Yours to Command

[Judah Lesan]

A week had passed, and as promised, Xander had returned to Kamino to pick up his partner in crime for this little escapade. It was not small, or little, as Xander fully planned on assassinating the royal family of Indupar on this trip. [member="Tmoxin Temi"] was to pose as a Hapan Ducha. This wasn't to be that far of a stretch of the imagination. She was Hapan after all. All that was needed for the pair was to sell the part. For Xander this would be a slight challenge as his job was to behave as a servant to a woman.

Vizios had been busy in the course of the week. First he'd had several dresses ordered and shipped to Tmoxin. He had wished to have been there to see the look on her face when she received the package. His own look had been changed to look the part as well. His usual stubbled face had been grown to full chops. His lip and chin remained clear, but Xander would look nothing like his personal portrait should they run into it on the tour of the palace grounds.

For his own part, Xander was dressed in pieces of the Hapan guard. The full uniform was not on as he would not wear the full ensemble until fully needed. Unlike his last visit, Xander landed his luxury yacht on the pad reserved for Tmoxin's private entrances and exits. She'd be able to leave without any one being aware of her absence. The loading ramp was lowered, and Xander waited for her entrance in the bar[/color]. The ship was the finest credits could buy, and his hope was she'd be impressed.

"Exactly as promised. We can leave as soon as you board. I do not wish to have a run in with security, so I shall remain here."

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin hadn’t thought too much about the trip to the Crown Worlds until the dresses arrived. How beautiful they all were, some of them quite risqué. The Hapan businesswoman’s assistant was with her in her Kamino penthouse inspecting the gowns.

“Beulah, which dress looks most like a Hapan Ducha?” she asked. “And which one looks like a Nar Shaddaa cantina dancer outfit? I honestly can’t tell the difference with modern fashion anymore.”

“It’s just the style, Miss Temi. And you have such a nice figure.”

“Yes, but a Ducha wouldn’t show it off, mind you. She would show much more decorum… and much less skin, quite frankly.”

Beulah felt each of the gowns, running the material through her fingers and carefully inspecting the shapes and sizes. She finally selected a stunning, white dress with silver trim at the neck-line:

Spoiler

“Are you sure?” Tmoxin asked after she had changed into it. “It looks like something a Hutt Lord would pick out for his slave.”

Beulah held the shipping manifest in her hands, and with her finger, she pointed as she explained: “This dress is by the same tailor who designs the Queen Mother’s dresses.”
“Oh?” The red-haired Hapan beauty twirled around. The skirt material was soft and fluttered around her legs. She did feel a little like a goddess in the light-weight, revealing gown. It was settled then. Beulah helped fix her hair up so that it was piled up in red curls atop her head. Makeup and jewelry was applied.

“You can have the rest of the dresses, Beluah,” Tmoxin said as she went to leave. She never gave her assistant anything, but lately, the girl had earned more than her share of perks and presents.

The Morpho CEO made her way to where the yacht was parked and saw [member="Darth Vizios"] waiting for her. His ensemble was familiar, so much that her knees almost buckled with nostalgia from the time when she served the Queen of Hapes herself. Those Palace Guardsman outfits brought back such memories!
And the yacht itself was luxurious. Enough that she could forget about the butterflies over this whole pretense and be able to relax on the trip to Indupar.

“I must say, Darth Vizios. You do play the part of a Palace Guard rather well,” she said smiling.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander heard the foot falls on the loading ramp long before he saw Tmoxin. Upon hearing her voice, he stood and turned around. His jaw would have hit the floor had it been physically possible. The dress she chose was stunning, and revealed much more of her than Xander could have hoped to see after the reason for their last meeting. As soon as Xander found his voice, he spoke.

"You are absolutely beautiful," Xander remarked with more sincerity than he even thought himself capable of.

