Hey guys! Chapter 3 coming right up! I'm so glad to know that you guys are enjoying this as much as I am enjoying reading your supportive reviews.

x


3. Deceptive Appearances

"Okay, your turn."

Aayla exited the ship's one 'fresher after changing into her disguise. The Faranis were wealthy people, and the quality of their clothes was evident. Aayla's disguise consisted of a long gold dress, made of some obscure kind of material that shimmered whenever she moved, like waves cascading to the floor. The top half was tight and strapless, leaving her cerulean décolletage in tantalising view, and a necklace holding abstract, jewel-encrusted shapes hung over her collarbone. Seamlessly the tight upper of the body flowed into the loose and waving lower half of the dress at her hips, and a slit ran up her right leg to just above the knee. Around her wrists were large matching bracelets, and the bodice was lined with red jewels. Upon her head she wore a headdress in the same gold and red colour scheme, and the high heeled shoes were deep red.

Kit couldn't help but smile appreciatively when he saw her. He knew that if there was one place where she didn't feel comfortable, it was in the aristocracy. But one look confirmed to anyone that there was where she truly belonged. Everything about her grace, poise and elegance both physically and emotionally defined wealth and class.

Catching his gaze on her, she smiled slightly and gave a twirl for his further inspection. She laughed heartily enough, but he could feel her anxiety through his head-tresses. Slowly he walked up to her and enclosed her in a comforting embrace. She sighed lightly.

Are you all right? Kit's voice was in her head, somehow making the tense ball in her stomach dissipate slightly.

She sent a reply through her lekku. Yes...I'm fine. Or, I will be. Soon. She gave him a small smile. "You should get ready now. We're nearly out of hyperspace."

He winked at her and kissed her forehead before moving past her into the 'fresher. Aayla moved to one of the two pilot's chairs and lounged, looking very out of place in such attire, with one leg draped over an armrest.

A few minutes later Kit emerged from the 'fresher wearing his disguise – a suit that matched Aayla's outfit, in the same red-and-gold colours. His, however, was less elaborate and was simply designed to complement Aayla's dress. He took his place next to Aayla and waited with her until the ship's computer announced that they were about to exit hyperspace.

As the ship launched out into the space over Cato Neimoidia, Kit took the ship out of automatic pilot and flew it towards the sector Senator Rath Parkere's estate was to be found in.

The ship entered the atmosphere and flew down towards the giant building. It appeared to be completely made of gold. The sun was setting on walls of royal colours, blues and reds and greens, all interspersed with shining gold. Turrets with painted domed tops rose from the manor in glory and splendour, and Aayla was at once struck by the beauty of the palace. It hung on one of the many bridge cities, but it took up a whole bridge with it's extensive gardens included.

Senator Parkere was seen waiting for them with his group of inner friends and advisers on one of the many landing bays belonging to the house. He was a tall and stockily built man, a Falleen with green scaled skin, a long ponytail of thick black hair and a royalty about his whole demeanour. His clothes were elaborate, boasting a high collar that extended to past his head, and he was an obviously wealthy man judging by the heavily jewel-encrusted rings on each of his long fingers. His group of friends and advisers were as equally well-dressed, but he outshone them even from a distance.

Aayla was suddenly very glad that she and Kit were wearing such elaborate clothes as the other members of the Senator's group. At least, she thought wryly, we aren't under-dressed. She looked over at Kit. He kept his calm and unperturbed manner even at such times like this. Sometimes she wanted to hit him in exasperation, especially when she had difficulty containing her emotions sometimes. He just stayed perfectly in control at all times.

As Kit brought the ship down onto the platform, a cold feeling filled the pit of her stomach. She hadn't realised how dangerous this could get. As the engine powered down and the ramp opened, she took Kit's arm gratefully. She would need his strength.

The Senator walked up to them, followed by his group. As Aayla met his eyes, she was suddenly aware of how little clothing she was actually wearing. She could feel his cold, appreciative eyes roaming over her body hungrily, and shivered slightly despite the warm sunset. Kit squeezed her arm lightly. I'm here.

