D85
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 85: Triangle
Krotan sat with Jedda side by side in their bed. The queen was donned in a silver nightgown. Krotan was wearing a short-sleeved shirt. Both were reading their favorite books.
He felt a giddy thrill while he studied her. As usual, he loved married moments like this — the kind he'd dreamed about well before they were wed.
He pictured them sitting in bed many decades from now, when they'd both have gray hair, and would be old enough to need glasses. In his heart, Krotan had no doubt that Jedda would still be beautiful then.
He reached over and stroked a lock of her hair.
Jedda went on reading amidst the affection.
Krotan turned back to his book and finished the page he was on.
"I've been thinking," said Jedda, holding her eyes on the book. "What would we do if Lowe or Vera wanted to join the military someday? As soldiers." Jedda knew that whoever didn't take the throne would be eligible to enlist.
Krotan turned to his wife in surprise, studying her for a moment.
She closed her book. "We've said that we'll let them take control of their futures, so what if they wanted to do something like that? Would we allow it?"
Krotan took a deep, silent breath. "Perhaps it would depend on certain things at the time — such as what we saw from them, or from the kingdom's military."
Jedda smiled. "My thoughtful husband."
He turned his gaze forward, thinking of Jedda's own adventurous past. "When you and I were teenagers, my biggest fear was that you'd be running around in a purple uniform someday, getting yourself in all kinds of trouble." He rested his stare on Jedda again, studying her nightgown and her beautiful skin. "But instead of my biggest fear coming to fruition, my biggest wish did instead."
She grinned and drew her face toward his. The two shared a long, loving kiss.
A small device beeped beside the bed. Krotan pressed a button and spoke into a speaker. "Yes?"
The voice of a nobleman answered. "A visitor has arrived outside of the manor, highness. Our tractor beam just pulled his plane down."
"Has security identified him?"
The man paused, asking his knights a question. "It appears to be Rick Gordon, highness."
The following morning, Rick and Krotan entered a small computer chamber, not unlike one of the rooms in Monitor.
"Thank you again for coming," Krotan said. "I trust you had a good night's sleep."
"The maids were very accommodating," Rick muttered.
Krotan turned forward. "Well then. This is the machine we needed help repairing." Krotan's best technicians were currently busy with other matters, and Jedda had suggested asking Rick for help.
Rick eyed the computer with a curious stare. "Doesn't look too hard."
15 minutes later, the machine was elevated off the floor like a car in a shop. Rick and Krotan lay sprawled on their backs, muscles bulging out of their short-sleeved shirts. They reached upward while working with tools. Neither had said much since the project began.
After a while, the silence became awkward and uncomfortable for Krotan. "So how are things going at Monitor?" he offered.
"Fine," Rick replied.
Krotan winced. That was a start. He licked his lips, and tried again. "I hear you've gotten a few new members."
Rick stared at the machine. "That's right," he mumbled.
Krotan paused in his work, then let out a sigh. He moved from under the computer and sat himself up, fiddling with the small tool in his palm.
Rick frowned a little. "What's going on?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Krotan lifted his thick eyebrows while staring at the wall. "Why is there still tension between us?"
Rick paused, then crawled out and sat himself upward as well. He tried looking a bit more confused than he actually was.
"We're practically on the same side now, aren't we? We both hate Ming..." He closed his eyes for a second as a realization came to him. "And we both love Jedda."
Rick sighed. "No. It's not like that."
"Jedda tells me that every now and then, something reawakens your feelings for her." Krotan held his stare across the room. "Has something like that happened now?"
Rick looked down and rubbed the back of his head. "Actually...my girlfriend and I are kind of drifting apart," he announced. "Sometimes, that sort of thing can make a guy start thinking about an old flame."
"And would that old flame happen to be my wife?"
Rick chuckled under his breath. "Why do you have to phrase it like that?"
"Like what?"
" 'My wife,' instead of just saying 'Jedda.' "
Krotan frowned in confusion. "I didn't say that to spite you. I only said it because it comes naturally. When you've been married to someone for several years, you tend to refer to them that way." He paused, knowing that his old self would've made a comment about the legendary Gordon ego at this point.
"Never mind. You have every right to say it." Rick shrugged. "I used to imagine saying it myself one day."
Curiosity swept over Krotan's face. "Were you and Jedda ever engaged?"
"No." Rick's gaze drifted up to the ceiling, and then a distant memory filled his mind. "But she did ask me to move in with her at one point. Right after that, you brought her here...and I ended up losing my chance with her."
Krotan sat the tool down and folded his arms, assuming a somewhat defensive posture.
"I'm not trying to sound bitter. I'm simply stating the facts." He glanced at Krotan. "I've never really wanted to ask this before, but what exactly happened that day?"
Krotan thought back to his wedding night. "I can tell you what didn't happen. She didn't fight me. She didn't try to leave. And she didn't express loyalty to another man in her life. You have to understand: Jedda and I had feelings for each other long before we were married...but the teams and the rules always got in our way. On the night she came here, we paused to look one another in the eye, knowing that we finally had a chance to embrace what we felt — and we did so."
Rick quieted while looking down at the floor.
"You're right. I wanted my chance with Jedda, so I did bring her to Mongo. However, I didn't force her to fall in love with me. Love isn't something that you can force someone to feel. That simply came about on its own."
Rick ran a hand over his head. "Back when the three of us were kids, I always sensed that there was something between you two."
Krotan glanced at him in surprise.
"I saw her staring at your profile one day. At first I thought it was something Defender-related." Rick's face stiffened a little. "Then it happened a second time."
Krotan couldn't help but feel a little touched by this story. He took a deep breath, and lowered his voice. "I honestly don't know what else to say, Rick. I'm sorry that we fell for the same woman, but I can't apologize for building a life with Jedda. We both know that you would've done the same."
"Maybe." Rick stroked his chin. "But I'm not so sorry that I didn't. Not anymore."
Krotan again looked surprised.
"Like I said, my current relationship is ending. But instead of looking to the past, I've been looking to the future. I've sort of had reason to do that lately."
The king stared. "I'm glad to hear that." Moments later, Krotan pulled out his personal phone, and showed Rick a video image. "You're not going to believe this."
Rick's eyes widened in awe.
"I received this photo from my mother recently. Apparently, that's the two of us."
Two infants were playing together in the picture.
"It was taken back when our mothers became friends," Krotan said.
Rick nodded, then began to chuckle at the image. He gave Krotan a small pat on the back.
Krotan laughed as well, shaking his head at the photo.
Later in the evening, Krotan crawled up next to Jedda in bed.
"So everything went well?" she asked.
He smiled at that curious little voice of hers. "Better than expected." His eyes began to wander. "I don't know what our status will be going forward, but for a moment today, I think that two old friends finally reunited."
Jedda grinned, leaning against him.
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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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