In the Shadows of Vena (complete)

[Faith Organa]

She saw it in him his concern, his fear or was it his paranoia surfacing, "I know that you are telling me you went off with a woman, were alone with her, and then when you were injured near death she's the only one there for you. NOT that I could have done much while there, but you left it wide open who you were going with like it was a big secret that it was a woman. It makes me feel like you're hiding something Draco"

She reached over putting her hand to his other cheek, "it bothers me. it makes me think things. In my heart I know you wouldn't do anything but when my head gets involved I find my fears, my jealousy raging." She made a little face, there she had said it, not that she wouldn't have eventually but if he wanted to know there it was.

"I can't help you with things of the force, I have a limited ability that just maintains my connection to those I'm close with. " She never knew how to tell if someone was lying only that they could talk to her reassure her.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco frowned. It wasn't what he wanted to hear, but it wasn't accusatory. She wasn't saying she thought he slept with Briga straight out, though she didn't exactly find him entirely innocent either. He rubbed his chin against her thigh and felt her hands on his cheek. And sat there for a moment collecting his thoughts while he gazed affectionately up at her.

"I thought I had said I was going off with a woman. I'm sorry, I should have made it abundantly clear and made sure everything was in the open. I had met her on Voss, and I needed her visions to guide me to the Planet of the Force. Once there, the beings of that planet advised us to fight together. And so we did. I'm not hiding any affection, attraction, or lust for her. I have none to hide from you." He kept his eyes locked with hers as he spoke, hoping the eye contact would reassure her some, comfort her, and banish her worry and her fears. Someone as beautiful and loving as Faith shouldn't worry about her man running off with other women, and it was at least partially his responsibility to ensure she didn't have to worry about such things. He smiled, "You know what I've said before right. A dragon has but one love. His soul. The light to his dark. That once we find our perfect mate, there will be no other. Well, you are my perfect mate," He kissed her thigh gently.

"But, I was hiding something from you. I didn't want you to worry about me, or about going to Vena, so I didn't tell you. While I was on the Force Planet, I was severed from the Force. Since then, some of it has returned, and my connection to the Force is healing, but it is slow." That would probably worry her, but hopefully the full truth of the situation being expressed she would feel better. He was glad, because for a moment, the Mandalorian had been expecting a fight about this. Expecting to be accused and unable to prove his innocence beyond his word. He trusted her, but he was paranoid about others. More than he should be, and he knew that, he'd been hurt before and so he was cautious, but she deserved his full trust. She had earned that when she decided to have his children, to be the mother of his only children by blood.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith looked at him she could see hurt in his eyes, "Draco, how would you feel if I went to say Coruscant, and didn't tell you. Just said I have a diplomatic mission to perform, be back in a week. I leave out where I am going, or that say someone like....[member="Elijah Rekali"] was going with me."

She stroked his forehead, brushing away the strands of dark locks from his brow, he was everything to her. He knew that, it was whispered to him night as they lay together talking of plans and of their children, while Blu snuggled at their feet.

She felt in her heart that he would never do anything to hurt her, never intentionally seek someone to hurt her with BUT what about those who wanted him, what would they do? Could they sway his heart, entice him with something that she didn't possess? Could they use the force to mind trick him into thinking she was the enemy? She didn't know, and she worried about it.

She wished she could remove the hurt but if they couldn't talk about the things that hurt, how would they ever talk about the things that were important?

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"I know, I know. I shouldn't have just run off like that. I... I wasn't thinking enough about how you were affected, and I should have had more consideration for you love." He felt the touch of her hand, brushing his hair from his face and looking into his eyes, meeting his gaze. "It wasn't something I thought about because I didn't see me being disloyal as even a remote possibility in the universe, so it didn't cross my mind. Its not an excuse, its an explanation. I should have been more upfront, more informative about what was happening and who I would be travelling with."

He smiled up at her, "You are right. You are right. I would have at least sent a text to Elijah telling him to check his hands in his pockets." Draco hoped the joke would lighten the mood a little. Without his strong connection to the Force he could sense her, but it wasn't as precise as before, not yet. Also because of that his defenses were weakened and he would be relying on willpower alone to overcome mind tricks and pheromones, a hefty downgrade from the Thought Shields and Mental barriers afforded to a Master of mental alteration and telepathy.

