Consultation on Defense (complete)

[Faith Organa]

Aldera - a world hidden away from the eyes of the Galaxy from the controversy that surrounded so many it waited for [member="Draco Vereen"] to land.
Faith stood with Captain Lindsey on the flight deck waiting for the newly appointed Knight-Errant of Aldera to land his ship. Faith stood there dressed in a soft light blue dress, with a tiny circlet of gold resting upon her dark brown locks.

It had been a few weeks since their time on Alderaan and she missed him. More than she could let on, even though the man standing behind her claimed to already know all of her movements.

"Princess, is this a wise move?"

Faith looked back, "May not be but we hidden here. And his presence can be explained. I invited him to come and look at a tract of land for a new company, and to review the Aldera Royal Guard with us." She smiled.

"The Republic Princess does not appreciate rogue Mandalorians with Sith ties running around their section of the galaxy." Captain Lindsey feared that the Princess was exposed to criticism.

"I know very well how that is. But I have asked for Mandalorian consultation, they are after all the authority on war, and defense." Faith knew he was only looking out for her well-being but it was rather late to point this out and at the moment she didn't care. There was enough space on the other side of Aldera that Draco coming from Mandalorian space would not encounter any Republic ships, unless they had deviated into the unclaimed space.

"Yes mam" Captain Lindsey stepped back and waited.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco's ship landed with a slight thud as the landing pads took the vessel's weight and the boarding ramp hissed as it opened and depressurized, only a slight difference in the air pressure of the planet at this altitude. As Draco walked from the ramp, he had to duck to avoid hitting his head against the bulkhead of the ship. He liked it, even if it was a great deal smaller than his stealth corvette, it was a little more cramped but it wasn't uncomfortable.

One thing Draco didn't like was having to hide, especially not around Faith. He didn't want to hide his feelings for her, and around her guards. Surely there was someone among them she could trust with the knowledge of their relationship? Draco wanted nothing more than to scoop her up in his arms and kiss her after having been apart so long. He was different now, a little time on Voss having helped him, helped him enough, if not completely, to bury the alter egos in his mind, focusing on his feelings for her. "Princess. It is an honor to see you again. You look more resplendent than the last time we met." He bowed deeply, removing the buy'ce from his head, letting her see his face and his eyes as they looking into her own shimmering brown eyes that cut through his facade like a knife, peering down to his core. He kept his comments as controlled as he could, despite his feelings.

"As invited I've come to visit Aldera." She had told him about the planet early on in their relationship, but she hadn't given him exact coordinates until now. It was a beautiful planet, much like Alderaan, and this was to be her planet, one where they could perhaps build a life on together. "May we walk and talk? I'd love to see the planet some." He asked politely, offering her his arm and motioning for her to lead him around. It wasn't uncommon for a guest of high enough stature to take a short leisurely walk with a princess, and it would mean much more to him to have that level of physical contact.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]“Commander Vereen, Welcome to Aldera, may I introduce the Captain Lindsey of the Royal Guard” Faith watched at her long time protected looked over Draco.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Commander” he nodded his head and then stepped back to allow Faith to walk with Draco. “We should walk and talk”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Faith took his arm as she careful to sweep her skirts aside from the dress she wore. She wore no jewelry today, not even a circlet.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Draco, you should know Captain Lindsey is aware of our relationship. He has been entrusted with my life ever since I tasked to be a Senator. He has to know everything in order to protect me. He is concerned right now”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked back at him and nodded, and then turned back to continue her walk with Draco from the flight deck to the space port. “He is concerned of my image he feels that you are very well known for being an employee of the Sith”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She smiled and nodded to those that took the moments to notice them, though Captain Lindsey kept everyone far enough away that no one could hear the conversation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I asked you to come for a few reasons, first and foremost I missed you. Second, to help put Captain Lindseys mind at ease, third to get your opinion of my guard, and fourth…to..show you my home” She wanted Draco to feel at ease at home, and to know she missed him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“So, we shall start with my being able to see you and hold your arm in public which is of some comfort, then we can work on Captain Lindsey”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Princess, your transport is this way” The Captain moved Faith and Draco in the right direction. He was still trying to decide of the Commander was a good fit for the Princess.[/SIZE]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco listened to his lover's words with interest, a slight twinge of pain and fear struck through him as she spoke. He knew all to well he could be very damaging to her image, and he was doing everything he could to help alleviate those concerns, but it took time and action. It took deeds done in the open so that others could realize he was desperately trying to deserve Faith's affections, and that took work and effort. Part of him suspected there would always be a stigma about him in regards to the Senate. That no matter what, his past would always been thrown in her face, and that hurt him to his core. The architecture of the world was very reminiscent of Alderaan, as was the terrain from what he could see.

