Vaid Empire: Conquest
Chapter 45
49th of Iahta, 11 AVE.
Kingdom of Kinia, Privin.
Alrin had nearly driven his lixidion to death when he reached The Capital, both rider and mount exhausted and starving after days upon days of frantic travel. He burst through the throne room doors, using his remaining strength to heave them open as his eyes fell onto Olvir.
Seated upon the throne, the king hurried to his feet in a rage at the intrusion, causing both Lady Felza and Queen Pelni to turn reflexively to the screeching doors. “I’ve given no order to allow you entry! Who-” There was no need to finish, for his eyes fell upon the mud-stained insignia of Alrin’s chest plate. “Brother…?”
“The God Emperor marches upon Privin; you must flee to safety IMMEDIATELY,” Alrin commanded, standing strong even as his legs threatened to buckle. “I’ve failed you, your majesty.”
“What…happened to you?” Felza asked, taking only a step closer before pausing, as if afraid to approach. “Your hair…”
“Such is inconsequential, we NEED to organize your retreat. The royal family must be-“
Olvir cut him off, approaching slowly. “Retreat? What nonsense is this?”
Alrin gritted his teeth, hardly able to retain his composure as his heart hammered in his chest. “Your majesty, the royal army has fallen. I shall gather every man of sword carrying age and mount a defense for the coming siege, yet let me be clear, the city WILL fall.”
Pelni looked to her mate in shock, Alia cradled lovingly in her arms. Yet Olvir merely chuckled without humor, planting his finger into Alrin’s armored shoulder. “I…grant you command of my army, a privilege far above the station of a mere bastard…and you allow it to crumble under savages?“
Face hardening, Alrin carefully placed his hand upon his sheathed hilt. “God Emperor Dominax ambushed us from behi-“
“Ah! Not only do you fail your king, but you honor the vile savages by dragging the full accursed name of their false leader into MY hall,” Olvir interjected, meeting his brother’s eyes. “Perhaps I’ve placed far too much trust in you. Father always spoke of his greatest shame, yet I grant said shame a purpose and position and this is how you reward me?”
Hand tightening on his hilt, Alrin spoke through gritted teeth. “They’ll be here before the end of the next moon. I shall order a contingent of trusted men to escort you four from the city through the castle tunnels, though secrecy shall be our greatest course of action. The citizens CANNOT know you’ve fled, else we allow their morale to falter when we require it most.”
“You’ll order nothing of the sort! I shall not abandon our ancestral seat to barbarians!” Olvir spat with fury. “We’ll defend our walls as we always have! Slaughter raiders as we always have!”
“They are NOT mere-” Alrin began, only to restart as he held up his damaged hand. “Look at me. They butchered my men. MY men. The royal army is gone, and our gates, just as with Deci, won’t stand against this God Emperor for long. We NEED to get you to safety, and NOW.”
Olvir peered at his brother’s scars, face twisting with anger. “Our gates have held for five hundred years! Foolish brother, is a single defeat all you can stomach before you lose your nerve?”
“They’ve taken city after city,” Alrin nearly exclaimed with narrowed eyes. “I seem to recall my requests to strike sooner, to stomp out this invasion before it could take hold, yet you insisted elsewise. A single defeat? No, yet even then each was avoidable.”
“Ah, then you place the blame for your failures upon my shoulders? That I stood against the military genius of the mighty Prince Alrin? If so, tell me how you’ve managed to lose MY lands,” the king replied, continuing when he received only silence. “Prince Alrin…and to think, I had promised Felza to legitimize you upon your victory. Even she, daughter of a simple bastard, has been allowed to carry the title of ‘Lady’ within my court. It seems I shall be forced to find another to crush these approaching heathens.”
Alrin peered to Felza, nearly tempted to grab both her and Alia and abandon the city. The words of the fallen King Galis seeped through his memory, as if sparking a flame beneath him. “When the time comes, simply drop your sword and let us in.”
No longer able to hold his tongue, Alrin glared sternly. “There is no one else to defend you! No army, no commanders! Only what remains of the city guard! Such was your command to combine our forces into one, despite my advice against such a folly. Now we find our enemy marching upon our gates with little more than farmers to stand before them.”
“Careful of your tone, brother!”
This time Queen Pelni broke in, stepping forwards to place her free hand upon Olvir’s chest. “My love, perhaps it would be best if we gathered our belongings, simply in preparation for the most dire possibility.”
Olvir removed her hand, forcing his fiery-haired mate to retreat a step. “Oh? Like a vagabond, I should pick up my precious possessions and flee? NO. A king doesn’t hide. House Kalla has graced these halls since their construction and will continue to do so indefinitely. I won’t abandon them to filth!”
“You MUST,” Alrin replied firmly. “Take Pelni, take Felza and Alia, and seek sanctuary within the court of Harin. I shall do what I can to mount a defense, yet you must not be anywhere near the city when they arrive.”
“I must?” Olvir questioned, shoving Alrin’s hard chest plate. “You give no commands to a king. I will remain here, upon my throne, as every one of my predecessors have! The people will see the resilience of House Kalla and flock to our defense! It surprises me little to see that a bastard cannot understand the need for a House to appear strong when faced with catastrophe.”
Again, the words of King Galis seeped into his ears, as if a whisper from a ghost. “Drop your sword and let us in.” How easy it would be to comply, to lay down his arms and abandon the ungrateful brother standing before him. To turn his back upon The House that considered him little more than a shameful reminder of their father’s infidelity. Instead, his hand left the hilt of his sword, his stern face bearing teeth as he swiftly brought the back of his hand across the king’s jaw.
