Vaid Empire: Conquest
Chapter 101
40th of Senin, 19 AVE.
Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.
“I know you.” It was the same old taunt he had heard countless times before. “I know what you’ve done.”
Dominax was alone inside the quiet tomb, save for the vision of the young man standing beside him. A ghost of the past lingered as he knelt.
The temporary tomb of House Vaid was a cold and lifeless place. Deep beneath The Grand Pyramid, one could almost forget that the heart of an empire thundered far above, beating with the sounds of countless beings carrying out their duties. From the lowest slave to the grandest administrator, each servant of The Empire had their place, save for The God Emperor himself. He lingered alone, exiling himself, banished from the world he had made.
“A worthy being must be capable of doing what’s necessary,” the young man said. “Instead, you kneel.”
Candlelight was all that decorated the shelves carved into the walls, left unused aside from Xenia’s simple sarcophagus. For that he supposed an ordinary man would be thankful. Instead, he merely felt empty as he looked at Irith’s sarcophagus.
Rather than making Irith join the woman that had once sought her death upon the shelves, Dominax had instead ordered the construction of a grand sarcophagus to rest in the center of the octagonal chamber. His hand ran slowly across the smooth stone of the heavy lid. Inside, her wrapped body was submerged in Saitha.
No dreams came to him since departing from Nitri. He received no visions of the past. Instead, only the ghost of his past self had followed him to Domani. The young man’s voice echoed in his mind, harsh and mocking.
“Chaos claimed your family, and you raised your sword against it. The world bent to your will. What will her death bring you? Shall you wither away?”
Dominax glanced over, finding himself alone as the young man disappeared once more. Though he returned his sight to the sarcophagus, his silver eyes began to glow faintly.
48th of Senin, 19 AVE.
Kingdom of Lian, Near Tempian.
“Just a little further.”
Through the pouring rain, through the moans of agony from dying men, only a single thought held Cendra’s weary mind together.
“Just a little further.”
The humid air and consuming rain did nothing to wash away the blood from her outfit. For nearly a month they had marched, delving deeper and deeper into the horrid jungle. In all that time, it seemed that no hour went by without an ambush from above, for the canopied sky had long become their enemy.
Cendra held her hand to her chest to prevent it from trembling as she waited at Anthara’s side. They could see the lights from Tempian ahead, yet the Lanthian woman scanned the skies with careful green eyes. Daylight dripped from the wet branches high above, dimming to a trickle as it reached them upon the dark jungle ground far below. Searching, waiting, Anthara sought signs of her fellow species.
The legion waited behind, spread throughout the trees. A recent ambush had left many injured or dead, and those lucky enough to remain untouched stood in an uneasy silence, wet and miserable. They loyally followed their commanders, and their commanders followed Cendra’s every word, yet never had she led such a vast number of men and women. With countless legionaries at her back, her inexperience had no doubt slowed their progress considerably.
Cendra twitched at every sound. She had marched from Praith proudly, though every attack had left her…lesser. Still she held firm, fighting to maintain her false portrayal of a fearless imperial princess, though the sound of every arrow hissing past her head, and the screams of dying men after every battle brought her back to her burning fleet. As she stood, seeing the pained face of the dead Queen Regent Elmia each time she closed her eyes, only a single thought calmed her.
“Just a little further.”
Gone was Anthara’s smirk. Gone was her eagerness. Watching the sky wearily, her makeshift cloak was nearly unrecognizable as a House Vaid banner, utterly drenched in mud and torn to ribbons. At last, when she was certain the enemy had fled, she turned to grant Cendra a nod.
Cendra returned it with one of her own, offering a silent respect. She knew their losses would have been tenfold without the green woman’s guidance at her side.
With a loud command, she ordered them forth.
Every step towards the safety of Tempian brought both relief and great dread. After all they had suffered, after all they had endured, to fall now to a surprise arrow or a second ambush was more than many of the legionaries could dare to ponder.
