The Vaid Empire

Vaid Empire: Conquest

Chapter 86

2nd of Fixuin, 17 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

The warm breeze fluttered through the shroud flowing around Vixin’s bare form, standing upon the balcony that wrapped around The Grand Pyramid. As the sun hid behind drifting clouds, she savored the temperate temperature of the day, her arm around Yisi’s waist as they watched Jinilya play.

“Are you certain he was successful?” Yisi asked, eyeing Vixin’s midriff. Her serious expression offered little hint of the worry beneath.

Vixin nodded, caressing her lover’s hip. “I sensed the conception myself. Didn’t you hear me moan while you slept?”

A redness touched Yisi’s cheeks. Before she could respond, Jinilya tapped her leg. When the girl had her attention, the little princess offered her toy, an intricate wooden carving of a small woman. “Ah.” She granted Vixin a look, yet Jinilya took Yisi’s hand and guided her to sit on the stone floor.

Vixin watched her two greatest loves sit across from each other. Appearing lost on how to entertain the child, Yisi held the wooden doll with a blank expression.

“Can you…” Jinilya waved her hands. “Like mommy?”

“I’m…not sure.” Yisi looked to Vixin for guidance. “I’ve never really tried.”

“I can.” The little princess tapped the doll with a finger, concentrating. When a tiny flame ignited like a candle, she let the wooden woman’s head catch fire. Yisi dropped the doll as the flame quickly consumed the figure, making Jinilya laugh hysterically. Yisi sucked an injured finger, watching the girl’s joy until she couldn’t help but faintly smile.

“Jin, that was a gift from Lord Kixanil,” Vixin said in annoyance, guiding her daughter back from the tiny fire. When she saw Yisi’s expression, her own eased.

The girl’s laughter quieted when they heard footsteps echo from behind. Vixin turned around, surprised to see Cendra strolling towards them along the balcony from the direction of her own royal quarters.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your…fun,” Cendra said as she came to a stop. Eyeing Yisi, she nodded. “Daughter of Rosila, are you not? I don’t believe we’ve ever properly met.”

Yisi nodded coldly as she stood up.

Taking a step closer, Cendra crouched beside Jinilya. “Ah, we received word of your birth while in the north.” She studied her with a smile. “Lord Salduin did very well, it seems. Do you know who I am, girl? I’m your aunt Cendra.”

Jinilya merely glared and ran through the doorway to her mother’s bed chamber. Vixin sighed, gesturing to Yisi. “Please tend to her. This’ll only be a moment.”

Obeying, Yisi departed without a word, leaving them alone. Cendra rose, clasping her hands behind her back. Hesitating, she was unable to meet her sister’s gaze. “Well then. You appear healthy. They say you ruled adequately in our absence.”

“Discard the pleasantries. Why are you here?” Vixin demanded.

“Can a woman visit her royal sister without ulterior motives?” Cendra asked. When Vixin’s scowl remained, Cendra strolled to the edge and peered down at the rainforest beyond the city. “I suppose I do have a motive. I’d like to invite you to dinner tonight. Just you and I.”

Vixin eyed her with suspicion. “To what end?”

“To talk.” Cendra cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Isn’t that enough reason?”

Touching her belly, Vixin concealed an intrigued grin. Yes, there was much she’d like to discuss. Why wait until tonight to watch Cendra endure the revelation of the secret growing within her womb? “There’s no need for ceremony. I’ve waited quite a while to face you.”

“Tonight is my preference.” Cendra dared to meet her rageful stare. “I’m not exactly accustomed to these things.”

Vixin squinted in confusion.

“I’ve pondered what I’d say to you, yet…” She tapped the balcony barrier with an awkward shrug. “Here we are. I’ll wait for you on Crescent Plaza.”

“The only words I require are your confession. Fanir was your doing,” Vixin replied with a scowl. “You hardly concealed your hand, yet I’d hear it from your own lips. Then we’ll talk.”

“Ah.” Cendra looked away once more. “That was…an error.”

“An error?” Vixin grimaced in rage.

Turning to face her, Cendra straightened proudly. “I acted rashly. Your Sages…I heard the rumors they were…” She stopped, seeing Vixin’s rage. “I apologize.”

“Apologize? Your men beat him half to death, yet you apologize?”

“He lived, did he not?” Cendra asked. The venom in her sister’s expression made her step closer in panic. “No, I’m…sorry, Vixin. Please. I don’t know how to do this.”

