Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 77

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 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.

***

30th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.

"They're coming, father," Preza announced with excitement as she peered through the open window. The breeze blew a strand of dark red hair across her face as she watched white-cloaked legionaries spreading out through the fields. They slowly marched towards the central farmhouse.

Bolir pulled his daughter back harshly, latching the window shut. "Get to the storehouse. Now."

"Why? The God Emperor is coming to save us. I'd rather stand before him than hide," she replied, putting her hands on her hips defiantly.

"Save us? Foolish girl." Bolir gritted his teeth. "I should never have allowed you to travel south with my traders. The savages have warped your mind."

"Or freed it," Preza smirked, her pretty lips tightening. "If you're so eager to dismiss me, speak to your men. Most didn't seem to mind hearing The God Emperor's teachings when the Argin Sages invited them into their beds."

That vile accusation was more than he'd permit. Yet as he raised his hand to strike her, his resolve faltered, seeing her flinch. Instead, he grabbed her slender arm and pulled her along. "Damn me, I should have cut all contact with my buyers in Kinia the moment the kingdom fell. Business is business, yet this? The world is being undone!"

She winced at his tight grip, nearly tripping as they descended the stairs in a hurry. "And who told you that? The King's men?"

"YES!" he nearly roared as he hurled open the door. Outside, the workers moved about in a panic, gathering their families and hiding their valuables. "Our King! Of House Harlin! Have you forgotten those who've protected us for a millennium? Even now King Siril fights to defend Harin while you prepare to discard him for a barbarian!" He cut her off when she tried to reply, pushing her through the large doors of the storehouse. "Not another word! Go to the back and remain out of sight! I'll retrieve you when they're gone, or they burn us to the ground."

Bolir closed the doors before hurrying back to the central farmhouse, passing the many smaller buildings that housed his workers. He called out to them, gathering as many as he could as they flocked to him for guidance. When they reached the large house, he turned to address them. "Calm yourselves! They'll be here in a moment, and I'll grant them no cause to harm us!" He withdrew his family sword, handing it to a servant to be locked away. "I'll have no blades brought against our invaders, else they slaughter us all! Follow my lead, obey their orders, and we shall survive this, I promise you!"

Nervous whispers echoed through the group as they reluctantly discarded their farming tools, waiting for what could be their end. His hired guards proved the hardest to convince, hearing the rumbling steps of the marching legion, yet they too dropped their many blades. Within minutes they were surrounded as the first white cloaks took position to encircle the farm, and a woman of advanced rank stepped forth to address them. Bolir pushed through his workers to meet her.

"I take it you're the master of this farm?" she asked as her helmet gleamed in the sunlight, speaking his native tongue. When she received a nod, she gestured to her men to begin searching the farm. They went about entering the buildings, loudly turning over furnishings. "Good. The Empire has need of your land, and if you cooperate, it shall be returned to you in a matter of days. Resist, and you'll be reduced to ash."

Bolir turned at the sound of a crash from within the large farmhouse, gritting his teeth. "Teach your men some manners."

"The God Emperor Dominax of House Vaid shall arrive with his family shortly, along with the bulk of the legion. If there is a single danger waiting within any of these structures, it shall be purged, along with the rest of you. You'll find I'm very thorough," the woman said without a smile.

Any worker that had attempted to hide was quickly pulled from their quarters and tossed with the rest as the entire farm was searched. Weaponless and whimpering, none fought back, much to Bolir's relief. Still, his heart continued to hammer with each passing minute, thinking of his secret in the storehouse.

When he saw two legionaries pulling along a young woman with short red hair, he felt his heart shatter. Preza offered no resistance, retaining a nervous smile of excitement as they threw her with the rest of the group. Their rough handling had ripped open her top, forcing her to cover her small, exposed breasts. Bolir wanted to cut them down for daring to lay a hand upon her, feeling his hands clench into shaking fists as he remained still.

"He approaches," the woman in armor said as a distant horn bellowed. The God Emperor had arrived.

A neat formation of thousands of white cloaks marched through the southern field, tramping all in their path. As they approached the central house, the workers quivered.

