| abstract
| - Leia stretched languidly under the cool sheets of her bed, groaning with contentment. Her muscles ached in numerous places, but it was a satisfying ache. She blew out a long, low breath, and pushed up on her elbows. The lights in her room were low, barely there. Most illumination came from under a crack in the refresher door. The sound of running water trickled to her ears. A gratified smile graced her lips, and she slid out from under the covers completely. The chill of the room made her skin prickle, and thoughtlessly she extended one hand to her robe, thrown across a chair on the other side of the room. She caught herself just in time, remembering her vow of abstinence from the Force. For a moment she wavered, surprised how the use of her birthright had flowed so easily into her mind. It was like suddenly blinding herself, cutting off a part of her awareness she had grown so accustomed to. Shaking off the nagging feelings, Leia rose and crossed the room to retrieve her robe. She slid it around her thin shoulders and tightened the sash around her waist. It wasn’t as taut as it had once been. Her son was developing at a healthy rate, and it showed, if only faintly. For possibly the first time, Leia placed a hand on the bulge with affection rather than chagrin. She moved down the hall to the kitchen, checking for any signs of Padme. There were none. Her mother’s intuition must have also kept her at Luke’s for the night. Leia allowed herself a tight grin of amusement at that. Years of solitude had given the old woman an unlimited supply of wisdom. Her eye caught on a flashing blue light on a side table next to the couch. It was the comm station. Curious, Leia padded to the device and flicked it on. A message flashed by that read Text Memo. Frowning, Leia grabbed her datapad and plugged it in, kneeling before the gadget. It was a letter from Jaina. Leia blinked at the message for an incredulous moment, then scanned it a second time. Still unable to believe, she read it again. A shaking hand covered her mouth as tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. With this note, all her deepest fears had been washed away. She had stood stalwart through the storm, and finally it had passed. A pair of strong hands settled on her shoulders and gave a comforting squeeze. She jumped a little in surprise—he never used to be able to sneak up on her. “Are you all right?” Leia glanced up at her husband, his face shining with love and concern, hair still damp from the shower. “No. I mean, yes. I’m just perfect.”
* * * “Jacen!” Jaina watched with a smirk as her friend and her twin crashed into each other, hugging fiercely as they laughed. “What are you doing here?” Tenel Ka asked elatedly, her eyes beaming up at him. “I’ve come to the surface to help in the MedCenters where I can. But as far as coming to the base, I’m here to see Jaina,” he looked up at his sister for the first time, smiling. Just as quickly he turned back to the Hapan princess in his arms. “Not that I wasn’t hoping to run into you.” She slapped his shoulder playfully and stepped back. “Oh yes. It was your secret intention all along, I understand.” He laughed loudly, gave her a final squeeze, and let go. “So you’ve found me out.” Then he turned his attention to his sister, who took her turn at an embrace. “How are you, Jaina?” “Good enough,” she grinned. “I sent Mom a message this morning.” His brown eyes, identical to her own, lit up. “That’s great. I’m so proud of you. She’ll be really happy to hear from you.” “It feels good,” she sighed gently. “I’m ready to be a part of a family again. Our family.” He ruffled her hair affectionately. “It’s all going to work out, I know it.” It was at that moment that Tenel Ka’s comlink chose to go off. She snatched it off her belt in a hurry, tossed them an apologetic look, and retreated a discreet distance away. Her muscular back was tense as she spoke to whoever rested on the other end, and then went slack. She barked a last reply and spun back to face her childhood companions. “I am sorry. I have to go, the Queen Mother needs me. Jaina, I will speak with Captain Darklighter before this evening. Jacen,” a new smile blossomed on her face, “I would love for you to come to supper with Jaina and me later. 1900 hours. Please be there!” There was a parting wave, and she was gone. Then the two Solo children were left to themselves. Jaina looked up at Jacen, a wince of apology already forming on her deceptively delicate features. “I hate to say it, Jace, but I have to run too. Gavin is going to skin my hide if I miss another sim session. I’ll see you tonight?” “Count on it.”
