D68
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 68: Partners
Krotan stood with Jedda in a dark corridor within their palace. Both were naked, and their hands were joined.
"Ready?" Krotan asked, flashing a smile.
"Definitely," she uttered, looking into his eyes.
They entered a candle-lit room not unlike a cathedral. Long seats were positioned along the aisle, and an altar awaited across the floor. The royal couple were the only ones present.
"So here we go again," Jedda said, lifting their hands and eyeing both of their rings. "I think this is a nice way to renew our vows." Jedda glanced at Krotan, nudging him with her shoulder. "At least we don't have to be naked in front of the whole kingdom this time."
Krotan turned away, suppressing a laugh.
"What's the point of that tradition anyway?"
"I asked my tutors the same thing when I was growing up." He quivered. "It wasn't a fun thing to look forward to back then."
Jedda giggled as they began moving forward.
"That tradition is supposed to be a symbolic gesture. As a member of the royal family, you're not only giving yourself to your partner, but to Mongo as well."
Jedda flashed a warm grin while letting her gaze wander. "I can recall our wedding quite vividly. Neither of us could believe it was happening...but both of us definitely wanted it to happen."
He turned to her, holding quiet for a second. "Really?" Krotan said, eyes stirring in surprise. He recalled how her demeanor had suggested otherwise.
"Don't act all modest and stunned." Jedda blushed. "You must have known that I had a crush on you when we were teenagers."
He held his grin on her, speaking gently. "I was never entirely sure how you felt."
She chuckled. "The other Defenders used to say some pretty mean things about you, and I would mostly agree with them out in the open. But back in my room, when I was alone at night..." Jedda shyly looked away. "I sometimes fantasized about...certain things." She quivered while thinking back to those days.
As they came to a halt before the altar, he turned to Jedda and began stroking her shoulders. "If you've had these feelings since we were children, and you always knew that mine were mutual, why didn't we ever explore what we felt? Why didn't you ever come to me?"
She lifted an eyebrow. "Where to start? I think we both know there were a number of reasons. Being a Defender of the Earth, I wasn't allowed to act on what I was feeling. And being the daughter of the Phantom, I thought I had another destiny in store." Jedda began eyeing him with an awkward stare. "And besides all that, certain other things were...different, back then."
Krotan nodded. "I was still my father's son," he muttered. After a few seconds of pause, he began stroking her shoulders again. "If it wasn't for you, I might've never become anything more than that."
"You always had some goodness inside of you, Krotan. I think I just helped to awaken it."
He smiled again. "I wish I could've changed your life as greatly as you've changed mine."
"Are you kidding?" she asked, clearly stunned. "I'm happier now than I've ever been. If I'd never come to Mongo, I wouldn't have Vera, I wouldn't have Lowe, and I wouldn't have you." She ran a hand along his face. "I know that I'm right where I'm supposed to be."
Krotan's face softened, and his eyes watered a bit. A part of him tried to hold back the tears, but he eventually decided not to bother. Jedda was more than welcome to make him 'weak.'
A door behind the altar slowly opened, and an elderly green-skinned woman appeared. Her robe dragged along the floor as she stepped forward, lowering her eyes to an open book. "Are we to proceed now, majesties?" she asked.
"We are," said Krotan, taking Jedda's hand.
Jedda grinned as she felt a little tingle of excitement.
The woman paused, then spoke again. "Do you, Krotan, reaffirm your everlasting love for Jedda?"
Krotan turned to his wife, looking into her eyes. He recalled the first time he'd known that he wanted to marry her, then thought of all that Jedda had brought to his life since. "I do," he said softly, running his thumb along her hand.
"Do you, Jedda, reaffirm your everlasting love for Krotan?"
Jedda paused a moment to stare at her husband, thinking of all that they'd built together. What had begun as a crush had grown into so much more. Since marrying Krotan, she'd assumed a number of roles — all of which had taught her a great deal about responsibility, and even more about love. In short, their relationship had made Jedda a woman. "I do," she said, nodding at him.
They each placed their left hands upon the altar. Their fingers touched as their rings gleamed together.
"Then in this place, where your predecessors have stood, I hereby reaffirm that you are husband and wife, king and queen, Krotan and Jedda — now and forever."
The royal couple smiled at each other with unabashed glee.
After receiving words of affection from Jedda and Krotan, the robed woman quietly left the room.
The happy spouses pulled each other close, sharing a deep and loving kiss. Afterward, Krotan and Jedda simply hugged one another, standing still in a quiet embrace.
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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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