The night air was crisp and cold.
It was the only company that Darth Vader really welcomed at the moment. He was looking out over the city from the balcony, having given Vaneé orders that he was to be left alone.
However, such solitude was about to be interrupted.
Upon arriving at the penthouse : Commander Priidge – having never left he Princess's side – strode forward. He eyed Vaneé narrowly, then motioned to the door. There was an air of impatience in the commander's action, but he was careful not to let it be too overt. « Princess Loralyn of Lunealia is here to formally meet Lord Vader. » Priidge stated.
« My master has requested to be left alone and to not be disturbed. No matter who the guest is. »
There was a brief period where Vaneé and Priidge argued quietly as to whether or not Loralyn was to be introduced to Darth Vader.
The princess – once again concealed by her cloak and its wide hood – barely heard them. Her attention was solely on the dark silhouette standing outside, on the balcony. So… This was her husband-to-be. Darth Vader most certainly cut an imposing figure, even just as a shadowy outline against the night sky. There was certainly no missing the outline of Vader's toned physique against his dark armor. Thoug he may have appeared to be a stark opposite when compared to Loralyn, he had a undeniable similar aura of high-class refinement.
« This meeting has been ordered by the Emperor himself. » Priidge countered without missing a beat.
His statement pulled Loralyn out of her thoughts, though her gaze never left the silhouette of Lord Darth Vader.
« You're free to double-check with him, if you want. » Priidge added.
For a long moment, Vaneé looked between Loralyn and Priidge. There was no doubt that this radiant young woman was a princess. And, to defy an order from the Emperor would have been pure foolery for Vaneé. So, with a short sigh of resignation : He finally nodded. « Very well. » But, when Priidge moved towards the door, Vaneé held out a hand : « Only the Princess is allowed to enter. She is the one to meet Lord Vader. Not you. »
Though it looked like Priidge was ready to object, Loralyn glanced over at him. That was all it took for the Commander to stand down. He murmured a quick word of both apology and then reassurance to Loralyn, as he obediently took a shuffled step back.
Hearing the door to the penthouse slide open, Darth Vader tensed inwardly. He was unpleasantly surprised that Vaneé had let someone in, despite the orders he gave him earlier. However, he knew there was only one other person that Vaneé would take orders from.
And that was the Emperor. So, whoever this guest was : They had arrived under orders from the Emperor.
Whatever tension Vader may have felt was immediately assuaged by the light, sweet and enrapturing feminine scent that wafted around him. Though unobtrusive : It managed to reach through his armor, both mental and physical and brushed against a side of him that Vader had locked away years ago. It was an odd sensation. One that Vader's logic tried to dismiss when the core of his being wanted more of.
Having stopped a respectable distance away from the tall, dark, imposing figure standing at the edge of balcony : Loralyn studied Darth Vader with an inquisitive and thoughtful gaze. She watched for any reaction to her arrival. When there was none : Loralyn deeply bowed, sensing there was far more to respect before her than there had been with the Emperor. « Lord Vader… » She stated. Her voice was so melodic and delicate. Grace and courtesy contained in such a soft tone.
It was unlike any voice Vader had ever heard before. There was a growing ache of desire to learn to know her, that was beginning to well up in what was left of Darth Vader's humanity. But, he fought to ignore it. Now was not the time to lose his resolve, no matter how much a part of him wanted to give in. « Your presence is... unwanted. » Vader stated. He forced himself to keep his gaze forward, gripping the balcony railing with his two hands to ground himself. « You are dismissed. »
Though she was momentarily startled by the deep rumbling voice that thrummed from Darth Vader, Loralyn easily composed herself. She hadn't known what to expect, as the Emperor had only given her a brief description of his apprentice. So, despite the rebuke : Loralyn remained where she was, head still bowed in deep respect. She wanted to learn more about the man she was betrothed to.
When he heard no noise that would indicate the woman's departure, Vader felt his irritation pricked once more. Had it been possible, he would have sighed heavily. For now : He gripped the balcony railing tighter and set his jaw... before he finally turned around, to face Loralyn.
