Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 43

Vaid Empire: Conquest is a massive fantasy series that aims to mix erotica with the quality of a published novel. New chapters and artwork are released every month absolutely free, with the completely optional possibility to receive early access. The Series focuses heavily on worldbuilding, story, and characters.

The world of Ayphieal is shattered and chaotic, with kingdoms and tribes of six distinctive races vying for territory amongst themselves. It is only when a young human warrior finally pushes back against the chaos that the world begins to shift towards order.

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6th of Iahta, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Each step was hardly louder than their quiet breaths as they moved through the tunnel, shoulders hunched to fit. Hesin's hands caressed the muddy walls through the darkness as he led them, sightlessly feeling his surroundings.

A hint of moonlight revealed their escape, trickling through a hole in the vegetation concealing the tunnel's end. He came to a complete stop, listening for any indication of an unscheduled patrol as his men waited behind him. Hesin could nearly hear their heartbeats above his own, closing his eye as he took in the sounds of the night.

Knowing they couldn't simply remain inside the tunnel indefinitely, as much as they may have wished to, he finally began to pull away the large leaves when it became evident that they were either alone or the danger was hidden far too well to detect.

Each rustle of vegetation was a dagger poking his chest, mixing with the distant cries and squawks of nocturnal creatures. Slowly he emerged, feeling utterly naked under the moonlight as he and his men crept across the gentle stream hugging Deci's wall.

Only when they had all crossed into the tree line on the other side did he allow himself to breathe, issuing silent commands through hand gestures. Without hesitation they began to disperse through the trees, knowing when and where they must regather.

The next group would join them the following hour after the patrols had passed, then another, and another. They'd need only to wait, for their freedom slowly approached their fingertips.

11th of Iahta, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

A breath of anticipation escaped Cendra's lips as she briskly strode through Deci's streets towards The Stronghold, dreading her destination.

The God Emperor had requested her presence, wishing to speak to her about 'family dealings', a phrase whose meaning she wasn't entirely certain of. No doubt he'd question her absence as of late, as she had ensured that every task holding her attention placed her far from her father and sister. For the last month she had trained at the barracks, overseen the men along the walls, and only returned to The Stronghold to sleep.

The thought of finally meeting face to face stirred a reluctance in her, unsure of what she'd say. After all...she had sensed them that night.

Though not nearly as adept in the more ethereal aspects of their bloodline's powers, she was more than capable of sensing the bursts of pleasure that had openly emitted from both her father and Vixin. Though faint, as if just touching the corner of her awareness, she was certain she hadn't been mistaken. A month later and she could still remember the intense desire to breed that she had sensed from them both, neither caring to conceal their aura of familial passion.

What was she to think? To know in all likelihood her father and sister had engaged in the deepest taboo a parent and child could commit? Should she weep? Delve into fury?

Vixin was an utter slut, that much she was already certain of. Yet what of her father? He had of course taken thousands of women, sired countless children. There was no point in denying her respect for such a fact. Yet to partake in his own daughter?

Of course, a smaller part of Cendra echoed quietly in her mind. Ignored for years, abandoned to struggle with her powers and position without more than a hint of guidance, only to learn that Vixin would now receive his attention in other areas? A slight blush of anger flushed her pretty features, inciting a feeling she couldn't quite explain. Was it possible she felt...jealous?

Cendra ignored a group of citizens as they bowed to her, lost in her thoughts. She passed an older beggar with his hands stretched out, hardly noticing as the four guards tailing closely behind shoved him to the ground when he stepped too close.

Absolutely not; envy in such a situation could never be justified. Gone were the days of longing to feel his presence, to be embraced with fatherly strength as a daughter should be. She had come far enough without him, a thought that forced a subtle tightness to her chest.

Her long legs moved with a natural power and seduction as she approached the main entrance to the stronghold, pushing aside the heavy doors with an otherworldly strength that didn't quite match her slim and feminine form.

"Ah, the daughter that shuns her father." Dominax's deep voice echoed through the throne room before he turned to the nearest guard. "Leave us."

