Private The Princess and the Butcher [Quinn]

[Darth Carnifex]

The night had softened to a quiet murmur after the tumult of the late evening, the house staff all retiring except for a few essential servants. Pale moonlight drifted across the master bedroom floor, partially illuminating the master bed where Sophia Naberrie slumbered covered only by a thin silken sheet. At the window Darth Carnifex looked over the Varykino grounds in quiet contemplation, His powerful form clad only in a drape of silk from shoulder to hip. Even bereft of His armor and robe, He cut an imposing and intimidating sihlouette.

A low chime at the door, followed by the silent whoosh as it opened. One of the estate maids entered and bowed reverently, but the Dark Lord of the Sith did not turn to face her. Nonetheless, He gestured for her to proceed.

"Supreme Excellency, the Princess Quinn Varanin has arrived and is awaiting your presence."

"See to her every need, I will join her shortly."

The maid bowed again and left, leaving the Dark Lord again only illuminated by the light of Naboo's distant moons. After another moment, He turned and began to dress Himself. Leaving the slumber Sophia with only a gently caress of her cheek, the Dark Lord left the bedchamber.

He joined Quinn in the stateroom, where she had been doted on by the estate's maids and offered whatever drink and snack she desired. At the approach of the Dark Lord, the maids bowed and retreated until they were called for. Amongst all the finery and trappings of Naboo aristocratic decor, the Dark Lord looked woefully out of place. Even still, He projected an aura of authority and confidence, one that overrode any dissonance that might exist between Himself and His surroundings.

"Quinn, it is good to see you again. It has been a long time since we last spoke alone."

Quinn Varanin ​

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Darth Carnifex //:

Her Uncle had always been there whenever she had needed him, even when she didn't realize it. He was what made the galaxy know fear, but to the young Queen— He was just Uncle. The man showed kindness, care, and love to those who were important to him. He knew her parents in a way that others didn't. A part of her was jealous of this knowledge, to know and see her parents in a light that was always admiration.

Perhaps one day, she would have someone like this.

She couldn't sleep, and seeing Him at this hour, she felt guilty. Still, the maids and the people that served her Uncle made sure she was comfortable.

Quinn smiled as He addressed her.

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything, Uncle." She smiled, hoping that He wasn't roused from sleep just to entertain her follies of youth.

She was uncomfortable with what had been happening, but Quinn wasn't ready to face her Mother with these worries. In the back of her mind, she could hear her Mother's gentle scoldings. The Jedi were not to be trusted, the Republic was not to be trusted… There was nothing good there.

Quinn swallowed her thoughts as she kept smiling, bringing a cookie to her lips and taking a small bite.

"I was surprised to hear that you were on Naboo," Quinn huffed, "The Jedi haven't come breaking down your door yet?"

While she joked, the memory of the two large, imposing figures of the Jedi making their way through her door unannounced still shook her. As much as they claimed to come in peace, there was no peace…

Peace was a lie… a beautiful lie…

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"I will always make time for you, Quinn, do not consider this an inconvenience."

Even from a glance, He could tell that the young Queen of Eshan was troubled. He knew the exact reason, one didn't become as powerful and influential as He without remaining appraised of anything and everything worth noting. He had informants seeded across Naboo, in both the local population and regional government. That a group of Jedi had come unbidden into the Mandalorian embassy was something He had become immediately aware of.

He slipped into one of the plush chairs, allowing Himself to meld into His surroundings as though He were a natural fixture of them. No drink or morsel of food was set aside for Him, the Dark Side alone granted sustenance. He only ever ate when it was socially appropriate.

"The Jedi know not of this manor's importance, they are ignorant to its true nature. But you need not me to remind you of Jedi ignorance, you have been on the receiving end of enough indignity. I shall not compound it."

He watched her with discerning eyes, eyes that seemed to strip away layer after layer of secrets. But she had nothing to fear from such a gaze, to her it would appear comforting and secure in its engulfing enormity. He was her uncle, and she would always find an ally in Him.

"You have come at a late hour, an act you would not have taken if you felt you had other recourse. Tell me what afflicts you, my child?"

Quinn Varanin ​