"Mr and Mrs Farani. How nice to finally make your acquaintance." The Senator bowed lightly and Aayla curtseyed in response, looking at the floor, not brave enough to meet his eyes. Instead she looked at Kit, who, as usual, seemed completely in control.

Senator Parkere, however, had other things in mind. He took Aayla's hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it lightly and looking over her hand into her eyes seductively. His eyes are cold and lifeless, she thought. The only thing I can see is greed. She blushed and looked away again, smiling forcedly. Kit took Parkere's hand and shook it, but she could feel him recoiling inside.

"I am glad you could both make it," He said in his sly yet commanding voice, which had a reptilian edge to it which Aayla felt unnerved by. She couldn't help but imagine the slight hissing as it was whispered seductively over her bare neck, his forked tongue sliding over her collarbone, tasting it's warm sweetness... "I hope you are going to enjoy your time here at my estate. You should find that there is plenty to...," He licked his lips, looking over Aayla's body once more. "...amuse yourselves with."

The party had begun to walk together, and different members introduced themselves warmly to the couple as they neared one of the elaborate doors into the palace. One woman stood out in particular. She had warm, tanned skin, long, straight, raven black hair and chocolate brown eyes. She introduced herself as Devorah Santez, and was dressed in a long, purple velvet dress, off-the-shoulder with long sleeves. She wore a golden belt over her hips, and matching necklace with intricate swirls carved into it. She seemed to be in her twenties. Aayla met her eyes easily enough, and wondered suddenly what such a nice woman could be doing tangled up in such a plot against the Republic. She supposed she'd find out soon enough.

As soon as formal introductions were over, the Senator announced that dinner would be served in an hour's time, and had his servants show Aayla and Kit to their rooms. The inside of the palace was even more stunning than the outside. Walls covered in exquisite artwork, decorative carpeting and matching drapes, expensive furniture and carved doorways greeted the eye, all in regal colours with gold frames.

The bed was absolutely huge. Big enough for six of us, Aayla thought. Ornate columns at each of the four corners of the bed suspended a black mesh curtain lined in black velvet. Aayla realised with a surprise that the sheets were black satin, and the pillows, cushions and duvet matched the purple and red themed walls and ceiling. Upon further investigation, one could find a lavish en-suite and a stunning view of the garden from the floor-to-ceiling windows, framed in gold leafing. It was quite stunning.

Once the slaves had departed, leaving the luggage on the bed, Aayla and Kit got down to business.

"We should use this opportunity at dinner to gather information about Senator Parkere. The people here are people he trusts, therefore he won't suspect any sneaking. We should also use the time at dinner to build up our aliases as trustworthy people." Kit turned to look out of the windows at the setting sun. Aayla came up behind him and rested her chin on his shoulder.

"Couldn't we start investigating...tomorrow, maybe?," Her voice took on a playful edge. "I'm just dying to try out this new bed..."

She received a playful swat from Kit and she giggled. Kit turned to face her, and leaned into her collarbone, inhaling her sweet scent.

"You know I'd love to," Was the muffled reply. "But there will be time for play later," He raised his head and looked into her eyes for a moment, then walked towards the luggage. "After dinner there will be drinks served in the lounge. Once the wine has started flowing, hopefully then so will the tongues."

"And then we will tell the Senator our reasons for wanting to get so well acquainted with him." Aayla finished for him.

"Yes, and hopefully he will then let us into his circle, and we will have access to all the information we need to imprison him," Kit concluded. "Although, it may take a while to gather it all..."

"It may even take a while for him to trust us. More than one night, is my guess." Aayla sighed and walked over to Kit, leaning on him and rubbing his arms slowly.

Kit leaned into her touch, closing his eyes and sighing slightly.

"Please?" Aayla mumbled into his shoulder. Her eyes looked beseechingly up at him, playful yet pleading.

Kit breathed deeply a few times, fighting an inner battle. Eventually he made his decision.