"I can tell you about my trip if you'd like. The Planet of the Force was beautiful, yellow light all around it from a nebula, streams of gold lights pouring from the cracks in its surface. Beneath the ground there was a jungle of floating islands as far as the eye could see. The planets were lovely vibrant green with yellow, red, and orange gold flowers and leaves. The feeling of just being there was incredible, the Force all around me, flowing from the cosmos into the planet, and from the planet into life itself. We should go back and see it together once in our life times. The spiritual significance for a Force user is enormous, it was literally the place where life and the Force became intertwined for the first time so long ago." His voice was excited, talking about the Planet of the Force. It may or may not have been what she wanted to hear, but he could talk about Briga some, but the horned mystic was still somewhat of an enigma to him. He knew some of her past, and knew her intentions at the time had been pure, but that was about it.

The pair should probably have been talking about Vena and what was to happen there, but with her jealous, at least some, he wanted to put it to rest and press those thoughts from her mind. He had intended to pull Gabriella away, get her off alone and figure out what was going on, and to do that, she needed to trust him. And she needed to know what he planned to do, and that he would never betray her.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

She listened and knew he understood perhaps it was how badly his previous relationships had gone, or perhaps that had not loved him as much as she did to care where he went, and what he did.

It wasn't that she wanted to keep him from doing anything or control any of his actions, she just wanted to know he was alright, that if he was hurt he'd share with her he was hurt. He was trying to protect her from everything, and anything. His heart and intent were not of the betraying kind. She felt she knew this and it would take hard evidence to prove otherwise, like someone would have to have a holo of him being unfaithful.

"Just his hands in pockets Draco is that all you would say to [member="Elijah Rekali"]?" She smiled at him teasing him she knew all too well it would be more than that.

She listened as he spoke of this world of the living force how lovely it all sounded, a pang of jealousy that he went with Briga followed by hints of regret that he had to go somewhere so beautiful to be rid of something because she was afraid of it. If he had not gone and gotten rid of Vulkan they could not be together, she would not be with a Sith. Not after all they had done. no.

"One day we will all go together and you can show us, and tell the story of how Draco the Dragon got rid of Vulkan all for the sake of love" Yes she romanticized it a bit but she didn't care he did it for her and for himself. She would always say he did it for her.

"We have a life time together Draco, but I would love to see floating islands, will you remember the way?"

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco moved his hand along Faith's leg, rubbing her gently while he lay his head in her lap. "Yes, a lifetime, and I will remember. I have it saved in my helmet, and only in my helmet. I didn't want it to get out where it was, to save it from being despoiled by other, less welcoming visitors." He smiled, letting his whiskers tickle her skin just a little. It was good, they had spoken about his trip, at least the good parts and they were moving forward.

"I am glad I didn't take you this time though, even though I missed you every second. I wanted you there with me at first, the whole trip to the planet I did. I thought about turning around and getting you, but something in my gut told me it would be dangerous, and I couldn't endanger you like that. Then when I finally got to where the Force was pulling me, it was nothing like I expected. My visions told me I would face my demon, and I thought it would mean an internal struggle. But there, on that planet, Vulkan was very much alive, very real. I felt it when the shadow of his presence took form, I felt every punch he hit me with, every kick, every time he manipulated the Force to his will. It was," he trailed off, remembering the coal black eyes, as voided as a black hole, "It was not what I expected, to physically have to fight Vulkan."

Draco touched his chest, "He stabbed me, with one of my swords. The sword cut me off from the Force. I thought I was going to die, and I thought of you. Of you and our children, and when I thought of you without me there to make the storm clouds go away, I couldn't handle that. I knew I had to get up. I knew I had to get back to you. So, I got up, and I killed him. I used everything I had to make sure he was disconnected from the Force, that he was severed forever, and that he was dead, cast into the afterlife. Then with some help from Briga, I dragged myself back to the ship and got in the Bacta tank where I spent the whole trip to Iktotch. There I saw a healer, dropped her back with her people, and then headed home to you. I wasn't there longer than three hours." He smiled, he hadn't even unpacked the mystics things, he just got in his ship, and whatever was left was probably still inside the long range gunship. Draco had been too eager to return to his love to bother with minor details.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

The could feel the stubble of his chin against her skin rough, prickly, and an intimate gesture between them. There was no one else that she would allow this close she ran her fingers through his hair just listening to his voice, and the words as he told her about what happen.