Vixin thought of the child inside her with simmering anger. The time had arrived to twist a dagger of her own. She let the shroud flow loosely around her, revealing much of her bare body beneath. “I have no need for your excuses. The scale shall be balanced, sweet sister.”

“I offer no excuses. Please, I want to apologize. Truly.” Cendra took another step, seeing Vixin retreat. “Certain events have clarified my…mistakes. There were many, it’s true.”

The genuine tone of her sister’s voice gave Vixin pause. “Events? What scheme is this?”

“No scheme.” Cendra shook her head, gritting her teeth with shame. “I nearly drowned in my failure, and when I emerged, I found that few remained to take my hand. I…know what we could have been. Perhaps what we should have been.”

Vixin searched her sister for a hint of deception. When she found only a concealed sorrow, her lips parted in surprise. She pulled the shroud around herself tightly. “I tried for many years. You destroyed us.”

“I did.” Cendra folded her arms, peering down. “I’ve been foolish. Hate me for it. Such is your right, yet I’m sorry, Vixin.”

Stunned, Vixin stood wordlessly. Hadn’t she dreamed of hearing such words since she was a child?

When she could bear the silence no longer, Cendra sighed. “If there’s a single hope of correcting…us, I’d like to try.” She offered a weary smile. “My invitation stands. I only hope you’ll have mercy for us both.”

Watching her sister walk away, Vixin waited until she disappeared around the corner before turning towards the drop below. Leaning against the barrier, she felt her breath quicken. Fighting to control her emotions, she wanted to scream.

“Why now?” She touched her belly. Her sister’s cruelty knew no end. “Why?”

***

The door to The Chamber of Deliverance slid open before The God Emperor. Stepping into the darkness, he peered back sternly. Jinilya hurried to follow his glowing eyes.

A click echoed as the door sealed behind them, cutting off the world. Dominax ventured into the black void as the girl grabbed the edge of his cloak to avoid losing her guide. They walked to the center of the chamber. “Dorian.”

The darkness swirled into the faint image of a ghostly figure, a whisper of what he had been. “You’ve…returned…”

Jinilya flinched at the voice, tightening her grip with excitement as the cloaked figure approached.

“With all of humanity in my hand.” Dominax allowed the ghostly man’s fingers to caress his face, seeing relief mixing with sorrow in his ancient gaze. “You’ve diminished in my absence.”

“Every year brings me closer to the end, my…” Dorian hesitated with a frown. “I suppose…there’s hardly anything left of ‘my boy’…is there? You’ve become…a…”

Dominax’s lips tightened. “I’ve become what this world requires. Nothing less. The inevitable end and beginning, the architect, the unrelenting guide.”

“The tyrant…” Dorian muttered, stepping back. “Yet…I cannot deny my relief…to see your safe return.”

The God Emperor eyed Jinilya. “The Creator speaks a treasonous title, yet it holds whispers of truth. The world shall bend to no less.”

“Will you execute him, grandfather?” Jinilya dared to speak.

Dominax shook his head firmly. “Dead men are beyond my reach, for now. Yet be careful of your tongue, for I won’t tolerate another word against our kin. We must speak horrid truths among ourselves, else our delusions weaken us. Tyrant they call me, and just so. You’ll learn the necessity of a firm hand in time. Now, however, is the moment you join us.”

“Vaidimation?” Dorian asked with weary excitement. “Long has it been…since the last…”

The God Emperor guided Jinilya to stand before him. “Show me your worth, child.”

Jinilya raised her hand, concentrating. A flame ignited atop her fingertip. Pleased, Dominax reached down to hold the sides of her head, closing his eyes. Peering into her soul, he searched, delving deeper and deeper.

The flame flickered as he sensed her Vek within the deepest part of her soul. His mind seized it, hands tightening. Jinilya gasped as he tore it away, silver bleeding into her ordinary irises as the flame roared anew. Releasing her, Dominax peered down, meeting his granddaughter’s silver eyes.

He smirked in satisfaction, watching the girl study the raging flame in her palm with awe. She giggled, then laughed as she sent it hurling through the air. “Princess Jinilya of House Vaid, you are worthy of my blood.”

Dorian watched as electricity danced wildly between her fingers. “Quite a…powerful little thing…isn’t she?”

