Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 45

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.