Part 8
Layne was less than pleased by Gidden's request and didn't attempt to hide her displeasure. "That will be impossible, brother. Cyris has already put together a contract for Tana's hand."
"It doesn't bother you in the slightest that your sister is the one who will be paying for your political aspirations?"
"I cannot let familial pressures influence my decisions as Queen Mother, brother."
"You're not Queen Mother yet, Layne. Mother and Father will never agree to such a contract."
She shrugged delicately. "If the contract is signed, dated and sealed, they will have no choice but to honor it."
"Mother won't."
"Then our family honor will be broken." Layne cast him a smug look. "Tana's only delaying the inevitable."
"Tana will never sign the agreement."
"She will. Father has been speaking of sending her away. If she wants to stay, to be a part of the family life, the condition will be marriage to a stable, older gentleman who can keep her in line." Layne's look turned pointed. "Someone outside the family."
Gidden let the barb pass. "You can't do this to her Layne. It's heartless."
"It's practical." Her correction was slightly suffering. "These are matters in which you should no longer trouble yourself, brother. Tana will be settled in a contacted relationship before Mother and Father return; it is my intention that she never have the capacity to embarrass the family again."
Gidden regarded her steadily. "I'm not your brother, Layne."
She blinked, the only outward sign of her surprise. "You have taken our last name and were raised by our parents. Does that not make you family?"
"Not by blood. Which is what you should be focusing on."
"I would not wish Tana on you, brother. I have explained my reasons and you do not agree. So be it. Tana will be taken in hand by someone capable to dealing with her antics. Do not let it concern you."
Gidden held his temper closely in check. "There is nothing I can say that will change your mind?"
"The matter is closed." Layne turned away, back to the pile of dispatches and work that she'd taken over from Tenel Ka.
Gidden regarded her in silence. He knew that was a dismissal; his parents had done it enough to him as a child. But, he couldn't move. He was shocked by Layne's callous approach to the problem. How dare she attempt to play keeper for her sister? They were the same age!
Layne was writing something on one of the missives in front of her, a frown creasing her brow. She completed her task and looked up exasperated. "Was there something more?"
"What did Tana do to you, Layne?"
Layne arched an eyebrow. Her expression was one he'd often see their mother use and his chest ached. He wished she was here. "With Tana unwed, my prospects of finding a consort to my taste will be limited."
Gidden suddenly saw the ugly truth for what it was; and it sickened him. "Focus on finding yourself a consort, Layne. Leave Tana alone."
"Is that a threat, dear brother?"
"That's a promise." His fist clenched, a snap decision being made in his mind. "Tana is mine. If you thrust Cyris or any other man in her direction, I will firmly turn them back in yours."
"What, do you think to make it official? Under Hapan law you cannot marry her."
Gidden stiffened, stung. "Watch me."
Layne's face went slack with surprise at his announcement and she couldn't respond as Gidden turned on his heel and left the room.
"We have to talk. Now."
Tana looked up surprised from where she was stretching on the floor of the training salle. "Is something wrong?"
Gidden crossed the floor to her, dropping to one knee as she watched concerned. "You can't stay on Hapes, Tana."
She blinked, completely surprised by his unexpected announcement. "I stay where I wish and Hapes is my home."
He frowned. "I know it's your home. But I didn't mean it like that. I..." He stopped, took a deep breath and collected his thoughts before starting again. "Layne is going to push you into a marriage contract."
"She can't." Tana straightened, her brow furrowing. "I remember mom once telling me I'd have to sign a contract like that. Layne can't push me into it."
"She's manipulative and well versed in getting what she wants," Gidden's tone was grim, holding an edge. "I should never have handed over the title of Chume'Da to her."
"It's what she wanted."
"Precisely."
Tana blinked in surprise. "But... you never wanted the title, didn't it make sense for Layne to have it?"
Gidden took one of her hands in his, squeezing it gently. "On the surface perhaps. I can't help but wonder if I've made a mistake."