The sight of her still bowed was both bewildering and the slightest bit of frustration. At such an angle, Vader couldn't even see the face of his guest... The face of the woman he had been ordered to be in union with. « Rise. » He ordered. His voice was short and Vader made no attempt to hide the fact that he was irritated by his initial order of dismissal being ignored.
Doing as she was told : Loralyn stood up in a single, graceful motion. Seeing no need to conceal herself from her betrothed, Loralyn reached up and delicately unhooked the golden clasp of her cloak. Then, with slender fingers : The princess pushed back her hood to completely reveal herself to Darth Vader. Loralyn let the cloak tumble to her feet, not wanting to disturb her composure by bending over to pick up the article of clothing and searching for some place to put it. That could be taken care of later.
This was yet a rare moment where Darth Vader was grateful for his mask. It allowed him to keep concealed the sudden maelstrom of emotions that welled up within him at the sight of the woman's full appearance. He couldn't help but briefly note that she was the only person that ever made him feel that way. That thought was immediately lost as Darth Vader silently studied Loralyn for a long moment. Of course, she did not look anything like Padmé. The only similarity was the definite air of regal nobility that emanated from the princess. However, there was something more about Loralyn that caught Vader's attention. Something more than her radiant beauty slender yet generous curves soft, pink gaze that remained steadfastly upon him… Something that spoke to a side of Vader that he had thought lost. Something that threatened to weaken his steely resolve. Forcibly composing himself, Darth Vader straightened his posture and leveled a pointed gaze at Loralyn (despite the fact that she couldn't see it). When he spoke, his voice was as emotionless as he could manage. « You are testing my patience, Princess. » Darth Vader began, his tone laced with impressively controlled irritation. « I will not repeat myself. »
If she heard him, Princess Loralyn certainly did not react as most would to such a thinly veiled threat. Instead : She slightly tilted her head, locks of golden hair slipping across her shoulder. Loralyn studied Lord Vader with a transfixed and curious gaze, her eyes taking in every detail now that he was in plain view before her. With broad shoulders and an obviously toned physique underneath the black armor, Lord Darth Vader certainly cut an impressive figure. There was the machinery, yes… But that detail hardly registered with Loralyn. Instead, she was far more transfixed with the commanding presence that Vader had and just how charismatic it made him.
Though his mask hid it well : There was no denying the shock he felt at Loralyn's response. He was accustomed to people – women in particular – reacting with disgust when they saw him. No matter how much they may have tried to hide it in their initial fear, there was still the gleam of revulsion in their eyes. They use to recoil from his mere presence. But, with Loralyn : There was none of that. Just wide-eyed curiosity and, the more Vader studied her, a seeming interest in drawing closer. The complete opposite reaction of what he had been expecting.
Despite this, Vader's patience was still running thin. With an irritated noise, muted by his life support system : He strode over to Loralyn. Partially to test her resolve, and see if she remained where she stood and partially because Vader was now curious himself. He wanted to get a closer look at this woman who showed him no fear or disgust.
As he drew closer, Loralyn stood up just a little straighter but stayed put. She had to tilt her head back a little, even with keeping her gaze respectfully downcast. Darth Vader was a good head and a half taller than her, but the shadow that he cast over her didn't made Loralyn flinch. If anything : As the dark armored man stepped closer, Loralyn felt her stomach flutter in excitement. When her gaze began to drift upwards, she felt an undeniable blush begin to rise to her pale freckled cheeks. Feeling a little embarrassed at how she was reacting, much like a little girl would : Loralyn took a small step back in an attempt to regain her composure.
Vader – however – had other ideas.
With a twist of his hand, he guided the Force to wrap around Loralyn and bring her right back to him. Closer, even. The fact that she hadn't winced away, but instead seemed – at the most – pleasantly flustered had only furthered Vader's amazement at her lack of any sort of negative reaction.