A hand motioned to a seat, and Xander moved to the bar of the lounge. The yacht was extremely luxurious, and the man had spared no expense in making it as comfortable as possible. With the assassins being attacked twice now, Xander had made the yacht his home. A bottle of wine was taken from his private reserve. There was nothing in the galaxy like it, and Xander was more than confident Tmoxin had never tasted anything this good. He poured her a glass and walked to where he had invited her to sit.

"Wine?"

Xander poured his own glass, and sat on the couch next to Tmoxin. There was a safe distance between them that she did not have to be worried he would try anything unbecoming of a Hapan servant. How he wished for the opportunity, but Xander would behave himself. A finger pressed a comm button, and the pilot was instructed to take off. As soon as their take off was confirmed, Xander looked to the Hapan.

"We have several hours before we arrive, make yourself as comfortable as you wish. How have you been?"

The small talk began, and the pursuit of the Hapan had begun.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin nodded her head and felt all at once like a Hapan swan in the white, billowy dress. Since she was all dressed up, she could have been going the Opera or an Art Opening, but that wasn't happening at all. It was an odd sensation.

And as she placed herself at the marble bar with its plush seats, she felt distinctly as though she were suddenly on a date, and not on an assignment to assassinate a royal family. It didn't help that her companion was darkly, handsome and moved with the familiar grace of a nobleman.

But what is the crime in enjoying myself just a little, thought Tmoxin? Besides there isn't much else to do on the journey.

"Thank you," she said, at the compliment. "And yes, I would like some wine."

The Hapan executive rarely had reservations about drinking - day or night, or even before a tense operation, there was always time for a cocktail or glass of wine. Her tolerance was high, and she was still young enough to survive a brutal hangover the next day. Not that she drank to that much excess.

She took a sip and let out an admiring noise at the flavor of the wine. It was much better than she had tasted recently - a stunning, intense and oaky flavor with a hint of fruit and cinnamon. It would be hard to drink one or two glasses and not want another.

"I've been well and yourself?" she said, toying with the stem of the glass as she sat across from him. "Tell me about this royal family. What should I know so I don't blow our cover."

[member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander smiled at the sound Tmoxin made as she sipped the wine. He was proud of the wine his people made, and even more proud of what he held in private reserve. The monarch always enjoyed it when someone enjoyed his drink, but he seemed to enjoy this a bit more. Despite the fact Tmoxin was not nobiliy, she certainly carried herself as though she were. Perhaps it was the Hapan in her, but her good opinion was one he knew was not going to be easily earned. To see it given so quickly at the taste of the wine caused Xander's ego to inflate slightly.

"I'm glad you enjoy it," he said taking his own sip, letting the flavor sit on his pallet for a moment before swallowing.

His eyes never left her. Her beauty certainly drew them to her. Yes this conversation did seem to be more like a date than preparing for this mission. He supposed they had to discuss it, though Xander would rather just spend the time learning more about the woman he was with. This mission would grant him that he supposed. They could enjoy both the mission, and each other's company perhaps.

"The family which rules now stepped in at my perceived death. They have had a tight reign on the commerce, and like the king I had killed to take the throne, care only for their own wealth. George Blackwell, and his bride, have been ruling for thirteen years, and have a twelve year old son who is the heir apparent should his father die. Should the entire family pass, the regent of Ec Pand will become the King. I have secured the regency, and now must secure the throne. For this guise to work, you will propose that you are here on business which would secure the ever elusive trade agreement the Induparan Monarchy has wanted with Hapes. Should their son be wed to a Hapan, the trade agreement would be a natual next step. They will natually accept, the wine will be poured, drunk, and there will be a celebration"

Xander took a drink of his wine again.

"So to be sure I do not blow our cover, what is expected of me as your escort?"

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin clutched her glass with both hands - just under the stem - as [member="Darth Vizios"] explained their mission. Assassination as a concept of gaining power was nothing new to the Hapan. As Hapes was ruled by a monarch, one of her jobs as a young woman was to protect the Queen Mother on her security detail. Killing a rival to further your own cause was a cultural reality of Hapes. Much like the subjugation of men.

