Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 51

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.

***

15th of Fixuin, 12 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

The cloaks of the guards fluttered in the harsh wind, a herald of an approaching tropical storm. They formed together as a wall, separating the rowdy crowd from the members of the royal Court as they stood at the base of The Grand Pyramid's towering steps.

All of Domani had come to witness the completion of the gargantuan fortress, as the very last traces of scaffolding were being stripped away. The ingenious mechanisms of pulleys and weights conjured by Lalian had been dismantled, no longer of any use after maneuvering the pyramidion atop the summit. A capstone of solid gold to crown the Pyramid, every exquisite symbol carved into its surface had become sacred in the minds of the population.

"I demanded a jewel of imperial power, and you failed to disappoint." Dominax said through his grin as he placed his hand upon Lalian's shoulder. "No longer are you merely 'The Lanthian', for you've more than earned your place among us."

Lalian's distant expression brightened, allowing pride to claim his stance. Briefly he thought to his former mistresses, pushing aside a memory of anger as he wondered what they'd think to see him now, a former slave at the side of The God Emperor, and perhaps as the side of a friend. Yet as he stared up at the golden tip high above, his smile began to slip.

Nestled between her father and Irith, Vixin watched Rosila lead a semicircle of Sages in a low chant before them, facing the fortress they intended to bless. She refused to turn her head to Cendra, feeling her ire rise every time she was tempted to glance her way. Only the sensation of Dominax's lips against her ear broke her from her boiling thoughts.

"Ask yourself; is this not the image of our control? A monument to the influence we may inflict? They look upon the seat of our power and shudder beneath its majesty, for who but a deity may hope to stand against an empire capable of its construction?" He whispered. "You'll be required to understand the utility of appearances as a Sage, my flower. Hear them now, chanting blessings of no more value than what we grant them. Yet the population hears their words, believes their meaning, and thus they become sacred."

Vixin made no move to reply, her pretty lips sealed as she sulked.

"Ah, don't sour on me. A punishment was necessary, for I won't stand idly as my children tear into each other."

"Yet your punishment only weighs upon my shoulders." She finally whispered.

Hearing the defiance in her tone, Dominax nearly smiled, remembering the days she had merely bowed her head in fear before him. "Indeed, as does an opportunity. You're a clever girl. Do you see no advantage to sitting upon my throne? Appearances, Vixin. The people will see you rule in my absence while your sister fights far from The Capital. Your punishment is to stay, Cendra's is to leave."

Though she made no reply, her scowl gradually eased.

Rosila threw open her arms, as if preparing to embrace the entirety of The Grand Pyramid as her words boomed above the low chanting of her fellow Sages. "May your walls never crumble as they repel the evils and chaos of this world! May generations of House Vaid be birthed, breed, and be buried within your chambers! May The Vaid Empire stand strong throughout time, unwavering, with a white and gold jewel at its heart!"

The fanatical cheers of the surrounding crowds became deafening, causing the guards to hold their shields tightly as they held them at bay. Celebration overtook the city, and Lalian peered through moist eyes at his masterpiece.

***

By nightfall it became clear that the festivities would not diminish, as the streets of The Capital brimmed with the lively noise of rowdy gatherings. Citizens marched aimlessly, hurling powders of vivid colors through the air to rain down upon their nude bodies. Cries of ecstasy rang out to mix with laughs and cheers as men and women paired together, proudly displaying their raw passions without a carry in the world.

"The north may look upon our cities and name us degenerates, yet I witness life itself when I gaze upon their joy!" Salduin exclaimed as he stood from his seat at the table, lifting his drink.

"Well said." Dominax replied, half in thought as he steepled his fingers. Far from the rabble of the city, he had ordered a fleet of wooden barges to fill Domani's port, creating a temporary island to celebrate with the full view of The Grand Pyramid. Its white surface glimmered in the moonlight of Fixuin as torchlight flickered over the black water lapping around them.

Every visiting Lord and Lady present in The Capital feasted upon several large tables scattered about the barges, singing, dancing, and no doubt scheming.