"I missed you too, cyar'ika. I'm sorry Faith. I know that my past is a hindrance to you, but it is my past, not my future." Draco's eyes began looking for a dark corner to pull her off to. Holding her arm in his wasn't enough for him, but it would have to do until they could be afforded a moment of privacy without prying, judgmental eyes of others being cast upon her. "I went to Voss while you were busy, looking for help to fix my problem. At least there are a few Jedi of the Sanctum who know I am turning away from the Dark Side." He missed her, and her touch against his armor warmed him some.

He thought he had found a small corner for them to duck into, perhaps just long enough for one kiss when the captain spoke. Part of him was grateful that this Captain Lindsey was protective of Faith and unsure of her new lover. That meant she had at least one person she could rely on outside of himself, and she needed that. The other part of him was slightly annoyed that he had to prove himself to the captain as well as everyone else. What did their opinions matter? Only Faith's opinion mattered to him. "I'd be ecstatic to spend some time with you Cyar'ika. Perhaps seeing that will put your captain at ease." He could see the buildings looming around them, and they were lovely, but overshadowed by his company. "And your home is beautiful, it reminds me of Alderaan greatly." He said, quietly to her, trying to reassure her that he was comfortable here.

Draco let Faith lead him into the transport and held the door for her to enter, subtly glancing at her backside as he followed her into the transport. As much as he could try to play the gentleman, she would be able to draw his eyes no matter what she did, and he wasn't exactly strong of will when it came to such matters. As he sat beside her he let his helmet clang to the floor boards and began tugging off his gloves hurriedly, check to ensure the windows were opaqued before taking her head in his hands and drawing her to him, kissing her, letting the light from her soul rejuvinate his own, the warmth of her checks banish the slight chill from his hands, her lips steal his breath and his heart to flutter just a bit from feeling her skin against his own.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]“I know Draco, it will just take time for things we, and they must all learn patience, and if they cannot well then” she sighed, “cross that bridge when we get there”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]It was a slow but steady pace Faith ducked her head and entered the transport. Safe at last, or not so safe. Draco who looked about as nervous as Edee in a room full of rockers. She held tightly to him as they slid next to each other.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The reflexes of the Commander were quite well known but it seemed that in these close quarters he was quicker. Faith heard the buy’ce hit the floor and his hands cupping her face.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Warmth radiated throughout her how much she missed him blossomed and desire pooled. She reached for the edges of his chest piece fingers curled so that she could pull him closer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Hunger and passion filled her response to his kiss as she tilted her head slightly to draw him. She moaned softly and knew that if she did not break away now she’d be trying to go further, with great reluctance she broke the kiss.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Her brown eyes looked to his, “you’re staying at least one night right?” her voice cracked with mixed emotions.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They were on their way to review the Aldera Royal Guard, those responsible for the safe keeping of Faith, her family, the palace, and the crown jewels. The entire guard would be present for [member="Draco Vereen"] to see.[/SIZE]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco let out a soft sigh as she pulled away, letting her slip from his grasp, "Yes, at least one night, ner runi." He answered regaining his breath, sitting calm in her embrace, her hands on his chest piece. No doubt the captain wasn't pleased with such a display, but it had been in private, and Draco couldn't help himself. He was smitten, and trying to hide his affections for Faith was difficult for him. Of course given the privacy and opportunity he would pour his affections to her, let his soul seep into hers.

So, he was here to review her guards and the defenses of the planet while he was here. At least that was what they were telling people, and the business he was responsible for. As her dragon, it made sense that he ensure she was well guarded and her home safe from harm. Aldera was hidden off away from most of the known planets and wasn't visible on many star maps. That didn't mean it was impervious to attack. Me made the note in his mind to install his Vigilance Hyperspace Monitors in the system and along the hyperlanes into the system. Wouldn't be the best defense, but would at least let them know if they had unscheduled or unwelcome company. It would take three or four minelayers to see to it, but the Nonvideor minelayers were good at that, and discreet.

