Frozen in Time

[Judah Lesan]

”I have said no such thing of marriage other than to reiterate that it has nothing to do with this alliance. Believe me my noble duchess when I say that I am well aware that IF we were to wed it would only be because it was your idea to begin with. I know you too well to think that you could be swayed by my silver tongue if it was my design alone.”

Xander smirked with the last sentence. For once he had wanted to find his tongue gain the upper hand. Any retort from Zarah on this matter would ignore the fact that he had found a way to compliment and chastise her in one sentence. It was a simple misunderstanding, but Xander could not walk away from the opportunity to both prove he had learned his lesson, and catch the woman off her guard. When the hibernation sickness wore off the opportunity would not be so prevelant.

Her slim and gentle fingers were still cold. They were a stark contrast to the war hardened hands of the noble King. No longer did Xander bear the touch of a King who had never picked up a weapon and killed a man. No, Xander’s hands were that of a warrior King. They were a testament that he himself would defend the alliance with his own strength. Xander would be their last defense, and if he fell the Alliance was done for. As long as he drew breath they would always have hope their goals would be met.

”This galaxy has been in a state of chaos for a long time. There is a time and place for the dresses and tiaras, but the Netherworld is not one of them. You will fight for what you will gain, I promise you this.”

Xander paused with one thought.

”Master Hydrocus taught you to wield a lightsaber did he not, or had you left before you could become proficient with the weapon?”

If Zarah wanted her crown, then as Xander took on the role of Warrior King, she in turn would become a Warrior Queen. This was their lot, and if Zarah wanted to be Xander’s equal than she would be equal in all things, unreliant on his skill in battle to protect her from harm.

”Time has done you fair as well. There is no woman that could claim your youthful beauty at an age over 800 years.”

His room was dark, but with wave of his hand the lights came up to a dim. Xander stood behind Zarah and began to unhook the corset without warning. Each clasp came undone with much more deliberate ease than it had gone on. Xander truly was more skilled in an undressing a woman as Zarah bore witness now. Her back was bare, porcelain in tone, near perfect. The only blemish were small scars from the material of noble dress that had broken her skin to the point damage.

Not a word was said. Xander did not need to guess that he was likely the first man to see this much of Zarah’s nakedness even if it was just her back.

”You may allow the dress to fall. I shall give you your privacy, provided you do not need my assistance for anything else?” It was not a hope, simply a genuine question. Certainly this could be spun in any way Zarah wished, but Xander had been genuine and honest since she woke.

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Beautiful… Xander, before you likened me to [member="Chiara Viren"] today, I’d never been told any such thing. I’ve always expected I was homely… as unattractive as my views on chastity…” Zarah’s cheeks flushed so red her freckles seemed to shimmer in bronze. Her lips worked in silence, incapable of speaking to something she never considered: the choice of her own to wed. “I… misunderstood… your respect is appreciated. Goodness you’ve changed I am not nearly used to it.”

The arduous pull to stand was enough to cause her lungs to want for air. A chaotic place, where all fought… was it true? Yes, and he was prepared thusly.

“Master Hydrocus? No. As much as it may surprise you, [member="Ahani Najwa"] taught me how to commit to combat. I am also, if I do say, a fantastic shot.” Zarah was a Lady in every term, and to be able to protect oneself was penultimate in one’s education. The walk to the room was a cautious one, her hand curled around his warrior’s palm. She panted as her lungs filled with more capacity, fumbling with the top of the dress to keep it upon her.

“Your hands are the fastest I’ve ever seen.” Zarah laughed, as his fingers worked as fast as he’d previously noted. “All those advantages… at least they’re worth something, wasted as they are on the galaxy’s best looking octo-centarian, eh? Flattery, flattery, your highness. Whatever would you do if I somehow became less immune to your sensual sayings?”

Somehow the act of his simple aide made the rest easier to handle. He made no judgement of her freckled skin, no claim or banter. Zarah visibly relaxed, her muscles releasing of the tensions of being discovered or experienced in such a state.

