The Wedding of Luke Skywalker
By Ash Darklighter
Chapter 13
Disclaimer: The characters and situations in this story are the property of Lucasfilm Ltd. I am not making so much as a credit from this endeavour. Thanks to the girls as usual. Without you this story would be nowhere.
The Senate chambers
Luke, accompanied by a subdued Mara, walked sedately into the hall to find his Jedi Knights already seated and waiting for him. Most of them appeared to be quite calm although Grenet kept plucking at what he thought were pieces of fluff from his robe. They weren't. They were little pieces of wire he'd trimmed from the cable he'd been replacing in some of Luke's Jedi Centre equipment.
"We're going to assemble in the ante chamber and process in like we mean business," Luke said with a smile. "Come on."
Mara smiled at the group as they got to their feet, nervous grins on their faces. "May the Force be with you," she said and turned to leave them. She had only taken a couple of steps before Luke crossed to her side.
"Where are you going?" he asked, as the knights filed out.
"I was going to find a seat somewhere at the back."
Luke tugged on her sleeve, pulling her into the corridor after the rest of his Jedi. "Oh, no, you're not. You're coming with me."
Mara glared at him. "Where am I going now?"
He stared at her. Mara was dressed in clothes resembling robes worn by the Jedi but in green, covered by a cloak similar to the one Luke was wearing, her lightsaber clearly visible at her slim waist. "You… you… look like a Jedi. I didn't see what you were wearing underneath your cloak."
"You told me I was a Jedi Knight. It's about time I believed it."
Another unspoken apology from Mara. Luke smiled; he knew that's what it was. "Good…" He looked as if he wanted to say more but the invited guests were arriving and the once almost deserted corridor was getting very crowded.
"Go, Master Jedi," Mara urged gently. "I can find my own seat. You need to be with your students right now."
"They're not students any longer." He made a face - part worry and part pride. "Some of them are so naïve. Can you believe that?"
Mara stifled a smile and nodded. "I see you. At times, Skywalker, you can be just a little naïve, too."
"I was never that green."
"That's debatable. Sometimes I think you still are and then you turn into the wisest of all beings. I'm sure that your ears are growing and you've become just like Yoda"
Luke grinned. "A compliment of sorts, Jade… I'm touched."
"I admit that I'm a little tired, don't know what I'll say next," she tried to tease him. "Don't get used to it, farmboy." Mara sighed. Things were better between them but Luke had erected some sort of barrier. Their problems had been put aside for a more suitable moment.
Luke gave a quiet laugh and then his face sobered. "Youth is easily cured by age and experience."
"We all grow up – even me." Mara tried to lighten his mood, sensing that it had darkened. She had never been a child – not really.
"Yes." A shadow crossed his face. "But some experiences are better off not happening."
"That may be true but our experiences make us who we are - bring us to certain points in our life. Haven't you told me once or twice that the future is always in motion?"
Luke pretended to consider her statement. "I may have," he said, tapping his lips. "I may have. You must have been listening at some point."
Mara's gaze fastened on his mouth, those beautifully shaped lips of his which had coaxed from her a fiery response and a shiver ran down her spine. He was being very pleasant with no hint of the dangerous passion she'd encountered in him previously – too pleasant. Part of her wanted to have him kiss her again. She was lying to herself. All of her wanted him to kiss her. Mara wanted to know if it would feel the same as the last time. Would her world tilt crazily upside down with just the touch of his lips on hers? Would the passion overwhelm them as his body pressed against hers? Did he still want her?
"You're coming with me," he insisted, wondering at the far-away look in her eyes. "There's a place for you on the platform."
"Me?" Mara asked. "Are you sure…? But I…"
"Not all the Jedi could come from Yavin, but we are not large in number. You are a Jedi of no small ability. It's your rightful place. I'm not being kind - I'm telling you this is how it should be and where you should be. You've earned that place. Kam and Tionne arrived this morning with some of the others to take part. You're as much a Jedi as they are – the road you have travelled has been no less arduous."
"Who else?"
"Kirana Ti, Cilghal… I think, and maybe Corran…"
"He's admitting he's a Jedi, too?"
