D84
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 84: Privacy
Hadea stood calmly before a pair of closed doors. Rather than wearing her usual attire, she had the formal look of an empress today: shining gold crown, long straight hair, glittering dress with an elegant cape.
One of the things she'd learned early in life was that being a leader meant making decisions. Some of her choices would be well-received, and others were certain to upset some people.
Today was going to be a case of the latter.
The doors slid open at Hadea's command, revealing a huge room made of shining blue marble. She paused at the top of a wide stairway.
30 guests awaited at the bottom of the stairs, sitting at four long tables in a squared formation.
Hadea stared, then began her descent. A number of armored guards lined both sides of the steps, facing each other with their heads held high. Hadea passed between them with quiet grace, her glittering cape dragging slowly behind her.
Once she'd reached the bottom of the stairs, each of the 30 councilmen stood up from their seats.
The Phantom was among them, and rose as well, showing her the same courtesy as everyone else.
Hadea studied her guests, then gave a small nod. "Please, councilmen, be seated."
The robed guests quietly took their seats, watching Hadea with curious stares. None of the men lived in Hadea's five kingdoms; each were visitors from beyond her realm.
Hadea sat at a table reserved for herself and the Phantom. "Thank you for coming," she said. And then she let the friendliness drop out of her tone. "We have a very important matter to discuss."
Some of the men stirred in their seats, glancing at each other with nervous eyes.
Hadea sensed the tension, and found herself pleased. She liked letting people know she meant business early on. The next step of her routine was simple enough: instead of getting to the point right away, use an implied question to get under their skin. "By now, I imagine that most of you have surmised the topic of this meeting..."
The men found themselves breathing heavily. Lips were licked, and brows were scratched.
Hadea sat her hands on the table, and intertwined her fingers. "Recently, several people from your villages formed an army — a force that marched here and threatened one of my kingdoms."
One of the councilmen spoke up. "We can assure you, they did that without our support."
"But I doubt that they did it without your knowledge. An army that large doesn't go unnoticed."
The councilman shyly averted his stare. He saw little point in denying her claim.
"My advisors suspect that you 'looked the other way,' that you were hoping for Danica to take the Netherworld by force — thereby giving yourselves a new territory."
The Phantom eyed the men boldly, holding quiet. Then he folded his arms, and turned back to Hadea.
"So while you may not have done anything to assist Danica, you didn't do anything to stop her either. In my eyes, that makes you just as dangerous as she is." The empress picked up a handheld device. "And whenever I see a danger to my people, I have to take action."
As Hadea pressed a button, a huge screen behind her displayed a live image of her army. Several soldiers and vehicles were prepared to move out — all headed towards the councilmen's lands.
Another wave of tension swept through the room. Heads turned and jaws sagged.
"However," Hadea continued, "my actions will not be of the violent variety. Instead, my soldiers are about to install hundreds of surveillance cameras within your villages."
One of the men made an angry scowl. "Where, exactly, will these cameras be planted?"
"Everywhere," she replied. "Valleys, markets, roads, and borders. From now on, your local activities will be closely monitored by my subjects."
The man's eyebrows lowered further. "That would be an unfathomable breach of our right to privacy."
"I'm afraid that Danica jeopardized that right when she threatened my people. Her mistake was coming here. Your mistake was allowing her to. As leaders, each of us make our decisions. You made yours, and now I've made mine."
The councilman glared, his face reddening in anger. He turned to the man at Hadea's side. "Phantom, I can't imagine that you approve of such- -"
"Excuse me, councilman." Hadea lifted her eyebrows. "You will direct your responses toward me, and me alone."
The robed man trembled, lowering his head. "My apologies, empress. I simply cannot understand why you would punish the many for the actions of the few."
"My decision is not meant to 'punish' your people. It is simply meant to protect mine. How do I know that the next Danica won't seek to attack before opening discussion? From this point forward, I'd prefer to see an enemy coming long before they can arrive."
The council members eyed Hadea with a variety of emotions, some displaying skepticism, most displaying awe. Ultimately, each of them knew that there was little they could do to oppose her decision.
The Phantom looked about, taking a deep breath as he sensed the tension in the room.
After a moment of silence, another councilman addressed the empress. "How long will these cameras be present in our villages?"
"Until I believe that your villages no longer pose any danger." She drew back a little, straightening herself. "The last thing that I want is to abuse my power. I do not wish to repeat the kinds of mistakes that I made long ago. However, I do not view this action as an abuse of power. I merely view it as a cautionary measure, and I hope that in time you will view it that way as well." Hadea paused to let her statements sink in. "That will be all for today, councilmen. Again, you have my gratitude for attending this conference. I hope for nothing but peaceful relations between us moving forward."
The councilmen slowly rose, beginning their exit.
The Phantom reached over and stroked Hadea's hand.
Hadea sat atop her bed in a white nightgown, both hands wrapped around her elevated knee. "Because I'm the empress, many people believe me to be incapable of empathizing with commoners."
The Phantom took a seat at the foot of their bed, watching his wife with a focused stare.
"But I know exactly what I'm taking from those villagers, because it's the very same thing that was taken from me. The moment I was forced to become a queen, I lost virtually all privacy."
"You don't have to justify your actions to me."
"I want to," she said, looking up at him. "You're the person who I want to bond with during moments such as this. Whether you agree with my decisions or not, I always appreciate that you're here to listen."
He moved closer, resting a hand atop her knee. "I always will be, Hadea."
She smiled at him.
"I always will be."
The next morning, Hadea received word of a new matter in the Netherworld. However, no one had learned the exact specifics. Fearing another act of invasion, she hurried outward toward her homeland.
Upon entering the palace and reaching the throne room, Hadea paused, and her jaw fell open.
Rachel was sitting upon the throne, but her usual garb was nowhere to be found. Instead, she was wearing a lovely white dress and a small tiara, the very same outfit that she'd worn as queen. She leaned her head to the side, and flashed a cute little grin. "I heard about two of your queens going back to Mongo, so I thought I'd come here and help out if I could. I can't say that I'll stay forever, but I'll try to do as much as I can."
Hadea lifted a hand to her hip, feeling half touched, and half amused. She ran her eyes over Rachel's dress.
Rachel shrugged while glancing down at her garment. "You always wanted to make me a 'proper queen,' and a 'proper lady,' so why don't we give that another try?" she offered. "Just don't ask me to wear this when I go home for the day."
Hadea lifted an eyebrow. " 'Home for the day?' " She smiled and took a seat beside Rachel in the chair. "The Queen of the Netherworld must live in the Netherworld."
"I've told you before, I've got these other duties that- -"
"No, no, my dear..."
They went on chatting as they sat together, their conversation eventually giving way to laughs.
----------
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