“Thank you Xander, I require nothing else, but the will to survive yet one more sleep.” Zarah whispered, nibbling on her lower lip. Chin cast down, she hugged the front of the dress to her chest, and as she felt the heat of his body vacate her personal space, let go of the front of the dress. Burgundy fabric spilled down, and she stood devoid but her skin. Mutely she curled up unclad under the sheets, fumbling to pull them up to her shoulders. She nodded off in seconds, auburn hair spilling over the pillow and her shoulders. Her face relaxed to a trustful and easy slumber, nuzzled into Xander’s bed as if she belonged within its’ folds. Outlined by the sheets, her body was misused by the courtly garments and gowns she wore. She shivered, body too cold to warm itself. [member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

”Let me assure you whomever made you think that was a liar! Your beauty certainly rivals that of your own cousin.”

Yes his words were meant to flatter her, but now only because she had believed a lie. It seemed Xander would have to convince her of her own beauty and that she was in fact attractive. There was power in knowing and using such knowledge correctly. For a woman like Zarah it could be a powerful weapon indeed.

He nodded in regards to what she said about Ahani. Now he understood why she had asked after her. If the basics of combat had been mastered then Xander was no reason to delay action. Once their plans came together they could take action. First would be securing Zarah’s accounts on Naboo, then finding Chiara. Zarah would be instrumental in securing her support. Even if she refused to help them, all they needed from her was to stay out of their way. Xander was certain seeing Chandaar restored to the glory of its golden years would appeal to her.

”Why so funny? Would rather I had taken my time to enjoy it,” Xander teaser as the woman poked fun at him. His smile would suggest that he took it in stride. It was the simple banter of two nobles who knew their stations and revelled in the security it gave them. ”Were you less immune to my sensual sayings there be no wonderment on what I would do my duchess. The question would be whatever would you do,” Xander grinned as though they both knew he had spoken the truth.

Xander turned his back as she climbed into the bed. He was about to leave when the catering of her shivering body landed on his ears. His feet stopped. There was no leaving her to the cold, not when her life was in the balance. In the cabinet across from the bed were extra blankets. Securing two of them, Xander put them on top of the bed. The temptation to climb under the covers with her to use his body heat was strong. It was the one thing that could guarentee her survival. He knew it would only be seen as a chance climb into bed with her, so Xander opted for the blanket. There was a chair in the room. Xander sat down and watched. If he had to join her he would. Her shivering bothered him.

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Those are bold words.” Zarah jolted as [member="Darth Vizios"]’ words hit true and clear upon her forehead. “I don’t know how I feel about being beautiful, it seems a disadvantage... or too much of an advantage.”

He continued to cajole her, soothing the nerves which slowly died the more they continued talking. If they were to align, to truly trust and depend upon the other, such moments of comedic ease were more necessary than lightsaber skills.

“Poorly. I would do poorly.” Zarah laughed, allowing the mutual self-deprecation to bathe the air. “Enjoy my momentary helplessness, I do not expect to make habit of asking your help to divulge me of my frock. You manka cat.”

Nuzzles in the sheets, she but glanced back as she drifted off. A bold man, who rescued her by providence sake. The shock of revival combined with the incredible collection of years created a dangerous hypothermia in the 800 year woman. Zarah simply hadn’t eaten enough, nor was her core temperature high enough to keep her warm. She continued to shiver, even with the extra blankets. Her lips took on a deeper colour, fingertips peeking out of the blanket shifting to a pale blue.

A flicker through the force: snow and ice. A small cabin and Zarah standing beside the fire. The fire grew smaller. The searing desire for warmth.

 

[Judah Lesan]

”I suppose you don’t, do you,” Xander teased. ”However I doubt you would do poorly,” Xander said a bit of old self peeking through.

She was not warming up. Xander watched and listened. Rushing out of the room he dug around the lounge for heat pads and cursed when there was none to be found. Tea, he could make tea. Xander heated up the water and prepped hot tea. The shivering would keep her awake. Xander set on the edge of the bed with hot tea. He coaxed her up.

”Drink, Zarah. This alliance is not about to end before we can do anything.”

Xander rest against the bed. His back against the headboard would keep him upright, and if he had to he would get under the covers with her. Her life was more important than dignity they both wished to preserve in the moment.

”Don’t die!”

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“I assure you, if I dance as if I have three left legs and a club foot, careening me horizontal would do no better.” Zarah couldn’t help the chuckling, leaning her back toward his chest for another moment’s warmth. “Regardless, I refuse to be another meaningless notch in your majesty’s belt. In anyone’s belt, really. I am far too proud to be a forgettable toss-away.”

