Vaid Empire: Conquest

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.

***

25th of Twic, 14 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

"Well? Will this suffice?" Vixin asked as she placed her hand upon her belly, her pregnancy just beginning to show. She waited for Yisi to reply, to react, to say

anything

at all.

They stood in the center of a smaller chamber within Vixin's apartments. The solemn girl hardly bothered to explore her new quarters, lazily allowing her eyes to trace over the decor the princess had painstakingly selected for her new guest.

"

Damn you, Rosila,"

Vixin thought to herself before speaking. "Your sisters shall have their own rooms just beside yours. I've already assigned caretakers until they're old enough."

Yisi quietly sat down upon her new bed.

Nearly chewing on the inside of her cheek, Vixin joined her. She carefully moved aside the girl's long hair from her face, as dark as her own. "Yisi, won't you speak to me?"

"Thank you, princess," her small voice echoed quietly. "For the room, I mean. Are you certain you don't require it for your own needs?"

"No, of course not. I have plenty of chambers," Vixin carefully chuckled. "As I said, you'll always have a place here. Blood matters, and it's only right that I look after you now that your mother...is..." Her words fell away as Yisi's lips tightened.

"Dead. You may say it." Yisi's voice hardened. "Doesn't matter anyways."

"Of course it does."

Yisi shook her head. "Not to me. Didn't even grant me a goodbye, so why should I care?"

A sudden pain struck Vixin as she felt the urge to embrace her, to squeeze her as she shouted curses at her former mistress. Instead, she controlled herself, gently taking the younger girl in her arms. "Oh, sweet girl. Don't dwell upon that." Her words came gently, knowing all too well what such thoughts could do. "I received no goodbye from my own mother myself, though circumstances were...complicated at the time."

Yisi nodded, undoubtedly familiar with the execution of 'the traitor' during her Sage studies. She eased into Vixin's embrace.

"Rosila was a...complicated woman. Whatever her reason was for granting you silence, I do not know. Yet perhaps she simply knew you'd be cared for by capable hands."

Yisi offered no response nor resistance. No tears fell from her eyes as she allowed them to close. She merely felt the warmth of the princess's soft skin, and as she settled against the cushions of her breasts, she couldn't help but allow a hidden smile to tug at the corners of her lips.

Vixin sensed her emotion, allowing a smile of her own. She granted the girl's head a kiss, for daughters of The God Emperor should stick together in such times. Still, she couldn't help but think of Cendra's absence all those years ago, stealing her smile.

49th of Twic, 14 AVE.

Shai Domain, Ishtai.

"These are the men who seek my death?" Varse said as he studied the list in his grasp.

Salik bowed his head. "Yes, my Potentate. Every single one."

Within the heart of the circular building, they stood together upon the internal balcony wrapping around the curved walls of the training arena. Below, they watched as Vesh's new apprentices dueled in mock combat. All were Dril, as per Varse's instructions.

"You did well, child. Very well indeed." Varse nodded, his expression firm before gesturing to Ynisa at his other side. "And her? How did she perform?"

"She was essential to my success, my Potentate." Salik's quiet tone explained, bringing a smile to his assistant's lips. With her hair tied into neat knots at either side of her head, she gave a respectful nod.

The final member of the group, Vesh, spanked Ynisa. "Ah, this one shall serve him well. You'll see my words proven."

Wearing a short traditional Dril dress for the meeting, her clothing concealed little. It was a simple thing for Vesh's hand to slip beneath, caressing the soft white skin of her rump. She blushed heavily beneath the gaze of The Potentate, attempting to push her mentor's hand away.

"You didn't train her to be your whore. Enough, Vesh," Varse scolded before returning his attention to the list. He read the names silently, men swayed to end his life. He wondered just how much each one had required before their loyalties shifted to Sinshi's cabal. "I shall have to meet them myself. Summon them, for we shall dine together as reasonable men."

Salik's red eyes widened. "That is...

unwise

, my Potentate."

"Only if you lack certainty in this

Jidun

following our commands," Varse replied.

