Chapter 16: Chapter 15: Empress Victoria

The next morning Jacek and Vega woke up groggy and hungover. The two leaders along with their men had stayed up late into the night drinking and sharing merry stories. Jacek leaned up with one eye open and a grimace on his face as he looked around. He was outside by the small embers of what had been a sizable fire from the night before.

Vega also slowly woke up and said, “Hell of a night. Did Erika break up with you?”

Jacek stood up and brushed himself off, “Yea, I think she did. Something about being upset that we were drunk and partying. I don’t think she was to happy about me inviting Princess BloodStar for a friendly sparring match either.”

Vega also stood up as the two began to walk to get some breakfast together, “Hey, don’t feel bad. I honestly don’t think Erika is jealous of Xenia. I think she bears the burden of being a Master of her empire at such a young age. The first master to outlive the curse of her ancestors. The BloodStar Empire has always been a source of stress for the Master Family Empires. Since we are only heirs, we wouldn’t know the likes of the stress she is under.”

Jacek nodded in agreement, “You are quite right. To her, my invitation must seem foolish. The Master Families have always been cautious regarding the BloodStar Empire. One would dare not invite the Princess over without first seeking approval from the other families, including my own father Jarek.”

Jacek and Vega walked in silence before Jacek continued, “But it wasn’t a drunken decision. As the heir to the strongest Master Family, I have a responsibility to forge a new way. If we continue to back the BloodStar Empire into a corner, of course they will continue to be aggressive. This invitation can only lead to better things. If it comes at the cost of my relationship with Erika, so be it. Our positions and responsibilities were always doomed to interfere anyways. Especially since she stands at the head of her family already while I am merely an heir waging battles in the shadow of my father’s empire.”

Vega nodded as they entered the common breakfast hall. The common hall was not typically a place they ate, instead favoring their private royal chefs in the command center. However, this morning, they felt it appropriate to eat with the men from the night before. As they entered, the men under their command gave a standing ovation cheering them on for the festivities the night before.

Jacek waved their applause down and said, “Thank you for partaking in the festivities last night. We work hard for our empire, and as such, we earn the right to play hard from time to time!”

A collective “Hoorah!” was the response of his men as Lord Heraklinos and General Magnus continued onwards to the food line. Vega picked up a tray and said, “That power structure was never going to work with her position versus yours. But now, you have the chance to have some fun. Every fine girl in the Empire, and outside the Empire, would love to spend a night with the dashing Lord Heraklinos!”

Jacek laughed, “You’re right. Maybe a little fun is what I need before taking on a serious relationship again. Serious relationships require vetting by my family, being proper, and formal courting. It sure would be nice to just have some fun and not worry about all of that for a change.”

“That’s the spirit! Welcome back to the boy’s club! I, for one, am glad to have you back!” Vega was genuinely excited to have him back in the line of partying and having fun alongside him.

Jacek replied, “But hey! Don’t get any ideas just yet! First, you have to help me train for Princess BloodStar’s arrival. I can’t look like a fool in front of my men, after all.”

Vega slapped him on the back, “I’ll help you train! And who knows, maybe she’s a girl who likes to have a little fun herself!”

Jacek laughed and said, “I guess we will see. But I won’t get my hopes up. Her empire has a staunch reputation for putting business ahead of pleasure.”

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Xenia stood outside of the royal court within the BloodStar Empire castle. She wore her all-black leather military outfit with gold buttons adorning it with knee high leather boots and gloves. Within the empire, no one would mistake her for anyone but General BloodStar.

She was prepared to enter the royal court when she heard someone call her name from afar, “Xenia!”

She turned to see her best friend and shouted, “Constance!”

Constance ran up to Xenia and the two women embraced one another in a tight full-body hug. After releasing one another, Xenia smiled and said, “It’s been way too long! Where have you been off to on your recent trips?”

Constance smiled back saying, “I’ve been everywhere but here, and I have quite the surprise for you tonight. Why don’t you come to my place around 7:30 for dinner? I have a couple of guys who want to hang out with us tonight. Both of whom are competing in the Gladiator Games for you and me.”

Xenia laughed and said, “Competing for both of us now, I see. I will definitely be at dinner.”

Constance replied, “It’s unofficial, but my family has thrown me in the mix to increase recruitment. The notion of facing and defeating Nero was really cramping our numbers. So now, any fighter deemed worthy by the Gladiator Games overseer, which would be you, can officially be considered for a Khan Family suitor.”

