Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 47

Dominax watched as a Lord stood from the first and lowest table and began to approach, climbing the slanted steps connecting each tier as he was followed closely by his family. He stepped up, separated by The God Emperor by the wide width of the table, and bowed respectfully. Though years had weathered the man, there was no confusion as to his identity. Lord Kixanil of The City of Luxi, had come. "Your holiness..."

"I am pleased to see you've accepted my hospitality." Dominax greeted him before his eyes shifted to the man's side, met with a face that could never be forgotten. Wros bowed her head, unable to keep a smirk from her lips. The Arkos concubine had matured since their last meeting, yet she retained every inch of her deadly beauty. Her gray body had been dressed in a fine chimira silk skirt, decorated with intricate patterns. Her top remained bare, as if to display his prized lover with pride, a thin gold chain hanging loosely between the dark nipples of her firm breasts.

"You remember my Wros, don't you, your holiness?" Kixanil asked with a confident smile. "You were quite smitten with her all those years ago, when our glorious empire was but a mere dream."

"I remember quite well." Dominax replied, his eyes narrowing knowingly. Wros met his gaze, an unspoken acknowledgment pulling the corner of her lips upwards.

"Ah, but you won't remember Wronax. He was but a boy when last you saw him." Kixanil said, gesturing the third and final member of the family forwards. Though a hybrid, the young man's features practically made him appear as if an Arkos version of Dominax, his face so similar The God Emperor nearly felt as though he were looking into a mirror.

Wros met his eyes once more, neither granting voice to their thoughts. How Kixanil remained blind to the truth even now remained a mystery to Dominax, for even Irith turned to grant a questioning glance at her lover.

Oblivious, Kixanil bowed his head once more. "I shall not take a further moment of your time, yet I'd like to thank you for your generosity this evening. When I chose to fight alongside you all those years ago, I held no doubt that greatness awaited us. You continue to prove me correct with each victory, the building of an Empire I am proud to serve."

Dominax nodded to the man, half in thought during his not-quite groveling words. As the Lord of Luxi departed, he watched Wronax from behind. He had laid with the mates of many men, though typically with the expressed encouragement of said men. Many wished to see the bellies of their lovers, daughters, and sisters swell with the divine children of The God Emperor, to have their homes blessed with his holy seed. Yet he held no doubt that Kixanil would consider the truth of Wronax to be neither a blessing nor an honor, for the paranoid Lord retained a tight hold over his precious Wros. The Arkos concubine took a sneaky glance back at him, and whatever guilt had attempted to seep into his awareness was quickly held back, locked away.

As if unwilling to be undone by a mere Lord, King Foin caught the attention of a nearby serving slave, forcing her to lean down to whisper into her ear. Then, as if mimicking Kixanil, he stood from his seat at the highest table and walked to the center, bowing lower as his family followed his lead. Rather than speaking he gestured to the nude slave, who stepped forwards to announce him. "King Foin of House Feun, ruler of Domexia, along with his concubine Enalia, and their sons."

"Welcome." Dominax greeted them, unable to keep a hint of annoyance from his voice at the ever-fattening appearance of the King. If possible, more ornate rings had been squeezed onto his thick fingers from when last he saw him, and his robe displayed only the finest and most expensive detail one could buy. A triumph of decadence stood before him, turning his stomach.

Where he may have found guilt in his actions against Kixanil, none came to him upon viewing the king's family. Foin had agreed to their arrangement, after all, and though Dominax had taken much from the man, far more had been granted to him in turn.

As the king began his speech, Hesin watched the writhing body of a nude slave dancing upon the table before him, his single eye peering intently as she ran her fingers down her midriff to caress her bare womanhood. Beside him Tildra sat quietly, none of her displeasure visible through her own mask.

He felt her hand tap his arm, only turning his head slightly to acknowledge her. She pressed herself close to his ear, whispering. "Master...could we not talk? It's been far too long since I've sat at your side."

In response he pulled his arm away slowly. "You're the invited guest of The Grand Master of The Hesian Order. Is that not enough?"

"But our child-"

He held up his hand to quiet her, receiving a curious glance from Salduin on his other side. "Your child. Make no further mention."