Olvir stumbled back, steadying himself as his hand reached for his mouth, his skin already reddening sharply. “You…you’ve struck me…”
As he heard the nearby guards rushing to unsheathe their swords, he turned to eye each of them in turn, more than acquainted with all four. Men hand selected by himself to defend their king, they remained frozen, uncertainty lingering in their eyes.
“You struck me…” Olvir continued to mutter, unbelieving. “He struck me…”
Alrin reached out to grip his brother’s tunic, pulling him close. “Listen, foolish brother, listen to my words for the very first time. There is no preventing this. You MUST flee. Snap from whatever madness has claimed you and do your damn duty to remain alive!”
Queen Pelni stepped forwards, her voice low as she cradled Alia. “To strike the king…is death. You know this, Alrin.”
He merely eyed the guards once more, awaiting their response. Finally, keenly aware of which of the two men had protected Kinia the entirety of their lives, they began to sheath their weapons.
“The savages…are coming…” Olvir finally mumbled, eyes wide as if broken from delusion. “Privin will fall…”
Alrin eased his grip. “You cannot waste a moment more. Gather whatever possessions you require, though keep them to a minimum. You must move swiftly, Olvir.”
“They…cannot harm a king…” his brother replied, eyes dimming as if deep in thought. “Such has always been our way, to treat kings with dignity even in defeat. They wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me…”
“OUR way, brother. Not theirs. Expect no such courtesies from them,” Alrin’s firm voice command as he released his brother’s tunic.
Olvir stumbled back, moving clumsily as if in a dream. “I…must prepare the men of the guard to defend the castle…”
“Father…” Felza said, stepping closer. Alrin turned to her, closing the distance.
“My girl, you must flee as well. The tunnels shall only take you so far, then you must run until no hint of Kinia can be seen.”
“My place is here, at Olvir’s side,” Felza replied, eyeing the king as he stumbled onto his throne. “If he remains…so must I.”
Momentarily unable to find his words, Alrin reached out to grab the sides of her head, cupping her gently as he gazed into her eyes. “Foolish girl…you know nothing of the horrors they will inflict upon you. Please, for the sake of your daughter, take Alia and flee. King Siril of Harin will be able to protect you, yet you must reach his court. You must, my child.”
Slowly she pulled away, taking several steps backwards until she came to a stop at Olvir’s side. “Father…I’m sorry. I’ve stated my desire, and so it shall be done. I shall flee only when Olvir does.”
Face hardening, Alrin was unable to quench a sickening sensation in the pit of his stomach, witnessing his own expression of unwavering conviction upon the face of his daughter. She’d serve her duty, just as he would, yet he knew they may both be proven fools.
Finally he turned to the queen. “I have never failed to find an ally in you against my brother’s foolishness. Your majesty, please, ensure they leave before Dominax arrives.”
The fiery-haired royal nodded firmly, holding Alia closer to the girl’s grandfather. “None shall harm her whilst she remains in my care, THAT I can promise you.”
Slowly, as if reluctantly, Alrin reached down to touch the infant’s arm. He felt her lightly squeeze his finger, forcing him to grit his teeth when he finally pulled away. “I cannot drag you from this chamber, yet I pray that whatever ounce of sanity remains within you all allows you to leave the city before it falls. I…must rally the men, for we have little time.”
He began to walk towards the entrance, pausing only a moment to turn his head back to gaze upon his daughter. She stood proudly beside Olvir, the king’s voice already making commands of his guards. Then, pushing himself to walk, he passed through the towering doors.
26th of Onis, 12 AVE.
Kingdom of Kinia, Privin.
“They’ve nearly throu-” the man to Alrin’s side called out, shortly before an arrow found his neck. Cursing, the prince remained behind a crenellation, directly above the gate.
The Empire had come.
For the better part of a day, they made their assault upon the city, focusing solely on ‘Kalla’s Way’, the citizens’ unofficial name for one of the four gates of Privin.
A sea of white cloaks stretched beyond the walls, lined in neat rows. Archers emptied their quivers upon any men atop the battlements, providing cover for legionaries fighting to ascend ladders. Their struggles were all but a farce, it was clear to Alrin, a distraction from the main threat that pounded away at their gates. From the very beginning of the battle their God Emperor had made his way directly to the gate itself, protected beneath a crude structure of wood and metal shield lashed together and hoisted above his head by ten legionaries, almost appearing as if an overturned war boat. Untouchable beneath his cover, he unleashed blast after blast of fire and electricity, pounding against the gates.
Hour after hour the mighty reinforced stone gates groaned, the towering doors shuttering and cracking as balls of flame and webs of lightning crashed into their surfaces. Though they had held back raiders and northern armies for half a millennium, they wouldn’t withstand The God Emperor’s wrath for long.
Alrin heard the shouts of men around him, the swishing of arrows before they slammed into the wooden structure below. Rocks were brought up upon the wall, hurled down in an attempt to crush Dominax and cease his volatile powers, only to bounce off with a crunch of wood. Men farther down the wall on either side of Alrin cried out, fighting to keep the enemy from spilling over from their ladders. The height of the walls had allowed the mere city guard and armed citizens to defend their home admirably, though it couldn’t last.