As they neared the city, however, their expectations of the glorious sanctuary awaiting them died quickly. A quiet despair crept through the countless men and women like an unseen fog. Before them, they saw the shattered and burned remnants of buildings high in the trees.
Cendra felt her stomach tighten as they approached. When she had received Clin’s message requesting reinforcements to hold the city, she knew Tempian would be far from pristine. Looking upon it now, the city appeared as if it had suffered every horrid calamity a place could endure without collapsing entirely.
A thin ring of battered men stood guard, spread out around the nearest set of hastily built stairs ascending to Tempian above. A man that was likely the local commander of the guards eagerly limped over to greet them.
“Princess Cendra…your majesty…” the man muttered with a low bow. His once proud white armor and cloak were stained in mud and the remnants of something red and green. Missing several pieces of armor and his helmet, his dirty bandages were visible, wrapped around his arm and half of his head, concealing an eye. “We are honored that you answered our calls for assistance. Any longer and-”
“Why did Lord Clin not greet us himself?” she demanded. No doubt they would have known of the approach of Cendra’s legion from miles away.
“High Peacekeeper Clin is unable to make the descent from Tempian at this time,” the man explained grimly.
Once more Cendra felt her stomach tighten. She knew Vixin would have been able to easily sense if Clin lived, yet even as she subtly concentrated, she was unable to feel more than a faint flicker, a dim echo that suggested the man she loved was alive, though little else. “Bring me to him. Now.”
Their feet sunk into the mud with every step as the man eagerly obeyed, leading her towards the stairs. Hastily constructed, destroyed, and rebuilt seemingly countless times, they were little more than a patchwork of mismatched wood hastily brought together. Knowing the stairs would likely collapse long before the entirety of the legion could ascend, she turned to grant orders to her various commanders, instructing King Galis, Lord Drivis, and the rest to lead their men to seek out whatever entrances up into the city that remained.
Departing to follow the man upward, she took only Anthara and a handful of her most trusted legionaries. After so long in the jungle, she was reluctant to dismiss the Lanthian woman, almost afraid of what they’d find.
Ascending, she was met with the full truth of the city’s dire state. Stepping out onto a dirty walkway, her silver eyes scanned her surroundings, seeing burned and shattered buildings laying in utter ruin. Those that could still be considered a shelter had visible new construction as Clin’s legion evidently attempted to salvage what remained.
Making silent strides through her disquieted haze, Cendra and her entourage followed the man. As they made their way through the wreckage, groups of wounded legionaries regarded her with awe as she passed by, as if a beacon of hope had arrived. The daughter of The God Emperor himself had come to save them from their misery, all who saw her claimed. They knelt, hands reaching out. In truth, she was no longer certain she could help them.
Cendra expected to be guided towards the center of the city where the largest structures could be found, though she was instead brought before a small shack pressing up against the massive truck of a tree. Outside, she was relieved to find familiar faces among the ring of guards surrounding the little building, for several Privictis Knights stood ready to defend their High Peacekeeper. Her brothers and sisters in duty as well as blood, they broke into smiles at her approach, hurrying to bow.
Seeing Hazia, she rested a benevolent hand upon the woman’s head. “Rise, Knight Hazia.” Helping the woman to her feet, her gaze filled with the concern she had fought to withhold. “Where is Lord Clin?”
As the others muttered words of relief to each other in the presence of the woman that had trained them, Hazia nodded towards the shack. “He forced us to bring him here. He said the larger structures should be used to house the injured, not his pride.”
“Of course he did,” Cendra thought bitterly to herself before replying. “Bring him?”
Hazia lowered her voice. “The High Peacekeeper is not well, your majesty.”
Once more she felt unease tighten in her stomach, though she gave it no voice. Instead, she simply gestured for the young woman to step aside before marching towards the door.