The awe of a new place, the sights rarely seen by any eyes, the expectations that were unfilled. "So much trouble for you, how could that be how could Vulkan take a form and confront you? Was he nothing more than pure energy?" She could almost envision what Vulkan would look like, darkness, nothing but darkness a tempting evil. Did he look like Draco she wondered, she didn't now couldn't imagine that. Her Draco evil.

When Draco touched his chest Faith instinctively reached over to touch where he touched, knowing he had another scar, another reminder of a harsh life. But perhaps this wasn't a reminder of something evil, this could be a reminder of what Draco had accomplished by defeating Vulkan. Faith leaned and kissed Draco's cheek, and then his forehead, "I'm so glad you came home to me. I wish I could have seen you defeat him."

She bit her tongue a bit when he said he was severed from the force they wouldn't have the edge dealing with the Duke and Gabriella. Would that mean Draco would be hurt further?

"We can do it without the force" She smiled and tried to be reassuring, "bad intentions can always be found out" She just looked into his eyes, he could have died trying to be rid of Vulkan. She could have lost him she reached for his hand and held it tightly in her own. She'd be lost without him.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco nuzzled against Faith, cooling and heating with her touch, feeling her fingers run through his long dark hair like she always did when she was being affectionate. "The planet is where the Cosmic Force of spirits and the Living Force of life are one and the same. Vulkan having been separated from my essence on Voss was its own thing but without form. He appeared to be my silhouette wrapped in darkness and shadow, but, it was worth it. Well worth the trouble to be rid of it."

Her hand slipped down onto his chest as she leaned forward, rubbing the space just beneath his ribs in the center of his chest where he had been wounded. There was hardly a mark on the outside, though he was still healing a little, slowly. More importantly, it was a reminder. Not that he had a hard life, if anything it was much easier, physically at least, than his past. It was a reminder of how hard he had to fight, how far he had to be willing to push himself to get back to Faith. It was a good reminder to have, that his limits needed expanding, and that he needed to be willing to give every fight his all.

"Yes, I lived a long time before I ever began training with the Force, and I have never been one to need it as a crutch. Besides, what our enemies don't know, they cannot prepare for. All Duke Aris knows is that I am a mind reader. He will likely not be able to tell that my abilities are temporarily unavailable. Neither will Gabriella. Speaking of her, we need to know what those two are up to. Do you think she will be forthcoming with information with we sit her down and talk it out with her?" He didn't think so. She might, but only after the hard truths were explained to her and she understood that there was no winning in this situation, choices had already been made, people have already accepted what was going on.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith kept her closeness to Draco as she thought about what it was the Duke and Gabriella could do, or say.

"Gabriella won't say anything out of line in front of me, she'd fear the retribution of House Organa on her own House on Alderaan. While she may be frisky and express interest in you for her to do so is not a crime it would be if we were married but not before. But now to conspire with another Noble against me, that is a crime and one my mother would punish without a thought"

Faith looked down into Draco's eyes. Hard to explain the softness in his eyes that told her how much he loved her, the simple little touches of his lips to her skin, words of comfort words that she needed to hear, and often did.

She smiled, "What do you think, are you going to try and get her alone to get her to talk?" She tried not to grimace for she knew that Gabriella would always try to get her hooks into Draco if she could if she could find a way to do it.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled, "I was thinking about it. I think if I can get her alone, her believing I can read her mind, and me explaining the situation she has put herself in, she will spill what she knows. I have a little bit of my abilities, not much, but I can sense some things." He saw Faith's grimace. She had nothing to worry about. Gabriella was an attractive emerald eyed redhead, which wasn't a good thing where Draco was concerned. Redheads were a source of anger and frustration for the Mandalorian, always trying to manipulate and twist their prey. He was biased against her, and was already aware she was an adversary in this. Combined with Draco's utter devotion to Faith, the soon to be mother of his children.

"If you don't want me alone with her say so, and I won't go through with it. Your trust means more to me, than this whole escapade against the Duke." His voice was low and melodic, his hand clutched in hers. "If you are uncomfortable, just say so. I can find another way." They wouldn't be alone on the planet. She had her guards, and he had his close allies. They could maneuver other ways around the Duke's schemes and once she told the Duke she wouldn't marry him, Draco would pull Faith away and find away to give her the ring he had made for her.