“As she should be.” Dominax took her delicate chin. “Vixin’s womb could offer no less. You’re an upholder of a legacy that shall reign over every living being, child.”

The ghostly figure frowned in sorrow. “You’ve chosen…that fate for yourself. Must your grandchild…endure it as well?”

“No other fate is worthy of a Vaid.” Dominax allowed her to reach up and take his powerful hand. “Come.”

“Won’t you stay?” Dorian’s voice echoed weakly as they walked to the exit. “Humanity…is yours. Surely…you may rest now.”

Dominax stopped. “For a time. Humanity is merely the beginning, for the world shall kneel at my feet in peace. I’ll accept no compromise.”

“Then please…return. Even you would not deny…a father the company of his son…would you?” His tired voice sounded as though it would collapse. “I am not…a mere myth you may use…to manipulate the population. I’m still your father…even if only an echo. Soon, I’ll be much less.”

The God Emperor nodded. “My enemies make their attempts on my life, yet I always return. We’ll speak again later, Dorian.”

Jinilya walked with a calm smirk as the door slid open, emerging reborn. She never wanted to leave her grandfather’s side, feeling his power radiating like a warm sun. Her mother, however, waited outside in the corridor with her father, swooping to claim her in a tight embrace the moment Dominax released her.

“Your eyes…” Vixin assessed her daughter with concern while Salduin waited silently. “Did it hurt?”

Dominax chuckled. “You never knew a time before your own Vaidimation, yet pain is no deterrent when tempted by true power. The girl is unharmed.”

Relaxing, Vixin kissed her cheek. “Now you match your mother’s eyes.” She lowered Jinilya to stand beside Salduin. “Go with your father, sweet girl. I have much to discuss with The God Emperor.”

Dominax nodded at the large man. “You did well, Salduin. She is everything I require her to be.”

“Thank you, your holiness. She is a greater gift than I could’ve hoped for.” Salduin beamed with pride, taking the little princess’s hand. As Dominax and Vixin departed, he looked down. Her silver eyes were a mark of The Creator, of his holy blood, yet he felt his smile wither subtly. She was The God Emperor’s now.

Vixin interlocked her arm with her father’s as they walked together. To her surprise, his presence stirred emotions from a younger Vixin, pressing closer as if he’d leave her again. “You sounded…pleased. Are you truly?”

“Entirely. The girl is no Zela.” Dominax smirked in satisfaction. “Her purpose extends beyond the mere use of her womb.”

Easing, Vixin smiled. They slowly made their way through The Grand Pyramid, passing many bowing administrators and servants going about their duties. “Much has changed in your absence.”

He eyed the others around them, keeping his deep voice low. “As have you. My little flower has tasted the command of my throne and found herself changed. Very good. I told you to be firm, immovable, and so you have.”

A blush touched her cheeks. They found a staircase and began to make their way upward. “There are many things I must say. Too many.”

“Not here.” He cut her off with a glance. They climbed each level of the gargantuan fortress, seeking the top. When they eventually reached the royal levels, Dominax guided her to his quarters, long unused.

Vixin locked the main door, hurrying through the lounge to her father’s bedchamber. The slaves had ensured no dust had disgraced their holy ruler’s apartments, leaving every room spotless. She sealed the next door, another lock, pressing her back against it with a hungry grin. “I was beginning to think we’d never have a moment alone.”

He pulled her close as their lips met, reuniting. Her taste had never left his memory, feeling her hand caressing his armor.

“When you kissed me before the crowds, I thought I’d melt,” she muttered, her breath warm. “Did you hear their cheers?”

His hand slid down her slender back, claiming her rump in his gasp, as firm and flawless as he remembered. “They’re nearly ready to receive the truth. Your Sages have done well, Supreme Mother.”

She moaned as he gently bit her neck, thighs rubbing together with need. “I followed your commands, father. I did all you required of me. Please, allow me to join you when you leave once more.”

“You’ve earned a place at my side, yet tell me something, little flower.” His other hand cupped her cheek as he straightened, meeting her with a hard gaze. “How long have you been pregnant with Lord Clin’s child?”

Her eyes widened, blushing with guilt. “The orgy. It was…”

“All this time, and you remain a little fool.” His grip tightened. “You know what this’ll do to your sister. Would you undo Cendra just as she claws her way from fragility? Would Clin undermine the gift I granted him?”

