D80
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 80: Epilogue XIII
Mandrake walked onto the balcony and took a seat at a table. He studied his companion with a curious gaze. "Why don't we ever talk about your past?"
Atascadero tried to hide her surprise. She licked her lips while turning a page in her book. "What is it that you'd like to know?"
"Anything that you'd like to share." He wasn't quite sure just what to expect. They'd visited this subject a few times before, but it had always ended with an interruption. He could've searched for answers on his own, but doing so felt like an invasion of privacy.
Atascadero paused in her reading. She lowered the book, and looked down at the table. "All right. Perhaps it's time I shared a certain story with you."
Jedda lay still in Krotan's arms, her bare back nestled against his chest. They both stared outward at their distant balcony, watching the raindrops fall over their kingdom.
Jedda caught sight of her reflection in a mirror. Her long hair was pulled to one side of her face. It was the signature image of a Queen of Mongo, sported by many former queens in their official portraits.
Jedda couldn't help but find her reflection amusing. It was nice to poke fun at herself now and then. She liked pretending to be a snobbish and elegant queen.
Jedda made a haughty face, embracing her beauty. Then she chuckled while turning her gaze elsewhere.
She paused to recall her time as a Defender, something she occasionally did during moments like this. She loved the memories of her days as a teen, but she loved Krotan and their children more. Jedda glanced at a wall, seeing Mongo's royal crest, then she closed her eyes and nestled her feet between Krotan's, resting a hand atop his as well. She leaned back against her husband's bare chest.
As Krotan looked upon Jedda's reflection himself, he recalled the first day he'd realized he was smitten by her. She'd seemed so amazingly positive and pure.
It hadn't mattered that they'd lived on different planets. It hadn't mattered that they'd been on opposite sides. No distance or designations could overwhelm his feelings.
With all his heart, he'd wished that she would be his. And now he was joyed by the fact that she was. The pretty, charming girl he'd once admired from afar was the very same one laying with him now.
Krotan pulled Jedda closer and closed his eyes, uttering the five truest words he'd ever spoken in his life. "I love you so much."
Atascadero looked up at Mandrake. "Once upon a time, there was a king and queen. They had three little girls, and one big dilemma: choosing which of their daughters would become the next monarch." She paused to gaze off into the distance, as though she was staring at a place far beyond the city. "So the rulers came up with an unusual test: they sent each girl abroad, far away from the kingdom, to spend a decade as commoners and not as royals. The plan was to bring them back after the 10 years had passed, so that their parents could determine the worthiest queen."
Mandrake looked deeply into her eyes, trying to determine whether or not she was serious. "So what became of each princess then?"
Atascadero eyed him teasingly. "The oldest girl grew up in an elegant city. She was adopted and raised by a family of sailors, and became a respected officer in her country's navy.
"The middle child grew up in a huge jungle. She was smartened and toughened by the laws of the land, and found true love with one of the men in her tribe.
"The youngest child grew up all over the world. She was raised and trained by a skilled mercenary, who brought the girl with her almost everywhere she went.
"Once the 10-year exile had reached its end, both of the oldest girls returned to their parents' kingdom...but the youngest one decided to stay abroad. She'd grown to enjoy the treasure-hunting business, so she followed in the footsteps of her foster mother."
Mandrake wore an amused smile. "So this girl had the chance to become a queen, and chose to become an adventurer instead."
"Indeed she did."
He looked a bit suspicious while watching her. "Does this girl happen to be anyone I know?"
She leaned back with a playful smirk. "What do you think?"
Mandrake stroked his chin, then giggled a little. "I think that's a fascinating tale, my dear." He took one of her hands in his. "Your past is an intriguing subject indeed, but I'm more interested in your present — and your future."
Atascadero grinned, bringing her other hand over his. "I believe we're going to enjoy what the future holds."
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Volume XIII — End
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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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