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.

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20th of Silla, 19 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Praith.

A tiny crack was the first hint of the events to come. It was a subtle sign of the great change that loomed upon the horizon. The moment it was noticed, Lalian knew his life would forever change.

Healers were summoned, yet little could be done but to let nature take its course. House Vaid gathered before the throne of Praith as archers searched the skies for danger. The legion surrounded the edge of the circular platform. Black smoke billowed in the distance, the remnant of a recent raid, though the war was far from Lalian's mind. As he supported the green egg in his hand, watching the shell gradually break, he felt little but joy squeezing his heart. The time had come.

"Much fanfare for a simple egg," Nafalya whispered as they watched, surrounding the Lanthian couple as she held Atrix to her breast. "Curious."

Only Vixin heard her over the mutterings of the others. Standing beside her sister, she frowned with a whisper of her own. "We celebrate loyalty, not an egg. Lalian deserves this."

Nafalya eyed their father with an amused smirk. The God Emperor loomed over the couple from the throne. "So you say."

Having remained at Dominax's side for several days, Falin stood next to the throne, an eager student of all the knowledge of governance he had to offer. A hand upon her midriff hinted at her pregnancy, one hybrid beginning to take form as another sought to hatch from its egg. Having given birth herself mere days ago, Nafalya savored the new emptiness of her womb, her body light and agile once more.

Irith eyed her daughter from across the ring of royals. She watched with a frown as Atrix suckled. It had been a swift birth, and already the child had been relinquished to the care of slaves. Another woman nursed her grandchild, for a bastard could not claim a prince's milk. She wanted to fight, to demand the child be kept in their possession as she had with Enilax, yet her battles had to be precise and careful.

She held Zela's hand on one side and Arinax's on the other. The prince watched with fascination as the egg slowly shattered and cracked. He wanted a closer look, yet Irith held him back.

Anthara's heart pounded as she heard the first cry squeak from inside the broken egg. Fear before battle was natural, yet never had she felt such terror.She was a mother. A tiny hand pushed from an opening, green skin pale and wet. The egg crumbled as her son broke free. Tears trickled down her once proud face."He's a strong one."

The royals cheered as Lalian lifted the newborn, weeping as fiercely as the child in his grasp. Brushing away fragments of the shattered shell, he cradled their son in a protective hold, already prepared to stand before the world itself should it threaten his child.

Congratulations came forth with beaming smiles, a flicker of hope resting before them in a dark and dangerous place. When The God Emperor descended the throne, however, they quickly parted to make room. Dominax clasped his friend's shoulder, peering down at the newborn with pride.

"Th...thank..." Lalian tried to say through his tears of joy.

Anthara attempted to conceal a trembling in her voice as she finished her mate's sentence. "Thank you...God Emperor."

"May he bring you peace, my friend," Dominax offered in a somber tone that surprised many. He kept his voice low and sincere. "There are few gifts worthy of what you deserve. Perhaps this boy is enough."

Lalian nodded frantically, daring to reach over and clasp Dominax's forearm. The observing guards appeared stunned, for few were permitted to touch The God Emperor unprompted. Once more their respect for the strange Lanthian man grew in silence.

As the couple tended to their new child, the royals approached in turns. Even without the powers of her children, the paternity was obvious to Irith as she beheld Lalian's son. The God Emperor had granted his friend a great gift yet left his own features plain for all to see. A perfect hybrid, the pale green boy regarded her with a face all too familiar. Once, she would've swooned at the sight of a new little Dominax.

Arinax gazed at the child with utter fascination. The tiny wings twitching and stretching for the first time on display was a marvel to his silver eyes, something to study and document. In their time in Praith, he had never seen a Lanthian with black hair, yet the captivating hybrid shared his dark strands.

His niece thought differently. As the prince was reluctantly led away, Jinilya regarded the hybrid with a scornful grimace. "What a creepy little thing."

Irith led the twins away, blending into the rear of the group as Vixin quietly reprimanded her daughter. She bent down when Zela reached up for her to listen to what the girl had to say. "Mother, may I carve a portrait of him?"

