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.

***

26th of Onis, 19 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

The grand dining hall held the echoes of the final feast before war. Hesin peered around the gargantuan chamber, knowing many of the laughing faces lining the tables would never return. His own reflection stared back at him, a warped figure mirrored off the polished gold of a slave's decorative wristband.

She danced upon the highest table for the amusement of surrounding High Lords, a hand caressing up her leg to draw attention between her thighs. King Foin, newly arrived from Domexia, blushed before returning to his extravagant meal.

The royal family held the highest position of honor, seated at the center of the table. Hesin's watchful eye followed Vixin, her hips swaying sensually as she walked. When she passed Cendra, however, he watched as a careful hand placed a message cylinder upon her elder sister's plate. The seated princess eyed the cylinder with tight lips, not daring to look up. Instead, she concealed it beneath the table before straightening her back proudly.

At her side, Clin sat silently, oblivious to the rest as he stared at his own untouched meal. As if to contrast his father's mood, seated at the other side of Cendra, the little Prince Cliax met every passing slave with a kind smile, politely thanking each one that received the honor of serving him. Already a charmer, they giggled each time the boy brushed a long strand of golden hair from his face.

Hesin watched as Vixin reached her seat, placed between Salduin and Yisi. Rather than granting her daughter a place of her own, she held Princess Jinilya tightly in her lap, chiding her each time a flash of electricity flickered in the girl's grasp.

His single eye studied Vixin's companion with silent amusement. ThisYisiand the princess had returned with new tattoos upon their palms. Few had yet to be close enough to both women to notice their concealed symbols matched. Fewer still were aware of their shared blood. Hesin could only chuckle, for even when sisters married sisters, he was the first to know.

At his own side, Nafalya cradled their son to her breast, letting Prince Atrix suckle. Once more he thought of the coming war. Once more he thought of his reflection. The child's silver eyes peered up to meet his, and he looked away.

The Lanthian Empire would bleed in mere days, yet two sat beside him. Lalian kissed Anthara, his hand upon her swelling belly as if in worship. She appeared nearly to glow with maternal beauty from her pregnancy, ignoring the whispers of any who saw her. Somehow, the talented eunuch would be a father.

"My forces are prepared to sail at your command, your holiness," the voice of Lord Kixanil of Luxi came from nearby. Turning, Hesin saw the man bowing before The God Emperor. "The fortieth of Onis shall be remembered as the day The Lanthian Empire's fall truly began. I can only wish you luck and safety in the conquest to come."

The Lord's Arkos concubine and hybrid heir bowed in turn, each granting their ruler a show of respect. Hesin shared a silent smirk with Nafalya at the sight of the hybrid, Wronax, for the years had only increased the man's resemblance to The God Emperor. Presenting three children of his own, daughters and a son that shared their father's features, the heir to the throne of Luxi appeared as if he looked in a mirror as he met Dominax's satisfied gaze.

Hesin would've been curious to see the Lord's reaction at learning the truth of his son and grandchildren, yet he was far too valuable now to toy with. Rather than leaving a member of House Vaid alone for years to govern in The God Emperor's absence, their holy ruler had decided to form a regency council to manage The Empire's affairs instead. Ever loyal Kixanil, of course, had been one of the first candidates selected.

The noble family of Luxi claimed their seats, making way for the next to bow. Others continued to arrive, their names and titles announced each time they entered the dining chamber. From afar, Hesin heard the name of King Galis The Second of House Gala echo through the loud room. A young man meekly made his way through the crowds, adjusting his crown uncomfortably before finding his seat at the highest table.

"The son of Elmia lives. Curious," Nafalya said quietly, watching the clumsy man as if he was her hired entertainment. The solemn king kept to himself after showing his respect, and she watched him as if studying a wounded animal. "What role shall weakness play in this game of ours? Do you think he'll grow in war, or perish?"

