D97

Dynasties

By James

Chapter 97: Commitment

Several Years Ago

The Great Rebellion on Mongo had reached its end, and the result of the conflict was a clear draw. The good news was that several kingdoms were free. The bad news was that Ming was still in power.

"This is only temporary," Castra swore. "We'll try again, and we'll take him down next time." She and Tevrok stood alone on a scorched battlefield, two specks against a plain of smouldering black.

"Flash and Dale have gone back to Earth," Tevrok said. "It'll be hard to gather a new army until they can return."

"I know," Castra acknowledged while looking away. "But once they do, the four of us will lead an even greater rebellion than before."

Tevrok fell silent while staring at her. His gaze became gentle and affectionate.

"I think we should change our approach next time too."

"Cas..." he murmured.

"I think we've got to focus on taking the capital."

"Cas..."

"If we can seize that, the struggle will essentially be over."

"Castra."

She turned to him with a surprised glance.

Tevrok blushed. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you, but I decided to wait until the conflict was over."

"What is it?" she asked, brushing a hand through her ponytail.

Tevrok dropped to one knee. "Will you marry me?"

Castra trembled, and her eyes went wide. Before long, she felt tears welling up. "Tevrok..." She turned away.

He detected something sad within her voice.

"There's something that you need to know about me. I asked Dale and Flash to keep it secret, because I wanted to tell you myself."

His eyes narrowed. He had no idea what the issue was, or why she'd choose to bring it up now.

Castra's lips quivered as she looked off into the distance. A slow tear ran down her face. "I'm the daughter of the man we've been fighting." She took a deep breath and turned to him. "I'm the youngest Princess of Mongo."

Tevrok stared at her, holding utterly quiet.

"Please don't hate our friends for not telling you." She looked away again. "If you want to hate anyone, hate me."

Tevrok rose and looked her straight in the eye. He took her hands, and spoke again. "I could never hate you, Castra."

Her teary eyes shook as she looked at him.


The Present

Castra rested on her side in Tevrok's arms, watching hints of daylight creep into their bedroom.

"I don't know if I've taken the time to say this, but I'm very glad that we're back on Mongo," Tevrok said.

Castra chuckled. "So am I." A pleasant memory came to her. "Do you remember the day you proposed to me, Tev?"

"How could I forget one of the greatest days of my life?"

Castra pursed her lips into a warm smile. "We both said that we'd live to see a better Mongo, and now we have." She paused while considering her next words. Then she made a little nod of self-approval. "I'm going to enter another election. I want to win back people's faith, and help run a kingdom again." She drew her arm around his. "And whether I succeed or fail, I definitely want you by my side."

Tevrok kissed his wife's shoulder. "Then that's where I'll be, now and always."

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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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