Consultation on Defense (complete)

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled as she spoke, her voice betraying he appeasement at the revelation he had presented her with. It was good news, but he knew the journey wasn't quite over with. "Its possible. I can't be certain so soon. But I know he doesn't trouble me when I'm with you. Nothing bothers me when I'm with you my love." He relaxed under her, letting her gentle hug fill him.

"No cyar'ika. I will pay for the planet's defenses." It was rare that he spoke with such an authoritative tone with her, in fact it was the first time he had done so. "I will pay for it all, everything I install on the planet and the system. And I will do so without a request from your mother or you. I'm going to do this because I love you, and I want my princess to be protected. Regardless of the future you deserve that much." He smiled, propping himself up just a bit as she planted a trail of kisses down his neck, shivering under her loving touches as his blood boiled and his mind buzzed with anticipation. "Besides, how better to show your mother what a powerful ally I would be than to flex my military and economic muscles where she can see them." A week was far too long.

When she spoke about needing help with her gown, Draco was up quickly and excitedly, seeing the look in her eyes as she stood at the foot of the bed. "Of course cyar'ika. But I get to wash your backside first." He was up and following her into the refresher, a foolish grin on his face and fire in his eyes.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Nothing bothered him when he was with her, good then let him stay with her and have the galaxy pass by, let them do the things that could be done.

She growled when he said he would pay, they would discuss that more later. She would be sure to bring it up again. "Draco." no she wouldn't finish the sentence he was already off the bed and coming towards her.

"My backside thanks you" She disappeared into the refresher turning on the water which sprayed from multiple areas the temperate should be perfect, she turned waiting for Draco to join her. It would be like that day at the falls she remembered very well.

"Did the scratches on your back disappear cyar'ika or were you wounded for a long time?" She had been a vixen that day full of passion even as she stood there thinking on that day remembered the smoldering look of lust in his eyes, the way his hands held her tightly as he pinned her to the wall, and the echoes of pleasure that filled the cave. Yes, and here he was...ready to begin again.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco pulled off his own clothes and cracked his neck just a bit, relaxed and being excited at the same time. Her voice called from the steamy refresher as she went in before him, most of her hidden by the steam of the water, its warmth filling the little hard tiled room with decorative soaps and towels and scents on every surface. "No, those scratches have healed, Cyar'ika." He responded finding a bubble soap he hadn't ever heard of before, noting it smelled rather nice, and following her into the steaming shower. "I will have to make you give me new ones." His voice became drowned out in the steam as he finally took hold of her.

~ A while Later ~

Draco started buttoning his shirt, looking at the military-esque jacket laying on the bed. He was, understandably running a little late to this dinner with queen in which he was expected to make a good impression on the woman. He was trying to earn the woman's respect and adoration, enough so that she at least let Faith and he develop their relationship together, on their own time. He was also a stubborn man, and if the Queen would not relent, he had no issues with a shotgun wedding or lying about a pregnancy to get Faith's, and his own, way in this matter. He didn't want to have to resort to such tactics, but Faith would probably approve of those before she would approve of him hunting down all her other suitors. A woman with her physical beauty alone would have her pick, add in her sparkling, fiesty personality, the shine of the light in her eyes, her status as a princess, and Draco would have his hands full trying to run them off. "Uhhhh, this is going to be interesting." His voice trailed off as he realized there was no one in the room to talk to him as of yet, but Faith would be back soon.

The mandalorian tucked his shirt in, buckled his belt, adjusted the harness he wore under his jacket. A simple cortosis Fett-Kall knife, the finger guards cut off slipped into a sheath and he donned his jacket, buttoning the top two buttons and adjusting his collar, making sure he was comfortable out of his armor and not in Faith's loving embrace. His mind wandered back to a few minutes ago, and he smiled, a single chuckle escaping his throat. She would always be the object of his desire and obsession, and the fresh marks on his back, slightly tender proved he had kept up the impression he had left on her on Alderaan. Maybe not for as long, but he was just as passionate and fiery, if not more so given their week apart.

