Private The Midwife King

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Makko Vyres | Sibylla Abrantes | Corazona von Ascania

Sinking into the plush upholstery of his grand chair, Aurelian listened to the rather bleak forecast for Lucy's future. The thought of his beautiful goddaughter growing up to be a stoic Jedi, or worse, a red-blade-wielding lunatic like Acier, was deeply depressing. If the magic manifested, perhaps he could simply hire someone to teach the girl how to suppress it entirely. It seemed a far better alternative than forcing her to study control and mysticism. She could just exist as she was meant to, as a royal, which was an exhausting full-time job in itself.

"I might be able to help find a tutor for that," he murmured under his breath, though the quiet thought was instantly derailed by Cora's inquiry about their recent troubles.

"Everywhere!" Aurelian interrupted, leaning forward as his dramatic flair returned. "The Sith are practically the Republic's new shadow. The fresh Queen of Eshan tried to skewer me on Wielu. One of their zealots took a shot at Sibylla on Corellia." He gestured toward the Voice, his expression hardening slightly at the memory of that particular danger before his lips curled back into a smug grin. "And don't forget the uninvited guest who recently stormed my estate right here. They absolutely love me. I simply cannot keep them away."

He threw his hands up in mock exasperation, completely comfortable turning a multi-planet security crisis into a testament to his own fatal charm.

​

 

[Makko Vyres]

MAKKO

Aurelian Veruna Sibylla Abrantes Corazona von Ascania


Makko leaned back in his chair, one arm draped casually along the back of Cora’s seat while his free hand stayed near the pram. He watched Lucy’s latest victim with a faint, tired grin. She had grip strength for days.

He gave a low snort at Aurelian’s theatrical list of Sith troubles.

"Sounds like you’re collecting enemies," Makko said dryly, blue eyes flicking to the king.

He glanced at Cora, then back to Aurelian and Sibylla, tone turning a shade more serious but still relaxed.

“We’ve had our share of close calls too," he said.

In truth Cora had suffered far more at the hands of the Sith than he had. He didn't respond to Aurelians's quiet comment. He and Cora knew we'll enough how to teach.

"This place is amazing though," Makko said, glancing around. He was trying not to sound too common in front of a king. Younger Makko would have done everything in his power to offend royalty.

"Do you both spend a lot of time here or more in the capital?" he asked, glancing towards Sibylla Abrantes and Luciana.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Aurelian Veruna Makko Vyres Corazona von Ascania

Aurelian was always inclined toward a touch of drama when Sith were involved, and while the most visible reminder of Sibylla's own encounters with them remained etched across her face in pale scars, a softness still settled in her hazel eyes as she absently played with Lucy. The slight pull of her headdress barely registered.

"It is alright," Sibylla assured Cora quietly. Yet the words carried a bittersweet edge. Thoughts of those who had drifted toward the Dark Side inevitably led her to wonder about Cora and how she was managing everything concerning her brother. From there, her mind wandered to Ace.

He had gone dark after Trinity. There had been attempts to keep track of him, but those trails had long since grown cold. It seemed he had fully committed himself to his place within the Covenant and whatever dangerous plan he nurtured to tear it apart from within, even if the cost was his own sense of self. The thought sat heavily in her chest and she knew Aurelian hated it. But she couldn't stop thinking about Ace or caring. He was her friend... and she couldn't give up on him. Even if their last interaction left them broken.

The conversation around her faded into a distant murmur as her thoughts drifted elsewhere. But it was the gentle pat against her cheek that brought her back.

Lucy.

Sibylla blinked and looked down, her smile immediately widening. Leaning forward, she brushed her nose against the infant's, peppering her with soft butterfly kisses. Lucy answered with a delighted squeal that drew a quiet laugh from Sibylla until Makko's question pulled her attention up once more.

"Ah, our schedules keep us rather occupied between the needs of Naboo and the Republic," she replied. "But whenever possible, we make every effort to come here."

The answer was honest enough but just as complicated. Things remained strained with Cassian's disappearance and Elian's ongoing physical therapy. Returning to Dee'ja Peak too often meant confronting a hundred worries she could do little to solve. There was guilt in admitting it, even to herself, but home had become a place where anxiety and stress waited around every corner.

Selfish, perhaps, but she needed a place where she could breathe and preserve what remained of her sanity, and Aurelian had made certain the Rainspire became that refuge for her -- that it became her home.