"As Chume'Da you'd have been unreachable." Tana shifted in place, crossing her legs and gripping his hands tightly. "Mother and father would have been obligated to have you attend social functions and you'd never had time for me. Those horrible men would have succeeded and then where would I be?"
Gidden pulled her close, into the shelter of his body. She went, her hands wrapping about his waist as he head rested low on his chest. "I'd have made time for you, Tana. You're the reason I came home."
She squeezed his waist tightly. "Then don't leave me. Don't send me away."
He stroked her hair gently, enjoying the feel of the silken strands between his fingers. She was so small in his grasp; fragile like the wings of the creatures that frequented her garden. "I have to."
Tana squeezed harder and he could hear the tears in her voice. "I won't go."
"I can't lose you to this, Tana. I can't let Layne arrange a contract, convince you somehow to sign it, and let Cyris have you. It would kill me."
"Then don't." Her voice was muffled against the fabric of his shirt. "Don't let her win!"
Gidden bowed his head. How simple it sounded. This woman-child in his arms was the light in his existence, a part of him the way no one had ever been and held his future in her hands. And she didn't understand the very real danger that was present before them. He'd seen his visions, been on his quest. He'd asked the Force for guidance and it had brought it back here, back home to her. He'd fought with himself and the repercussions of his actions, fought the desires and lost. He could still taste her lips though it had been over a week since their encounter in the garden. He could still feel the rightness of that simple act reverberating through his being every time he held her. And he wanted to kiss her again - but didn't dare.
"It's not that simple." His answer was soft, for her ears alone. "While you remain on Hapes, Layne views you as a threat. A threat to her own standing, her own ambitions. Until she eliminates that threat, until she places you with what she considers a suitable match, you'll always be in danger."
"I can't run." She lifted her head, tears sparkling on her long lashes but not falling. "I can't... I won't let her affiance me in my absence."
His heart skipped a beat at the look in her eyes. They were wide, deep pools of gray that held a longing for something he didn't dare give. Something he didn't dare voice. But if he didn't, he could lose her and lose her forever. He somehow found his voice but it sounded unnaturally choked even to his own ears. "Prior commitments null any contracts made in absentee."
She stared at him, her brow knitting together as if she didn't understand.
Gidden lifted one trembling hand to cup her face. Her skin was cool to his touch, her head turning, like it always did, into the curve of his hand to be cradled. It was a move that never failed to take his breath away. His voice left him and he couldn't continue, didn't dare voice what he'd spoken of so boldly to Layne. If Tana said no, it would kill him. On the other side of the argument, he didn't feel he had any right to ask her. She was still young, hadn't yet seen the Galaxy; hadn't had the chance to spread her wings and fly. He didn't have the right to steal her freedom.
Her expression suddenly changed as his words began to sink in. Her eyes widened in surprise, turning a soft gray even as her lower lip dropped slightly, parting her lips in surprise. He felt more than saw the hitch in her breathing. He watched her face as she searched his eyes, looking for confirmation, looking for some hint that he was saying what she thought he was saying. "Prior commit... Gidden?"
He rubbed his thumb over her flushed cheek, his voice caught in his throat. He couldn't speak. Didn't dare speak. It wasn't his place to offer her suggestions that would tie him to her for good.
"I..." She stared at him, stunned. "You really mean it?"
He nodded once.
Tana didn't appear convinced. He felt her reach out, her Force presence coalescing into something almost tangible as she reached to him, searching for confirmation. Gidden held his mental shields for a moment, a single moment, and made his decision. They dropped like water from a fountain, leaving his emotions and thoughts free to her. He closed his eyes, unable to look into the orbs that haunted his dreams nightly, and let her feel. He left her feel his frustration and his confusion. He let her feel the indecision behind his words and the reasons for them. He let her see into the deepest recesses of his heart, into places so protected not even his Master at the academy had known about them. Above all, he left her feel his commitment to her, his desire to protect her; his certainty that she belonged to him.
That she'd always belonged to him.
