From Scratch
Chapter 4
Jacen stopped a block from the hangar bay, his mind slowly turning over everything he knew about Hapan society, Tenel Ka's words continuing to echo in his mind. 'You would be seen as a possible interest for the currently unfilled position as my consort.' Why would that be such a bad thing? He continued walking, his eyes on the ground as he mulled it over in his thoughts.
The women in both of Tenel Ka's backgrounds were the dominant sex. Males were to sire children, preferably female children, and do the menial tasks the women didn't want to. They served the meals, cooked and did the chores, ensuring the woman was well cared for and had ample time to do the things required of her. Could he live like that? Would he be expected to live like that? To be at Tenel Ka's beck and call at all hours of the day?
Would the consort to the Queen Mother have any status beyond that? Any say at all in his relationship with the Queen? Probably not, from what he could remember. Consorts were a step above slaves and just barely. Would Tenel Ka ask that of him, what subservience? Could he willingly submit to her and live like that if he asked? His lips thinned. No. He didn't think he could. Was that why she was so adamantly against taking him as a consort?
He frowned. That would make sense, knowing Tenel Ka. He couldn't see her happy with a submissive man, one who would faun over her and do anything she said. One that would submit to her in every fashion. His hands clenched at his sides. Just the thought of Tenel Ka with another man, any man, was enough to make his blood burn. He didn't want to even -think- of anyone else looking at her, let alone touching her. It made him ill to think of her with anyone besides him. His pace increased as he came closer to his hotel. What would Tenel Ka choose as a method to follow? Would she pick the Dathomirian traditions of capturing a mate?
He paused mid-step before continuing. Now there was an interesting prospect. That would certainly prove interesting. Would she go after him? He hoped so. Giving her a decent chase and making her work for him would certainly be rewarding. Not to mention excitingly stimulating. He shied from the thought. Or would she choose, perhaps, the Hapan method? Of paying in jewels and gems and amazing wealth for the man she wanted? Would she approach his parents with an offer of wealth? Not that they needed it, but would she? He hoped not, he didn't want to be a possession, and turning her down after practically throwing himself at her would look very strange indeed. Still, he refused to be bought. Hopefully she understood that.
He sighed as he approached his building, heading for the doors. Could Tenel Ka rise above the dictates of the society she ruled? Would she want to? He hoped so. Tenel Ka was strong, stronger than anyone he'd ever met, but did she have the strength to go against everything in her upbringing to treat him as an equal in a relationship? He berated himself for even questioning it. Of course she did, it was plain in the way she'd been treating him. She'd always thought of him as an equal, always talked to him as one. She wasn't going to change that simply because some dead Queen had put it into a mandate a hundred years ago.
If nothing else, he had to believe that. Stepping into the turbo lift he hit the buttons for his floor and closed his eyes. Tomorrow's conversation with Tenel Ka couldn't come soon enough.
As the sun was beginning to rise the next morning as Tenel Ka strode from the docking bay without aids and attendants. Jana, after fouling up the night before, was confined to the ship and temporarily stripped of her duties. A good enough way to keep her away from the coming celebration that night, not that Jana was allowed to attend anyway. Her strides were long and jarring. She was annoyed with her aid, with her lack of decorum and, especially, with her presumptuous statements. Why it bothered her so much she couldn't say, other than Jana had been asking some pointed questions about a certain Solo male. Questions that were bound to spark some interest from the Chief of State at a later date.
She kept her stride even as she continued towards the hotel where Jacen was staying. She was upset enough with her aid she didn't really care if people saw where she was headed. Jana's suspicions and insinuations were eating at her like acid. Something had to be done and soon. And not just about Jana. She continued walking, knowing people were watching and not caring. She was a powerful monarch of a consortium of pirates, what did she care what other people thought? Wrong question. What did she care what outsiders thought? No, that was the wrong question too. What was the right question then? It wasn't what she thought of other people's opinions, those had never mattered, it was that everyone kept making her personal life -their- business. She stepped into the lobby of the hotel and swept past the shocked man at the desk. Awake or not, Jacen and she had to have this discussion. And they had to have it now.
Jacen woke to a strong Force compulsion only to sit up straight when his bedroom door opened and Tenel Ka strode in without a knock. "Jacen."
"Tenel Ka!" he said, shocked, "Wha-? How did you get in?" Dumb question, he thought with a wince.
She was standing in the entrance of his room, staring at him, her eyes having widened considerably, her cheeks turning redder by the second. He saw her gaze start at the tips of his feet and move slowly upwards over his bare shins, up his thighs to- He looked down, heat flooding his cheeks as he grabbed for the covers. He suddenly wanted to die with embarrassment and flopped back against his pillow, throwing an arm over his eyes. "Force," he muttered softly.