Standing beside the throne, Vixin watched each of Cendra's steps as the guards began to pour from the chamber. When her sister had finally bowed her head, only the three of them remained.

"Your holiness, it wasn't my intention to shun you. I've merely been at work enacting your plans." Cendra explained as she coldly eyed Vixin.

"Your holiness now, is it?" He questioned as he straightened up. "Well then, my flower, speak of your progress."

"I've placed men along the wall exactly as you've specified, and ensured the noise of the legion's training has increased. Alrin will remain unaware of our decreasing numbers inside the walls as they gather outside with Lord Hesin, just as were your wishes." Cendra explained calmly. She folded her hands behind her back, displaying the very image of imperial pride in the hope that her explanation would end their conversation without delay.

Dominax nodded with a satisfied smirk. "Good girl, we'll be done with this Alrin business shortly." He said, granting no hint of his concern. What little remained of their supplies had been rationed strictly, though they lay on borrowed time. "Yet that isn't why I've summoned you."

Vixin felt as if she were under the blade of an executioner as Cendra glanced to her, sensing her hatred.

Slowly, Dominax rose from the throne and stepped towards Vixin. "We are the only Vaids in Kinia, a world away from the heart of The Empire. We must remain together, for the strength of our bonds will weather any storm these foreign lands may sweep our way. Who else but family can one truly rely upon?"

Cendra's silver eyes traced down, settling upon Vixin's belly. It appeared...odd, not quite as slim and fit as she remembered.

"Our blood, our family...that is all that truly matters in this world." Dominax continued, placing his hand upon Vixin's midriff. "Such is why I call you now, for you must know that your sister has fallen pregnant."

Eyes widened in shock, Cendra glanced to her father in disbelief. "Truly?"

"The first Vaid to bear my grandchild, a truly momentous occasion. The second generation of our House has begun adding to our bloodline, fulfilling our purpose alongside my own efforts." Dominax explained with visible satisfaction.

Cendra's heart dropped. Vixin pregnant, only after what she had sensed between them?

"Are you not pleased, my flower? Your sister has begun to breed, as is your responsibility. We shall grant this world order and peace and fill it with beings of worthy blood. That is our destiny."

Vixin squinted at her sister with a hint of confusion. "Did you truly not realize until now? A true Vaid should always sense when another is with child. For nearly two months you've been unaware?"

"My mind has been preoccupied as of late." Cendra replied, her words dripping with hatred. She wanted to scream, to cry out what she knew to be true.

"Ah...indeed it has. Tell me, my flower. Name the source of this pain I sense from you." Dominax commanded with a knowing smirk. "It's time we discuss your torment, rather than maintaining the facade that you're only keeping your distance out of duty."

"You...know?" Cendra nearly whispered, losing the confidence in her voice.

"That you sensed the moment I made your sister a woman? Of course, little flower." Dominax grinned, causing even Vixin to look to him in shock.

"Cendra I..." Vixin began, rushing to find her words. "This is not how I wanted you to-"

Dominax cut her off. "Quiet, there is no need. We are family, and thus we may be entirely open with one another. Should we delve into secrecy and mistrust, House Vaid shall crumble to dust under the onslaught of lesser beings."

A deep blush of anger flushed Cendra's pretty cheeks. "You've waited over a month to discuss this with me? Both of you? When you knew I was already aware?"

"I did not. Besides, you hadn't exactly placed yourself as someone I should speak to about such things." Vixin stated firmly, finally allowing a sliver of her frustrations free.

Cendra glared, meeting her silver eyes. "Do you expect me to subject myself to the confessions of a slu-"

"Careful." Dominax warned menacingly, eying them both. "I shall tolerate no insult against any of my daughters. Even from you."

Reluctantly, Cendra bowed her head, though after a silent moment she spoke once more. "Am I to assume the obvious then? The origin of this unborn child?"

As if polishing a priceless artifact, Dominax caressed Vixin's belly, feeling the very first visible hints of her pregnancy. "Indeed."

Cendra stood still, peering at the floor as not a single word passed from her lips.