Luke grimaced. "I insisted. Told him he could stand at the back if he wanted to keep a low profile. No one would see him then because he's so short."
"Nasty." Mara winced. "Is he speaking to you?"
"He did mutter something about kicking my butt next time we have a saber fight." Luke's smile turned slightly cocky and Mara could see in him the devil-may-care youth who once just lived to fly. "It'll never happen," he asserted. "Delusions of grandeur."
"Hey, kid!"
Luke turned his head and a slow smile crossed his face. "Han, you old pirate. Leia got you dressed up in your fancy suit. Looking smart, General."
Han scowled and waved his arms helplessly before tugging at his stiff collar. "She said I had to make the effort." He raised an eyebrow as he caught sight of Mara standing behind Luke and his familiar lazy grin emerged. "Well, hello, Jade."
So Luke and Mara were on speaking terms still, despite the kissing and the punching. It had to be love.
"Solo." Mara's voice was cool. She couldn't rid herself of the feeling that he was laughing at her. She did not like to be laughed at for no apparent reason.
"Where's Leia?" asked Luke, already craning his neck in an attempt to catch sight of his sister.
"She's with President Gavrisom and the other stuffed shirts. I decided that I would sit with the minor celebrities."
"Oh!" Luke was getting anxious to get the ceremony started. "Maybe we shouldn't have done this here. Perhaps the ceremony on Yavin was sufficient."
"No, Luke." Han was adamant. "This is good for you and the New Republic. This is good news. Beings still need good news."
"Luke, go and get your people lined up and I'll go and find Corran." Mara hesitated, wanting to drop a kiss on his cheek but not while the sharp eyes of Luke's Corellian brother-in-law were watching their every move. She contented herself with pressing his arm in a gesture of support.
Luke stared after her as she headed towards the room where the Jedi were already assembled.
"Luke… Luke, old buddy…" Han murmured in his ear. "The flowers worked then?"
"What!"
"She's still speaking to you."
Luke sighed. "Just. We've had a rough couple of days. Things are almost back to normal."
Han pursed his lips, for once saying nothing but thinking plenty. 'Oh, no, kid. Things are not back to normal. I didn't actually think you and Jade did 'normal'. You look more bedazzled by her than ever. It's starting to look very obvious.'
"Han, they are. I know what you're thinking."
"I doubt that you do, kid."
"Luke!" Leia's breathless voice woke him up from his daydream and he turned to see the petite figure of his sister racing towards him.
"Leia! You look beautiful as always," he murmured in her ear and he kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry."
"I know," she replied in the way that only he could hear. "Stop shutting me out."
"I'll try not to."
"There is no try…"
"I know."
The former Princess of Alderaan was dressed all in white, her hair coiled regally on top of her head, her lightsaber hanging at her waist. "Very smart, brother dear." Leia smoothed the collar of his tunic until the hint of blue lining could be seen. "It brings out the colour of your eyes."
"Leia!" Luke fidgeted uncomfortably, his face turning a faint hint of red colouring his cheeks. He was always uncomfortable if someone mentioned his looks.
"Is Mara here?" she asked anxiously. Over the past couple of days Leia had felt wildly spiralling emotions emanating from her brother. Against her natural impulse to go and see what was wrong, Leia had let him be… for the moment.
Han grinned at his wife and winked. "Yes, spoke to her earlier. Flowers must have worked wonders. I don't think the kid has walked into anything since."
Leia's eyes slid to see her brother's reaction.
"Who said anything about flowers?" Luke managed to croak out. "What would I need those for?"
"Spend a while in a healing trance to get rid of the… er… bruise on your chin, kid?"
"I told you, I just walked into something."
"Yeah! And I'm a dancer at Jabba's palace."
"No, you were hanging around but I can't remember you dancing." Luke lifted his hands in an imitation of Han's figure encased in the carbonite.
"Nice!"
Leia glanced at the chrono outside the hall. "It's party time, guys."
Two faces turned and stared at the serene Alderaanian, their mouths dropping open with surprise.
"What did you say, Leia?" Luke asked.
"It's party time, as my husband would say."