He sat back, wrapping his hands around hers and sliding into place beside her. It felt comfortable, like he belonged. "I can take a look around the grounds. I know you don't want a fortress, but it would do the planet well to have some defenses. I can speak to Clan Rekali about securing a few of their planetary shield units, and I have some ships that might be of use. Monitors, defense ships. Nothing to egregious, but I'd sleep better knowing you had something." He did have some nice things from Theed Royal Engineers that maybe Faith would appreciate once their relationship was public. With only five made and all accounted for except his, her flying around in it would be obvious and conspicuous. Soon though. "And your guards. I'd like to make sure they are able to defend you, cyar'ika."

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

"Captain Lindsey was trained by Marcello Matteo so he is one of the best Aldera has to offer. He will ensure that the others are trained to his level of ability and if they cannot be then they are released from service. All of the guards are volunteers no one was pressed into service, but they do know that it takes a lot to become one of the Royal Guard." She held his hand tightly.

She could do this now by his side, 'You are Knight Errant of Aldera Draco, you can do as you see fit, and if I that title does not open doors for you I will elevate you to Akaan Kalyr of Aldera." There would come a time that his power would only be second to hers on Aldera, but that was the future not today. Today he was her lover, her Knight-Errant, her source of strength these titles.

"Course you will have to explain to me all these things you have mentioned, I'm not well versed in such things. When it comes to ships, I do ok, but weaponry I get lost." She could admit her weaknesses her to those that knew her best. She smiled contentedly.

She would have Draco for as long he could stay now, even if only a night.

They were pulling up in front of the Headquarters for the Royal Guard. On the parade field already the guardsmen were lined up, 100 men and women, 4 lieutenants, and the Captain who was with them. They were no armor only the traditional blasters hung on their hip, with the last two rows holding blaster rifles. Faith could see them shifting nervously.

"Ok.." Faith took a breath, "They are probably all scared of you." She laughed, "if they only knew" she teased if they only knew that he was putty in her hands.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled at her, content with his life as it stood in this moment. He could be comfortable here, around her, and her people. They would grow to accept him as one of their own, even if it took time. For now he was the Knight-Errant of Aldera and Alderaan, or more specifically, though unofficially, her Knight-Errant. As for the doors such a title opened, he didn't care so long as it opened her door when he sought it. He chuckled, kissing her knuckles affectionately just before they arrived. "Don't worry ner runi. There is much I don't know about ships and weapons, and I know even less about politics or diplomacy." Arguably her strongest fields and his strongest fields of expertise. No, he wouldn't be the one to go negotiate cease-fires and resolve conflict, but he could be a shield for her to take shelter behind if those paths failed.

"Okay, I'll be nice." He smirked wryly, a teasing tone to his voice. With a slight grunt he grabbed up his helmet and gloves off the floor. It wouldn't do well to keep their secret if he left clothes lying everywhere each time they had a moment of privacy. He could feel a slight nervousness in the Force from them, but it was overshadowed by pride, and the bright beaming aura Faith projected of content and happiness. That reassured him. Draco belonged here, at her side, her Dragon. Ready to protect her holdings with unmatched ferocity or simply warm her in calmer times. He could do that. He could be content with that life. Granted he knew he wouldn't be a prince to sit calm and patient at court and make decisions to effect the world, but he could be a prince that hunted in the forests, went out and trained soldiers and guards, and lead her people in times of war.