After a moment, he checked the platinum chrono on his wrist and noted he was running about four or five minutes late to dinner, and Faith would probably be a bit further behind having had to slip out after their shower to her own rooms to change gowns, he may have stepped on the other one getting water on it making it unwearable to dinner. <Well, at least Faith will be there.> He closed the door behind him as he left, fixing the cuff links on his jacket as he walked down the corridor towards the dining hall, waiting to be stopped and escorted to the queen's presence and hoping he wasn't going to be the last one there. In fact, he kind of hoped he could have a minute or two alone with the queen.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Arianna Organa"]

 

[Arianna Organa]

Not a custom to being kept waiting Arianna kept her eye on the door sitting in the parlor waiting to go in she was sure that Faith and Draco were off doing something intentionally to make her wait. How had she raised such a wilful child especially now when all plans were in play having House Organa over two worlds, three if they counted Alpha Mae, but it didn't matter it was more hospital world than anything else.

On this day she wasn't sure who Faith took after more Garith or herself. She would blame Garith he wasn't he to defend himself or contradict her so it was easier than thinking that it was she.

She tapped her foot in frustration. But she was dressed immaculately for dinner a white floor length gown, sleeveless deep neckline a the sapphire necklace from the crown jewels. Nothing too fancy but enough so to be a formal dinner.

So. Where were they. How much longer would they make her wait here.

[member="Draco vereen"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith had left Draco and was putting herself together for dinner, she did not want to leave Draco alone with her mother for too long but considering all things and what she suspected it wouldn’t matter what her mother said.

The Republic Delegates would be on Alderaan soon and the status of Alderaan settled, then once she knew whether she had a job or not within the Republic she could begin the other plans for Aldera. Everything hinged on Alderaan.

Faith looked in the mirror she looked acceptable for dinner wouldn’t know except for the blush on her cheeks what she had been up to for the last hour.

She smoothed the dress again, she wanted to make an impression on Draco, her mother had seen her dress a million times, and she wanted to see what he looked like in the clothes that had been chosen. She imagined he would be impressive.

It was then there was a knock at her door, Ana poked her head in, “Faith, I have the reports.”

Faith smiled, “thank you Ana secure them”

Ana shook her head, “I think you need to look at this”

“Oh..ok”

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco found himself escorted into the dining parlor where the queen was waiting, still alone. Desperately, sadly separated from Faith, longing for her presence beside him, to hold her hand or walk with her leisurely through the corridors of the palace. That was what assured him of how much he loved her, that even only moments after separating, after being satiated, he longed for her mere presence. Not her body or her lust, just her being and her love.

As he entered, ensuring his suit was buttoned and smoothed Draco's gaze cast through the room, looking each occupant over. His eyes found the queen, and he had to admit she was very lovely. He could certainly see that the Organa family had some very profound, very good, very dominate genes when it came to their natural beauty. If this was what Faith would look like in over twenty years he wouldn't complain at all, only hoping he held up half as well. Draco bowed at the waist, dipping his head low respectfully. "Your Majesty. You look breathtaking this evening." Faith certainly had more, much better, curves than her mother, which pleased him greatly, but he could appreciate Queen Arianna's appearance.

He straightened up to his full height, approaching the queen respectfully, slowly so that she could halt him at a distance comfortable to her. "I apologize for my tardiness, I got caught up reviewing the planet's defenses with Princess Faith, but I do have a plan for how to secure the planet and its key structures." She didn't know. Faith had told him she hadn't told her mother as of yet. Good, perhaps he could play this to his advantage, convince the queen of his worth, and make her think it was her idea to match the two. He was rich, he had resources, a fleet, and an army. He was also a barbarian known for being a Sith sympathizer and conquering a pair of Republic bastions as well as sacking their capital.

He glanced back at the door, waiting for Faith to arrive, yearning to see her smile, her eyes, feel her presence by him again. Then again, this did buy him a little time to butter up to the queen.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Arianna Organa"]

 

[Arianna Organa]

Arianna noted that Draco had come to dinner dressed for dinner without the traditional armor of the mandalorians, he got points for that. It was not hard to see why Faith found him attractive what he lacked in position he made up for in other areas, even manners. “Thank you Commander, I see Claire was able to find something that you approved of” It wouldn’t be appropriate she felt to say he looked nice, it felt odd.

