Royal Blood

3254 LY | 23 BBY

Chapter 1: Aya Parnelli

Kaden Tokana was a young man living with his father on the planet of Naboo. His father , Jaron Tokana, a former smuggler, owned Tokana Textile Company which produces handmade fine clothes and linens specifically for the city of Theed. Most of his business is with the Royal house families and the people of Theed, but they were by no means considered wealthy. However, his business has taken a turn for the worst. Jaron has been forced to cut a large portion of his workers and his age is not in his favor. Kaden Tokana was 18 years old he worked for his father and around a dozen men whom worked at their workhouse on the outer edge of Theed. Kaden Tokana was far from a seamstress. When he was younger he would listen to his grandfather tell him stories of grand battles of the past and heroes who led their men into battle. He saw the attack on his home world by the Trade Federation. He wanted to fight. When Kaden was not working with his father he was roaming the streets of Theed. A lot of times he would sneak out at night and wonder the city. Kaden was a rather slim young man, he had learned how to evade guards and how not to get caught. To get caught by the Royal Guard was surely an overnight stay in the custody of her majesty's prison and a painful beating from his father.

One-night Kaden snuck out and headed to the eastern side of the city. This side of the city was controlled mostly by the Royal Houses, the most prominent and wealthy of those in Naboo. The families within these houses were considered Royalty and were treated as such. They were the very lifeblood of his father's business. Without them Tokana Textiles would be nothing more than a trading shop. Kaden moved silently through an alley in the darkness of night. The only light coming from side window which illuminated the tan stone upon which he walked, being careful as he passed not to alert anyone inside to his presence. He reached the end of the alley which opened to the street. He had to be stealthy if he wanted to cross without being seen by Royal Guardsmen. Guards were constantly patrolling the streets in their land speeders. When he spotted two guards approach another guard in the far end of the block he knew he had to go. Taking a right out of the alley he crept down to the side of the street hugging the wall and using the pillars for cover. Once he felt he was far enough out of the guard's line of sight he crossed and began up the street into the royal district.

His father had always told him to stay away from this part of town it was full of high class elites who saw people like them as peasants and not worth their time. He entered a very narrow alley barely wide enough for two men he looked down and could see it opened to another small street which led to a tan stone arch and a bridge which went over a narrow body of water crossing this bridge would take him into the Royal district. He sees his way clear and approaches the bridge slowly. He passes under the arch and starts to cross the bridge. He drops to the ground. He sees two men approaching the bridge from the other side. He slowly shuffles to the right and gets behind the railing on the right side he lays down so as not to be seen. The two men pass by. They appear to be standard Royal guards both with blasters by their side. He waited until they are well out of sight and crosses the bridge. After crossing the bridge Kaden hears laughing and music coming from further down the street. He takes a left into the tall thick row of hedges that separate the many 2 story ornately designed buildings. He cuts through what looks to be a back-patio veranda of a multistory house. He then reenters the wall of hedges that lines the tall sandstone walls. He moves through the thick hedges and eventually reaches the edge which opens up into a large open area with steps and a fountain.

The 3 moon swere all clearly visible which is a rare occurrence during the late seasons. Kaden sits and looks up thinking of the stories his grandfather told him. The battles. The glory. He wanted to be a part of it. To be a part of anything. "Hey you may be needing this" Kaden spun around quickly. A girl stood before him arm extended holding out a knife. "Sorry, I saw you come barreling through our yard you dropped this when you were running." She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She looked about his age wearing a long brown dress with long brown hair in the dark night looked as if it faded right into the dress. "Thanks" Kaden said reaching out taking the knife and putting it back onto his belt. "What exactly are you doing out here?" she asked. "I was just out here taking a walk." He replied. "A pretty intense walk at that." She smirked. "Yeah, I guess" Kaden replied nervously. "I was just about to do the same thing when I saw you running through my backyard. Would you like to come with me outside the city, there's a perfect spot I can show you." the girl replied. "Listen, I don't know who you are how do I know I can trust you?" Kaden asked. "If you're talking about trust may I remind you who was just barreling through my back yard at the wee hours of the morning?" the girl replied. "And my name is Aya Parnelli" Kaden looked her in the eyes as he realized he was speaking to one of the daughters of the House of Parnelli. "My names Kaden Tokana". Kaden replies. "Tokana? Your father owns Tokana Textiles in the West Wing District." She raised an eyebrow. "Yeah…anyway I should probably be getting back home." Kaden said "No please, you should come with me it would give me somone to talk to. Even if you just listen that's fine just come." She replied. " I mean…alright but not for long." He replied hesitantly. She smiled leading him the rest of the way down the steps, her brown dress dragging along the tan stones casting a dark shadow as she ran silently. "Where are we going?" Katen asked. "Over the wall" Aya replied. At the bottom of the steps following the wall for about 20 feet there was a ladder partially concealed by moss and vines that climbed up the stone walls. Aya began climbing up the ladder and stood on the wall waiting for Kaden they pulled the ladder up and put it down the other side and climbed down. "Itll be here when we get back" she replied.