Inside, she found the culmination of her fears, yet still he lived. Clin rested in a bed that took up much of the tiny room. Bare-chested, she saw that a bandage was wrapped around his chest, little more than a bloody strip of cloth that did little to prevent the sheets from staining.
Hurrying to his side, squeezing his arm, her panic eased as she watched his chest rise and fall. Only then did she realize they weren’t alone. Beside the door, two healers prepared strange medicines.
“What happened?” she demanded, fighting to keep her voice calm.
Dressed in little more than loincloths, their breasts openly on display, they regarded her with eyes of sorrow as the one on the right began to speak. “Our brave High Peacekeeper was brought down by an arrow. With time and rest I’m certain he’ll recover, though time is short in this place.”
“How can he possibly recover with such…neglect?” Cendra asked with a hint of simmering fury as she touched his bandage, dirty and in desperate need of replacement.
The other healer bowed her head as if seeking forgiveness. “Your majesty, our supplies are nearly exhausted. We offered the best of what we still possessed, though The High Peacekeeper granted his clean bandages to an injured legionary. He is hardly the first to wear the one he bears now.”
Grimacing at the realization that much of the blood she saw wasn’t even his own, Cendra shook her head. “Damn you, Clin.”
A groan from the bed caught her attention. Turning, she saw his eyes flutter open, slowly banishing his sleep. Her fury melted away as she tried to embrace him, only to receive a second pained groan.
“I…thought I heard your voice,” he chuckled through gritted teeth. Offering a weak hand, he caressed her cheek. “Either you’re here, or this is the dream of a dying man.”
“I’m here, Clin.” Savoring his touch, she turned only to glare at the healers. “Leave us.”
He tried to sit up when they were finally alone, only to collapse.
“Don’t.” Cendra put a hand on his chest. She eyed the bandage with disdain. “You’re a fool.”
He followed her gaze. “The wound, or the bandage?”
“Both.”
Clin nodded somberly. “I’ve been luckier than I deserve. A taste of misfortune was inevitable. My suffering is no more than the others, and I won’t be pampered while they bleed under my command.” Despite his clear fatigue, his voice offered no debate. When she didn’t reply, his eyes grew wide with realization. “Where’s Cliax?”
“He’s safe,” she assured him. “Our golden prince is secured in Vixin’s care.”
He could do little to mask his surprise, though it died upon his lips a moment later. “I suppose that means the rumors we’ve received about Irith are true.”
Cendra’s lips twitched. She nodded silently.
Clin rubbed his exhausted brow. “What a mess.” He took her hand in his. “Your stepmother was a good, kind woman. She won’t be forgotten. Not by me, not by those she loved, and certainly not by The Empire.”
As she felt her throat tighten with emotion, she simply rose from his side and clasped her hands behind her back, changing the subject. “What now, my love? I’ve brought the reinforcements you requested, though Tempian is clearly a dead place.”
“Dying, but not dead. Not yet.”
Her stern face tightened. “I’m not sure when you last looked outside that door, though a mere glimpse will reveal the doomed fate of this place.”
“The legionaries and supplies you’ve brought will hold back that doom a little longer,” he replied wearily before gesturing for her come closer. “Though let us worry about our doom in a moment. For now, I want only to be certain that this truly is real.”
Moving closer, she met his lips.
50th of Senin, 19 AVE.
Kingdom of Lian, Praith.
“Nafalya…” Hesin muttered as his hold upon her wide hips tightened.
The bed beneath them creaked with every movement as she remained atop him, riding her lover. Their passion echoed off the wooden walls of their quarters. Her moans carried a deep hunger, yet his grew more pained with every session.
Gritting his teeth, Hesin felt his sore manhood ache as he approached a finish he was no longer entirely certain he wanted. Groaning, his body grew tense as she sensed his limit, lifting herself to allow his seed to spurt across her toned belly as he had many times before. His first orgasm of the night, several hours ago, had coated her midriff in healthy streams of thick seed. Now, however, his battered body could offer little but the few drops of sperm that remained.