To his surprise, Bolir found his breath trapped in his chest, laying eyes upon the man in the lead. Striding towards them, the tips of his helmet crown as sharp as swords, was the conqueror of mankind. A wave of the man's hand stopped tens of thousands in their tracks.

He approached the armored woman, speaking in their strange tongue as she bowed. Bolir watched her gesture his way, realizing he had begun to tremble as silver eyes turned to study him. The foreign invader's voice rumbled low, yet it was the woman who rose to address him.

"His holiness shall take residence within the central house. You shall join your hired help outside until The Empire's business is concluded here," the woman explained in Bolir's tongue. "Order them to follow me swiftly, and your people will be provided with tents."

Bolir found the courage to speak, inciting his people to stand as the woman turned to depart. When The God Emperor moved to enter the house, however, Bolir's heart stopped at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Death to the tyrant Siril! Hail God Emperor Dominax!"

Preza's voice in the imperial tongue rang out through the crowd, causing The God Emperor to pause. He turned his cold silver eyes. A smirk of amusement crept onto his insidious lips, and he turned his back to her as he continued walking inside.

Rushing over to her, Bolir grabbed his daughter's arm tightly as their group was led away. "Foolish girl! Do you not understand the blade's edge we walk? Do you seek his sword at your throat?"

Wincing in pain at his grip, she managed to smile. "Blade? No, father. Merely his attention."

30th of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Near Winexia.

Cendra held the cloak tightly around her as they made their way through the village, feeling like an empty ghost among the living. Itin, ever her faithful guardian, kept her close as they passed numerous legionaries.

They had reached the village only an hour ago, just south of Winexia. Having been conquered by The Empire, legionaries filled the streets as they went about preparing for their retreat from the village. An organized chaos surrounded them as supplies were gathered and warriors and servants were tightly organized. Some prepared to march north to rejoin the main force, while others were ordered to board ships preparing to return to Nighri.

The group Cendra had traveled with was quickly divided and sorted by the legionaries, sent wherever they were needed. Those with the most severe injuries, those that had survived, were granted passage aboard a ship intending to return to The Empire's borders. Itin had said his goodbyes to their travel companions before leading Cendra to seek out the nearest commander.

They found him near the port, overseeing the departures. A large man, his loud voice barked commands.

"I have vital information regarding the eastern fleet!" Itin shouted as the guards stopped him. That perked the commander's ear, allowing them closer. Itin bowed his head in respect. "I am Itin, legionary navigator aboard the command ship of Princess Cendra. I require urgent passage to Winexia as soon as possible."

"Winexia? My boy, don't you know the legion has abandoned the siege?" the commander chuckled. "You'll find nothing but angry northerners there."

"Abandoned the..." Itin took a breath and started again. "I must return my companion to The God Emperor himself at once. Her safety is of extreme importance."

The commander studied Cendra for a moment before laughing. "Sorry girly, but his holiness has no shortage of pretty bodies. Perhaps you could accompany us when we march to join him. Although..." He stepped closer. "You'd have to sleep in my tent during the journey. A favor for a favor, as it's said."

Cendra removed her hood, allowing him to see her silver eyes. She didn't muster a word, hardly caring about the outcome. All the emotion had been drained through her tears, leaving her with... nothing.

"You stand before Princess Cendra of House Vaid," Itin announced loudly, looking around at the nearby guards. "Firstborn daughter of The God Emperor. She must be returned to her father safely."

The commander immediately joined his men in kneeling, eyes wide. "Princess..." A panic seemed to seize him as he recalled his words. "Forgive me... I... I didn't know. I'd never presume to... to request your holy presence in my bed. Please... I-"

"We need a fast ship and a full escort. Immediately," Itin interjected.

"Of course, of course! Take my best men! They'll ensure nothing may harm her!" The commander exclaimed. "I'll prepare a ship this very instant!"

They watched him hurry to his feet, shouting commands as he scrambled off. Itin turned to Cendra, bowing his head. "Nearly there, princess."

31st of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.

Dominax stared at the ceiling, lying on his bed. The wood above him seemed to twist in the darkness, forming into the face of Cendra. He shook his head, banishing the thought. It did not help that he had found himself requiring less and less sleep as his power grew.