She listened with her eyes locked onto the former King. Tmoxin knew how much he wanted the throne - this was audible in his voice and visible in his face, subtle as the signs were. The Hapan executive admired his determination and ambition.

"I hope I don't have to pretend to be in love with this Prince," she remarked. "He is twelve years old and I fear that our ages are very far apart."

Fearfully, she hoped their whole charade would not come crumbling down around them due to a couple of stray wrinkles on her brow line. By the Maker, she was thirty-one years old!

But the subject of how Darth Vizios should be treated as her escort, quelled her outrage and put a smile on her lightly freckled face. "Since we have a long, journey I could explain much of the history to you of how Hapes became a matriarchal society, but I fear your pride may not be able to deal with these.. sordid facts." They would be sordid to him and not to her.

"Let's just say, you are to follow my lead, obey my every command and protect my honor at all costs."

Despite sucking up to the pre-pubescent Prince there seemed to be much to enjoy on this escapade after all.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"My pride could take more than you give it credit for, my dear," Xander said with an elloquance to his voice. "However, you are correct that there is better use of our time than trying to test the limits of patience."

Tmoxin could read him well it seemed. She no doubt picked up on his attraction to her then. While he looked twenty-one, Xander was by far her superior in age. This did not sway him. She was too hard to read at this point, and whether the attraction was mutual, Xander did not know. He knew she thought him handsome, but beyond what was let at the surface of her thoughts, Xander refused to pry.

"Don't worry about the kid. I assume you could be representing the interests of a daughter to line with the twelve year old. After all, it is only the houses that need the illusion of an alignment. Though, I would be quite diverted to see you attemppting to flirt with a boy more than half your age."

He picked up on her fear in regards to the charade they were to play. Perhaps he was too confident, but she was overly concerned. In this they balanced each other. He needed her to be a bit more confident in her natural abilities to make this work. Compliments usually served to do that. While Xander had never been known to give a compliment unless he was after something from a woman, he felt it needed here. Nothing of what he was going to say would be laced with an ulterior motive. Yes, she was very attractive, desireable, and the monarch would not hesitiate to have her share his bed, but for once in his life, he exercised restraint, to a degree.

"You need not worry about your capability in this charade, Tmoxin. Your exquisite beauty alone will ensure all eyes are on you. That is the plan. Should they recognize me for who I really am, it is only then we will be in trouble. I can assure you, as much as I will disdain playing the role of a servant, I would not consider any other woman to whom I would play such a role. You have cpativated my attentions, and regardless of your desires, I am certainly yours to command."

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

"Very good," Tmoxin responded at the idea of representing her "daughter." The idea hadn't even occurred to her, but probably because having an actual child or heir to her own empire was very low on her list of priorities.

"I suppose if I gave it some serious thought," she said. "I would be a good role model to my daughter. I'd certainly send a son off to boarding school though." The Hapan executive gave Darth Vizios a sly smile, and he wouldn't be able to tell if she were serious or not (she was).

However, the red-haired Dark Jedi actually blushed at his string of compliments. Yes, she was used to receiving them, but the atmosphere on the lavish yacht was intimate. Due to the proximity of the handsome noble Sith, and under the influence of the expensive wine, Tmoxin was genuinely flattered. If it was a ploy, it was working. She was humanoid after all and admiration by the opposite sex appealed to her vanity.

"Thank you," she said, twisting a strand of her auburn hair between two fingers in a nervous gesture. "Don't worry, I'll try be gentle with you as my servant." The flattery had worked its magic, and now more confident, she began to spin up the scenario: "You will be my most trusted servant, having joined my family from when we were both children. All other attendants do not come close to your loyalty and my fondness for you. How does that sound?" she asked. While she would normally not treat a male servant like a friend, Tmoxin knew it would be difficult to degrade Darth Vizios since he was indeed an ally. She was still slightly worried about his pride - his occasional display of chauvinism made her wary of subjugating him too much.

But if he wanted his throne badly enough, he would do almost anything to get it back.