Peering down at him like a hungry predator, the need in her eyes as strong as it had been at the beginning, she reluctantly dismounted to lie beside him. “Recover quickly, master. I’ll grant you a few minutes.”
A groan escaped his scarred lips as she parted her legs, resting her feminine thigh atop his waist. As her hand crept down to continue the job he couldn’t, he felt his exhaustion creeping in, no longer able to endure.
Nafalya explored her naked body with her freehand as she waited. Loins tingling, already missing the sensation of his manhood, she felt the inevitable thoughts return in quiet whispers of memory.
When she blinked, she saw her mother standing on the bridge.
“Hurry, Hesin,” she commanded. Her fingers held back her thoughts as they massaged her sensitive clit, though it wasn’t enough.
With an exhausted sigh, he touched her leg, caressing her thigh. “That’s all I can give tonight.”
The smallest hint of panic echoed within her, remembering the expression upon Irith’s face when she had seen her waiting across the bridge, though she masked her thoughts with a sly smile. “Oh, you’ve grown tired of a royal cunny? Curious.”
He offered a harsh chuckle. “Never. If you cut my throat while I am between your legs, I’ll die a happy man.” He felt the soreness of his manhood as it lay limply. “Still, I’m only mortal, and a mortal has accursed limits.”
Her fingers moved faster, desperately holding back what he could not. She peered over, choosing her most disappointed expression.
“Although, if my cock can’t continue, I see no reason for you to go unsatisfied,” he said carefully, savoring the softness of her skin, as if caressing a goddess.
Her quiet gaze regarded him knowingly. “Are you certain, master?”
The smallest hint of doubt made him hesitate, knowing the consequences, yet he shrugged all the same a moment later. “There are many that would slay their own mate for a chance to…serve an imperial princess.”
Memories held back by her amusement, she permitted a tiny smirk. “Father won’t allow you to impregnate me again, as per his breeding project, though I won’t let another pull out. Are you certain you’d want that?”
Even exhausted and sore, his manhood twitched slightly at the implication. He offered no response but to match her smirk.
Nafalya rose from the bed seductively, her flexible body moving gracefully. The anticipation of what approached occupied her mind enough for her loins to go a moment alone without her touch as she carefully wiped his sperm from her belly.
He watched her cross the room silently, a plan already upon her amused lips. Retrieving a portion of rope from inside his desk, a familiar friend, she dragged his chair noisily, placing it with delectable slowness next to the bed. With a summoning finger, she urged him to approach. “Sit.”
Obeying with a curious smirk, he sat down. “What is this?”
“A punishment.” She took his hands, binding them behind his back. “If your cock cannot continue, you shouldn’t be permitted to touch it until I’m satisfied. A fair game?”
He nearly moaned at the sound of her seductive voice, offering no resistance as she began to tie his ankles to the chair legs, securing his nude body in place. “And our secret?”
She retrieved her discarded hood, placing it upon his shoulders and pulling it up to hide his hair. “The lover I choose won’t know the great Lord Hesin’s shame. Your identity shall be concealed.” She moved to their masks as they lay next to each other. Knowing him well, she chose her own mask, for he wouldn’t allow his ‘true face’ to be tarnished.
“And who shall be the lucky bastard? Who is my new enemy?” he asked as she covered his face with her mask.
Her answer was a teasing shrug, though in truth, she knew exactly. “Sit still.”
Departing without dressing, she moved through the shadows of the dark hallway, maneuvering silently through the stronghold. She could sense him, a guard that had caught her eye days ago. Knowing every patrol schedule of the guards, she found him quickly on the top floor.
Like a seductive shadow, she strode silently towards him, hips swaying. He stood like an armored statue, tall and powerful. Moonlight trickled through a crack in the ceiling, illuminating his polished white armor. When his gaze finally found her, within reach of her blade had she brought it, he turned to regard her naked body with wide eyes of utter surprise.