Once more he closed his eyes, focusing upon the spiritual bond connecting father to daughter. He sensed she was alive. Lost, out in the wilderness somewhere, yet alive. The thought of Briza's fury forced him to abandon the bed, knowing he'd find no rest tonight.

Moonlight poured through the window as he walked over to peer out. From the second floor, the top of the main house, he studied the legion encampment. The house was nearly an island in a sea of tents, surrounded on all sides while the higher-ranking members of the legion were granted quarters within the smaller structures. Far to the southeast, trenches and barricades were already being constructed for the coming battle.

He turned to assess the room, distracting himself from another thought of his daughter. The former bedroom of the farm's master, nothing but the sound of his own steps as he began to pace filled it. Irith had requested to sleep with the children in another room, and he had offered no complaint, allowing the new void between them to linger a while longer.

Shaking his head to banish another thought of Cendra falling prey to some wild beast, he made his way to the door. He needed to escape the quiet, the silence, his accursed mind. The guards waited just outside. He needed a warm body, anybody, and he remembered the red-haired girl that had called out to him the previous day. "Bring her to me," he commanded the guards, granting a swift description.

He went about lighting candles as he waited, hearing a knock upon the door. At his command, the guards escorted his prize inside before departing, leaving them alone. The girl stared at him with wide eyes, her mouth retaining a nervous smile.

"Do you speak the imperial tongue, girl?" he asked as he studied her. She was a skinny little thing, her hair as dark as blood and cut beneath her chin.

She nearly shook as she struggled to answer. "I... pick up... few words from father's traders... your holiness." She bowed her head, and when he asked her name, she answered. "Preza, my lord."

Stepping closer, his jaw tightened. She would certainly do. He felt her tremble as his fingers untied her top, allowing it to fall away to reveal two small breasts. "You called out to me. That required courage. You're a curiosity, little Preza." He felt her soft skin, caressing her slim curves. Her pale tone caught his attention. "You are no farmhand."

"No, my lord. My father is... owner," she said, doing her best to recall the many hours of tutoring during her travels with the traders. Now, faced with an opportunity to speak the foreign tongue, her curiosity for The Empire only increased. "Is honor... to stand before you, holy conqueror."

Dominax chuckled with amusement, untying her belt until her skirt fluttered to the floor. Bare and at the mercy of his studying eyes, she clasped her hands behind her back. "The owner's daughter. How fitting. Perhaps I'll compensate him for the use of his land by granting him a superior grandchild."

Making out the basics of his words, her heart quickened. "I... have dream... of such an honor. Please..." she said, despising her clumsy words. She wanted to reveal the full truth of her commitment and desire, to beg for his seed. The Sages had spoken of the benefits his holy children inherited, and now she was presented with an opportunity to possess one of her own. The surreal feeling of being exposed and vulnerable before the man she had worshiped from afar nearly made her faint.

Dominax slowly removed his one-suit before taking her hand. "Then come. Obey, and I shall add worthy blood to your line." He led her to the bed, guiding her to bend over the edge.

She shivered nervously as his hands caressed her rear, feeling excitement quicken her heart. Who was she to receive this honor? Why had she been blessed to feel his touch? He forced her to part her skinny legs further, entirely at his mercy.

A hand sliding up her thigh, he heard a gasp as his fingers found what they sought. Testing her resolve with a finger, he assessed her readiness. A tight, warm hole was all he required, and all he found. Every second of delay made him grit his teeth, holding back thoughts of Cendra. He pressed his tip between her legs. There'd be no preparation, no foreplay. While he usually liked to demonstrate the superior skill of his touch, this night he cared little if she was wet enough. He needed relief, and he'd get it now.

Preza cried out as he forced himself inside, making her grip the sheets. She clenched her thighs shut, unable to slow him as he took her deeply. She felt as though he would tear her apart, for her nights sneaking away with the stablemaster's son did little to prepare her for The God Emperor's size.

A breath escaped him, pushing in and out slowly. Her squeezing grip freed him from his worries as he held her hips.

