Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 50

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.

***

24th of Fonic, 12 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

"Clin...h...help me!"

The voice of his mother came forth from his feet, familiar words of a familiar nightmare. She'd be pinned beneath a tree branch, he knew, fighting to keep her head above the water licking at his ankles. The skin of his small hands would be cut and bruised from his attempts to free her; minor wounds burned into his memory forever.

"Help...y...your mother...my boy..."

Five words repeated countless times on countless nights. The screams of their victims echoed in the distance, decades unable to dull them.

"C..Clin...I'm not strong enough..."

The final words she'd utter. Now he'd turn his head and glimpse Hesin through the trees, watching them, the murderers of his innocence.

Yet as he turned, Clin was surprised to discover...nothing. No Hesin, no accusing eyes. Where the boy had stood all those years ago, returning each night his memory deemed it necessary to torment him, he instead found nothing more than rainforest.

Confused, he began to look around, uncertain how to proceed in his altered dream. So static and accurate had his nightmares been that the young Hesin's presence had nearly become comforting, a companion to witness the terrible deed that must come next.

His eyes fell upon the tiny pheromone lures placed every few yards, lining the short distance from the camp of Hesin's tribe to the mouth of the cave. True to his memory, he saw the deep claw marks in the wet, swampy mud, reminders of the horrid creature they had knowingly coaxed forth. Its vile roars continued to ring out through the trees, each chilling Clin to his bones.

Uneasy, he knew what must come next, never forgetting the sounds of her struggle as he had pushed her head below the water's shallow surface. Yet when he turned, hoping to find the end of the nightmare, he suddenly stepped back in surprise as he found his mother standing before him, free of the branch. His foot slipped in the wet mud, sending him splattering onto his back. The mud and water soaked his clothes, feeling more real than ever before.

Peering down as she stood over him, towering above his young frame, a wild smile split across her face. Her hand fell upon her stomach, round with a pregnancy he had never witnessed upon her thin form. When she spoke, his heart dashed within his small chest, uttering Cendra's voice rather than her own.

"What a tragedy it is, for children to abandon their parents. I wonder if yours shall remain when black sand buries your bones...my love..." she said before laughing, only for a coughing fit to seize her lungs. She began to choke, a wet gurgling sound coming from deep within her throat. Then he watched in terror as water poured from her open mouth, her hands grasping at her neck as she fought to breath.

Eyes bursting open he was ripped from his nightmare, midway through his own scream.

"Calm, my love! Calm..." Cendra said as she continued caressing his head, her hand now real. "It's alright..."

"Where..." he began, breathing hard as he gripped her wrist, eyes darting around the dark room. Reality slowly reclaimed him, each panting gasp less frantic than the last. The dim moonlight lightly trickled through the glass of the doors on either side of their bed, their personal chambers a copy of The God Emperor's own.

Her hand broke free of his grasp when it eased, resuming her gentle strokes as she calmed him. "You were shouting in your sleep."

"I..." his hammering heart slowed, and he allowed his muscles to sink back into the sheets. "I had hoped we'd enjoy a few more nights uninterrupted. Apologies, Cendra. I...can't-"

She quieted him with a hush, lying close. "I'll open the doors; the air will help."

"No." The word burst from his mouth. "No, don't leave. Please."

Frowning, she leaned over to kiss his cheek.

He began to rub his eyes, feeling far more tired than he had before they went to sleep. A sigh oozed from his lungs, years of exhaustion floating to the surface. "I can't...endure this, wondering every night if the past will seize me. How could anyone? I can't...Cendra..."

A quiet claimed the chamber as she reached down to clasp his hand, pulling it to her bare chest. When she finally spoke, her grip tightened. "I want to help you, to free you from whatever terrible things lurk within your memory, though I don't...know how. Yet if you attempted to focus on the future...perhaps the past would slip away."

He felt her move his hand, her skin softer than anything upon Ayphieal. She stopped when they reached her midriff, pressing his hand firmly against her stomach. For a moment he remained still before turning his head to face her. Slowly he raised his brows, watching her nod.