"You're learning, sweetheart," Han murmured. "One day you'll talk like a real Corellian."
Luke rolled his eyes. "We'd better get going then before the Corellians drink the good stuff."
Han thumped Luke on the back and grinned as he lurched forward, coughing. "That's it, kid. I'll make a Corellian of you yet."
*************************************
Mara wandered cautiously into the small ante-chamber where the Jedi had assembled. Keeping well away from Khata Ellynin and Bebo Magnot she headed for a quiet corner. They were a very real reminder of what her foolishness and jealousy could have cost her… may still have cost her. No, she wasn't going to think like that. Luke Skywalker belonged to her and she could analyse what Sith-spawned idiocy had decided her on that one at a later date. He wasn't the only one who could make plans
"Hey, Jade! What are you doing here?"
"Believe it or not, Horn, I was invited." Mara turned to the Corellian pilot, a big smile on her face. Corran Horn was someone she considered a friend.
Corran's pale green eyes narrowed as he scrutinised the woman beside him. "You okay?"
"What makes you ask that?"
"Don't know. A feeling?"
"I'm fine."
"Good," he said although the look he gave Mara showed that he was unconvinced.
"Don't go all Jedi on me, Horn," Mara muttered. "Why are you here? You don't normally advertise your connection to this little exclusive club."
"The Master put his foot down. You know him?"
Mara's mouth curved. "Think so. Stubborn, idealistic son of a…"
"Yeah, I think that's the right guy, sounds just like him. Said 'since I was on the planet I could attend.' So here I am. It's a good thing that the Rogues are all on Coruscant because of the Remembrance Day. It's low key but if we can, we try to be here."
"After that?"
"We're shipping off to somewhere. I don't know." He gave a sly grin. "Mirax is glad to have me around for a while."
"She is, huh?" A twinkle appeared in Mara's eyes. "What about Booster?"
"You have to spoil things, Jade, but as it happens, my father-in-law is away on business. I have my wife's completely undivided attention." He adjusted his Jedi robe. "You'll see her tonight. At Leia's do."
"Oh, yes."
"You'll be going with Luke, won't you?"
Mara paused. "Yes… I will." Corran had automatically assumed she would attend with Luke. He wasn't insinuating anything or being funny. As far as he was concerned Mara would partner Luke. She often did go with him to events or concerts. It wasn't unusual to see them together. Corran wasn't to know that everything just felt different… inside. He wasn't to know that one touch of Luke's lips on hers had changed her forever.
"Mara!"
She turned to face the speaker. "Tionne," she replied carefully.
"It's good that you could attend."
Mara controlled the instinctive reaction to blink disbelievingly or say something cutting. The woman was actually being genuine. This was strange. Tionne had never gone out of her way to speak to Mara before. The trader suspected that Tionne was perhaps a little wary of Mara's power in the Force as well as her history as the Emperor's assassin with a death mark upon Skywalker. Tionne, more than most, respected and revered Luke and the Jedi Order. Mara attempted a smile and it must have worked. "Luke asked me," she said.
Tionne exchanged a look with her husband, Jedi Master Kam Solusar. "We've been quite worried about him."
Mara realised she'd been involuntarily crushing the material of her robe in her hand and relaxed. "Worried… about Skywalker?"
"He certainly wasn't sleeping or eating much on Yavin. Something was weighing heavily on his mind but he wouldn't tell us." Tionne shook her sleek, silvery mane of hair.
"Have you noticed anything?" Kam enquired, his deep voice calm.
"Why would I notice?"
"You are close to him."
There it was again. The assumption that she and Luke were more… No, they were right and she was wrong. Mara and Luke were closer to one another than they were to anyone else. Well, Mara wasn't close to anyone. Luke had his family. Her voice grew defensive as the realisation sunk in how much she wanted the connection to another person - and not just any person. She wanted to be close to Luke. Yes, she'd admitted to herself that she loved him but she also wanted to be with him. "His sister is closer," she muttered reluctantly. This was none of Tionne's business, Mara thought until she caught the expression in Tionne's pearly luminescent eyes. The woman wasn't being inquisitive; she was genuinely concerned for Luke's well-being.
