Private Price of the Crown

[Kha'la Daaray]

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Location: Hapes​

Tag: Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Joycelyn Zambrano ​

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Kha'la had been standing in front of the mirror for 15 minutes now, staring into her own green eyes while her mind began to wander. One moment, she was a promising young fleet tactician who would hopefully lead the planet's fleets into battle someday, and then suddenly she was next in line to become the Queen Mother. Up until now, it had never even been a thought in her mind, but she had to accept this reality. ​

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With a deep sigh, the woman turned away from the mirror and walked back into the living area, wearing a long green dress that tightly hugged her body. She had applied the usual make-up that made her natural Hapan beauty pop just that little bit more and turned to one of the male servants who had been waiting for her. ​

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"My Lady, the Silver Jedi representative will be arriving soon. The guards have been pre-"​

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He was interrupted by a small wave of Kha'la's hand and a shake of her head. "Please, no guards," she said with mild irritation in her tone. They had been following her around like pets for the last couple of days, and she couldn't stand having people all around her constantly. As Queen Mother, she was likely going to have to get used to it, but she wanted to enjoy these last few days before the coronation without it all.​

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"But my lady, I must insi-"​

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Again, she interrupted him with a raised finger. "I'm going for a walk without guards, and I'll meet our guest at the Landing area. Understood?" she asked, her green eyes staring into the man's soul. ​

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He gulped in response and nodded, "Understood."​

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"Thank you." And with that, Kha'la turned towards the door of her home and headed outside. Right now, she wasn't living in the Royal Palace yet and instead lived in a beautifully decorated building nearby. This meant that in order to greet her guest, she'd have to walk towards the landing area near the Palace. The path there brought her through the gardens, and past the flower fields, which she enjoyed so much as a young kid. ​

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But when she finally believed that she had some time alone, she heard another voice call out to her.​

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"Kha'la!!" a younger woman called out as she ran over.​

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Great, it was her overly eager little sister.​

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[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

A B O A R D -T H E- A N O U R A
S I L V E R- J E D I- O R D E R​

"Still studying those files?" The Jedi Master glanced up from the holopad on her desk. Casually leaning against the doorpost was a woman of average height, with a fair skin and striking hair - violet in color. It was Aril. "They're Romi's notes on Hapes." Sakadi explained. "They made me realize I should've paid more attention in history class." Aril shrugged. "Last time you attended a history class was a century ago. Your information would've been outdated anyways" A smile played about Sakadi's lips. "Why are you here, Aril?" "We'll be landing in a couple of minutes. Thought you'd like to know." The Jedi Master nodded. "Inform the Concord, and turn TC-41 back on. I'll finish up here and head down immediately." Her lilac eyes shifted back to the holopad. It wasn't often that she took the role of representative in something like a coronation. It was a role the Council usually bestowed upon Masters Jairdian or Thurion. Not that she wasn't an accomplished diplomat. She simply focused on the harder bargains and negotiations. The refugee crisis of Rorak IV, the ban on slavery in Hutt space, the war crimes of Dantooine. Those were the kind of political hazards she usually addressed. This? This was different.

She did however understand the Council's decision to send her. Hapes was a militant matriarchy, and a transition of power could have unforeseeable consequences. If it would come to renegotiating terms with the Hapans, having someone like her around seemed like the better option. Besides - it wasn't as if she would be the only member of the Concord attending the coronation. She would simply arrive ahead of the delegation to meet with the heir-apparent and witness the preparation ceremonies.

Sakadi left the small office situated in the back of the shuttle as Aril skilfully guided it to the assigned landing pad. The dark brown cloak she wore, decorated with silver patterns that represented Jedi myths, almost completely covered her loose snow-white tunic. The combination of cloak and tunic did well in hiding her more subtle motions, and hid the electrum-plated hilt of her lightsaber from view. It was simple and monastic, yet concealing and elegant. Just the way she liked it.

Brief eye-contact with the guard waiting at the bottom of the ramp was enough to make her look away. The woman was in her early thirties, toned, and easily two heads taller than her. And yet, the sight of the Lavender-skinned Jedi made her tighten her grip on her blaster rifle.

Sakadi made several swift gestures, and the white protocol droid following her spoke up. "This is Master Sinvala of the Jedi High Council. Would you please inform crown princess Daaray that the representative of the Silver Jedi has arrived?"

Kha'la Daaray Darth Ophidia

 

[Kha'la Daaray]

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Location: Hapes​

Tag: Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Darth Ophidia ​

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"Kha'la! Wait up!" ​

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Hearing the voice of her little sister again, Kha'la sighed and finally stopped to turn around. "Zalea, I have to greet our guests," Kha'la said as she looked at the approaching redhead who looked awfully similar, albeit a lot younger. Their mother had always commented about just how much they looked alike, and ever since she passed away, Kha'la began to notice it more, as Zalea got older. ​

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"I know, I know. I just wanted to come with you. I've never seen a Jedi." ​

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Right, she was also the overly curious type. ​

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"Fine, but please don't bombard them with questions. There is enough to discuss as is."​

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"You have my word!" Zalea said with a wide grin of sweet victory. She knew her older sister well enough to know that she struggled to resist her persistence. In reality, Kha'la was just too fond of her little sister, even though she didn't always show it. ​

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Kha'la couldn't help but chuckle in response and placed a hand on her sister's shoulder before she guided her down to the landing area. They had seen the Jedi's ship flying overhead only moments ago, so they were right on time. If the Jedi showed respect for her time, she would also make sure not to keep them waiting.​