Reassessing all that had occurred to be absolutely sure, Salik shook his head. "No, he understands the consequences of his hybrid nature becoming public knowledge. He'll obey every word if we offer an alternative to his death."

The statement brought no satisfaction to Varse, though his mind was settled upon his decision. "Then as I said, summon them. They'll be suspicious of my intentions, of course, though they wouldn't dare disobey a direct invitation from their Potentate. Conspirators or not, they remain agents of Shai."

Vesh cleared his throat, adopting a more serious tone. "And just what are your intentions exactly?"

"To clear the slate."

2nd of Thriduin, 14 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Lalian felt a subtle flutter in his chest as he hurried through the dungeon halls. It was a curious feeling that he no longer cared to suppress, his hand clutching a small bowl of warm water tightly as he made his way towards Anthara's cell block. A small cloth remained draped over his cloaked shoulder.

He had grown familiar with the damp corridor, having counted all two thousand and sixty bricks lining the floor from the stairs to the heavy stone door of the cell block numerous times. Now they seemed to fly by quickly.

Accustomed to his visits, the guards handed him a torch before hauling open the heavy door. He hurried inside. It required effort to remind himself that the prisoner was no less than a member of all he resented. This woman, this

Anthara,

was no better than the women who had enslaved him from birth. A tingle where his testicles should be was all he required to hate her. Still, he couldn't help but feel a hint of excitement with each empty cell he passed. The feeling dissipated as he reached her, peering through the cell bars.

Lying upon a blanket embroidered with traditional Lanthian figures, a gift that had earned him the names of her deceased companions, Anthara gave no reaction to his presence. She remained still, peering at the stone floor. Her hands were free, unlocked several months ago after Lalian calculated the danger. That kindness had earned him the knowledge of how long they had scouted within Vaidrin before they were discovered, though the chain and collar remained leashed to the rear wall.

Lalian placed the bowl on the floor after entering. His torch flickered in its mount upon the cell bars. "N...no greeting? No cruel jab of your tongue?" His words came in the Lanthian tongue, naturally sounding vicious despite his gentle tone.

She attempted to shrug, her dirty hair draped over her green face. "Why bother? Words won't unlock my chains."

"Ah...well, I suppose." Lalian shifted uncomfortably before presenting the rag. "Perhaps this may enliven your spirit. You're beginning to...well, through no fault of your own, you..." His nervous words eased as she offered no harsh judgment, no combative glare. "You require a bath."

She forced herself to sit up against the hard wall with a sigh. Her wings lay limply against her back. "You believe I'd allow you to touch me?" She scowled as defeat claimed her gaze. "Go on then. Hurry. Yet be cautious where your hands wander."

Lalian knelt before her, moving the bowl closer. He soaked the rag in the warm water, though hesitated as she peered at him. She begrudgingly looked away, allowing him to proceed.

He began at her feet, his hand moving gently as he dragged the cloth. Moving up her calf, he watched as her green skin glistened from the water. His fingers lightly twitched at the sight of her nude form, his body finding the presence of another Lanthian naturally pleasing. He was forced to remind himself of who he bathed, for she was an enemy in every sense of the word.

Anthara glared as he moved up her thigh, providing a wordless warning that made him retreat to her other leg. Strong, flexible, feminine, he couldn't help but feel a slight tingle in what remained of his loins at the sight of her legs.

"How long has it been...Lalian?" she questioned only after he had finished cleaning her lithe arms.

Dipping the cloth in the water, he moved next to her torso. Her belly displayed the hint of her flat abs, and as he moved upwards, he nearly heard a hiss in response as he gently rubbed the cloth over her firm green breast. Never had she possessed clothing in his presence, yet to be so close... "It'll be a year before the next moon."

"A year..." The words sounded bitter from her lips as she leaned her head back. "A fucking year..."

Lalian's fingers trembled, running the cloth over her nipple. He attempted to ignite his anger, knowing what had been stolen from him by his cruel former mistresses. Why did he bathe her when he should despise her? Why grant her gifts to make her cell comfortable, when she deserved to sleep on the bare floor? Why did he feel his manhood stirring against his will, when he should spit upon her beautiful form? Why-

His thoughts came crashing down as he looked up from her perky breast, seeing tears trickling down her cheek. Astonished and horrified, he pulled back. "A...Anthara?"