The guards were in fine lines, with a lot more military discipline than his warriors. Probably not the experience his warriors had, but certainly more discipline and military organization. Draco was well aware his warriors were not the greatest soldiers in the galaxy, if they were good soldiers at all, and his experiences in the Galactic Republic and Techno Union military had taught him to appreciate such training and organization. "Well, they form ranks well." He exited the transport, helmet clipped to his belt, gloves tucked into a pocket as he turned to help her from the vehicle. "Do they wear armor or robes traditionally?" he asked, immediately noticing their lack of protection. "If not, I can supply them with something. I just need to know how you want them to look, cyar'ika." His voice dropped low, so that his affectionate name for her was barely a whisper, kept so that only she could hear him speak.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]She nodded, “Well then we balance each other do we not?” Be nice it would be his armor along that made them pause. She watched to see if anyone reacted for if they did if they broke ranks they would be removed immediately from the Guard.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“good to know you approve of our straight lines” she answered as she smiled and followed him out of the transport. Captain Lindsey nodded, and escorted them to the front of the Guard.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Captain Lindsey turned faced his troops, [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]“ATTENTION ALDERA ROYAL GUARDS HER MAJESTY HRH PRINCESS FAITH AND KNIGHT ERRANT VEREEN WILL NOW INSPECT.” He turned to her “ The Guard stands ready for your inspection”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Thank you Captain” Faith looked at Draco, “they wear what you see them current attired in” her voice equally low as they headed toward the first row of the Guardsmen. She took a breath and turned.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Before she started her inspection she stood at the end, she whispered, “Your reward awaits after this” She left it at that turned to her guardsmen and began walking.[/SIZE]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled, looking over the ranks of guards. They were well trained and prim and proper. Good soldiers by the looks of them, proud of their roles, happy to protect the people he considered to be his family. They could be trusted to do this job he mused. He let his eyes follow her as she walked down the line of guardsmen, safe and happy, her aura in the Force reassuring him of her contentedness in her situation. Her happiness meant a lot to him, he realized. He felt a deep seeded need to be happy with her, and he found that need fulfilled.

"They are fine protectors for your family. My company produces ACS-004 Immortal armor. It's phrik and can be made to look to you heart's desire, and it's fitting that Alderaanian Royal Guard, and their cousins here on Aldera, wear phrik. If it is anything to your people like Beskar, or metalworking in general, is to mine, it will hold some significance beyond just its protective properties." Draco walked with her on his arm, as any other important escort would for royal might, looking through the lines. "I would trust them to protect you." He said nodding to the captain. Certainly the man would be proud of their rigidness to protocol, and their visible willingness to undergo harsh training and preparation to potentially give their lives to protect the Royal Family.

He heard her whispered promise and arched an eyebrow with a happy grin on his face. "Well, I can see they are fine, and one they get armored up they will be worthy of you." He called after her, quickening his pace to catch up to her as she walked through the ranks of soldiers. He dropped to his voice a whisper so that others couldn't hear him, "I'm ready for my reward when you are, cyar'ika." To say he was anxious for such a reward was an understatement. Having been apart for more than a week he anticipated it and was excited for time alone with Faith to reconnect and reconfirm their devotion and feelings for one another. So much so that he blushed as he spoke, following her like a good Knight-Errant should.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]“Immortal Armor sounds…impressive” she smiled it did, “Ahh Phrik we of Alderaan descent love when things are made with phrik.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]She stopped turned, “House colors are all that are required, nothing more.” She wasn’t so spoiled that she needed to have her guard colored pink or something that said oo look Faith’s Organa’s guard. No..House Organa colors were enough.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I and my family would protect that secret Commander Vereen. WE honor those who honor us with such gifts, a very generous gift at that. I would normally say no, but I fear the future of the galaxy and welcome the gift. I only hope that I can find something to give you of equal value” she was serious, something of equal value, but what.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They walked through the ranks, “I’m glad you say that Commander.” She looked back at Captain Lindsey who only nodded. He was a tough customer for certain.[/SIZE]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco tilted his head, casting his eyes down at her as they walked through the ranks of Royal Guards, who stood, eyes up, chin straight, arms at their sides, as though they didn't notice the pair walking through their formation. "I would say I have a personal interest in ensuring they preform to the best of their abilities." He smirked a bit as he looked down at her, taking her arm back in his, fitting it into the crook of his elbow and taking her hand up where it felt comfortable. Felt as though it belonged there, and fit well. "After all, I would also say you have already given me a gift of significantly value, and a title recognized by your people that I consider to be quite valuable."

His thoughts turned to the rest of her family, the ones that were missing or gone, and the ones that were still around. How many of them knew about Faith and Draco's relationship and how they felt about it. He decided he had some questions for his lover now, "Faith," Draco whispered so that the guards couldn't really hear as he leaned towards her, his breath tickling her ear, "Do they know about us? Does your mother? Sister?" Draco had made a point not to tell anyone, not even his closest confidants about their relationship. All anyone knew was there was someone or something on Alderaan he was slipping away to see every now and then.

Draco worried about her image, worried about the consequences of her being seen as with someone like him. He knew his Mandalorian heritage wasn't an issue. But that he had been a known contractor with the One Sith, that he had identified himself as a Sith Lord at one time. Those things mattered. Those things could cause her harm, damage her reputation, and lead to a lot of emotional strife for her, at his hands. He couldn't do that to her, not now. But if she had people she trusted, she could talk to about it, introduce him to, perhaps that would help him with his own journey. And once that journey was completed, all he had left to do was prove to the galaxy he had changed, changed for her.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]What had she given him? She looked over at him, she had given herself, and a title. A Title that he earned so in essence she only gave him what was his. She could have refrained from giving herself, true. But she was selfish she had gone after him because she wanted dark hungry eyes, and strong arms, and everything that came with it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Well the question was bound to come wasn’t it, what did her family know. She frowned slightly hoping that she could avoid that question a bit longer, “they don’t know” she answered softly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They were nearing the end of the ranks, Faith nodded walked off towards the edge of the parade field turned to Captain Lindsey, “They are fine troops Captain, I am proud to have them in House Organa’s service. And Commander Vereen has graciously offered armored for their protection.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]By putting it that way it would endear Draco to the Guards, and hopefully convince the Captain that his intentions were honorable.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Faith held onto Draco’s arm, and guided him back towards the transport.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]This coming conversation was not likely to go well.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She feared the outcome.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I don’t think either of them are ready to hear it either.” She kept her voice down, “they will most certainly have concerns. And of course since mother does not know she has informed all of us that she is seeking alliances for everyone”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Now.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She began to count.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]1.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]2.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]3.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Wait for it.[/SIZE]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

It had been her love that she had given him, that he held to be his most precious possession, especially with Abigail gone AWOL and unreachable at the current time. He knew his adopted daughter was alive, and he would always treat her like his own, but she wasn't well, and she wasn't talking to him. It didn't bother him that her family hadn't been told yet. He half expected it in fact, that she be closed mouth about her relationship status. She couldn't exactly tell people who, and he wasn't aware how close lipped her family was, whether they could be trusted to keep such a secret. He continued strolling through the parade grounds with her.

Draco's face changed to one of confusion as he was led away from the Royal Guards. The troops couldn't see it, but certainly Captain Lindsey could, and certainly Faith could tell his mood was a little changed. When he spoke, his voice began as his normal speaking voice, albeit a bit flustered and panicked. "Seeking Alliances? You mean she's trying to auction you off to some guy?" The thought of his Faith being told or asked to marry some random nobleman horrified him. What if she fell in love with that person instead of him. What if she went through with it out of loyalty to her people and cut things off with him to protect herself. He stopped dead in his tracks, looking at her.

He caught his surprise and in a hushed, but frantic tone, continued, "But what about us? What will become of us?" he asked worriedly. He wasn't ready to be abandoned again. He couldn't handle that again, not now, not by her, regardless of the circumstances. She couldn't leave him for someone else, even out of duty to her people. He needed her. He had been empty and alone during their time apart, his heart was still mending from having been torn from her for so long. She couldn't just leave him, not for this. He actually loved her, not for titles or glory or alliances. Certainly her mother could be told something to stave off any marital plans that didn't include him.

His mood shifted again, from terror at being left alone again to anger, not at her. "Who, tell me who is your mother trying to set you up with?" His voice was fairly venomous and it wouldn't take a psychic to realize what he intended to do with that information should she be forth coming with it. He was after all possessive and known for being a member of a violent warrior race.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

She had expected a reaction, this reaction was actually a bit more controlled than she expected but it was the way his words bit into her heart and fractured her soul. This is the price she thought, this is what it is to be a princess, and not have choices, she had so few choices in life. He made her feel like a criminal, or worse..much worse. “Yes that’s it auctioning me off highest bidder gets the reward” She shook her head, clenching her jaw, she looked up at him hurt, pain. Was he imaging her in bed with another man? Could he see that? She couldn’t. Then realized the guards were still there, watching, listening, or straining to listen. Faith looked passed Draco to them.

“I’ll not discuss this in the open like some trollop.” Her own voice starting to fill with hurt and anger. She turned away and headed towards the transport, oh yes Faith at her worst when her own temper was building. He had never seen this part though it had popped up at the treaty negotiations.