She turned her shoulder and glared at him, her scowl broken with mirth. Zarah tried to fight off a giggle, as she moved away an inch or three from him. “Your fingers tickle.”

The sensation didn’t end when she cuddled up for warmth and sleep in his bed. Zarah awoke with a pale jitter, clutching the covers to her neck.

“I will not be defeated by internal temperature! What an undignified way to die, I assure you I am incapable of it on principle alone.” Her mouth stuttered as she spoke, fingers shivering so hard when she gripped the mug of tea she was given. Sitting up gingerly, she sipped the tea as far as she could before it burnt her tongue. The blankets stayed up past her collarbones thanks to her arms sticking close to her sides.

She continued to shiver, her lips dark with cold. “Xander?”

Zarah whimpered and gave him the glance of a woman overcome, as she finished her tea. “You... gave me more blankets... perhaps you could deign to give me some body heat as well. At the least until my frigid soul recovers from the ice.... gracious me I’m freezing and there isn’t enough tea in the galaxy to warm me. If you must, you may stay closer for warmth’s sake... or procure me enough tea to sup all of Kashyyk.”

 

[Judah Lesan]

”Meaningless and forgettable are your words, not mine duchess. Were you indulgent I am more than certain you would not be cast aside as you suggest. You strike me as the type who plays for keeps. No, you would not indulge so easily, and even then not until you were sure your target was so desirous of you that he could never be rid of you.”

It was a serious tone with which Xander spoke. This was not said in jest as he wanted Zarah to know he did not think of her as one that could be simply cast aside after her use was fulfilled. Such a harsh man he had been to many women, too harsh. It was too late for Xander to make any amends, and a certain part of him did not care too. There was only the future ahead of him, and a challenge from the duchess to employ other methods.

”Skilled as I may be, the clasps are still small and fingers large. I assure you the tickling is quite unintentional. You would know if it was.”

The banter flowed easily. Why had it not before? Was it because Xander had marched into the palace demanding that one of the Viren women pledge their life to him in marriage? Xander could see how off putting that could be. He played the part of an Induparan male well, however the Sith had changed him, Xander could fall into role all too easily.

His lips pulled to another smile yet as Zarah said she could not freeze to death on a matter of principle. Even now there humor to her, a witty charm that made a dire circumstance lighter and endurable. Still her humor would not be enough, though perhaps enough for her request. Xander had known it was the only way truly keep her warm, and he nodded.

”Until sleep takes you then,” he said as he stood. While no decent lady would sleep in a corset, no man would go to bed with his jerkin. Xander removed the vest and the shirt underneath it. His pants would remain, but his skin to hers would transfer body heat the quickest. As Xander moved under the covers her pressed his chest into Zarah’s bare back. His strong arms held her close. ”Until you fall asleep,” he repeated himself. However, the day had caught up with him, and Xander felt his eyes become heavy. It would not take much before sleep overcame him as well. His eyes closed.


[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“I’ve watched a hundred girls at court, nobles or those who reached, whisper and coo that their intended lovers promised them forever. Promised to cast their names upon the stars themselves, to see only used up women with fewer prospects than their virginity allowed, nor the sort of girl a man would marry, because she was too easy to bed. Being noble and a woman is a forgettable state. She is praised for a while if her beauty is fetching, forgotten once the children come, resurrected only in her later years for the wisdom brought of her own folly. You are correct. I refuse to be forgettable. I refuse to bandy to a wicked game, when I am worthy of a love so expansive and noble that it makes all those whimpering women’s lives look as paltry as they are. I am royalty, I will give myself for no less than forever.” All the years, the struggles against Xander’s claim to marry [member="Chiara Viren"] and that all along was Zarah’s cause. She believed Chiara and herself worthy of no marriage but one of divine ordination, but one of supreme and desperate love. “If I have to live my life without, I will go to my grey headed grave assured that I accepted no half measure.”

Xander understood, and that alone was a refreshing and less daunting addition to their alliance. She eased, able to get her convictions in the open and held up to them by a serial philanderer who had since lost the taste of strange in his bed.

Zarah suppressed another giggle. “Truly! If you meant it you would certainly open yonder jaws to consume me with tickles and the sound of your laughter. Mwah mwahaha.” Zarah tried for a man’s evil laugh, ending up laughing herself. “Ah! It feels good to laugh again. Even if your fingers are the cause.”