"His sister has her own problems with the Senate and the Inner Council. The Master will not trouble her with his problems unless she makes him tell her."
"Which is quite probable if he gets any worse," Kam uttered with conviction.
"I think he has said something," Mara admitted that much. "He'll be all right."
"Thank you," Tionne murmured.
"Why are you thanking me? I've done nothing…"
"We think you have and will do more in the future. I know, Mara Jade, that you will ensure that the Master is well and happy."
"It is time," said Kam with a courtly bow towards Mara. "It is good to see you with the Jedi, Mara Jade. You should have been with us long ago."
"I had to find my own way."
Kam nodded. "I understand but still, it is good to have you where you belong."
A very thoughtful Mara slipped into her allotted place in the line and followed the Jedi onto the platform. They all seemed to think she could fit in and become a part of the Jedi Order. Luke had always had faith in her. Maybe she could.
*******************************************
Leia sat next to President Gavrisom and watched Luke as he stood calmly behind an old-fashioned lectern. He gave a short opening address to the assembled company in his role as head of the Jedi Order. He spoke eloquently, his words clear and his manner direct before taking his seat to a round of warm applause.
Leia turned her head towards the president as Jedi Master Kam Solusar rose to his feet and began to read out the list of the names of the new knights.
"Master Skywalker could have been so good in the Senate," the Calibop said in an undertone.
"I know," she whispered. "But he doesn't enjoy this unless it is… this - involving the Jedi."
"He has worked hard to get this far."
"We all have," Leia said with a warm smile.
Gavrisom nodded and gave a small whinny. "True, and now I must go and work some more. Your brother has risen to his feet again which I think means it's my cue for action."
"Someone had to make the presentations."
"It is something I am delighted to be doing."
"…President Ponc Gavrisom!" Luke's announcement of the presentations interrupted their conversation.
The Calibop rose to his feet and moved to stand behind a beautiful carved red greelwood table. On it, twelve lightsabers rested in small cases.
The knights walked up the stairs leading to the centre of the stage. Mara hadn't realised that the new knights were not wearing their sabers. She smiled. Luke had returned her saber to her last night almost with the same words that President Gavrisom was using as he gave each being their Jedi weapon. When they'd received their sabers they positioned themselves on either side of the stairs.
The President's job was done. Luke walked forward and stood at the head of his knights and as he smiled they all lit their sabers forming six arches above his head. Luke grinned and with a proud smile walked underneath them. Then the rest of the platform party did the same while murmuring words of congratulation.
*****************************************
Luke's apartment
"Mara!" he called as he wandered into the hallway. "Mara!"
Had she abandoned him to the dancing after all? His shoulders sank a little.
"Luke!" Mara peered over the balcony, wrapped in nothing but a towel, her wet hair plastered to her head.
"You're here," he breathed thankfully and then remembered to paste his pleasant smile on his face. His eyes took in her smooth damp shoulders and he pushed his barriers firmly into place.
Mara frowned for, at the sight of her, a warm wave of relief had come rising through the Force to meet her and then nothing. "I thought you wouldn't mind but Artoo said to go ahead and have a shower. He's been most helpful."
"I didn't think there was much point in you hanging around while I tried to be nice to the politicians. I don't mind Gavrisom and Mon Mothma… It was nice that she was able to be there but some of the others..." He shuddered. "I can't abide them and I don't care what side of the Force that comes from."
"Go and relax, farmboy. I'm going to finish my shower."
"I'm sorry, Jade…" he stared up at her seeing the remains of soap in her hair. "I'll put the water boiler on."
"Caf sounds nice," she said.
Luke nodded and watched as she disappeared into one of the spare bedrooms. He let out a deep sigh and walked into the kitchen. She'd even looked beautiful wearing nothing but a towel and with wet hair. Luke gripped the worktop as his mind refused to obey his commands and not think of Mara stripping the towel from her body, stepping under the shower and letting the water stream over her naked curves.
"Caf," he said. "She wants caf." Luke knew what he wanted – it was warm, curvaceous, beautiful… and would ease the ache in his loins. It was only a flight of stairs away.