"J-Jacen." She stuttered, her throat working convulsively.
"Just let me die," he muttered softly, "let this all be a dream."
"I- I apologize for... for..." she trailed off. "Jacen."
He didn't move. This had to be a dream. Her hand was cool as she grabbed his arm and tugged it off his face. "Jacen."
Nope. It wasn't a dream. "I am so sorry, Tenel Ka," he told her, unable to meet her gaze.
"The fault is mine. I should... should not have come in unannounced."
He looked up at her before pushing himself to a sitting position, keeping the blanket securely wrapped around his waist. "Uh yeah. What's so important that you couldn't wait in the lobby?"
She stepped back, her gaze drifting to his chest before meeting his eyes again. "We must talk."
"In my bedroom before I have a chance to dress?" he cocked his head at her, quirking an eyebrow. "No offense, Tenel Ka, but having you in my bedroom doesn't exactly lead to talking in my mind."
She looked away. "Dress. I will be in the main room."
Jacen watched her go and, as the door shut behind her, began to laugh. What a way to wake up in the morning! Throwing back the covers, he slipped from his bed and reached for his pants. Served her right for barging in on his sleeping room.
She wanted to die. Tenel Ka inhaled sharply as the door to Jacen's room closed behind her and placed her palm against her heart. That had been embarrassing. Catching him in bed and nak- she cut off her line of thinking, striving to find her equilibrium. She closed her eyes, reached for the Force to calm her racing heart. Wow. Jacen in the flesh was something she hadn't expected at all when she'd opened his bedroom door. She swallowed hard, focusing her mind on the thoughts she'd come here to discuss and it was as effective as a cold shower. She opened her eyes and walked back into the main room of the hotel suite. Her face once again impassive and back to its normal coloring, she prayed she'd be able to talk to him without stammering like an idiot. Seeing him like that, like she'd dreamed, had been so completely unexpected.
Footsteps behind her brought her head up and she turned, breathing a silent sigh of relief when she saw him buttoning up a shirt. The less she saw of his bare flesh the better. "Jacen."
He chuckled, running a hand through the messy hair on his head. "It's too early to talk about anything as serious as you look. I'm going to make breakfast and I'd like my caf before we do this, any objection?"
"None."
"Good. Grab a seat, I'll fix you something too."
"That is not necessary."
He rolled his eyes, stepping into the small kitchenette. "Necessary or not, sit. I refuse to eat if you don't, and I can be grumpy in the morning without my food."
She sat, meeting his gaze for a moment before breaking eye contact with him. For the first time in a long time, Tenel Ka wasn't sure what someone would see in her eyes. Would he read the conflicting emotions she was feeling? Or would he see nothing but a wall of gray as she preferred? "I apologize for my unexpected entry this morning."
He shrugged, turning away to rummage through the cupboards. "Don't worry about it, no harm done."
She almost laughed. No harm? Who was he kidding? The harm was to her brain. His image was imprinted behind her eyelids and she wasn't sure if it'd ever leave. To make matters worse she didn't know if she wanted it too. She waited silently, not trusting herself to speak.
"So, does her Royal Highness drink caf?"
"Yes."
He glanced back at her over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling. "You're a woman of so few words," he teased. "It's a good think I go for the strong silent type."
She arched an eyebrow at him but he'd already turned away, pulling a tin of caf out of the cupboard along with two cups. The cooler opened and he pulled a jug of blue milk from it before placing it on the table in front of her. Two bowels and a box of "Sea Puffs" soon joined it. "It's probably not the gourmet you're used to, but it's all I've got."
"It is fine."
He rolled his eyes and poured a bowel for both of them, allowing her to add her own amount of milk. The caf steeped on the hotplates as they readied their breakfast in silence. Jacen rose and collected the hotplates before sliding them onto the table. "So," he said, taking a bite of his breakfast. "What brings you here so early?"
Tenel Ka dipped her spoon into the bowel but didn't eat anything as she stared at the green-blue flakes. "You asked a question of my yesterday. I feel I must explain."
"About the whole consort thing?"
"Yes."
"I think I might have been really hard on you, Tenel Ka," he told her, picking up his caf and taking a sip. "Don't get me wrong, I still have every intention of convincing you, but the way I broached the issue wasn't exactly tactful."
"You have never been tactful." She pointed out, taking a bite of the cereal. It wasn't bad, a little tart, but good.
He chuckled. "True enough. Shall I be blunt then?"
"No."
He blinked. "What?"
"No. Do not speak. I have something I must tell you."
"Not during breakfast," he pointed his spoon at her. "Just eat, we have time to talk. What time is it anyway?"