A pairing near the edge of the deck caught Cendra's eye, for a male slave had been commanded to make love to a female slave for the entertainment of onlookers. She smirked to Clin, wrapped in his arms as she remained in his lap. He politely blushed, though laughed as she whispered into his ear.

On the opposite side of the table, Vixin scowled, though her expression eased as she saw Yisi granting her a curious glance. Seated at her side, the girl had only been invited at Vixin's insistence.

"Can you hear that?" Cendra asked Clin, looking through a distant cluster of laughing nobles.

With his child finally showing the first hint of a bump within her otherwise flat midriff, he held her as if clinging to a treasure. "The wind? I suspect we'll only have a few more hours before the storm arrives."

She shook her head. "I hear weeping."

Clin waited, attempting to seek the noise through the cacophony of voices. "We don't all have the senses of a Vaid, princess." He teased.

"Indeed, you don't, yet he will." She grinned playfully as her hand met his upon her belly.

He eagerly accepted her kiss, tasting her lips. When they separated, he reluctantly gestured for her to stand. "I'll return in a moment."

"Clin, I hardly think it's important. Stay, as we have few nights left to enjoy before we depart." Cendra said with a hint of annoyance.

"It's important to whoever is weeping, surely." He smiled. "I won't take long."

He didn't need to look back to know that Cendra had folded her arms in a huff as he maneuvered his way through the crowd. Only when he broke through to the other side did he find his target, as Lalian remained slumped against the railing of the deck, his face buried in his hands. Cautiously he joined him at the edge, gazing out into the water.

Upon hearing his presence, Lalian quickly wiped his eyes with the edge of his cloak before straightening up. "Lord Clin. Enjoying yourself?"

"You certainly aren't." He stated as he stroked his neatly trimmed blond beard. "Tonight is your triumph, is it not?"

"Of course...a triumph." Lalian replied bitterly, though quickly changed his tone. "Apologies, my lord. You should return to your family. I nearly forgot to congratulate you on Princess Cendra's pregnancy, as it seems we both possess reasons to be proud tonight."

Clin tilted his head to face him. "Yet you weep here alone. Come, Lalian, speak what torments you. Your masterpiece is complete, a true marvel that'll stand long after we're gone. The citizens may praise it as proof of The Empire's superiority, yet we all know The Grand Pyramid is your accomplishment."

"My last accomplishment." Lalian replied abruptly before taking a breath. Though he nervously fiddled with the edge of his cloak, he pressed forth, gesturing across the port to the towering structure. "My magnum opus. My greatest creation. Already I've brought it into being, yet now what? What can I possibly do now that may match...that?"

"Ah..." Clin replied, peering at the mountain of carefully designed stone and gold before them. "No one expects you to surpass what you've already done."

"Yet that's my purpose, my lord." Lalian said, rubbing his eyes as he sighed. "I'm...you're aware I'm unable to sire children, yes? It seems everyone on Magnius is aware. Your descendants shall hold your blood, your memory, your accomplishments, yet what of mine? The Grand Pyramid is my legacy, the only thing that shall carry on after I'm reduced to dust."

Clin briefly glanced towards Cendra through a break in the crowd before nodding with understanding. "Your situation is...unfortunate, and one I'll fight to prevent from occurring to any other man when we reach The Lanthian Jungle. However, what you already possess is a legacy worthy of the greatest of men."

"And already it's complete. It's a...singular feeling to know you've already finished your life's work, to be aware you may live for decades more without a purpose." Lalian said in an empty tone, never turning away from The Grand Pyramid. "To live within the shadow of an unsurpassable limit."

"Respectfully, Lalian, I believe you've allowed your mind to overstep your ambitions. A wonderful mind it may be, but don't allow it to pull from your grasp." Clin explained before sweeping his arm to gesture at the city. "You've completed your life's work, yet what of their lives? The people? Their needs? Your talent could benefit many, could it not?"