**********************
Mara had arrived at the apartment an hour earlier to find Artoo playing house. This time there had been no problem about the little droid letting her in. She'd been told to use the second bedroom and she'd been touched to find toiletries and a white robe similar to the one Luke had been wearing the day before had been left for her use. The toiletries were the kind she favoured. How did he know?
"Artoo, how did Luke know what to get?"
Artoo gave a little squeal of indignation. It was he who had researched that piece of information. He'd contacted her V2 pilot droid who had located the list she'd used the last time she'd sent out for supplies.
"I'm sorry, thank you." Mara couldn't quite believe that Luke's droid had done this for her on his own. She was beginning to believe that the little droid was sentient. "Can I have a look around, Artoo?"
Artoo told her to go ahead.
Most of the rooms were devoid of furniture which all seemed to be stacked in one of the rooms on the lower floor. The lounge ran almost the entire length of the apartment and was at least two stories high. It was the furniture store. On the other side she found the kitchen and what could be a dining room. She climbed the stairs and peered cautiously into the main bedroom. Force, it was huge. She felt as if she shouldn't be in this particular room and wondered what secrets she would learn about the Jedi Master. But Artoo had told her to go ahead and she wanted to see the room she'd sat in holding Luke's hand as he'd slept.
The room was big. His large bed and dark furniture were revealed to be made of fijisi wood and much lighter than she had thought. An elegant dressing table held some ornamental pieces and on the walls were paintings of Tatooine and Yavin IV. She moved to his bathroom and picked up his cleanser. It was masculine and spicy, just like the man himself with an elusive hint of something… She sniffed. "I know…" It was the acidic tang of the breakfast fruit she often enjoyed. No Coruscant designer fragrances for Skywalker, then. She located his dressing room and, although it was none of her business, her hand reached for the rack holding his new clothes.
***************************************
Bedroom two was a moderate-sized room again with its own shower facility. Mara had stripped and showered and was in the process of starting to wash her hair for the second time when she'd heard his voice calling for her and she wasn't sure if he realised it but his Force sense reached for her at the same time.
"Caf's made," Luke yelled.
'Okay, give me a few moments,' she told him as she completed washing her hair. Emerging from the shower Mara quickly dried and swathed herself in the towelling robe Luke had provided for her use. Mara danced down the stairs narrowly avoiding several boxes and a rotund astromech droid at the bottom. "Sorry, Artoo."
The droid sang something which she ignored.
Luke had pulled off his tunic and stood leaning against the kitchen counter in just his shirt and black Jedi pants.
"You okay?" Mara asked.
Luke rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine." He wrapped his hands around his mug of caf and sighed. "Just tired."
"I'm looking forward to tonight."
"Are you? I don't know if I am." He lifted his head and stared at her. "I never got my dancing lesson."
"Of course you did," Mara murmured trying to convey more than her simple words. She didn't think that Luke had understood.
"They think it's all such a great adventure." The words burst from him low and unexpected.
"But it is." Mara moved closer to him, comprehending what he was talking about instantly. "They are setting out to experience life as it they should be."
Luke's head dropped. "Do they know what kind of life they're in for?"
"None of us do." Mara eased close enough to touch him. "If we did we might never get up in the morning. Thankfully with the Force and several futures being in motion you can do that too. Come on, farmboy. You've asked me on this date and I've my fanciest dress upstairs waiting."
"You have?"
"I took the liberty," Mara hesitated… Oh, what the hell. "I took the liberty of selecting something for you to wear from your new purchases."
Luke stared at her properly for the first time since he had returned home. It didn't make anything easier. He'd been so determined not to pressurize her into anything. She stood in front of him dressed in a simple robe; her hair tumbled loose around her shoulders, curling as it dried and her face… Now that was real beauty. She had nothing on her face, no makeup – nothing. Her skin shone softly and her eyes… were they always so green? He could have stared into them for hours but they didn't have hours.
"Luke?" Mara gazed into his eyes. They were one of the most wonderful things about him, his eyes. So open and honest – the blue colour so true. He was staring at her as if he wanted to memorize every pore on her face. "Luke…" her voice trailed to a whisper, her pupils growing large as arousal spiced the mix between them.