"0700."
He groaned, dropping the spoon on the table with a clatter and holding his head in his hands. "7 in the morning? Tenel Ka! Haven't you ever heard the term 'sleep in'?"
"Why? I have many things to do."
"Oh?" he looked up, "You have to walk in on other men while they're sleeping?"
She blushed softly, rewarding his teasing barb as her eyes dropped. "I did not mean to do that." she admitted.
He chuckled, reaching across the table and grasping her hand. "I'm teasing you, Tenel Ka. If I'd known you were intending to surprise me in my bed I would have prepared better. Like, worn something to bed."
She blushed deeper, unable to meet his eyes and Jacen stood. Coming around the table, he leaned against it and gently slid his finger under her chin. "Come now, I'm sure I'm not the first man you've seen naked, Tenel Ka."
She ducked her head further, her face heating further until she was the same color as the rising sun. "Tenel Ka?" He Force tugged the stool from the other side of the table and sat beside her, gently nudging her face upwards. Her face was flushed bright red and she couldn't meet his gaze as her gray eyes slid away, looking past him.
"Look at me, Tenel Ka."
He felt her take a deep breath and then his fingers were shaken off as her chin took a regal tilt. "Yes?"
He cupped her face, his thumb passing softly over her heated cheek. "I was teasing you again. You really need to learn how to take a joke. Will you think me conceited if I say I'm happy you haven't seen another man?"
She met his gaze and she didn't have to say anything. He could see the answer plain in her eyes. He smiled, leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on her lips, making her jerk in surprise. He gasped as her hand crept up around the neck of his shirt and tugged, pulling him closer. His eyes widened in surprise before closing, the heat and desire on her lips stealing his breath and making his heart race. He pulled away, everything inside him screaming that he shouldn't, and sucked in a sharp breath, his chest heaving.
"Y... you said we need to talk?" he asked hoarsely.
She nodded, her breathing even, but short. Jacen could see the pulse pounding at the base of her throat and resisted the urge to kiss it. He had to keep away from those thoughts, no matter what if they were going to talk. He stood, their breakfast forgotten on the table as he scooped up his cup and turned back to her.
Tenel Ka escaped across the room and leaned against the back of the chair. Jacen followed her and hopped the back of the couch, settling into the cushions and stretching his legs out in front of him. "So talk. If you don't I might be inclined to try and finish what we started in the kitchenette."
She swallowed hard, taking a sip of the caf she'd rescued before reaching over the chair and placing it on the coffee table. "You wanted to know about the position as my consort."
He nodded, watching the way she licked her lips with the tip of her tongue before continuing. If he needed any evidence their kiss had affected her as much as him, he now had it. Tenel Ka's outward emotions never showed and yet, here she was, practically shaking in his room. Imagine that. "Am I making you uncomfortable, Tenel Ka?"
"No."
"Then sit, I promise not to jump you."
She blinked. "I would not allow it."
He smiled a quirky smile, "You wouldn't have much of a choice. That's beside the point. Relax, it's too early for seduction."
She arched an eyebrow at him and he could see her calm control slowly recovering. Too bad he couldn't shake her like that more often. "Too early or too late?"
"Are you complaining?"
She stopped, her hand clenching around the back of the chair. "That is not why I am here."
"Obviously, much to my dismay."
"Jacen!"
He grinned impudently. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. This is me shutting up so you can speak."
"Thank you."
He inclined his head and sipped his caf to keep from speaking as she took a deep breath and organized her thoughts. He stared at her, unable to help himself. She was incredibly beautiful and the color was still high in her cheeks. He'd have to fluster her more often. Though, he doubted anything could top what had happened earlier.
"The Royal consort is not a position I would wish on you," she began, immediately drawing his attention. He blinked, shocked. If she's wanted his undivided attention, she now had it. "In Hapan society men have little or no status and are considered little better than slaves. You know this. A Royal Consort is little better than the lowest female in the palace. He would be at my leisure, answering to my every demand and wish."
"Don't I do that already?"
She shot him a look but didn't answer his question as she continued. "At every function my consort must attend the me, but never walk with me. He will have no status beyond what I give him. When eating, he will not sit at my table; he must sit at a lower table. He would have no say in Hapan politics and none in the relationship with me."
Jacen was silent. "Is that supposed to be a joke?" he asked finally.
She met his gaze, her gray eyes serious. "I do not joke. The last of the requirements is he must sire a female child within the first two years of becoming my consort or he will be replaced."
"I'd have to do what?" She simply looked at him, confirming what he'd heard by her silence. He swallowed hard. "You're telling me that even if you take me as your consort, I'd have to get your pregnant with a girl inside the first two years or I could lose you?"
