They walked side by side through some of the less busy parts of the palace. There was no contact, however, but there was a definite tension in the air between them. It was a nice tension, if there was such a thing.

As they stood admiring one of the less popular, yet just as stunning, fountains in an empty room of the palace, Zekk felt his bravery return to him. He shuffled around the fountain and stood almost shoulder to shoulder with Tenel Ka.

"Beautiful," he commented, hoping his double meaning would come through.

True to form, Tenel Ka didn't respond, verbally, but Zekk noticed she didn't shy away from him. This gave Zekk more hope, heightening his resolve to explain himself.

"Tenel Ka, about earlier. I'm really, really sorry. It's just, you looked so beautiful, and I couldn't help myself. It will never happen again, I promise," Zekk said quickly, hoping he wouldn't be interrupted.

He was surprised when Tenel Ka turned to him and took his hand in hers. She looked deeply into his emerald green eyes, boring herself into his soul.

"I do now know what ever gave you the idea that you'd offend me by your actions or that my heart is tied to someone else. You and I are close friends. I would like to stay that way."

"What about Jacen?" Zekk asked cautiously, afraid of the answer.

"Jacen Solo," Tenel Ka repeated, thinking a bit. "That is a, how do they say it, starship that has launched. He chose his life's path and it did not include myself. Simple."

"I guess I understand."

"Zekk," Tenel Ka whispered, taking a step closer to him so their bodies were inches apart.

Zekk could hear her breathing. It seemed a bit rushed for her. This excited him for some reason. His heart began to race as he saw Tenel Ka lean closer to him. He closed his eyes, awaiting the inevitable.

Finally, Zekk felt Tenel Ka's lips gently press against his, testing them out. Zekk restrained himself from holding her closer. He knew where his feelings lied but was unsure about how Tenel Ka felt. At least it sounded like she was over Jacen's heartbreak. Before he knew it Tenel Ka had pulled away and turned back to gaze at the fountain.

The stood like that for a moment, the only sound being the trickling water of the fountain. Silently Tenel Ka turned, walking behind Zekk. As she passed she grabbed his hand, bringing him along with her. He moved around so her right arm was threaded through his left. He thought this would be a bit more proper way for a bodyguard to escort the Queen Mother. Zekk was a bit surprised when he felt Tenel Ka move closer. She led him down a hall, stopping a bit at each fountain or other artifact, telling Zekk what she knew in her usual tone. Nothing but their closeness in proximity could alert anyone passing to their current situation.

Eventually Zekk noticed the light spilling through he many windows had elongated across the halls, indicating it was late in the afternoon. Despite how much he wanted to stay with Tenel Ka, he felt he should start to investigate Tenel Ka's theories. The sooner he figured it out, the sooner Tenel Ka could rest peacefully. But that was a double edged lightsaber because the sooner her figured it out, the sooner he had no reason to stay on Hapes with its Queen. However, he thought he should at least pretend to work.

"This has been wonderful, Tenel Ka, but I should start my investigation before people start going home, if you don't mind. I can also probably find my own dinner so there is no need to wait on my behalf," Zekk said as they took in a beautiful painting Tenel Ka had commissioned depicting her home on Dathomir.

"Of course, Zekk. I am sorry to have kept you all this time," Tenel Ka replied, never taking her eyes off the work. She seemed completely memorized by it, as if she was really back on her mother's home world. Zekk cast a sidelong glace at her and saw her face had fallen into something resembling longing. She looked melancholy, and Zekk had never seen her this way. He squeezed her right hand with his own, untangling her arm from his. When we went to let go he noticed Tenel Ka's grip remained firm. She pulled him close and Zekk thought she was going to kiss him again. Her lips bypassed his and found their way to his left ear.

"Until later, then," she whispered, her voice deep and rough. To Zekk it seemed like she was holding back. As she pulled away he felt her lips graze his cheek. This sent yet another wave of chills through his body.

He stopped her from pulling completely away and whispered in her ear.

"What are you doing to me?"

With a subtle hint of a smile on her lips, Tenel Ka stood straight. She slowly released her grip and began to walk backwards, leaving Zekk alone. Their gaze never wavered and Zekk found himself mouthing something at her.

"I love you."

With a knowing smirk, Tenel Ka turned and left Zekk alone by the painting.