Foin performed a final bow, the finishing touches of his prepared words, before making his way back to his seat. Vixin watched, and as she had many times before, she closed her eyes to sense the spiritual lines of the king's children connected to her own father, a fact all were quietly aware of. She could only bite her lip in amusement, the thought stirring a warmth between her thighs.

Next came a face from long ago, an echo older than any before. Lady Dunith of The City of Omrin stepped up, bowing beside a dark-haired young man. "God Emperor."

Dominax couldn't keep an amused grin from his features, laying his eyes upon the very first of his vassals. The spark that had grown into The Empire itself stood before him, slim arms clasped behind her back. Though older now than the young woman he had claimed beneath her father's hospitality, the daughter of Korvis carried herself elegantly, displaying no reminder of the crude Era before The Empire. "Ah, a face I'm actually pleased to see."

"Congratulations on the sealing of your heir, your holiness. The Prince Upholder is...well, let us say you produce healthy sons." She said with the same glint of ambition he had utilized at those years ago, before gesturing to her companion. "Allow me to introduce my own heir, Drivis."

The same age as Cendra and Vixin, though only a month younger, as Dominax knew well, Drivis granted him a bow before straightening up proudly. A strong and fit young man, he possessed the graceful posture of his mother. Dominax was pleased as he studied him up and down, ever curious how the secret seed he had left in Omrin had developed. Yet his gaze came to a rest upon the young man's belt, displeased by the sight of a hilted dagger nestled in its sheath.

"I apologize, your holiness. I know it's bad form to bear a blade in your presence during a feast, though I believe you'll find the weapon to be rather curious." Drivis said, sliding the weapon from its black leather just enough to reveal its pristine white surface. The guards lining the back wall behind their ruler stepped forwards, held off only by Dominax's raised hand.

"I'll humor you. There is only one blade of note in your family's possession." Dominax replied.

"Indeed." Drivis pulled it free of its sheath, holding it outwards with two fingers supporting either end. "The very blade you gifted my grandfather. The first weapon to ever be forged into chimira steel. The White Teardrop."

Vixin winced at its name, recalling her mother's smug confession of Korvis's end, whispered to her on a night she was far too young to understand. She nearly wanted to excuse herself, met with the aftermath of such tales.

"We remember the price we paid to serve you." Drivis continued, rotating the blade. "And we shall continue to do so, both under your son, and his son after him. I won't forget what you've done for us."

As the young man returned the blade to its sheath, Dominax met his cold eyes, seeing his own features. "Neither shall I."

Already Queen Regent Elmia began to make her way over as Dunith and Drivis granted him a respectful goodbye, replacing them quickly.

"You appear to be in good spirits." Dominax said after Elmia bowed. "A far cry from when last we spoke."

"Of course, much has changed in Cendia these last few moons, your holiness." She explained, placing her hands onto her hips as she turned to Vixin. "Though it seems the same is true here. Our new 'Goddess of Fertility'. I'm sure you're proud."

Vixin's cheeks reddened, remembering the night Elmia had assisted in Rosila's lesson. "It seems the population has taken father's words far too literally. The Sages claim their crowds pray to me, yet I'm unable to hear."

"Hardly a problem that many would want to avoid." Elmia chuckled, before focusing on the child in the princess's arms. "Still, I doubt I'd have the strength to give away my own son."

"She'll do what's best for House Vaid." Dominax interjected, placing his hand upon Vixin's thigh beneath the table. He caressed her soft skin, mere inches from the treasure between her legs.

Irith looked down, granting him a questioning glance as she viewed his hand, yet held her tongue in front of their guest.

"I have no doubt." Elmia replied, a motherly tone dripping from her next words. "I do regret that Prince Galis has remained in our capital. He may be learning to rule on his own, yet I would have liked to see his reaction at just how similar he appears to your child."

The comment brought Cendra's attention to her sister, doing little to keep a scowl from her face. Vixin sensed her disgust, turning to meet her gaze as Elmia began to relay the progress of her kingdom to The God Emperor. For once, rather than backing down in the hopes of pleasing her sister, she retained her stare, thinking of the disappointment she had felt when she realized Cendra had abandoned her during the birth. A tingle of anger nudged her awareness, a foreign feeling as she held her baby closer.