No noblewoman died in a fright. One must plan the nature of their own demise and schedule it just as readily. For appeasement and family’s sake. “It would be ignoble of me to die without giving proper notice... and [member="Chiara Viren"] does not even know I am alive! What a double slight! No... no I demand this cold to leave m-oh!”

Zarah shut her eyes as Xander divulged his jerkin and shirt, having seen the male physique before only in picture. His skin lashed ember-hot on her spine and Zarah then realized how cold she was. He had no fever, he was no fire sprite, Zarah was freezing to death if she did not receive such warmth to her own body as catalyst.

“Until I sleep... do give a Lady her privacy where your eyes are concerned.. eh, Your majesty?” Answer came there not.

“Xander?” Zarah whispered, huddled into his chest. “Xander if you’re asleep, I promise to poke you in the ribs unmerciful.”

He was as warm as a fire, his arms as strong as phrik. “...Xander?” She squeaked as a whisper.

No answer but the rise and fall of his chest. “Oh goodness... Chiara will never believe this in a million centur-mmhh he’s warm.”

The untouched Duchess’s eyelids drifted shut and sleep came with the regulated breathing nuzzled behind her. Was this what it felt like? Wrapped in warmth in borrowed bedding? Was this why so many women met their doom in court? If it was, Zarah secretly eliminated the blame held in her own heart. Being held was heaven.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had underestimated the toll his body took in weariness. The excitement of finding Zarah, rescuing her, and the mental effort put forth in the fun, yet intelligent, banter had made him more tired than he would care to admit. The warmth of the bed, dispite the sharp contrast of the ice radiating from Zarah’s skin, had made sleep come quickly.

It was a deep sleep. He no longer feared the dark which came with the sleep. His mind no longer wanders to the what if’s which came with the dreams that haunted his mind. Xander was always dreaming. The future was an elusive thing, but he could never keep it within his grasp. Breathing in, Xander stirred. Eyes opened. He’d slept longer than he anticipated.

He reached for his shirt and slipped it over his head. Zarah seemed peaceful, warm, there was even a smile on his face. Xander bated fo leave, but he had promised he would stay only until she fell asleep. He’d long broken that promise, but he could make it correct.

Xander padded quietly toward the door. His Jerkin was in hand as were the boots he had kicked off. He hoped Zarah wouldn’t catch him leaving, so he walked slow. There was no sense of time at the moment, and he needed to know how close to Ec Pand they were. Xander also had the challenge of averting his gaze. Her privacy was important.

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

The sensation of distance brought Zarah out of her slumber with a gradual release of the tensions of sleep. She stretched as the bed shifted and [member="Darth Vizios"] removed himself.

Zarah felt the invigoration of a decent sleep, and curled into the sheets with a warm burble of nonsensical syllables. Nothing mattered beyond maintaining the warmth of the covers, and she pulled them up to her chin.

Moaning deeply, she hugged a pillow and propped her chin on it. “Following your promise, Xander Blackmoore?”

Her violet eyes fluttered open and she looked at his retreating form. “You must have had some practice at slinking away, to be so quiet… I feel warm inside and out… thank you for keeping your word… I don’t want to move.” Zarah ended with a warm, throaty chuckle, nuzzling her nose back onto the pillow and in the sheets. Sheets up to her ear, she stretched once again then curled up in utter delight. The woman began to drift off once again, the danger over.

 

[Judah Lesan]

”I am,” he said as Xander’s eyes looked down to the floor and back toward the bed.

Xander didn’t know what else to say. Most mornings were not awkward as it was rare he woke up as the woman next to him did. There was still a scandal he felt as though he must do his best to cover up, though nothing between them had happened. The thought was a lie. Something had occurred between them, and while it was not sensual in nature, their relationship from this moment would be different to some degree.

”I will call on you when we near the reagent’s palace.”

What else was there to say. He had fallen asleep next to her, and she was amicable. The woman who would have bitten his head off 810 years ago simply rolled over to grab his pillow like a feline pleased to stretch out as much as one possibly could. A soft smile graced his lips as Xander left the room. The lounge was cold compared to the warmth of Zarah’s skin against his. However, Xander could find work to preoccupy his mind.

Always a strategist, Xander began to formulate the ruse which would gain them access to Zarah’s accounts. It was essential for now to presence hidden. Posing as a long lost heir would be at most what Xander felt best to reveal. He would play the butler, ever faithful and true. By the time they arrived at the palace the plan was set. The details of it rest in the datapad on the coffee table for Zarah to approve. First was the matter of her cousin.

