As always, a warm thank you to my Beta Reader WarmNyota_SweetAyesha at the Jedi Council Forums for the great support with proof-reading this story.
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Chapter Eleven
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Luke rushed as he got ready for the event he was attending that night. He'd promised Leia he'd arrive early, and now he had a very strong motivation to be there: Mara was going too.
Jedi were not supposed to revel on feelings of possessiveness, ownership or competitiveness, but he couldn't help it! Mara had been sentimentally unattached all this time…. Perhaps it was petty of him, but to know that Mara had never been in a relationship with Lando gave him great satisfaction. It also gave him peace of mind to think that he didn't have to worry about hurting anyone's feelings.
As he shaved, he reflected on the week's events. Mara had seemed to open up more easily to him during the past days. They had seen each other every day and had not gotten into any arguments. She had not objected to the crystal he had gifted to her, and she was even wearing the gem! This very afternoon she had presented herself very prettily dressed for their lunch, wearing an outfit very different from the ones she usually wore when working, accompanied by a very nice, very feminine hairdo. She had not made a fuss about his gallant gestures and had even let him pay! Mara had been relaxed and agreeable. They had also cleared the air concerning their last relationships. If he was honest with himself, it really had almost felt like a date. Under this new perspective, he had very much enjoyed the time they'd spent together… he only hoped she had too.
Tonight, Mara would be at the party. And although it was a diplomatic event, it was also a time for leisure. Perhaps he'd have a chance to talk to her… to tell her… Luke could feel his heart race at the prospect. He felt anxious and that weird emptiness in the pit of his stomach had come back, this time more intensely. They would be leaving to Xaymni Si'kem in two days' time… If things didn't turn out as he expected then he should ready himself for a very awkward time during their trip. Should he wait until their return then?
No! For the Force's sake! He was a fully trained Jedi Master, and this was silly. Mara was his long-time friend, he could do this! And the sooner he got this off his chest, the better. Yes, he'd do it tonight!
Just as he'd always had with everything else, he'd trust the Force with this too.
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oOo
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The Ball Room of the Nebula Centre displayed an arrangement of lavish decorations and tables suited for elegant dining. Exquisite orbs of light hovered above the room, casting a soft warm light. A live band played soft instrumental music from a select list that represented the different worlds of those gathering there tonight. The dance floor area was placed right in the centre, empty for now, but awaiting dance enthusiasts later in the evening.
Little by little, the spacious place got filled with numerous sentient beings representing every New Republic affiliated world; each displaying their finest attire, representative of their status and culture. In events like this, it was a colossal effort to provide food and drinks adequate to every palate, nutrient and digestive needs of such diverse gathering of alien races.
One by one, each guest went through the wide main door in the room, handing in their invitation to the attentive staff that stood by, who later accompanied them to their assigned tables.
Clad in a chic, long, dark blue strapless dress that enhanced her very trim, slender and shapely figure, Mara Jade made her entrance on the arm of a handsomely dressed Talon Karrde. Both traders looked sharp and elegant tonight, adequately presented for the occasion.
More out of habit than anything else, Mara did a quick inspection of the place, checking for sniper points and securing in her mind all the available entrances and exits, vulnerable spots and possible stronghold locations… Although she didn't need to be on her toes since she was amongst friends, this was something she couldn't help doing every time she entered any room. The behaviour had been hardwired in her subconscious mind as a result of her thorough Imperial espionage training. But once done with that involuntary urge, she could then relax and put her mind in other things.
On the other side of the room, Luke had already felt Mara's presence way before she appeared at the entrance. Watching her from a distance he sent a soft greeting through the Force.
Mara felt the Force nudge and looked in his direction, gifting him with a tiny smile.
In return, the Jedi gave her a wide white grin and walked towards her, crossing the room with long, purposeful strides.
Mara watched him approach. Although the Jedi did seem to have a monochromatic idea about fashion, she had to admit that black suited him. The formal Jedi outfit he was wearing tonight did look very nice on him, making him stand out amongst the crowd.
"Good evening, Miss Jade." Luke courteously greeted; he'd been very eagerly waiting for her arrival.
"Good evening, Master Skywalker." She amusedly answered. This was certainly a completely new behaviour, but it was cute when done with him. Although she never did cute, this time she decided to play along.
"Talon." The Jedi greeted Mara's companion.
"Hello, Luke." Talon liked Luke and showed it without reservations. Both men had grown to respect and like each other after their many collaborations.
"It's good to see you! Specially in a situation that doesn't involve death-defying events." Luke jokingly handed.
"Oh, yes! It's much better this way," Karrde warmly laughed. "Not too often we have the occasion to dress like civilized people. I must say it is very refreshing!" He then pointed out.
Talon was right, Mara thought. They were so used to seeing each other in training gear, fatigues and casual outfits for piloting, traveling and field work – clothing that suited their life styles, that looking at each other so formally dressed it was kind of surreal.
As Talon and Luke engaged in conversation, catching up with the latest events in the smuggler world, a waiter-droid made a round catering a selection of drinks. Casually, Talon took a glass of a strong liquor he favoured, while Luke chose two fluted glasses containing a sparkly, fizzy wine that he knew Mara liked. Turning to her, he offered one of the glasses… Without any objection, she took the glass in her hand, returning a look of approval.
While both men talked, Mara studied Luke, apprising how he looked tonight. The Jedi was extremely fit and had a nice slight frame. He had the physique of an athlete. Over the years, despite the physical demands of his Jedi training he hadn't bulked up, and his silhouette remained trim and stylized. He was not big or buffed, but in Mara's opinion, he was very nicely put together.
He was not very tall either, although his stylish figure would make him appear taller from what he really was. Mara was sure that tonight with her high-heeled shoes, she'd be pretty close to matching his height. In amusement, she wondered if Luke was the kind of man who would feel intimidated by going out with a date taller than him…
Mara stopped in her tracks! Why was she even thinking that? He was not her date! She'd come with Karrde, on a strictly business night out.
More and more people started to gather around the room, and it was not that much later that Mara, Luke and Talon were surrounded by friends.
Wedge and Iella Antilles approached to greet them and joined in the conversation.
Tycho Celchu and Winter were there too, soon joining the group. As others approached, it was not long before an animated crowd of friends were standing, talking in a lively banter with one another.
A bit discontented, Luke had to leave the group when Leia called for him, to aid her with some diplomatic duties, greeting and doing small talk with different dignitaries. As Luke graciously talked with each personality, answering their questions about the Academy and Jedi related matters, he couldn't help but to – now and then, furtively glance at Mara… He didn't want to lose sight of the exquisitely attired Trader, wanting to be by her side as soon as possible.
Dinner was announced and everyone took their seats at their assigned tables. Luke sat with Han and Leia at the Presidential table, while Mara remained with Talon in a table assigned to representatives of various corporations.
It was not long after they finished dining that the ambience of the place was filled with tunes played by the orchestra that invited to dance. A few brave guests were already filling the dance floor.
Luke excused himself, standing up and leaving his dark Jedi cloak on his chair. Walking as confidently as he could manage, he approached Mara's table. He knew that it was very likely that whatever he was doing tonight would end up in the front pages of the HoloNet's news the next morning, but it was all the same to him. When he arrived at the table, he could hear a few surprised gasps and murmurs around him, but he didn't regard any of them… All of his attention was on the beautiful woman before him.
"Have you put in that good word?" Luke asked, referring to the donation Mara had come to do on behalf of the Smuggler's Alliance.
"I have." She answered.
"Good… Would you care for a dance?" The Jedi asked, extending his hand to her.
The Trader eyed him with curiosity, "Sure," she answered a bit doubtful, but giving him her hand, nevertheless.
Luke led Mara to the dance floor, followed by Talon Karrde's interested gaze. Something had changed between these two, and he was intrigued. Information was his trade after all, and although personal information about his friends would never make it to the market, this didn't mean he didn't like to know stuff.
The couple reached the dance floor, taking a spot around many other sentient beings engaged in their own dancing. The music was soft and rhythmically slow, the accustomed kind of music destined for elegant balls.
Luke put one hand on the small of her back and took one of her small hands in his. Mara graciously put her free hand on his shoulder.
Mara was a natural dancer and had a dancer's figure and grace. She'd had plenty of training and practice while posing in that innocent role, as a way to infiltrate an organization undercover.
The tune played on and soon enough they were enthralled by the soft, melodic notes that filled the space around them, leaving everything else out of their circle of awareness.
"We'd never danced before…" Luke pointed out, looking at her.
Looking back, Mara's lips barely moved, just muttering a negative. "You're a good dancer Skywalker," she added.
"I had good teachers." He simply let out with a nostalgic grin.
Mara gave him a quizzical look.
"Aunt Beru always told me that good dancers were the ones who got the girl…" Memories of a very young version of himself came to his mind, dancing with his aunt in the common room of their small Tatooine home during heavy sandstorms. "Then Leia made a point about dancing being a must have diplomatic skill… I guess she didn't want me to be the awkward Jedi Master with no social skills." He finished with a soft laugh.
"Well… They were both right." Mara said with a smile, looking into those expressive blue eyes of his. "And they did a good job."
Luke smiled back. They had touched hands before, but never like this. The feel of Mara in his arms was… electrifying.
There was no doubt in his heart. It was she whom he wanted.
Tonight, Mara looked strikingly beautiful. Her strapless dress left exposed the creamy skin of her shoulders and toned arms. Her hair was styled down in long, soft waves, the red-gold of her mane shimmering with the lights. Luke silently admired her long neck and the outline of her exquisite face… Her chiselled cheeks, her red full lips… The small jewellery she wore sparkling quietly, adding a captivating effect.
Luke realized that the tight cut of her floor length dress and her natural poised posture – plus the high heels she was surely wearing, made her look very tall, and he only had to lower his head slightly to look into her eyes.
The Jedi was not a very tall man, but he'd always felt that standing at a height of one hundred and seventy-five centimetres was not negligible either – Fighter pilots tended to be short heighted, although in Rogue Squadron he'd been the tallest of them all. Luke had never been subconscious about his height, but tonight he felt kind of vulnerable and Mara's enhanced beauty felt a bit intimidating. 'For the Force's sake! Do not be a Tip-yip this time!'
As they swayed to the music, Luke gathered some courage.
"You look very beautiful tonight, Mara." He uttered, allowing soft velvet to pour into his voice.
Mara was a bit unprepared for his remark, but somehow it pleased her to hear his words, "Thank you…" She simply said with an open smile. It was embarrassing to admit it, but she'd wanted to look nice tonight… for him. And she'd wanted Luke to notice, and he had. "You look very handsome yourself." She easily returned the compliment.
Mara was not naïve, although she didn't quite understand what was going on, she could recognize the feelings that were building up between them and the intensity of the moment… The Farmboy was being so gentlemanly… and she was liking every bit of it. There was definitely something there.
As they continued to engage in the idle activity, spontaneously Mara leaned softly towards him, barely brushing her temple against his cheek. He smelled very nice and felt warm against her skin… His energy felt different too, he felt so expansive and receptive, but only to her… In that very moment, he was there only for her. This was a very different way of perceiving him… and it enthralled and excited her somehow.
Luke could feel how the closeness of her hair and skin awoke his senses. Softly, he breathed in her delicate scent… She seemed to let herself be held by him with ease, in an uncharacteristically unguarded demeanour… He liked the feel of her being like that with him… He wished he could hold Mara in his arms forever!
The musical piece that was being played ended. When hearing the polished applauses of the crowd gratifying the musicians in the orchestra, both slowly, reluctantly came back from the deep spell of the moment.
Before the next piece started, taking her by the hand, Luke led Mara away from the dance floor to an outside terrace, where they could be alone.
It was a warm night. The view from the terraces of the Nebula Centre were spectacular, the numerous lights of the monumental city sparkling as far as one could see.
Getting close to the rail of the terrace, Mara gleefully admired the view… She would never get enough of her home planet, this was were she belonged! She didn't know if it was the booze or having danced… but tonight she felt thrilled of being there… and oddly enough, the fact of having the Farmboy right there with her made it even more special.
Luke could feel Mara's elation, and felt genuinely happy for her. It was extremely rare to see her quietly open up like this… In fact, in ten years, he'd seen her doing that only a couple of scarce times before… Seeing her so relaxed and happy was an exceptional event to witness and it warmed his own heart in a very special way.
It was time.
"Mara, there's something I haven't told you…" He made himself start.
"More secrets, Farmboy?" She playfully inquired, giving him a wide smile that made him melt.
Luke gave a deep sigh, "I think this one was a secret even to me!"
Mara looked back at him with a frown.
He had to say it… He could feel his mouth going dry… But he'd do it! "I… I have been thinking…"
"There you are!" Leia's voice called behind him. "Luke, I need you!" She called after him. Leia grabbed Luke by the arm, "Hi Mara! Could you excuse us for a minute?" she greeted the other woman as she pulled her brother away.
Without any more words, Leia dragged the Jedi by the arm taking him in the opposite direction.
As he was taken away, Luke gave Mara a half annoyed, half puzzled, utterly helpless look. What was his sister doing?
Mara chuckled at Luke's helplessness; she could feel in her Force sense that Luke was very annoyed.
Leia led Luke to a specific side of the ball room, were a small group of different dignitaries had gathered.
The President addressed one of the women in the group, "Your Excellency, this is my brother, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker."
A beautiful woman of violet eyes turned towards them. Clad in an elegant, very revealing but tasteful, black gown, her raven hair done up in an elaborate, fancy bow; leaving the front and back of her dress exposed in all of its glory.
Luke recognized Vissa immediately.
"Luke, this is Ambassador Ratvissa Haxa from Varldavinnor." Leia ended with the introductions.
"We've met…" was all Luke managed to say before Leia politely interrupted him.
"She's never been to Coruscant before and has not made her acquaintance with most other Senators," Leia explained the situation. "Dear brother, I thought that since you came to the Ball alone, maybe you could introduce Ambassador Haxa to the others and keep her company?" She finished, providing a sweet, innocent smile.
Luke perfectly understood his sister's scheme. Leia was actually pairing him up with the Varldavinnorian Ambassador!
Discreetly, he glared at Leia and sent her an annoyed protest through their Force bond.
'Don't you dare leave me here!'
'Little brother, you need a date!'
'I've got one!'
'A Force ghost I'm not aware of?'
'Leia!'
Ignoring her brother, Leia graciously walked away, leaving Luke stranded.
"Is everything all right?" Haxa worriedly asked.
Luke quickly recomposed himself, "Everything is fine, Your Excellency."
"Vissa." She sheepishly corrected.
He embarrassedly chuckled, "Of course… Vissa."
Both shared a moment of awkward silence.
"The music is so nice!" she started, obviously trying to ease the awkward moment.
"Yes, the orchestra is… top of the line. Leia wouldn't have it any other way." He pathetically elaborated.
"I have not danced in such a long time…" she suggested.
Luke made an uncomfortable nod, of course he understood her insinuation. Ratvissa's traditional royal upbringing didn't certainly allow her to be as straight forward as other women could be, but she decidedly had a way to ask for what she wanted. In spite of his annoyance, Luke really didn't want to be rude with someone who didn't deserve it… Politely he offered her his hand.
When they reached the dance floor Luke kind of didn't know were to put his hands. Ratvissa's dress left a lot of exposed skin, all of it in the right places. The Ambassador was certainly beautiful, and sexy and desirable… and was evidently favouring him.
"I thought you'd be back to Varldavinnor by now." Luke made conversation as they danced.
"I meant to, but your sister insisted that I should stay for the Ball and get to know the other Senators," Vissa explained, "I must say I don't regret it. This is an impressive display!"
"Leia certainly knows how to throw a party!" Luke let out, making an effort to be more agreeable, "This type of event also brings people together… They all get to know each other in a leisurely environment… They're happy and relaxed… It's good for bonding."
"I'm sure it is," Vissa agreed. "Back home we used to have parties like this… but we've stopped doing them… With everything that is going on…"
Luke felt a veil of dejection settling upon her. "We're moving ahead with your case. So be sure that something is being done about it." He encouraged.
"I know you're doing something about it…" she reassured him, "But please, I don't want to ruin your evening! Just for tonight let's talk about something else. Tell me about your Academy!"
"Well… Where to start?" Luke animatedly began talking.
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oOo
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Leia took her seat next to her husband, who'd been engrossed in conversation with Admiral Ackbar.
When noticing her presence, Han turned to greet his wife, "Hi Sweetheart! Where have you been?" He tenderly asked the sole owner of his heart.
"Just leaving Luke in good hands." She proudly stated.
Han followed his wife's gaze to discover Luke dancing with a petite, beautiful woman. 'Where is Mara?!' Suddenly bewildered, Han turned to Leia, "Princess… What have you done?" He accusingly interrogated his wife.
"I have found Luke a date for tonight!" Was Leia's blissful answer. "And perhaps something more than only a date…" Leia triumphantly added.
Han studied the woman in question… She was pretty, all right… He had to admit that the lady looked very beautiful in that black dress, and was pulling out a classy look in spite of the suggestive style of her choice… All of her attention was poured onto the Jedi, she seemed very pleased to be in Luke's company and he was being nice as always…. But Luke didn't want her… Luke wanted Mara!
"If he doesn't get turned on by that cleavage… I don't know what else I'm going to do!" Leia added, half hopeful and half worried.
"Keep out of your brother's love life?" Han sarcastically suggested.
Han had been aware of what Luke had been doing tonight… It all had indicated that the Kid would have his chance with Mara that evening… He'd seen Luke staying around the Trader the whole time, being gallant and attentive… He'd seen him asking Mara for a dance… and had watched them dance together! And that dance scene had been damn romantic… Even a guy like him could recognise that! His brother-in-law had been doing everything right!
But Leia had had other plans all along… An unintentionally had blown all of her brother's efforts! And with the way the Varldavinnorian Ambassador looked tonight, all curves and cleavage, the Kid didn't stand a chance! Han knew this was going to be a mess.
"Princess… I think you've made a huge mistake!" Han seriously addressed his wife.
"Why? What have I done?" Leia replied, a confused look on her face.
"Let me tell you."
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oOo
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Mara sat at her table, and from a distance she watched Luke dancing with a ravishing raven-haired woman. Hadn't he left with Leia to do some diplomatic thing? The woman he was dancing with was certainly a head-turner, Mara had noticed her the moment she'd entered the room when all this charade had begun… That dress was one to remember, she was sure it would even make it to the front pages of fashion holo-magazines… And now the novel trend-setter was with the Jedi, providing him with all her attentions. That woman was all cleavage and curves… and had sex written all over her body… Mara was not liking it at all!
Talon couldn't help but to notice his Second in Command's intense stare. He'd also noticed that the sparkling wine had just kept coming… but decided on not mentioning anything and just remained quiet.
After explaining to his dear wife about the mess she had just created, Han went to find Mara. When he found her and looked at the coolly poised Trader, all he could say was, "Oh, boy!"
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oOo
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Luke looked around, searching for Mara amongst the crowd. It seemed she had shut down her side of their Force bond to him. Where was she?
The Jedi had left Vissa engaged in conversation after he'd introduced her to some Ho'Din Diplomats, as they seemed to have a lot of interest in learning about Varldavinnor and its medicinal natural resources. Luke had used this opportunity to politely excuse himself.
He found Karrde standing across from where he stood. The stoic looking Trader rose his glass in greeting, cocking his head towards the exit door. Luke looked in that direction… There she was! He rushed towards where Mara was heading.
Luke reached her just beyond the main exit door's threshold.
"Mara! What are you doing?" He called out, matching her pace and walking next to her.
"Leaving! Isn't that obvious?" Mara snapped without stopping.
Luke reached out to her, placing his fingers softly on her arm, making her stop. "Leaving? Why?"
"I'm tired!" Mara irritably let out, while pulling her arm away from his touch as she continued walking, "Plus, I don't have Ambassadors to entertain and no obligation to stay around any longer!"
He realized it had taken him too long to come back to her… Of course, he'd just hurt her… He'd hurt Mara Jade's pride, and that was the worst he could ever do.
Luke followed her as she briskly walked, her high heeled shoes not slowing her down at all.
"Mara, I was just..."
Suddenly Mara stopped and turned, looking at him square in the eye, giving him a look that would make others quickly shy away, "Do whatever you want! I don't care!... But I warn you that you're just making a fool out of yourself in front of every dignitary in the Galaxy!" She warned, clearly showing her foul mood this time.
If she only let him speak! "Mara, what's the matter with you? I didn't mean…"
"Oh, shut up Farmboy!" She snapped, turning around and leaving this time for good, fuming.
Luke watched her leave, not daring to follow her again.
It was best if he let her be… for now.
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oOo
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Luke came back inside the Ball Room, to find an inquisitive look on Han's face.
When the Kid simply shook his head in defeat, Han knew instantly that things had gone down the drain. He slapped his friend's back and squeezed his shoulder in a supportive gesture.
Leia came over, "Luke, are you all right?" She had to ask, although she could clearly see that he wasn't.
The Jedi was about to open his mouth to address his sister when a soft feminine voice called after him.
"Luke… I should leave now. My aides are not with me tonight, and I'm not used to this huge metropolis… Varldavinnor is such a quiet place." She smiled timidly, "I wonder if you could escort me home."
"Of course, I can accompany you." The Jedi offered, there was no way he would ever resist to help someone in need. What he knew so far about what was happening in Varldavinnor, also made him decide that it was best if he made sure she got home safe.
Han just looked away… the woman was really a charmer. The Kid was in so much trouble!
Leia gave her formal thanks to Ratvissa Haxa for attending the event and asked her aide to provide an official vehicle for the Ambassador. In the meantime, Luke had retrieved his cloak and waited for Vissa to say her goodbyes and be ready to leave.
The Ambassador and the Jedi walked away, while Leia and Han followed them with their gaze.
"Well, Princess… I guess you got what you wanted." Han dryly chastised his conflicted wife.
Leia just showed a helpless look on her face as she watched her brother leave with the woman she had paired him up with, feeling a glint of guilt in her conscience.
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oOo
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After a long, silent drive, the vehicle arrived at the Ambassadorial residence. The chauffeur got off and formally opened the door for the Ambassador.
On the other side of the landspeeder, Luke got off and approached Vissa to walk her to her door.
Without saying a word, the Ambassador opened her home's door and went in, leaving Luke standing at the door's threshold.
"Come in, Master Skywalker! I want to show you something." She called out from inside.
Luke sheepishly stepped in. He was not naïve anymore, he could clearly feel the mixed anxiety and anticipation that accompanied situations like this. Earlier that night, Vissa had been leaning into him as they danced, had been providing him bashful looks and smiles, discreetly had brushed her hands with his at every opportunity… The whole night the signals had been so clear… This was definitely a preamble to sex.
Why was he even here tonight? Oh, yes! He'd come to make sure the Ambassador arrived home safely, now he had to go! He did not do one night stands anymore. What was it with the Ambassador that pulled at him? He didn't even know her! She was very beautiful and charming... But looks and charm were not all Luke sought in a woman. And he wanted Mara, more than anything… and he had just let her go, evidently angry at him. He should get back to her right now!
Luke felt like a hypocrite! Of course the prospect of having sex was a very appealing option. And the Force knew that he needed that!… It'd been a long time… Since Gaeriel…. As he hesitated, Ratvissa came back and helped him further in by taking his arm.