"There was no doubt of the outcome...yet I can sense him now, our deed taking root." She said quietly, her silver eyes glimmering in the darkness. "I wish you could feel it as I do, to sense the mind of our child. It's so early...yet he's there...inside me."

A twitch ran through his finger as he held her flat belly, his heart once more beginning to quicken. "Cendra..."

She smiled at his speechless state before laughing in surprise as he pulled her into a deep kiss. She closed her eyes, taking in his scent.

When they separated, he once more found her belly, pressing firmly as if it may slip from his grasp. Surprise struck him a second time as he replayed her words. "He?"

"You've put a prince in my belly, my love." She nodded. "He's so young, so new, almost nothing...yet I feel the beginnings of his consciousness growing within me."

For a brief moment Clin's features lit up, forgetting his dream, forgetting himself, before his smile dimmed as he remembered who he was. A light chuckle escaped him. "Are you certain...he's mine?"

"Of course, you ass!" She replied with a smirk. "Your seed has taken its claim, Clin. Your prince grows within The God Emperor's daughter. No doubt my father shall seek to reward you."

He cared little for 'rewards', already lost in thought as satisfaction overtook her expression. Slowly he lowered his gaze, releasing a tired breath.

"Are you not pleased?" She asked when she broke free from thoughts of legacy, caressing his cheek. "Surely you can't tell me now that you regret our first night together. That's...cruel, Clin...a fate I couldn't-"

"I'm pleased, Cendra...more than I can express." He said, pulling her close. The memory of the nightmare clung to his mind as he shut his exhausted eyes. He felt as though his chest may collapse, that his flesh would sluff from his bones. "I want to enjoy this, more than anything, I do. Yet what if I'm...far too ruined to be a father?"

Wrapping her arms around him, she pressed her head to his, sensing the emotions threatening to overtake him. "Listen closely, my love. This world is hard on people. It forces many to their knees, and some lower. That's what we're fighting to correct, why you fight, is it not? Good, strong men crumble beneath the trials hurled upon them by chaos, yet if you continue to fight...to endure...our children may find themselves born into a world free of tragedy. A world of peace."

Remaining still for a moment, he swallowed his building emotion before kissing her once more. "Then I'll fight until my last breath."

With her breath momentarily catching in her chest as she felt his arms squeeze around her, she released a quiet chuckle before closing her eyes. Bare forms pressed tightly together, they allowed sleep to reclaim them.

35th of Fonic, 12 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Vixin dipped her toe into the water of the pool nestled around the throne, balancing nimbly on one foot. Just cool enough to be refreshing, she pondered if she'd have enough time to swim. Her father's messenger had offered no approximations of when he'd arrive, only stating that she was expected in the throne room.

Despite the minutes ticking by, she found it impossible for boredom to take hold, for the view offered ample entertainment. Her gaze traveled around the chamber, catching sneaky glances from the harem girls as they lounged about. Some giggled as she spotted them, their eyes lingering just long enough to spark her interest before turning away.

She chose her targets well, taking her own concealed glances. With no inch of fabric to conceal them, she found a banquet of alluring sights, her silver eyes traveling over the curves of her father's many lovers.

The sound of doors opening claimed her attention, causing her to straighten up. Through a side entrance The God Emperor marched into the chamber, flanked by Rosila and a younger girl she didn't quite recognize. A child younger than Arinax rested in Rosila's arms, and Vixin realized her heart was quickening with each step her Mistress approached.

"Vixin." Dominax greeted her with a grin when they reached her. He gestured to the girl beside him, roughly Nafalya's age. "I'd like you to meet Yisi, daughter of our Lady Rosila here."

Surprised, Vixin studied the girl quickly. She shared the same long flowing hair of her mother, as black as the void rather than Rosila's brunette coloring. Though she was dressed in a skirt typical of girls who have yet to reach maturity, it was already clear that she'd grow to become a beautiful woman in the coming years, much like Nafalya. Yet her face struck Vixin most of all, for though she shared traces of Rosila, there was no doubt of who sired her, as Dominax placed his hand onto her slim shoulder.