Possibly not the most polite way to ask for her hand, waiting for her to reject another, but she was pregnant with his twins. He needed to propose and make it official soon so she could have the wedding planned and the couple could settle into their new life. Prince Draco didn't have a bad ring to it, though it was only another title in a small list he used. "And, I have a surprise for you while we are on Vena."

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith smiled yeah she wasn't so good at hiding her emotions, "no, I don't but even I know it is the only way to get the information from her." She shook her head, "This is worse than going into a negotiation, at least then you have an idea of what all the angles are this is just blind Draco. I would say that the Duke's end game is marriage to a princess of Alderaan, but Gabriella's...just reeks pawn but what if we are wrong? What if she has a stake in this too?"

She sighed wishing she had the ability to see the future or sense emotions like Tia and Draco.

"A surprise on Vena huh, did you call ahead and have the reserve a Villa in the Jungle? I hear that it's quite the experience" She didn't know what he was up to, the last two presents he had given her she would treasure always. The priceless Killik and the ship that they now traveled on, the one that still didn't have a name. Never had she been given so much by someone, but if he really knew her he would understand that he and the children were her gift. The irreplaceable one.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco looked at Faith, she was worried and uncomfortable about everything going on with this trip. Perhaps it wouldn't be the best to meet with Gabriella, but they needed to know what her role in all this was, and what she thought she'd be getting. Draco wasn't Sith anymore, but it wasn't like he would just slink away and accept defeat if Faith was forced to marry the Duke. He was still a Mandalorian warlord, and she was carrying his children in her belly. He wasn't going to give them up while was still alive. "Don't worry, this will be over and we can put it behind us soon. You know, I'm not much of a negotiator, but I know I can handle Gabriella and keep your territory safe from her grabby hands."

Draco thought about that again for a moment, reaching up and rubbing her stomach, still very toned. He could feel the twin spirits inside, growing steadily and consistently. Draco could imagine the four of them, older in the future. He knew that they would never get that white picket fence, sitting out on the porch until dusk, watching the children grow up.

He knew that wouldn't happen. He would like to have some of those memories, but he was also from a warrior culture he wanted his children to know about. Alderaan-Mandalore were very contrasting cultures. One was built around honor and peace, the other around war and combat. But, there were similarities. Family, honor, loyalty. These were three of the tenants of the Resol'nare, and were three pillars of the Alderaanian culture. Draco suspected he would teach his children and let them choose for themselves.

"Yes a surprise, but no I didn't book that room... I could though. Its only a holocall away if that is the atmosphere you want. You know I would do anything to make you happy." He smiled, his hand still pressed against her belly.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

She put her hand over his as he pressed his hand against her stomach, "They are there, more active," she moved his hand up, "there feel that, like little bubbles, that's them moving around trying to figure out the best way to keep me awake" She smiled at her Dragon.

"When everything is done, I just want to go to Aldera and teach you to ride a thranta before I can't ride. You'll need to lean in order to Captain any of the guards who master the ability. Course we are slowly building that up as you know" She could see concern in his face. "Gabriella better keep her mitts off my territory" She sighed, "do what you must Draco with her, just be in bed before midnight ok?"

She was always in bed early these days she needed rest more than usual as the children grew and Faith's feet swelled, and her temper altered on a daily basis.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

He felt them, tiny movements. His children. Draco had adopted a child before, and he had promised to raise her and love her as his own, but as he felt the lives of his twins in his beloved Faith's belly, he knew that he had not. He couldn't have as much as he may have intended or wanted to. He couldn't have loved Abigail like he loved the woman whose lap he was laying in, like he loved the tiny lives growing inside her. For a Force user, it was different. He was able to reach out and feel them as they developed, to tell if they were doing alright, if they were cranky or not. And he wondered if they could feel their mother's emotions? Were they like him, attuned to the Force, sensitive to its power?

"Yes, we will go to Aldera and spend the coming months in the home we built there, and then when the children are born, we will keep them their for a time." He smiled, still rubbing her belly, "We should tell your mother when we get back. As soon as we get back." As much as he wanted to cut Arianna out of their family, he could not. She was Faith's mother and would always be so, no matter what happened, they had been through it all together, and as much as neither of them would admit aloud, they loved each other dearly.

