D83
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 83: Together
Vera stood quietly by her mother's throne, watching her mother with an adoring stare.
The man on his knees smiled up at the queen. "The villagers will implement your suggestions immediately, highness. And thank you again for showing us that cooperation is better than competition. Because of you, we've found great harmony and prosperity now."
At three years of age, Vera couldn't understand everything that was being said. However, she knew that Jedda had done something special — yet again.
Jedda shook her head. "You have yourselves to thank for that. All I did was try to provide direction."
Vera smiled. One of the things she loved about her mother was how utterly modest she was.
The man rose and bowed his head, then turned as two guards escorted him out.
A noblewoman approached the throne. "He was the last of the visitors, highness."
"Thank you," the queen said.
Vera grinned again. She liked how her mom was every bit as polite to her people as they were to her. She imagined that her mother had been that way for a long time now. Overall, Vera was beginning to comprehend why people dropped to their knees while addressing Jedda. In her heart, she sensed that they didn't merely do it because her mother was queen of the world, they did it because they admired the woman who held the position.
Once she and her mother were alone, Vera spoke up. "When I get older, I'm going to be just like you."
She giggled, then took a deep breath. "This job isn't as easy as it looks, kiddo."
Vera lowered her voice. "I wasn't talking about the job."
After a few seconds, her mother began to beam while eyeing Vera, and a slow blush spread across her face.
"Mother?" Vera muttered. "Who's Rick?"
She lifted an eyebrow. "Where did you hear that name?"
"From Sona," Vera said, referring to her maid. "She says that if someone named Rick ever comes up to me alone, then I'm not supposed to talk to him, or go anywhere with him."
She paused, then released a soft chuckle. "It's all right. You can trust Rick. Sona's just doing her job and looking out for you." She licked her lips. "I guess she's a little cautious about Rick because...because..."
Vera stared. "Because what?"
Her mother hesitated a moment. Then she looked down at Vera, and flashed a warm smile. "Okay. Remember how I told you that Daddy was born right here on Mongo, but Mommy was born on a world called Earth?"
Vera nodded.
"Well, back when Mommy lived on Earth, I happened to meet a boy named Rick."
"What kind of boy is he?"
"A nice one," she assured her. "Back then, people thought that Mommy and Rick might get married one day. But as you know, I married Daddy instead."
Vera's curiosity was piqued. "Did Rick hate you for that?"
"No, no," she said, shaking her head. "Actually...he kind of kept loving me for a while." She made an awkward frown.
"Does he still love you?"
"No, but sometimes he thinks that he does — and that can make Sona and the others a little cautious. That's why Sona said what she did." Jedda touched Vera's shoulders. "But it's all right. Rick's a friend."
Vera appeared fascinated. "Do you still love him?"
"Only in the way that I love my other friends." She smiled. "Not in the way that I love Daddy."
Vera grinned back upon hearing that. "I think it's nice that you love people," she said. "And you know what, Mommy? I love you."
She bent down and hugged Vera with a chuckle. "I love you too, baby."
Krotan sat beside Aura in the Renaissance room. The siblings watched as two children crawled about in their cribs.
"In case I haven't told you before," he said, "I'm glad that you, Castra, and Tevrok have returned to Mongo."
Aura looked over at her newborn daughter, Brigit. "I definitely wanted to have my baby here," she affirmed. "I'm still surprised that Castra and Tevrok came back with me, though."
"The family belongs together," he said, watching Lowe crawl beside his new cousin. "They know it, and you know it as well."
Aura squirmed. She'd spent so many years basking in arrogance and ambition. It felt odd to reawaken her feelings of affection. But for the past several months, she'd been doing just that. At times, she wondered if she was having the very same experience that Krotan had.
"Once Astra's service on Earth is done, we'll invite her back as well."
"I...appreciate that," Aura calmly replied.
Krotan looked around, studying the regal furniture. "I'm reminded of when you, I, and Castra were children. This was the room in which we held our little meetings."
Aura nodded, brushing a hand through her hair as the memories came back.
"I remember when you and I began to see Ming for who he truly was, and we vowed to take the planet from him someday." Krotan's face became sullen. "Then you and Castra went away — and my heart began to fade as well. It took a while for me to find it again."
She frowned a bit, recalling the day when she'd left her little brother behind.
"But look at us now," Krotan said. "All three of us are either married, parents, or both. And we've turned Mongo into a better world."
Aura lifted her shoulders, and spoke smugly. "You and Jedda have managed that, at least."
Krotan detected a familiar hint of jealousy in his sister's tone. He scowled a little while preparing a response, then felt it was best to simply change the subject. "Brigit's father..." he said. "I know that you and he aren't particularly close, but perhaps we can work on changing that."
Aura scoffed. "Not everyone can be Krotan and Jedda."
"That's certainly true." Krotan flashed a grin. "But maybe the two of you will form a friendlier relationship in time. He seemed quite moved when his daughter was born."
She folded her arms. "Instead of discussing Brigit's father, why don't we readdress the subject of our own? He's still out there scheming, you know?"
"Ming won't be a problem."
Aura shook her head. "If you say so. But I believe that you've been wrong about that before."
Krotan looked aside. "Well, we probably wouldn't be discussing him at all right now...if someone hadn't interfered with his execution." He eyed her quietly, as though he was facing a guilty child.
Aura blushed, then slowly rose. "Brigit and I should be getting home." She bent and placed a kiss on Lowe's head, then lifted her daughter up. "Give Jedda, Castra, and Tevrok my regards."
Krotan stood. "I'll summon an escort."
Tevrok and Castra walked side by side in a sunlit hall.
"When I was growing up in this palace," Castra said, "I used to fantasize about being queen and raising a family here."
Tevrok took her hand while glancing around, then eyed her with a sympathetic look.
"Don't misunderstand me." She smiled. "I don't envy Krotan and Jedda for getting the house...but I am beginning to envy them for the other part."
A surprised look swept over Tevrok's face.
Castra averted her gaze, and her voice dropped to just above a whisper. "It seems like so many of the other couples are parents, Tev. Krotan and Jedda. Flash and Dale. Hadea and the Phantom. Even Aura and her lover." She looked up at him again. "What kind of parents do you think we'd make?"
After a few seconds, Tevrok smiled back at her. "I always knew we'd discuss this at length someday."
"I did too."
Tevrok turned, staring out of a window. "Fatherhood," he said curiously.
"Motherhood," Castra said to herself.
He stroked her hand, then turned back to her. "Let's go have this discussion at home."
Castra nodded with a warm grin, and the two walked off amidst the rays of light.
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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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