Cendra merely turned away after a moment. They had both been claimed by their father, of course, yet she at least had the decency not to fall pregnant. She could expect little else from Vixin. 'Goddess of Fertility', a fitting title for a whore.

"We shall nearly be prepared to march with you to Spirexia, your holiness. The north will fall, one kingdom at a time." Elmia stated, finishing her explanations.

Cendra looked across her father as he and Elmia said their departing words, seeing his hand. She watched as it moved further up her inner thigh, forcing Vixin to bite her lip subtly.

"Cendra?" Clin whispered from her other side, looking at her scowl with concern.

She shook her head in response, leaning to whisper as well. "It's nothing. I just need a moment from this den of sycophants."

In surprise he watched her stand up. "Wait-"

Leaning down she whispered once more. "My father plans to speak to his advisors before the end of the feast. Go with him, hear his words, then seek me out near the main gate."

Without another word she departed, before Dominax himself had even granted her leave. He turned to Clin with a questioning eye, yet the blond man merely shrugged, perplexed.

Annoyed, Dominax returned his focus to the next vassal that replaced Elmia before him. Yet when he recognized the man, his lips parted in a savage smile. "High Lord Linnax, welcome."

Irith remained nearly frozen, watching the ruler of The Valia District bow before her mate. The man she fought beside during The Battle of Unification, only to be turned upon and served to their enemy like a captured animal. Slowly, her blue eyes narrowed.

"Your holiness, it is an honor to stand before you." The man said with a smirk. "Though once we were enemies, such a path led us here. Now you punish the pompous northern kings that looked down upon us throughout the entirety of our histories. I can freely admit my relief in losing our little wager, for the outcome is grand."

"Wager..." Irith replied under her breath. Vixin placed a hand on her forearm, sensing her emotions.

In response Linnax turned to her, smiling brightly. "I suppose I should not forget your beautiful mate. Concubine Empress Irith, I am honored to dine within the same walls as you, the glorious mother of our future God Emperor."

"Are you?" She asked coldly. "I seem to remember that my wrists were bound when last we saw each other, as your men dragged me through the mud."

"Ah..." Linnax replied, lowering his gaze. "That was...unfortunate. It seemed to be the best course of action at the time, though I apologize for the way it was handled."

Nafalya looked to her mother with confusion, holding Zela in her lap as she sat on the other side of her. The youngest princess attempted to grasp at the table, ever curious.

"Apologize to me if you like, yet no further. Little good is an apology to dead men." Irith responded harshly, her accented words striking like lunging serpents.

Clearly uncomfortable, Linnax shifted his feet slightly as he remained standing. "Commander Enil was a great man, such is true. I would have liked to see him survive the battle, yet war is war."

"A great man whose sister you sold before his body had stopped bleeding." She retorted, receiving an amused look from Dominax.

"Indeed...though had I known what you'd become-"

"That my mate wouldn't simply use and discard me? That is quite the miscalculation." She cut him off.

He straightened with a sigh, folding his strong arms behind his back. "Very well, I do not desire to disturb your festivities." He said, before turning his attention to Dominax. "I'll excuse myself, though it is an honor to see you both."

Dominax allowed him to depart with a nod before turning to Irith. "The man is no longer our enemy. He plays a part in maintaining The Empire, a loyal servant. Without him, you would have never fallen into my possession."

"That is why I thrust my words, my love, rather than my sword. The man may sit beneath your roof, yet I don't need to tolerate his voice."

Grinning at her fiery tone, Dominax allowed the matter to fall away. Then, after a moment of consideration, he summoned a slave to his side. "Enough politics for tonight. It's time. Inform them."

Obeying, the slave moved towards Clin as Dominax rose from his seat, cloak flowing behind him as he descended the many stairs of each tier. Cheers erupted as he passed, though Clin was still able to hear the words whispered by the slave. "His holiness wishes to speak to you. Follow me."

Remembering Cendra's words, he stood as the slave moved to Salduin, then Hesin, whispering in their ears as well. He granted Salduin a perplexed shrug when the big man looked to him, before the trio followed her nude form towards the exit.