"No, Aayla. Not now." He held her hand, turned around and pulled her into a passionate kiss, his arms wrapping themselves around her waist and her hands burying themselves in his head-tresses. She scraped her nails over the back of his neck and was rewarded when he shuddered and pressed her body closer to his. She made as if to slide her hand under his shirt, but he caught her hand and broke the kiss.

"No, Aayla." He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers. She sighed.

"I guess I'd better get changed, then." She opened one of the trunks and brought out a dress and some jewellery to match. She then threw him something to match her outfit, and they proceeded to get changed.


The dinner hall was huge. A long golden table stretched through the centre of the room, piled high with delicacies and mouth watering courses. Chandeliers hung from the decorated ceiling, and there were smartly dressed waiters busying themselves in preparation for the meal which was to begin shortly.

Everyone was already there, with the exception of Devorah Santez, milling around with glasses of wine and talking animatedly with each other. Kit and Aayla smiled back at those who smiled first, but some simply turned up their noses and took a pompous sip of their wine. That's to be expected, Aayla thought. No one here really knows anything but lavish wealth, and a lot of good that did to their heads. She smiled wryly at Kit and he winked back. They were in for some competition.

Senator Parkere sought them out immediately. Aayla swore that he could smell her a mile off.

"I hope you are both ready to eat," The Senator said, as warmly as he could manage. Being cold blooded, of course, that isn't much. Aayla returned his smile, but again refused to meet his eyes for more than was polite. Or impolite, as the case may be.

"Ladies and gentlemen," His commanding voice hushed all conversation. "If you would like to take your places, I believe dinner is about to be served." He smiled and waved a arm towards the long table. Only the top end of the table had been set to accommodate all his guests, the rest of the table was being decorated by numerous slaves and servants.

They took their places, which had been hand written on place cards. Aayla was not surprised to find that she was sitting at the right of the Senator, and Kit all the way at the other end of the seating arrangements. She would have to deal with him alone tonight.

"As you can see, fellow friends, the rest of the dining hall is being decorated," Senator Parkere smiled at his guests. "Tomorrow evening, I intend to hold a ball and banquet for all of you to attend, as well as numerous other guests. The ballrooms, both indoor and out, will be host to live bands and the dinner will be held here, mid-evening. I hope you will all enjoy yourselves and meet some charming new people."

He sat down in his chair and took Aayla's hand and kissed it again. She picked up her wine glass with the other and looked over her other shoulder at Kit with a raised eyebrow. She saw him tense slightly and raise his non-existent eyebrows back. This would be a long night.

Now is the time to strengthen our aliases. Kit's voice in her head startled her slightly.

Yes. Of course. I'll start up here. She winked, and just as she turned to speak to the Senator, Devorah Santez strutted in, the high heels of her purple stilettos click-clacking on the polished floor. She was wearing a deep purple strapless dress that was tight at the top and loose at the bottom, flowing gracefully as she walked to her seat. Her dark raven hair was piled up on top of her head. Aayla was mildly surprised to see Devorah slide in beside Kit and begin an animated discussion.

Food was served and dinner was excellent. Aayla had answered every question at her end, filling in the gaps that she and Kit had rehearsed. Kit too had done the same. Eventually, everyone knew the Farani's back-story, and then the interesting conversations began.

"Come now, Aria, you must tell – is this great man you so openly call your husband as great as you make him out to be?" The Senator was asking.

Aayla blushed slightly. "Well, of course," She smiled over at Kit and turned back to Senator Parkere. "He's...everything a woman could ever need..." She giggled lightly. It must be the wine, she thought, making him so easy to talk to now. "...and more."

The Senator chuckled too and leaned in closer. "Is he really, now?"

She giggled again. "Mmm-yes." She felt warm inside just thinking about the times they had spent together in their rooms. She could picture his tight, muscled torso and strong arms holding her protectively, his soft lips kissing her candle-lit skin, the thin film of sweat gleaming off his God-given body as they made love.

"Is he good in bed?" The Senator's whispered words should have shocked her and put her on her guard again, but somehow...she felt all mushy inside.