They started away from the city wall in the moonlight the tall grasses brushing against Ayas dress as she led Kaden through the fields outside of Theed. "So what exactly do you so as a noble?" Kaden asked. " Well I basically just sit around and look pretty and represent my family in a dignified way. Other than that, my father and mother do most of the important work" she replied. "What about you? Do you enjoy working at your fathers business?" Aya asked. " I mean I really don't have much of a choice. I get punished if I don't work, so its more like chores than an actual job." Kaden replied. They started into a lightly wooded area and followed the path through it. " Have you ever thought about leaving Naboo? " Kaden asked. " Well I spent a little while on Corellia while on business with my dad I met a guy and thought I found the love of my life…only to realize he was an ass and a junkie. So as of now no." she replied. " Oh but I did discover my obsession with Krahbu skin boots. They were worth every dime, I promise you!" The forest was cool and fresh the night bugs were chirping and buzzing . The gentle breeze was refreshing and cool as they walked under the tall hardwoods. They came to a clearing with a large cliff with a rock perched on the edge.

"Here we are. Take in this view" Aya said. Before them was a large canyon that looked like it stretched out for at least 4 or 5 miles. Naboos 3 moons reflected their light off of the dark plains below the cliffs I a grey and blue carpet across the landscape. " Much better than wandering through bushes hm?" Aya smirked. "I don't think Ive ever seen this much beauty." Kaden said quietly. Aya sat down in the tall grass, the gentle night breeze blowing her dress with the grass. "Don't just stand there, sit down." Kaden sat down next to her on the edge of the cliff in the grass. " I remember as a young girl catching butterflies down there. My sisters and I, we called it butterfly meadow." Aya said smiling. "I don't have much memory from my childhood, my mother died when I was very young" Kaden said. "Im sorry" she said. "Don't be." Kaden said.

"You never really did answer me when I asked if you liked working for your father." Aya said.

"I hate it, I feel like im not even in the same star system with my father yet we are in the same room" Kaden replied playing with a long blade of grass in his fingers.

"What do you mean? " Aya asked.

"These city walls, this planet, I should be out exploring the galaxy and doing great, amazing things. Instead Im stuck here on this rock with a father who only cares about the coin hes making." He replies.

"We all have our place in this world Kaden, some people it takes them a lifetime to figure it out but you eventually will." Aya replied. "I don't know. But it cant be much easier being a noble can it?" Kaden asked. "I mean, there are times where I get tired of always feeling like Im representing my parents. Naturally as their daughter it is that way of course, but I wish sometimes I can just let go. That's why I come out here a lot. The politics and the money. They corrupt us all, Kaden. Sooner or later." Aya replied. "I just wish I could put an end to it all" Kaden said. "Don't take it personally we are good people living in cruel times" Aya said. "Yeah I guess Anyway I think we should be heading out before we are missed." Kaden said. "My family is at the party with the House of Veruna clan tonight, I told them I felt ill so I left and then I found you" Aya said. They both headed back to the city and climbed the wall being careful to hide the ladder just as they found it. "I will see you again wont I Hayden?" Aya asked. "Of course, my lady" Aya smiled a smirk like smile and entered the back wooden door of her back veranda leaving Kaden standing there in the dark.

