D91

Dynasties

By James

Chapter 91: Parenthood

13 Years Into The Future

A pair of Mongoian nobles stood in the royal palace, patiently waiting to meet Jedda and Krotan.

A distant door opened, and a lone figure emerged.

Both of the noblemen looked quite surprised.

Vera entered the room and walked up to the throne, eyeing the guests with a bold smile. "Greetings, friends," said the 16-year-old girl, her ponytail resting on her long pink dress. "I'm afraid that the king and queen are busier than expected. Please accept their apologies for canceling this meeting."

The nobles eyed each other in disappointment.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" She lifted an eyebrow. "After all, I am well-informed with regard to the nature of your visit."

A wave of skepticism crept over their faces. Both assumed that the princess spent all day being pampered while dreaming about boys.

Vera hopped up into her father's chair. "Your kingdom of Falador is engaged in a conflict. You're having a problem with your neighbors in Klint."

The nobles glanced at each other in surprise. "That is correct," one of them said.

"Both kingdoms wish to expand into the Suncrest Valleys, but neither kingdom wants to share the place," she said. "In short, you want us to award that area to Falador, instead of Klint."

Flickers of hope crept into both men's eyes.

"I'm going to save my parents some time and resolve this matter now." Vera wore an overly proud expression. "Falador can move into the valleys. Klint will have to go someplace else."

Both visitors felt a sudden rush of joy, and each of them bowed their heads while thanking her.

Seconds later, one of the nobles glanced up in concern. "Are you certain that you can make this decision, highness?"

"Of course I can." Vera winked.

"But why have you sided with us?" he wondered.

"I've been to Falador." She shrugged. "I like your cooking."

The man wore an awkward expression. "I'm afraid that our neighbors in Klint may want a different explanation."

"I am a member of the planet's royal family. This is happening because I said so." Vera turned toward a court noble. "Nels, I need to send a formal order to Klint. Please prepare a scroll that I might write it on."

The nobleman looked more than a little nervous. "I am not certain that the queen will approve of this action, highness."

Vera smiled. "I'm sure that my mother will take this just fine."


"What on Mongo were you thinking?!" her mother said.

Vera licked her lips, swinging her tense gaze back and forth. "I just figured that it was time to bring that dispute to an end..." She lifted her chin. "So I made a choice."

Her mom sighed, running a hand over her face. "Listen to me. You don't ever make a decision such as that without permission from me or your father." She began walking aimlessly around her bedroom. "Do you even realize what you've done?"

"Yeah. I gave the Suncrest Valleys to Falador. Klint will simply have to deal with that."

"No. It's not that simple, Vera. We can't just go around telling people that our word is law, end of story."

"Why not? We're the royal family."

She stared at Vera, then walked up to her. "First of all, we have to be more sensitive than that. As royals, we lead people the way that we ourselves would want to be led. Secondly, the moment we start thinking that we can do whatever we want — just because we have the power to — we risk heading down the same path as Ming."

Vera tensed a little at the thought of that.

She shook her head slowly while looking Vera over. "I'm disappointed that you don't realize these things on your own. I expect better from you."

Vera sighed, and averted her gaze. She didn't have much hate in her, but one of the few things she did hate was disappointing her mom. "You're right. I got careless and carried away." She turned back to her mother. "I'm sorry."

She placed her hands on Vera's shoulders, then affectionately stroked the back of her head.

A nearby door opened, and her father stepped in.

"What's the news?" the queen asked.

"We managed to intercept her message before it could reach Klint," he said. "She didn't do any harm."

Her mom breathed a sigh of relief. "I guess we can introduce that plan of yours tomorrow, then."

"What plan?" Vera asked.

He stepped toward them. "If all is successful, Klint and Falador will be able to share space in the valleys after all. We've found a way that should make both kingdoms comfortable."

Another voice called out. "Sounds good to me." Lowe appeared in the doorway with a smile. He looked over at Vera and shook his head. "My dear sister. I must say that this was certainly one of your more entertaining antics."