[member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

His compliments had made her blush. Xander smiled in return, and moved closer reducing the distance between them to a small gap. Blue eyes fell onto the way she played with her hair, and opened up about his real position with charade they were playing. He would push the story deeper, one which would allow them to play off the chemistry which they shared. Naturally it would only be logical to allow the tension felt in the moment to be part of their little game.

"I am sure your fondness does not come easily, so I would more than welcome it. Childhood friends, who grew up together, not understanding the dynamic between why they could never be more than what they were. Perhaps there were feelings expressed, even forbidden pleasures shared. However the choice was made for you to marry out of love or out of duty, and being the good Ducha you are, for the sake of the people, you chose duty, and you most loyal friend has never once stopped caring for you, and his service is simply an act of what he feels, a bond beyond simple duty."

Xander sipped the last bit of his wine and casually let his hand rest on Tmoxin's shoulder. She had not given him permission to touch her, but soon his finger was twirling the redish hair, gently as he looked her in the eyes.

"I could never be disloyal to the woman who has my affections after all. A woman who is both beautiful inside and out."

The story was plausile, and Tmoxin would not know if Xander was raveling a story or attempting to seduce her. Knowing Xander it was a bit of both. He was an opportunisty after all, and would not let an opportunity pass by without exploring it first. The worst which would happen is everything would be shut down, and their ploy be finalized. However, Xander was too far invested in his flirtations to simply stop them.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

As Darth Vizios spoke, Tmoxin lowered her eyes to rest on a white napkin on the counter. Her fingers began to worry at the the edges of the fabric as he further elaborated on their upcoming charade, but when he finished, she lifted her brown eyes, and her entire face brightened.

"Why on the contrary! I have a brother, although we are estranged now, but growing up we were very good friends, until social conventions dictated that he and I could no longer be equals. But the way you explain it.. perhaps, without the forbidden pleasures..." she lingered on that phrase a moment and said, "Yes that could definitely work."

And then the Hapan added wistfully, "We were just children, Xander. Armand and I didn't know any better. It was... sad when we were no longer allowed to fraternize in the same way as we did before." No doubt, she would have had the upper hand in this familial situation with her sibling, but it still would have been a harsh revelation to realize the discrepancy between male and female, and at such a young age.

This display of emotion made her feel extremely vulnerable, and Darth Vizios's hand softly brushing her hair only added to her susceptibility. Even though the yacht was climate controlled, and an almost cool breeze wafted through the cabin, her exposed skin was hot and nearly feverish. Now would normally be the time she pulled away, especially at the advances of a Sith Lord whom she did not one-hundred percent trust. But his blue eyes were so hypnotic that she reached up and clasped the hand that lingered near her face. She brought his long fingers close to her mouth, and then closed her eyes, just enjoying the feeling of his strong, gentle hand, guiding it along as it traced her jawline.

[member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

"I'm sorry... I didn't know."

Xander had not known the ploy he suggested was one which evoke so much emotion. While other Sith would force their way into her mind to know everything, Xander rarely behaved in such a vicious manner. He'd ravaged a mind before, and had left the victim shaken, but it was not something he was proud of. Xander would do what needed to be done and when, but the man had some sense of decorum. Tmoxin would sense sincerity in his words. He was transparently genuine in the moment.

"If your certain this scenario will work, then yes," he agreed.

His hand continued to play with her auburn locks until it was taken by her grasp. Xander nearly shuddered at her touch, the sensation one he had never realized before. Her skin was soft, smooth, perfect. The ridge of her jaw line strong, a feature which highlighted her Hapan beauty. Without a doubt Xander knew she was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. He slid closer to her again as his thumb brushed across her soft lips. His hand brushed back behind her hair and rest at the base of her head just above her neck. Xander's thumb now carressed her cheek, his eyes open, though hers were not.