He was very close now. She could almost hear his heartbeat over the chatter in the room. She turned her head to look him in the eyes and was shocked to find his lips mere centimetres from hers. She was again aware of how little she was wearing and looked down at her exposed décolletage with her eyes.

"Yes...," He whispered. "Show me more..." His lips moved closer and closer to hers, and she felt overwhelmed by the strong urge to strip right then and have him take her. She forgot everyone was still in the room. As long as they were not watching, she was fine with that.

His lips brushed hers slowly. She swallowed. His lips were not as warm or as soft as...hm. Now who exactly was it she was supposed to be remembering? His image invaded her mind, screaming at her, but she could not for the life of her put a name to his face. And then Rath's lips touched hers once more, but more insistent this time. She was about to give in...

And then she remembered. Kit. Kit! Oh, Kit. She turned her head sharply and the Senator's lips kissed thin air. She took a big gulp of wine and looked surreptitiously around to see if anyone had noticed the two of them. Apparently no one had. They were all far to engrossed in their current conversations. Except Devorah. She was looking at Aayla curiously, almost jealously, but as Aayla met her eyes she looked away.

Aayla raised an eyebrow. She had stumbled upon something here. More importantly, she had almost let herself be completely controlled by the Senator's use of pheromones. She scolded herself inwardly for being drawn in like that. Feeling peeved and more than a little guilty, she resumed her meal. The Senator had regained his composure and was now talking with the person to his left, completely ignoring her. She sighed inwardly, glancing once more at Kit to reassure herself that all was well.

After dinner the host and his guests retired to the lounge with yet more drinks. Many of the guests were now quite relaxed, and tongues flowed freely.

"Do you think we should talk to the Senator now?" Kit whispered over her shoulder. Aayla jumped.

"No!" She practically yelled. "Sorry, no," She lowered her voice. "I don't think that's a good idea, Desric."

He looked at her quizzically.

"I'm sorry, K-Desric. I may have made him a little..." She searched for the right word. "...put out at dinner." She looked at the floor.

Kit sighed. "What did you say?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing. I didn't say anything as much as I did something..."

Kit waited for an answer. Aayla held his hand and looked around for the door to the balcony.

"Let's go outside so we can talk." She pulled him towards the door and out onto one of the many grand balconies overlooking the night. The wind was gentle and the sounds of the chatter indoors faded as the couple headed to the edge. Leaning on the balcony with her elbows, Aayla breathed in a lungful of the cool night air before opening her mouth to begin.

But suddenly, voices could be heard close by. Both Kit and Aayla turned their heads to look at the corner of the balcony where a certain part was hidden from view. They looked at each other in a silent agreement to stay quiet and crept towards the corner.

As they neared the voices got louder, until one of them was shouting in anger. Kit looked sharply at Aayla. That was Devorah Santez. Listening hard, Aayla tried to make out the second voice. A slight hissing caught her attention. Immediately a cold chill went down Aayla's spine. The second voice was clearly distinguishable as the Senator. But what were the two of them doing out here, and why was one of them so angry? Devorah's voice carried in the quiet night, but she was obviously so angry that she didn't care who heard.

"You mean you would choose her over me? That two-timing slut with not a sense in her obnoxious little head? She is barely worth what you could give her, what you could have given me if she hadn't put her dainty little foot in it all! I tell you, she's no good! And if you can't see that..." Devorah was bitterly angry now, her voice cold. "...then you're just as good-for-nothing as she is!"

Kit had just enough time to grab Aayla around the waist and pull her into the shadows with him before Devorah ran, hair coming loose in a wild kind of anger, back into the building.

After a while the silence returned to the evening, and everything seemed to resume it's night life. But slowly, a chill crept up Aayla's spine, and it took a while for her mind to register what was causing it. She gripped Kit's arm in fear.

Slowly, a deep laughing made of pure evil was surrounding them. And under the cover of this evil laughing, Aayla and Kit crept back into the building and back to safety.


Phew! The next chapter at last. I would like to thank Izzy from IzzyandDesRoxSox for letting me use her character, Devorah, and I hope I did her justice.

=D Let me know what you think! Reviews make my day.

TheLightIsMine x