Hesin waved her question aside as thoughts of the conquest spread like a consuming jungle in his mind. The name of Queen Regent Quinla of House Stire was announced in the distance, a reminder of the power gathering in the capital. In fourteen days, they'd sail. When they reached Lanthian shores, two of the largest empires in the world would meet, and bloodshed would follow.

As he looked around the table, he cared little for the majority around him, and less that many would sail to their deaths. Such was the price of war. Glancing at Atrix again, however, he knew he had something to lose.

War demanded death, yet what would victory require of him?

27th of Onis, 19 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Vixin stared down at the colossal entrance of The Grand Pyramid. There, at the top of the many steps, her mother had lost her head.

High atop the second tower of the massive fortress, the twin of The Tower of The Lanthian, she leaned against the stone barrier of the balcony with a sigh.

The gentle night breeze offered no hint of the storm that approached. She could sense it, a presence climbing the endless steps of the tower. As a finger traced the tattoo upon her palm, she closed her hand, ready to face the coming battle.

Emerging from the tower, Cendra clasped her hands, clearing her throat. "Your message was brief, yet here I am."

"Here you are," Vixin replied without turning around.

Silently, Cendra joined her sister at the edge, peering down at the sleeping city below. Burning torches held back the consuming darkness of the night, flickering across her skin as she waited. Lips parted to speak, stopped, and started again minutes later. "I've heard rumors of your marriage. Lady Rosila's daughter, yes? Congratulations. She's a fine girl, as far as I can tell."

"You wanted to speak to me before I departed. Here is your moment.Speak," she replied coldly.

"Ah." Cendra tapped the barrier in thought. "My apologies did nothing to sway your mind. What more can I say?"

"There is a great deal more to say. If your tongue has failed you, I'll begin." Vixin inhaled as if breathing in their years of history. When she released, everything followed. "You're a cruel, vengeful woman with little loyalty for anything but your pride. You cling to your titles as if they can hide the rot at the center of your wounded soul, yet nothing will conceal the broken child that lays beneath. Worse, you're incapable of claiming a single victory that may justify your pride, and thus, you lower the rest of us instead, forcing the sins of another to taint my hands. 'Cendra the firstborn' they call you, yet others fit better. 'Cendra the hypocrite'. 'Cendra the vile'. Now, you beg my forgiveness, claiming to be 'Cendra the remade', and you find yourself at a loss for words when mere apologies do not absolve your wretchedness."

Cendra swallowed, looking away. "Harsh words, yet harsh truths."

Vixin sighed. "You've ruined us, yet after all your horrid deeds, I remain your sister. What's to become of us?"

"I had hoped you'd tell me."

Turning to peer down from the tower, Vixin eyed the place of Xenia's execution. "I often wonder if we're fated to repeat the follies of our mothers, without peace until one of us lays in a grave while the other is tainted."

Biting her lip, Cendra stepped closer. A hand reached to touch Vixin's shoulder from behind, only to retreat. "I'd rather avoid such a fate. There's time, I think. I only require a chance."

Vixin turned to face her with cold silver eyes. "I've offered plenty. If you soil another, you'll find the final death of my forgiveness."

The smallest hint of a relieved smile flavored Cendra's stern lips. "My pride isn't too great to admit I've had my share of failures. In this, however, I won't fail you. Merely grant me time."

Silent, a weary nod was her only response.

Enduring an awkward quiet, they turned to watch the city below. The light pouring into dark streets from distant windows appeared like ships on a black sea. The larger buildings near the base of The Grand Pyramid were the brightest, gradually dimming near the city walls. Beyond, the countless tiny homes lay spread out across the land, fading into the darkness.

When she could endure no longer, Cendra cleared her throat. "Perhaps, as a start, you may join me tomorrow as my honored guest at the knighting ceremony," she said clumsily, continuing when her sister raised a confused brow. "The first recruits of The Privictis Order are scheduled to receive their knighthoods tomorrow, and I'd be honored to have The Supreme Mother present to grant the ceremony validity."

Vixin folded her arms, pondering in a lingering silence. When she nodded, it came with a sigh. "So be it."