"Go on, Yisi. Show our imperial princess proper respect." Rosila commanded.

In response she bowed before meeting Vixin's eyes. "My lady."

The girl's gaze caused Vixin's chest to tighten, yet she bit her tongue and nodded dutifully.

"I require a task of you, my flower. Rosila and I must see to a matter in the west tower, a task that holds no place for children." Dominax explained as he caressed the back of Yisi's head, nearly as if seeking to provoke a reaction from Vixin. "In their mother's absence you'll look after them. I'm sure there is much you and Yisi can discuss."

Vixin Felt her cheeks blush, feeling an odd sensation at facing two clear siblings she had never met, even if one was still young enough to cling to her mother. "Father, would a slave not be better suited? I know little of how to care for-"

"Then you'll learn. The 'Goddess of Fertility' should know how to look after children. In any case, I'm certain Yisi here will behave. Simply treat them as if they were your sisters." He said, taking particular enjoyment in his final word.

Though nervous, she finally nodded before gesturing to the younger girl. "Very well, father. And this one is...?"

"She shares my name." Rosila replied, moving to pass the child to the princess. "Treat them well, and I may reward you during our next training session."

Ignoring a tingle of memory, Vixin accepted the child into her arms, holding the product of her father's dalliance.

Rosila cupped Yisi's chin, her voice far sterner than Vixin had ever heard. "Behave, girl. I'll return in the morning."

Without another word Vixin watched her mistress take Dominax's arm before they departed together. She glanced to Yisi, wondering what exactly she was expected to do.

***

Lalian felt the heat of the liquid as he poured it into the shallow wooden bowl, filling it before moving to the second. Finished, he inhaled the mist rising above both bowls, testing the smell before picking them up. Each were carved to fit comfortably into his green palms, requiring little effort to handle as he moved to push open the door with his shoulder. He followed the narrow hall, stepping out onto the balcony.

The two towers on either side of The Grand Pyramid's entrance had finally been completed, lording over the city below. It didn't take long after he moved his personal apartments into the top levels of the west tower for the title 'Tower of The Lanthian' to spread throughout Domani, a name he didn't find particularly flattering.

Though the balcony circled to wrap around the entirety of the tower, he found Felza siting just beside the door, right where he had left her. Carefully he handed her a bowl, doing his best to avoid spilling. "It's meant for Lanthian tongues, though I'm certain it'll taste just as well to a human."

Seated in a chair beside his own, she accepted the drink before tilting it to her lips. Though each morning she was forced to sit nude beside the throne, a trophy on display, she now pulled the shroud Lalian had allowed her to use each evening around herself, holding her heavily pregnant belly. "That's...quite good."

"Language, my lady." He reminded her politely. Of what use were their sessions if she didn't practice what he taught her?

She sighed, switching from her native language to that of the imperial tongue, repeating herself. Though her words came slow, she had learned much from him during their short time together. "Does it remind you of home?"

Pausing after sitting down, he granted her a nod while lowering his eyes.

"I've heard very little of your lands, though some sources say all male Lanthians are..." she began, searching for the translation.

"Slaves." He added quietly.

Seeing his clear reluctance, she lowered the bowl. "Ah. Well, I suppose you can take comfort in knowing they shall fall beneath The Empire."

Though her words flowed in a clumsy trickle, he was pleased to see just how far she had come. Her training had been intensive, of course, as a future Queen Regent would be expected to know the customs of The Empire. "One can only hope. Perhaps we should start by discussing the hierarchy of The Sa-"

"Don't you want revenge?" She cut him off bluntly. "On your old masters, I mean."

He opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to look out across the city as his expression fell. His words came in her native tongue, heavy from his lips despite the elegance of her language. "More than you can possibly know. To see them toppled from their perches, their self-serving pride stomped beneath the legion, I-" He stopped, seeing the look of surprised curiosity upon her face. "Apologies, my lady, I...shouldn't speak of such things."

