Vaid Empire: Conquest

Vaid Empire: Conquestis a massive fantasy series that aims to mixeroticawith the quality of a published novel. New chapters and artwork are released every month for free, with the completely optional possibility to receive early access on the official Vaid Empire Website. 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.

***

3rd of Twic, 18 AVE.

Kingdom Of Vaidrin, Havenhall.

The newborn took her first breath, and her mother smiled.

Yisi lifted the girl from between Vixin's spread legs. The sound of trickling water running down the walls of their bedchamber mixed with the infant's cries as she was swiftly placed into the princess's care. Never had Yisi shown more than a swift efficiency during her Sage duties, yet now, her hands trembled. Only as she watched her lover studying the new child with joy did she release a silent breath of relief. Royal juices soaked the bed. The birth had gone exactly as Vixin had promised, her moans the only music Yisi cared to hear. Despite her obvious pleasure, however, Yisi remained prepared for the worst.

Their father's presence did little to calm her nerves. The God Emperor stood at Vixin's side, judging gaze watching his bastard's work. Yisi never looked up to meet his scrutiny.

Across from Dominax, Irith's smile nearly glimmered in the morning light that poured through the windows. Having held Vixin's hand throughout her labor, she now eased back, knowing to grant a new mother space to savor the moment. "Another beauty."

Indeed she was. Vixin held the girl in her arms. While Jinilya possessed long strands as black as her own, the newborn looked to her with wispy hairs of gold that nearly glowed. Even while enjoying the aftermath of orgasmic bliss, Vixin's joy couldn't help but dim. "You have a daughter, Clin."

Yisi watched in silence, wanting to join her in bed, to hold her close, yet the presence of others held her back. She merely straightened, frozen, her emotionless face concealing a storm.

Cradling the blond child, Vixin put aside thoughts of Cendra. The deed was done, the result alive in her arms. Concealment was the best she could hope for. "What'll become of her?" she asked when the question began to burn within her.

"Your mistake shall be granted purpose, child." The God Emperor eyed his new grandchild coldly. "Remember, my flower, that the being in your hands carries not only my own blood, but that of another worthy man. The fate I'll provide shall be more than kind."

She required no reminder, for the afterglow of her orgasm was unable to wash away the guilt tightening her belly. Granting the child's blond head a kiss, she waited, conjuring a fitting name. "Our time together was short, yet your mother shall always love you, Cilith,"she whispered.

Yisi watched silently, breaths straining to leave a stiff chest. The only place she cared to be was at Vixin's side, yet this wasn't her place. Whenever The Concubine Empress noticed her, she was granted the same comforting smile any of The God Emperor's bastards received, yet still she remained a stranger.

While Vixin was permitted time to rest, Irith at her side, Yisi waited, feeling silver eyes burning into her skin whenever their ruler peered her way. She was but a meal to him, her body his tool. Half of her wanted to snatch Vixin and ride away with Jin, far from his long reach, far from The Empire. The other half wanted to stay and wait for the inevitable, quivering at the thought of a fatherly embrace she had yet to receive. In truth, there'd be no running, no escape. The Empire would consume all, and her with it.

Cilith rested upon her mother. Yisi thought of Rosila. Had she ever been in the child's place? Turning her head, she met The God Emperor's piercing eyes, a smirk upon his lips. She refused to blush, looking down.

***

The walled courtyard of Havenhall chirped with life as Vixin strolled with careful steps. Her long shroud glided across the damp paving stones placed between rows of flowers, their petals a vivid purple with dark crimson bleeding across their surfaces in swirling patterns.

"Let's go inside. Please," Yisi requested quietly, holding the princess's arm as if she would collapse. "You'd be safer in bed."

Vixin waved aside her concern. Mere hours after the birth, she walked slowly, aimlessly, feeling weightless. Already her body had recovered, a deep soreness easing inside. Her belly had tightened without a hint of her pregnancy, feeling light without a burdened womb. She sighed peacefully, watching the towering trees surrounding the palace swaying in the breeze. "I've had more than enough of that bed."

Lips tightening with worry, Yisi followed silently at her side. She watched Jinilya playing nearby, hearing faint snaps as the girl yanked flowers from their stems before ripping them into pieces.