And that interesting bit about them reviewing planetary defenses, umhmm for what 20 minutes she just wasn’t buying that they spent all that time reviewing defenses, she was not born yesterday. “Well Commander I’m glad to hear that the time was spent wisely, perhaps you’d like to summarize for me what your plan is, you are seated to my left at dinner where we can talk quite easily” Yes she had placed him there, and then Faith to her right, and next to Faith would sit Duke Roeloff Asir, and next to Draco the Countess Gabriella Alde.

She expected that Faith had shared with him what intentions Arianna had for Faith, Alyesa, and Claire. Marriages that created alliances were very valuable. The Commander belonged to a Mandalorian Clan that she was unfamiliar with.


[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled at the queen again and noted the redhead with the piercing emerald eyes along with the man that sat across from her. He noted their seating arrangement and had a small twinge of fear pass through him. Was the queen already trying to set Faith up with someone? Did she know about their relationship and felt the need to test his resolve with the pretty redhead? There had been a time in Draco's younger years where such a temptation may have worked, but that had been over a decade ago, long before he had truly become a man. "Of course, Claire seems to be an expert in the realm of Fashion."

The mandalorian found his seat and smiled warmly at the redhead, acknowledging her existence, and then turned his attention back to the queen. "Very well, I won't bore you with the details but I plan on installing a series of Vigilance space mines in the system, keeping a small portion of my fleet alongside the small Aldera fleet in orbit. But mostly defense will revolve around key structures being hidden via cloaking devices. I will be speaking with Clan Rekali to purchase a set of their planetary shield generators for you and your people." He knew what the next questions would be but he wanted to wait for her to ask and he wanted to wait for Faith. Surely they could form a united front here.

He glanced at the door, looking for Faith and then looked forward, regarding the other two at the table. He glared daggers into the duke for only an instant, quickly trying to hide his burning dislike for the man, a sensation he felt for no other reason than he assumed this was one of Faith's suitors Arianna was trying to set her up with. "Since cost is no issue, I wanted to ensure the planet was protected as best as possible."

[member="Arianna Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith came in, "my apologies everyone" She smiled, "duty called" and then she saw the seating arrangement, oh isn't this lovely" she thought. She looked at Draco sitting next to the very pretty red haired Countess Alde. " Gabriella how nice to see you again so soon. How is your brother Arlo?" Faith stood by her chair for a moment wanting to be sure Draco saw her dress, she wore it with him in mind.

"Arlo is wonderful thank you for asking, and your dress is devine. Is that another choice of Claire's?" Faith nodded yes, then slowly did a turn around so that Gabriella could see the dropped back. "Beautiful isn't it" Faith asked her.

Then her gaze went to the newcomer at the table, and next to her. Smoothing her skirts she sat down, "Good Evening, don't think we've met. I'm Faith" She rarely said I'm Princess Faith.

"Duke Roeloff Asir milady, at your service" He took Faith's hand and kissed the back of it. "Oh" and instantly Faith knew who he was she smiled and then cast a glare toward her mother.

"Hope I didn't interrupt any exciting dinner talk"

Arianna smiled, "Commander Vereen was just telling me about his plans for securing Aldera" She intentionally left off the part of cost being no issue.

Faith looked at Draco, "Yes Draco and I had a long, a very long discussion about how to take care of things. His input gave me chills of excitement at all he could do for me, I mean us.." She smiled then looked to the Duke. "I hear the cook is trying something new, making a dish referred to as Black Bird Pie a turn on the phrase, eating crow" She smiled again.

Gabriella looked down for a moment, "Faith you must come out to the house and stay see the gardens that we are creating."

Faith nodded ,"I will, thank you." Faith smiled brightly she felt marvelous reached her foot across and touched Draco's ankle reassuring him everything was fine.