“Father, he didn’t know. The masks…I…he tried to stop me, but I-” She felt his lips return, tongue meeting hers. The fingers holding her rump forced a moan as she pulled back. “Clin is not at fault. I…thought it was necessary, yet Cendra…” Vixin blushed, looking away in shame. “She’s changed. I don’t know what to do.”

“Foolish girl.” His hand left her cheek, sliding down to find her breast. He felt the soft flesh of her perky mound beneath her outfit. “She can never know.”

Vixin’s body craved his touch, as if responding to the feeling of their shared blood. Every instinct begged for more, even as guilt threatened to strangle her. “She’ll sense it eventually. You already have. Even if she continues to pay no mind towards sensing my children, she’ll feel its familiar bonds when my pregnancy advances. I can’t be near her…”

“You’ll depart. You’ll keep your distance until the birth.” He gritted his teeth, rage within his gaze as he groped her. “You can sense the children of your kin. The fact she doesn’t care to is your single hope.”

“Leave? We only just…” she felt his hand rub her nipple beneath the fabric.

He pressed his lip to her ear, his other hand sliding to the front. A finger ran between her spreading thighs, anticipation dancing between them. “A respite after your long rule, away from the public. We’ll march together upon your return, my little flower.”

Vixin moaned, her loins aching even as she felt she’d crumble beneath his judgment. Juices drenched her leotard as his hand rubbed harder. Parting her legs, her body demanded more. “Father…I…didn’t know she-”

Dominax quieted her before reaching down, roughly pulling aside the groin of her leotard, inhaling the sweet scent of his daughter’s arousal. Two fingers slid inside, drenched in her dripping need. “Long have I waited. Your errors shall be dealt with, yet you served me well. Now, you’re mine.”

Resting her head against the door at her back, Vixin moaned, feeling his exploring fingers. Heart beating fast, she reached down, unfastening the groin slit of his one-suit. Her delicate hand brushed against his waiting erection as it emerged, exploring his length with excitement. The centerpiece of countless dreams since his departure, it remained as large as she remembered. As she gripped the hard shaft that had created her, every inch of Vixin’s body tingled with excitement.

No longer would he wait. As she rubbed the tip against her soaking lower lips, he grabbed her leg and forced it to lift. Holding her, he pushed forward, driving himself into the tightness he had never forgotten.

A whimper escaped her lips, feeling his tip pushing hard against her cervix. She released a pained cry of satisfaction, overpowered by his size. Her father had returned to reclaim what was rightfully his, and she happily wrapped her legs around his waist without resistance.

Pushing her back against the door, he supported her light body, hands holding her rear. He grunted with a primal need as he began to thrust, sliding deep, savoring the sensation of his cock buried within his daughter’s exquisite vagina.

Wrapping her arms to hug his neck, she moaned submissively, feeling the white steel of his armor. Once again safe in his grasp, further long dormant emotions bubbled to the surface, no longer a Supreme Mother for the moment, but merely a princess holding onto her conquering father. “Daddy…” she whispered, only to blush with a seductive grin of embarrassment.

“My little flower,” he said into her ear. Gritting his teeth, he savored the sensation of her squeezing vagina. This was where his cock belonged, buried deeply inside his gorgeous daughter. Every moan from her parted lips incited his lust, blood seeking blood.

Their separation had been an agony, her loins burning as her longing was satisfied. Memories of past lovers fell away into irrelevance, for none could compare to the deep ache she felt each time he slammed hard against her limit. Every inch of her yearned for her maker, craving the seed that had forged her flawless body.

He reached up, fingers gliding through her silky hair before gripping a handful. Pulling her roughly into a kiss, he tasted his offspring’s saliva, all too familiar. Chuckling insidiously, he bit her lip, hearing her whimper in lust.

Long had she held command over the cocks of slaves. Long had she ordered the tongues of the imperial harem. Now, she moaned submissively, falling to the consuming control of her father. She could do nothing to resist his urges, pinned against the door with every deep thrust.

“I’ve sensed your bonds. I’ve sensed your births. You’ve done well to spread our blood, my little breeder.” Releasing her hair to caress her elegant curves, his hand explored, desiring every inch of her perfection.

Tasting her father’s pride with satisfaction, she moaned, every movement igniting pulses of pleasure. When her body began to seize, she held him tightly, crying out.

