Alright. I know I said that I would have this chapter up by Thursday, but I have had a few problems to deal with over the last couple of days. I am quite depressed to say that my computer died the other day and I lost everything I had saved onto my hard drive. Luckily, I had the last ten chapters of this story saved on a disk so I did not lose them, but I was thirteen chapters and over sixty Microsoft word pages into the sequel, all of which were lost. I am going to try and see if I can get some of my files retrieved, but if not I am afraid that I might have to start over from scratch. On a happier note, we are nearing the end of this story and I have a nice mushy chapter for everyone today, so enjoy!

Chapter 31

Over the next couple of weeks, Jacen and Tenel Ka could not get enough of each other. They spent every waking moment together, carefully under the watchful eyes of Laraissa and Britalia, Tenel Ka's bodyguards.

Although the two snuck secret kisses and quick snuggles, they were never allowed a moment alone because of security reasons. To Jacen, at first it seemed convenient, having someone to wait on you hand and foot, then slightly annoying, and now it was completely ridiculous. How were the two of them ever going to spend some quality time alone together when they were never alone?

About a month into his stay on Hapes, Jacen turned nineteen. He and Tenel Ka had planned on spending his birthday together, wandering through the lush Hapan gardens. He stood outside the steps to the Fountain Palace, waiting for his beautiful queen and her two constant companions.

As he turned to glance at the vision of glory now descending the steps, Jacen was in awe. Tenel Ka looked radiant in a pure white summer gown, floating in the breeze. Her hair was loose about her shoulders and glinted in the sunlight. She looked like one of the angels that were said to have lived on the many moons of Iego.

Taking Jacen's hand, the two wandered through the gardens, Laraissa and Britalia following at a polite distance. Glancing behind her shoulders and calling out in her native language, Tenel Ka pulled Jacen quickly along and said, "I have something I want to show you."

She led him for a few moments before they came to stop before a large canopy of silken curtains. On the way, Jacen had noticed that for some reason, the two girls had stopped following.

Pushing one of the flowing curtains aside and leading Jacen in, Tenel Ka said, "This is my private oasis. No one is allowed in here without my specific permission. I often come here when I need to be alone."

Jacen glanced around the small sanctuary. It was filled with some of the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen. In the center sat a large bubbling fountain giving the room a soothing feeling. "It's beautiful."

Tenel Ka sat down on a large pillow thrown on the stone floor and pulled Jacen down with her. They sat like that for a little while; just holding each other.

As Jacen opened his mouth to speak, Tenel Ka gently placed her hand over it. "Shh," she murmured before she leaned down to kiss him.

Jacen rolled on to his side and deepened the kiss. It was the first chance the two of them had really had to be alone, and now they were obviously going to take advantage of it.

When they came up for air, Tenel Ka rolled over on her stomach and whispered, "I love you."

This caught Jacen slightly by surprise. Yes, he had assumed she loved him, but Tenel Ka had never been one to open up emotionally. "I love you too." They sat in silence for a few moments, holding each other. And then Jacen shyly asked, "Do you want to…"

Tenel Ka began to blush. Did he really just ask me that? "Jacen-"

"No. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked," he said while turning his face away.

Placing her palm against his cheek, Tenel Ka gave him a gentle kiss. "Jacen, there is nothing more I would love to do than share myself with you. If you will have me, I would want you to be my first."

Excitement building, Jacen said, "Yes, yes I would be honored, your highness." Grinning ear to ear, Jacen eagerly tore his shirt off, but when he noticed Tenel Ka's shy glance, he backed off a bit. Never in all of the years he had known her had she ever appeared timid or afraid. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Nodding her head, she replied, "Yes. I'm just a bit nervous. And I am not completely sure of what I am supposed to do."

Stroking her hand, Jacen said, "Me too. But it will be okay; we'll learn together." As he caressed her skin, Jacen began to undo the laces on Tenel Ka's gown. He placed his lips to the bare flesh on the small of her back, causing her to shiver.

Once Tenel Ka was only in her under clothes, Jacen removed his pants. Both self-conscious, neither volunteered to remove the rest of their clothing first. Mustering up his courage, Jacen began to take off Tenel Ka's top. Her skin felt like silk beneath his fingertips.

She allowed him to take it off of her, but once he did she brought her arm up to cover herself. As Tenel Ka blushed a deep crimson, Jacen placed his hand on hers and said, "Don't be ashamed. You're beautiful."

They finished undressing in silence. The two then laid down together, neither knowing what to do next. Taking the initiative, Jacen placed a gentle kiss on Tenel Ka's shoulder and then trailed a row of them up to her neck. He could feel her pulse pounding against his lips and the feeling invigorated him.

As carefully as he could, Jacen rolled over and positioned himself over the Queen, supporting his weight on his forearms. He did not want to crush her, or hurt her in any way. As he gazed into the gray pools of her eyes, he could tell she was ready.

Being as gentle as possible, Jacen entered Tenel Ka. She stiffened a bit at first, but soon relaxed against him. When he knew she was alright, he continued.

It wasn't perfect, but their time together was beautiful and fulfilling. At the end Jacen collapsed onto Tenel Ka and then rolled to the side. He pulled her against him, tucked beneath his arm and they laid there in silence for a long time.

Several hours later Tenel Ka was asleep in Jacen's arms. What had happened between the two of them was magical; filled with such vulnerability and love. But when Tenel Ka woke up, she was crying softly.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. It is just that I love you Jacen," she said, a sad expression crossing her face.

"I love you too, but please don't cry. You have just given me the greatest birthday present imaginable. I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

Before he could go any further, Tenel Ka sat up and began to get dressed. "We should return now. They will soon begin to look for me."

A little confused by her change in attitude, Jacen also began to dress, and then he escorted the queen back to her bedroom in the palace, where he said his goodnights.

I hope everyone enjoyed the happy post, because the next one isn't quite so happy. Since I wanted this one to be up a couple of days ago, I will try to have the next one up either tomorrow or Monday.

P.S.- Reviews would be a great way to pull me out of my currently depressed state!