Xander leaned forward, moving his lips close to hers. He hesitated, his nose almost touching Tmoxin's. Canting his head to fhe right, Xander moved the rest of the way and placed a chaste, gentle kiss on her wine dampened lips. The flavor of the Cinnamon Merlot had remained on her lips. Usually Xander was confident when he was forward with a woman. This time, Xander was not certain. Where was this leading, if anywhere. She had power over him, and that was something Xander had never expected.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

The entire time that Tmoxin had known Darth Vizios - of course, only after she got over her initial outrage of him killing Dr. Oovan - there had been a playful banter between them, and even though he could be chauvinistic, a mutual respect had formed. The spark, however, had been there all along. It had just needed the right direction of the wind and a little bit of time to grow into a blazing fire.

So when the Sith Lord kissed Tmoxin, rather gently, she pulled him closer, her hands softly cradling his face, fingers brushing against the stubble of his beard. He may have wanted a chaste kiss, perhaps to not pounce upon her like a younger, less experienced man would, but the Hapan didn't want to pull away just yet. She kissed him deeper, sinking into his chest, the heat of her skin nearly palpable in the air. But once she reluctantly broke away, lifting her chestnut-colored eyes to his blue ones, she said, "Now what would happen to us if we were caught kissing like this in the Indupar Palace - a Ducha and her servant?" she asked, smirking. Her slender hand boldly reached out to his neckline, and one finger softly traced a line down his chest. Although she was teasing, their attraction to each other could be a wrinkle in their plan. The charade needed to be convincing. Amorous glances would have to be stolen at worst, but hidden away at best among the prying eyes of the Court.

All of a sudden this assignment seemed much more difficult. But Tmoxin enjoyed a challenge. After her hand finished its wandering, she clasped both of his hands into hers and said, "We will get your throne back. I promise you that." For once during her time with Darth Vizios, she stopped fretting on how she would benefit from this whole ruse. After the kiss, she felt confident that he would repay her in a way that would satisfy them both.

[member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

There was more to the kiss than just a kiss. First Xander had moved to pull away, leaving the kiss innocent, but Tmoxin returned it with a passion he could not avoid. He matched her passion, and returned her own kiss in kind. Her warm hands on his face only made him want more, and he was as reluctant to end the kiss as she was. Eyes locked, and instantly Xander knew she had captured him completely. His Adam's Apple moved up in his throat as he swallowed a gulp which was a response of the tension which had only increased because of the kiss.

"No, I am certain it would spell ruin for our little rouse. Though, Duchas have been known to take consorts," Xander offered as a consolation. Though he knew they would have to keep things between them cool for the sake of not endangering the objective.

Xander's eyes closed as she traced her finger along his chest. Their hands joined, and their eyes met again as Tmoxin made her promise. Suddenly he was no longer concerned whether they succeeded or not. His throne was small in comparison to what he knew they could do together. His mind was not focused on himself, but on the woman. The concept was different for Xander, and he mused to himself about it. There was certainly an attraction.

"What to do about this now? Clearly this tension will make the task more difficult." He placed her hand back on his chest, as he drew her head to rest there as well. There were still a few moments before the proximity alarm would sound their imminent arrival. The tension would have to be dealt with, but there was a danger in dealing with it now. Should they give into it fully, the rouse would certainly come to ruin. Yet, Xander didn't care.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Princess Kallisto was in a bad mood. She did not want to be here on Indupar meeting some pre-pubescent Prince Blackwell. In fact, she had really wanted to pursue... or be pursued, in all honesty, by Alexander Gaillard, the designer of her newest ship, The Crystal Rose, but most of her courtiers rallied against the idea of that marriage. Number one, Gaillard was a ship designer and not nobility. And number two, they thought he was too eccentric for Thais. His reputation as a playboy and savant was well known thoughout Kuat. They were only protecting her, they had said - Napo, Crix Meriet, Miss Janine, the new handmaiden who she could never remember the name of...