Luke's hand reached out heading for her cheek until Artoo beeped loudly outside the kitchen. Luke's hand shot back and he picked up his abandoned mug of caf burying his face in it. "That's great. If you'll excuse me I think I will have a quick shower and change. Plus I'm curious to see what you think I should wear this evening."
"I'm curious to see what you will think about my choice."
He could see that she was aware of his restraint. She didn't know that he had to be this way or they wouldn't leave the apartment. He was going to do this properly if it killed him and the way he was feeling… death wasn't far away.
****************************************
Imperial Palace Ballroom
Leia tapped her foot impatiently on the floor. "He is coming. He wouldn't dare…"
"Luke has his problems but no, I don't think he would miss this."
Leia sighed. "I bet he was one the last people to leave because he decided to tidy everything up after the guests had gone."
"Probably. When will your brother remember that we have droids for such things?" Han shook his head. "It was good to see Mara there."
"Yes, Mara." Leia's tone was thoughtful.
"She was there. If he kissed her and I think he did…"
Leia nodded her head slowly. "She's still there."
"I know I don't understand this Force thing you, Luke and the kids all have. I'm glad I don't have that gift or curse, call it what you will. I don't understand Luke getting visions that tell him he has to get married and why he decides to obey them." Han paused, struck by a sudden thought. "You didn't get that. Please tell me you didn't get that."
"I didn't."
Han whistled in relief. "That's good. Mara is ideal for him but they are not the easiest people in the world."
"Luke's not difficult!" Leia was indignant.
"He's Luke!"
The whispers started running through the ballroom but Leia knew because she felt his presence. "Luke's just arrived."
"I know."
"You do?"
"I don't have your Force but the whole place has seized up, sweetheart. Luke has arrived with Mara and it's made this place wake up or heat up… whatever."
********************************
Luke stared at his companion for the evening. All right, he hoped it was for more than an evening – he would gladly gaze at her for a lifetime. He'd hardly been able to keep his eyes or his hands off her since she'd descended the stairs in his apartment.
"Mara, you look…" His throat had closed over the rest of his words and all he'd been able to do was wave his hands helplessly.
Mara had tried to keep her own feelings under control. The suit was perfect as she knew it would be, bringing out his fair colouring and accentuating his handsome complexion. But the thing that had made her heart beat faster and her mouth dry was the expression in his eyes. For a moment the desire had sparked liquid and hot and had been doused almost immediately but Mara knew it was there. She knew the fires had ignited and nothing would put them out. An image swam in her mind. Luke's eyes glittering into hers, his hands on her naked body as he pounded into her. No… nothing would put out these fires except that very act of possession.
They arrived at the reception in total silence. Words had been unnecessary. Luke had assisted her from the air taxi and they'd walked the few yards to the entrance of the entertainment suite.
"Ready, Mara?"
She nodded.
Luke held out his arm. Mara smiled and slipped her gloved arm through his. Together, they entered the building.
****************************************
"Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and Jedi Mara Jade."
Han craned his neck to see them as they were announced. Mara had agreed to being lumped in with the Jedi? Wonders would never cease. They would be presented to Gavrisom and his wife, then Leia and Han and finally Mon Mothma. The mass of guests parted like the effect of a hot knife through butter.
Han got the first good look at the couple as they stalked regally towards the receiving line and gaped. Luke was dressed… not in his Jedi blacks, but in a well-cut suit teamed with a dark green shirt. His lightsaber hung at his waist and the woman on his arm… Han was glad he was a happily married man or he would be salivating at the sight of Mara Jade tonight. She was also in green - dark green velvet and not a lot of it either. Her strapless dress skimmed every curve faithfully until it reached her toes, her arms encased in long matching velvet gloves. She screamed class and style. Her hair was piled high on her head leaving her graceful neck bare apart from a single string of green durindfire gems.
Han gave a silent whistle as he caught Leia's eyes. "Well?"
"Stunning," his wife agreed.
"They look good together," Han said.
"No," his wife disagreed. "They look perfect together." Her eyes took on a far away gleam.