An elegant hand caressed Vixin's bare form beneath the transparent fabric. She smirked, savoring her own curves, fertile once more. She carried only the memory of a blond daughter and a secret that felt heavier than her pregnancy. The God Emperor had claimed the girl, taking her away when he departed. Only Vixin had been informed of where Cilith would be raised, a burden that forced her silver eyes to close. After a silent breath, they opened once more, finally facing Yisi's demanding face. "Truly, I'm alright. I'd rather enjoy a day of peace before the coming war."

Yisi scowled. Without the pregnancy, their time was up. "When will he summon us to return?"

Vixin shrugged. "Hard to say, though it won't be long."

The memory of The God Emperor's smirk played within Yisi's mind. She flinched. "And if we refuse?"

A chuckle discarded the idea as little more than a joke before Vixin gestured to her daughter. "Jin, spare the plants."

Watching the girl reluctantly drop her mangled victims, Yisi's expression hardened. "Vixin," she said, tightening her hold on the princess's arm. "We could refuse to return."

Realizing her lover was serious, she shook her head firmly. "No. No, we most certainly couldnot."

Yisi stopped her from walking away, risking a slight tug. "We could. You know he wouldn't execute hispreciousdaughter for so little."

"There are worse punishments than death." Vixin squinted.

A thought of The God Emperor's hand caressing her thigh made Yisi's chest tighten. "We could ride, then. We'd have several hours before the Truthseekers suspect our intentions, yet by then-"

"No," Vixin replied firmly. The word hung between them, a fortress neither could defy. As she watched Yisi's expression harden, she took the girl's hands. "What troubles you?"

There was too much to say, ever trapped behind her solemn lips. Yisi could only squeeze her hands. "Everything shall change when we return. You'll be his again."

"Ah, so my girl is jealous?"

A glare was a mere taste of her displeasure. "This isn't a matter of...you know I tolerate your..." A blush colored her cheeks. There were moments that required honesty to shift fate, and she stood before two futures. Gritting her teeth, she sighed. "You'll stand beside him, yet I'll be forced to lie beneath him. I don't want to be left behind when you find yourself at his side."

The agony in the girl's eyes caused Vixin to embrace her. "That shall never occur. How often have I promised you, my love?"

"You've said the words, yes." Yisi's face hardened further. As if tasting the truth on her tongue, she grew drunk with honesty, forcing herself to speak. "If you're committed to...this, to us, prove it." She dared to pull back, meeting her eyes with a challenge. The urge to retreat was her enemy, for there'd be no better opportunity to say such things. "I chose you. Now, choose me. Vixin, I want...what you gave those Lanthians."

Raising a brow, her confusion was banished a moment later. "A...marriage ritual?"

Yisi mustered the courage to nod.

Stunned, Vixin concealed the beginning of a grin. "Are you certain? Do you understand the implications of such an act?"

Once more she nodded. "They've already begun to train us to perform the ritual. Citizens across The Empire seek to seal their bonds, and still I'm left with only a promise." A risk approached, yet Yisi pressed forth. "I choseyou, Vixin. I want to bear all that comes with that decision. I need more than a mere promise." She squeezed her hands tighter. "Stay. Make me your bondmate or permit me to ride away."

Silent, a second felt like an eternity. Before she replied, Vixin pulled her closer. "Yes. I'll do it, Yisi."

As if a colossal weight had lifted, Yisi breathed, feeling her throat tighten. "Thank you."

Holding her as the mangled flowers swayed, Vixin closed her eyes. "We'll seal our bond, yet...I must request father's permission to stay. I won't disobey him outright."

"Won't, or can't?"

The question lingered before Vixin pulled back, taking Yisi's left hand to peer at where the tattoo would be inscribed. For an instant she thought of Xenia, remembering the night the traitor had fallen. Where had he been as she wept? "He's my father, Yisi."

"If you must, fine. Make your request." Yisi's lips finally relaxed. "Yet when he fails you too, look to your hand, and realize who chose you. My lixidion shall always be ready to ride."

Vixin's finger traced across Yisi's palm quietly. Jinilya rested upon her back nearby in the dirt, oblivious to their words as she played with electricity crackling between her fingertips.