But sighing, she supposed it was for the best. The fact that Gaillard was much older, didn't bother her. In fact, she was looking for someone experienced to teach her things. For her whole life Thais was watched, prodded, fluffed and preened, all to be beautiful for a nobleman who would someday marry her. She rarely went on dates alone, and a goodnight kiss was little more than a peck with her advisers around 24/7. Aside from occasionally eavesdropping on her slaver, Crix Meriet when he slept with his own slave in the Crystal Palace, her education on adult affairs was rudimentary.

She gazed into the mirror of the bedroom where she was tucked away waiting to meet the Prince. Thais adjusted the tiara on her head, this one adorned with the green crystals from the new Kallisto Mines on Christophsis and smoothed her long, flowing gown. It had a deep V cut down the chest of it which provocatively displayed her pale skin and the subtle curve of her breasts.

"Princess Kallisto, you can't wear that dress," said Miss Janine, sweeping into the room with another gown for her to wear. By the way it hung limply over her longtime handmaiden's arm, she could just tell it was not a revealing nor attractive dress. "Prince Blackwell is twelve years old."

"You don't have to remind me," she snapped. But in one fluid motion, Princess Kallisto stripped off the dress. The new gown had a tight, stiff corset and itchy crinoline in the hoop skirt, but after it was arranged, and the blue flowers of Indupar set into her long, brunette locks, Thais thought, it's not so bad after all.

Spoiler

"The Prince would like you to sit for a painting later, so he can keep you close to him even when you are far away," said Miss Janine.

A painting! How utterly archaic, thought Thais. "Doesn't he have a holocamera?" she muttered, as they both left the room and made their way down to the Palace Ballroom. And furthermore, how long was she going to have to sit in one place for this artist - one hour? Three hours? Her jaw tightened with annoyance. How she did she even let Napo talk her into this meeting in the first place?

[member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander woke to the proximity alarm sounding and his head pounding. He'd fallen asleep, along with [member="Tmoxin Temi"], on th couch after more wine than what was needed. Their clothes were still on which meant nothing had transpired aside from the kiss. Xander was both relieved and disappointed. Relieved because sex would have complicated their ruse, and disappointed because there was more chemistry between them than Xander had experienced since he woke from his stasis. The attraction level was high, and Xander wanted her, yet, he had a feeling she would always be the one he could never have.

"Tmoxin, we are here," he said helping her to wake. They had little time to refresh their look, and run over the story to keep it straight. "He's likely to have others here, so you must make your offer the most convincing. They will want me out of the discussions at somepoint. That will give me the time to arrange some, accidents."

He smoothed out the wrinkles in his uniform, and took his place in front of the "Ducha." The ramp lowered, and Xander kicked the red carpet down the ramp and proceeded to walk below.

"Her excellency, Ducha AlGray," the name would be recognizable as Hapan, and no one would check, not before the deed had been done. Stepping aside, Xander allowed for his mistress to descend, and her beauty to steal everyone's attentions as it had done to Xander.

With all of them captivated, the duo were escorted to the throne room, passing by a line of paintings. To the left was a large portrait of Xander Blackmoore himself. He had not seemed to age a day. Good thing he grew th beard. It made him look older, and hid his face.

"Your highness, Ducha AlGray, and her manservant."

King Blackwell was ugly and rotund. His dark hair was balding, and he seemed to have a oily complexion. The man was clearly I'll, and the issue of finding his son a queen very pressing. This was only to Xander's advantage, provided there was not an actual suitor on the palace grounds. Xander smirked to himself, as he stayed dutifully behind Tmoxin.

"A Hapan here!? Tell me my son has been smioed upon. Tell me are you here to offer yourself, a daughter? My son with a Hapan!"

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

"Where are my palace guards?" Thais whispered to Napo, her Gutretee, crystal-faced attendant. Assassination was an ever-present fear in Princess Kallisto's mind since she had watched the execution of her own parents when she was only twelve years old - the same age as this priveledged Prince.

"There is no need for them, Your Majesty. You are extremely safe here."

She gave a derisive huff and ignored Napo, her eyes darting around on her own for signs of danger. A wealthy, young monarch would never be safe. Never.