"No, go on!" She encouraged him with a grin.

He raised his hand gently. "No no, I'm sorry. Please, let's return to today's lesson."

Shrugging, she relaxed in her chair before they both heard a knock upon the door. Confused, he gestured for her to remain seated as he rose, expecting no visitors. He hurriedly walked through the hall, unlatching the door to the stairwell.

"Master?" He asked as he found Dominax and Rosila on the other side of the door before quickly bowing. "Please, come inside."

"A being such as yourself shouldn't bow, Lalian." He replied as he stepped inside the cramped hall. "You've more than proven yourself to me. Still, where's my prize? You've chosen this hour for Felza's lessons, have you not?"

Confused, he nodded before leading them towards the balcony. "She's just over here, though we've hardly had time to start today. Is she needed elsewhere?"

"No, my friend, she's exactly where I want her." Dominax's low voice echoed through the hall before the trio emerged onto the balcony.

Felza quickly stood, bowing despite her protruding belly. In confusion she eyed Rosila, pulling the shroud tighter around her body.

"Ah, then we're prepared to begin." He said, starting to explain before either could question him. "We near the end of your pregnancy, near the day Kinia shall have a worthy king. I can sense him within you, a being of value."

She bit her lip as he pulled open her shroud, placing his hand onto her round belly. Valued only for her womb, she parted her lips subtly in arousal as she met his eyes. "Your son grows...strong within me, your holiness."

"You've taught her well, Lalian, though I held no doubt in you. Should you choose to join us tonight, I'd be proud to have you at my side."

Though momentarily speechless at the praise, he gathered a hold on himself. "Join you in what, exactly?"

An insidious smirk crept across Dominax's face. "Think to the night that resulted in her pregnancy. I know you haven't forgotten, my friend."

His cheeks flushed deep green. Even without his accursed flawless memory such a night would still be burned into the very depths of his mind, remembering every second he had watched The God Emperor's seed ooze heavily from Felza's womanhood.

Rosila clasped her hands behind her back with a devious smile. "You were there at his side when he conceived a king, and now he seeks to have you there when he grants me my final child."

Stunned, Lalian felt his breath catch in his throat. "Does she...speak the truth?"

"Indeed." He confirmed, placing his hand onto Felza's waist. "As for the future Queen Regent, escort us to your private chamber, and you'll discover the reach of my generosity."

Uncertain how to proceed, a moment was required for Lalian's quick mind to awkwardly jolt him forwards. "V...very well...please follow me."

They didn't delay, trailing him as he led them back inside. He found the door along the narrow hall, opening it to reveal a chamber containing a wide bed against the far curved wall. Shelves lined all other walls, each brimming with wooden slabs, message cylinders, and scrolls made of parchment, each neatly organized and labeled. Odd trinkets dotted the room, each with an intended place, polished without a hint of dust. Of course, the volume of writings and designs within the room fell as nothing compared to his private library and new workshop resting upon the two levels above them, yet he nearly felt a sense of pride as Dominax scanned the room with curiosity.

"You've been quite busy." The God Emperor remarked, though before Lalian could reply his eyes fell onto Rosila as she allowed her tiny loincloth to fall to the floor, revealing what little had been hidden. Dominax chuckled, moving behind her. He reached around to cup the underside of her round breast. "You enjoy the sight of her, I can see. Save your reluctance for court, for you've earned refuge from my judgment."

Lalian watched as he lightly rubbed her nipple, causing her to chuckle. Slowly he forced himself to nod. "Yes, my lord. She's...quite beautiful."

Satisfied, Dominax moved to Felza, pulling away her shroud until it toppled to the floor. Entirely nude, the pregnant future queen made no move to conceal herself, instead placing her hand on his arm with visible arousal. "And of her?"

Once more he watched his hand move, falling to rub her pregnant belly. The sight poured lust through him, knowing his master had impregnated her. "They are both...visions of beauty..."