"Midnight? I don't expect to be out that late. Not if we are staying alone, in a jungle paradise, a villa all to ourselves. Oh yes, I will be back well before midnight, though I may keep you up a little later than usual." He smirked up at her, teasing her, trying to reassure and reinforce their bonds. She was his, and he was hers. There was no one else for him, no other perfect match, and there would never be another woman. She was his last, and he wanted to make his time with her stretch across the eons until the last star burned out in the heavens. If there was an afterlife, he could do no better than the life she had given him.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

"You better not be" she smiled

Hours later they arrived on Vena

Faith walked slowly out of the ship she could see already the Duke with his guard flanking him standing there waiting to receive her and her party. She knew the moment his gaze settled on [member="Draco Vereen"] for the smile that he held drifted away. Faith took a great comfort in this it translated to he didn't like Draco, good, she didn't want him to like Draco she wanted him to know that Draco would be with her no matter what.

Off behind the Duke Faith saw the familiar red curls of Gabriella, yes he would make sure that there was a familiar face in the crowd he had invited her as well. She however felt her own displeasure in the pit of her stomach. While she had once counted her a friend she knew Gabriella wanted Draco and that she wasn't going to give over to anyone anytime soon.

Faith pasted the smile on her face, "Duke Aris, how wonderful to see you again. Vena such a beautiful planet, it rivals Alderaan" She extended her hand.

"Your RH, Princess Faith Vena loses all of its magnificence in comparison to your beauty" Faith tried not to laugh he was full of flowers today wasn't he, "Thank you you're so very kind. I think you remember my Knight Errant" She put a hand on Draco's arm, she knew he would not be appreciating the Duke's greeting and would need to reassure him all was well.

"I've taken the liberty of renting a Villa nearby"

"Oh no Princess please you and your party should stay with at our estate, I have a suite of rooms for you and your entourage. Please" He smiled honey dripping from every word he knew how to caress the ego of the Princess. If she stayed at the estate it would be easier to be alone with her while the Knight Errant...knight errant what a archiac title one that tried to speak of old traditions. In truth it was just her way to keep him close by.

Faith knew that to not take the invite to stay would be insulting and he would take offense. The trade route with Aldera was important so she did the diplomatic thing, "Of course Duke Aris, it would be our pleasure" Her hand stayed on Draco's arm.

Just then Gabriella spoke, "And it will give us all time to spend together and catch up on everything. The gardens here are stunning, a moon light walk would be most enjoyable for anyone" A lustful glance fell on Draco just at that time. Faith looked at her what was that her idea of saying she wanted Draco in the garden, was it an invite?

It was going to be a long visit. Three days would be a lifetime.

"Yes won't it"

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled politely, Faith holding his arm tightly as the pair left the ship, two of her guards following behind them. He didn't have confirmation his friends had arrived, but he suspected he wouldn't until Ner'gal, the defel Mandalorian, simply withdrew from some shadowy corner and made his presence known. Without his fine tuned control of the Force, his senses were dulled, and he wouldn't be able to pick up on the defel if the creature didn't want him to.

The man kept quiet, just smiling, wearing slacks and a button-down collared shirt with a couple buttons undone. He wasn't interested in spending three days on the Vena, in the Duke's estate. But, he figured he could at least give them a show and have a good time. Faith clutched him tighter when Gabriella spoke, probably on instinct. She was as possessive as he was, but she was more willing to let him wander around and run off to fight in whatever war or battle was going on. He tried to convince himself it was because he was a warrior that she trusted him to be able to take care of himself, and the reason he worried about her and fretted over her leaving safety was because she was not. That was just more his fear, he couldn't bear to live without her but without Vulkan, he had overcome much of his fear. He was learning to trust that she knew what she was doing.

Draco smiled, "Yes, the gardens are stunning. I wouldn't mind walking through them, My princess on my arm at anytime, but I suspect the moon light would be the most romantic." He didn't look at the Duke when he spoke, tilting his head towards Faith. Gabriella didn't know it, but she had just given him the perfect setting to give Faith her present later in the trip. He would have liked to retire to their bedrooms for a time before having to reconnect with the Duke and Gabriella. Draco smiled, turning his attention to Duke Aris. "Yes, it seems we have both accompanied women far more beautiful than we deserve today." It could be taken as an insult to the Duke, a carefully worded compliment to Gabriella, and simply the loving truth about his own situation. Faith was far better than he deserved, and he knew it. He was just glad that she didn't care about that.

