entirely certain that I'd made the best choice before...but I am now."
The Phantom leaned over and hugged Hadea to his side.
Hadea smiled while nuzzling against him.
Volume XI — End
----------
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.
Comments
Post a Comment