A shake of her head diminished the girl's eagerness. "This isn't the time." She watched as disappointment quickly faded as a tiny creature with fluttering wings caught Zela's attention, and she permitted her daughter to chase after it, knowing the ring of guards would contain her.

Alone, away from the ears of the others as they talked loudly ahead, Arinax touched his chin in the way he always did when attempting to work through a particularly vexing quandary. Knowing her son well, Irith knelt upon one knee to regard him. "What's on your mind, child?"

Her soothing voice nearly coaxed the truth, yet he held back. Only when she pressed him further did he confess his thoughts in a quiet tone. "The hybrid...the child, I sense him. If father has a new son..." He looked around, unwilling to speak until he was certain only his mother could hear. "Will he take my place?"

"Of course not," she replied, perhaps too loudly, waving away a glance from Cendra before lowering her voice. "You know your father has many sons, yet none but you are his legacy."

Arinax touched his chin once more, stroking it. "He could be Vaidimated. Or Knight Kunir. Or Prince Fonax, King Galis, or-"

"None shall ever replace you, child." She offered a reassuring kiss. When she saw his frown deepen, she tilted her head. "You don'twantto be replaced, do you?"

So much rested behind such young eyes. Alone with his mother, Arinax dared to shrug.

Irith's lips tightened. "Don't you want to be The Prince Upholder of Vaidrin?"

Arinax looked away.

"If not the heir, what?"

It was a dangerous question, igniting dangerous hopes. Despite his solemn expression, she watched a silent light of curiosity fill his gaze. "An explorer, or a sailor, or a gardener, or an architect like Lord Lalian, or..." He trailed off in thought before blushing. "There is much to see and do."

An uneasy pain gripped Irith's stomach as she watched the light fade from his eyes. They both knew the impossibility of such dreams. Wordlessly, she pulled him closer.

22nd of Silla, 19 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Praith.

"Cilith, I once again march into battle, uncertain if I'll return. Tempian is deep into Lathian territory, and far better men than me have been defeated by less. Should I fall, I want you to know that I will always-"

Vixin closed the message cylinder with a grimace, her guilt rising in her throat. She knew the rest, having read it a dozen times since Clin's departure. The girl would receive his message, of course, for Vixin would uphold her word, yet she remained reluctant to part with the cylinder. Once more her gaze traced the symbols as regret threatened to strangle her. "Clin, forgive me."

As she remained at the desk in her private quarters, Yisi rested upon the bed nearby, cradling their new daughter. The girl suckled at her mother's breasts, the only sight that pulled Vixin's attention from the cylinder. With an elbow on the desk Vixin supported her head with a hand as she managed to smile.

Yisi returned the expression with a scowl. "Will it ever be satisfied?"

Vixin chuckled. "Shemay take all the time she requires." Crossing the room, she joined them upon the bed. "You're doing well, Yisi. Have patience."

Something rested behind her lover's gaze, a quiet weariness, yet before Vixin could pry a question from her lips, she turned at the feeling of a familiar presence approaching. A knock tapped quietly upon the door a moment later.

Offering Yisi an apologetic glance, curiosity carried her swiftly across the room. She knew who stood outside, thoughwhy? Almost nervous to discover the answer, she opened the door.

In the darkness of the hallway, Cendra regarded her with a clipped nod. "Vixin." Peering over at Yisi, she cleared her throat. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Vixin's cheeks flushed red, though she did her best to present a calm demeanor, leaning in the doorway. "It's very late. Either you need something, or you've finally come to kill me."

The joke struck too sharply at reality for either of them to laugh, and Cendra lowered her eyes with a hint of shame. "Not quite, dear sister." She reached back and brought forth a message cylinder. "I assume you know nothing of this, then?"

Taking and opening the cylinder, Vixin inspected the inscription inside. "Retrieve Vixin. Come to me. Tell no one."

"I discovered it upon my bed." Cendra pointed. "It bears The Concubine Empress's royal seal."