"We'll need a Sage, unless you intend to perform the ritual yourself," Yisi finally said.

"I have someone in mind." Letting their previous words fall away, Vixin allowed herself to smile, permitted to feel the first hints of excitement. "I'll make preparations. After all, I still owe you the taste of a man's touch. Perhaps I know someone that may satisfy both of our aims."

Yisi squinted. "Who?"

Hardly was there anyone Vixin trusted more, save for their father. Hardly could another member of The Sages be trusted with their secret yet. Perhaps there was no harm in spoiling the surprise. "Lord Salduin."

40th of Twic, 18 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Quiet whispers echoed through The Chamber of Maps as the royal advisors waited. When the doors opened, they all fell silent as The God Emperor marched inside.

Hesin cradled Nafalya's belly from behind, feeling the first hints of her pregnancy as they watched the others bow. Dominax acknowledged them with a wave of his hand.

"Come. It's time we claim our first step against the Lanthians," Dominax's voice echoed through the chamber, booming off the dark corners of the ceiling. Stepping down into the recessed circle in the floor, he unsheathed The Sword of Order, a firm hand driving its hilt into the hole in the center. Blade positioned upwards, the transparent globe projected into the air.

After all their meetings, Anthara still remained stunned as the image of their world hovered before them, colossal. She squeezed Lalian's hand.

Cendra and Clin approached, joined by Salduin. The blond man peered at the map with empty eyes, far away in thought as Salduin took the lead. "Your majesty, we're ready."

"Good." A silent command of Dominax's mind expanded the view of the jungle to their south. "The first city to fall has been selected."

"Should she be present for this?" Hesin asked as he eyed Anthara. She scowled back.

Dominax chuckled. "Ah, of course. She's the key." He offered a hand. "Come. Tell them what you told me."

Hesitating, she obeyed, wings folded tightly at her back as she stepped closer. The hand hung before her, knowing it could rip her in two if he pleased. Swallowing, she accepted his touch, feeling the tingle of his power as their skin met.

Guided to The God Emperor's side, she stood calmly, concealing the quivering of her legs as she eyed Lalian nervously. The facade of a warrior was her protection, meeting them all with firm eyes. The map expanded once more, focusing upon an area close to Vaidrin's southern border. "I was born in a city known as Praith, just here." She pointed, hating her own clumsy accent in their strange human tongue. "I know its defenses well."

"Thus, you see the target of our main force," Dominax smirked.

"Can we trust her, father?" Nafalya's smooth voice asked.

Anthara endured their skeptical expressions, studied as if she were an exotic animal. She wanted to retreat, to fly up to the tip of Lalian's tower, yet she remained firm. The feeling of The God Emperor's hand continued to taunt her, missing the sensation of his subtly crackling power the moment he released her. "I've made my choice to join you. Believe me, or don't."

Cendra looked to Clin, expecting him to defend the exotic woman, yet he merely stared at the floor. Frowning, she spoke. "She knows the horrid fate that awaits any deception. We are planning to walk into a land we know next to nothing about, and thus, we'll require any information she can provide. If Lalian trusts her enough to claim her as a lover, I'll trust his judgement."

Amused, Nafalya smirked. "So be it. Let us play her game."

"She has none." Dominax retrieved the sword, extinguishing the globe. "Continue your preparations. Cendra's words hold the truth, for we shall march into darkness. Anthara and Lalian shall be our lights."

Anthara returned to her lover's side, fighting to appear strong. In truth, she felt a sense of unease seep into every bone. This was the life she had chosen. This was the betrayal of her people she had known was inevitable. The city of her birth would burn, yet a brighter future would rise from their ashes.

As the chamber slowly emptied, she couldn't help but savor the power she had felt upon his fingertips, alien and bizarre. As she subconsciously rested her hand upon her belly, she blushed, following Lalian out of the room.

5th of Thriduin, 18 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Salduin led his lixidion into the stables of Havenhall. Even now, the routine of his monthly visits did not lessen his unease as he handed the reins to the slave waiting before him. Like all others of the palace, the eyeless young man felt for his hand without sight. Silent and locked in chastity, his mouth contained no tongue to speak the secrets of the royal refuge's inhabitants. Salduin watched him walk away, clearly knowing the precise number of steps to fulfill his duties.