"Remember to smile!" Miss Janine said to her in such a sing-song voice, Thais wanted to slap her right then and there on the spot. But like [member="Darth Vizios"] and Tmoxin Temi, Thais needed to keep up her own charade for the sake of her court. To at least attempt civility towards King Blackwell and his son as was her duty to do so.

As she entered the throne room, the King was bellowing something about a Hapan Ducha. It appeared Kallisto had some competition, either from the beautiful red-haired woman or her progeny. Good, good, she thought. Less attention on me. Which was unusual because normally Thais liked all of the attention on her. Once the elegant Ducha stated that her daughter was on the premises to meet Prince Blackwell, the King suddenly turned his attention to Princess Kallisto.

"The Princess of Isis is here! Over that way, my darling girl. Sit now for Dromur Rube. He's the most famous artist in Indupar." As the Princess sat on a satin-lined, chaise lounge, the King explained to the Ducha and her manservant how the Indupar painter would work around them. "There is no need to stop the festivities. My son just really wanted a painting of The Crystal Princess as she is known in the Outer Rim."

But as Thais sat there with nothing else to do but analyze everyone in the throne room, she recognized the Ducha's servant. Her dark eyebrows furrowed with confusion. Why that was the former King of Indupar himself! She knew because he had smuggled her into the Royal Palace of Naboo during an aggressive operation to install a new monarch carried out by the Techno Union. While Thais was Force sensitive she lacked any type of telepathic communication ability. So she just stared as hard as she could, hoping to catch the dark-haired Sith Lord with her direct gaze. Why was the former King, dressed like a servant and at the side of a Hapan Ducha? It made no sense whatsoever.

She longed to speak up and to say something, but in her bewilderment, Thais was rendered speechless.

 

[Judah Lesan]

The King droned on, and Xander only wanted to reach out and end the man there. This charade was going to be difficult, but they had to handle the entire family. Xander leaned into the Ducha, pretending to whisper something about needed to take a walk about for the sake of her security. After all, their ruse was on which made him more than a simple servant, but her most loyal friend as well. In truth, Xander needed the freedom to deal with the new guest in the room. He knew her, and by the way she was looking at him, she had recognized him as well.

"Do not say a word, Princess. I will come and find you later to explain what is happening. Be a good girl and get your painting done. Rest assured, I can guarentee you do not have to impress the young prince."

Two guards approached Xander, and he was informed the servants were being dismissed. A slight now of his head, and he turned on his heels to make sure the Ducha's quarters were ready for later. In reality, he would be wandering the passageways of the palace. He knew them all by heart, and likely was the only one. Unfortunately he could not make his move until the princess knew her life depended on keeping quiet.

Xander stepped into her wuarters from the hidden door which was behind the fireplace in the large guest suite. She had no personal guard, and the rest of the servants were off enjoying the servant's pantry. It was nearing mealtime, but Xander was not hungry. By the end of the next day, the throne would be his, as long as Kallisto did not get in the way.

[member="Thais Kallisto"] | [member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Being in a state of confusion was nothing new to Princess Kallisto, but as she sat there and listened to Xander Blackmoore - as she remembered he was called - whispering his instructions directly into her head as he had done on Naboo, she was even more dumbfounded. He recognized her too! And why suddenly did she have to not worry about impressing the Prince? While this was a burden she was happy to have off of her chest, her curiosity began to get the better of her.

"You must stay still, Princess Kallisto. Look ahead and stop looking over at the King and his guests, please," Dromur sniffed in his thick Indupar accent. She turned her head to face the artist, but out of the corner of her eye she could see the Ducha in the white dress leaving rather hurriedly. Xander went in the opposite direction towards the palace interior. Thais's paranoia spiked. Something was afoot, and she would be damned if she sat there for three hours while it went on without her.

She rose suddenly, causing the artist to curse under his breath. "Miss Janine will sit for you," said Thais decidedly. "I will come back after I've rested so you can paint in my likeness. My nerves are frayed from the journey and I need to rest."