Xenia laughed and said, “Oh I seeeeee. Well then. You just let me know when to give someone the green light.” She then turned to look at the looming royal court doors and said, “Empress Victoria has summoned me to report on my recent trip to the United States. I had better get going. She hates waiting just as much as I do."

Constance replied, "Hmm, so that’s where you get it from.”

Xenia and Constance laughed together. Then Xenia said, “Dinner. 7:30. I’ll be there.”

As Xenia turned towards the royal court doors, Constance yelled after her, “Wear something sexy!”

Xenia waved without looking back and shook her head in amusement. She then steeled herself for the upcoming meeting. She knew her older brother and sister would be present which she was not looking forward to.

She leaned into the heavy, tall, metal doors with the family insignia engraved upon them and opened the two double doors as she entered the dimly lit royal court. She entered into a room with 50-foot-tall ceilings and two rows of massive columns upholding the ceiling. The columns bordered a crimson red carpet that led to a staircase which atop sat the emperor’s throne.

As the heir to all of this, Xenia felt quite comfortable in this room; however, others felt the pressure of the empire upon entering. As she approached the throne, the emperor’s royal guards stood lining the staircase in their crimson gold armor. The royal guard consisted of some of the finest warriors in the empire and most had unique and gifted ki abilities giving them a huge advantage in battle.

As she approached the staircase leading up to the Empress, she noted two other royal members kneeling at the staircase waiting for her arrival. She walked up to the first step and stopped as she greeted the Empress, “Mother, how are you?”

The man kneeling stood up in a fit, “That is not how you address the Empress! You kneel, and you address her by her title. And while you may be the heir to the empire, Zara and I still outrank you. As such you will honor our rank in the royal court.”

Xenia rolled her eyes, knelt down, and bowed her head, “Empress Victoria, King Ramses, and Queen Zara. I, General Xenia Victoria BloodStar, heir to the BloodStar Empire and bearer of the name Victoria, have come at your request.”

Xenia almost never referred to herself as a bearer of the name Victoria. However, it was a subtle jab at her brother King Ramses and her sister Queen Zara to remind them that they were not the bloodline power heir in the family. And while their positions may outrank her formally, she hardly felt beneath them.

Once all three were kneeling before the empress, Empress Victoria said, “Xenia your brother is right. You may be the bloodline heir, but the next time you keep us all waiting, there will be consequences. You are not the empress yet and may not be for a very long time.” The empress had an aura of terror that commanded respect. She was regaled in crimson gold robes and wore a crown jeweled with blood-red rubies and glistening white diamonds.

Although Empress Victoria was around 150 years old, she appeared as a youthful, fit, athletic, and beautiful female in her mid-40’s. Her appearance was stunning and looked to be an older version of Xenia. Her youthful appearance was owing to her ability to heal much like Xenia’s ability although less powerful than her daughter’s.

Xenia grit her teeth and managed to say, “Yes, Empress Victoria.”

Victoria then said, “King Ramses and Queen Zara. Please report on the state of the Empire.”

Queen Zara lifted her head while remaining kneeled and said, “Our citizens are happy, our wealth has never been greater, and law and order is thriving.”

King Ramses then added, “We also continue to shift our culture away from one of brutality and towards one of civility.”

Empress Victoria praised them, “Well done. Very well done. You both have served as outstanding stewards of our empire as King and Queen.”

Xenia audibly scoffed at this report, and Victoria harshly said, “General Xenia, do you have something to say?”

Xenia raised her head and said, “Our culture is what makes us strong. Shifting away from it may give us a better image on an international stage; however, it will also weaken us.”

King Ramses replied, “Although I disagree with it, Empress Victoria has mandated that the Colosseum remain open permanently. That should quench your thirst for violence. The consumption of human meat, torture, human trafficking, and other violent acts is now strictly forbidden. It is highly illegal even for you, General Xenia.”

Xenia shook her head in disdain but remained silent.

Victoria then directed her gaze towards Xenia, “General Xenia, please report on your trip to the United States.”

Xenia raised her head once more and proudly stated, “My trip was a stellar success. I signed a three-year treaty with the United States, and we are now officially allies. I completely healed the President, saving his life. I have also been extremely well received by the citizenship of the United States.”

Queen Zara scoffed, “A three-year treaty? They don’t trust us, Xenia. They merely want our short-term protection to deter their more dangerous enemies.”