 

[Arianna Organa]

It was going to be an interesting dinner for certain Arianna looked over to Duke Asir, "Sir tell us a bit about your home, your family. Since you are new to everyone here"

Arianna was going to play the game to, the problem was she had already seen how the Duke looked at the Countess. Perhaps he preferred red heads she didn't know, but if he already was taken by the green eyes of the Countess she could only lure him back with the usual dinner conversation.

Faith it seemed was on top of her game with her little bits of conversation.

She looked at Draco Vereen again, he had not even hardly took notice of the Countess now why was that?

"My home is quite lovely green like Aldera, historical like Alderaan gave you heard of Vena,?" He looked at each of those with them nodding politely to Draco, a genuine smile to Gabriella, and then he looked upon Faith. The Alderaan princess with a dowry and a title that he could have. She was better than a Countess, but a Countess could always be used for..other things. He smiled again.

Arianna watched well maybe I was wrong she thought.

Faith felt uncomfortable suddenly, "Draco have you heard of Vena?"

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco had begun to continue conversation when Faith entered the room, sweeping through the doors wearing a teal or turquoise dress that made Draco's jaw drop, leaving his mouth agape as his gaze followed her from door to chair, admiring her physical perfection as she shined through the room. Yeah, he wasn't tempted by the redhead at his side, not with Faith waiting for him, and certainly not while Faith could pull off that dress. He noted the curves of her body he had seen before, and really enjoyed that particularly dress. His imagination turned less to the here and now, more to what he wanted to do later.

There was conversation that didn't necessarily involve him going on, and he kept his eyes on the Princess of Aldera, letting his eyes drop to her backside when she turned, seeing how the tight dress fell over her curves while the others spoke. He watched the graceful creature he had become devoted to, take her seat and smile, politely listening and making conversation, and he choked down the urge to cross the table and beat Duke Asir to a bloody mess. Finally he tore his eyes from Faith and looked back to Arianna as she addressed him.

"No, I have not. I'm afraid I've only seen some of what Alderaan has to offer, only bits and pieces of its Lake country and the Royal Palace." He left off what he had been doing in the Lake Country, but couldn't help but smile a bit as he remembered all the fond memories with Faith there. "Unfortunately until recently my positions as CEO and Chairman kept me busy, and what free time I had I devoted to my family. Now that I'm stepping back and just reaping dividend checks, I have a bit more time to focus on the important things. Perhaps now I can find the right someone to show me around Vena?"

[member="Arianna Organa"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith perked up, "OH a trip to Vena would be lovely, I'm sure the Duke wouldn't mind if the Draco Vereen, Knight Errant of Aldera accompanied me on a trip to see Vena, would you Duke Aris?"

The Duke wasn't sure what was going on, "No Princess you and your Knight are most welcome to come to Vena. Perhaps the Countess would like to come as well"

Faith picked up her fork as the first course was set before her. "I've kept company with Draco Vereen for sometime he has a keen military mind, and serves at my pleasure. He goes everywhere I go." There was the declaration made out in the open for all to hear. Faith looked at her mother waiting for her to correct her but she knew that in polite company her mother would never say that she was wrong.

Queen Arianna nodded, "Yes that is true." She then looked at Draco, "There are times it is always best when to know what fight to choose isn't there Knight Errant?" This was only her way of saying she had lost this round, but not the war, not yet.

Faith looked at Draco and winked, she'd protect him. "How lovely this looks" Faith filled her fork with the greens

Gabriella knew exactly what was going on, "I'd love a trip Vena" She smiled and also began to eat. She looked to Draco, "Knight-Errant of Aldera, are you true to the meaning of the title sir Knight?"

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco perked up a little with surprise. He hadn't been expecting Faith to chime that little piece of information to be dropped so early in conversation. He quietly began eating, looking at Faith with a light smile. He wasn't sure how these politics were normally played out, but it appeared as though Faith was taking a hammer to her mother's plans of glass. "I would love to accompany you to Vena with the Duke's permission of course." The Duke didn't seem to mind the both of them visiting his home, but it was likely that he had ulterior motives to being so open.

When the queen spoke Draco regarded her with a warm smile. "Yes, your majesty. But there are some battles worth fighting until your last breath, even if it means dying for it. In those, you win or you die. I'm not a man that dies easy." He grinned at her, a subtle way of saying 'You're going to have to literally kill me' to the queen. Whether she was willing to kill him in order to sell her daughter off he didn't know. He expected that she would not, that she would relent rather than resort to such violence.

Draco had not expect the conversation to turn the way it did, but the food was delicious and the conversation interesting. He continued eating, returning Faith's wink with a wink of his own. He wasn't exactly helpless, but he didn't really understand politics. "Well, I have yet to battle a terrible beast, if that is what you mean, but i like to think I hold true to the title. That I've earned such a moniker. Though, I think at its core, such a title isn't decided by the Knight, but by the women of the court for whom he performs his deeds." He spoke, basically playing with the title and trying to strike up further conversation. He wasn't sure, but it looked like the Duke was trying his luck with both women, and that both women were instead turning their attentions to him.

He felt the need to back the countess off for Faith's sake, to reassure her. "So, as Princess Organa has dubbed me such, I must agree that I have earned that title, and am true enough to it for her."

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

"Well then It is settled we shall plan a trip to Vena." Faith was enjoying her little victory.

Arianna could tell that Draco and Faith for this conversation had the upper hand but there would be others. But now would she kill him in order to win. No. But. She could task him. "So. Perhap we should discuss your plans more" She smiled.

Just then Faith looked up. What was that tone?

Gabriella laughed. "A beast well I'm sure if we look we can find one. Perhaps on Vena" oh the little delicacies of life

Faith could see Gabriella was trying to entice Draco show his muscle. She looked to him saw the wink and nodded ok they were a team.

Gabriella touched Draco on the arm, " I'm sure the Princess understands what duties a knight can be called on to perform"

Duke Aris cleared his throat, "well a royal visit is most gracious. My family would be honored to host the Princess, the knight of the realm and the countess"

Faith had hoped to deter the Duke but it seemed he was still set. The invitation while it could be,considered polite Faith got this notion.

Arianna smiled, "Duke Aris how nice of you to entertain them all."

The Duke nodded, "The pleasure Will be mine"

Faith looked at Draco. If there was a hint of worry let it show now.

"Draco, are you enjoying dinner? Is it everything I told you?"

Gabriella nodded, "yes" she squeezed his arm releasing it, "is it?"

Faith was seeing green and red great. Just great she thought. They must call be in on it.

FETH!!#

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco kind of pulled away from Gabriella, just an inch, just enough to try and get the point across he wasn't exactly comfortable with her lauding over him and wasn't returning her flirtatious advances. The queen spoke and he nodded, expecting her to ask a few follow up questions as he pulled his arm loose from Gabriella with a smile. "Well, your majesty, I believe your best defense is not having a strategic advantage to anyone's war effort. Aldera is out of the way, it doesn't hold significant advantages any major governments plans for expansion, and so, my plan was to avoid building it into a fortress world where it would draw attention." He took another bite, giving him a moment to collect his thoughts and organize his words.

"I plan on using cloaking devices to hide a few of its important structures, a set of planetary shields bought from Clan Rekali, and using a portion of my corporate assets to add a small number of ships to the defense force. For the most part I will be relying monitoring and interdiction equipment to make it more hassle than its worth to attack when there are other priorities for the Republic and the One Sith." Draco looked down at his plate for a moment, after glancing at Faith and noting her worry. He remained rather calm and stoic.

"As Knight-Errant of your realm, I feel it is my duty to shore up its defenses, and thus I've made arrangements for everything I will be installing on the planet." He smiled at Faith. Given how the queen had been acting and treating him, she either didn't know, or didn't care just how influential he was in the world of business. He didn't want to downplay the amount of money he would be spending on its defenses, but he was also very wary of up selling as well.

Draco brushed Gabriella off of him as she echoed Faith, "Its delicious ner runi." He said with a smile at Faith, then he turned his head back to Gabriella, smiling warmly, "Princess Organa may decide to tell you about my duties, but that is the closest you are ever going to get to finding out." He smiled and patted her hand. He turned back to his plate as though nothing had happened, letting his eyes glance up to meet Faith's. He wasn't sure whether he had overstepped, but he had quickly grown tired of having the beautiful redhead clamoring over him making his beloved jealous and envious.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Arianna Organa]

She had to admit something even if she wouldn't say it out loud, Draco was saying exactly what she had hoped to do and that was to keep Aldera under the radar away from the attention of anyone else. She would have to give him points for that. Even if it was reluctantly.

"Cloaking devices I will say I had not considered that" And she hadn't ok so he had a tactical mind, much like someone else she knew. But she did not have time to stop and think on the past no she had to look to here and now.

"Clan Rekali, Faith wasn't it [member="Elijah Rekali"] that took you to find Claire on Balmorra?" Arianna looked over to Faith as she tried to clarify the information.

Faith stopped about mid chew, "Yes it was he's a man of many talents" Ut oh she hadn't told Draco about that, not that it was a secret or that anything had happened but knowing his protecting side well that information surely wouldn't go over well. She looked over to Draco, and smiled. "It was a good trip" Faith did smile though when she saw Draco politely inform Gabriella to...basically feth off. That's right, he's mine. She took another bite.

Duke Aris watched the intereaction between Draco and Gabriella he had to smirk when her advances were dismissed. "Ner Runi, I"ve not heard that term, what does it mean?"

Faith looked across to Draco. Well she had told them he was with her all the time, and they were acting casual so for him to call her such seemed normal. but not everyone spoke mandalorian.

She wouldn't lie though, she set her fork down and turned to look at the Duke, "It means my soul." She waited.

The Duke nodded, "Well this is interesting." He set his fork down as well, the gloves it seemed were coming off. "It is a comfort to know that your protector cares so deeply that you would be considered his soul." The Duke took a breath he would make his position clear, but not here, and not tonight. When then come to Vena then.

Not the response she thought she would get, the game was on. Now she understood. It wouldn't matter he wanted the title, he didn't care about her just her position.

She turned picked up her fork and took another bite, "yes he does it all very well" Faith looked at Draco. She felt that familiar oh goddess feeling, "Draco when will you meet with Clan Rekali?" And good god could she go to.

Arianna suddenly didn't know if the Duke was the right person for Faith.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco arched an eyebrow at the mention of going to Balmorra. Especially with Elijah Rekali. He liked the man, and had raided with him before but he wasn't sure how he felt about him taking Faith places. Especially not into One Sith occupied territory. He brushed any worry about her and Elijah away from his mind, but he couldn't help but dwell on Faith running around on Balmorra without proper protection. "Balmorra? I didn't know you went to Balmorra. I assume everything went smoothly, no need for your protector." He emphasized the word the Duke had used to describe him. He wasn't just a protector, he was her lover and he was far more devoted than that.

"Yes, you'd be wise to remember that. I'd be very upset if someone were to hurt my soul." He said glaring daggers at the Duke. He had decided he didn't like the idea of sharing Faith as soon as he had heard it was a possibility, but now he had decided he was agitated with the Duke, and displeased that the Queen was trying to push Faith and he together. "Your majesty," Draco said calmly, turning his attention back to the queen, "Did Faith tell you about my abilities with the Force? They've so rarely come up that I forget who knows and who assumes I'm just another soldier." It wasn't a subtle way of establishing dominance over the duke.

He smiled back at the Duke, probing his mind for a moment and then dropping a little telepathic quip as he stared, mouth closed at the man. <That's right, I can read your mind.> And then withdrew his presence from the man. Draco didn't need to read his mind to know all he wanted was to be some prince. "I focused on different forms of telepathy and energy manipulation during my training, mostly defensive applications." He didn't mention his time as a Sith, believing it best to just let that time sink away into obscurity. He knew Faith was aware of that time, and that it wasn't the man she had fallen in love with or the man she was looking at now, but it had happened. He had the notion that he hadn't really ever told Faith his focuses or training in the Force. Not that it was of dire importance, but just that it had never come up.