Xander stood outside the door of his quarters.

”We have arrived, my duchess.”

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Always take the higher ground, especially if it is moral.” Her mother meant it as a reproach of the moral high ground, a trick of stealing it. She never understood how her daughter maintained her own moral high ground without the need to thieve her way through heaven’s gates. Yes, Zarah had committed her sins, but the bed was not one of them.

“And I shall continue recuperating in the luxury of this warm bed.” Curled in Xander’s bed, Zarah wondered idly if the high ground was still hers and came to the conclusion that it was. He slunk across the floor, not wishing to wake her. Not wanting to face her form in his bed. Xander didn’t know what to do now the night had past.

That, once again, gave Zarah the advantage of being able to define their new dynamic. What to do, make it awkward? Fumble around? No, Zarah was too highly bred to make a mountain of one night. She was defrosting from carbonite and needed warmth. He provided. Regardless of the enjoyment she unwittingly experienced, it was but a transaction of heat. A strengthening of the alliance for health’s sake. By the time he saw her again, Zarah would be the impervious Duchess he remembered, well garmented and prim.

Once her fatigue deserted her, Zarah draped herself in the borrowed burgundy gown, fastening it with newly nimble fingers and setting it around her. She checked her hair in the mirror, brushing through it with her fingers and braiding it into a loose bun on the base of her neck. A few hairs fell out of the loosely bound braid, framing her face without the pins and hairspray she usually used. She pinched her cheeks, freshened up and by the time she heard [member="Darth Vizios"]’ voice, she opened the door to present a dignified and well trimmed Duchess to Blackmoore.

“Excellent news. I must commend your pilot for the smooth nature of our trip.” She bowed her head in greeting, striding gingerly into the lounge wearing the boots he’d found her with. “I suppose you have used the intervening time to further our pursuits? What have you for me, your majesty?”

For the moment, the pitch was Zarah's, and she took full advantage of smoothing over the event of the night. Let what happened be as it was, the present moment was about creating the ease of character they found the night before. She offered her hand as a Lady did, when one was to be escorted. "Let us see Ec Pand."

 

[Judah Lesan]

Zarah could have used her words to make their earlier encounter more awkward than in had been, but in the same way she had asked him not to lord her asking for assistance over her, she did not shout the superiority of her position now. Xander had fallen asleep and she could have made an issue if it, but she had not. In the end, the two smoothed over the issue with space and silence only to come back to the rhythm they had discovered the night before, to one exception. ”It definitely looks better down,” Xander said eyeing her hair. ”But a noble woman must look the part for the servants. What else shall distinguish us except those details we perfect for the sake of propriety?”

He accepted her hand as it was the custom. Xander led Zarah down the loading ramp where he stopped to allow her to compliment the pilot if she wished. He did have to admit their skill was excellent for what he paid them to do. Though the pilot would only nod. Xander shooed them away with a wave of his hand and dismissed the servants all the same. The message had been sent ahead to have his mother’s quarters prepared for the duchess.

”We shall see it,” Xander said once the servants departed, [/color]”but first something you must learn.”[/color]

His steps led them the the cliff wall along the right edge of the landing pad. While the carpet led to a set of double doors which had just closed, Xander’s focus was on the rock just next to them. His hand paused on it to reveal it was not only a rock, but a door.

”The palace is littered with such passages, and I know them all. For your security, we will endeavor to commit these to your memory as well. Should we ever be attacked and the palace overrun these secret halls will be our salvation.”

The servants knew Xander used the secret tunnels regularly to move about the palace. He liked to keep the mystery of who actually lived in the Blackmoore Estate. The stories were of an old reclusive noble who had far outlived his usefulness to the monarchy. Such designs and fabrications were started by none other than Xander himself, but the mystery was essential to free movement.

”These walls are also soundproof, so anything you wish to say that must be kept secret is best done as you walk these halls. Now, shall we see you to your chambers, then explore the grounds? You are eager to locate Chiara, I assume?”

Xander led Zarah through the corridor at a pace he hoped she would remember. He wanted her to know how to get from her quarters to the ship if she ever needed to do so. They stopped at a rock which had a small tiara engraved into it. Xander pushed on it and the pair emerged into the fireplace. The servants had finished their preparations and had transformed the quarters from being that of the Duchess of Ec Pand to the decor more suited for the Duchess of Cron.