“Come,” she commanded. Offering a hand through the darkness like a guiding ghost, he didn’t dare refuse her, nor did she utter a further word.
Obeying his naked princess, stunned, he followed her to whatever fate awaited him as his heart pounded. When the door to her quarters opened, however, his surprised curiosity turned to utter shock at the sight of the bound man inside.
“Undress,” was her only command. Slowly, she reached up to remove his helmet, revealing his long hair, a dark blue that nearly appeared as black as her own.
She could sense his confusion, his misgivings, his intrigue, and she unfastened his cloak to fall to the ground. Staring at Hesin, he snapped from his surprise to obey, removing his armor piece by piece.
As Hesin sat quietly, appraising his new rival, Nafalya ran a hand down the man’s chest, feeling the tight fabric of his one-suit. When she reached his groin, she felt his muscles clench with anticipation as she cupped the bulge of his manhood. A soft sigh of satisfaction escaped her, savoring the weight of his cock. “You’ve had a single purpose all of your life, though you never knew it until now.”
“Your majesty…” he muttered as she began to remove his one-suit, revealing the many scars decorating his powerful build, echoes of battles fought in her father’s name.
Freeing his heavy cock, she held it in both hands, a hunger brimming in her silver eyes. “Every battle you fought brought you closer to me. Every sunrise, every sunset, fate was dragging you to where you needed to be. Now, you stand before your only purpose. Now, you receive your chance to breed the daughter of The God Emperor.”
The heavy cock moved in her grasp as it began to harden, and his surprise only deepened as he looked at her in shock.
Guiding him towards the bed, forcing him to mount the sheets, she rested on her back and parted her legs, permitting him to see the glorious sight of her royal vagina. Soaking wet, she ran a finger through her juices, beckoning him to enter.
Temptation dripped from his expression, yet he peered over at Hesin.
“Pay him no mind,” she said seductively, taking his hands and placing them on her thighs, letting him feel the ultra-soft skin of a Vaid. She watched him shudder with lust in response. “A mere slave. He failed to serve. Your pleasure is his punishment.”
Hesin moaned behind his mask. Even exhausted and utterly spent, his cock began to harden once more at the sight, watching the guard guide his manhood eagerly between her royal legs.
Deadly eyes regarded her prey. She offered a silent nod, permitting him inside. Sensing his consuming desire for her gorgeous body, she felt his tip press against her lower lips. When his hips pushed forward, she moaned as he entered her, watching his face erupt into utter euphoria as he slid inside.
“You deserve this,” Hesin thought to himself, feeling his cock rise as his lover was penetrated. He watched her eyes flutter as inch after inch of the guard’s shaft glided deep into her tight embrace.
Feeling him pressing hard against her cervix, filling her entirely, she gasped in satisfaction.
The expression upon the guard’s face assured her that he had never endured a greater pleasure, for ordinary women simply couldn’t compare. She smirked silently to herself.
Hardly could the guard resist. He began to rock his hips, wasting no time as he hungered for more. His lust matched her own, yet something deeper drove her, for the memories trickled back into her awareness.
“I’ll find you in the trees,” she remembered lying to her mother.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, she urged him to move faster.
Hesin watched the guard slide in and out of his lover, his mate, the mother of his child. He heard their moans echo as his own muttered to join them.
“Never…ahh…will you receive a chance like this again. Put your baby in The God Emperor’s daughter,” she urged. “Quickly.”
A single drop would get her pregnant. Hesin knew the night would end with a baby in the belly of the woman he loved. Groaning, his erection nearly painful after being used so many times, he strained against his bindings. “Vile men deserve such delectable sights,” he thought to himself. The child wouldn’t be his.
“I’m so proud of you, my beautiful girl,” the memory of Irith’s voice echoed in her head. She wrapped her arms around her lover, feeling every hard thrust against her deepest limit. The blissful sting was her only distraction.