Meanwhile, from behind the doors to the balcony : Both Vaneé and Priidge were watching the scene unfold with very different reactions. It was taking Priidge everything he had not to react to the way Lord Vader was treating Loralyn. Every action seemed far too callous to the commander's liking. It was more than a little frustrating hat he was not to do anything but stand by. Vaneé – on the other hand – was accustomed to his master's behavior and was watching with polite disinterest. They were both there solely to be called upon if needed.
Though a small, surprised sound had escaped her throat when she felt herself being pulled back by unseen hands : Loralyn made no move to resist. She reflexively stiffened a little when her body was moved without her consent, but she just as quickly relaxed once her feet found stable ground again. Of course, her composure was weakened with how close Darth Vader brought her to him.
This close, with their bodies almost touching… A host of new sensations began to go through Vader. Some of which he had thought himself never capable of experiencing again. Her sweet scent was even more profound now. The warmth of Loralyn's slender frame emanated up against his armor. Her pink eyes would flick upwards to gaze at him, but eventually it drifted downwards each time. For the briefest moment : Darth Vader entertained the idea of reaching out and actually touching the princess, to see if she felt as enrapturing as she seemed. But Vader refrained.
In a twist of irony, Loralyn was wrestling with the same desire. She wanted to reach out and let her fingertips run along Lord Vader's shoulders and chest. But Loralyn stopped herself, reminding herself of her place and the circumstances surrounding her being where she currently was.
Realizing that he was still holding her by use of the Force, Vader released Loralyn. In an act that surprised even himself, he was slow to do so so as to not leave the princess suddenly without support.
She noticed it. Her gaze flicked over her own body briefly, before looking up at Lord Vader anew. Despite the fact that she didn't say anything, Loralyn gratefully nodded to Darth Vader.
« It seems that you and I are… » Vader trailed off, still not finding himself able to say those words.
« To be wed. » Loralyn finished. Her voice was thoughtful and delicate, and her tone was without any sort of insistence. It was gently, as a matter of fact.
« Yes. » Vader replied flatly. He looked over to Loralyn, who was looking up at him expectantly. Realizing this was a conversation that needed to happen : He drew in a long breath to try and renew his patience, before continuing. « I trust it was as much of a surprise for you as it was for me ? »
« Not really. » Loralyn said with a small tilt of her head. She blinked up at Vader, obviously puzzled to realize he seemed to have learned about this fact only recently. « I have known I was betrothed to someone under the Emperor's tutelage for as long as I can remember. It has been a duty that I was raised knowing I needed to fulfill. »
This time, even with the mask on : Darth Vader's surprise was apparent. He stood up a little straighter and looked at Loralyn once again. After a few moments of silence, to consider this new piece of information : Vader finally nodded slowly in acknowledgment. « I see… »
« Were you unaware of this arrangement… until recently ? » Loralyn ventured softly, wide-eyed gaze peering up at Vader. « The only part that I was unaware of was who – exactly – my betrothed would be. »
« That I was. I was only informed of this arrangement this evening by the Emperor. » Darth Vader admitted. He didn't bother hiding the irritation in his voice, finding no need to. « I am unsure as to why he felt the need to keep me ignorant of such... monumental plans. »
« Hm… » Loralyn gave a thoughtful hum, but fell silent. She knew not to speak out of place and assume things about the Emperor. Instead, she opted for a more neutral response. « Perhaps he will tell you in time ». »
« Perhaps… » Vader gave Loralyn a pointed look. « Why would your parents agree to their only child being betrothed to someone they have never met ? »
« For the sake and safety of our home planet, Lunealia. » Loralyn explained. She briefly glanced up at the starry expanse above them, her thoughts going back to her beloved homeworld. Then, just as quickly : She looked back to Lord Vader and gave him a polite smile. « The Emperor agreed to a blood promise that my planet would be safe from the Empire's reach, if my parents agreed to betroth me to whoever he would chose for me. Lunealia, its people and its resources would be exempt from any sort of influence or conquest from the Empire. They did what their duty commanded them to do. »
« And what are your thoughts on the matter ? » Vader found himself surprisingly curious about Loralyn's answer.