Draco stopped, after calmly explaining his Force abilities to the Queen just a bit, only the roughest of outlines and changed the subject, deciding to force it home that the Duke was not as good a match as himself. "I must ask Duke, I'm sorry I forgot your name," Not that Draco found it important either. He would remember Gabriella's name and face a lot longer than the Dukes. "I've never heard of Vena, I must ask about its exports. As a businessman, it might be beneficial to invest in your planet's economy."

[member="Arianna Organa"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Yes protector most certainly would not define her relationship with Draco no...and everyone in the room was going to have to live with it one way or another. Faith couldn't help but smile when Draco took on the strong businesslike attitude with everyone.

But when he mentioned his training, his Sith training and she was the only one at the table that knew it was Sith training learning that he focussed on energy manipulation and telepathy. Telepathy she understood Tia, Garith and even Theo could do telepathy but energy manipulation this one was a skill she was unfamiliar with. But she only smiled and said nothing.

She knew Draco was agitated by the way he spoke, he was losing patience with their dinner companions.

"I think I'm skipping dessert tonight." She smiled, patting her tummy, "I'm full. I've had enough" She smiled.

Arianna looked to Draco, "Commander Vereen" her voice was even, "Everyone here tonight is a guest in my house. We do not threaten guests no matter what, and as for your force skills." Arianna looked over to Faith who had failed to mention this, "I would recommend restraint in using them here"

The Duke did not smile but he had felt the man in his mind and it was unnerving, "Vena has been in isolation for a long time Commander, we offer many things but only because Aldera's Queen sought out the Royal Family to make trade agreements for items Aldera needs more of. If you come to Vena I'll be sure to give you the tour of the factory district, perhaps there is something there to catch you eye."

The Duke laid his napkin down, "I am full as well Queen Arianna if you will excuse me" The Duke nodded, rose, and left the table.

Gabriella was sitting quite engaged with all the conversation, "Well this has been an exciting evening." She smiled at Draco she would see him again. "Queen Arianna, Princess Faith, and Commander Vereen Good night, see you all in the morning"

The room was no empty except for the three of them.

Faith looked at her mother, "All he wants is a title, did you see the look on that lecherous blood sucking excuse for a man, all he wants is some..concubine." Faith stood up, "I won't have anything to do with him. I refuse, Draco and I are already devoted to each other, we" she paused, she thought about her words how she would pull off this lie she was going to tell, "We are already married we took the mandalorian vows and that's all there is to it."

Faith stepped from the table, "Don't ever tell my riduur what he can or can't do in regards to me, his behavior, or anything else that we choose to do. You may be Queen and my mother, but I'll will not be someone's prize pig."d

She took a breath, "I need a walk" Faith started for the door.

Arianna stood up, "I don't believe you. You may love this man, you may want to spend the rest of your life with him. But until he proves his worthiness, I will continue with my plans, and if you dare ever address me in this tone again there will be consequences Faith. I will not stand for this from you, or any of your siblings."

Arianna looked then to Draco, "I don't care how many credits you have. I care about securing her future. I care about securing Aldera so that she and her siblings have a place of refuge should the Sith return to Alderaan. Vena is on a trade route that can distribute Alderan goods, and provide technology that Aldera does not have." Arianna held her head up. "and whether she believes it or not I want someone who will cherish her."

Arianna walked away from the table looking out the windows, "We didn't work this hard to lose it all."

There was a terrible silence then in the room, the staff had run from it when voices were raised.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco didn't stand when everyone else made their way from the table he sat there and he listened and he waited. It was not how he wanted the evening to go, but, he had to admit, it was better than he had thought it would go. There hadn't been any killings and no one had been exiled or cast out of the palace, yet. Yet was the key word. When Faith stood he followed her with his eyes, and his eyes widened when she called him riduur and claimed they had already been married. Her tantrum was one he appreciated more than she would ever know. He loved that fire about her when she took a stand and decided everyone else was wrong, how she stood up for herself, and for him as she roared with passion and excused herself from the table.