Fingers tightening to dig into the ultra-soft skin of her rear, Dominax pushed his cock as deeply as possible, feeling her clenching down in a powerful orgasm. He held back his own, not nearly content after so long apart.

When she gasped in relief, she tightened her legs around his waist in surprise, clinging to him as he carried her towards the bed. Dropped onto her back upon his silky sheets, she chuckled playfully as she was forced to roll onto her belly. Bent over the edge of the massive bed, Vixin yelped at the sting of a harsh spank.

Caressing his daughter’s rear as if it were artwork, Dominax rubbed his shaft between her asscheeks, soaked with royal juices. Holding her hips tightly, he forced himself back inside, cock sliding to slam against her limit.

Gripping the sheets, Vixin’s lips parted with pleasure, her father’s cock utterly filling her with every thrust. The God Emperor had conquered all of humanity. Now, crown high atop his head, he conquered his daughter once more.

“Yes…ooohhh…I’m yours…” Vixin’s eyes fluttered.

Dominax was no longer certain the population would be horrified to know what was occurring high atop the fortress overshadowing The Capital. How many would merely blush at knowing their holy ruler pleasured his own daughter? How many would watch with an acceptance, understanding the natural beauty of their incestuous act? He had sensed the crowds that had witnessed their kiss, feeling their approval. How many of them now held their own kin closer?

Vixin rocked back and forth from the force of each thrust. She was a Vaid, of course, easily enduring more than a mortal woman could without harm. Dominax was no longer required to hold back to avoid damaging his current lover, his power driving his hips harder and harder. She squeezed the sheets tighter, caring little if they ripped.

“Jinilya is perfection.” His hands ran down her sides, feeling her feminine form. “She’ll be magnificent, a worthy asset for our House.”

Motherly pride tingled within her, moaning. “She is the best…ahh…I could possibly offer you, father. If The Empire is your…ahh…legacy, your masterpiece, Jinilya is mine…”

Royal juices trickled down his daughter’s thighs. He sensed the child within her, never failing to earn the title of Goddess of Fertility. His satisfaction only eased at a thought of Cendra, thinking of flames licking a doomed fleet. She couldn’t survive a second defeat. Once more he spanked Vixin, leaving her delicate skin red.

“Cum inside…father…” Vixin moaned, feeling the sting of his hand. Lowering her chin to the sheets as if bowing in submission, every instinct screamed for his incestuous seed. Craving to breed, regret only solidified within her occupied womb.

Nothing could prevent him from reclaiming his daughter. Every thrust brought him closer, her intense internal texture massaging his shaft. Focusing to sense her bloodline, lust poured through him like burning oil, holding the knowledge of their shared blood at the forefront of his mind. His cock was inside his offspring. He felt the inside of his gorgeous daughter’s vagina. She was entirely his, her very soul connected to his own.

Slamming forward, The God Emperor roared, unleashing his seed within his princess. She cried out, raising her legs as she joined his climax.

Vixin convulsed, shaking atop the sheets, feeling his seed oozing heavily from her loins. Gasping for breath, she felt it pouring down her thighs.

Filling his daughter, Dominax’s fingers dug into her rump with the pleasure of their reunion. For too long he had gone without her goddess-like loins. For too long she had settled for lesser cocks.

Panting as they finished, Vixin bit the sheet as her desire was quenched. The warmth pouring inside her was unmatched, wishing it could fill the chamber and drown her.

Holding her tightly against his waist, he finally slid his cock free, leaving his daughter to leak. Stepping back, he watched the exquisite sight of his seed oozing from her royal loins, ensuring he’d never forget.

Limbs weak from pleasure, Vixin rolled onto her back. Reaching down to run two fingers over her used vagina, she watched her father’s sperm drip from her fingertips. When she brought it to her lips, she closed her eyes to taste him.

Dominax mounted the bed, sitting against the headboard. Vixin wiggled her way up to join him. Resting her head in his lap, she nearly purred, feeling his hand caressing her cheek as though she were a prized pet.

“I love you…father,” she said, hand playing in the wetness between her soft thighs. “Never abandon me to the inadequacy of lesser lovers again. Please.”

He stroked her head gently, smirking at the sight. “You survived my absence as I knew you would, yet war lies before us, larger than we’ve yet seen. I must know there is nothing between our family that withers our strength.”

Vixin’s smile faded, looking away. “It was a mistake. I expected to encounter the same girl that had always tormented me. Now, Cendra wants to try.” She gritted her teeth, cupping her leaking loins. “Father…did I ruin our only chance?”