”If anything is out of place I shall have the servants fix it. As long as this alliance is sure and this is your home, this will be your bed chamber suited as it should be for the Duchess of Cron. My mother the duchess had long since passed and it was time I moved on from keeping this her shrine.”

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Perhaps my present company will earn the sight again... perhaps not, he shall have to be vigilant and attentive to the Lady’s needs.” Zarah smirked, raising her brow at Xander’s admonition of her hairstyle. Let him feel a challenge in the breeze. Let him have a piece on which to puzzle. “What else indeed? Yes, wouldn’t want the staff to see the new Lady of the House in a coiffure’s fright. Marriage or no, our alliance means they will respect me the same.”

Coming to the landing board, Zarah put the iron spine her mother bred into her to use. She was ever the imperial Lady, her aura that of true blood-bred royalty. It was as much a fragrance in the air, a presence in her skin than the manners and posture which could well be taught, but ne’er perfected but by the worthy.

“Adequately done, Pilot. I expect all further journeys as smooth or smoother. Understood?” Zarah nodded to the man, giving of her presence while making threat of her praise. His eyebrow twitched as he vacated the space. Task done.

“Passageways! Brilliant.” Zarah breathed, watching [member="Darth Vizios"]’ trick with the rock and the hidden passage. “I shall endeavour to commit them all to memory as quickly as possible. Do the servants know the layout of these passages, or are they for us only? Obviously some of them were built for servants to work without being seen, but there are others truly secret, yes?”

Old palaces and their passageways were the currency of noble children and lovers. To learn a palace’s passageways was to learn of the intrigues of the House, and in this case as she watched the light descend around Xander Blackmoore, a smirk came to her lips. He searched for her safety, not her skirt.

“I shall endeavour only to scream your name in the tunnels, then, my liege. Do, Xander, do take me to my Lady’s chambers.” Zarah underwent an elaborate curtsey, violet eyes never leaving Xander’s face. “Yes, I am eager to see my cousin. I can imagine she is in turmoil without her husband and son, I would soothe her, and receive succour in exchange.”

The Cronese colours draping the bedchamber put the breath out of Zarah’s lungs. A room of navy and gold, strung along the once Induparan Mother’s belongings. Midnight blue and gold… Zarah touched on a finial freshly dusted and walked through the fireplace. “You... you wouldn’t have known. You were lost to us by the time...”

She walked through the room, fingers brushing across velvet and pageantry of her beloved Cron. Her throat worked, lips pressing together. “It matters little. I am Duchess of Cron… While the people asked for either clemency or my head, [member="Chiara Viren"] sent me her grandmother [member="Ahani Najwa"] and her ship to Naboo… I never saw Chandaar again, but through the holocalls Chiara and I would have weekly, nay daily during the various crises of her reign… until… the end.”

Servants could fix and modify, and Zarah knew it was important to find something for the servants to fix in order to claim her dominance and ensure they worked that little bit harder to please her.

“As long as this alliance is sure…” Zarah mumbled, feeling the fabric of the bed and smiling at the change in sheeting. “It is beautifully situated, your mother had excellent taste in furnishings. I am well pleased.”

She tapped her fingers on the top of a wing chair before the fireplace, pursing her lips. “I will have one of the more artful servants, an educated girl with an eye for fashion aide in your quest to procure me appropriate clothing. My courtly gown will be Cronese in colour. I leave the rest to you and whatever servant you decide be fitting for my direct needs and company… my coronet was locked in the Royal Theed Bank in Naboo. If it still stands, the signates of my office are still existing. What is an appropriate honour for your mother’s memory? I know the old ways, but if they have changed I will modernize.”

Protected by the chair between herself and Xander, Zarah glanced long at the way his body and face moved in the space. This relic to his mother, remade. “My partner is kind and diligent in taking to his Lady’s needs. I am content… I assume your chambers are further in? If we are to commit to secret dealings, I will have to know where they are.”

 

[Judah Lesan]

”Indeed most are secret. These servants do not know the tunnels near to the degree those of the past did. They are much more private than they once had been.”