"Irith?" Vixin tapped her lips with a finger, perplexed. "It's not like her to send messages in the shadows."

Still without answers, Cendra touched her sword. "Shall I go alone?"

Vixin shook her head. "No. Whatever this is, we'll face it together."

Cendra straightened, poorly masking a faint smile. "By all means, then."

After Vixin said a swift goodbye to Yisi, receiving a wary frown, she joined her sister in the hall. To her surprise, she discovered Truthseekers in place of guards, standing like silent statues in the darkness.

"Yes, I know." Cendra eyed them wearily. "Whatever this is, Nafalya is involved."

They slowly made their way through the building. Having been expanded during their time in Praith, the wooden halls of the temporary stronghold were decorated with hanging banners of House Vaid, as if the crescent moon of their family would hold back the raids.

Strolling together, Vixin ventured to take Cendra's arm. To her relief, she found her sister willing once more, permitting the close touch. Long had Vixin been an elder sister, assisting with Irith's children. Though Cendra was only days older, she couldn't help but savor her protective presence, walking with a smile that was all too fragile. A thought of Clin's message unraveled her joy.

"What happened to Jinilya was an abomination," Cendra said to break the silence. "Hardly have I had time to tell you, though my Knights have ensured the population shall always remember their mistake in daring to lay a hand upon your girl." Her prideful posture seemed to sink a moment later. "Before much of them marched, of course."

"Jin is a strong girl. She'll move on in time," Vixin replied with sorrow at the memory. "You should've been permitted to march with them. Father's decision was hardly fair."

Cendra grimaced. "No. His decision is one I've earned." She saw no need to give voice to the true extent of her agony.

Making their way to the top level of the modest building, the sisters halted before the door to Irith's new quarters. Silent Truthseekers stood at either side, expressionless masks identical. Only the alluring shape of them beneath their revealing white robes offered any variation, and Vixin snuck a glance while Cendra offered little interest in their unsettling observers. The princesses shared a look, separating before Cendra moved to knock, only for one of the hooded women to push open the door.

Stepping inside, two pairs of silver eyes opened wide, sisters blushing at the sight before them, the door quickly shutting behind to conceal the deed inside. Ahead, Irith and Nafalya waited, a sensual moan easing from their younger sister's lips.

Seated upon the end of the bed, legs parted to allow Nafalya to sit between her thighs, Irith looked up with a gentle smile to greet her stepdaughters. Dressed in little more than thin silks, her hand was nestled between Nafalya's parted thighs, a finger dragging over the damp fabric of the princess's white thong. "Ah, you received my message. Thank you, Cendra."

Nafalya had clearly sensed their approach, regarding her stunned sisters with an amused curiosity. She seemed to toy with them, sensual lips curling into a smirk as Irith's finger dragged slowly, gliding between the faint outline of her lower lips as the fabric clung to her loins. She had relinquished her flowing skirt and belt of throwing knives, though her hood remained, the soft silk of her top hardly concealing her breasts.

"I..." Cendra blushed deeply, looking away. "Forgive us. We'll go."

"No," Irith said, reaching out as if to stop them. "Please, there is no shame among family. Come. I didn't merely summon you both to talk."

Vixin eyed her younger sister with more curiosity than she cared to admit, yet with Cendra at her side, she felt strangely out of place. "What is this, Irith?"

The Concubine Empress presented a gentle calm, knowing they could sense her need. It wasn't a desire for their flesh, but something greater, a moment that threatened to slip away when Cendra stepped back. "Please, come closer. I didn't mean to shock you. I know you three have never been particularly close, yet tonight I had hoped to finally correct that." Her fingers brushed the top of Nafalya's thong, venturing beneath. "As a family."

Vixin bit her lip, yet Cendra was a moment delayed, eyes widening further when she understood her meaning.

"The mighty Cendra is...ahh...speechless?" Nafalya moaned as her mother's fingers continued their gentle explorations. "How curious."

Though Cendra scowled, Irith interrupted before she could reply. "Watching you two together these past months has brought me greater joy than I can express. I've wanted nothing more than for you to be united, and now that you've begun to heal, Ineverwant to see you two slip apart again."