The next day Kaden was in the workhouse with the other men working on linens. His father came by, "Boy I expect you to reach your usual 100 boxes" he said "Yes sir, I intend to" Kayden replied. "You best make damn sure you do!" Kayden throughout the day couldn't help but think about Aya. She had this mysterious foreign aspect about her that left him wondering who she truly was. He reached his 100 boxes and requested the rest of the day off, his father hesitated but allowed it. It was late in the afternoon the sun was reaching its orange glow as it began to start toward the horizon. Kaden found his way back into the Royal district and made his way to Aya's the way he had done the night before however this time it wasn't night. He reached the house he heard people and peeked around the corner of the house and spotted an older couple in the back on the veranda they both had drink sin their hand and each had a jar of strange liquid that they were pouring into the drink as they consumed it. Both the man and the woman were laughing hysterically and barely comprehensible. "Halt! Royal Guard ! Identify yourself!" Kaden spun around in time to see a Royal Guard with his rifle drawn and pointed at him approaching behind him. "No stop hes my guest Tulk its ok!" Just then Aya opened up the upstairs window stopping the guard. "Ill come down and meet you". In around 5 minutes Aya had opened the front door and let Kaden in. "Sorry about the guards, they weren't expecting you." She said. "Its not a big deal." Kaden replied. She led him through the main hall which was an elaborate dining room with red and gold trimmed chairs and tables adorned with candles and perfectly shined plates and silverware. They exited the dining room up 2 flights of stairs to the living halls which had crimson red and white carpet. "You should've told me you were coming by, I would've arranged for it." She said. "Don't your parents have an issue with you inviting random people over to their mansion?" Kaden asked. "Did you not see them? They will be like that the rest of the night. They do this at least once a week…" she replied. She opened the door to her room and let Kaden enter first shutting the door behind her.

Chapter 2: Royal Negotiations

Winston Veruna and Victor Parnelli were both heads of the royal houses Veruna and Parnelli. Victor Parnelli father to Aya Parnelli was a very distinguished man well know by the public for his loyalty to the city of Theed. He was a skinny man around 5 ft 9 he was bald with a clean face. When he spoke he didn't speak as an authority figure rather as an equal. That's what made his ability to persuade others that much more cunning. Winston Veruna however was a different type of man he preferred to be aggressive, loud, and use his size and booming deep voice to persuade others. With long auburn hair and a beard he had no issue making people aware that he was royalty and was not to be trifled with. Both men wore elaborate looking robes and sipped on Corellian brandy. " Once again the Huts have proven to be worthless and disgusting individuals." said Veruna. "The prices on spice has nearly doubled in the last 2 months."

"Winston, ever since we were just boys the Hutts have been screwing the entire galaxy over on a variety on different transactions it is almost expected of them at this point. Is it not? However I would like to find a way around this." Parnelli said taking a drink.

"Unfortunately my friend unless you want to purchase it from some hovel out in the outer rim then the Hutts are the one direct link to the spice." replied Veruna. " What if we could find a source on Naboo? Im sure someone is putting it through circulation."

The spice trade had been going on for years throughout the galaxy illegal black-market sales of spice had become almost a daily occurrence in places like Hutta and Balmorra. Spice refers to a wide variety of hallucinogenic drugs that are widely used around the galaxy mostly by those of considerable power and wealth due to is extremely expense. However, despite the wide spread use of these drugs and the increase number of buyers the cost has not drove down but instead raised by the Hutts on a regular basis. The two men sat in a dimly lit room maroon colored tiling and wallpaper they sat around a fireplace.

"Is there anyone in this city whom we can use as leverage to get the dust cheaper?" asked Veruna.

"There is one possibility, but we would have to keep this very quiet, word of this gets out to the queen and we could have our names slandered on the wall of this city's+ history." replied Parnelli.

"Victor my old friend, we own this city the Royal Guard themselves are subject to us they are well aware of the use of spices in this city but Captain Tulk knows that if we go down he also goes down so believe me the guard is of no threat to us." Said Veruna.

"Tokana Textiles." Exclaimed Parnelli.

"The fabric company in the West district?" asked Veruna

"Exactly. Almost all its business is from the Royal Houses. And from what I'm hearing his business is on the verge of failure as it is. It's simple we already know Jaron Tokana was a coward and a smuggler, we just have to use that on top of his love for his poor peasant son and we can get exactly what we want." Parnelli says with a smirk, pressing his glass to his lips.

"Victor you are one cruel hearted son of a bitch and that's why I like you." Veruna laughs, his booming deep resonance echoing through the room.

"How is your little endeavor on Corellia working out?" Veruna asks.

"Unfortunately, I may end up having to abandon it all together, it is my greatest fear. Ive wanted this since I was a young man, but it seems it may not end up being so." Parnelli replies.