Dominax guided her chin to meet his gaze. “You two must be salvaged. I’ll arrange for your departure. Let it be a reward for your success, and a punishment for your betrayal.”

Reluctantly, she nodded.

Dominax studied the flawless body on display, her leotard soaked in his scent. “Lord Clin is a worthy being. He is not a tool to be used in your plots. At the very least, you shall repay him with a daughter.”

“One he can never meet,” she added in shame. “I feel her inside me. Father…I urged myself to conceive a female.”

“Then your theories prove true.” He recalled her many messages, remembering descriptions of how she had manipulated her own fertility. “A discovery even The Creator never cared to learn, my little Goddess of Fertility.”

Vixin blushed. She remembered Rosila at her side during her experiments, biting her lip in hesitation. “Father…when I depart, may I select someone to accompany me? Someone…important.”

Curious, he watched her blush deepen. “Explain, child.”

“I met someone.” She looked away, unable to conceal a smile. “In truth, she’s been under my care for quite a while, yet now I’ve…met her, truly.” Vixin endured his demanding look. A million explanations wouldn’t be more valuable than a simple name. “Yisi. She’s…very dear to me.”

An insidious grin crept across his lips. “Ah, Rosila’s firstborn. Of what use do you see in her?”

Vixin felt as though she’d melt, cheeks red with embarrassment. The seductive confidence of The Supreme Mother dissolved into a whisper. “I think I love her.” She let the truth hang between them before shaking her head with renewed strength. “No. I know I do, father.”

Utterly amused, he brushed his thumb over her soft lips. “A Vaid can have anything, so long as they possess the will to seize it. I knew of Rosila’s intentions for her end. Though I was disappointed at her loss, the woman had already granted me daughters of exceptional worth.” His face hardened. “If you crave to possess this girl, this Yisi, know that my aims have long encircled her. She holds the centerpiece of a plan long in development.”

A flicker of nervousness touched her chest. “Of what sort?”

“Nothing less than the culmination of my breeding project.” Dominax watched confusion swim in her expression. “Clin, Salduin, Hesin, I’ve paired my children with men of worth. Yisi is no different. I’ve sensed her potential, waiting to see how she’d grow. Now that she is a woman, my aims fall to her womb, for I shall have her breed with no less of a mate than myself.”

Surprised, Vixin raised her head. “You’ll…impregnate her, father?”

Sensing a hint of jealousy, he ran his fingers through her hair. “I have no end of illegitimate daughters to satisfy my lusts. I would give Yisi to you, untouched, if my mere amusement was my only aim. The potential power of a child conceived of my blood with Rosila’s firstborn is too great to ignore, and thus, she shall fall into my possession.”

“I don’t understand.” Vixin’s cheeks darkened further. “Do you mean to legitimize her child?”

Dominax scowled. “House Vaid has no room for another of my children. No, little flower. When you return, Nafalya shall have Hesin’s child in her belly, and I shall reveal the full extent of my breeding project to you three. For now, know that Yisi’s descendants shall have an important role to play in the future of The Empire.” He forced her once more to look at him. “I shall breed this girl of yours, Vixin. If you can endure the inevitable, I shall let you have her.”

Swallowing, Vixin felt a trickle of jealousy. To her surprise, the feeling made her thighs clench with arousal at the thought. “I can.”

“Good girl.” He traced her feminine jawline. “She may accompany you.”

Relieved, Vixin tried to conceal a grin. The thought of Yisi pregnant stirred a new fire in her loins, beginning to rub the wetness between her thighs once more. “Thank you, father.”

***

Cendra paced back and forth, hearing the sleeping city below. High atop The Grand Pyramid, she walked near the edge of Crescent Plaza, hands clasped behind her back. The void of night consumed the sky, for the sun had long disappeared below the horizon. She looked at the entrance every minute. Her ears perked at every sound. Each time, she was met with nothing but the breeze.

“Perhaps the duties of The Supreme Mother have delayed her,” Cendra told herself. Several minutes later, she whispered once more. “Patience. She’ll arrive.”

The table waited beside her, decorated plainly. What did she know of preparing a private dinner? The slaves had offered their assistance, yet she waved them away. This was her chance to rectify the past, not theirs.

Biting her lip, Cendra sat down.

“Give her time,” she whispered.

As she waited, feeling a cool breeze, her head lowered into her hands. Gritting her teeth, she felt a wetness in her eyes.

“She’s not coming.”

3rd of Fixuin, 17 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

“Are you certain this is…appropriate?” Anthara came to a stop outside the door to the new Chamber of Maps. Wearing only her shawl and medallion, she gestured to herself. “Human customs are tiresome and strange. What does your God Emperor expect from me?”

Lalian took her hands, seeing the worry in her green eyes. Her grip was steadier than his subtle trembling, yet inside, he knew her emotions too well. “As I said before we left the tower, and on the stairs, worry not. Y…you’re perfect.”

Unconvinced, Anthara gritted her teeth and readied herself, nodding to her mate. Obeying, Lalian gestured for the guards to open the door. Anthara squeezed his hand, scowling at the armored humans as they entered.

Inside, the massive chamber was lined with intricately carved shelves, each brimming with countless maps and charts. In the center, the floor sank into a wide circular depression, the sides carved into rows to sit upon. Anthara, however, ignored the chamber, her focus settling onto the armored man studying a map. White cloak hanging from his shoulders, his crown sharp, she knew he could be no less than the man they sought.

“Welcome,” Dominax’s deep voice crept through the chamber as he discarded the map upon a shelf. Turning, he met them with glowing silver eyes. “Come, my friend.”

Eagerly, Lalian grinned as he pulled her along. Bowing his head, he concealed his excited trembling. “You have no idea how pleased I was to learn of your victory, your majesty. I regret only that I couldn’t witness it at your side.”

“Yes, you departed for your special prisoner.” Dominax smirked at the stranger. “What an oddity it is to send you to interrogate an enemy, only to find her bound to your side. You taught her our tongue, did you not?”

Anthara stared, heart pounding. For the first time, she felt as though she was prey beneath the gaze of another. A tap against her side broke her from stunned thoughts. She tried to speak, finding her voice seized. Clearing her throat, she bowed her head. “Yes, your great majesty. I…understand.”

Amused, Dominax cupped her chin, studying her closely. “What a fascinating creature you are.” He saw the fire in her eyes that concealed the truth of her. Looking down, he assessed her form through the thin fabric of her shawl.

Standing still, she felt utterly naked under his inspection, as though his glowing eyes peered into her soul. Seeing his approval of her body forced a blush to her green cheeks, subconsciously folding her hands across her toned belly. This man had sired countless children. This man had claimed countless women. She couldn’t help but bury a hint of respect.

Lalian watched silently, heart pumping as his trembling increased. When Dominax took the hand of his mate, tracing over the tattoo that sealed their marriage, he swallowed nervously.

“Ironic. The first to partake in our new tradition were nonhumans,” The God Emperor chuckled, rubbing her hand gently. “A fitting beginning within an empire that shall consume all.”

“Yes, your majesty. We are eternally grateful for Princess Vixin’s assistance.” Lalian clasped his hands behind his back nervously. When his master released his mate, his heart eased. “You summoned us for information, yes?”

“Ah. Onto business then.” Dominax granted Anthara a sinister smile that deepened her blush. “Very well. Come.”

They followed him into the circle. Dominax drew his sword, placing its hilt into a hole in the center that was carved perfectly to support the blade upright. With a silent command, the sword projected its transparent globe into the air, towering above them. Anthara gasped, gawking in awe. Lalian had tried to warn her, yet the mystifying effect proved too much to conceal.

Dominax chuckled at her expression. Gesturing to the globe, his commanding voice seized the room. “Humanity is pacified, yet history demands my next target. I’ve brought you both here today to share a secret, for my aims now fall upon The Lanthian Empire.”

Anthara stared at him silently while Lalian grinned widely. “I’ve waited to hear those very words for much too long. A logical choice, your majesty!”

“I’ll require every ounce of information you both can provide. This is but the beginning, the ignition of a flame that shall consume their empire,” Dominax said, his tone dripping with ambition. “Let the legion rest while we plan. Let our recruits train. Vixin plans to depart in the morning for a time, yet when she returns, we’ll march upon the Lanthians.”

Lalian wasted no time, hurrying to the shelves to gather charts with excitement. Anthara watched him, unable to keep a hint of guilt from her chest.

As Dominax joined Lalian, watching the green man marking cities within the jungle to their south, the conquest sparked anew.

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