She endured, feeling her pain ease with each thrust. She had wanted this, fantasizing the entire time his guards had led her to his quarters. Now, as her body rocked with each movement, she stared at the headboard of her father's bed in a surreal blankness. The God Emperor's cock was inside her. The legendary southern conqueror was going to get her pregnant.

A tingling sensation ran up and down his shaft, buried deep. He focused on the feeling of her snug vagina. The texture, her gathering juices. For the moment he could calm his mind, savoring each pump of his hips.

Her grip eased as she grew wetter. Her body was responding, relaxing, enjoying the pleasure. When her father had prayed at night to their gods, she had secretly prayed to him, this foreign conqueror from the Sages' legends. If only Bolir could understand, to see the wisdom of The God Emperor's Eternal Peace. Now, he was forced to sleep outside in a tent while his daughter moaned.

Dominax slapped the side of her thigh, feeling her flesh. She was a skinny little creature whose purpose was only to please him. He tried to block out the world, closing his eyes to focus upon sensing her fertility. A young woman that was ready to breed was at the end of his cock.

Though many of her translated words had been taught by the traders, she had made special care to memorize a select few from the Sages' speeches. "Mother," she said in the imperial tongue. "Make me... mother..."

She'd make a good little mother indeed. Every second made his rhythm rougher, deeper. He needed more, banishing a thought of Cendra captured by Siril's army. Preza was fragile. Dominax was not.

She couldn't help but moan as he pounded into her, his powerful hands holding her hips tightly. He pulled her petite body back against him as he rammed forward, making her squeak. She felt like an animal at the mercy of a predator.

"Breed... me!" she muttered between the wet slapping of their skin. The foreign word felt strange on her tongue, yet its meaning was all she craved. The Sages had spoken of how conception was a holy act, the creation of a new living being. If her womb's purpose was to be fertilized, she'd beg until it was fulfilled.

Needing more, Dominax pulled free just long enough to roll her onto her back. Her eyes spoke of her curiosity. They fluttered as he forced his cock back inside. When he wrapped his hands around her, it required little effort to lift her small frame. He mounted the bed, kneeling upon the sheets.

She wrapped her arms and legs around him, feeling his hands supporting her rump as he held her. Grinding his cock in and out, his tip easily rubbed against the inner limits of her delicate vagina. The deep, carnal sensation made her bury her face against his neck, moaning. Her body was his. Her pussy was his. Her womb was meant only for his seed.

"Cendra," he thought to himself, gritting his teeth. He grew forceful, guiding her hips until she was bouncing up and down upon his thick shaft.

Never had she felt anything similar to his size. The feeling proved too much, making her gasp as her body seized. An unrestricted moan burst from her lips, caring little who heard through the wooden walls as she climaxed.

Dominax's fingers dug into the soft skin of her rear, knowing they'd leave a mark. Her tight body squeezed him, inciting a primal need to force himself deeper. It proved impossible, pushing hard against her cervix.

He held her tightly as he fell forward, driving her into the sheets. Atop her, he continued thrusting as he pinned her on her back.

Utterly subdued and at his mercy, her eyes rolled back. "Get me... pregnant..." she managed to mutter. It mattered little what Bolir said. Siril was no worthy king; the Sages had made that more than clear. She'd defy her father with every moan, worshiping the cock of their conqueror.

Dominax's hand reached under her head, gripping her blood red hair. If he could hold on a while longer, perhaps he'd escape the judging image of Briza. "I haven't failed," he thought. He forced a submissive groan from Preza's mouth with a tug. "She shall return. I promise you." He nibbled at the girl's delicate neck. "She must, or all of Harin shall burn."

In and out, his thrusts grew harder, more powerful. Lost in his mind, the farmer's daughter became little more than a toy to satisfy his lusts.

Preza whimpered as she endured his increasingly rough handling. There'd be no doubt that she'd struggle to walk in the morning, if she could at all. Her thighs remained wide open, knowing she couldn't stop him if she tried. Still her grin remained proudly displayed. This was her duty, her honor, and soon she'd be rewarded with his baby in her belly.