Both the Parnellis and the Verunas have a long family history of ill-gotten gains, some more ill-gotten than others but blackmail, espionage, and murder come up in their family history regularly. However, with Victor and Parnelli being the oldest capable members of the families they will continue to look out for their own personal interests such is the way of politics.

"You know my son Issac correct, Victor?" asks Veruna.

"Well of course Winston, hes a fine young man."

"You are aware he has been courting your daughter Aya for a number of months now?" asks Veruna.

"I actually was not aware of this" Parnelli replies.

"Well say your daughter agreed to marry my son Issac, I think I would be obliged to prioritize what would then be family business interests." Veruna said.

"I'd say your daughters hand in marriage is a fair trade in exchange for propping up a lifelong dream of yours don't you think, Victor?".

"Well of course Winston. I think that its time she grew up and became a woman. Even though she may not know it now, but this will benefit her in the long run surely. I will make sure marrying Issac Veruna will be the best thing she has ever done."Parnelli exclaimed heartily.

"Victor you are probably the most reasonable man in this city." Veruna replied pressing his glass to his lips, smiling.

It was a beautiful morning on Naboo the town was lively, and everyone was tending to their daily lives. Kaden had been given the day off by his father. When he asked his father why the sudden day off he only responded, "Important business to attend to". Kaden did not hesitate to find Aya. He was roaming the market as everyone hurried about. Men and women talked business in the square and shop keepers flagged down potential customers. Kaden was scanning for Aya, when he eventually saw her standing by one of the merchant stands. He didn't call out to her rather he walked behind her lightly brushing the back of her arm. Aya turned to see Kaden walking out of the market square and rounded the corner into an alley. Aya quickly slipped away and followed behind him. She exited the market and entered the alley just as he did.

"Oh so you're just gonna touch my hand and walk away? The hell was that Kaden?" Aya said.

"Well you know how things are Aya, a merchant's son and a girl from royalty? We would be ridiculed by practically everyone." He replied.

"I guess you're right. Aren't you supposed to be at the shop with your dad?" Aya asked.

"Gave me the day off. Had some important business shit. I was figuring we could do something." Kaden replied.

"Maybe, I haven't heard anything from my dad today haven't seen him all day. I should check with him first." Aya said.

" I walked all the way down here for you and all you can give me is a maybe?" Kaden smirked.

Aya smiled "Meet me at the ladder at dusk." She said.

"Aww see now was that so hard?" Kaden replied.

Aya smiled and cut her eyes at Kaden "Asshole." She quietly walked down the alley and disappeared around the corner from Kaden's view. Kaden turned around and walked back home smiling the whole way.

Kaden had arrived at the ladder as the sun began to set, the sky reflecting an orange glow off the latter, the wall, and the surrounding landscape. Due to Naboos moons and location, sunsets tend to last much longer than on most planets. So in the late seasons one can enjoy very long scenic sunsets. He waited for a few minutes until Aya finally arrived smiling as she emerged from one of the alleys near the wall. Quickly checking to make sure the coast was clear they climbed up the ladder and over the wall just as they did the time before. "I know a place we can go. Follow me. " said Aya she wore a light blue gown that connected at the chest but exposed the arms and shoulders, she also adorned a bronze circlet in addition. The walked in the opposite direction from which they walked before up a hill on a dirt path the orange sky reflecting across the landscape. There was a period of silence in which none of them spoke they just walked beside each other in which Kaden eventually broke the silence. "We don't have to stay here you know? We can leave." Kaden said. "I mean you said you wanted to see each other again , Kaden." She replied. " No I don't mean like that. We can leave Theed, leave Naboo. We can go off. Just you and I. You cant ignore how you feel. I know there's something here, we both do. I can see it in the way you look at me everyday." Kaden said. Aya looked back at the city of Theed in the distance , towering palaces all surrounded by a wall disconnecting it from the outside. Aya sighed and then spoke "Kaden im royalty. You are have your life here, you have possibilities ahead of you. I have academy ahead of me. At the end of the day feelings are just feelings they go and come as the wind blows. Part of me wishes I could say yes ." Kaden looks down at her then back up at the sunset, the orange glow reflecting off of his face. Aya looks Kaden in the eyes then back at the sunset and smiles grabbing his arm. " Come on there's a boat waiting for us down by the lake" she exclaimed.