« By agreeing to receive this crown, I have also agreed to fulfill any duty on which the security and the well-being of my people would depend. » She softly replied. The corners of her full lips quirked up in a small smile. « Besides, I am fairly certain that marriage would have occurred for me sooner or later. The fact that I can protect my planet and its people by doing so is my responsibility. »
Breathing out a long, thoughtful sigh : Darth Vader studied the lunealian princess for a moment. Despite her delicate features and reserved demeanor, she never once hesitated with her answers. Her voice never wavered or betrayed any sort of reluctance either. Even Darth Vader himself had to admit that such graceful commitment was impressive.
« Does that agreement bother you ? » Loralyn asked, looking up at Lord Vader with concern in her pink eyes.
« Hm… » For a moment, Vader considered the question. In truth, he had been expecting the princess to be as taken aback as he had been. To be confronted with such acceptance – and noble acceptance at that – had given Darth Vader pause. « No. It does not. It is merely something to... think about. » He finally answered.
« Good. » Loralyn said with an approving nod. « My main fear was that – maybe – I wouldn't suit your… taste. » She confessed.
For a moment, Darth Vader stared at Loralyn in silent bewilderment. Not suit his taste ? He hadn't even considered the possibility that the other party in this arrangement would share any of his disconcernment. He had believed he was the only one with concerns. But, apparently : He had been mistaken. Of course, from the outset : Anyone would be mad to refuse someone such as Loralyn. Her grace, her beauty, the power that she wielded being the royalty of an entire planet. And that wasn't even touching on her devotion and thoughtfulness... Perhaps Vader hasty reaction to being informed of this betrothal had been too much.
Quickly dismissing the thought, and realizing he had been staring for a bit too long : Darth Vader tilted his head. « My taste ? » He inquisitively repeated.
« Yes. » Loralyn replied with a nod. She thought for moment, with a soft sigh. Then, giving Lord Vader a small – slightly sheepish – smile : The princess continued. « While I may have been aware of this betrothal since my childhood, I know very little about you. So… I was unsure if who or what I am would suit your personal preferences. » Loralyn paused, before she quickly covered her mouth with a slender hand and softly giggled. « Which is a rather important factor in a marriage, arranged or not. Don't you think ? »
The admission only furthered Vader's surprised confusion and curiosity. But both were quickly assuaged by the princess's delicate laughter. Despite having just met her and their conversation having only begun a short time ago : He was finding it frustratingly easy to relax in Loralyn's presence.
« Interesting… » He commented. A short noise – what would have been a scoff if not for the life support system – fluttered from behind Darth Vader's mask. « You do know that I could ask you the same question. Though I would be hard pressed to find any answer other than a negative one believable. »
Darth Vader's response was a puzzling one to Loralyn. It caught her a little by surprise. She had been expecting an answer with far more confidence, maybe even some arrogance. But, instead : Lord Vader sounded quite… unsure of himself.
« I have been anticipating this meeting for a while. I have been able to go through many scenarios in my mind and in my dreams. While your appearance may not be exactly like anything I have imagined : It's not necessarily unpleasant. »
Vader had to give the princess credit. There was definite cleverness and intelligence underneath that crown of golden-blonde hair. At the very least : She was proving to be an interesting and entertaining conversationalist.
« Besides… » Loralyn continued, brushing back a stray lock of hair. « I have to admit that I am more curious about who you are, rather than what you are. »
« There is nothing more to know about me other than the fact that I am the right hand of my master, the Emperor. » Vader replied curtly. « I am the enforcer of his will, and nothing more. »
Falling quiet with a short noise of acknowledgment, Loralyn lightly frowned in thought. It was evident Lord Vader was uncomfortable talking about himself. She should perhaps broach the subject later, when they will have more time together.