Risking a swift peak between the crenellations to assess the progressing damage, Alrin gritted his teeth. “It’s time! Take command!” he ordered the man to his right, finally backing away from the battlements to descend the nearest stairs into the city’s main square. Men scurried to join him, gathering into formations upon his orders. Guards wearing the purple of the kingdom, farmers dressed in mere rags, even bankers, artisans, and blacksmiths, all lined up before the steadily shattering gates. The lesser of the men had long since fled, leaving a limited albeit brave makeshift army that their prince was proud to lead.
Alrin took his place at the head, unsheathing his sword and raising it high. Fingers freshly bandaged, his armor remaining stained with mud, his stern expression sat firm as he heard a bellowing cry erupt from behind, men prepared to fall for their home. He had no words of encouragement, no speech to promise victory. They were dead men, each knew, yet none would allow their ancestral lands to fall so easily.
The stone began to fracture, shards falling away as the gates bordered on collapse. For a final time the words of Galis crept into his memory, a final moment to turn and flee. “When the time comes, simply drop your sword and let us in.“
He could seek out Felza and Alia, carrying them far from the lands he had always protected. If not, he could drag Olvir to the city gates, demand he surrender the city, and pray for The God Emperor’s mercy.
Instead, his grip tightened upon his hilt, never looking away from the crumbling gates. Through blood and steel, House Kalla had forged Kinia into one, a united Kingdom from the remains of dozens of petty tribes. For five hundred years their realm had stood firm, against even the encroachment of Harin and Spirexia.
A thunderous boom echoed as massive cracks ripped across the surface of the gates, moments away from bursting.
His brother’s incompetence had brought that all to an end, yet his ancestors watched from their crypts.
A final blast of lightning pounded into the gates, sending the towering stone crumbling into heavy heaps as dust erupted through the air. Hardly had it settled before the legion rushed forwards, a sea of white pouring through the ruined entrance.
Alrin charged forwards, leading his men to meet them. Five hundred years of history would not end with the whimper of a pleading king, but with the roar of a prince.
***
“A pity,” Dominax said as his cloak fluttered behind him, surveying the aftermath as bodies lay strewn about. Though history would remember a battle, all he saw was a slaughter. “What could a ruler accomplish with citizens half as fierce?”
“Ask him,” Salduin replied, heaving his hammer to point towards the looming castle. “Lord Hesin and I shall make a sweep through the rest of the city, though I don’t expect we’ll meet much more resistance. Whatever stand they planned to make, they made it here.”
Dominax nodded, stepping over the gruesome remains of a young man hardly Cendra‘s age. Yet before he began to lead his men towards the castle, a pained shout rang above the faint groans of dying men.
Turning towards the source, Dominax watched with curiosity as a man struggled to rise from the ground, drenched in blood and forced to lean on his sword for support. He began limping towards The God Emperor, shouting in his harsh yet firm voice.
Dominax stopped a man to his right that stepped forward, intent on finishing the stranger off. Instead, Dominax called for Lalian, his green advisor having been allowed close to the gates only when the battle was entirely concluded.
“Translate, my friend,” he commanded, watching each of the stranger’s pained steps.
“He…claims to be Prince Alrin, your majesty,” Lalian explained hesitantly, nearly appearing to cower behind his ruler.
“Alrin?” he replied with utter surprise. Slowly, he immersed his senses beneath the fabric of reality, sensing the familial bonds of the stranger. He could see them linked to a brother, a daughter, a grandchild, yet they held the sensation of the prince he had faced atop Deci’s walls. The man was telling the truth.
“He asks…no, he demands death,” Lalian continued to translate as the bloody man shouted. “A warrior’s death. Nothing less.”
“He can hardly stand,” Dominax said, eyeing each of Alrin’s strained limps. Armor dented and drenched, his clothing shredded, there was no telling just how many wounds lay unseen. Merely a walking corpse, he came to a stop several yards away, using his remaining strength to raise his sword and point it towards his intended opponent.
“That’s his request, your holiness. The choice is yours to make.”
For a moment he studied the stern man, eying his teeth gritted with pain. Then, unsheathing The Sword of Order, Dominax stepped forwards. “Translate my words, Lalian.”
Alrin watched him approach, hardly able to remain standing. He heard the foreign words of his opponent, repeated through the mouth of the Lanthian.
“Few men have managed to defeat me. Fewer fight with your conviction. You ask for a warrior’s death, slayer of Galis? So be it, yet expect no mercy from me.”
Without delay, the duel began.
Alrin forced every last ounce of strength to drive his sword, keenly aware that victory wouldn’t grace him this time. Such wasn’t his aim in any case. He would fight with all he had, the last breaths of a dying man, and force his ancestors to nod with respect.
His damaged body could do little more than struggle to block Dominax’s blows, every muscle weakening from blood loss. A fit and unwounded man could hardly be expected to keep pace with The God Emperor’s unnatural speed, yet for Alrin, the matter was settled within seconds.
Dominax knocked away the prince’s blade before driving his sword through his chest. With strength granted through his otherworldly powers, he pierced Alrin’s royal armor, steel screeching against steel as he emerged through the other side.
A cough of blood fell from Alrin’s lips before the blade was swiftly pulled free. Slowly, he collapsed to his knees, then fell back against the dirty paving stones of Privin’s square.
Dominax looked down, nearly feeling a twinge of regret, for such a man would surely have been a powerful ally. Instead he had stood against the inevitable and joined his people in the dirt. He then turned his sights towards the castle, feeling a scowl creep onto his features.
A twitch seized Alrin’s hand as he began to choke on his blood, and remnants of his first encounter with Dominax flowed through his memory.
“You shall feel the dirt beneath your Capital and realize it belongs to my domain!”