“Harder,” Nafalya muttered. The command held a quiet desperation, remembering the rain when she closed her eyes. “Harder.”
Emotion would not destroy her. She’d banish it with every toe-curling thrust. Why, however, had it sent her father away? Why did it seem as though she had failed him when she had done what was necessary to preserve him?
The wet slaps of their pleasure echoed as her juices soaked the bed. She was no squirter like Vixin, yet it was enough to make Hesin squirm in his bondage. The cock of another was coaxing her lusts in the very spot they slept together each night.
“I shall see you again soon,” Nafalya remembered Irith saying. It had been a lie, yet neither had known.
Silently shaking her head, her fingers nearly dug into the guards back. “Harder. Harder. I don’t need…ahh…your skill or caution. I need you to break me,” her sensual voice demanded quietly.
The thought of harming a royal member of House Vaid was unthinkable. The guard moved carefully with every thrust, wielding his massive manhood like a weapon he had to be mindful of. Buried deep inside the gorgeous daughter of The God Emperor, his ruler, the man he guarded and worshiped, his devotion was as evident upon his face as his pleasure. Never would he refuse her command, however. If she needed more, he’d do all he could to make her scream.
Hesin watched the guard increase his speed, pounding into his lover. She held him closely as their naked bodies remained locked together, hips rising and falling rapidly. To his surprise, he felt the hints of a far approaching finish tightening inside his sore loins merely from the sight. He had believed himself utterly spent, though his body simply couldn’t resist.
Nafalya moaned deeply. The bed creaked loudly as if it would shatter. Every thrust sent a powerful eruption of pleasure bursting through her body, casting back her memories. She focused her attention upon the cock inside of her, squeezing her emotions with invisible hands as she forced them as far down as she could manage, throwing her head back in bliss.
“Cum inside…me…” she moaned as her fingernails dug into the man’s back, drawing blood. “Get me…pregnant…”
The words echoed in Hesin’s mind, nearly as pleasurable as thrusting into her himself. His manhood shook, untouched, utterly submitting to his fate. “You deserve this, Hesin. She’s cuckolding you, and you deserve it.”
“Now…” she demanded, feeling her grip on her emotion slipping. “Cum inside of me…now…”
Eyes closed, she saw Irith upon the bridge, the betrayal in her expression like a dagger to her chest. When she felt a deep warmth pouring into her vagina, the memory was ripped away by pleasure.
Moaning as she was filled, her body seized as she found her own orgasm, shaking beneath her cumming lover. Hesin’s eye widened at the sight, feeling his own cock throb as his mate was bred.
The guard’s powerful cock remained firmly against her cervix as he spurted every ounce of seed he could offer, eager to obey the desire of his princess, fighting to get her pregnant. When at last he had produced all he could, he collapsed atop her in utter satisfaction, his mind swaying after enduring the greatest pleasure of his life.
Gasping quietly as she broke from her climax, she forced the guard off her, cupping her loins to hold his seed inside. The warmth of it made her tunnel ache.
Lingering on the edge of his limit, Hesin watched with curiosity as Nafalya gradually moved to stand and approach. With a sly smirk upon her lips, cheeks burning with pleasure, she maneuvered to straddle his lap.
His denied cock twitched, as if begging to reach up and slide inside as her loins hovered above his cock. With a quiet moan, she removed her hand, allowing the seed of her lover to drip from her lower lips.
Hesin’s eye widened once more at the feeling as the guard’s seed dripped down to coat his manhood. He felt the warmth of it, knowing it was the sperm that would impregnate his girl. With a final twitch, his drenched cock began to spit, pushing him over his edge.
In the aftermath, she carefully pushed aside his mask, just enough to reveal his lips while her head blocked the guard’s sight of Hesin’s face. She pressed her lips to his, offering her love without a word. The bound man was her mate, a man she knew better than anyone. Meeting his gaze, their eyes spoke, and when he offered a satisfied smirk, she returned it with one of her own.