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So only a few minutes later, Kha'la and her sister stepped into the landing area, where guards immediately prepared to swarm around the two Hapan women, but Kha'la stopped them with a simple gesture of her hand. ​

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"My lady." the one guard near the ramp said with a bow as Kha'la got closer. "This is Jedi Master Sinvala of the Silver Jedi."​

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Kha'la nodded and looked over at Sakadi and her companion droid, "Welcome to Hapes, Master Jedi. I'm Crown princess Kha'la Daaray and this is my sister, Zalea Daaray. I believe it has been some time since the last diplomatic meeting between the Silver Jedi and Hapes, but I look forward to continuing good relations."​

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As much as things would change on Hapes, Kha'la certainly had no interest in damaging the relationship between Hapes and the Silver Jedi. Especially not before day 1 of being this planet's new Queen Mother. ​

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"If you would please follow me, we can talk somewhere more appropriate."​

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[Darth Ophidia]

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Kha'la Daaray​

"You must strike now, before the Jedi arrives."

Her associate spoke in a hushed voice. He kept a cool exterior, but his thoughts betrayed him. Darth Ophidia could sense his fear like an odour on the air, just as she could sense the Jedi who had already arrived. Her eyes, once glowing like molten iron, now appeared a dull brown, set deeply into a wrinkled face. She looked drab, unassuming, just another dredge in the machinery of upkeeping the air of majesty.

"She will watch, and everyone will know that no Jedi will save them." Turning her head, she looked at him over her shoulder. "Was that not what you wanted?" the brown eyes flashed with orange as a gentle reminder of who he was speaking to. "To be a saviour?"

He bit his lip, one finger stuck in the air as if he wanted to make a point, then sighed and held his head. He nodded, resigned to her control.

"Good, then we will proceed as planned." "As planned."

The disguised Sith Lord withdrew from the window and picked up the tray and made every respectful gesture before stepping into her role as maintenance. Her presence in the force was disguised, diminished, hidden beneath decades of practice and skill. To not be seen was second nature to a Sith like Darth Ophidia, and to be seen as someone she was not was as easy as breathing.

The disguise allowed her movement. Her face was known, as she had stolen it from another who worked there. What memories she needed, she had stolen too. Her sabres and her hidden blades were also masked and concealed. She had studied the layout, based on descriptions and schematics from her contact and the memories she had stolen.

For now, she would bide her time and wait for the opportune moment.

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

H A P E S
S I L V E R- J E D I- O R D E R​

The would-be queen came in only moments after she had spoken to the guard. Raising both hands to the sides of her hood, she pulled it back just a little. Her silver-white hair became visible, shining under the cold industrial lights of the hangar. She studied the two approaching figures, her serene lilac eyes resting on the eldest of the two. She would have guessed her to be in her mid-twenties, if it weren't for the confidence in her step and her inquiring gaze. The latter was hard to notice - hidden under her enthralling looks. She drew the attention away from her intelligence with her long hair, red as if set ablaze, and a contrasting green dress that accentuated her form. The other was clearly family. A niece, or sister perhaps?

Sakadi motioned again, and TC-41 spoke up. "Greetings, crown princess." She gave a short bow as the droid spoke for her. "It has indeed been some time. The Order is grateful for your invitation. And naturally, Master Sinvala hopes to continue our current relationship under your rule as well." Not many people knew how integral the military prowess of Hapes had been in defending the Concord from the Bryn'adûl. Although there was no telling what the future would bring, she hoped that they could rely on the aid of Hapes again. It was one of the many points she wished to discuss in the coming days.

But of course, in private.

"Please, lead the way."

Darth Ophidia Kha'la Daaray

 

[Kha'la Daaray]

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Location: Hapes​

Tag: Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Darth Ophidia ​

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For a moment, Kha'la looked the Silver Jedi Master over as they were first introduced to each other — she carried with her beauty and a demeanor that any Hapan could appreciate. From the long, silver-white hair to her lilac eyes, it was clear to her at least, that the Silver Jedi had sent someone appropriate to meet with her and others of the Hapan Royal Family.​

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The only other thing that piqued her curiosity was the lack of speech from the woman, but Kha'la felt no need to inquire about such personal matters. Her sister, however, was another story...​

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"Why is the droid speaking for her?" Zalea asked purely out of curiosity.​

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The question caused Kha'la to pause right as she was about to turn and lead the way, and an almost visible eye tic showed just how much it annoyed her. She had Zalea's word that there wasn't going to be a barrage of questions aimed at their guests. Sure, it was a single question, but she knew it was only the beginning.​

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"I'm quite sure she has her reasons, Zalea," Kha'la assured her before looking at Sakadi again. Zalea would pout at Kha'la and follow her older sister with a disappointed sigh. ​

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"Apologies, right this way." ​

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Kha'la then gracefully turned around and with several guards now moving around them, she began the walk back towards her temporary place of residence Along the way, they would pass many buildings belonging to Hapan nobility, as well as the gardens her little sister was so terribly fond of.​

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Finally, they turned and moved into the large almost palace-like structure that she lived in until her crowning. Unknown to them, however, was the replacement of one of her staff members. Right now, there was no reason to worry and she didn't possess the skills to sense danger, even when it got really close.​

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"I hope your trip wasn't too unpleasant, Master Sinvala. For your stay here, we have arranged the most comfortable guest room available, and my staff here has been instructed to help you with any of your needs." Kha'la began as they stepped into the main hall of the building.​

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"But I suppose we should begin discussing the more important matters, hm?"​

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