They continued down the slight incline the sunsets glow still covering the landscape in an orange blanket. Eventually the path faded out to just tall grasses. As they got closer you could see that the grassy meadow ended and turned to trees. "Its just up here" Aya said. And they followed a dirt path through the trees a ways. The trees eventually opened unto a clearing with a steep grassy hill a small yet elaborate home much like those in Theed sat. The building sat at the edge of a massive lake reflecting the orange sunlight dark ripples casting shadows across the water. Kaden had lived in Theed all his live and had never seen this area. "This what you were expecting to see Kaden?" Aya smiled. " Come on lets go" They walked down the steep grassy hill and around the side of the 2 story white building. There was a grey stone walkway that led around the side of the house they walked around back and saw an older woman sitting on her porch watching across the water. The remnant of orange sunlight lighting up the seaward side of the house.

"Hello Mrs Gabrici Its Aya" Aya said loudly.

The older woman seemed not to notice them until that moment. "Oh hello darling what are you doing down here this time of the evening?" the old woman responded.

" Oh nothing just going to show my friend here the water if I may borrow your boat." Aya said smiling.

"Oh of course my dear you are more than welcome. Just be careful its going to be getting dark soon." The woman exclaimed.

Aya led Kaden down the stone steps near the woman's dock. The woman had flower pots surrounding the waterfront area around her dock and up around the porch where she sat. Down by the waters edge there was a small brown rowboat that sat tied to a pillar with two rows in the boat. Aya got in first lifting her gown to get in the boat straightened her circlet then looked up at Kaden and smiled. "Well come on" she said. Kaden slowly stepped into the boat, untying the boat, and grabbed the two oars and began slowly rowing them away from the doc.

Kaden rowed a good way out into the lake and eventually stopped rowing to take in the view. Aya seemed to recognize his unintentional silence.

"Kayden, what's wrong" she asked placing a hand on his arm. He looked down at her hand on his arm and then back at the sunset, then at her.

"Why did you follow me that night?" Kaden asked intently.

"I really don't know" she replied.

"Aya yes you do, we can't keep pretending there isn't something here. We can't just lie to ourselves and pretend like the royalty is real and our feelings aren't." Kaden places his hand on hers on his arm.

"It's not that I don't want to Kaden, believe me I care about you." She responded.

"Then what is it then, what can I do? We can make this work. I don't know how but we can." Kaden said.

"Things aren't as they seem in the Royal Houses Kaden, there's plenty of things that I know happen that I don't want you to be sucked into. I belong to the royalty. I wish I didn't, I would change that if I could." She said.

"We can keep it all a secret. We are here now; the royalty doesn't need to know. We can keep doing exactly what we have been in secret." Kaden said.

Aya looked into the sunset as it slowly started to crest over the ridge. She felt Kaden grip her hand and she looked at him.

"Kaden, I don't know If I can go on without you around. You've shown me something new that I never knew I needed." Aya said. They locked eyes, Kaden leaned in, and they began to kiss.

That night Aya went home with Kaden; it was late when they finally arrived back at Kadens home in the west district of Theed.

"I guess I will see you tomorrow" Aya smiled.

" Are you serious? Im not letting you walk all the way back across the city at this hour." said Kaden

" No no don't worry Kaden Im fine" Aya replied

"Aya its late, you're tired, come on, lets get some rest" Kaden said grabbing Ayas hand.

Aya smiled, looking up into his eyes "Guess I don't have much choice in the matter do I" she said.

"Not the slightest" he smirked.

Aya followed Kaden into his home and that night they would sleep together. Little did the young couple know that their emotions would set off a chain of events that would change their lives forever…

The next day Aya Parnelli was sneaking in the very early hours of the morning. After spending all night out with Kaden she needed to get homr. She slowly snuck through the dining room and got to the base of the steps leading to the upstairs halls. When she hear her father call from in the common room.

" Aya…come in here" Victor Parnelli called.

" Uhh yes papa" She slowly crept into the common room faking a smile.

Victor Parnelli was standing in front of his tall window facing outside looking out at the streets of Theed.

"Care to explain to me where you have been?"he asked.

"Umm well I was just out with Loyella" Aya said hesitantly.

"I spoke to her father this morning and she was home all last night. Now once again, where did you go last night?" he said more sternly.

"Father its no big deal im a grown woman I was just out with a friend." Aya said.