There was an urgency to her voice, a subtle tone buried beneath her calm words. Vixin glanced at Cendra. No hesitation would've kept her from such an offer, for she was no stranger to Irith's touch, yet the memory of her elder sister's disgust restrained her hand. "Cendra the hypocrite," she thought to herself, an echo of a memory that tasted sour. That hateful sister no longer existed. She wanted to keep her buried.

"I want us to be a family, truly, united and firm. I want nothing to stand between us. No pride, guilt, or hatred." Irith kissed Nafalya's neck. "I will not force either of you to stay, yet if you do, I promise that tonight shall bind us closer than ever before. I have dreamt for many years that we'd stand together as one."

Vixin stepped closer, and Cendra stepped back. The elder sister straightened proudly. "I want no part in this."

"Please, Cendra." An urgent need filled Irith's blue gaze once more. Her dream was slipping away. "I know what you seek. Let me grant it to you."

The statement made Cendra grimace. She saw the distance now between herself and Vixin, several steps away.

Nafalya watched like a silent predator entertained by her prey. Clearly having been informed of her mother's intentions prior to their arrival, she appeared uncaring either way. If they remained, she'd find carnal satisfaction. If they departed, she'd find amusement. She merely watched while savoring her mother's touch.

Vixin met Irith's pleading gaze before turning back to her elder sister. After all these years, didshewant Cendra's touch? Memories couldn't help but bubble from the past, moments she would rather forget. Yet as she saw the urgency in her stepmother's expression, she felt them melt away to ash. Perhaps there was hope. Perhaps, if Cendra truly wished to start anew, she wouldn't forgo an opportunity to make amends.

Nafalya looked disappointed as Irith removed her fingers. They appeared wet in the flickering candlelight. The Concubine Empress maneuvered to stand and approach, taking Vixin's hands gently in hers. "You too, child. Long ago, I presented the same offer. You saw the value in remaining with me and your father. Now, I hope you'll remain once more."

Feeling slick fingers that had been inside her little sister mere moments ago, warm to the touch, Vixin bit her lip. Without Cendra in the room, nothing would've held her back. With her elder sister watching, however, she was dismayed to feel a flicker of the shame she had once felt, an echo of a much younger Vixin that had been weary of displaying her desires.

"This is madness." Cendra turned to leave with a scowl, only to pause at the sound of Irith's voice.

"You girls may live for centuries. I am mortal," Irith said in a tone that revealed a subtle sorrow. "The lives of us ordinary humans shall be but a blink to you in time." The truth choked her, yet it was all that kept her stepdaughter from departing. "I must know that you shall stand together long after I am dust."

Vixin peered at Cendra's back as Nafalya approached. The words coaxed a memory of Rosila. In the wake of her mentor's death, who stood beside Yisi but Vixin, her sister? Who else could they rely on but their kin? She remembered Cendra's blade during their dueling sessions, wielded with a burning hatred. She remembered the warmth of her arm as they strolled together. Did she truly want to risk returning to the animosity they had shared, or to seal their fragile new bond? "You're far from old, Irith. You have ample time, yet if this is your wish..." She regarded Cendra. "Perhaps there is wisdom to her desires. Perhaps we should stay."

A royal hand touched the door, feeling the hard wood as Cendra bit her lip. Irith had seen her in the arms of The God Emperor, yet what of...Vixin?

"The luxury of kinship is quite simple. You'll never need to endure defeat alone," Cendra remembered Clin's words as they had trained their Knights together. The sting of being denied a command remained, as sharp as a dagger to her gut. With the majority of their Knights away, who stood at her side now? Did she truly wish to bear her shame alone once more? An opportunity to solidify her promise to mend their rift waited behind. With a weary sigh, she closed her eyes, a lonely yearning resting in her core. "I'd make a fool of myself."

She felt Irith grasp her slender shoulder. Turning around, she looked away as her stepmother caressed her cheek. Irith offered a gentle smile and soothing words. "Merely follow my lead."