"I've allowed you to play commander, to avoid what has occurred. Now, however, that can no longer be tolerated. The population will soon know their princess is pregnant, and whatever reservations you possess about the conception must be put aside." Dominax stated in his commanding voice. "It is time we truly delve into your purpose."

Vixin turned her head to him. "Purpose? Of what sort?"

An insidious chuckle escaped Dominax as he pulled away, moving to return to his throne. "Come."

She stepped to stand before him, feeling the burning hatred from her sister as she stood beside her.

"Recall the conversation we had at the birth of Arinax and Zela." He commanded, smirking.

Vixin shifted uncomfortably as Cendra folded her arms. Almost three years later and his words continued to occasionally echo through her mind, an anticipation of a possible future. "You explained we'd one day be required to breed with men of your choosing, to continue the Vaid bloodline."

He nodded. "The most critical duty a Vaid possesses. I expect you to produce many children for the population, though the next generation of our House shall be sired only by men worthy of the privilege. I've found such men long ago, and I believe it's time to include you two in my designs."

"And what of...current realities?" Vixin asked, holding her stomach.

"The child you now hold falls outside such plans, for it shall be granted to the population." He explained without emotion. "In the same way the children sired through my slaves are granted to families devoted to my throne, so too will yours be placed within the care of a volunteer. We hold the position of deities, my sweet daughters, and thus there is no end to individuals eager to raise the offspring of Gods."

"Very well." Vixin said after a moment, a part of her deep down knowing that she should feel...something. A mother shouldn't wish to give up her child, should she?

Cendra finally opened her mouth, unwilling to meet his gaze. "Who are these men you've selected?"

"Three individuals that have remained loyal since the beginning, men who have proven themselves to be above the common citizens." Dominax replied with a grin. "Where ordinary beings follow my rule, they've stepped forward long ago to prove their worth."

Vixin felt a flutter of excitement, her mind seeking to deduce his selection.

"The royal advisors, Clin, Salduin, and Hesin, have been critical to the growth of The Empire. It is only right their blood be added to our eternal dynasty."

"A wise choice, master." Vixin said with a smirk, feeling a hint of arousal. Which of them would sire her future children?

Cendra straightened tensely, hardening her expression. "Do you...have any particular pairings in mind?"

Dominax studied her, more than aware of her interests. He had sensed her affections countless times, yet..."Of course. Salduin shall breed Vixin, for a man as spiritual as he deserves the future leader of The Sages."

A chuckle escaped her lips, thinking of the big man. He'd grant her strong children, a thought that brought a blush to her cheeks. "I'd be honored to bear his seed, father."

"Good girl." He said before continuing. "Nafalya's part will of course be delayed until she reaches maturity, though she will join you two in your duty. She'll be paired with Clin, while you, Cendra, will have Hesin." Dominax explained, allowing the lie to slip easily from his mouth.

In response, an expression of concern spread across Cendra's face before she finally spoke. "Your holiness...I must-"

"Holiness?"

Taking a breath, she corrected herself. "Father, I must protest. There is NO justification in selecting that man for my mate. Entirely NONE."

Amused, Dominax stroked his short beard. "Oh?"

Mind racing, Cendra finally met his eyes. "Clin is a FAR better match, for everything I've learned of combat stems from him. He's a good man, father. Hesin is merely...a coward hiding in the shadows, so afraid to show his mutilated face that he wears a mask!"

"Then you'd have this...'mutilated' craven forced upon your younger sister?" Dominax asked, knowing he had already promised Nafalya's womb to Hesin.

"No, I..." Cendra began, flustered. "Please father, I'm your eldest child. Allow me to-"

"Is such a match truly distasteful to you?" He asked, well aware of the answer.

She nodded firmly. "More than you could know. Please, I'd like to discuss this with Clin and together we can convince you to-"

Dominax held his hand up, silencing her. He studied her pretty face, seeing the evident concern. "None outside this room shall be made aware of my plans until after Vixin has given birth. However, if mating with such a man is unbearable to you, I'll consider your words. We shall speak more of this in the coming days."

A slight relief fell upon her face as she allowed her shoulders to relax. "Thank you, father..."