The haze of pleasure could only distract her for so long. When she blinked, she saw the bridge.
“Endure a while longer,” she said, patting his cheek before returning to the bed. As the guard straightened up dutifully, she took his cock in her hands, stroking it like a pet, watching him wince at the stimulation after his orgasm. “Recover quickly. I’m certain to fall pregnant, though we’re far from done.”
Easing onto her back, parting her legs once more to resume teasing herself, she held back a silent sigh.
Irith lingered in her memory. The God Emperor’s shadow had chosen. Now, she had to endure or be consumed.
8th of Iahta, 19 AVE.
Kingdom of Lian, Tempian.
“It’s hopeless!” Hazia said as she slammed her fist down onto the table. “Even with your reinforcements, there’s little left to cling to here. Tempian is lost.”
Gathered upon the wide circular platform in the center of the city, Cendra, the Lords, Knights, and Anthara stood around the table that had been brought forth as legionaries watched the skies carefully, surrounding their leaders. Much like Praith, it seems that all Lanthian cities had a similar outdoor throne, though Tempian’s wooden seat of power had been reduced to a burned and charred husk.
Clin grimaced, holding his bandaged chest as he rose from the only chair. The healers had made their wishes for him to remain in bed clear, though he had refused. “We lost countless good men and women attempting to take this city.”
“You’ll lose the rest if you remain,” Lord Drivis pointed out, hiding the slur of his words well. At his side, however, Cendra could smell the wine upon his breath. “Better to be done with all this.”
Cendra remained silent, hands clasped behind her back as she listened to the others. Despite her best efforts, every word of defeat seemed to coax a subtle despair in the pit of her stomach. She had disobeyed her father to bring her reinforcements and claim victory. If she left now, it’d all be for nothing.
A nearby High Lord that had marched with Cendra’s legion spoke up. “We’ve tried to rebuild, to reinforce the city, yet how does one defend against the sky? We’ve bought time here. That’s all.”
Cendra’s hands clenched into fists behind her back. She knew what she must do. She felt the urge to speak it, to bring it forth, yet a silent fear held her back, remembering the young King’s mother as Galis dared to speak next.
“We’ve seen the…horrors of the jungle,” the king said quietly. “If we retreat, we’ll leave the safety of Tempian. The…the number of men and women we’ve already lost during our march will double.” He lowered his voice further, hardly more than a whisper. “All…for nothing.”
Knight Hazia squinted. “With all due respect, your highness, I must ask. What safety? We’re attacked every hour of every day. This place is a ruin.”
“Would you prefer to face those raids out there?” a nearby commander replied in place of the quiet king.
Across the table, The High Lady of Silverrin added her voice, holding the subtle swell of an early pregnancy. “What of The God Emperor? Surely, we need only to wait here for his return. His power will burn away our enemies.”
Cendra didn’t know the woman well, though she had seen her leave her father’s bedchamber on more than one occasion. Concentrating, she could sense his child in her womb.
Clin supported himself with a hand upon the table, his once neat blond hair and beard hanging in ragged strands. “I would not gamble our lives hoping upon a single man’s return. Retreat or not, we must decide on our own.”
“You don’t need to wait for his return. His power already runs through my veins,” Cendra finally said. Feeling her heart quicken as all eyes fell upon her, knowing she was sealing her fate, she straightened with false pride. “I am The God Emperor’s daughter. I am the firstborn of House Vaid. I shall not watch as my father’s ambitions wither away in this vile jungle.”
“What do you propose?” Drivis asked, amused. His voice nearly carried a mocking tone, though if it existed, it was subtle enough to go unnoticed.
Cendra knew there was no going back. Though the memory of her burning ships gave her pause for a mere moment, she knew she had made her decision the moment she had departed from Praith. She’d have her victory, or she’d have her death. “I’d march upon The Capital.”