Xander smirked at the thought with which Zarah teased him. His comment was made in no way to suggest they take to the tunnels for secret trysts away from the servants eyes. Xander would not discourage such behavior however. It had only been twenty four hours since he found the woman, but her wit was as sharp as ever and her humor even moreso. She knew exactly how to aggravate him, and she proved it with each extension of her banter with no promise to fulfill.

”This screaming my name... will be because of something stupid I have done, or will be heard with a breathless excitement?”

Zarah was not the only who could infer an undignified use of the halls.

Her reaction to the room was as he hoped. Xander had ensured that she would feel at home. His servants had only anday to research it, but they had done a good job and would find extra meat on their plates and wine in their goblets. The Sith did not rule as a tyrant. As he had always said to Zarah there was a time to bite and a time to purr. Wicked as he was, Xander had always been a king everyone loved. Their loyalty was bought, and his coffers were never any poorer for it. It was a lesson his father failed to learn as the regent of Ec Pand.

”Do not concern yourself with the modern ways when things are between us. The customs we know and are familiar with speak more to me than anything the violence of this galaxy has produced. They are all an undefined lot that do not understand anything but the barbarism of peasants. Even those among the Sith no longer seem to care for my discrete methods. I’ve spilled more blood in the last ten years than I care to. So, please, if you wish to honor my mother’s memory then see to it as you would had this sleep never taken you.”

It was vulnerable moment they shared. Her gratitude was felt in the way her words had no tone of guard upon them. They were sincere and offered with no restraint. There was a lone chair between them, perhaps appropriate for the otherwise unprotected moment the two had shared. It was not the first this day, and would not be the last of their alliance either.

Xander motioned to the fireplace once more.

”Yes, I have assumed my father’s quarters. Another route for you to learn should we need to move about undetected.”

His hand pushed on the keystone of the arched fireplace and waited for the wall to open. The bounded off to the right until they stopped at a wall with a king’s crown. Xander pushed on the the image and the same result as Zarah’s quarters was repeated. They stepped into his chambers to reveal the burgundy and silvers of the Induparan Monarchy. It was rare the servants entered his chambers except to clean them. An easel stood in the corner with a blank canvas ready for Xander to paint. He walked over to it and set his hand on the blank piece before moving to his boudoir.

He opens it to retrieve his leather breastplate. Xander wanted Zarah to have an idea of what he was going to have commissioned for her. Behind the breastplate was a painting Xander had long forgotten was there. His brow quirked as his eyes set upon, and hoped to hide it from Zarah before she could see it. She did not need to know his visions could include private things such as what was depicted in the image before him.

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Triple Post!

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Triple Post!

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“One might suspect strongly that you are far more capable of annoying me than bringing me to exacerbating and contented sighs.” Zarah smirked, raising a single eyebrow as she walked on, brushing her fingers across the rock as if to memorize it completely. Foot by foot. “One might also conclude that stupidity and breathless excitement are one and the same.”

Far too much pleasure was being wrought with [member="Darth Vizios"] that the ease of it gave the Duchess pause. This was not the staunch and marauding Xander Blackmoore of their youth, but a quiet man who rose to the occasions presented and needed little push to mirth.

That mirth paused in the sacristy of the chambers, dedicated to Zarah’s regency within them. She curtseyed, her face softening without pretence as she lowered her eyes to his chest. “Indeed, we shall make it a mission to reintroduce custom and order to the realms. Not terribly difficult accomplished, with willing ears and eyes. I shall make an offering of thanks in the fire of my new bower, to praise a mother for her son, and for the generosity of her house. And in it, a promise to repay the generosity in kind.”

A timid smile graced her still dry lips, and Zarah took a moment to settle herself and fix her hair. “For that knowledge, I am sorry, Xander. It must be a horrific galactic stage indeed if one must conquer solely through blood and the ichor of violence. As with protecting you from base and horrific visions, we shall also protect our peoples from such vulgarities, that I can promise you.”

So easy was the neck firm to support the future crown. Zarah fell into her role as a true royal, an eternal becoming before the altar of rule. She followed quietly behind Xander, pondering the events in her mind, and bringing them naked and writhing in their infancy to the Force she trusted.

‘Guide me. Oh hells and heavens… guide me now.’ She dipped her head as she entered Xander’s chambers, the unsecured braid tumbling from the attempted bun and pooling around her shoulders and back. As he touched the blank canvas, Zarah’s mind turned bittersweet. How terrible a thing to paint only with fearful visions.