Concealing a pleased smirk, Dominax steepled his fingers. "In any case, the children you three produce with these men will be fully legitimized into House Vaid. I shall Vaidimate them, unlocking their full potential. The third generation of our dynasty shall rise."

"We won't fail you, father." Vixin said with a sly grin.

A feeling of unease seeped into Cendra, yet she returned her hands behind her back once more. Despite her outward display of pride, a thought continued to poke at her mind.

"What shall our future hold, Clin?"

20th of Iahta, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Cendra scowled as she climbed the seemingly endless stairs to the flat-topped tower that held her father's temporary study.

In the time since their conversation, she had thought of little else, examining every possible avenue of convincing The God Emperor to allow her to pair with Clin. The thought of breeding with a man like Lord Hesin made her wish to spit on the floor, yet it would do little to correct his decision.

The time to ponder had come to a close, for Dominax had summoned her once more. Each step brought her closer to her fate, dragging forth every unpleasant thought she had coaxed.

"To allow a man such as that to touch the first-born daughter of The God Emperor? Has he lost his mind?" She thought, each of her proud strides carrying her higher and higher. "Should a Princess not possess what she craves?"

A flutter in her heart at betraying Clin in such a way forced her face to harden, as if a poisoned dagger had pierced her chest. Instinctually she pushed the thought aside, allowing a hint of anger to numb her.

Vixin had been more than pleased at her selection, ever the favorite flower in The God Emperor's garden of children. The second born daughter, first chosen. Trained privately to master her power, seduced and impregnated. It came as no surprise to learn she'd gladly spread her legs for anyone their father wished. Cendra...would not.

By the time she had reached the final step, her ire could nearly suffocate the life from her. Moving to knock, her hand passed only through empty space as the door abruptly swung open.

Dominax grinned insidiously as his eyes fell upon her, only to turn around and walk from the doorway. "Come child, we have much to discuss."

Unease seeped into her stomach as she sealed the door behind her, grabbing onto her prideful anger as if it were a rope dangling over a chasm. "You've considered my words then, father?"

Sitting down at his desk, he granted her a nod. "Indeed I have. Yet tell me, what is our duty? Our aim?"

Unable to hide a frustrated breath, Cendra folded her hands behind her back. "I understand our aim, father."

"Careful of your tone, my flower." He replied in a low pitch. "Yet since you 'understand' my words so well, enlighten me."

"It is our purpose to further the bloodli-"

"Purpose, Cendra. I speak of duty." He cut her off.

Her silver eyes studied him for a moment, careful of her next words. "We bring peace and order to the ordinary inhabitants of Ayphieal and seek out worthy beings capable of doing what is necessary."

"Yet to do what is necessary, one must be willing to sacrifice." He said, meeting her gaze intently. "The fabric of reality strains at the birth of Vaidimated children, solidifying under the pressure of our power. Your bloodline offers the whisper of possibility, yet you are promised nothing."

Cendra nodded, hardening her expression. "Nothing indeed." She thought to herself.

"You do little to conceal your emotions, my child. Speak aloud." He commanded.

Taking a breath, she allowed her shoulders to relax. "We must prove ourselves, to seize our power and bend the world into its proper place. Yet when seeking guidance in such things...I've come to know the definition of nothing quite well."

Dominax folded his arms. "Then you feel I've neglected you? Take hold of your feelings, child. You can hold no secrets from me."

"Perhaps I'd be capable of concealing my emotions from another Vaid's senses if given the proper training." She allowed a flare of anger to curl around her next words. "You've certainly seen to it that Vixin receives all the assistance she requires."

"I grant her what I deem necessary, my flower. Do you wish to announce that you are incapable of proceeding on your own?"

"Incapable of..." She repeated with a surprised glare. "Never have I once uttered a request, nor pleaded for greater training. I've followed what little you've granted me, as Vixin receives your private guidance. How many nights have you spent fine-tuning her senses while I struggled in the dueling yard? Now I learn this...Rosila woman has been instructing her as well? You've left me to drown while teaching her to swim."