Shock spread across the faces of all, and those who momentarily forgot their place dared to gasp at their imperial princess’s suggestion. Cendra held up a firm hand to silence the questions that frantically prepared to burst forth.
“You all speak the truth. If we stay, the raids shall continue until Tempian is brought down entirely beneath our feet. If we retreat, we’ll be ambushed, losing legionaries until we limp back to Praith, where the attacks will only continue.” Cendra gripped the hilt of her sheathed sword. “Instead, I’ll personally lead the legion against The Capital. With the heart of Lian in our grasp, the entire kingdom won’t dare to strike against us. The attacks shall cease.”
“Madness…” someone whispered nearby, unaware that her advanced ears could hear.
Clin peered at her with the mortal fear of a man that stood to lose everything. “Praith was a bloodless victory. You did not witness what we endured to take Tempian. We bled for every inch of ground, and even after our victory the population continued to fight. If you march upon Lian’s capital, you’ll endure the same horrors. I cannot let that happen.”
“Hardly.” Cendra gestured to Anthara, at her side and slightly behind. “Tell them what we’ve discussed.”
Stepping forward, the Lanthian woman cleared her throat. “As I explained long ago, I know the location of only two burial chambers.” Once more she was betraying the deepest secret of her people. Once more she felt guilt gathering to drown her, yet a thought of her son held it down just enough to continue. “I was born in Praith, though I lived for many years in The Capital. I’ve witnessed the burial chamber myself.”
“I shall carve through the city until we reach its location,” Cendra explained firmly, despite her subtle fear. “After Praith’s fall, they’ll be expecting our Truthseekers. Never again will they be vulnerable to simply sneaking inside the chamber. Instead, I’ll cut my way through and capture it myself.”
Discussions broke out among the group when she permitted it, though Clin’s voice silenced them all. “It’s FAR too dangerous.”
Once more her stomach tightened. She knew he was right. “The choice is clear. We won’t survive here much longer. If we retreat from what little safety Tempian offers, we’ll lose countless men. If we march, we’ll lose the same. Better to make their losses count.”
Clin touched his bandage. “I won’t be able to help you.”
“Nor will you need to. I’ll leave Tempian defended with as many men as you require.” Cendra saw his despair. Though it shattered her, she turned to regard the nearby Knights. “While the legion fights against The Capital’s main forces, I’d lead a group of as many Privictis Knights as I can gather into the heart of the city to claim the chamber. I cannot guarantee that any of you will return, and thus, I shall take only volunteers.”
A silence lingered as the Knights looked among the group. A moment later, they began to bow one by one before their princess.
Hazia moved to join them, offering a nod of determination. “We’re with you, your majesty.”
Cendra swallowed as pride swelled within her. Not a pride for her own glory, but for her companions, watching the familiar faces of those she had trained regard her with a firm loyalty. Requiring a moment, she offered a faint smile. “Brothers, sisters, we shall march together.”
The discussions among the legion grew louder, and when it was clear that she could not be dissuaded against her plan, the group gradually broke into smaller clusters as they debated preparations.
Among the commotion, Clin made his way slowly to her side, every step making him grimace. When he reached her, he placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning in to speak quietly. “I cannot let you do this.”
“I am an imperial princess of House Vaid. I don’t require your permission,” she replied, only for her voice to soften as she met his gaze. “Though I’d very much like it.”
Never had he been one to conceal his emotion well. As worry drowned his expression, his grip tightened, as if clinging to her. “Cendra…”
“I can do this,” she said, pressing close to ensure none could hear. “Trust me. Please.”
Staring at her pretty features, he pressed his lips to hers. Savoring her taste, he pulled back to whisper into her ear, knowing he held no choice. “Return to me. Return for Cliax’s sake.”
She held him close, remaining firm, knowing the sight of her hidden uncertainty would only break him. “I will.”
Like This Chapter:
Share This Chapter:
