It was a sweltering afternoon, with the late summer air shimmering in lazy spirals, even inside the cool corridors of the Royal Palace. Talia was wandering through the hallways as if in a trance. Her councilors had all gone to their rooms, trying to escape the heat. She had cancelled several meetings, knowing that it was pointless anyway. Just a few days earlier, another riot had broken out in the streets of Iziz. Vaklu's followers had been growing bolder than ever under this martial law, whereas Talia's supporters were openly harassed by Vaklu's militia, even jailed under the pretext of insubordination. No one even suspected his treacherous associations with the Sith, save for Talia and her councilors. They were trapped, forced to stay in the Palace and wait for Vaklu to make the first move. What was he waiting for?
In the midst of her reveries, she was surprised by the sound of footsteps around the corner. Her heart thumped as it both hoped and worried that it would be Kavar. Although their relationship had remained friendly since their conversation the week before, Talia could see him struggling to distance himself from her, more each day. She had spent several sleepless nights in frustration at the unfair dealings of fate, at his damn Jedi Code. But it was all to no avail; he would do what was required of him. As would she.
However, as the footsteps approached and the figure finally turned around the corner, Talia was suddenly filled with incredulous joy to see her younger sister, Princess Siala. Upon seeing each other, the two sisters met in a tight embrace, filling the hallways with their combined laughter.
"Sisi! It's been far, far too long! How did you possibly get through the blockade and Vaklu's militia? Everything is so restricted now," Talia said in a stream of words, holding her close. Siala chuckled, pulling away from her sister's arms. She smiled wryly as she said,
"Friends in high places," she said jokingly. "In all seriousness, though, I think the only reason they let me through was because I reminded them (quite forcefully) that an attack on me would be an attack on the Royal family, akin to declaring premature civil war. They didn't seem too comfortable with that idea, so I was allowed to pass."
Talia shook her head, smiling.
"And your husband? Where is he, did he come with you?" Talia inquired.
At this question, Siala's smile seemed to fade away.
"He… he was detained by Colonel Tobin's men when we arrived at the Iziz starport, actually. As a Republic diplomat, I was hardly surprised. But it was still unsettling. I don't know where he is, or if he's even safe. I kept telling him that it was too dangerous to travel here, but he refused to listen. Men can be such children, especially when it comes to these war situations."
Talia turned to her sister with a look of pain.
"I'm so sorry, Siala."
Siala tried to smile, waving off the worry with a small gesture of her hand.
"I'm sure he'll be alright," she said. "He's gotten out of worse scrapes before. Besides, I came here to help you, not the other way around. I can't imagine what you've been through, Talia. And you've faced it bravely as ever, I expect."
Talia laughed harshly.
"I don't know what bravery can exist when you're locked in Palace walls for your own safety, because your beloved people prefer to believe the words of a traitor, a liar, and a murderer."
Siala nodded in agreement, a look of disgust crossing her pretty face.
"He was always horrible, even when we were children, remember? He still had that horrible tangled beard, waltzing around like he owned the place. I guess some things never change."
They both laughed as they continued walking through the Palace, reminiscing about lighter days. Soon, they arrived at the nearby throne room, where a few of the more determined councilors were trying to have a meeting in spite of the raging heat. Master Kavar was among them, and as he spotted the Queen, he walked over to greet the pair with a smile.
"Siala, this is Master Kavar. He's a Jedi Master, and he's been completely indispensible as my chief advisor. Kavar, this is my sister, Princess Siala Nartano. I don't believe you had a chance to meet one another during Kavar's last visit, as Siala was away at school at the time."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness," he said with a friendly smile, bowing crisply. Glancing at Talia, he continued, "I'm sure that whatever Queen Talia says about my usefulness is an exaggeration owing to her gracious nature. I'm afraid I haven't been able to help much in these strange circumstances."
"The pleasure is all mine, Master Jedi," Siala said politely. Gesturing to Talia, she said with a wicked grin, "I had heard in correspondence with my sister that you had returned to Onderon. I can assure you, however, that at the very least she did not exaggerate in her descriptions of you. You are as handsome as she said."
Talia blushed furiously, turning several shades of red. A warm smile hovered on Kavar's lips, and his eyes twinkled faintly.
"Well, now that you're introduced, I hope you will excuse us, Master Kavar," Talia said in a rush of embarrassment, grabbing Siala's arm. "I really should make sure that Siala is settled first."
"As you wish, your majesty," Kavar said with another low bow, and what could have been a chuckle, as Talia hurriedly led Siala away.
The Palace servants hastily prepared a guest bedroom in the east wing of the Palace, near to Talia's own suite. After they had finished airing the satin sheets, the sisters entered the room. Siala began to unpack, as Talia sat on the bed.
"I still can't believe that you said that, Sisi," said Talia with a mortified look. "I already told you that the situation is… complicated."
Siala laughed lightly, unfolding an elegant violet dress and hanging it in the closet.
"Complicated? It seems clear enough to me. His eyes lingered on you, even when he was talking to me. Not to mention all the charming compliments and dashing smiles." A thoughtful expression crossed Siala's face, as she said earnestly, "It seems obvious enough that he loves you, Talia. And you love him. You told me so."
Talia shook her head, swiveling to face Siala.
"Perhaps. But what of it?"
Siala sighed, sitting down next to her elder sister on the edge of the bed.
"I don't claim to know much, but since I married Dalen, I can honestly say I've never known a greater happiness. I know you, Talia, and I can already tell that there's something between you and that man, Jedi or no. Something that could make you happy."
Talia's face grew cloudy as she said softly,
"Don't you think I know that?" Standing up, she faced the seated Siala. "I've loved him for years, deeply and exclusively. Even when I thought he was dead. And now, I finally learn from his own admission that my feelings are returned, even shared." Her words grew louder and more chaotic with every syllable, as her feelings rose to the surface. "And what can I do about it? Absolutely nothing! He says that the Jedi can't love, that to allow it would be taking an enormous risk. That love leads to anger and fear, and eventually darkness. That it would cloud judgment and keep us from our responsibilities. That if he were to lose me, he would lose himself, and everything else that he stands for. Can I, in good conscience, permit all that to happen? I can't, I can't," The last words were a whispered utterance of pain as Talia sat down again, feeling defeated and confused. She continued in a soft, controlled voice.
"I won't stop him from leaving when this is over. It is how it should be. Kavar has his place, and I have mine."
There was silence as Siala breathed in, surprised by her sister's uncharacteristic outburst.
"So the Jedi forbid love outright? Just… forbid it?" she demanded.
"Yes… well, not exactly. But it doesn't make a difference."
Siala placed her head in her hand, thinking hard.
"No? I think it does," she said after a few moments. "Perhaps it isn't encouraged, but that's not the same thing as forbidden."
"That doesn't change the weight of the risk one bit," said Talia sullenly.
"Love is certainly a risk, and there's always the possibility of losing yourself. It's dangerous even for non-Force users. But the prize is sweeter than anything you can imagine."
"And?" said Talia curiously.
"And you shouldn't be so quick to give it up as a lost cause! It's rare enough as it is. You've spent so much of your time serving our people so honorably, always fighting tooth and nail for this damn city." She put a comforting arm around her sister, speaking more quietly. "You could try."
"But there's always the chance that something will happen…"
Siala shrugged.
"Of course," she replied. "But if you accept the will of fate and hope for the best, love can never condemn. Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot. Especially a group of crabby old Jedi."
Talia sighed, shaking her head and rubbing her eyes.
"I'd forgotten how exhausting it is to talk with you," she said dryly. "You never quit."
"Rarely," said Siala, grinning. "Now leave, I need to start getting ready for the dinner I'm sure you're already planning."
"You know me too well," said Talia, as she left Siala's chambers. Her heart felt a bit lighter as she walked.
Admit it. You wanted someone to convince you.
This time, Talia didn't shush the voice in her head.