"You are not a grown woman , you are my daughter and as long as you are in my house you will respect me and your mother. Do you understand? "

"yes father" she replies

"Anyway have you spoken to Issac Veruna by chance recently?" he asked.

"Umm it has been a while, he tried to kiss me in the market a while back and I haven't really spoke to him since." Aya replied.

" he is a good young man, you would do right by yourself and by myself and your mother if you would take up status with him." He said sternly.

" Father hes a nice man but I do not like him in such a way and especially do not expect to be wed to him." Aya said surprised jin her fathers words.

"Aya let me explain something to you." Her father turned around and walked toward her." You are my daughter, you are under my roof, you have been acting out of character recently, you have been disrespectful to your mother and I and I think it leaves us no choice but to make a tighter grip on your social life. So, we have agreed to suspend your next two years of academy until you have proven to us that your competence support such an investment" her father said/

Aya was infuriated " No! You cant do that to me! I have been working hard on my current program father this is complete-"

"Now you may prove to us that you can go back this coming year if you agreed to do as I just told you." He told Aya

"You mean you are saying I have to marry Issac before you and mom will let me go back to academy?" she asked with tears in her eyes.

"I understand you feel this is invasive darling but we only care about your well-being. We are doing this for you." He said smiling.

"Leave me the hell alone." Aya says as she grabs a bottle of brandy off the mantle and goes up stairs wiping tears from her eyes.

Victor watches as she disappears up the stairs.

"You're good" he says.

At that moment Winston Veruna walks in from the kitchen holding a glass of wine.

"Well what do you think?" Veruna asks taking a sip of wine.

"I think you have yourself a future daughter in law" Victor says smirking.

Meanwhile Kaden was at work with his father and the other men. Kaden was mending a special ordered dress for a dignitary when he was about to package the item up when his father came by . " Here boy slip this letter into the pocket of that and hurry up and package it up" his father barked.

Out of curiosity he slipped the letter out and it read:

Madam Veruna your order of spice has been placed at your husbands request. In the future use the phrase "extra stitching" on order forms to indicate that you are ready for more supply and Ill have it ordered. I will contact you when your order has arrived.

Sincerely,

Jaron Tokana

Kaden had a pretty good idea what was happening. He walked through the workhouse and up the wood stairs to his fathers office and walked in.

" Extra stitching?!" Kaden exclaimed.

"What the hell is your blasted problem boy? Cant you follow simple instructions?! I told you to put that in her package!" he shouted.

I know what you told me but what is this? Father be honest with me!" Kaden said sternly.

"Boy you wouldn't understand. Im trying to do this for you! Look around you! This place is failing, even with all the House business we still don't make enough. We need this extra money."his father shouts.

"Wait. They struck a deal with you?" Kaden asked

"Now listen here boy, you have to keep this stuff quiet or we could be in serious shit. Yeah Winston Veruna came by here yesterday afternoon said if I didn't start opening up the spice market the Houses would be going elsewhere for their products. What could I do?" his father said.

"Father we cant do this, this isn't what your father would've wanted. You cant do this you know this is wrong." Kaden said.

" Kaden….Son…we do what we have to do to make it in this world. We don't always like the hand we are dealt but we still have to play the cards we have." His father explained.

"I thought you ended this life… I'm not some smuggler you can send that letter yourself." Kaden said walking out of the room.

Kaden left the workhouse and walked home. He was angry and in disbelief, how could these people put his father in such a position to where he had no choice but to pick up an old habit like smuggling illegal spice. Kaden entered his home and searched frantically through his room until he found a black box.

"It seems that times have changed.." he said to himself. He opened the box and took out an ELG-3A pistol. He found it himself several years ago. He managed to keep it clean and in working order. He strapped on his black belt holster and holstered the weapon. He looked in the mirror. He wore a black shirt with light brown jacket black pants with brown holster and black boots.

"Guess Aya was right there are some things going on around this city." he said as he turned away from the mirror grabbing his jacket and leaving the room.

Chapter 3:

Later that evening House Parnelli was hosting a get together between House Veruna and House Parnelli. Aya was in the dining room surrounded by dozens of other men and women all dressed very elaborately drinking fine wines and brandy. At one point Ayas father called for her and she hesitantly came over to where he was standing with Winston Veruna and his son Issac Parnelli. She instantly wanted to run out of the room seeing him knowing what her father had said the night before.