She nodded, her cheeks taking on that red color he'd seen so often that morning. He began to chuckle. "Tenel Ka, you're the Queen Mother, but I don't want to be your slave. I can't see you being happy with a man who doesn't give as good as he gets."
"Fact."
He shrugged, placing his caf on the table. "But, if I went along with it, you'd get to boss me around -everywhere-?" his tone implied something she couldn't think about if she wanted to safe her sanity.
"You would be little better than a slave, Jacen. I cannot ask that of you."
"Then why not just change the rules? You are the Queen Mother after all."
She sighed. "Jacen, you do not understand."
"The Force I don't," he pushed to his feet and walked towards her. "Your society is based on the female being better than the male. You and I work best as a team, we always have, I can't see you or I being happy in a marriage that's not fifty-fifty."
She backed away from him a step and he stopped, just shy of touching her. "Do you see why I cannot ask you to be my consort?"
"No." he looked down into her face, marveling at their height difference. She was almost as tall as he, but it thrilled him she had to look up at him to meet his eyes. "Why can't you just change the rules, Tenel Ka? Why not just make me an exception?"
She shook her head. "I cannot. The way the Queen Mother runs her home reflects on her people. If I make the exception for you, the males may begin to revolt and cause a civil war. We cannot afford that so soon after this war."
"So you'll hurt us both by prolonging this farce?" he stepped closer, his voice low, making her back up again.
"I do not wish to hurt you."
"Then why are you pushing me away?" he backed her up into the wall and braced his arms on either side of her body, trapping her.
"I do not wish to sell my best friend into slavery."
"Is that all, Tenel Ka?" he asked, his head coming down to hers as he searched her eyes. "Your best friend?"
She pressed back against the wall, looking back at him. "You are making it difficult to concentrate, Jacen."
"Good." He pressed closer, lining his body up against hers as his head came down, his lips stopping just shy of hers. "Is that all I am, a friend?"
"No." she gasped, unable to stop the fires curling through her system, "You are more."
"How much more?"
"Jacen..."
He slid his head down and nuzzled her chin, placing a gentle kiss on her rapidly beating pulse. "How much more, Tenel Ka?"
Her hand slid up his chest, wrapping around his collar but he wouldn't let her go. Her words were soft. "I love you."
"You what?" he asked, pulling back and searching her eyes.
"I love you."
"Who?"
She swallowed convulsively, licking her lips and almost breaking his control with the simple movement. "I love you, Jacen. Kiss me?"
Her plea was his undoing and his lips slid across hers. Tenel Ka melted against him, her arm sliding around his neck as the portion of her left arm slid as far as it could around his shoulders. His arms went around her as her head slanted under his, her mouth opening to his on a whimper. He kissed her deeply, passionately, almost driven to his knees when she responded in kind. He tore his mouth away and tucked his face into the curve of her neck, placing a shaky kiss on the smooth column. "Force," he whispered hoarsely. "What are you doing to me, woman?"
She didn't reply, but he could feel her heart hammering against his.
He pulled away slowly, testing her reluctance to let him go, and was rewarded with a tug on his neck. He reached up and pulled her hand from behind him and stepped clear of her, his chest still heaving. "I won't let you pick anyone else for a consort, Tenel Ka."
She blinked. "You will not let me?"
He nodded, unable to stop himself from reaching up to cup her face. "You're mine. You've always been mine. The passion between us has been there for years. I can't stand the thought of you in another man's arms."
She swallowed hard, taking a deep breath as she fought to regain her control. "No I you," she admitted softly. "I cannot offer you more than what is there, Jacen. As much as I want you, I do not wish you a life of slavery."
"If I have to be a slave, there is no one else I'd like to be chained to." He let his hand drop and stepped back two steps, out of reach.
She stayed against the wall, unable to trust her legs for the first time in her life. Jacen's kiss had left them starch-less. She looked at the door. "I believe I will return to my ship."
He nodded. "That's probably a good idea. Staying around me will result in a lack of control."
"Fact."
He chuckled. He hadn't expected her to admit it. "I'll see you tonight then?"
She nodded, stepping away from the wall finally. "Tonight. Do not expect me to be this..."
"Casual?"
She nodded.
"I won't be. I look forward to tonight Tenel Ka. Has any of this changed your mind?"
She paused by the door and looked back over her shoulder. "No. We will speak again."
The door closed behind her and he frowned. "Count on it," he whispered to the empty room. He had to figure out a way of getting her to come around to his way of thinking. Shaking his head, he went into the kitchenette to clean up. Somehow, he had to make her see his point of view. He refused to let her choose another man as her consort. It was simply unacceptable.