Han knew that look and distrusted it immediately. "Leia… What are you planning?"
"Their wedding."
"Now, Leia…"
"I can plan, can't I?"
********************************************
Mara watched as Luke and Leia steered each other around the dance floor. She smiled as she watched Leia try to lead. Luke had been right about his sister. He was holding his own, however. If Luke was true to his usual form he would then find the darkest corner with the most inaccessible table and hide for the rest of the evening. Mara was not going to let that happen; neither were several of the lady guests present that evening and Mara wasn't going to let that happen either. She had accompanied him and he was hers. The possessive feeling was very satisfying. He had been a little distant all day but Mara was going to make sure that he put his arms around her even if it was for only a single dance. The Jedi Master was still a human male and Mara had been taught well how to throw a man off-balance. She wanted Luke turning to her to set his world straight. Mara was sure if she got Luke close enough to dance with she could work on the rest.
"That was an interesting entrance, Jade."
"Solo," Mara acknowledged.
"You know… if we're to be related you could try to call me by my first name."
Mara gasped. "Related!"
Han's eyes flickered. That was the first time he'd ever got a real reaction from Mara Jade. "Yeah."
"Related?" she repeated.
"By marriage," Han said deliberately.
Mara looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You do, Mara Jade. I don't pretend to know what's going on inside that very beautiful head of yours but make sure the kid doesn't get hurt. He's suffered enough. I would say he's unsure of you even now."
"We've… we're… Han, Luke and I are just friends. There's nothing else."
"But you would like there to be?"
"I never said that," Mara replied curtly.
"You didn't have to." Han leant closer to Mara, his mouth almost at her ear. "The kid would like there to be. Don't let all the stuff about the Force fool you. It's always been you he's wanted."
"You're imagining things."
Han shook his head. "Nope."
Mara shrugged and stared at the dance floor, stiffening when she saw Luke in the arms of Khata Ellynin and Leia in the arms of Bebo Magnot. The music drew at a triumphant final cadence as Luke handed Khata back to her fiancé with a flourish.
"They're getting married tomorrow, Jade. Just relax." Han's shrewd brown gaze took in the tight grip Mara had on her wine glass.
The music drew to a close and Luke brought Leia back to the table. Mara could tell he was planning a retreat. Not if she could help it. She wasn't going to let him get away with that.
Luke made for his seat and gratefully slumped down into it. Leia laughed at him. "You should have more energy than that, brother dear."
"Just let me recover in peace. Go dance with your husband."
Leia's eyes twinkled brightly into Han's and he stood up holding out his hand. "Dance, sweetheart?"
"With you… anytime."
Mara glanced across the table at Luke. "You've danced with every other woman in this room apart from me."
"That, Jade, is an exaggeration," he said with a grin.
Mara shook her head. "You haven't danced with me."
Luke's head lifted and his eyes caught hers; even in the subdued lighting Mara could see them change. The fires roared into life again and she shivered.
"Come on, Skywalker. This is the new you, remember?"
"How could I forget?" Luke stood up and offered Mara his arm. "Would you care to partner me onto the dance floor? "
"I would love to," Mara replied wondering why she felt so breathless all of a sudden. The up tempo number that the band was playing slowed, the lights dimmed even further and Mara all but melted into his arms.
Drawing her close, Luke forgot about the Force, his destiny, the rest of the Jedi and concentrated only on the woman he held in his arms. Stars, she felt good there. Right where she was supposed to be.
Mara eased closer to Luke and let her head drop to his shoulder. The mood on the darkened dance floor was filled with hidden promises and desires. She thought that Han and Leia drifted past them at one point but she couldn't be sure. In the end she didn't care as Luke's thighs brushed against hers time and time again.
"Mara," he whispered, his head resting on her hair. Force, he wanted her so much.
It was then she noticed they were no longer in the ballroom. Luke had propelled them out onto a deserted balcony. His hand lifted her head from his shoulder and tilted her face up to his. Mara saw something flare in his blue eyes and guessed there was an answering spark in her own until his head blotted out the Coruscant lights and her prayers were answered as his lips covered hers again.
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