***

The labyrinth of corridors passed by as they followed the slave girl deeper into The Grand Pyramid's complex depths. At a point in the journey they descended a stairway, entering the levels of the massive fortress that extended below ground. Finally, they seemed to reach their destination, for she came to a stop outside of a wooden door. Without another word she pushed it open, gesturing for them to enter.

"Welcome." Dominax greeted them, placing his hands firmly onto a tall table standing in the center of the small room. "Come, let us begin."

"And this is concerning...what exactly?" Hesin asked suspiciously as the slave sealed the door behind them.

Dominax chuckled. "You should know, for this isn't the first conversation we've had regarding this subject. Gentlemen, I come to you with an offer."

They joined him at the table, its surface reaching their waists as they remained standing. Salduin folded his powerful arms. "We'd serve you in any way we can, though this secrecy is a bit odd. I'd have thought that the throne room as secure enough."

"Secrecy? No longer, for what I offer will be made abundantly public. However, I've brought you here for a purpose, as this is the very table where you three pledged yourselves to me, sealing your fate as my advisors." Dominax explained, running his hand over one of the three deep marks in the wooden surface. "No better place than here to further your service, nor to reward you."

The three men looked to one another, and Hesin wondered if their conversation in Argin was finally coming into reality.

"A plan of immense importance has been in motion for some time, and now it falls to you three to see it through." Dominax explained, every word calculated. "Each of you possesses a duty and purpose. Hesin holds command of The Hesian Order, Salduin assists The Sages in structuring our new religion, and Clin shall one day lead an Order of Knights, as we near the day of enacting his plans. Each of you are integral to The Empire's foundations, the first three to pledge your loyalty at my feet. It's time our bond is sealed in blood."

Clin touched the stump of his missing finger, unsure of what other blood possibly needed to be spilled.

"You three remain childless in the official records, for whatever unknown bastards sired during these long years, if any, are entirely irrelevant. Thus, I desire to pair each of you with a princess of House Vaid, mates to assist my daughters in conceiving the next generation of our dynasty."

Hesin smiled behind his mask, having waited for this moment for more than two years.

"No Vaid can ever be considered a mere concubine, yet whatever children these pairings produce will be fully legitimized and Vaidimated. Your titles, your duties, all will pass through your bloodlines, three branches of House Vaid to assist the line of God Emperors. Three pillars to support the throne eternally."

Clin cleared his throat. "You humble us, your majesty. I can think of no greater honor."

"Good, then you may begin at once. Clin, I shall grant you to Cendra. Salduin, to Vixin. And Hesin, Nafalya, though you must wait until she reaches maturity."

The masked assassin nodded, his grin only showing through his words. "Of course. My patience has yet to fail me."

Satisfied, Dominax tapped lightly upon the table. "There are parameters to this deal, however. I don't choose the specifics of these pairings lightly, for I expect each of you to mentor your mate in the ways of your respective Orders." He said, before meeting each man's eyes one by one. "Further, a Vaid must be free to seek whatever desires seize them. Beings of my blood are far more than mere humans and cannot be caged. Each of my daughters shall be free to breed with any male they encounter, and you shall do nothing to stifle their lusts. Though they have my permission to produce as many bastards with any number of lovers they wish, only the children sired by you three shall be accepted into House Vaid."

"That won't be a problem." Hesin replied with ease.

"In turn, just as they may sleep with anyone they crave, you shall be allowed the same standard. Use slaves, lovers, it matters little, so long as you perform your duty and grant at least one legitimized child to your true mate. Is that understood?"

"Of course." Clin nodded, heart beating firmly in his chest. Thoughts of Cendra flowed through his mind, a dream finally solidifying into reality.

Dominax grinned insidiously. "Then the future is in motion, moving to emerge." He said, before sensing Salduin. Emotions radiated off the big man, clashing with clear conflict. "Is there an issue, Lord Salduin?"

As if ripped from his thoughts, Salduin jumped back into the moment. "No. Apologies, your holiness. I'm honored to be granted such an opportunity...though I simply ask for time to consider your offer."

Clin and Hesin peered at him with disbelieving confusion as Dominax's face hardened. "I offer you a chance to combine our blood, to forge a worthy legacy...and you hesitate?"