Such were the words The God Emperor had spoken, and so they came to be, the ground of Privin beneath him. Yet as darkness began to close around his vision, he looked to the sky and saw a small four-winged creature soaring high above them, its feathers the violet shade of a Korta Tree.
He nearly chuckled, had he been able to, as the creature remained high above the reach of The God Emperor. Kinia had fallen. The Capital had fallen. Their culture, their traditions, all would be stripped away in time. Yet life itself would remain, for despite all his strange powers, he could never rip that entirely away from them.
The lands he had defended with his life, the people he had sacrificed himself for, would remain, in one form or another.
Finally, as darkness consumed him, he could only wonder if Felza had escaped in time.
***
The throne room appeared as silent as a Crypt, each man and woman not daring to make a noise. Every lord and lady remaining within the city had sought the protection of the castle, yet they now waited with terror as the faint echoes of battle seeped through the entrance.
Finally mustering the nerve to break the silence, Queen Pelni gently laid a hand upon Olvir’s shoulder. “My love, perhaps it is time we made our way towards the tunnels.”
Olvir wordlessly smacked her hand away, seated upon his throne. The guards stood ready at the doors, the remnants of those who hadn’t abandoned their ruler.
“She’s right, my lord. I think it’s best if we-” Felza began, only to be cut off by his words.
“QUIET. We’re perfectly safe, they’d never lay a hand upon me,” Olvir said, his finger tapping nervously upon the throne. “I shall not be the first king of Kinia to abandon The Capital. They will not remember me as a coward, the failure of House Kalla. Surely even mere savages understand the value in treating an opponent with dignity…for I shall rally our people and reclaim what is ours!”
Felza watched his tapping, beginning to glare. Within all her reading, no strong chief had ever displayed such delusion, such fear. She had made a king her lover, yet all she saw now was a fumbling fool.
Shouts began to echo loudly from outside, just beyond the doors. Frightened gasps sprang from the lips of the lords and ladies within the throne room, each backing towards the rear wall.
“My love, would you not permit me to at least take Alia from here? Remain if you wish, yet this is no place for her,” Pelni asked, cradling the child closely.
“The Queen will remain with her King,” Olvir answered, not bothering to turn his head towards her. “None will leave this hall until this business is dealt with.”
Feeling her ire rising, Felza slowly left his side. He was nearly shaking, coaxing her disgust. Would this God Emperor cower in such a way?
He didn’t appear to even notice her departure, and soon Pelni joined Felza as she glowered with frustration.
“They wouldn’t harm a king,” he repeated. “Surely, they wou-“
The doors suddenly burst inward with crackling smoke, ripped from their hinges and crushing the nearest guard before a web of electricity sprang forth and seized the others. They screamed in pain before collapsing to the floor.
Slowly, The God Emperor stepped inside, standing above his victims as his glowing silver eyes fell upon the throne. Marching forth, he approached, each firm step echoing through the chamber.
“Come to discuss your terms?” Olvir asked loudly, remaining seated. “State them!”
Wordlessly Dominax continued, step after step. He moved to hold his sword with both hands, his power flowing through the orb in its cross guard.
“The city is yours…yet you cannot harm a king!” Olvir shouted, watching as a swirling mixture of flame and electricity began to flow around the blade. “You can’t harm me!”
His steps continued, power building within The Sword of Order.
“You cannot…harm a-“
Olvir’s words were cut off as Dominax suddenly stopped, thrusting out his sword. A burst of power erupted from the tip, screaming through the air and smashing into the cowering king with a sickening explosion. A burst of smoke and dust erupted from where he sat, sending the nearest nobles hurling backwards.
When the smoke finally began to clear, little more than ash and rubble remained of the throne, less of Olvir.
Dominax stood over the obliterated ancient seat of House Kalla before slowly turning his attention to the rest of the chamber as legionaries poured inside.
Lalian slowly approached his master, his eyes lingering on the damage before Dominax’s words brought him back to the task at hand.
“You all have a choice. Bow, pledge yourselves to the crown of The Vaid Empire, and you shall retain your lands and titles under my rule. Remain standing and seal your fate with your king,” Dominax commanded, his words translated through his green advisor.
Within moments many began to lower themselves while others turned their heads to their Queen as if assessing her reaction. Pelni herself remained standing, along with Felza.
The fiery-haired woman, the de facto ruler for no more than mere seconds, stepped forwards and bowed her head graciously, displaying no hint of her fear. “I am Queen Pelni of Kinia, your majesty, and I shall represent these men and women. If we are to bow, we require assurances.”
Lalian quickly translated as Dominax sheathed his sword, folding his arms before replying. “Such as?”
When Lalian had finished repeating his master’s response in the native language, Pelni looked around the room before speaking, seeing the terrified faces of her subjects. “Your offer is…generous, though how are we to know you’ll keep your word?”
“You don’t, yet I have no use for dead nobles,” Dominax replied after the translation. “Kinia is mine, yet I shall require a pacified populace to retain it. You all hold titles, influence, land. Use them to enforce stability, and you’ll serve a purpose. Are you capable of making yourselves valuable to me?”
A graceful nod came as Pelni’s answer. “If such is your price, we hold no other choice. We’ll obey, your majesty,” her voice came smooth and respectful, a reaction nearly in defiance to the horrifying execution of their King. She began to kneel, an example to the other nobles in the room as they began to follow her lead.
An odd tug at the edge of his awareness caused Dominax to briefly close his eyes, only for them to creep open in realization. He gestured to Felza and Alia in turn. “These girls are the blood of Alrin?”
Reluctantly Pelni nodded once more, standing to address him as Alia squirmed in her arms. “Indeed, your majesty. A daughter and her child. They are of no threat to you.”
For a moment Dominax merely studied the royal family before turning to his nearest commander. “Remove every breathing individual from this room besides those three.”
Obeying, the man ordered the waiting legionaries to begin escorting the many nobles from the room, assisting any who had been injured in the explosion of the throne. Within minutes only The God Emperor, Lalian, Pelni, and Felza remained, Alia cradled in The Queen’s arms. The noise of Olvir’s instant death had frightened the girl, yet the motherly caresses of Pelni quickly calmed her tears.
Uncertain of his intentions, the last royals of Kinia remained as still and quiet as they could manage, all while Felza nearly held her breath. There, standing before her, was the culmination of every terrible southern story she had read from the archive. The God Emperor, conqueror of every Chief and High-Chief she so desired to meet, loomed over her as he approached. She was not disappointed.
“Your name?” he demanded.
Finding her voice, she was unable to keep a coy smile from spreading across her lips. She stood before the threat of death, the slayer of her lover, yet the same excitement coaxed from her stories seized her chest. “Lady Felza, your majesty.”
Assessing her, Dominax grunted. “Your father led his men well and fought bravely. He tested me, in a way, though died foolishly. Of what use was his honor when the outcome was death?”
“He’s…gone?” Felza asked when Lalian finished repeating his words, her smile slipping.
“As the daughter of such a man I’ll provide you a purpose, spared from execution. Yet tests of your own are on the horizon, girl. Of loyalty, duty, shame. Survive them, and you’ll be rewarded more than you could hope,” he explained before turning his attention to The Queen. “Now tell me, are you aware that the infant you hold is sired from your bondmate?” he asked, sensing Alia’s paternity.
The question brought a flush of red to her face, and she subtly bit her lip in hesitation. “I see the whispers of your abilities are true. Yes, I’m quite aware. She is but a bastard, less of a threat to your rule than anyone beyond this chamber.”
“In your tradition, you are correct. Yet my people hold a very different view of legitimacy. She is the daughter of your former King, as rightful an heir as any. Others may rally to her support when they learn of this fact,” he said, Lalian continuing to translate his words.
“Yet none know, your majesty. Only those standing before you, for you’ve destroyed even her father. None will ever know. Of that I can most assuredly promise you,” Pelni replied firmly.
“Perhaps, yet she remains a risk.”
The Queen’s hold on the baby tightened, and the gracefulness of her voice nearly slipped into desperation. “Your majesty, allow me to take her into my care. We shall sail as deeply into The Empire’s territory as you require, far away from Kinia. I shall raise her as my own, and you shall never hear a whisper of us again.”
Curious, Dominax stroked his pointed beard. “You certainly treat her as if she is yours, defending her even as her true mother stands silent.”
Once more his translated words caused her to blush with embarrassment, though her expression hardened. “I’ve heard the cruel whispers of the court, despite their efforts. Hushed nicknames hurled behind my back, as if I wouldn’t learn of them in my own home. ‘Pelni The Barren’ they say, yet their words aren’t without merit. This child is all I’ve possessed, and I’d gladly leap from the highest tower if such were the price for her life.”
Felza merely lowered her eyes, as if ashamed the same words hadn’t come first from her own lips.
“That may very well be the price, for the threat she poses remains real, despite your affections,” Dominax stated coldly. “I’d very much like to accept your proposal, though my designs for Kinia’s future do not include the child of Olvir. An Eternal Peace cannot stand on the naive promises of false mothers. However…”
Lalian finished his translation and turned to his master when he did not continue.
“Tell me Lalian, what is your opinion?” Dominax asked.
Holding in a grin of surprise, Lalian straightened up. “You wish to know my thoughts?”
“Of course, my friend. As you said in Deci, you’ve never failed me. What would you do with this little threat, were you in my position?”
Taking a moment to ponder their quandary, Lalian finally spoke. “This girl is a risk, you are correct in saying. She could very well return and attempt to rally support as the true Queen of Kinia, a rebel against The Empire. However, we’d have never known her parentage without your powers, an ability none but your own children share. Yet it is possible that any number of your illegitimate offspring may one day possess such a power, as we’ve never assessed any of their capabilities. The risk that others will discover her secret in time, just as you have, is too great. Thus…only death is the most logical safeguard. However…if you’ll allow me to say, there is an alternative.”
“Speak it.”
“This is an utterly singular situation, my lord, yet perhaps mercy shall serve you just as well. Though it’s a solution that lacks the certainty that death would provide, I propose exactly the opposite of The Queen’s suggestion. Keep her close, serving directly in the court of Kinia. Not as a servant, nor a lady, but the anointed Sage of Privin. Train her in the fanatical loyalty of The Order of Sages, completely devoted to both you and The Empire, as she performs her duties under the next King of Kinia closely. She may very well discover the truth of her birth, yet as a Sage? Prepared to die for her God Emperor? She’d never betray you,” Lalian explained, nervously gripping the edges of his cloak. “Death is far safer, yet should we not choose to preserve life when the option lays before us?”
“I see Clin‘s words are starting to seep into my other advisors,” Dominax chuckled. “Still, such an idea holds a hint of elegance. A daughter worshiping her father’s conqueror. Ask this woman if she’d consent, to raise this child until an age where The Order of Sages may accept her into their ranks.”
Obeying, Lalian explained their proposal, receiving eager nods the moment his words finished.