The sound of her wincing broke him from his thoughts, easing his pounding hips until her moans resumed. He had nearly lost control. These ordinary humans were far too fragile to endure the enhanced strength granted by his blood, making him slow to a rhythm that wouldn't harm her.

The wet slaps of their mating continued to echo through the room. He focused upon her breaths, breaking from his thoughts as Briza faded. His usual ways began to return, seeing the girl as a lover rather than a tool to distract him. Like all his lovers, he took satisfaction in making her cum.

Mindless thrusting would no longer suffice to ease his mind. His hips moved with the experience of thousands of past mates, knowing exactly how to drive her wild. "The dutiful little servant of The Empire. You've endured. Now, scream."

Preza's loins burned, aching from the pounding of his cock. The change in his handling of her made her eyes flutter, finding herself orgasming within minutes. Obeying his commands, she cried out loudly, wanting to wake everyone in the large farmhouse. They must hear the prowess of their God Emperor. They must know she served him well. "Breed me! Ooohhh... fill my... belly!"

Dominax smirked, releasing his grip upon her hair. Cupping her cheek, he felt her lick his thumb as his other hand held her skinny neck. He lightly squeezed, testing her, making her moan submissively.

Once more he saw Cendra's face as he closed his eyes, groaning. It wasn't enough. He needed something... more tonight. A taboo distraction that would push him over the edge. "A farmer's daughter... ahh... cumming in her father's bed."

She understood enough of his meaning to send a tingle of excitement through her body. This was the bed Bolir slept in every night. This was the bed she was conceived in. This was the bed on which she'd be impregnated. "He rejects... The God Emperor. Defies... ahhh... you..."

Dominax straightened up, rising. As he remained kneeling, he pulled her to him, keeping her on her back as he held her raised hips in his lap. "Then he is a fool... ahh... yet he'll come to see the truth of reality as you do."

Moving to hold her small breasts as he continued to thrust, she met his eyes. Silently, she cursed her insufficient knowledge of the imperial tongue. She wanted to beg for his seed, to properly praise his cock.

He reached down to tease her clit, feeling her slick juices drenching her pussy. "He rejects the man... ahh... that shall breed his daughter. So be it. I want him to smell you." He pulled his cock free, rubbing her until she bucked her hips. He flicked his dripping fingers towards the bedsheets while she climaxed, sending her juices flying. "I want him to know that I impregnated his daughter in his own bed." He resumed rubbing. Though she wasn't quite able to squirt like Vixin, she was far wetter than average. He forced her to orgasm once more, slowly drenching the sheets beneath them. "Let him smell his precious daughter's scent. Let him know I made you cum, here where he sleeps, as I granted him a grandchild."

Preza felt as though she'd faint. His taboo words made her moan submissively, crying out when he slid his cock back inside. Bolir would be furious, of course, yet all she cared about was the thrusting of the massive manhood buried inside her.

"Your womb is mine." He held her raised hips. The bed seemed to rock and creak to match his hard rhythm. With no thoughts of Cendra remaining, he finally felt himself building towards his finish, thinking of the farm's master. The man must be waiting in his tent, worrying for his daughter, as Dominax knew well. He'd send her back with a gift in her belly as compensation.

Nearly roaring, Dominax pushed himself deeply as he began to spurt his holy seed. Preza's back remained arched, her head thrown back as her petite body was filled. She screamed in joy, wanting everyone on the farm to know of her bliss.

He held her tightly as his cock throbbed, savoring every second while cumming inside a fertile vagina. When he was finished, he breathed deeply as he pulled himself free, admiring his work. Seed oozed from her well used pussy, and he wondered what her skinny body would look like when her belly began to swell with his child. He chuckled, allowing her to recover as he stood from the bed.

Returning to the window, he peered out at the legion encampment. For the moment he was free, satisfied, though he knew that thoughts of Cendra and Briza would soon return. So be it. The guards would find another set of warm thighs for him by then.

"You're dismissed, little Preza. Go to your father. Show him what we made."

32nd of Twic, 15 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Bolir's Farm.

"She lives! She lives!" the cheers rang out. Their words were carried throughout the sea of tents, moving like a wave. Clin heard them as he ran.