"I...suppose I possess designs intended for the public." Lalian replied quietly as he pulled his attention from the structure. "Minor projects; certainly incomparable with the grandeur of my masterpiece."

"Again, your mind oversteps. The Grand Pyramid is a powerful symbol, to be sure, yet a symbol is of very little use to a citizen. If our Empire's existence is truly intended to benefit our people, even a minor project that improves their lives is worth far more than the glory and prestige of a monument." Clin explained calmly before subtly touching his cheek. "You won't be celebrated, yet a single good deed may be more vital to an individual than any pyramid could hope to match."

Lalian considered his words, his fidgeting slowly fading as his eyes gradually brightened with potential. "Perhaps...your words hold merit. I've pondered the creation of a siphoning system capable of distributing clean water throughout the city. It'll require some corrections, though its...possible."

"That'd be a start, certainly."

Chuckling, Lalian allowed himself to ease against the railing, his mind refocusing as it already began to form designs. "Tell me, my lord. How do you possess such a keen ability to ease the troubles of others?"

"You have your purpose, and I have mine." Clin replied with a smile, only for it to fade as he peered at the green man with weary eyes. "Though listen, I've been meaning to speak with you for some time. The moment approaches when we'll depart for Spirexia, and when we do, I'll require a favor."

"Of course, my lord, of what sort?"

Clin gritted his teeth as he turned back towards the water, keeping his voice low as guests behind him began to chant encouragements towards two slave girls that began to kiss, exploring each other's bodies as they stood upon a table. "Of the most important sort, and one I'd appreciate discretion in as to avoid any misunderstandings. Lalian, when we arrive, I ask that you do what you can to prevent avoidable tragedies."

Lalian tilted his head. "I don't believe I'll have much control over such things. Warfare isn't quite my domain."

"Yet you have The God Emperor's ear, as do I. Irith usually calms his...harsher tendencies, though if a time comes when her words aren't enough, many may suffer." He explained. "Salduin is a good man, though often he fails to fully consider what may be best for ordinary people. Hesin is...well, it's very likely that you and I will hold the responsibility to ensure we minimize the damage we cause."

Looking around at the clusters of celebrating nobles, Lalian once again gripped the edges of his cloak. "I...dislike speaking of his holiness in this way, particularly without his knowledge. One could nearly mistake this as conspiring."

"Thus, you see the reason I'd like to keep this conversation between us. I'll never betray his trust, nor do I expect you to, yet our duty is to advise him, so we must. When we encounter a decision that may lead to needless suffering, I ask that you join me to dissuade him."

Lalian swallowed before his eyes narrowed, nodding towards the main table. "I owe everything to him, and I'll do nothing to stand in his way. Yet, my lord, you aren't the only of his advisors to redirect his wrath."

Clin followed his gaze, spotting Felza and Pelni seated together. The future Queen Regent appeared to be at the very end of her pregnancy, her nude body decorated with golden jewelry as if a prize on display. Pelni held Alia in her arms, holding her as if a doting mother.

"Already there are beings that live only because I hold The God Emperor's ear. I...won't protest if he chooses to ignore my advice, though I'll offer my words if opportunities arise." Lalian explained nervously before placing his hand gently upon Clin's arm. "He makes mistakes, as we all do, yet he's a good man, Clin. Blood has been spilled, and will be spilled again, though please don't lay too harsh a judgment upon him. Many will fall, though only through tragedy can we possibly hope to bring a permanent peace."

Clin merely nodded, suddenly feeling cold despite the warm wind. "Merely do what you can, Lalian. If we forget the people we intended to help, what has this all been for?"

They both allowed the question to linger before Clin respectfully bowed his head and returned to his seat, finding an annoyed Cendra whose mood quickly improved as he kissed her.

Nafalya walked past them as she made her way through the crowd, seeking her target. Already she moved with an elegant grace, weaving her way towards a cluster of nobles containing the very man she sought.

"Ah, evening princess!" Lord Kixanil greeted her as she found her way to his side before everyone else scrambled to address her. As The God Emperor's daughter, all eyes were upon her, requiring her to conceal her hand between her own body and his as she reached beneath his cloak.