Captain Lindsey looked at Draco, “Commander, Her Highness has a temper. Her family has made deals her whole life about what she can and will do. Her personal life is all that she’s ever tried to control, and even now they seek to take that away. She has been counting the days till today, and she did not have to tell you knowing how you might react.”

Captain Lindsey waited but briefly, his duty was first and foremost to the princess. He headed toward the transport. Wondering how the Commander would take this development or his advice for the Princess' sake.

So what was Faith going to tell Draco if he came by her, would she give him the name? Should she? What about them?

What about them? She sat there hands folded in her lap the door open still wondering would he come…what about them? Should she look out to see if he was coming?

She felt herself dying inside, she had died some the morning her mother had said it. She had been slowly dying until today when Draco walked off that ship, only then did she have hope, and now. Goddess now it looked like that too was going to be smashed into tiny pieces.
Were they fighting?

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco could feel the hurt and anger in her voice, and he regretted what he said. He didn't want to cause her pain, to be a source of pain and harm for her. He wanted to be the person she turned to in order to make the pain go away, to hide from the terrors of the day, and drive away the fears of her mind. He couldn't be the person that brought her pain. As she stormed away he watched her, hurting inside from what had just happened. He knew she was capable of a temper, he just didn't realize it would be directed at him today.

Draco heard the captain's voice and flicked his eyes to the man. He wasn't wrong, he just wasn't exactly as helpful as the Mandalorian would have hoped. He did realize that she didn't have to tell him, but he had hoped she would have kept conversations like this to a more private setting so they could be discussed, and he had hoped he would have been better prepared so as not to react so poorly. Mostly he should have reacted differently. She was a beautiful princess after all, any aristocrat would be lucky to have the opportunity. And that is what scared him so much. That she had a plethora of options and a duty to her people and her family that might not include him.

He hurried to the transport behind her, and dropped his voice low putting his hands in the door so that it could not close until she made a decision. "You are not some trollop, cyar'ika. I didn't mean to imply any of this was your fault. I'm just..." He looked to the ground for answers, for guidance. "I'm your dragon. I'm a jealous dragon. I want you all to myself, and no other will attempt to lay claim to you as I have without a fight." His voice was uncertain, he was scared, afraid, and wasn't handling this well. He needed her, and he wasn't going to let her go so easily. She had to know if she wanted a fight, the best way to get one from him was to try and leave.

He looked up into her eyes, his grey eyes filled with his emotions. "Cyar'ika, may I come with you, so we can discuss how to handle this." He was accepting to a lot of her duties and responsibilities, but the thought of losing her, or seeing her being forced to stand next to someone else for her people. That was too far. And he couldn't imagine her in private with some other man. No, certainly it could only be a public facade as far as she was concerned, but even then, where did that leave them and their plans for the future. He wanted a family, a house somewhere stuck away from most people, and he wanted her.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked at the door, and to the one man who held her heart. She heard the hurt in his voice, and knew that she had let her temper once again get the best of her rather than explain she had just dropped it like, he would just accept it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I’m sorry Draco.” She pat the seat, “I don’t want to go anywhere without you.” Hurt yes on so many different levels and all of it she had to just accept like it was normal. But there was nothing normal about someone bartering someone for an alliance. Faith hurt, “I didn’t mean hurt you. It’s the last thing I want”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She needed him now more than ever he was more than a dragon for her, he was her rock. Her stability in a galaxy where nothing was ever a certainty.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I shouldn’t just lay things out there unexpectedly, that’s a lot to ask. I just know how possessive you are, and I wanted to try and control the hurt. I failed miserably.” She smiled some, “I know cyar’ika and we knew this wouldn’t be easy…but come in here because I don’t want some gossip monger to make this into a holo header”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She felt lost really, it wasn’t that she couldn’t decide it was more like whatever she decided somehow it would never be what everyone wanted.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“My Dragon, please[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]”[/SIZE]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco listened to her, silently, still scared and afraid she would tell him to leave, or to give her space to figure things out. What would he do without her? Die? Fall and never return? He couldn't fathom what would happen to him without her, she meant to much to him, she was his hope for the future, his princess. His heart was racing, and he could see her pain inside. They were hurting each other and one of them needed to be stable for the other. That was what he had said he would be for her, and now it was time to begin fulfilling his promise to her.

