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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10th of Fixuin, 19 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Praith.

There was no end to the distant calls of strange wildlife roaming the branches under and overhead. The writings lying before Lalian went untouched, for as he sat upon the curved human cushion, his fingers rubbed lovingly over the surface of his egg.

Upon a modest circular platform just beneath the royal stronghold, several bioluminescent bulbs had been intentionally grown nearby, for even during midday, the sunlight that poured through the countless branches seemed reluctant to reach the platform.

He no longer concerned himself with the presence of the many guards. They stood around the round edge of the platform, arrows ready, searching for any hint of enemy danger that may threaten The Grand Imperial Architect. If they heard his soft mutterings of affection in the Lanthian tongue, so be it. His full focus was upon his shielded child, holding the egg close to his chest with a beaming smile. "Thank you, Dominax."

The approach of two visitors caught his attention. Peering wearily, he watched the guards part as Anthara marched onto the platform. Wearing her shawl of deep green chimira silk, having reluctantly relinquished her traditional battle loincloth in the fear that she'd be mistaken for an enemy, her hips swayed as the thin fabric brushed the green skin near the top of her thighs. She joined her mate upon the cushion, scowling with annoyance when the guards stopped her guest, a young Lanthian woman. "Move aside. She's with me, you fools." She regarded Lalian with a hopeful smirk, a rarity while in Praith. "I've found her."

"Truly?" Lalian studied the girl with interest as the guards parted. Decorated with a simple loincloth of woven green fabric, she bowed before him, cunning eyes matching an eager smile. Several scars lay across her overwise tantalizing body, her strong thighs and wide hips drawing his attention. A pair of pert breasts sat concealed by a thin top that wrapped around her slender chest, and as he gestured politely for her to stand, they subtly jiggled at the motion. She appeared well aware of his curiosity, clasping her hands behind her back to coyly push out her chest further. "S...she's the one?"

Anthara grasped his chin, forcing his head to turn away from the beautiful youth and towards her with an amused smirk. "If The God Emperor shares your interest, yes."

"A...apologies." Blushing, Lalian held the egg in his lap as he summoned the girl closer. "Do you understand my words?"

Her neat hair caressed the top of her breasts as she nodded. "Yes, my Lord. I'm fluent in the imperial tongue."

"Imperial..." Lalian grinned, impressed. "And your name?"

"I am Falin, my Lord." She granted him a smile that coaxed a twitch of his loins.

Hardly had any of the population regarded him without utter contempt. To have a native of Praith offer courteous respect, a formermistressno less, almost made him uneasy. "Ah, well, my mate here may have told you, Falin, that we have recently been tasked with selecting the next ruler of Praith."

"So she did." Her smooth voice carried a confidence beyond her years.

"You're a little...youngto rule a city," Lalian noted, perhaps even younger than Nafalya.

"I'm of breeding age. Lady Anthara made the importance of that quite clear." Falin ran a hand over her tight midriff. "Our new God Emperor shall find me very...fertile."

The word stirred his loins, though it was Anthara that spoke next. "I had the same concern, yet her experience is notable. Trust me, my love." She placed her hand upon the egg. "Let her lay her deeds before The God Emperor herself. She's young, though her skill in battle has already earned the respect of many of her elders. They'll follow her, and more importantly, she'll followus.Of all the women I've investigated, she's shown the highest willingness to bow to the imperial throne."

He tapped his chin in thought. "You're...certain of her?"

Anthara's nod offered no doubt.

"Very well." Lalian offered the girl a joyous smile. "You will be permitted to present yourself before The God Emperor when he finds time for you. Congratulations, Falin. Should he deem you worthy, you may be Praith's first High Lady."

"Thank you, my Lord." She offered a humble bow. Dismissed, she turned to depart, swaying her hips to grant him a show.

Anthara seized his chin once more. "You wanted to fuck her, didn't you?"

"N...no, my love! I...I..."

She chuckled, patting his cheek. "Foolish little Lalian. Do you still believe you must hide from me?Iwanted to fuck her as well." Her laugh was a great relief, dissolving his worry as she released him. "I could see the desire burning in your eyes. You're not a subtle man, my love." She eased back to relax at his side, thighs parting. "Unfortunately, that little body is for The God Emperor only, if he accepts her."

Lalian felt a tingle of jealousy that melted away at the reminder of the egg in his hand. "Enjoy her, my friend,"he thought as he caressed it lovingly.

The green shawl made way as her hand gradually crept up her own thigh, biting her lip with memories. "How lucky she'll be to feel his...potentseed." A finger tasted the dampness that formed between her legs at the thought with a gentle caress. She uttered a sigh of longing.

Cheeks darkening, Lalian cleared his throat. "She'll...she'll have to wait until after the legion departs. His dedication to the preparations has been quite singular."

"He knows the danger ahead." Anthara's hand retreated down her thigh, leaving a slick trail as the bioluminescent light and faint sunlight danced across her green skin. She closed her legs, peering up at the city above. "Praith bleeds daily. Soon, two more cities shall be wounded, and green blood shall flow anew."

"We've done all we can to limit civilian casualties," Lalian replied. He held the egg close, as if fearful it'd be snatched away. "The raids...the riots...we-"

"We've doomed many," she cut in. The arousal flavoring her features had been shoved aside as her guilt stabbed at her once more. "They won't love us, nor thank us, though I may at least hope and dream that their children shall understand some day."

He watched as she stood, approaching two of the guards. Taking the spear of one despite his silent reluctance, she gestured for the other to join her in the platform's center. Lalian frowned. "My love, please, simply rest."

"Enough rest. Pregnancy slowed me, yet no longer." She barked commands to the guard, inciting him to spar with her. Spears met with a loudtingof chimira steel. "War prods at us with every raid. I'll be ready to meet it."

Lalian glanced down at the egg, nodding. In his grasp was a joy, a burden, something to dread losing. They'd both defend it in their own way, for he returned his attention to his writing, listening to the sounds of his lover's training.

14th of Fixuin, 19 AVE.

Kingdom of Lian, Praith.

Every strike sent a metallic echo reverberating off the stone walls as the blades of Cendra and Irith met. Careful steps danced back and forth, retreating and advancing, until Cendra dared to leap. The power of her blood sent her twirling over her stepmother's head, the dull training sword ready to tap her back and claim victory, only for her to misjudge the landing. Feet finding the smooth ground, she stumbled backwards before tumbling over.

Irith offered her hand to the fallen princess as Cendra groaned. Helping her up, she watched her rub at another new bruise. "It might be best to stop for the day."

Cendra readied her blade with an annoyed scowl. "We only just started."

Once more dulled swords met in elaborate motions. Only the internal chamber of the incubation temple offered enough protection to forgo guards, and as the two royals dueled, Prince Cliax carefully picked up a green egg from the nearest pile. Stored in neat clusters encircling the chamber's center, they appeared to be organized in order of age, for those closest to the center of the chamber were predicted to hatch within days.

No doubt the population would be furious to learn their conquerors used their revered temple to find solitude, yet far greater concerns slowed both women's movements. When Cendra's blade granted Irith a stinging strike she should've easily countered, and Irith jabbed her stepdaughter when she failed to move out of the way, they both lowered their blades.

"I'm sorry you can't go," Irith stated plainly. There was little use in dancing around the matter. "Your father has his reasons."

The words made Cendra grimace more than her bruises. "I failed him, The Empire, and my warriors at Kisrin. I suppose I deserve his mistrust."

Irith was pleased to see a measured response. She had grown much in their time training together. "Mistrust is hardly the word. He merely seeks to keep you safe." The statement threatened to prod at her own misgivings.

"Oh? He denies me a command of my own. Such is fair." Cendra's stern lips tightened. "Yet now I learn I cannot so much as accompany my own mate in battle. While Clin marches to glory, I remain impotently in Praith." She raised her blade once more. "I fear he'll never trust me again."

The subtle pain in Cendra's voice was a rare admission, a hint at the agony resting behind her words. Irith wanted to embrace her. Instead, she blocked a blow from her sword. "Give him time. You know nothing is more important to your father than the safety of you and your siblings. He didn't conquer all of humanity to protect you only to throw your lives away."