The king touched Vera's shoulder. "Your sister's heart was in the right place. She simply needs to remember that she's not quite ready to be queen just yet."

Vera smiled at her father. "Does that mean I'm still a candidate?"

The queen grinned at her and Lowe. "We believe that both of you are going to make us proud."

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Article

Chapters

Volume I

1: Reign

Shorly after Jedda leaves the team, Queen Hadea begins a galactic conquest. 

2: Homecoming 

Jedda finds herself back on Mongo  and reunited with Prince Krotan.

3: Destiny 

Despite their affection, Jedda endeavors to counter Hadea's plans.

4: Succession

Seeking to resolve the matter with Hadea, the Defenders begin a climactic mission on Mongo.

5: Epilogue I

Rick enjoys a meaningful reunion.

Volume II

6: Love

Jedda and Krotan confront their feelings.

7: Hate

Against the wishes of his wife, Krotan grows tempted to pursue a vendetta.

8: Sweethearts

Rick has a difficult time moving on.

9: Redemption

In the wake of Krotan's actions, Jedda faces a difficult choice.

10: Longing

Hadea reunites with an old acquaintance.

11: Family

The Royals of Mongo organize what's supposed to be a friendly feast.

12: Epilogue II

A glimpse into the future on Mongo.

Volume III

13: Date

Instead of spending a romantic evening together, as Jedda intended, Hadea and Phantom find themselves pursued.

14: Trust

Amid their exploits, Phantom and Hadea discuss personal matters.

15: Forward

Flash visits Ming's prison while thinking of Dale, and Rick learns that a new girl will be joining the team.

16: Power

A vengeful woman targets Jedda.

17: Ambition

The Defenders face an internal crisis.

18: Steps

Will she choose affection or ambition?

19: Epilogue III

Needing to depart Mongo on business, Jedda and Krotan ask Hadea and Phantom to fill in for them temporarily.

Volume IV

20: Discipline

As the enormity of his situation sinks in, an anxious Rick finds unexpected comfort.

21: Maturity

Hadea continues to counsel Rick by reminding him that his actions have consequences.

22: Engagement

Phantom and Hadea are advised to marry.

23: Proposal

The acting rulers face a variety of issues on their big day.

24: Epilogue IV

The Defenders consider returning to solo work.

Volume V

25: Lovers

Krotan and Jedda try to find time for their marriage while tending to duty.

26: Mothers

Someone from Jedda's past returns.

27: Daughters

Krotan and the guards attempt to defend the kingdom without Jedda.

28: Fathers

Krotan and Ming have another confrontation under different circumstances.

29: Sons

Flash and Rick have a personal discussion.

30: Epilogue V

As Rick prepares to leave the team, he and LJ receive a surprise visit.

Volume VI

31: Arrival

The new trio embarks on a mission.

32: Fractured

The Phantom is left startled by the recent development.

33: Reconstruction

After spending a couple of days with Jedda, Rachel departs for the tme being.

34: Intermission

In the future, Vera receives advice and comfort from her mother.

35: Reflection

Jedda reflects on the recent years.

36: Nobility

In the aftermath of an attack on her land, Hadea seeks help from a mercenary.

37: Epilogue VI

Flash is stunned by his discovery on a distant planet.

Volume VII

38: Empress

Hadea makes an announcement that leaves the Phantom unsettled.

39: Mate

The Phantom works to undo his mistakes.

40: Bonding

In the future, the Royals of Mongo enjoy quality time together.

41: Queen

Rachel assists LJ and Hadea in very different ways.

42: Learning

Rachel adjusts to her new position awkwardly.

43: Epilogue VII

With Rachel and Jedda at her side, Hadea learns more about the history of her kingdom.

Volume VIII

44: Opposites

The Phantom plans to propose.

45: Balance

Hadea and the Phantom attempt to work through their issues.

46: Resignation

Rachel visits Hadea to discuss new intentions.

47: Heroes

The Defenders confront a group of aliens who have descended on Earth, while Ming continues to scheme behind the scenes.