* * * Jagged Fel generously tipped the hovertaxi driver before stepping out of the speeder into the brisk Hapan night. He straightened the high collar of his jacket as he climbed the small set of stairs leading to a private entrance of the Fountain Palace. He hadn’t been sure of the formality of the evening, and so had opted to wear his dress uniform, which would adapt to any situation relatively well. Princess Tenel Ka had sent him directions and pass codes earlier in the day, so getting by the numerous guards hadn’t really been an issue. Yet even though things appeared to be all in order, Jag’s stomach was a knotted mass of turmoil. He swallowed hard as he reached the landing, and put his focus into dampening the negative emotions. He had met many intimidating figures over his short life, so he didn’t think dinner with the future Queen of Hapes was what was making him jumpy. Rather, he supposed it had to do with a certain young Rogue pilot who would also be in attendance. She just seemed to have that affect on him. He never knew what reception he was going to get around Jaina Solo, but then that was an element of the excitement. Part of him suspected a mischievous plot on the part of his headstrong vixen. He highly doubted that Tenel Ka had any interest at all in the mechanics of a clawcraft, but rather she was playing the part of a close friend. There was little question that Jaina had confided in her the nature of their relationship, even though they had agreed no one could know. Either that, or the Princess had somehow figured it out on her own. He hoped the former was the case, because if they were that transparent there really was a problem. The double doors in front of him were a light wood with transparisteel paneling, but the inside of the place was obscured by layers of fine sheer curtains. The porch was made of solid rock, and a pattern of stones wove up the walls to frame the door. Green ivy clung to this as well, giving the place an aged and elegant look. A stone rail encircled the terrace, adding the final touch of majestic grandeur. This was a back door of sorts, the restricted area of the Fountain Palace reserved for the Queen and close members of her family only. Jag raised one fist and knocked four times, then waited. To his surprise, it was no servant that answered the door. Instead it was the Princess herself. “Jag,” she smiled genially, and opened the door wider in welcome. The inside was as pleasantly designed as the out, with plush, simple furniture. “I’m so glad you could make it.” Tenel Ka herself wore light, semi-formal gown of dark blue, which contrasted nicely with her bright red mane. It was a modest cut, but clung to her lithe form in just the right places. She offered him her hand, and he kissed it respectfully. “I’m glad to be here.” As he raised up from the bow his eyes were immediately ensnared by the sight over Tenel Ka’s right shoulder. And there she was, the object of all his affection, his forbidden treasure. Her dress was a rich ebony, and hugged her slim form from her collarbone all the way down to the floor. She took a step forward, and he suddenly caught sight of a deep slit cutting all the way to high thigh. Her smile was radiant, and he was powerless to look away. He took her hand wordlessly, and his lips lingered there slightly longer than was probably appropriate. Her skin was soft to the touch, and electrified him. “Good evening, Colonel Fel,” her voice was formal, suiting the occasion. Jag quickly remembered that they were not alone. “Good evening, Jedi Solo. You look lovely,” he couldn’t help himself. Those brandy eyes simply sparkled at him from under thick lashes. “Thank you, Tenel Ka was kind enough to let me borrow some of her clothes. And I think Jaina will be all right for tonight.” “Then I’ll be just Jag.” His back to Tenel Ka, he winked at her roguishly. Jaina actually giggled. “Jag it is.” “Well,” Tenel Ka cleared her throat, “as soon as Jacen gets here we can eat. Everything is ready.” She led the way farther into the softly lit room. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing a view over the beautiful cityscape below. A long table with one end set for four dominated the space inside. Jaina turned to follow her friend, and Jag’s eyes went wide. The entire back of her garment was open, exposing the curve of her back from slender waist all the way up to the point where her long hair brushed her shoulder blades. She cast him a wicked glance over her shoulder, as if reading his mind—on second thought, she probably was—then again faced forward. “Jacen is coming?” Jag asked to cover himself, trailing behind the two women. Tenel Ka smirked at her Jedi companion. “That’s the story.” “He’ll be here,” Jaina promised, and took a seat in one of the high backed chairs. Jag took the one beside her, trying to seem indifferent about it. “It’s Jacen, remember? When is he ever on time?” “Do I hear my name?” a new voice chuckled from behind them. Jag turned in unison with Jaina to face the newest arrival. “Well, it’s true,” she didn’t back down. Jacen stepped farther into the room, taking in the scenery. At last his eyes settled on Jag, seated at the table beside his sister. “Jag. I didn’t know you were going to be here.” The Chiss colonel shrugged. “That’s what I said about you.” Jacen broke into a broad grin as he traversed the wood paneled floors and took the empty chair beside Tenel Ka. “Hm, I smell trouble; the two of them keeping secrets and all.” “Nothing so clandestine,” Tenel Ka promised, leaning over to peck a kiss on his cheek. “Merely and oversight.” “If you say so,” he chuckled. Then his eyes raked over her elegant attire. “Well if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were more beautiful than you were a