He lifted his head slightly, "Princess, I'm starving. Aren't you? Perhaps we could reconnect over some kind of meal while the droid takes our luggage to the rooms?" He asked, hoping to move the party indoors. He had to be careful and keep Faith away from those gardens for just now. He wanted her first time through them to be with him when he gave her the present he had made for his beautiful princess.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

"Yes I'm hungry, I feel as though I have the appetite of three people instead of just me" She smiled at Draco and then back to Duke Aris and Gabriella, "Perhaps something light" She walked slowly, her hand remaining on Draco's arm.

Gabriella nodded, "I'm sure your Princess would find them interesting, I know I have found many gardens to be stunning, the Palace Gardens on Alderaan hold a special place for me." She gave this knowing look at Draco. Faith too observant for her own good kept asking herself what the feth? She looked at Gabriella and then to Draco, squeezing his arm a bit tighter.

Duke Aris however had caught all the the motions, "Princess if you will allow me" he extended his hand. Protocol. She wanted to shoot protocol in the foot right now and give it a bloody nose. With great hesitation she reached for his hand, Draco was her Knight, Aris was a Duke and this was an official visit which required she relinquish the comfort of Draco's presence to be escorted by their host.

She looked back as Gabriella fell inbehind them and beside Draco, the woman looked as if she had swallowed an entire mynock as she grinned with great satisfaction. As she held out her hand for Draco to raise his arm and be her escort.

Protocol.

Yes. Fething woman.

"Princess, I'll have the staff prepare lunch, unless you prefer dinner, or something entirely. I am at your disposal for anything you require, anything at all you need only ask" He smiled that slippery grin that made Faith want to wretch. She pushed a smile out, "of course Duke I will keep it in mind however Draco and my staff tend to all I need, whenever I need, sometimes all night long if circumstances dictate." Sarcasm, Hidden meanings.

The Duke grimaced and nodded, "Yes I'm sure you're staff is capable"

Fething right capable. She arched a brow as they headed toward transports to take them to the Aris estate. Faith for a moment panicked where was Draco he'd be in the second car with Gabriella, while she traveled with the Duke.

She swallowed hard, looking for Ana and Rebekah who would be with Captain Lindsey, the two guards. "Draco, please be sure to escort Ana and Rebekah to me when we rich the estate. Communications have to be sent" And she wanted to see him, make sure he was alright make sure they had all made it.

"Princess you're safe with me, your staff will be right behind us"

Faith nodded, "Of course"

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco let Gabriella take his arm, though he made a show of watching Faith walking in front of him, his eyes drifting down and watching her lower back as she walked, hand in hand with the Duke. His blood began running hot and his anger built up in his chest. He could almost spit fire if he was able to use the force to his full potential. He hardly noticed the redhead on his arm, who was showing a great deal of affection snuggling up against him. It was all he could do to keep a straight face and his breathing was almost blatantly incensed.

"Oh, really?" The redhead asked smirking at Faith as she clutched Draco's arm, "I'm sure Draco is more than capable of tending to someone's needs all night." She giggled squeezing his arm. "Perhaps he can explain to me the duties of a Knight-Errant in the ride over." Draco didn't pay her any attention, too busy glaring daggers into Duke Aris, contemplating on whether to hold back or let loose.

When Faith spoke again, Draco nodded obediently. "I will see to them my Princess. And Duke Aris, I'm afraid I must refuse. The code of the Alderaanian Royal Guard prevent Captain Lindsey from travelling in a separate transport. Even when escorted by a Duke or her own Knight-Errant. You may not understand such codes of honor, but it would be rude, and terribly dishonorable to force the good captain to break his code." Draco wasn't exactly lying, he was just exaggerating to make the Duke have a chaperon, which would put Draco's own worries at ease. He knew Faith would never betray him, but Draco didn't trust this Duke Aris alone with his lover and his children. He glanced at the captain, giving the man a look hoping the captain would play along, granting him a little peace of mind.

Nevertheless he showed the countess some courtesy, helping her into the transport and letting her go in front of him. "After you, countess." He wasn't interested but he wasn't an animal that hated Gabriella, he just didn't like that she was trying to cause friction between he and Faith. Soon he would pull her off alone and grill her for information. She would be forthcoming to him. She needed his approval if she was going to get anything from her little game, even if she didn't realize it yet.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith looked back at Draco one final time before ducking into the transport thank goodness Captain Lindsey was coming with them, thank goodness Draco made a point of showing the Duke that there were other protocols other than his own agenda to be followed.