Staring at the ceiling, she released a humorless chuckle. "Go on, watch me weep. Does it please you? Does your victory arouse you to know you've broken me?"

"That...of course not!"

"Only a year..." She wiped her cheeks. It proved fruitless as her tears continued. "I...can't endure this anymore. This

damned...accursed

cell. You're the only being I've spoken to in all this time..."

Lalian discarded the rag, uncertain how to proceed. His mind worked to make calculations yet found nothing for the first time as he watched her.

"I'll tell you everything. Every damned detail. I'll become as much of a traitor to our people as you are, if...if this will finally end."

"You'll lose your leverage," Lalian replied nervously, knowing their year-long game was about to be concluded. "I'll...I'll have no use for you."

Anthara's wet green eyes found his. "You think I care? What's another year of isolation worth if nothing shall change? Whatever becomes of me...I shall at least be free of this infernal cage!"

Lalian hesitated, fidgeting with his fingers. Why did he delay? Was this not the very duty he had been tasked with by his master? "I cannot guarantee your freedom, nor your life. Yet if you tell me everything, I vow th...that I'll do what I can to assist you. Such is a fair bargain, is it not?"

A further sigh escaped her as she straightened, finding temporary strength. "Very well, Lalian. Very well. I...my comrades and I were tasked by the Priarch of Lian to assess the vulnerabilities of your human masters. The Priarch sought to prepare for a potential invasion along our border."

Listening intently, Lalian's flawless memory recorded every word. "Prepare how?"

"Our duty was to report the locations, defenses, and population sizes of every city in your capital kingdom. This

Vaidrin

would burn from inside the moment your masters crossed our border, for we would have slowly infiltrated every city. It...it was a contingency that may have never been utilized if your God Emperor remains within The Human Basin. We have a right to protect our lands, our jungles. Even the lowest worm such as yourself must surely understand this." The new strength of Anthara's tone slowly bled away as her tears resumed. "A worm as low as myself now. A treacherous worm...that betrays her own people..."

Lalian took a moment to process the information, already preparing the report he'd write to The God Emperor. All Lanthian traders would certainly have to be prohibited from entering Vaidrin, of course, though perhaps only temporarily.

Anthara took a shaky breath. "I suppose the deaths of my comrades no longer hold purpose. They could have endured years of imprisonment. I...I was unable to survive

one.

"

Watching her bury her face in her hands as she wept, Lalian's thoughts fell away.

"I'm...I'm weak! Is that the truth you sought to hear? Does that please you to know?" She curled up against the wall, shrinking away.

"No...I...that wasn't the purpose of..." He remained kneeling, frozen as he sought how best to proceed. He had succeeded. He had defeated his enemy yet found no joy in victory. His heart pounded in his chest. He could solve any equation or calculation required to build wonders, yet the quandary of a weeping woman before him was entirely baffling. He waited, feeling guilt rising within him before he carefully reached out to touch her knee.

"Don't you dare touch me!" She slapped his hand away. He hesitated, every instinct forcing him to try once more. She glared through her tears as his hand returned.

He rubbed her knee as he attempted to comfort her, moving with a clumsy uncertainty as if he had never before encountered a female. His mind worked in panic, knowing it was suboptimal. He wanted to flee, to pull away, yet something within forced him to awkwardly move closer as he attempted to wrap his arms around her.

"Don't...touch me, worm! Don't..." Her resistance faded as he embraced her, utterly broken as she wept. "Don't..."

Lalian pulled her close, careful to avoid harming her wings while unable to understand his own actions. For the moment, she was merely a being requiring comfort, no longer the vicious enemy he despised. They remained together, her sobs echoing off the cell walls.

"Why...are you helping me?" Anthara asked when she could manage.

"It's a very singular thing...though I truly don't know," he muttered, deciding honesty would serve him best. "I simply...don't."