It was several minutes before he felt her pull back, but he didn't raise his shields this time. He didn't need to; there was nothing she didn't now know. Her hands were cool on his face, gentle as they gingerly traced the lines of his brow and cheeks, finally settling along the line of his jaw. "Gidden."
He winced at the sound of his name on her lips.
"Gidden. Look at me."
His eyes were slow to open. He noted the joy in her eyes first; the understanding that comes from sharing yourself with someone so openly there can be no secrets. His eyes opened wider, taking in the tilt of her lips, a smile that made his heart jump. Her face was suffused with peace for the first time since he'd come home.
"Thank you."
His voice refused to function but his question must have been clear on his face.
Tana, sounding years beyond her age, gently caressed his cheeks with her thumbs. "I understand now."
Gidden made to release her, but she clung to him, sliding closer, using the leverage of his knee and one elbow to pull herself to her knees so they were almost nose to nose. She let one hand explore the contours of his face. She traced his cheekbone, the shell of his ear, her fingers delving into his hair almost teasingly. But there was nothing teasing about her touch. It was a touch of acceptance and exploration. The touch of a woman.
Gidden grasped her hands, bringing them down to pin them against his chest. "Tana, I-"
She silenced him with a look; an arched eyebrow and a pointed look that made her look like Tenel Ka for a brief moment. "I won't believe you if you tell me we can't do this."
"We shouldn't."
"Says who? Layne?" Tana's smile turned sad. "Layne doesn't understand. She can't understand; she's never been in love with anyone but herself."
"Tana, I-"
She leaned forward, cutting him off, her lips settling over his. He felt her shields drop at the same moment her lips connected with his. His own shields down, his Force senses focused on her, the waves of raw emotion that came rolling from her staggered him. But Tana remained firm, her arms coming about his waist to steady him as he struggled with the emotional wave.
Turmoil and darkness enveloped him first; the longings of a teenager mixed with the knowledge of what she wanted was wrong. The swept past him, released from their confines, disappearing as his lips shifted, unknowingly against Tana's. The rightness of that kiss banished her doubts, brought feelings of being special that she hadn't felt in the years since his departure. He felt her struggle with the revelation of her feelings for him, the whirlwind of emotions engulfing him, imprinting themselves on his consciousness even as they retreated to be immediately replaced with the knowledge of past failures and hurts.
Emotion after emotion buffeted him, sinking into his consciousness, binding him to her in a way he'd never expected, in a way he'd not foreseen. And Tana stood firm while he absorbed it all, supporting him as she left him experiences her failures and triumphs for himself. It abated as quickly as it had happened, leaving behind the feel of her skin, the taste of her kiss; the tenderness in her hands as she stroked his cheeks.
She pulled back, watching him, color high in her cheeks.
"Force, Tana..."
She blushed a deeper red. "Now you know. At least you were an adult before you started thinking of me the way you do."
"I can understand how it would have been difficult." He slid his hands up her arms. "Cyris can't have you."
Her answering smile was shy. "You intend to."
"If you'll have me. I know I'm older, and while most people don't frown on an older man going after a younger woman, our circumstances are different. The people of Hapes may shun us and cast us out. I can't promise smooth sailing, or luxury. I can only promise, Tana, that I'll love you until the end of my days. I know it here." He placed his hand over his heart. "I knew you were special before I met you, the years have only reinforced it. I don't want to share you with anyone."
She blinked back happy tears. "What will mom and dad think?"
Gidden chuckled softly, sliding his arms about her shoulders and bringing her close again. "Mom will say it's a celebration long over due."
But neither were able to even venture a guess as to how Jacen would react.
Layne's scheming resulted in several flimsi documents making their way into Tana's garden for her to sign. She signed nothing, but neither did she flee. She instead focused on the Jedi training that Gidden insisted she'd need for their adventures beyond Hapes. She focused on them, and on him. Her emotions settled, evening out, as her control and confidence grew. The fought daily, good naturedly sparring with both training sabers and words, and occasionally Gidden would give into the impulse to kiss her.