Chapter 4
Jacen stopped a block from the hangar bay, his mind slowly turning over everything he knew about Hapan society, Tenel Ka's words continuing to echo in his mind. 'You would be seen as a possible interest for the currently unfilled position as my consort.' Why would that be such a bad thing? He continued walking, his eyes on the ground as he mulled it over in his thoughts.
The women in both of Tenel Ka's backgrounds were the dominant sex. Males were to sire children, preferably female children, and do the menial tasks the women didn't want to. They served the meals, cooked and did the chores, ensuring the woman was well cared for and had ample time to do the things required of her. Could he live like that? Would he be expected to live like that? To be at Tenel Ka's beck and call at all hours of the day?
Would the consort to the Queen Mother have any status beyond that? Any say at all in his relationship with the Queen? Probably not, from what he could remember. Consorts were a step above slaves and just barely. Would Tenel Ka ask that of him, what subservience? Could he willingly submit to her and live like that if he asked? His lips thinned. No. He didn't think he could. Was that why she was so adamantly against taking him as a consort?
He frowned. That would make sense, knowing Tenel Ka. He couldn't see her happy with a submissive man, one who would faun over her and do anything she said. One that would submit to her in every fashion. His hands clenched at his sides. Just the thought of Tenel Ka with another man, any man, was enough to make his blood burn. He didn't want to even -think- of anyone else looking at her, let alone touching her. It made him ill to think of her with anyone besides him. His pace increased as he came closer to his hotel. What would Tenel Ka choose as a method to follow? Would she pick the Dathomirian traditions of capturing a mate?
He paused mid-step before continuing. Now there was an interesting prospect. That would certainly prove interesting. Would she go after him? He hoped so. Giving her a decent chase and making her work for him would certainly be rewarding. Not to mention excitingly stimulating. He shied from the thought. Or would she choose, perhaps, the Hapan method? Of paying in jewels and gems and amazing wealth for the man she wanted? Would she approach his parents with an offer of wealth? Not that they needed it, but would she? He hoped not, he didn't want to be a possession, and turning her down after practically throwing himself at her would look very strange indeed. Still, he refused to be bought. Hopefully she understood that.
He sighed as he approached his building, heading for the doors. Could Tenel Ka rise above the dictates of the society she ruled? Would she want to? He hoped so. Tenel Ka was strong, stronger than anyone he'd ever met, but did she have the strength to go against everything in her upbringing to treat him as an equal in a relationship? He berated himself for even questioning it. Of course she did, it was plain in the way she'd been treating him. She'd always thought of him as an equal, always talked to him as one. She wasn't going to change that simply because some dead Queen had put it into a mandate a hundred years ago.
If nothing else, he had to believe that. Stepping into the turbo lift he hit the buttons for his floor and closed his eyes. Tomorrow's conversation with Tenel Ka couldn't come soon enough.
As the sun was beginning to rise the next morning as Tenel Ka strode from the docking bay without aids and attendants. Jana, after fouling up the night before, was confined to the ship and temporarily stripped of her duties. A good enough way to keep her away from the coming celebration that night, not that Jana was allowed to attend anyway. Her strides were long and jarring. She was annoyed with her aid, with her lack of decorum and, especially, with her presumptuous statements. Why it bothered her so much she couldn't say, other than Jana had been asking some pointed questions about a certain Solo male. Questions that were bound to spark some interest from the Chief of State at a later date.
She kept her stride even as she continued towards the hotel where Jacen was staying. She was upset enough with her aid she didn't really care if people saw where she was headed. Jana's suspicions and insinuations were eating at her like acid. Something had to be done and soon. And not just about Jana. She continued walking, knowing people were watching and not caring. She was a powerful monarch of a consortium of pirates, what did she care what other people thought? Wrong question. What did she care what outsiders thought? No, that was the wrong question too. What was the right question then? It wasn't what she thought of other people's opinions, those had never mattered, it was that everyone kept making her personal life -their- business. She stepped into the lobby of the hotel and swept past the shocked man at the desk. Awake or not, Jacen and she had to have this discussion. And they had to have it now.
Jacen woke to a strong Force compulsion only to sit up straight when his bedroom door opened and Tenel Ka strode in without a knock. "Jacen."
"Tenel Ka!" he said, shocked, "Wha-? How did you get in?" Dumb question, he thought with a wince.
She was standing in the entrance of his room, staring at him, her eyes having widened considerably, her cheeks turning redder by the second. He saw her gaze start at the tips of his feet and move slowly upwards over his bare shins, up his thighs to- He looked down, heat flooding his cheeks as he grabbed for the covers. He suddenly wanted to die with embarrassment and flopped back against his pillow, throwing an arm over his eyes. "Force," he muttered softly.