“Thank you, your majesty! Though we know nothing of your Order of Sages aside from rumor, I shall do my best to ensure she remains as fiercely loyal to your crown as is required,” Pelni said, nearly glowing with relief.
“Very good, yet should you speak a word of her true father…never doubt my ability to find you. Is that understood?” Dominax asked, receiving a firm nod. Satisfied, he then turned his attention to Felza. “Then it appears you remain my final problem, yet one I already possess a solution for. You hold a similar threat, as even though you remain the daughter of a bastard, the people shall see you as the final remnant of House Kalla. I intend to bring you to Domani as a trophy of conquest, but as I’ve said, you shall be provided a purpose when such unpleasant business is concluded.”
Felza met his gaze, unable to help but feel intrigued. Captured by barbarians, paraded through their streets, hadn’t the very thought excited her?
“Kinia shall require a new ruler, one devoted only to The Empire. The child of Olvir is far too young to be utilized in such a way, but you? Well, that holds possibility.”
“You’d…make me Queen? My lord, I…don’t know what to say…” Felza said, taken entirely off guard.
“Queen Regent, girl. A stand-in for my greater aim. I require your child to sit upon the throne, conceived this very night or not at all,” Dominax explained.
Though momentarily perplexed, realization slowly spread across her face at the translated words. “You’d…required me to…”
“Only worthy blood shall sit upon any throne under my Empire. Your daughter is not, yet your next child could be. If you are unwilling, so be it, for only those who show the will to do what is necessary hold a place in my designs. Any other of the nobles would suit me just fine, though out of respect for your father I shall make my offer to you first.”
A flutter in her chest couldn’t be contained, recalling the stories she had spent nearly every night of the past year delving into. A trophy, a broodmare for a powerful Chief, did any other fantasy call as strongly to her? “Your majesty…don’t think me meek, but-“
“My niece is no mere whore, your majesty,” Pelni cut in, granting Felza a disapproving scowl. “If you wish to lay with her, do so as bondmates.”
Dominax glanced to Alia, smirking. “It appears otherwise. Yet even still, we do not share your tradition of marriage. You insult me with the suggestion that I share my seed with a single mate.”
“She means no offense, your majesty,” Felza quickly interjected. “Yet since it is my womb we discuss, I’ll give you my answer myself. Yes.”
Pelni’s lips parted in shock, yet she quickly took hold of her composure and remained silent.
“Then you don’t disappoint,” The God Emperor replied with satisfaction. “Others may look to you as a potential claimant to Kinia, yet they may do nothing if you already sit upon the throne. Prove yourself to be unwavering to The Empire, and I shall allow you to rule until our child reaches maturity. You shall never speak of my involvement, such as Olvir’s, for I shall only leave them to speculation.”
“I understand,” Felza said with evident interest. Pelni could only look away, disturbed by her ease in such a catastrophe. “I shall await your presence where you see fit.”
Dominax grinned, a menacing smirk that set the former Queen further on edge. “Our business here is concluded. When I set out from this accursed land, you shall return home with me. The first test of your will, a trophy of conquest. Endure it, girl, for the rewards are great,” he said before turning to Pelni. “As for you, you’ll walk free of this place upon our return, yet never leave the city. Raise this child, and when the time comes, a Sage will visit you.”
Pelni’s face hardened, squeezing Alia tightly. She’d serve her duty, for the only child she could ever hope to call daughter.
***
Lalian followed closely behind Dominax, knowing just what waited for them at the end of the long corridor leading to the royal bed chambers. His master pushed open the door, bringing them into a room lit heavily with candlelight.
The future Queen Regent waited for her conqueror, seated on the bed and wrapped in a thin shroud that hardly concealed her slim curves. Her long dark side braid curled over her shoulder and swooped under her perky breast, decorated with fine gold chains she had woven into her hair in preparation. The daughter of a bastard, appearing every bit as royal as her ancestors.
Felza’s coy smile at his entrance soon shifted to reservation as she noticed the strange green Lanthian come around from behind him, moving her arm to pull the fabric tighter around her body.
“A stunning prize,” Dominax said as he approached, placing his hands gently onto her waist. Wearing only his one-suit in preparation, he began to feel her through the soft fabric, assessing her beautiful form. “Tell her to spin for me.”
Obeying, though awkwardly, Lalian repeated his command. She took a sideways glance at him before finally nodding and twirling in a circle. The shroud fluttered, so thin as to nearly show every detail.
A grin broke out across The God Emperor’s face, and he slowly began to pull away the fabric sheet when she had finished moving. Her young breasts were revealed first, moderate yet firm and full, prepared to feed their future child. Her slim midriff came next, followed by the rest as the fabric slid to the floor. Exposed, she nearly covered herself, glancing once more to Lalian.
Viewing her body entirely, Lalian felt his heart quicken, utterly taken by her beauty. A swelling in his loins could not be prevented, his small size luckily concealed by his tunic.
“Assure her that your presence here should not disturb her. I need a translator, after all,” Dominax commanded.
“I am but a temporary observer,” Lalian stated after swallowing. “Pay me no mind.”
Though somewhat unconvinced, she turned her attention to Dominax. Her hungry eyes peered into his, eager to begin her purpose. “Shall I remove his clothing?”
Lalian translated her words for his master, receiving a nod. She wasted no time, her hands sliding seductively over his body. Though unfamiliar with the use of a one-suit, the guidance of his hands easily assisted her until she found herself pulling his suit down to his waist. Taking a moment to bite her lip at the sight of his many scars, she freed the rest of his body.