" Hello Aya, you've met my son Issac havnt you?" Winston said

" Uh yeah yeah we've met before" Aya said hesitantly looking in her fathers direction to see him staring at her intently

"Hey Aya" Issac said with a smirky smile

" Uh hey Issac, hows academy?" Aya asked hesitantly

"Its goin good. You should join next year" smirking a smile at her again.

"I think im going to bed I feel sick." Aya exclaimed and turned around and hurried out of the room.

Aya sat in her room at the window and thought of Kaden. The life him and her could have ijf they were away from all of this. She wanted to get away from everything, the royalty, Theed, and mostly her family. She didn't know what she wanted anymore. The academy was one of the most important things to her and she didn't want to give it up. But that meant marrying Isaac Veruna, which would most certainly crush Kaden. She knew that her father and Winston Veruna were together in this and she was pretty sure Issac was as well. She looked out her large window toward West district where Kaden was likely wondering where she was and what she was doing.

At that same moment Kaden was also in his room all the lights off looking out the window across the city in the direction of Parnelli manor. "I have to see you tonight…" Kaden said to himself and put on his jacket, put on his holster and holstered his gun. He opened up his window and started down the street toward east district.

Aya was still in her room in front of the window watching the city when she heard the door open slowly. She turned around to see Issac Veruna.

"Hey there Aya" he said smiling

"Issac you really need to just go. Im sorry Im just not feeling well." Aya said nervously

"Hey hey I get it , its ok to be nervous. Ive been feeling for you a long time and you are definetly the most beautiful girl in this city you know?" Issac said.

"Issac, thanks but you have to go please. We can talk some other time, right now you just have to go." Aya said.

Issac leaned in close to her "You know I cant miss an opportunity like this" he said leaning in kissing her.

"No no no stop Issac we cant do this. I don't want this." Aya says nervously as Issac starts to push her back on the bed

"Just kick back and relax baby you know you've been looking forward this since that night down by the fountain" Issac said slowly pushing her down on the bed.

"Issac please just go" Aya looks toward her door to see Kaden standing the the doorway.

"Oh my god! Kaden no! No no no Kaden please this isn't what you think." Aya exclaimed

Kaden stood there in disbelief in Ayas doorway mouth slightly opened as he watched a man hes never seen shirtless in the act with the girl who told him she loved him just days before. He felt the anger and hatred boil within him. He looked down at his left hand and clenched it tightly in a fist. He stepped into the room toward issac, still not speaking.

" No Kaden don't do this please!" Aya yelled quickly trying to get between them.

"You have a problem man? Wait a minute you are that little inbred peasant Tokana." Issac said.

Aya began to cry "Please Kaden lets just go I can explain. I would never do this to you." She said grabbing his arm.

Kaden looked at the ground then back up at Issac. The fires of rage burning in his eyes. Issac noticed this, stepping back a little expecting an attack. There was a long pause of stalemate until Kaden finally spoke.

"Yes I am my fathers son..." Kaden said quickly swinging and hitting Issac directly in the left jaw knocking him down into a small table in Ayas room. Kaden followed up by quickly kicking Issac directly in the stomach. Aya grabbed Kaden by the arm " Stop! Kaden what the hell is wrong with you just stop! Im sorry this was my fault!" she said tears streaming down her face causing her makeup to run.

Kaden turned back just in time to see Issac a river of blood streaming down his face standing up and pulling a knife from his back pocket.

" Im going to make you pay you little piece of shit" Issac said through a mouth of blood.

Kaden drew his blaster and just as Issac lunged shot Issac in the stomach sending him screaming in agony to the floor

"Oh my god!" Aya screamed cupping her hands over her mouth. " Kaden what have you done!" she screamed.

Kaden stared at Aya, the horror in her eyes. He looked at himself in her mirror seeing he was covered in blood. Issac still on the floor bleeding hurling curses at Kaden and screaming in agony. Kaden was shocked at what he had just done. What had once been a place of love and affection between him and Aya was now a place of pain, suffering, terror, and agony.

Just then dozens of footsteps came bounding up the steps.

"Kaden you have to go now! They'll kill you." Aya said.

Only seconds after that a guard rounded the corner into Ayas room

"Halt!" the guard fired one shot barely missing Kaden as he jumped through the glass 2nd story window down to the city street below. He barely landed in the fountain below hitting his ankle on the side of the fountain spraining it. Kaden quickly got out of the fountain and took off down the street into the night.