The tension in Cendra's chest seemed to relax. "Tomorrow, then." She began to walk towards the door, only to pause as her hand touched the handle. "I'm sorry, you know. For Fanir. For...everything, I suppose. You'll see. When fate tries to drown me once more, I'd rather have you by my side."

Vixin watched her go without another word. Alone, accompanied only by the flickering of torches, she rested her hand above her womb. Her secret remained concealed, beyond her sister's notice. She simply had to ensure it stayed that way.

27th of Onis, 19 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

The towering circular chamber of The Privictis Order's training hall echoed with whispers as the Initiates waited. When High Peacekeeper Clin entered to meet them, the room fell silent.

"Initiates, you know why you're here." Clin eyed the first group he had recruited into his Order, young men and women that met their mentor with an eager attention. At his side, Cendra gripped the hilt of her sheathed sword proudly, studying those she had battered dozens of times upon the sands of their sparring arenas. To his other side, Kunir stood near Vixin and Hazia, observing patiently. "You all bear the scars upon your wrists that sealed you into this brotherhood of ours. You trained. You bled. You survived to prove yourselves ready to fight for the safety of all beings beneath The Empire. You've earned the right to call yourselves Knights, and tonight, you'll receive that honor in full."

The group called out with celebratory shouts, quieting the instant Cendra raised her silencing hand.

"The burden of Knighthood is not a duty I shall force upon anyone. While the Knights of the northern kingdoms received wealth and prestige to accompany their titles in days now ended, you'll receive little but the sworn responsibility to spend your days risking your lives to deliver justice and peace to every citizen in need," Clin explained solemnly. "There are no rewards ahead but the honor of good deeds."

"You knew the life that waited ahead when you cut your wrists. Now, you have a final opportunity to select a different course," Cendra announced. "Tonight, we'll meet once more as brothers and sisters to seal your oaths. If you choose to attend, you'll awake tomorrow as Knights of The Privictis Order. If you don't, you're free to leave."

A snap of the princess's fingers commanded servants to usher in a group of slaves through the main entrance. Bare of clothing, they encircled the group, men and women ready to serve a duty of their own.

"Those who stay, however, shall perform a final act to solidify your commitment before taking your oaths." Cendra gestured to the slaves. "Each of you shall sire a child this night, adding your blood to the population you'll be sworn to protect."

"What?" Kunir whispered as the others shared quiet glances. Vixin saw grins of eagerness, surprised eyes, and nervous faces. Young men chuckled in hushed whispers, while girls blushed as they peeked at the waiting slaves.

"Several among you have already sired illegitimate children during your training. It matters little, for you'll join your brothers and sisters all the same." Cendra clasped her hands behind her back. "The children you sire tonight shall never know you. Their locations shall be concealed, donated to volunteer families. Never shall you know if the being you are assisting is of your own blood, or another's. A child that requests your help may be your own. An old man or woman may be the adopted parent or loved one of your offspring. You shall treat the entire population as a family that you'll serve until your final days."

Vixin watched Kunir's jaw tighten.

"You know what awaits. You know the commitment before you," Clin said. "Accept your duty and join us tonight or empty your chambers and depart. You're dismissed."

As the others rose and began to make their way from the training hall, whispering in hushed voices, Kunir turned to Clin.

"You made no mention of this, old man," the sandy-haired Initiate accused. "I'm not a pawn you can put out to stud and profit from the result."

Clin eyed the passing group, ensuring they hadn't heard his apprentice's disrespect. "None shall profit from the children sired tonight. You have my word."

"And thesegenerousfamilies? I suppose they won't try to profit from the prestige of our children when they reach breeding age, will they?" Kunir stepped closer, his eyes softening. "You gave me a life I could be proud of. Don't demand this of me.Please."

Clin held the younger man's shoulder. "There is no shame in creating life. Trust my judgment on this."

Vixin could sense the turmoil stirring within the man, biting her lip.

