Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 50

Cendra's eyes lowered to Vixin's midriff with clear concentration before suddenly straightening up. "Ah."

Vixin's heart quickened as her sword hung loosely at her side. "I know that to learn of one's condition can be at once thrilling and terrifying. I've endured it all before with Domir. If you'll allow it, perhaps I can...assist you through your pregnancy. Think on it Cendra. We could be mothers, together."

"Mothers to a Prince...and a bastard." Cendra replied after a moment, failing to push aside a thought of Briza. "I can sense the paternity of the child within you. Should I feign surprise? I suppose Lord Salduin's seed wasn't taboo enough for your tastes."

With her brows easing, Vixin's hand slid limply from her stomach. "Cendra..."

Dominax folded his arms. "I'll make no denial, as you can plainly sense the truth. Yet just as before, this matter will remain within the family until the opportune time."

"Oh, I won't speak a word of this, just as I didn't the first time she took your seed." Cendra glared. "We wouldn't want her to face any consequences for her actions, would we?"

Finally, Vixin felt her face hardening. "And what of your actions? Don't forget, I'm not the only daughter to enjoy forbidden fruits. If anything, such a fact should unite us. Please...let us simply-"

"Unite us?" She nearly sounded surprised, feeling an ache within her chest that she despised. "Whatever hope we possessed of a sisterly bond was plucked away the moment you confessed your mother's deeds before the throne."

Vixin moved to speak, only to realize she held no words. Memories of the most difficult day of her life flowed to the surface, causing her expression to gradually fall to a scowl. She looked to Dominax, remembering the fear she had fought to contain during the trial. The conflicting emotions her young mind had been forced to reconcile re-emerged, as if igniting an old candle. She had been so angry at him, at herself, both craving to stab him with a dagger and bury herself within his strong arms as she wept. Neither had occurred, of course, two long buried thoughts cruelly dragged to the forefront by Cendra.

"Careful." Dominax's menacing voice warned as he unfolded his arms.

"I'm unable to speak of her murderous mother's crimes?" Cendra asked, nearly dripping with hatred. "So be it. I'll focus on her own. Tell me, how is it you've managed to slither your way into the bed of the woman you sought to slay? I suppose you must possess a silver tongue to match your eyes."

"How did you-" Vixin began, only for her limp words to be dashed against Cendra's barrage.

"When you've spent more than a few nights nestled between father and Irith, did you never consider I'd hear your moans? You sought her death, but instead you've found her cunt."

"Enough." Dominax's deadly voice boomed as he came to a stop. "You will not mock the bonds that hold this family firm! Cease your words and raise your blade, for if I cannot bind you as sisters, you'll learn to respect each other in battle. Unless you wish to test me."

Unwilling to risk his wrath, she reluctantly nodded before readying herself. At his command they rushed forward, their training swords meeting once more.

The difference in their movements was immediately noticeable, for they each fought with renewed vigor as a mutual anger simmered just below the surface of both princesses.

Vixin watched Cendra grit her teeth, sensing her resentment. Her own began to bubble, for what right did she have to criticize her deeds? She had sensed Cendra's pleasure herself in Deci, aware of the precise moment their father had entered her. Though she hadn't fallen pregnant, she was every bit as guilty.

Cendra parried a blow with a theatrical spin, aware of her father's gaze. Her thoughts fell to Irith, a replacement for her own mother. She could nearly imagine Briza's blood pouring from Xenia's hands into Vixin's, the intended benefactor of the deed. Briza was lost to her forever, and now her sister had charmed Irith.

The chamber echoed with the loud sounds of their duel, each fighting hard. The previous years seemed to unravel inside Vixin's mind, having carefully contained her thoughts. Where had Cendra been when Vixin wept, alone in her personal chambers as Xenia was executed outside? Where had Cendra been when she looked for her, pushing Domir from her loins before the masses? How many times had Vixin offered her hand in reconciliation, and how many times had it been slapped aside?

A strike nearly broke through Cendra's defense, causing her to retaliate with a downward blow. Again she felt shame beginning to flow as the duel continued on, losing any hope of impressing their observer. She had trained relentlessly, yet he had chosen to mentor Vixin himself. She had proven her commitment to his designs, carrying his legitimate grandchild, yet she sensed the fondness he placed upon the creature growing within her sister's womb. Her knuckles turned white as she squeezed the hilt of her sword, repeatedly cleaving at her opponent. Never would it be enough.

A single moment had laid before them, a vision of them raising their children alongside one another, yet Vixin banished the thought from her mind. Indifference would have been preferable, for the rage she sense flowing from Cendra wounded her more than her blade ever could. Her fury, her anger, her...disgust, leveled directly at Vixin's womb.

"What would your mother think...to know you share the bed of her rival?" Cendra muttered quietly, just loud enough to hear above the sound of their blades.

Finally, feeling her silver eyes beginning to glow, Vixin allowed her resentments to claim her. She frantically bashed her blade against her sister's, caring little for skill nor technique as she sought only to break through. For the first time her blood boiled, feeling her power gathering within her.

Cendra's cruel expression slipped as Vixin reached out her free hand, loosing a powerful blast of lightning. Instinctively she moved to protect herself, remembering her father's teachings to shield herself. The blast tore through her mental resistance, electricity seizing her body as she screamed.

Though only a quick burst, Vixin utilized the moment to knock aside her sister's blade. She raised her own, using every ounce of her strength as she brought it down with a scream of rage.

Within an instant Dominax was between them, his hand grabbing her wrist just before the blunt weapon connected with Cendra's head. Neither had noticed his swift approach, having been consumed by their fight. He glared as his eyes met hers, glowing wildly. He grabbed her shoulder, and a moment later she screamed as electricity sent her hurling backwards.

Vixin slid across the smooth floor upon her back, her muscles seizing painfully. She spasmed, enduring the effects of his power before it mercifully faded, only a sliver of his power.

"None shall dare shed the blood of a Vaid. Even you." His voice boomed menacingly.

Vixin struggled for breath as her lungs seized, finally gasping. She remained limp on the floor, feeling her nerves tingling in the aftermath. The intensity was far less than it had been during her first training, yet she still struggled to recover.

Cendra stood on unsteady legs as he turned around, allowing her to grab his arm for support. Having never been electrocuted, she looked down at Vixin in horror at realizing how easily she had bested her.

"Just how far have I failed you two..." Dominax said through gritted teeth.

Vixin rolled over, attempting to stand before falling to her knees. "I didn't...mean to..."

His raised hand silenced her. "Enough. It's clear you'll never be as close as I require. You both share my blood, yet you risk spilling it, a goal shared only by our enemies. I won't sit idly as you both destroy the unity of our House, a unity I've given everything to forge. We depart for Spirexia before the end of the next moon, Vixin. When we leave these shores, you'll be left behind."

"Wait...father, I-"

"You are both guilty in this." His voice overpowered her. "As am I, yet you will hold the throne in my absence. Grant no false apologies, no empty words. Simply learn. Serve The Empire and prove you understand the duty required of our family."

Unable to find her words, Vixin forced herself to nod.

"Yet be cautious, my flower." Dominax's pitch dropped. "Should you ever attempt to harm her again, or she you, my wrath shall find you swifter than you can run."

She watched as he began to lead Cendra from the chamber, making no move to follow. They reached the sliding metal door, yet before they passed through, Cendra looked back to present a satisfied grin.

Vixin glared through her pain, watching her sister cling to him as they departed. The door slid shut behind them, leaving her alone.

"If you seek an enemy, Cendra..." she muttered to herself, eviscerating any lingering hope that remained. "I'll grant you one."