Cendra raised a brow after twirling away from a stab. "You defend him eagerly, yet I hear rumors you've been absent from his side since the meeting. The slaves say they warm his bed while you sleep alone."

Irith blushed. "They should know better than to spread gossip of which they know nothing about."

"Of course. I've already punished them harshly." Cendra redirected a thrust. "Yet the matter remains."

"Your father is a complicated man. There is something...ruinedinside him, I think." She looked around to ensure they were alone. Cliax put down an egg and picked up a spare training sword, giving it a playful twirl. "After your mother and grandmother, he...ah, you know better than most."

Cendra's body tightened, and she stepped clumsily as a strike slapped her thigh, lightly reddening the smooth skin. She grimaced. "Yet Nafalya is permitted to prance into danger. Your firstborn is a deadly one, I admit, worthy of our House. Perhaps I no longer am."

Irith bit her lip. She remembered Dominax's dream, and for a moment she imagined Cendra without the throne, no longer a princess, but a simple huntress in a simple loincloth without the burden of imperial pride. She imagined Briza at her side, and the elder Cendra, women reconstructed from mere tales whispered with sorrow by her mate. It pained her to know she never would have met Dominax without their loss, yet as she imagined him with his family, happy in Nitri, she almost wished she could go back to prevent their deaths. A thrust snapped her from thoughts of longing as she winced. She knew how that dream ended. "Of course you are. Kisrin was merely a reminder of what he stands to lose."

"Precisely. He has seen my weakness. Nafalya has shown no such faults." Cendra sighed.

Irith hesitated. "In truth, he has seen much weakness in Arinax, yet he remains the heir." She hoped Cendra wouldn't sense the unease churning her stomach. "Whatever you believe he thinks of you, I assure you he hasn't discarded his firstborn, as he hasn't discarded Arinax. After all, you don't believe your brother's training has been overly...cruel, do you?"

"Not at all." Cendra shook her head without hesitation before jabbing forward. "The boy shall be a God Emperor one day. It's only necessary that he be the strongest of us." She swallowed. "I'd even call him lucky."

Irith's brows furrowed in thought. She was almost too slow to avoid an overhead swing. "Tell me, if a choice sat before you, the throne, pain, and struggle in one hand, or a simple life of peace in the other, which would you choose?"

"We've been granted a rare opportunity to stand above all others. I'd choose power, Irith." Cendra twirled and struck. "Would you not?"

The Concubine Empress frowned. "I'd spit upon the throne if it'd keep my family whole."

Cendra's lips tightened. "One would almost call that treason."

"Call the truth whatever you'd like. I've seen the throne inflict more damage upon this House than it's worth."

"Ah." Cendra came to a stop. "We're at an impasse, then."

Irith sighed as she lowered her blade, leaning on it. "Regardless, I'll take some comfort in knowing you've undone a portion of that damage. Seeing you and Vixin on speaking terms has warmed my heart."

The princess blushed, waving aside the comment. "We've talked much, yes." She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Your advice has been...adequate." A faint smile touched her lips. "Thank you."

Irith embraced her stepdaughter, granting her a tight squeeze Cendra wasn't accustomed to. The princess stood stiffly, then eased, and stiffened once more at the sound of the reinforced temple door squeaking open.

Clin slowed as he saw the women, watching Cendra hurry to part from Irith. He granted The Concubine Empress a nod and polite smile. "Apologies. I didn't mean to interrupt your sparring session."

The dull blades were discarded where they had been stored the past few days. "Only little Cliax here is in the mindset to fight, it seems," Irith replied with a gesture to the young prince as his sword twirled playfully through the air.

"Were that we could all be as valiant," Clin said with a sad chuckle. "Unfortunately, it's time."

Cendra stepped closer. Her pained eyes said what her lips would not. "When?"

"We depart before nightfall." Clin held her hips, feeling her narrow waist. "Both armies are ready to march, and our supplies are prepared. Fonax has his orders, and I have mine."

"Remain safe out there, Lord Clin." Irith clasped her hands together. "After all you've done for our family, it'd pain me to see you harmed."