couple hours ago. And Jaina,” he blew out a long whistle. “Look at you, finally shedding the flightsuit. Mom would die of pride.” “Oh, shut up,” she chastised him, but not without mirth. The serving droids appeared from the kitchen, carrying plates of fine cuisine. Jag and Jaina were each given a portion of the fare, but Tenel Ka and Jacen were left conspicuously out. “Am I missing something here?” Jacen scowled at the back of one droid as it retreated. “Yeah, what gives?” Jaina echoed his sentiment. A genuine look of confusion was about her, so Jag assumed she really had no idea what was happening. “Jacen and I won’t be joining you tonight, unfortunately,” Tenel Ka rose gracefully from her seat, a politic smile curling the edges of her lips. Jacen glanced up at her, shocked. “We won’t?” “No,” she smiled at him. “We won’t. Not right now, in any case. I need your help with something concerning the Queen.” Her gray eyes flicked to Jaina. “I hope you won’t be too offended if I steal him away for a little bit?” Jaina swallowed, looking from Tenel Ka to Jag and quickly back again. “No, that’s okay.” “Good,” she offered Jacen her hand. He took it reluctantly, and came to his feet as well. “We’ll be back it a little while.” Jag started to stand and offer her a parting bow, but she stayed him with a wave of her hand. “No, don’t bother. Sit.” “I guess I’ll see you later,” Jacen waved to them both, his face bewildered and maybe a little amused. “Bye,” Jaina called softly, watching their exit. When they were gone, she turned her gaze fully on Jag. “As much as I would like to take credit for this, I had nothing to do with it.” Unable to help himself, Jag leaned forward and kissed her. He didn’t take it as far as he would have liked, easing away just as her lips parted in invitation. “Well you won’t see me complaining.” Jaina giggled sweetly. “Me either.” She cast her eyes about the empty room, looking like a child about to misbehave. “This definitely has possibilities.” He took her right hand in his own, kissing it for the second time that evening. “You look beautiful.” “Thank you,” her smile rivaled the stars. Her fingers brushed imaginary dust from the shoulder of his uniform. “You don’t look so shabby yourself.” They shared a private grin before turning to the Hapan dish set before them. “I’m guessing Tenel Ka knows,” Jag began casually after taking the first few bites. His companion winced around a bite of spiced meat. “I’m sorry,” she sighed after swallowing. “I wasn’t going to tell her, really, but…she’s my best friend. And I just can’t keep a secret like this from her.” Jag nodded in understanding. He wasn’t angry with her. Princess Tenel Ka was sure to be mum on the subject, and besides, he was glad Jaina was able to confide about this closet romance of theirs with someone. He wished he was afforded the same luxury. “What about Jacen?” She snorted in a very un-lady-like fashion. “He’s clueless. I’m sure she’ll come up with something to tell him. She has the rest of this planned out, after all.” “She has been thorough,” he acknowledged as he forked another bite into his mouth. Jaina took a sip of the peppery local wine and made a face. “Gah. This is some drink.” She wrinkled her nose over the rim of the glass, sniffing. Finally she took another swig, this one settling a little better with her. “At least it gets the point across,” she laughed afterwards, wiping water from the corner of her eye. He smiled at the musical tone to her voice, and wondered how he had managed all these years without it. Jag drew himself short at this thought. Fighting a scowl, he took a long draught from his own cup to cover his sudden discomfort. This was not good, not at all. He was becoming far too attached to her already. But he knew as soon as he turned back to her and looked into that misleadingly innocent face, all thoughts of withholding his feelings would disappear. They finished the meal in easy companionship, talking mostly about the war and starfighter tactics. She was quite knowledgeable of such things for someone so young, but then considering her lineage that wasn’t so surprising. But nonetheless, Jag was pleased by the natural flow of their conversation. Jaina Solo was bright and funny, on top of being beautiful. After the food had been taken away and they were left only with the intoxicating drink, their exchange drifted into the more personal areas of childhood and family. “Five brothers and sisters?” Jaina had just asked when a droid came back with another decanter. “It must have been a madhouse. Things were crazy enough in the Solo household with just the three of us.” Jag chuckled softly at her conjecture. “Well it did get crazy sometimes. But my father knows how to run a tight ship, if you will. We’d all hop to when ordered.” “And your mother?” “She’s just as intimidating, in her own, subtle way,” he grinned. “But she was always loving and kind, as all mothers should be.” She went silent for a moment, concentrating on the liquid in her cup. Jag knew immediately he had struck a nerve. He had momentarily forgotten the situation with Leia, and cursed his own stupidity for letting things drift in a direction that could remind Jaina of it. “I’m sorry,” he apologized softly. Jaina waved it off. “Don’t, it’s okay. I was just thinking. I…sent her a message this morning.” His eyebrows shot up in shock. “Oh really?” She nodded gently. “I hope she forgives me.” Jag sighed and reached for the cup in her hand. He gently took it from her and set it on the table. Wordlessly he stood, then offered her his arm. “She will.” Jaina let him pull her from her seat, brandy eyes wondering over his face. “You sound so sure.” He smiled down at her and took her chin gently between his thumb and the knuckle of his forefinger. “Who