Having been in the fields to oversee preparations for the coming battle, he hadn't believed the messenger when she had come to inform him of Cendra's return. At first, he'd thought he'd misheard her. When reality set in, however, his entire world focused upon a single phrase as he ran. "She's been taken to the central house."

Kunir had been with him, of course, and kept up with his mentor's mad sprint as their cloaks fluttered behind them. The news seemed to spread a moment after it had reached his own ear, for the cheers grew louder and louder.

Bursting through the door, Clin nearly knocked over a set of guards as he scrambled through the building.

"This way," Kunir called out from behind, having noted the messenger's words. "She's being held upstairs."

Clin rushed up the staircase, following Kunir until they were stopped at the end of a hallway. Standing before the door, Nafalya waited with a guard at either side. He gestured for her to move. She stood still.

"I must see her! She's here, is she not?" he asked with urgency in his tone.

"I brought my sweet sister here, yes. You were all busy when she arrived, it seemed," Nafalya smiled. "It's a pity that she wishes to be left alone for the moment. I'm sure your presence would be a... comfort."

His eyes narrowed. "Nafalya, child, I command you to move aside. This is no time for games." He glanced at the guards. "You two, return to your duties."

"Their duties are to stand with me now," she replied calmly. "The voice of a Vaid outranks your own, Lord Clin. Worry not. I shall stand aside when dear Cendra is ready."

Though his mood could be no fouler, it was outmatched by Kunir's. Something in the princess's tone stroked the young man's ire, and Clin grabbed his forearm to prevent him from stepping closer.

With negotiations at a standstill, their silent tension was broken only when The God Emperor himself strode down the hall at an unnerving speed. His voice offered no debate as he pointed beside the door. "Remove yourself from my path, child."

A single moment of hesitation was all she could offer before stepping aside. She heard the door shut hard after he entered. "No gratitude for standing guard for his beloved Cendra. Curious," Nafalya chuckled before striding away, dismissing her guards. "They are yours again, Lord Clin."

He stood there silently, having been passed by as if The God Emperor hadn't noticed he was even there.

Inside the room, Dominax locked the door. A mere candle had been lit to illuminate the room, placed upon a table beside the bed. There he found his daughter, sitting atop the sheets.

"You've returned," he said, his voice sounding distant even to his own ears. He watched her, huddled in a ball with her knees pulled tightly to her chest. She remained utterly still, her body bare, for she had evidently stripped and discarded her outfit and armor upon the floor.

She didn't respond as he approached, his steps the only noise. The touch of his hand to her shoulder made her jerk away.

"What have they done?"

She released an uneasy breath. "They killed me. Like mother." She began to tremble, shaking. "They tried to drown me... the water... the darkness... the... the... they killed me. They killed me. They killed me..."

Dominax's eyes widened as he watched her begin to weep, burying her face in her hands. She began to rock back and forth, and he finally moved to wrap his arms around her. He squeezed harder and harder, trying to stop her from trembling. "You're still alive, my flower. You're alive."

"I drowned... mother drowned... you let Xenia drown her!" Cendra cried out. "She's dead! She died in pain! She's dead!"

Gritting his teeth, Dominax only squeezed harder, as if it could make her whole again. No scar upon his body had caused such agony as hearing her weep.

Cendra sobbed hysterically in his arms, crying out. "She's dead... and I felt her pain! The agony... the horror... and you let Xenia escape justice for years!"

"So I did," his voice rumbled in her ear. "A mistake that was rectified the moment I could no longer blind myself to the truth. I've dealt my vengeance. Our vengeance."

"Vengeance..." she managed to mutter between sobs. "Fuck vengeance... I need her here. I can't be what you need me to be... I failed... I failed..."

"Quiet, child," he commanded, holding her head against his chest. "You are my blood, my firstborn."

"That didn't save me." She used the last of her strength her to pull away, pressing her back against the wall.

Dominax stared at her, feeling an instinct to take her back into his arms as she wept. Black strands of hair fell across her pretty face, concealing her eyes. Her pain made him grimace, yet he sat in a cold silence. What should a father say? For a rare moment he envied ordinary men, wondering what it was like to be truly human.