Unnerved, he brushed his tunic, preparing himself. No ordinary visit loomed before him. Having received a message cylinder before his departure from Domani, he remembered Vixin's words, a request. "A marriage?"His thought shattered the instant he heard the voice call from outside the stable.

"Daddy!"

Whirling, Salduin saw Jinilya running towards him. Squatting with open arms, he swept her into the air, squeezing tightly with a wide grin. "Jin!"

"You need to see! My powers! You need to see!" she exclaimed excitedly.

A chuckle followed from the direction the girl had ran from, for Vixin folded her arms as she watched. With Yisi at her side, the two women waited as he approached, bowing his head. "Princess."

"Run along, Jin. You can tell your father about your progress later, though now, we have much to discuss," Vixin commanded. She then smiled at the large man, silver eyes glittering in the sunlight.

He lowered Jinilya to the ground, already missing her presence as he touched her cheek. "Go on. Obey your mother. I'll join you in a moment." As he rose, he watched her excitedly hurry away towards the courtyard, electricity sparkling in her grasp.

"She's been a...handful," Vixin chuckled as she embraced the large man. "Welcome back, Salduin."

"Did you receive the message?" Yisi asked.

"Yisi! He's hardly settled in," Vixin shot back.

Salduin merely nodded. "Straight to the business at hand, then? Just so. Yes, I read it. You were right to keep the details vague, for if I've properly assessed your request, few are ready to know of it." He looked to Vixin, then to Yisi. "Both of you? Together?"

The princess risked a nod. "You know the truth of us, then?"

His face hardened. "I could say I'm surprised, though it'd be a lie."

"Do you disapprove?" Vixin asked.

Salduin calmed her nerves with a shake of his head. "Our Order endlessly promotes love between kin. I'm no fool, princess. I knew where this was heading. If your father's holy will is to see families bound together in pleasure, I can hardly recoil when two of his daughters seek each other."

Relieved, Vixin took Yisi's hand. "We'd trust no other. Not yet."

"Good. Sisters have long been enslaved together, though to legally bind their love may still prove too great for many. If this is what you truly seek, I'll do all I can. As for your second request..." He stepped towards Yisi, clearing his throat. "I worked beside your mother for many years to see The Sages rise. Rosila was a...complicated woman, yet if her daughter has chosen me to make her a woman, I'd be honored to serve."

Yisi blinked, her expressionless lips offering no hint of the fluttering in her chest.

"Salduin," Vixin leaned to kiss his neck with a seductive smile. "Thank you."

Straightening, the large man clapped his hands together. "Well then, a marriage. There is much to prepare."

***

Darkness seeped through the deep rainforest, held back by a ring of candles burning a green light. Salduin waited beside the small altar crudely carved of wood. With a gesture, he invited the two women to take his hands.

The flickering light danced across their bodies, bare in their natural state. Yisi calmed her nerves, feeling the man's powerful grip. The other was her lover's, a reminder that nowhere else in the world was more fitting.

Far from Havenhall, far from civilization, the purple lixidion waited nearby, lashed to a tree. The Empire was gone. The Truthseeker had been commanded to spread out, far from sight. They were alone, a trio in the darkness of nature.

"Vixin and Yisi," Salduin began. Even a royal placed her title aside when sealing her love. "We've come tonight to seal your bond eternally. If you accept, the touch of my holy lips shall bless you as one."

The rehearsed words echoed softly in the night. Vixin claimed the first kiss, tasting familiar lips. As she watched Yisi clumsily move next, she giggled to herself.

"Now, demonstrate what you may offer your new mate before the eyes of The Creator," Salduin said. None remained to observe their ceremony. None were present to call their bond illegitimate. Salduin could say anything he'd like, for he and Vixin knew the truth of their prayers. The Creator could not hear them. His eyes couldn't watch. Even still, Salduin recited the exact words required to legally seal their bond, granting the mother of his child the respect of a careful ritual.

Vixin knew all too well what was required, smiling as she guided Yisi to kneel. Easing the girl onto her back, Vixin remained between her legs, guiding her thighs apart. Yisi blushed, avoiding Salduin's gaze as her lover's fingers brushed her delicate lower lips.