"Very well," said Napo, speaking for the Princess. "You heard your Majesty. She will retire to her quarters now." His eyes flitted worriedly to the King, but the monarch had strayed off himself after the Hapan Ducha. Napo began to follow Kallisto but was stopped by her stern hand held with the palm facing him.

"No, I will go alone. Like you said, Napo. I am perfectly safe."

It gave her a little thrill to, not only use her advisers words against them, but to now be traveling the hallways of the palace alone. Thais was rarely ever alone. Perhaps in her bed at night was her only time in solitude. On soft soled shoes, she quietly followed where she thought Xander Blackmoore had gone, listening for his footsteps. But she could not detect where he was. Finally, realizing she would make a horrible secret agent, she decided to wander around the palace, but that idea was cut short when she realized she would get lost in its maze-like design. Blast it! Everyone had left, and she was no further educated on the situation.

Princess Kallisto passed her own room and slipped inside. If no one was going to tell her what was going on, she was prepared to take a nice long nap in lieu of usable information.

[member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander smirked at the realization of where he was. The rooms had not changed in many centuries and everything was as he had left it. He mused as to whether or not he would tell the princess she should be insulted by the quarters she had been given in the guest wing. They were not worst, but by no means the best. There were much nicer suites than the one she had been given.

"And they didn't even pull out the satin sheets for her. These Blackwells know nothing of entertaining royalty," he mused as the overcoat of his uniform came off, just before Xander declined on the bed.

Some would consider his behavior to be rude, but the palace was his technically. Everything was still his in fact. A claim he would make at the appropriate time. Naturally no one would believe him, but it didn't matter. The Blackwells were going to die, and it was a shame it would have to happen in front of the princess. She really should be spared the politics of the Induparan Royal Court, but it seemed she had thrust herself into them. Xander found it to be odd. Did she not have genuine control of her own world? He smelled an opportunity, one which would likely shift which of the women on Indupar he should be pursuing.

He head the door latch click shut. Nothing about the palace was terribly modern. The charm of the historical palace was well preserved, with enough technology to make it livable in the modern world. There was a fine line, but the palace staff kept it well balanced. Xander was pleased it had not come to ruin in his absence. His hands crossed over begind his head, and legs crossed at the shins. Xander waited for his guest as she would undoubtedly find him. He smiled as he heard her soft foot steps gain in volume. She was nearing the bedchamber.

When she stepped into view Xander quickly put a finger to his lips. "Do not scream. Do not do anything rash. I promised an explanation, and I am a man of my word. Come, this bed is big enough for both of us, and I won't bite... hard."

[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Thais closed the door behind her and began kicking off her shoes. She walked towards the bedchamber, untying the blue flowers held in place by long, white ribbons in her wavy brown hair. The palace was not the exact modern luxury that Princess Kallisto was used to, but there was an old world charm to the stone and dark wood. And the fact that there were no crystals anywhere in the room was refreshing.

But when she crossed the threshold into the next room, she visibly jumped at the sight of Xander lying on the bed, and her slender hand flew up to her lips to stop her from crying out. But she slowly brought the hand down and breathed out a long sigh of relief once she realized he was going to let her in on the secret.

"You startled me," she said, still breathing heavily at the unexpected sight of him. When the Sith Lord suggested she join him on the bed, Thais turned around as if she expected an army of courtiers behind her telling her no, she shouldn't join this handsome interloper on her bed. But her courtiers weren't in the room, and even though there were technological amenities, there didn't appear to be cameras.

"Very well," she said, sitting on the bed besides him. And he was right - the bed was expansive, and there would be room for both of them to stretch out upon it. But for now she stayed perched on the edge. So far her eyes had been clouded with confusion or almost seemed a bit vacant, but Thais finally turned to face the former King, giving him a look of pure fascination. "So why are you here, Your Majesty? And by the maker, why are you dressed like a Hapan servant?" She stifled a laugh, but couldn't help but appraise him admiringly. He did look rather gallant in his servant finery.

[member="Darth Vizios"]