The residence was lavishly decorated in a classic Varldavinnorian style, elegant and old fashioned. She led him to a cosy reading room, the walls covered with old fashioned books - actually printed ones which would be worth a fortune!, and where a fancy, large sofa was the main protagonist. She gestured to him to sit down, while she retrieved a small object from a nearby drawer.
Vissa sat close to Luke. "Show me your hand," she asked.
Without questioning her, Luke extended out his hand.
Taking his hand, she gently slid a ring on one of his fingers. "Ah! It fits perfectly!" she let out in a pleased exclamation, while admiring the piece of jewellery on his finger.
The ring bore an intricate design of the coat of arms of the House of Rullian, in a mixed alloy of high quality aurodium and platinum. It looked regal and clearly denoted power. Luke realized it was a heavy little trinket too.
"This ring is only worn by members of the Royal family," Vissa explained, "In the rare occasion that someone outside the family is granted one of these, it means that this person is a trusted and honoured friend of the Rullian House." She gave him an intense look, stressing the importance of what she'd just given him. "I haven't seen you wearing jewellery, but if you ever come to Varldavinnor… put it on, this will give you unbound access to us."
Luke felt a bit surprised and embarrassed at the same time. Definitely, this was not his night! He felt surprised by the huge honour he was obviously being granted, and embarrassed because he had interpreted Vissa's intentions completely wrong. His erred assumptions absolutely humbling him. "I'm honoured… Thank you."
Vissa looked back at him with adoring eyes. Without any more preamble, she leaned towards him and kissed him fully on the lips.
He was taken aback by Vissa's impulse, but she didn't give him time to have second thoughts. Little by little the kisses grew in intensity. Luke's hands held Vissa's small waist, while her hands rested on his chest. Softly, she pushed him back until his spine reached the soft, woolly cushions, as she leant her weight against him.
As their kisses deepened, Luke felt something wrong going on with him, he didn't feel like himself, "Your Ambassadorial… Excellency," was he even supposed to call her that? All that protocol was utterly scrambled in his brain, "I don't think… appropriate for us… engage in something like this…" He managed to articulate between kisses.
"Call me Vissa." She giggled, as she continued kissing him.
Luke couldn't articulate anything, his mind and body fighting against each other. He could feel a surge of lust invading him… Vissa was so beautiful and tempting... What the hell! She was willing, he was willing… He was a free man, he could do whatever he wanted…. But this felt wrong! Somehow it felt very wrong! And Mara… By the Force! All of this felt so wrong! Mara! He didn't even know what he was feeling anymore!… And Vissa's energy… her energy felt like… it felt like…
The sound of the clasp of his pants unfastening snapped him off his frantic pondering. In a quick, soft move, Luke took Vissa's hands in his, stopping her.
He slowed his breathing, trying to regain control of himself, "I'm sorry… I can't." As politely and gallantly as he could, Luke apologized. This was wrong, he couldn't do it.
"Is there someone else?" Vissa asked as she looked into his eyes, visibly confused.
Luke didn't answer, his silence and the look in his eyes saying more than a thousand words.
"I understand," Vissa softly let out. "I can wait until you're ready. Maybe I can help you heal… and forget…" She offered in a soft, sweet voice, while kissing the cleft of his chin.
He sighed deeply and looked back at her, "You are very beautiful…" he uttered as he appraised her face with his blue gaze.
Luke sat up, carefully lifting Vissa with him until she sat on her side of the couch. Then he stood up, while discretely tidying his clothing back in place. He then turned and picked up his cloak, that lay crunched on the coach. "I must go."
Vissa nodded in understanding, "Thank you for taking me home."
The Jedi was relieved that she was being gracious about the whole matter. For a moment he thought about returning the ring… but he wasn't sure if he'd offend her, so he didn't part with it.
Once outside, Luke sent the chauffeur away and decided to walk back. He needed to clear his head!
From a window in the residence, a pair of violet eyes followed him as he walked away and faded in the distance.
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To be continued…