could ever deny you?” Her lashes fluttered closed and she stood there, posed and ready for him to kiss her. He stared at her for a moment, filing the picture of her upturned face away in his memory. His fingers trailed from her chin along the line of her jaw and back into her hair. It was like the finest silk against his skin. And then he did kiss her, a feathery touch of his lips against hers. She leaned towards him, sucking in a deep breath as she pressed back. His arms came around her back and met the warm, bare flesh. They both stiffened in surprise at the electricity in the contact. She pulled back for a moment, meeting his green-eyed gaze. He only grinned, and slid out of the embrace. “Come on,” he tugged her towards the veranda. She followed willingly, small hand clasp tightly in his. Night had settled on Chume’Dan, but the sky was still much lighter than what would be normal in hours of darkness, courtesy of the seven moons. He drew her to the stone banister where they could overlook the pristine city below the Fountain Palace. She rested her elbows on the structure and let the wind toy with her chestnut mane, eyes closed. Jag came to rest beside her, one arm affectionately encircling her tiny waist. Jaina leaned into his side, resting her cheek against his chest. The moment was too perfect, and suddenly threatened to overcome the Chiss colonel. He felt unexpectedly frightened, because he knew this time was sorely limited. All too soon this would end. He would go home and she would stay with the Jedi, where she belonged. And if the Chiss plans came to fruition, she would feel betrayed by him for never telling her. A feeling of possession overwhelmed him, and his arm tightened around her, tugging her hard against him. She glanced up, surprised by his audacity, but excited with anticipation. He despised the shadow of the future always hanging over them, and in a second of denial refused to hold himself back because of it. He kissed her again, hard this time, plundering her mouth with his tongue. The feel of her skin under his palms burned all the way to his heart. Jaina sighed against him, her arms tight around his neck. Their bodies rotated until she was leaning back over the rail, his hands supporting her weight. Their lips parted and came together again and again, rising each time in passion. Abruptly Jaina jerked away, pushing him to arms length. “No,” she gasped, her features red. Breathless and baffled, Jag scowled at her. “What?” “We can’t go there,” she whispered sadly. It could have been a trick of the light, but he thought he saw tears glistening in her eyes. “We just can’t, Jag. I…I can’t be this close to you, and then know one day it’s all going to come crashing down.” She ran her palm down his sternum, eyes following its movement. “This isn’t just physical anymore.” He set his jaw, immediately burying the depth of his own emotion deep below the surface. She was right. “It never really was just physical.” Her smile was wistful. “No, I guess not.” She turned her head for a moment, unable to think under the weight of his eyes. When she turned back, her mind was set. “But when we’re together like this, I just keep wanting more. And I can’t sleep with you, Jag. I just can’t.” He covered the hand on his chest with his own. “I know. I didn’t ask you to.” “You didn’t need to,” her eyes sparkled with mirth. There was a long, silent pause where they just stared at each other, trying to decipher the problem that appeared to have no answer. “So,” he finally braved it, “what now?” “I don’t know,” she confessed. “I don’t want to stop seeing you. I just don’t think we can get any closer than this, for both our sakes.” “Then we draw the line here,” he nodded firmly. She pursed her lips, then dipped her head once in acquiescence. She turned away from him, to the rail. He stood behind her, arms around her waist, holding her tight. His chin came to rest on the top of hers with a doubtful sigh. They could try, but Jag was starting the think the force drawing them together wasn’t one to be stopped.
* * * “What’s this about?” Jacen demanded the instant they were out of the private suite. “Like I said,” Tenel Ka kept to her story, “I need your help, Jacen.” “With what?” “The Queen is ill,” she said frankly. “Jaina told me about the gift from your grandmother. I was hoping you could try to heal her.” It wasn’t a lie, anyways. This plan had been running through her mind since Jaina had told her about Padme’s birthday presents. It was just a convenient way to kill two birds with one stone. He drew up in surprise. “She’s sick?” “Yes.” “Okay…yeah, of course I’ll try to help her.” Tenel Ka blew out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. Not that she had assumed he would deny her. Jacen was one of her best friends, and they had been very close once upon a time. She could trust him. “Thank you. She needs to be in prime condition for her upcoming role in the war.” “I’ll do what I can,” he promised. His hand snaked out to take hold of hers, and gave it a comforting squeeze. “Hey, are you okay?” “I am fine,” she nodded curtly, but kept her fingers intertwined with his. “Just stressed, and worried for my mother. I cannot lose her, Jacen.” “Is it that bad?” “The years of politics have killed her spirit. It has weakened her immune system, and she has become more prone to illness. We will need a strong leader to defeat the Baci, and I can only do so much from behind the throne,” she shook her head in frustration. “What happens if she can’t go on?” he prodded gently. Tenel Ka straightened imperceptibly. Fear rose in her just at the mention of it, but she squashed it firmly. “Then I will have no choice but to become Queen Mother.”
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)