"You'd let others whore out my daughter, or make my son a breeding stud? There's no shame in others purchasing my future grandchildren as trophies to display?" Kunir grimaced. "I made my own way without selling my seed. Please, don't make me depart."

Vixin stepped between them with a gentle hand on Kunir's chest. "Don't make a rash decision."

The sight of her was enough to give him pause. "I told you how I felt about Bloodtrading the day we met. I'm not a pawn," he said, then added her title begrudgingly. "Princess."

"Nor shall your child nor grandchildren be." Vixin met the gaze of the sandy-haired man, as if a trapped animal looked back at her. This was the life she had led him to when she spared him from execution. A common thief had become a man of honor, and now he threatened to fall once more. "Blood matters, Kunir. Yours shall be treated well."

The room hung in silence when the last Initiate departed. Clin subtly stepped back, away from Vixin as he peered at the floor. Her presence was a barrier, flaring his guilt anew.

"I can't," Kunir broke the silence.

The matter was the business of The Privictis Order, yet Vixin remained. The man was of her blood, a lost brother, and she couldn't help but feel a tingle of responsibility for his fate. She touched her lips in thought, settling upon a decision. "No one shall blame you if you depart, yet attend the ceremony at the very least. You won't be forced to join, though find me, for I've agreed to watch. Let us talk. You owe me that, Kunir."

Suspicion claimed his expression as he hesitated. For any other royal, he'd refuse outright. For her, he offered a sigh instead. "Fine. Don't think I've forgotten your mercy, yet don't expect to convince me otherwise."

"Good," she replied with relief. "Tonight then."

As they walked to depart, Cendra lowered her voice at her sister's side. "Well done."

"Once more I find myself tending to your messes," Vixin replied coldly.

***

When night fell, the rainforest came alive with the burning light of countless torches. Far from the city walls, The Privictis Order gathered, their white cloaks marching through the trees as they joined their brothers and sisters.

A heavy fog poured through the trees as slaves burned a green-tinted oil, filling the area with a pleasant-smelling smoke.

"The task ahead is simple," Cendra announced when all had arrived. "You shall defend the lives of our citizens, and thus, you'll seal your oaths by creating new life yourselves. Go now."

Waiting slaves began to mix with the crowd, seeking partners as they were selected. White cloaks were carefully folded before tunics were removed.

Cendra and Clin watched as naked pairs gradually found places among the trees, settling down as hands explored curves. She watched with a subtle grin, hearing moans beginning to echo through the humid fog.

Beside them, Vixin peered through the trees. Her hope diminished with every passing second as she waited for Kunir, feeling out of place as Clin stood in silence. Cendra's presence only flared her misgivings tenfold, oblivious to the secret lingering between them.

Finally, when her silver gaze found a lone man wandering through the fog, she smiled. "There. I'll do what I can," she said to Cendra before departing, feeling Clin's animosity at her back. She left one misdeed behind and walked towards a deed she hoped would be benevolent, seeing her illegitimate brother strolling in thought. When she reached him, he offered a quick nod, a gesture she accepted as the bow he was required to give. "I'm pleased you came."

"To talk," Kunir replied, attempting to keep his eyes from the moaning bodies littered between the trees. "That's all I promised."

"Of course." She took his arm in hers, leading him along. "I must say, you've come a long way since our first meeting. I hardly recognized you after all this time, yet your blood tells the truth of you. You're still the same boy I encountered all those years ago."

He grunted. "I haven't forgotten how eager my captors were to slit my throat and be done with me. I haven't forgotten your mercy, either."

They walked through the forest, passing entangled pairs. Hips pumped. Tongues whispered. Fingers explored wet folds. "Many are quick to forget the importance of kin. I never will."

"Kin," he nearly spat the word. "Kin only seems to matter when it's profitable. If I hadn't been useful, The God Emperor would've..." He stopped himself, realizing the danger of his words. "We're all here because we fought, trained, and survived. Weearnedour places."

"You don't consider the other members of The Order to be your siblings?"