Lalian looked away, though his curiosity got the better of him. Standing to the side, nearly between the pair, he was granted a full view of both naked forms. Though he had witnessed The God Emperor’s nudity occasionally during throne room breedings, the sight of his size caused a flutter of envy in the Lanthian’s chest. Had he only possessed such a tool, able to use it upon a woman of such beauty…
Felza leaned in for a kiss, taking in the scent of her child’s future father. Though not the dirty and savage barbarian she had dreamed of, his presence filled her loins with an aching need.
“Instruct her to lie upon the bed,” another command came, and Lalian obeyed. He watched her intently, seeing her lithe body maneuver gracefully into position. On her back she held her legs together, not allowing him to see her prize.
Dominax joined her yet moved to her side rather than mounting her. “That shall be the last command I require from your lips.”
Bowing his head, Lalian forced himself to look away from her. “Very well master, I shall be on my way.”
Yet before he could depart, Dominax halted him. “Not quite yet, my friend.”
Curious as to his meaning, Lalian turned back around to watch as he slowly pried apart her legs, carefully, though forcefully, spreading her thighs until her womanhood lay exposed for both men to see. “My lord…I…”
Dominax chuckled, sliding his hand down her thigh as she released a moan of excitement, attempting to suppress it in Lalian’s presence. “A man would not require my senses to observe the lust in your eyes, Lalian. You crave her, as do I.”
“I…I’m not sure what-” Lalian stammered.
Dominax waved his free hand. “Calm yourself, for shame will find no place before me. You may leave if you’d like, yet if you stay, I shall command her to pleasure you with her hand,” he explained, sliding his hand farther down until he found her already moistening lower lips. His fingers spread them slightly, granting a hint of her depths. “Or you can simply watch as I breed her, whichever you’d prefer.”
Uncertain how to respond as he gazed into her tightness, his quick mind seeming unable to move, he muttered the only question he could conjure. “Why?”
The God Emperor’s proud expression seemed to slip for less than an instant before he looked down at his waiting lover. His finger began to lightly tease her sensitive bud, causing her mouth to part in pleasure. Then, with the assurance that his words were safe from her foreign ears without translation, he once more faced his advisor. “You’ve served me well, my friend. Can I not reward such loyalty?”
When Lalian stammered, though failed to find a reply, Dominax sighed.
“In Deci…I found myself at the brink of defeat. Not only from Alrin, but myself,” Dominax began to explain, sounding nearly as hesitant as the morning their supplies were burned. “Your words prevented me from faltering, and for that, you have my gratitude.”
Lalian finally forced his gaze to his master, once more seeing the extraordinarily rare hints of humility in his silver eyes. The pride, the ruthless confidence, all had vanished for a single moment. “I…of course, my lord. You have my loyalty until my death.”
Nodding, Dominax’s smirk once more returned. “There are few men in this world I respect, my friend. You’ve more than proven yourself to me, as I’ve said, and so you deserve a reward. Come, join me in the carnal pleasures of the flesh, the very purpose of our creation. Your God Emperor wishes it.”
Unable to keep a smile of pride from his lips, Lalian took a cautious step forward. “Are you…certain?”
“Do so quickly, my friend,” he replied as he slid two fingers into her hungry womanhood, receiving a moan. “I can sense this one’s arousal. She won’t wait long.”
Nervously, he grew closer, watching his ruler’s fingers slide in and out between her legs. Her pleasured eyes turned to him in confusion as he mounted the bed, only turning away when Dominax caressed her cheek with his freehand and turned her face back to his.
“Disrobe, Lalian. Enjoy yourself fully,” he commanded.
Unmoving for several seconds, the Lanthian finally mustered the courage to begin removing his cloak and tunic, covering his hardened manhood when they were tossed to the floor. His face turned a deep green, utterly embarrassed before his lord.
Chuckling, Dominax pulled his fingers free, moving them to her far hand. He gently guided her by the wrist, placing her hand upon Lalian’s thigh. She looked to him with hesitation, yet a nod from him seemed to ease a slight amount of her reservation.
Slowly, caressing his green hands, she guided them away until his small manhood was revealed. She took his shaft softly in her palm, as erect as he could possibly manage despite his embarrassment.
A slight whine escaped his lips, feeling her grip curl around his cock. Experienced only with the harsh handling of his former Lanthian mistresses, the delicate movements of her hand nearly caused him to faint.
A laugh escaped Dominax, amused at the sight. From a cage to an advisor of The God Emperor himself, the green man had survived far longer than he had expected. Just as he had hoped.
He turned his attention to Felza, craving to mate. He maneuvered himself between her parted thighs, pressing his tip against her wetness. A moan escaped her lips as she continued to caress Lalian, desperate for penetration after a day of anticipation.
Lalian observed closely as his master pushed forwards, feeling jealousy at the satisfaction upon his face as he slid himself inside her beautiful folds. He could never make her groan with such lust at his entrance, his envy only furthering his arousal.
“Ahhh…she’s quite tight, Lalian,” he said in pleasure. Despite her previous birth, the young mother’s fertile body had recovered nearly entirely. He pushed as deeply as possible, settling against her cervix before beginning his thrusts.
Hips moving, his cock made deep, hard explorations of her lower depths, feeling her womanhood caressing every inch of his length.
Felza’s eyes momentarily rolled back, feeling him hilt her each time. Her curious thoughts during her reading had come into being, for her conqueror took her body as nothing more than breeding stock.
Lalian bit back a squeaky moan, the inexperience of such bliss causing his hips to lightly shift forwards and back without his noticing.