Faith looked at the back of her Captain's head as the Duke slid in next to her.

One thing she didn't hear Draco pushing the Countess off, she didn't know if that was good or bad. She looked at the Duke again wishing for once she could read minds. "it is very hospitable of you to open your home to us"

The Duke waved his hand, "It's nothing I prefer to have you and your group close to me, I mean close to the estate Princess." He smiled that greedy little slimy smile that Faith wished she could smack off his face. "We have so much discuss," he took her hand again, "Faith. You don't know how it pleases me that you came even if you brought your Knight with you. I understand your need to feel protected, a woman of your position needs to know someone is there for her. You know" he was rubbing her knuckles with his thumb.

Faith's other hands balled into a fist, she was going to introduce him to her knuckles first hand if he didn't stop. "I want to show you all that Vena can offer, and when I have shown it all, then and only then will I ask you a question" Faith felt the bile in her mouth as she gently pulled her hand away from him.

"I know you want this marriage a great deal. I do not think that you should be led on, I am in love with Draco, my Knight" She put her hands into her lap, "I don't see that you can convince me to do otherwise"

He nodded, "You are devoted that is obvious to anyone who has had the opportunity to observe you together. Your dinner out last week on Alderaan certainly was a bit of fodder for the local tabloids. But Faith, " he looked at her intently, as if all his words meant something to her, they meant something to him and him alone.

"Are you sure he is as devoted to you?"

Faith smirked, "Yes I am."

The Duke sat back, "If he is than I wish you the best, but please, at least stay have dinner, desert, see my plans for the trade agreements, and we'll call the event concluded you and your Draco can live happily ever after"

Faith smiled, "thank you, I appreciate that you would see it so clearly. I would be great honored to stay and finish out our visit"

He nodded, "Good, I am pleased."

Yes he thought I am greatly pleased and you are such a fool, but then again everything now depends on Gabriella taking Draco alone tonight, he didn't even care if it was in the gardens, or just a passing conversation as long as it lasted 15 minutes. That would be all he needed.

"Lunch will be ready when we arrive"

She looked up to see Captain Lindsey looking at her, something in his eyes said caution.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

In the transport, Gabriella snuggled against him, resting her head on his shoulder, much to his displeasure. When her arm dropped to rest on his thigh, the Mandalorian plucked it from his lap and moved it off of himself."Excuse me, but your hands, you need to keep them to yourself. You wouldn't want to lose them." He smiled, speaking bluntly and assuredly to the woman as Ana and Rebekah found seats behind the Mandalorian and the redheaded wench. She didn't let up, or let go. She just feigned a frown and then went back to resting on his shoulder looking forward. He was going to be harder to break than she had thought. It wasn't going to be easy to keep him busy and alone for fifteen minutes.

The transport kept moving and the woman didn't really speak, but she also didn't let him go until the transport came to a halt in front of the estate. It was lovely, massive. Far too large for his tastes, but almost a palace to be certain. What the Duke needed Alderaan for he couldn't quite imagine. The quartet disembarked, and Draco helped all three women from the transport, letting them to the ground gently, the countess feigning slipping so that he had to hold her against himself as he helped her. She was obviously trying her hardest to find her way into Draco's company.

Draco glanced at the first transport, eyes searching for Faith, making sure she had arrived safely and unharmed. "Draco dear," the soft cooing of Gabriella's voice turned his attention back to the redhead for a moment. "Won't you help me to my room, I seem to have twisted my ankle. Perhaps you could be my crutch." Draco grimaced behind an impassive mask he wore on his face. She was going to make him help her in front of Faith, or embarrass Faith. He didn't know which was worse, but he presumed embarrassing her and ruining her family any chance of trading with the duke or the countess would be the most damaging.

"Umm... I suppose you can lean on me. Not like you could lean on me any more than you already were. But, I believe lunch is being served right away, no time to go back to your room before hand." He left the words open. Yeah, she would be easy to get alone and interrogate. And his will wasn't so easily broken, she wasn't going to be getting anything from him. "Perhaps afterwards." He didn't smile, just looked ahead of him, watching Faith and the Duke, feeling a fire burning in his chest.

This is why you hate politics.

[member="Faith Organa"]