When Arianna turned her attention back to him, he looked her in the eye from his seated position. He waited for her to finish speaking before dropping his napkin on his plate and standing up to face her, looking down at her. "I know you don't care about those things, Arianna." He used her name, as though they were that familiar with each other. She hadn't called him by his first name yet either, but he wasn't dealing with a queen anymore. He was dealing with a mother. "I know you want someone that would love her. And I would give everything that I have and everything that I am to prove to you that I do cherish her, that I do love her with all of my being. But," He stopped and took a deep breath remaining calm.

"She knew there was nothing I could do to make that happen from the moment we fell in love. That's why she hid me from you. She knew there was nothing I could do, or she could say that would change your mind. You had a list of acceptable matches, and I wasn't one of them and nothing would change that." Draco looked deep into the queens eyes, looking for any hint of her changing her mind, any hint that she doubted her decisions.

"I would go bankrupt securing her a place of refuge. I've built and keep a place of my own, but it is not Aldera. It is not close to her heart like her home here and on Alderaan. No amount of money will change that. That's why I took a fleet to Alderaan to protect it. That's why I'm here, doing everything I can to keep her safe even while you try to take her from me. Because even if by some miracle you succeed and your break her, and banish me, she will need things here to keep Aldera safe, and I am going to make sure she has that. Because I love her with all my heart, and I would see her taken care of long after death has found me." Finally Draco moved from in front of the chair and began making his way towards the door, but he stopped after only a few steps.

"We aren't married by my people's laws yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if she asks tonight. I am going to tell her no. Not because I don't want to, nothing would make me happier than to be with her the rest of my days, but because she has talked about wanting a royal wedding and wanting you to recognize me as her prince. And I want that for her, and I won't tarnish that dream to spite you. I want her to have pictures of our vows to show our children when we decide to have some." Draco looked back at her. "The only thing you stand to lose is your daughter's love and respect. If that matters to you."

He knew there would be a rebuttal, and he waited for it, but he couldn't wait long. Faith needed him now, she was upset and she needed to be comforted. "With your permission, I'd like to go calm her down." And probably play with that dress she was wearing, but that was another matter, and not one to discuss with Faith's mother.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Arianna Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Arianna motioned for Draco to do, she had her own thinking to do. Her energy for dramatics was fading and something relaxing would be nice.

Faith had gone outside to the gardens a breath of fresh air was needed to clear her head and to find a way to calm her insides down. She had just lied to her mother, and once again her temper had come up. Good thing she rarely showed that side of herself in the Senate. But then again not everything in the Senate hit her on such a deep personal level.

The Duke is lecherous she knew it just by the way he reacted to things, he..took it all in stride rather than bowing out as she had hoped. And Gabriella what the feth was with her she never acted like that before around anyone.

It was nights like this, maneuvering like this that had her question her life, her choices, her world and yes even her mother.

How do I keep doing this? She asked herself. How do I make a life with someone when I feel like I’m out of control, that all of this just complicates everything.

Faith raked her fingers through her hair, Is this what I want?

The Duke and Gabriella met in a sitting room in the guest wing.

“I can see what she sees in him, every girl wants her bad boy Duke Aris. This could be a phase, or it could be that he just knows what she likes and he gives it to her” She smiled, “He does seem devoted, wouldn’t even hardly give me the time of day in front of her, but I’m willing to try it without her around to see how he reacts.”

Duke Aris nodded, “My Advisors tell me that she is the most suitable, she’s older, already been married once so there’s no illusion of what marriage is. All she would need do is provide an heir of my blood, name me Prince Consort and she can have her bad boy.”

Gabriella nodded, “you certainly seem to have it set in your mind”

“Yes” he agreed, “a Princess of Alderaan, a Queen of Aldera, and Organa by blood the choice was quite simple. Though if she had been a maiden rather than a matron I might achieve things more quickly however a trip to Vena will provide opportunities that are not available here, do you plan to come still?”

Gabriella thought he makes my skin crawl not sure I want to be around him at all, but it might be fun to see what he plans. “I’ll be checking with my assistant to see what can be arranged, we didn’t really set a date for it”

Back outside Faith walked slowly on the stone path contemplating what to do.

[member="Draco Vereen"]