"Gentlemen, would you happen to know where Lord Hesin might be?" She asked, pushing aside a long strand of silky black hair to bring attention to her freehand while her other slipped free of his cloak. She cautiously concealed her newfound coin purse behind her back, clasping her hands to cover it.

Several of them pointed in a direction she was already aware of, though she bowed her head with a sly smirk and thanked them.

Hesin watched as she made her return, moving like a hidden predator after a successful hunt. She presented the purse after ensuring none could see, allowing him to feel its weight as he unfastened it.

"You learn quickly, Initiate." He peered at the imperial coins within, an amused smile curling behind his mask. Embroidered with the symbol of The City of Luxi, he plucked a small portion of coins from the purse before tossing it over the side of the barge, the evidence of their deed dashing quickly into the depths. "Here, a memento of your training."

She accepted the single coin he offered with a grin, watching as he pocketed the rest. Her silver eyes hungered for his knowledge, only pulled away when she noticed the approach of a masked Truthseeker.

"Ah. Run along." He said as he cupped her delicate chin, stroking it gently. "Our time has only just begun. Think on what you've learned."

She bowed her head. "Until later, master."

A hint of pride trickled through him as he watched her walk away before his expression dropped, turning to meet the assassin. "Tildra."

"I see your new pet is coming along nicely. A little clumsy, though she possesses potential." Her bitter tone oozed from behind her own mask. "I remember a time when you looked at me as you do her."

"State your business quickly, for you'll find little patience from me tonight." He replied with annoyance.

"Straight to the point? Very well, master." Tildra said as she sighed. "Hesin, we're approaching the day of departure. Will you not permit me once to bring you to our son before you leave Domani?"

"Our son?" He asked harshly, folding his arms. "As I've said, make no further mention of him."

"Please, he's begun to speak your name, though you've yet to learn his. Allow me to speak it, to introduce you to-"

Abruptly he cut her off. "You've spoken of me to that child? Why not train it to ask for its true father, should you discover who that might be."

The expressionless mask did little to conceal the pain of her voice. "Yet...it may be you! Please, there's no telling how long you'll be gone, or if you'll ever return from the north at all."

"I'm certain you'll have many guards to keep you entertained in my absence." He said without emotion. "Perhaps I'll return to find you've granted me another 'son'."

"That's...cruel, Hesin!" She burst out, overstepping her trained instinct to conceal her words as several nearby guests briefly turned their heads to witness the commotion. "I did only what pleased you!"

"Lower. Your. Voice." He commanded in a deadly whisper.

Angrily obeying, she waited for the others to resume their conversations before continuing discreetly. "I took to bed whoever you selected, spoke whichever words seemed to arouse you most. The risk was one we both accepted...until you found that girl placed beneath your command."

"Nafalya has no part in this, and you'd be wise to avoid disparaging a Vaid." He said coldly. "The son of a guard simply doesn't spark my interest."

"Oh, does it not?" She replied, feeling her resentment rising, no longer caring for the consequences of her words. "I seem to recall just how aroused you were when the healer confirmed my pregnancy. You forced me to speak of it, of how little your chances were."

"Stop this." He whispered as he leaned closer, a threat hanging in his words.

"What changed? That girl? She won't be permitted to share your bed for years to come." She asked, refusing to retreat. "Yet I suppose the promise of a royal cunt is enough to forget those that mattered. The God Emperor requires a child of your blood, yet what then? Will you beg Nafalya to fuck another as well?"

A single eye peering intently at her, he placed his hand upon the hilt of his dagger.

She hesitated, pausing before shaking her head. "Poor Hesin, you won't escape your nature. Leave it hilted, for I'll waste your time no further."

Wordlessly he lifted his fingers, standing firm as she leaned in to whisper.

"Such a broken man, whispering of a slaughtered brother one night, and watching your mate take the cock of another the next. You'll never heal, yet I endured it for you. Will she?"