"J-Jacen." She stuttered, her throat working convulsively.
"Just let me die," he muttered softly, "let this all be a dream."
"I- I apologize for... for..." she trailed off. "Jacen."
He didn't move. This had to be a dream. Her hand was cool as she grabbed his arm and tugged it off his face. "Jacen."
Nope. It wasn't a dream. "I am so sorry, Tenel Ka," he told her, unable to meet her gaze.
"The fault is mine. I should... should not have come in unannounced."
He looked up at her before pushing himself to a sitting position, keeping the blanket securely wrapped around his waist. "Uh yeah. What's so important that you couldn't wait in the lobby?"
She stepped back, her gaze drifting to his chest before meeting his eyes again. "We must talk."
"In my bedroom before I have a chance to dress?" he cocked his head at her, quirking an eyebrow. "No offense, Tenel Ka, but having you in my bedroom doesn't exactly lead to talking in my mind."
She looked away. "Dress. I will be in the main room."
Jacen watched her go and, as the door shut behind her, began to laugh. What a way to wake up in the morning! Throwing back the covers, he slipped from his bed and reached for his pants. Served her right for barging in on his sleeping room.
She wanted to die. Tenel Ka inhaled sharply as the door to Jacen's room closed behind her and placed her palm against her heart. That had been embarrassing. Catching him in bed and nak- she cut off her line of thinking, striving to find her equilibrium. She closed her eyes, reached for the Force to calm her racing heart. Wow. Jacen in the flesh was something she hadn't expected at all when she'd opened his bedroom door. She swallowed hard, focusing her mind on the thoughts she'd come here to discuss and it was as effective as a cold shower. She opened her eyes and walked back into the main room of the hotel suite. Her face once again impassive and back to its normal coloring, she prayed she'd be able to talk to him without stammering like an idiot. Seeing him like that, like she'd dreamed, had been so completely unexpected.
Footsteps behind her brought her head up and she turned, breathing a silent sigh of relief when she saw him buttoning up a shirt. The less she saw of his bare flesh the better. "Jacen."
He chuckled, running a hand through the messy hair on his head. "It's too early to talk about anything as serious as you look. I'm going to make breakfast and I'd like my caf before we do this, any objection?"
"None."
"Good. Grab a seat, I'll fix you something too."
"That is not necessary."
He rolled his eyes, stepping into the small kitchenette. "Necessary or not, sit. I refuse to eat if you don't, and I can be grumpy in the morning without my food."
She sat, meeting his gaze for a moment before breaking eye contact with him. For the first time in a long time, Tenel Ka wasn't sure what someone would see in her eyes. Would he read the conflicting emotions she was feeling? Or would he see nothing but a wall of gray as she preferred? "I apologize for my unexpected entry this morning."
He shrugged, turning away to rummage through the cupboards. "Don't worry about it, no harm done."
She almost laughed. No harm? Who was he kidding? The harm was to her brain. His image was imprinted behind her eyelids and she wasn't sure if it'd ever leave. To make matters worse she didn't know if she wanted it too. She waited silently, not trusting herself to speak.
"So, does her Royal Highness drink caf?"
"Yes."
He glanced back at her over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling. "You're a woman of so few words," he teased. "It's a good think I go for the strong silent type."
She arched an eyebrow at him but he'd already turned away, pulling a tin of caf out of the cupboard along with two cups. The cooler opened and he pulled a jug of blue milk from it before placing it on the table in front of her. Two bowels and a box of "Sea Puffs" soon joined it. "It's probably not the gourmet you're used to, but it's all I've got."
"It is fine."
He rolled his eyes and poured a bowel for both of them, allowing her to add her own amount of milk. The caf steeped on the hotplates as they readied their breakfast in silence. Jacen rose and collected the hotplates before sliding them onto the table. "So," he said, taking a bite of his breakfast. "What brings you here so early?"
Tenel Ka dipped her spoon into the bowel but didn't eat anything as she stared at the green-blue flakes. "You asked a question of my yesterday. I feel I must explain."
"About the whole consort thing?"
"Yes."
"I think I might have been really hard on you, Tenel Ka," he told her, picking up his caf and taking a sip. "Don't get me wrong, I still have every intention of convincing you, but the way I broached the issue wasn't exactly tactful."
"You have never been tactful." She pointed out, taking a bite of the cereal. It wasn't bad, a little tart, but good.
He chuckled. "True enough. Shall I be blunt then?"
"No."
He blinked. "What?"
"No. Do not speak. I have something I must tell you."
"Not during breakfast," he pointed his spoon at her. "Just eat, we have time to talk. What time is it anyway?"