Draco pulled himself into the transport and let it close behind him as he took his seat beside her, searching for her hands to hold to comfort her and for his own comfort. He wanted to hold her to reassure her that he was here, that she wasn't losing him, that he could be depended on. "Its not your fault, ner runi. I..." He searched his mind for the right words to add to this very delicate situation he had already fumbled once out of fear. He couldn't let his fear control him, work against him in this. She was far too important for such things. "I didn't take it well, I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting it, I should have known you would have suitors." He smiled at her, trying to be reassuring, his mind racing as fast as his heart was pounding. "I mean, you are a gorgeous princess any man would be lucky to have. They are just too late. You are mine, and I am yours."

He was afraid, he needed to center himself, to center them both on each other. He needed the comfort of her being in his arms. "Come, Cyar'ika." He said, putting his arm around behind her, pulling her close to him, "It will be alright. We will think of something. We will work through this and be fine, my love." He still wanted to know who, and he wasn't sure what he would do with that information. Could he restrain himself from going after them and ending them? Could he keep from forcing them away? He pushed such thoughts from his mind for now. "So, is there anything you can do to stave off her sending you to meet with suitors, or," he paused, searching her eyes for answers, "Has she chosen someone for you already?"

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

"i didn't invite them Draco I swear." She held onto his hand squeezing tightly as if her life depended on it. She shook her head again, "I handled it poorly. You can tell me that. Honesty. We. Us. Always honest with each other"

She inched closer she needed him, to feel him close. "Take me home"

The transport began to move the Windows darkened. Faith laid her head on Draco's shoulder. "They are too late. Do you really love me Draco?" , She knew his fear,it mirrored her own to live without love family someone to turn to in the dark.

Do he long for her now like at the lake? Did he see her as Faith or as a Princess?

She heard his concern in his voice when he asked had her Mother found someone. "She hasn't said , as usual she just said her intention. " His arm around her gave her some comfort his pain hurt her.

It wasn't enough she slipped into his lap her arms around his neck her head on his shoulder. She snuggled into his arms.

"I am thinking cyar'ika, something will come to me." , She hated this feeling this heaviness that looked over them.

"Want to stay for dinner, the Queen is in residence. " She looked up, "we can talk to her then."

Draco Vereen was he to be done in by female wiles? Maybe she was the wrong person the last thing she wanted to do was break him. She loved him so much. Would she have to let him go?

Feth.


[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco turned his head, kissing her forehead softly. His heart was racing and his mind was cluttered with thoughts and worries, but he was trying to outwardly be her rock. She needed someone to cling to, and that was him, he needed to push his fear down and handle it for her, so that she could be comforted by his embrace and not have to fear him having a breakdown. "Yes I really do love you cyar'ika. You are my everything, and without you, there would be no life worth living. You are my princess, Faith, forever and always." What would he do if her mother had found someone? He would certainly continue their relationship, and the poor man that had been chosen would have to deal with the knowledge that he would never share a bed with Faith, and that Draco owned her heart and she owned his.

He felt her snuggling into his arms and he smiled some, putting his chin gently on her head and breathing in deeply, hoping that the calm, slow, steadiness of his breathing could help calm them both so that they could think. "Oh, meet your mother? I can manage that. Perhaps its time she knew about us." He nuzzled her gently, squeezing her against him lightly, focusing on expelling the fear of losing her. That simply wasn't going to happen while he was still alive. "Besides, I'd like to get to know her some, I haven't spoken to the rest of your family but in passing. This could turn out very well for us." Or very, very bad. Her mother wouldn't be happy about her running around behind everyone's back, and would like his history even less. But just maybe, the fact he was working hard to protect her image, and to change for her, to be someone she could openly be proud to stand beside, would smooth things over.

"But," he said, finding himself longing for her still, with a dull ache deep in his soul, a fire that hadn't quite died out yet turning back to a blazing wildfire, "I have missed you, my dear heart, and I would like some time in private with you so that I have the strength to face your family. You are my heart, and my soul, and I have been separated from you for far too long." His fear was there, but he had a plan to deal with it, but it wouldn't be pretty or easy, and he would have to stand his ground before her family. Even if all they did was lay together, he just needed time with her, where they could just be together, without fear or worry about being found or discovered.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]