A long moment passed before she once more dared to wipe her green eyes. "You're a treacherous worm...though...thank you."

Utterly conflicted, Lalian couldn't help but feel the first hints of a smile claiming his lips.

33rd of Thriduin, 14 AVE.

Kingdom of Harin, Talin.

The city of Talin stretched out before Dominax as he peered through the open windows. Inside the city's stronghold, he heard the loud discussion of his advisors behind him. They surrounded the table carved into the shape of Harin, gesturing and pointing to various wooden markers. He tuned them out, enjoying a moment of peace as he studied the landscape.

Mere days had passed since their victory in claiming the city, and his eyes fell upon the far gates as they lay shattered. They were tiny in the distance, for already he had grown impressed with the size of northern cities. They'd only grow larger the closer they moved towards The Capital, each holding populations that dwarfed the largest of his southern cities.

"Wirmri may have changed since my last visit, though I know its layout well enough," Irith added to the discussion.

Dominax heard them continue, remembering the recent siege. The armies of Harin were proving to be an irritatingly worthy challenge, no less in number than in training and supplies. After all, he had led his forces into the oldest kingdom on Magnius, the very source of humanity itself. The Creator had delivered his species onto the land where Visti now stood, granting them a full millennium to develop their civilization and military experience before Dominax arrived. It was only natural they'd hold the advantage.

Returning to the table, Dominax placed himself at Cendra's side. As Hesin began to speak at the opposite side of the table, he used the distraction to discreetly caress her rump. Even through the thin fabric of her outfit he felt the perfection of her rear, receiving a knowing glance from her as he sensed a simmering desire within her body.

"The City of Wic has fallen in the east, and Queen Regents Elmia and Felza have begun to claim the minor cities of the region," Clin began to explain, swapping a wooden marker from blue to one of white. "Yet despite the quick progress in the west, King Foin was unable to prevent Harin forces from crossing the border. They've begun a siege outside our city of Emerin."

"A catastrophe," Hesin muttered as Dominax reached beneath the rear curtain of Cendra's half-dress. He traced his finger up the back of her thigh, feeling her soft skin. Again, his senses were pulled to her, able to feel the lust churning within her.

"Though not unrecoverable," Clin added as the princess subtly bit her lip at her father's touch. "Foin's heir, Prince Fonax, has been tasked by his father in leading a counterattack to repel the forces gathered around Emerin."

Dominax felt her asscheek, granting it a squeeze that forced a nearly inaudible moan from her lips before pulling away. "Let them play their games. They provide a distraction, and nothing more," he lied, feeling a hidden irritation mixing with his arousal. The thought of an opponent's army within his lands was an insult, yet he endured. "Grant Fonax reinforcements from our own forces. The north must come to understand the inevitability of their fate."

"Of course, your holiness," Clin replied with a polite nod. "If that is all, I'd like to return to my duties."

"Very well. Dismissed." He touched Cendra's arm as the group moved to depart. "Not you. We have business of our own to discuss."

Cendra obeyed, waiting until they were alone.

"Walk with me, my flower," he commanded. Together they left the chamber behind, slowly strolling through the decorated halls of the stronghold. "Tell me, have you sensed a shift within our family?"

Raising a brow, she clasped her hands behind her back as she walked proudly, nearly mirroring her father. A noticeable tingle continued between her legs, as if reacting to his presence. "Of what sort?"

"Of the only sort that truly matters. Have you not sensed your sister's pregnancy? Have you not felt her line gain a new member?" He granted her a disappointed glance. For three months he had savored the sensation, concentrating upon the spiritual bonds linking father to daughter, and now grandfather to grandchild. "Concentrate closely, and you shall sense the child's existence."

"Ah." Her tone grew cold, even as her arousal remained at the back of her awareness. "I have not wasted a single ounce of concentration on feeling the existence of

Vixin's

bloodline."

Once more he frowned. "That'll prove unwise. If all goes to plan, her child shall hold far more relevance to your own than you may enjoy. She'll give birth to a daughter, you know. A princess."