"0700."
He groaned, dropping the spoon on the table with a clatter and holding his head in his hands. "7 in the morning? Tenel Ka! Haven't you ever heard the term 'sleep in'?"
"Why? I have many things to do."
"Oh?" he looked up, "You have to walk in on other men while they're sleeping?"
She blushed softly, rewarding his teasing barb as her eyes dropped. "I did not mean to do that." she admitted.
He chuckled, reaching across the table and grasping her hand. "I'm teasing you, Tenel Ka. If I'd known you were intending to surprise me in my bed I would have prepared better. Like, worn something to bed."
She blushed deeper, unable to meet his eyes and Jacen stood. Coming around the table, he leaned against it and gently slid his finger under her chin. "Come now, I'm sure I'm not the first man you've seen naked, Tenel Ka."
She ducked her head further, her face heating further until she was the same color as the rising sun. "Tenel Ka?" He Force tugged the stool from the other side of the table and sat beside her, gently nudging her face upwards. Her face was flushed bright red and she couldn't meet his gaze as her gray eyes slid away, looking past him.
"Look at me, Tenel Ka."
He felt her take a deep breath and then his fingers were shaken off as her chin took a regal tilt. "Yes?"
He cupped her face, his thumb passing softly over her heated cheek. "I was teasing you again. You really need to learn how to take a joke. Will you think me conceited if I say I'm happy you haven't seen another man?"
She met his gaze and she didn't have to say anything. He could see the answer plain in her eyes. He smiled, leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on her lips, making her jerk in surprise. He gasped as her hand crept up around the neck of his shirt and tugged, pulling him closer. His eyes widened in surprise before closing, the heat and desire on her lips stealing his breath and making his heart race. He pulled away, everything inside him screaming that he shouldn't, and sucked in a sharp breath, his chest heaving.
"Y... you said we need to talk?" he asked hoarsely.
She nodded, her breathing even, but short. Jacen could see the pulse pounding at the base of her throat and resisted the urge to kiss it. He had to keep away from those thoughts, no matter what if they were going to talk. He stood, their breakfast forgotten on the table as he scooped up his cup and turned back to her.
Tenel Ka escaped across the room and leaned against the back of the chair. Jacen followed her and hopped the back of the couch, settling into the cushions and stretching his legs out in front of him. "So talk. If you don't I might be inclined to try and finish what we started in the kitchenette."
She swallowed hard, taking a sip of the caf she'd rescued before reaching over the chair and placing it on the coffee table. "You wanted to know about the position as my consort."
He nodded, watching the way she licked her lips with the tip of her tongue before continuing. If he needed any evidence their kiss had affected her as much as him, he now had it. Tenel Ka's outward emotions never showed and yet, here she was, practically shaking in his room. Imagine that. "Am I making you uncomfortable, Tenel Ka?"
"No."
"Then sit, I promise not to jump you."
She blinked. "I would not allow it."
He smiled a quirky smile, "You wouldn't have much of a choice. That's beside the point. Relax, it's too early for seduction."
She arched an eyebrow at him and he could see her calm control slowly recovering. Too bad he couldn't shake her like that more often. "Too early or too late?"
"Are you complaining?"
She stopped, her hand clenching around the back of the chair. "That is not why I am here."
"Obviously, much to my dismay."
"Jacen!"
He grinned impudently. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. This is me shutting up so you can speak."
"Thank you."
He inclined his head and sipped his caf to keep from speaking as she took a deep breath and organized her thoughts. He stared at her, unable to help himself. She was incredibly beautiful and the color was still high in her cheeks. He'd have to fluster her more often. Though, he doubted anything could top what had happened earlier.
"The Royal consort is not a position I would wish on you," she began, immediately drawing his attention. He blinked, shocked. If she's wanted his undivided attention, she now had it. "In Hapan society men have little or no status and are considered little better than slaves. You know this. A Royal Consort is little better than the lowest female in the palace. He would be at my leisure, answering to my every demand and wish."
"Don't I do that already?"
She shot him a look but didn't answer his question as she continued. "At every function my consort must attend the me, but never walk with me. He will have no status beyond what I give him. When eating, he will not sit at my table; he must sit at a lower table. He would have no say in Hapan politics and none in the relationship with me."
Jacen was silent. "Is that supposed to be a joke?" he asked finally.
She met his gaze, her gray eyes serious. "I do not joke. The last of the requirements is he must sire a female child within the first two years of becoming my consort or he will be replaced."
"I'd have to do what?" She simply looked at him, confirming what he'd heard by her silence. He swallowed hard. "You're telling me that even if you take me as your consort, I'd have to get your pregnant with a girl inside the first two years or I could lose you?"