"I simply fear that I may not possess the capacity for the love that a child of my blood deserves," he had told Irith all those years ago. Now his child needed him, and the proof of his worries was laid bare. He tried once more to place his hand upon her leg, only for it to be pushed away. When comforting her through the pleasures of the flesh was not an option, he found himself without answers.

Studying her in silence, he finally stood from the bed when he could bear the sound of her sobs no more. "I failed your mother. There shall be no denial of that between us. I shall not fail you. Siril shall be eviscerated, and in time, you shall rise again."

Her tears seemed only to increase, and Dominax stopped as his hand touched the door. A deep fury seeped into him as he could find no words to sooth her, disgusted at feeling helpless. Finally, he offered the only words he could conjure before departing. "I'm very pleased you survived, my flower."

***

Itin waited in the damp cellar, watching the flickering flame of a candle. With the princess safe, he had completed his duty.

The door screeched open on rusted hinges, and he stood from his chair in surprise. The God Emperor entered alone. The silver-eyed ruler commanded him to rise when Itin lowered himself to his knees.

"Legion navigator Itin," Dominax said in a low tone. "They say you assisted in my daughter's return."

Finding himself speechless, he broke from his awe before replying. "I did only what every citizen of The Empire should do, your holiness. A member of The Vaid Bloodline was in peril, and I offered my aid."

Dominax's gaze searched the gloomy room as he stepped closer, hands clasped behind his back. "Well done. You have The Empire's deepest gratitude, and mine."

Itin couldn't keep a smile from his face. "That's... that's an honor, your holiness."

"Princess Cendra is quite precious to me," Dominax's tone hardened. "Yet she returned in a fragile state. Tell me, Itin. Did anyone else see her in such poor condition? Did anyone witness her weep?"

His ruler's eyes nearly felt as though they were peering through his soul. Itin swallowed. "No, your holiness. I took great care to conceal her identity. None but I knew she was our princess."

"None but you." Dominax nodded. "Then you served your duty well, and thus, your family shall be greatly compensated."

"Compensated... your holiness?"

The God Emperor presented a dagger, offering the hilt to the navigator. "The reputation of my daughter is of great value. Should word of her humiliation after the defeat escape into the population, she would be undone. That shall not be permitted."

Eying the blade, he took a moment to respond. "Of course. The reputation of the royal family must be upheld without showing weakness. I shall go to my grave without uttering her secret. You have my word, your holiness."

"In these matters, your word is not enough," Dominax replied, his eyes never leaving the navigator. "I've found that blood is the only true path to retain a secret. As of now, only myself and you know of her broken state. Thus, you see my dilemma."

"What... would you have me do?"

"Tell me of your family, navigator. Children? A mate?"

Itin hesitated. "My mate is home in Drifia with our son."

"A son," Dominax smiled, yet his eyes did not. "No doubt he aims to follow in his father's footsteps. In gratitude for protecting my own child, I shall order to have him mentored by the finest generals in The Empire. Your woman shall receive a vast fortune to ensure she lives in ease in your absence. Merely take this blade and silence our secret forever."

Nervously, Itin stood frozen before slowly reaching out. He gripped the hilt, lifting the dagger with a quivering hand. "Is there no alternative?"

"None." Dominax gripped the man's shoulder tightly. "Go to your grave knowing you served The Empire with dignity and honor. Your family shall be told that you died as a hero, for indeed you shall."

He squeezed the dagger. Those silver eyes offered no escape. "If I must... I'd like to make a request, if you'll permit it," he said, and The God Emperor nodded. "Deliver my body to my family. Have them bury me in my armor. A man must stand for something, even in death."

"It shall be done." Dominax gestured to the dagger. "Proceed with your duty."

Slowly, Itin brought the blade to his throat, pressing its sharp edge to his skin. He looked up in a silent prayer, seeing only the damp ceiling. When he was ready, he released a deep breath. "Long live The Vaid Empire."

A quick slash, and the deed was done. Dominax gritted his teeth as he watched a pool of blood form beneath the corpse. Another being of value was lost forever.