King Ramses piled on saying, “Of course they don’t trust us. Look at our history. Look at our culture. And look at the prisoner that they never had the opportunity to interrogate. Where is your prisoner General Xenia?”

Xenia looked up and said, “That is classified. I do not answer to you on matters of security.”

King Ramses continued, “Was that even a true assassination attempt? The Americans may not be experts in the field of ki, but upon my inspection, there seemed to be something amiss. Was it genuine? Or was that assassin planted there and set up to fail? A gift to fall in to your sadistic hands while abroad?”

Xenia knelt in silence, and King Ramses yelled, “Answer the court! You will face severe consequences if you harmed that prisoner. We have laws to abide by. Here and especially abroad!”

Xenia stood up and raised her voice to her brother, “I do not answer to you!”

Empress Victoria became irritated at her children’s arguing and raised her hand as a red aura enveloped it. She began to bloodbend Xenia back to a kneeled position; however, Xenia resisted.

Xenia’s rage bubbled to the surface as she thought, “First my brother and sister back me into a corner about my private dealings and now my own mother dares to bloodbend me in public!”

She steeled her mind and all but nullified Empress Victoria’s attempts to make her kneel. Victoria grimaced and thought to herself, “What unbelievable raw power. She is decades ahead of me at that age.”

Finally, Empress Victoria stood up and enveloped her entire body in a red aura and nearly slammed Xenia’s face into the ground as she used her full might to force her to a kneel.

Xenia then yelled, “I request to report the remainder of my travel details including details pertaining to the prisoner in private to Empress Victoria alone.”

Empress Victoria sat back down and said, “Granted.” She then looked to Ramses and Zara and said, “Your sister needs a stern reprehension. Please leave us so that I may take care of this. I will follow up with you both later this evening.”

Both Ramses and Zara nodded and rose to their feet. They turned to make their exit. As they walked away, they had similar thoughts, “Since when is Xenia able to resist Victoria’s bloodbending? She is a monster! We must begin to warn the world. That kind of power in her immature and violent hands will lead to an ill-fated world if we are not prepared.”

After Ramses and Zara made their exit, Victoria said, “Rise Xenia BloodStar, bearer of the name Victoria. Follow me to a more private setting.”

Xenia and Victoria walked to a private room that was outfitted with anti-spy technology much akin to the technologies used at the hotel during Xenia’s visit to Washington D.C. As Xenia shut the door behind them, Victoria took on a much more relaxed and casual manner and tone.

Empress Victoria sat in a comfortable chair and said, “I have already read Nero’s report. And Ashrok is the one who asked me for permission to send that prisoner. As a bloodline power, you will face urges of violence that no one else will understand in your life. I have faced them myself. And for that reason, I grant you a privilege that is deserving to no one else. Furthermore, I encourage you to uphold our old culture. Although I have tasked your elder brother and sister with reshaping our empire’s culture, I do think it important to hold on tightly to it where we can. Whether it be the Colosseum or turning a blind eye to our best warriors when they celebrate.”

Xenia nodded and replied, “Forgive me for my outburst, mother. I struggle knowing that Ramses and Zara are ranked formally higher than me within our empire.”

Victoria laughed and said, “Xenia, that is by my design. A lesser rank gives you less responsibilities within our empire. And that gives you more time to train with me. Which speaking of, during your outburst, I had to power up quite a bit to bloodbend you. I am sorry for having shamed you in public, but I am also in awe of your raw power. Your raw power is befitting of the legends of our ancestors. I daresay once you inherit the remainder of my powers, no one person will be able to stand in your way.”

Xenia looked at Victoria and said, “I hope to inherit those powers long from now. After all, it is your name that brings balance to this world. And I still have a lot to learn from your training.”

Empress Victoria stood up in her long, flowing crimson-gold robes and said, “Meet me at Khan Valley tomorrow morning at 10am. I think it’s time you practiced some of the more advanced techniques.”

Xenia’s eyes lit up with excitement. She said, “Khan Valley? Yes! I will be on time… No… I will be early for your training!”

Victoria walked to the door and said, “You had better be. Constance tells me you will already be in her family’s province for dinner overnight. Now you girls don’t get in to too much trouble.”

Xenia loved her mother for many reasons. However, knowing that her mother fully supported her for who she was even if it was in the face of the way the world was trending, made Xenia’s heart warm. She stood up as well and said, “Thanks mom. I love you!” She then ran over and gave her a big hug.