He made sure it was infrequent and early in the day, having learned it was difficult - if not impossible - to sleep after an evening kiss from her.
Tana convinced Gidden to help her in the Garden, showing him the Force influences she'd used on her plants. They shared, speaking of the things they'd previously left unspoken, Tana opening up about Dennig and his ilk.
The plan to capture the men went off without problems and Gidden took great pleasure in allowing Tanner the opportunity to work on her "persuasion" skills. The men talked, fingering Dennig as their leader for the attack on Tana. Within days they were put on trial, found guilty and exiled. Only two days after the trial, Tenel Ka, Jacen and the children returned and the confrontation that had been looming over Gidden and Tana appeared...
"Absolutely not!" Jacen crossed his arms over his chest disapprovingly. His face was tanned, his hair several shades lighter than when he'd left. "I don't approve."
Tana turned stricken eyes to Gidden before looking back to her father. "Daddy, please reconsider."
Jacen looked from one to the other. His frown was firmly in place, his disapproval clear in every line of his face. "No."
"But Daddy-"
"Don't but Daddy me, young lady." Jacen's tone was stern. "I apologized for my actions; I have done as your mother asked and meditated long and had on this. I won't allow it!"
"But Layne-"
"Layne is not yet the Queen Mother. Any decisions she deems to make must pass through your Mother first. Including all contracts."
"But-"
"Tana."
She bit her lip at Gidden's gentle warning. Nothing she would say would convince Jacen.
Gidden looked at the man who had been his father. "What of Cyris, sir?"
"Cyris has been dealt with. Ah, Layne, good. Come in."
Layne paused on the threshold of the room, noting Jacen's demeanor and where Gidden and Tana were sitting across from him. "Where's mother, Father?"
"She's occupied undoing the messes you made in her absence." Jacen waved to the empty seat nearby. "Among other things."
Layne's head tilted at a stubborn angle. "I did nothing wrong."
Jacen picked up a flimsi and slid it across the caf-table at her. "What is this?"
Layne stepped in reluctantly, immediately on the defensive as she looked at what was on the table. She turned a murderous glare on her twin sister. "You were supposed to sign this!"
Tana tilted her head in the same manner as Layne's. "I told you I wanted nothing to do with Cyris!"
"No, you just want to be your brother's lover!" Layne's words were spiteful, aimed to hurt.
Tana pushed to her feet, glaring at her sister. She was several inches taller than the eldest of the triplets - something Layne had never forgiven her for. "Leave Jarid out of this."
Layne looked to her father for support. "I didn't mention Jarid, did I father?"
Jacen looked from one daughter to the other. "Unless you were speaking of Kalen, Layne?"
Layne's jaw dropped a fraction but she recovered quickly. "I'm talking about the orphan you and mom adopted. Remember Gidden; our brother?"
Gidden leaned back on the sofa, stretching his feet out in front of him comfortably. "I don't have any family, Chume'Da."
Layne looked as if she'd been slapped. "Of course you do; we're your family."
Gidden finally shifted, rising to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, Chume'Da, Princess - King. I have a prior appointment. Thank you for your company."
"Gidden?" Layne reached out to place her hand on his arm.
He bowed formally. "Your touch is a compliment I have not earned, Chume'Da. Did you wish something of me?"
"Quit it!" Layne tugged on his arm, getting him to straighten. "I hate it when you do that."
"If it displeases you of course, Chume'Da. With your permission I'll take my leave."
Layne exploded; she detested being mocked. "Get out then!"
Gidden swept from the room. It wasn't often he could rile Layne, but she must have already been on edge to have reacted so readily to his words. But then, she detested when the family became formal. Gidden walked swiftly to his room and packed his bag. Tanner appeared to help him, an ever silent shadow, as he carried his things to the Palace gates. A speeder awaited him, and he climbed him, waving goodbye to Tanner as the speeder canopy closed and it moved away from the Palace.
The official announcement disowning the former Chume'Da for undisclosed actions was released the following morning from the Palace and Gidden was declared a commoner with no ties to the Royal family.