48: Nemesis

Flash, Rick, and Krotan engage Ming in battle.

49: Reunion

Jade reunites briefly with her daughters.

50: Epilogue VIII

A special occasion has finally arrived.

Volume IX

51: Eternity 

Rick has a meeting with Zyna that leaves him staggered.

52: Return

Flash and Rick travel to another planet to investigate news.

53: Plans

Dale begins to set her agenda in motion.

54: Talk

The Royals of Mongo have a lengthy discussion about the past and future.

55: Action

Dale takes bold steps forward.

56: Downfall

Flash and Rick confront Dale to discuss her actions.

57: Epilogue IX

Empress Hadea appoints new queens.

Volume X

58: Team

In the future, the royals have a discussion about politics on Mongo.

59: Resolution

LJ and Lothar discuss family affairs.

60: Aspiration

Jedda views her official government profile to learn where she ranks among Mongoian queens.

61: Peace

Castra and Aura look to put their differences aside.

62: Epilogue X

The Phantom learns more about Hadea's duties.

Volume XI

63: Expedition

The Phantom, Hadea, and Rachel depart for a mission in the Bandar village.

64: Excursion

Rachel heads off to find Kurt on her own.

65: Circle

Dale provides answers for Rachel.

66: Hope

Jade observes a significant discussion beween Phantom and Kurt.

67: Epilogue XI

Phantom learns that the village mission affected Hadea on a personal level.

Volume XII

68: Partners

Jedda and Krotan renew their commitment.

69: Massage

Krotan pampers Jedda as they discuss the future.

70: Journey

Nearly everyone joins the Phantom for a mission via boat.

71: Skirmish

The group arrives on Raven Island and learns the identity of the opposing team's leader.

72: Unity

Flash, Dale, and Rick spend time with Flash's sister, Commander Abigail Gordon, and her daughter Sara.

73: Duo

Rick and Kristina head off on a late-night mission.

74: Faith

Kristina, Rick, and Hadea confront their personal matters. 

75: Epilogue XII

Once again, someone lands on Mandrake's yard during a storm.

Volume XIII

76: Revelation

A woman arrives in the Netherworld, claiming to be the rightful ruler.

77: Home

LJ, Rick, and Rachel investigate the Netherworld matter.

78: Generations

Flash and Dale's date is interrupted by news that Rick has been captured, and it's up to Kristina to save him.

79: Defenders

While grouped together one night, several people must team up suddenly in order to defend the mansion.

80: Epilogue XIII

Atascadero discusses her upbringing with Mandrake.

Volume XIV

81: Found

Soldiers from Atascadero's kingdom come looking for her.

82: Homeland

Ata heads to her kingdom to resolve the issues there.

83: Together

Vera begins learning more about Jedda's past.

84: Privacy

In response to the recent events, Hadea makes a controversial decision.

85: Triangle

Rick attempts to resolve a certain personal issue.

86: Relationships

Rick and his girlfriend decide to go their separate ways.

87: Distant

Flash, Dale, and Rick reunite with Dale's father, as well as Flash's.

88: Strike

Jonathan Gordon becomes overzealous, leading to repercussions.

89: Encore

Flash and Dale chase Ming down.

90: Epilogue XIV

Kristina bonds with Rick in the aftermath of the events at the base.

Volume XV

91: Parenthood

In the future, Jedda and Krotan have to teach Vera the value of humility.

92: Suitors

In the future, Vera is courted by several boys.

93: Vacation

Rick and Kristina become stranded on an island.

94: Faithful

Hadea is approached by an old suitor.

95: Paradise

Kristina and Rick grow closer while stuck on the island.

96: Lovebirds

Ata and Mandrake discuss their relationship.

97: Commitment

Castra and her husband have a talk about their longtime commitment.

98: Bond

Krotan and Jedda discuss the past, and look to the future.

99: Always

Flash and Dale reaffirm their feelings.

100: Epilogue XV

The series finale.


 

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