Clin summoned Cliax with a gesture. "I'll have my Knights to protect me, as will Fonax. Kunir has reluctantly agreed to lead a group of Knights under the prince's command, though Knight Hazia will remain at my side."

"And I remain here with a sheathed blade." Cendra scowled, more pained than annoyed.

"As do Salduin and Hesin, my love. Don't forget the danger lurking in Praith." Clin held her closer, granting her a kiss.

Watching Cliax join his parents, Irith stepped back to grant the small family space, adoring the scene before her. Only the thought of the siege ahead dampened her smile, knowing how easily their peace could be torn to pieces. "Don't let me intrude. I should tend to Enilax, in any case."

"No intrusion at all, yet we won't keep you from Nafalya's firstborn," Clin replied. The mention of little Enilax brought a strange sorrow to his gaze, and he regarded her with a deep respect. "My lady."

Irith nodded pleasantly before making her way towards the entrance. She looked back a final time to spy a glance of Cendra leaning her head upon his shoulder, rare tears beginning to run down her cheeks. Whether coaxed by her disappointment, fear for her mate, or both, the sight stung as Irith departed.

The air outside the temple was thick and wet. Midday, Praith was a swarm of marching legionaries and fluttering white cloaks. She envied them, their skintight one-suits protecting their bodies from the humidity as perspiration trickled down her skin.

Enilax would be across the city, near the far edge of Praith where many of the slaves were housed. Every building protected near the throne was too valuable for mere slaves, housing nobles and commanders. The slaves simply had to walk each day.

Dominax had permitted her to keep their illegitimate grandson in her room at night occasionally, yet she had kept to her word to never allow him to distract from Atrix or the rest of House Vaid.

The thought of her mate soured her thoughts. The man she loved regarded their first mutual grandchild as little more than an afterthought, a burden, something to be sent away. She had stood by as countless of his children were spread throughout The Empire, of course, any of which she'd have gladly loved as her own, yet Enilax wasNafalya's. She couldn't let a piece of their daughter go so easily.

A group of guards awaited her command nearby. They rushed to surround her, following as she began to stroll slowly. The crowded streets parted at the sight of The Concubine Empress, yet she ignored their bows. "Dominax, where are you?"

Perhaps he had never gone. Perhaps he had always been what he was now. Perhaps she had been blind. A knot tightened in her stomach as she shook her head. "No."

It was a falsehood to claim she had been oblivious to his harsh ways. She had been at his side for decades, his constant companion, supporting every cruel act. She knew him better than anyone. She knew the rot at his core and wept with the knowledge of its source. However broken he may be, she would not rescind her love.

An ideal sat in her head now. She saw him without a crown, the hunter he had been, the hunter that had died that day in Nitri. Perhaps he could've been a good man.

Was he not? Did she not fight at his side to remake the world into a peaceful utopia? Did he not seek to prevent tragedy? She remembered King Siril The Second's severed head in Dominax's grasp as they stood before the gates of Visti. A violent, horrifying act, yet hadn't it put an end to the millennium of bloody wars between independent kingdoms inflicted upon the people of the north?Herpeople?

Perhaps Arinax's training was the same. Perhaps every harsh lesson prevented a future tragedy and agony the boy would've endured.

She scowled.

They passed a group of slaves that was pushed far away from The Concubine Empress and her guards, ensuring they were no threat. Heads hanging low, the rebellion beaten out of them, they shuffled along in silence.

Once more she thought of Nitri. Once more she thought of Dominax resting in a simple hut, Briza at his side, the throne unmade. She had stood among the ruins herself, witnessing Briza's grave. Yes, she knew how that dream ended.

Another, then. She imagined Arinax and Zela running about a modest village of their own. She imagined Nafalya nursing Atrix and Enilax inside their family hut. Cendra stood beside a fire, roasting her latest kill, while Vixin tended to the wounds of their neighbors. No throne coaxed the ambitions of another Xenia. No daughter sought glory for her House, only to be shattered when it was denied. No scars or bruises painted a son's body but those he earned himself, learning to tend to his family. Perhaps such a dream didn't have to end with tragedy.