D92
Dynasties
By James
Chapter 92: Suitors
13 Years Into The Future
Noon had arrived in the capital of Mongo, and a private festival was being held near the palace. The royal family, along with numerous guests, were seated in a row above a large brown rink.
Waves of confetti filled the air. Talented jesters took their turns on-stage. Rounds of applause were heard again and again.
Princess Vera sat between her parents in the royal booth. Each of them were donned in capes and crowns. Her brother Lowe was sitting off to their left, right alongside their cousin, Brigit.
The final performer took his bow, leaving the stage amidst a round of applause.
Brigit flashed a naughty smile while leaning toward Lowe, as though an event that she'd been awaiting had finally arrived. "Now the real fun begins."
A familiar melody blared from a trumpet, signaling the start of an annual tradition.
Vera squirmed, and gritted her teeth. The courting session was about to commence. For the next several moments, three lucky princes would stand before her, and each would attempt to win her hand.
Vera and her family were not the only royals on Mongo. Other nobles ruled territories around the world — but each of them served under Krotan and Jedda.
For any prince on the planet, the chance to marry into Vera's family was seen as a chance to become King of Mongo someday.
A young man in a doublet took the stage. He bowed his head while addressing Vera. "Prince Tole, from the kingdom of Falador, highness."
Tole was a handsome boy with dark brown skin. Vera had no preference with regard to race. Her father had married a foreigner after all, and her aunt Castra had as well.
"If I have the great privilege of marrying you," Tole said, "I shall make you the happiest woman on Mongo."
Vera grimaced, suppressing a frown. She'd heard the same line from someone last year, and she'd also heard it the year before that. Tole seemed nice enough, however, so she made a warm smile, and gave her full attention.
"It's a bold promise," Tole acknowledged. "But if you'd like someone to attest to what I'm saying, then I invite you to meet my current wife."
A green-skinned girl ran up to the stage. She bowed while flashing an ambitious smile.
Tole continued. "She's said that she'll be more than happy to share me with you. Once you and I are married, the three of us will do everything together."
Vera's jaw dropped. As Tole's words sunk in, she tried very hard to block certain images from her mind.
Tole grinned. "Let me begin telling you about myself. I- -"
"Next!" Vera called.
Tole looked stunned and confused.
Brigit giggled while leaning on Lowe, who ran a hand over his face.
As Tole and his wife left the stage, a young Mongoian took his place. "Prince Robel, from the kingdom of Del. I look forward to making you happy, highness." He offered Vera a charming smile. "I have but one request: after you and I marry, I would like to repeat the wedding ceremony multiple times, so that we may bare our bodies publically in every kingdom around the world."
Vera rolled her eyes. "Next."
Robel left the stage with a disappointed look, and another boy arrived moments later. "Prince Brice, from the kingdom of Mipon, highness. Let me say first that I am a firm believer in keeping families together. Therefore, when you and I are married, I intend to move my relatives into your palace as well — all 38 of them."
Vera looked stunned, then turned away. "Next."
A noblewoman leaned toward her. "There's no one else, highness. The session is concluded for this year."
Vera sighed. "And not a moment too soon." She stood and began walking back toward the palace.
Brigit lifted an eyebrow as her cousin was passing. "You can always just give this up and let me be the next queen."
Vera ignored her and continued on.
Vera sat with her father in the Renaissance room.
He wore an awkward face while glancing about. "Those boys said some...unexpected things."
She lifted an eyebrow at his understatement, then folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. "And my search for the perfect mate continues."
He chuckled. "You're not going to find perfection, so don't look for that."
She eyed him curiously. "I've heard that when you were around my age, several women tried courting you as well." She smiled proudly. "But you turned all of them down, because the only girl you wanted was on another planet."
Vera was the biggest fan of Jedda and Krotan's love story. She loved the fact that they'd longed for each other while they were literally worlds apart. It warmed her heart to think about feelings that powerful.
"Why?" she wondered. "How did you know that Mother was the one?"
He stroked his chin as the memories came to him. "What do you see when you look at her?"
"I see someone nice, caring, and strong."
He nodded. "That's what I've always seen as well, and those were the qualities that I fell in love with. I may not have known that it was love at first, but I enjoyed learning alongside her."
Vera looked about solemnly. "Do you think that I'll have that experience too?" To her surprise, she found herself thinking about her close friend Colt.
"I know that you will."
Vera looked up at her father, and let herself grin.
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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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