She nodded, her cheeks taking on that red color he'd seen so often that morning. He began to chuckle. "Tenel Ka, you're the Queen Mother, but I don't want to be your slave. I can't see you being happy with a man who doesn't give as good as he gets."
"Fact."
He shrugged, placing his caf on the table. "But, if I went along with it, you'd get to boss me around -everywhere-?" his tone implied something she couldn't think about if she wanted to safe her sanity.
"You would be little better than a slave, Jacen. I cannot ask that of you."
"Then why not just change the rules? You are the Queen Mother after all."
She sighed. "Jacen, you do not understand."
"The Force I don't," he pushed to his feet and walked towards her. "Your society is based on the female being better than the male. You and I work best as a team, we always have, I can't see you or I being happy in a marriage that's not fifty-fifty."
She backed away from him a step and he stopped, just shy of touching her. "Do you see why I cannot ask you to be my consort?"
"No." he looked down into her face, marveling at their height difference. She was almost as tall as he, but it thrilled him she had to look up at him to meet his eyes. "Why can't you just change the rules, Tenel Ka? Why not just make me an exception?"
She shook her head. "I cannot. The way the Queen Mother runs her home reflects on her people. If I make the exception for you, the males may begin to revolt and cause a civil war. We cannot afford that so soon after this war."
"So you'll hurt us both by prolonging this farce?" he stepped closer, his voice low, making her back up again.
"I do not wish to hurt you."
"Then why are you pushing me away?" he backed her up into the wall and braced his arms on either side of her body, trapping her.
"I do not wish to sell my best friend into slavery."
"Is that all, Tenel Ka?" he asked, his head coming down to hers as he searched her eyes. "Your best friend?"
She pressed back against the wall, looking back at him. "You are making it difficult to concentrate, Jacen."
"Good." He pressed closer, lining his body up against hers as his head came down, his lips stopping just shy of hers. "Is that all I am, a friend?"
"No." she gasped, unable to stop the fires curling through her system, "You are more."
"How much more?"
"Jacen..."
He slid his head down and nuzzled her chin, placing a gentle kiss on her rapidly beating pulse. "How much more, Tenel Ka?"
Her hand slid up his chest, wrapping around his collar but he wouldn't let her go. Her words were soft. "I love you."
"You what?" he asked, pulling back and searching her eyes.
"I love you."
"Who?"
She swallowed convulsively, licking her lips and almost breaking his control with the simple movement. "I love you, Jacen. Kiss me?"
Her plea was his undoing and his lips slid across hers. Tenel Ka melted against him, her arm sliding around his neck as the portion of her left arm slid as far as it could around his shoulders. His arms went around her as her head slanted under his, her mouth opening to his on a whimper. He kissed her deeply, passionately, almost driven to his knees when she responded in kind. He tore his mouth away and tucked his face into the curve of her neck, placing a shaky kiss on the smooth column. "Force," he whispered hoarsely. "What are you doing to me, woman?"
She didn't reply, but he could feel her heart hammering against his.
He pulled away slowly, testing her reluctance to let him go, and was rewarded with a tug on his neck. He reached up and pulled her hand from behind him and stepped clear of her, his chest still heaving. "I won't let you pick anyone else for a consort, Tenel Ka."
She blinked. "You will not let me?"
He nodded, unable to stop himself from reaching up to cup her face. "You're mine. You've always been mine. The passion between us has been there for years. I can't stand the thought of you in another man's arms."
She swallowed hard, taking a deep breath as she fought to regain her control. "No I you," she admitted softly. "I cannot offer you more than what is there, Jacen. As much as I want you, I do not wish you a life of slavery."
"If I have to be a slave, there is no one else I'd like to be chained to." He let his hand drop and stepped back two steps, out of reach.
She stayed against the wall, unable to trust her legs for the first time in her life. Jacen's kiss had left them starch-less. She looked at the door. "I believe I will return to my ship."
He nodded. "That's probably a good idea. Staying around me will result in a lack of control."
"Fact."
He chuckled. He hadn't expected her to admit it. "I'll see you tonight then?"
She nodded, stepping away from the wall finally. "Tonight. Do not expect me to be this..."
"Casual?"
She nodded.
"I won't be. I look forward to tonight Tenel Ka. Has any of this changed your mind?"
She paused by the door and looked back over her shoulder. "No. We will speak again."
The door closed behind her and he frowned. "Count on it," he whispered to the empty room. He had to figure out a way of getting her to come around to his way of thinking. Shaking his head, he went into the kitchenette to clean up. Somehow, he had to make her see his point of view. He refused to let her choose another man as her consort. It was simply unacceptable.