A particular woman like Zarah would have noticed her hair’s descent, but for the painting which next stole her breath. Her cheeks flushed red, freckles pock-marking along the skin of her neck and down to her collarbone visible in the burgundy dress.

“Is this… prophesy or fantasy?” A ginger haired woman in sensuous repose. As Zarah watched the lines of paint, her lips parted. “Xander? Is this prophesy or fantasy?”

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Please tell me that being in your majesties chambers has not somehow weakend your spine to that of a lesser woman's," Xander teased at her reaction upon entering the room. He had thought himself bested with her earlier comment in the halls, but this gave him yet another opportunity. There was little sense to try and best the woman as he had learned it was better to let the woman win, but in this case he felt equal to the task. If Zarah wanted to be an equal than any victory she would gain over him would be earned.

The gesture she spoke of toward his mother was not needed, but he was grateful for it. Xander did not argue against it as he would never stop someone from honoring the dead. Zarah's elegance did his palace good, and he was happy to have someone of noble birth with him there. Nothing in their relationship could change from this point forward and Xander would be content with the regality and sophistication she alone could add. The noble house needed a noble woman to run it, even if she was not his wedded partner.

"You would best honor her by assuming her station in the house and command it as the Duchess of Indupar would. The servants will not balk at the fact you are not my wife, for if they do they will wish they had not. It has been a long time since a noble woman has to the affairs of this noble house. Though I will not require it of you."

He turned to retrieve the armor and heard Zarah's voice. She had seen the painting before he could conceal it further. There was an intensity in her voice as though it was a matter of urgency that she have the answer.

"I paint my visions, not my fantasies. I can assure you this was one such possible future with your cousin. Clearly it did not happen as you have already said she found her true love."

Xander still did not understand why Zarah took to such a bright hue that washed over her entirely. It was not just her cheeks which blushed, but all of her as if the subject of his art was the woman in front of him.

"This painting... you do not like it?"

[member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“No such luck fortuitously shines upon thee, your high and mighty majesty. My spine, is as always, black iron.” Zarah’s expression snapped back to her mask of distain, yet a spark came to her eyes, as unnoticeable as it began.

“Required or not, I would find joy in it. It has been such length of time since I ran a royal house, and I quite enjoy the work. I find the distraction of servants and pageantry calming. A form of microcosmic meditation on the nature of ruling a larger kingdom.” As she touched the sill on the door of Xander’s boudoir, she stood outside it. A man’s private place after all.

“Yes, I shall enjoy once again being Lady of the House.”

Her breath stuttered as he spoke of visions and his possible future with [member="Chiara Viren"]. Fingers brushing across the paint, Zarah once again put her mettle back where it belonged, speaking, however seemingly frail, with an authority which befit her.

“The royal and noble ladies of Cron are trained from girlhood in the art of poise and posture by the use of a series of corsets and bindings meant to train the body and the spine. Without this training, the regal gowns would crush our hips and cause issue with our backs… One may, if they be vulgar, tell a woman of true breeding and education by the scars produced along their ribcage. Chiara was never trained. Her body wore the robes and billowing comforts of Echani and Jedi accoutrements. Thus, Queen Chiara Viren never bore the scars of nobility. Her handmaids were Echani, so as not to give notice to gossips… that…” Zarah pointed to the redheaded woman in the painting with a sure and steady finger.

“… is not Chiara. You can see the scars for yourself, there, on the ribcage. And there. Is this why you fought so diligently for Chiara’s hand? Was this why you lingered upon her memory long after she’d filled her mind with distain in your regard?”

Zarah’s face grew redder still, her hair cascading around it as the braid loosened further. The muscles along her neck worked to a pinprick’s tension, Zarah’s lips trembling as she pressed them together.

“It is a well executed and beautiful painting, with diligent brush strokes and evocative of the emotions involved… your technique was flawless… but you were lacking in interpretation… your infatuations rested with the wrong cousin.” Zarah turned on her heels and walked out of his boudoir, back to the sitting area beside the fire. She clung to the wing chair’s back, focussing in on her breathing to eradicate the shiver to her fingers. The rustle of the flames washed across her already hot face, and she let them.

‘Oh Chiara, I wish you could hear me… where are you, dear cousin?’ Zarah thought, basking in the fire’s glow. She looked down to the burgundy sleeves of her dress, amazed at how well suited to Induparan colours her body was.