Feeling The God Emperor against her inner walls, her womb craved his seed. Much as she had during nights with Olvir, her body wished for nothing more than to bear the son of a strong ruler, yet Olvir was anything but. That fact was now clear, having finally been granted what she had sought.
Dominax moved with expert pace, dragging out his pleasure and sending toe-curling ecstasy through his lover. Her body was his, womb practically calling to him.
“My lord…I…” Lalian said before covering his mouth to hold in his shameful noises. Dominax merely chuckled, focusing his lust upon Felza.
She writhed beneath him, the cock in her hand only on the edge of her concern as she slowly jerked him. For too long she had convinced herself of desire for Olvir, knowing nothing of the satisfaction that a larger manhood could bring her. Her other hand moved to his back, nearly pushing him closer as if begging for more.
After a foreign moan escaped her lips Dominax looked to Lalian for clarification, who appeared completely lost in her hand. He forced his attention from his own cock for an instant, translating. “She requests…ahhh…for you to go faster…”
Happy to oblige, Dominax increased his rhythm, pounding into her craving body. A pleasured laugh eased from her pretty lips, lying her head back to bask in his skill.
Lalian watched with jealousy, wishing to feel his cock slip into her lower folds. He wanted to knock her up, just as his master soon would, yet he remained entirely unable to.
Wrapping her legs around behind him, Felza cared little if her words reached his understanding. “Ooohhh yes…fuck me…my conqueror! Breed me…like your slave!”
Not bothering to ask for an explanation, Dominax continued to thrust into her, moving with a strength and swiftness that was certain to leave her bruised in the morning. He cared little, desiring only the need of every living man to reproduce. His hand caressed her belly as he used her, imagining it swelling with his child. A future King or Queen would spring from her loins, sired by his seed.
Lalian watched his master moan, feeling his own cock clenching within her moving hand. He wished to feel her cum around his cock, knowing he never would.
Felza cared little that her current lover had slain her father, for the thought only added to her excitement. She was his prize for victory, a moaning whore to mother his children. What would Alrin have thought, to see his enemy’s cock buried deep inside his beloved daughter?
Dominax felt her seize up as she orgasmed, never once slowing. His hand moved to fondle her breast, feeling their youthful shape.
Unable to hold back no longer at the sight of a beautiful girl cumming for his ruler, Lalian’s hips began to jerk as a mostly dry climax claimed him. Little more than a few drops of entirely translucent liquid squirted from his green tip, infertile as it oozed onto the sheets.
Panting, the Lanthian felt a wave of pleasure trickle through him, far less than an uncastrated humanoid’s orgasm, yet more enjoyable than the unsatisfying whispers of pleasure that his hand typically brought him. For once in many years, if ever, he breathed a deep sigh of bliss.
Grinning with amusement at his companion’s completion, Dominax was far from finished. His own hips rocked back and forth, pumping roughly between her legs with a smack of skin each time.
Felza released her grip upon Lalian, her mind hardly noticing his presence as her pussy burned with lust. “Cum inside…ooohhhh please…cum inside!”
The heavy accent of her words reminded him of Irith, just as elegant and flowing as she. He’d see her again soon, longing more than he cared to admit to feel her soft touch once more. Her mate would return home, having conquered and sired another ruler.
“I shall finish…soon, Lalian…” he breathed, slamming into her again and again. “Watch…as I fill her!”
Blushing hard, Lalian’s orgasm-addled mind could focus on nothing else, wishing to see her squirm as his master filled her. Such a private moment, a conception of Kings, yet he bore witness to every second.
In and out he moved before, with a roar, he slammed his cock as deep as it would go. Pressed directly against her cervix, she loosed a quivering cry as she felt his sperm spurt into her.
Lalian’s lips parted in awe, having never expected what such an effect the sight would have upon him. He had witnessed The God Emperor breed his slaves upon his throne from a distance, yet to be involved? To have climaxed mere inches from the interlocked couple? He felt a deeply submissive sensation flow through him, watching Dominax’s hips lightly buck as he filled her.
A groan oozed from The God Emperor, emptying as much of his potent sperm into her body as he could muster. His mind focused, sensing her fertile ovum waiting to receive his seed within her young womb.
With her legs wrapped firmly around his waist, Felza once more climaxed, shaking beneath his powerful frame. To become a mother once again, to birth Kinia’s future King, she desired nothing more.
Slowly, recovering from his powerful finish, Dominax pushed past her wrapped legs to free himself from her loins. His erection slipped out of her, already missing her warmth.
With a heavy breath before gesturing with his hand, Dominax summoned Lalian to his side.
The green man moved carefully, as if a single misstep would spoil the moment, and he sat beside his master. Dominax reached forwards, spreading her well used lower lips with two fingers.
Lalian watched as an abundance of seed leaked from her womanhood, as even more remained deep within. Her labia lightly convulsed, pushing out an oozing flow of sperm.
Cheeks flush with arousal, Lalian remained unable to take his eyes away. He had known that The God Emperor’s godly blood allowed him to produce much more sperm than a typical human, from a purely research centered point of view, yet to see such an amount up close was another experience entirely. Even a small amount would be more than enough to ensure pregnancy, yet to be filled so completely? He couldn’t help but feel fascinated…and utterly aroused.
“You’ve witnessed Kinia’s future…my friend,” Dominax stated through breaths.
“I’m honored…my lord…” Lalian replied after a moment, yet for the very first time, his thoughts held a different title. “My friend.”
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