Chapter 26

He sat next to his wife feeling extremely out of place as he watched the bride and groom engage in a rather scandalous kiss. He had always known Kyp Durron was in love with Jaina and today proved that his suspicions about her feelings for the Jedi Master were just as founded. But there were no feelings of jealousy involved, only a feeling of irony that they both would end up with their best friends as spouses. He looked up at his wife and he could tell she was uncomfortable with the situation. He was suddenly glad they did not have as many Corellians at their wedding even though by blood he was one hundred precent Corellian. Not that he would have disliked engaging in such behavior with his wife, who was the love of his life, but she would have been horrified and repelled at such a public, human display.

However, newly promoted Admiral Jagged Fel knew that witnessing such a human display of emotion was not the only thing that bothered his wife. Since their history making marriage thirteen months before, he in fact had never heard her be so against any thing as much as she was the order from the Ascendancy to attend the wedding of, not only their former enemy, but his former girlfriend, as the Chiss representatives. And since no Chiss attended the wedding of Tenel Ka and Jacen Solo because the Chiss were involved with their own history making wedding, which happened only a week after the Hapans', the Ruling Families thought it prudent to send someone to the other Solo wedding. So, here they were and she would conduct her duty to the fullest and with dignity, but Jag couldn't help but feel for her.

But to her credit, Commander Shawnk'yr'nuruodo-Fel never let any of her dislike of the situation show on her elegant face, she smiled and responded to inquiries in a pleasant way. Of course, Jag and Shawnkyr both knew that it wasn't their inter-species marriage, or their feelings about the marriage of the Jedi Masters Durron, or his personal past involvement with the bride, or even questions about the Chiss that brought curious looks; it was Shawnkyr's swollen abdomen. For, the burning question that perked everyone's curiosity was about the baby that would be born in three months, the first ever, at least that anyone was aware, Chiss-human child. They held too much position and respect among their own people to be completely thought of a peculiarity, but in the GFFA they were ironically even more of an oddity.

They were seated toward the back of the room with other dignitaries, among them being Supreme Commander Gilad Pellaeon. After they respectfully included their muted applause to the comments from the bride's father, Pellaeon returned to his marinated frotti filet with cultured grace. Then he asked, getting back to the conversation they were having, "Is this a permanent reassignment for you both?"

The once feared Grand Admiral was referring to the rumor that following Jag's promotion he was being assigned command of part of the CEDF. "Yes, I am to take over part of the fleet and Commander Shawnkyr is to be under the command of one of my most trusted captains, who happens to command my flagship." Jag smiled and glanced at Shawnkyr knowing that she did not like it when Jag was over protective.

"Well," the Admiral said after he wiped his mouth with the embroidered linen napkin. Then as he picked up his wine glass, he raised it and looked at the other dignitaries that shared their table, the Imperial Ambassador and his wife. Pellaeon smiled and said, "A toast then." He paused as the others picked up their wine glasses, save for Shawnkyr who was drinking a spiced fruit juice. "To Admiral Fel and his wife, may their futures be bright."

"Here, here," came the response from the others. Jag and Shawnkyr shared an intimate glance as they sipped their respective beverages.

X

The dancing seemed to go on forever and Jaina really was getting tired of being passed around. She hadn't danced with Kyp for at least an hour. Of course, he seemed to have a fair share of partners and had been enjoying himself, but now she was beginning to feel his irritation. It seemed every time Jaina or he tried to reconnect someone else wanted to dance. This time was no different as she watched Octa Ramis claim Kyp.

"May I have this dance?"

Jaina slowly turned and smiled up at Jagged Fel. She held out her hand and he took it and bent to brush his lips against it. When he stood again he smiled and said, "Congratulations, Master Durron."

As the music began Jag gently rested his hand on her waist, held her right hand and swung her into the Hapan waltz. Jaina then said, her smile bright, "Thank you. And congratulations are in order for you as well."

He said in response, "Yes, becoming admiral at my age is quite an accomplishment."

She looked at him incredulously, "Well, true, but I was referring to your prospective fatherhood."

Jag laughed, "I know. But Kyrn and I have had our share of curious looks and questions tonight. All of which begin with the same phrase of congratulations."

Jaina grinned and said after a moment, "I'm glad you were able to make it. I was hoping the Chiss would send you and Shawnkyr." Jaina paused and looked over to the where Jag's wife was standing speaking to Iella Antilles. She finally brought her eyes back to Jag's as they whirled through the dance. "Jag, I want to apologize for causing you and your family so much hardship. I regret my involvement with the Killiks."

"Jaina, that is the past." Jag calmly said, "I was angry with you and I despised what you and the other rogue Jedi participated in but we have suffered enough. Let us not dwell on the past at such a joyous event."

She smiled, "Thanks, Jag."

Finally, the dance was winding down and Jag asked with a mischievous glint in his light blue-green eyes, "I have to ask, when is Knight Zekk and Ms Quee expecting their child?"

Jaina glanced over at her friends who were in delighted conversation with the Horns, both elder and younger. She smiled lopsidedly because she somehow knew what Jag was hinting at, "In about four months. They are having a son. But don't expect me to be providing playmates any time soon." The music stopped and Jaina embraced Jag briefly. They were both laughing when Kyp came to finally claim his wife.

After Kyp and Jag exchanged genuine handshakes for their individual congratulatory reasons, Kyp quickly lead Jaina from the middle of the dance floor.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked as they reached the large glass doors that lead to the North Garden.

"I'm following a suggestion your mother made to me," he grinned at her questioning expression. Then he added, "She said that you would want to get away as quickly as possible."

"Oh," she snickered. "My mother told you that?"

"Yes," he stopped and faced her. They were just outside the Maze Garden and just outside the circle of light that came through the large glass doors of the Grand Ball Room. She could just make out the mischievous expression on his features.

She pulled him close and he held her, finally, his lips claimed hers in a passionate kiss. After breaking it she said, "Uncle Luke told me that my mother and father snuck out of their reception after only being there for about four hours and he was stuck making excuses for them."

Kyp couldn't hold the laughter, between chuckles he gasped, "That explains it!"

After Kyp recovered from his laughter they continued along the edge of the garden to the East Wing, where they would spend their wedding night. Tomorrow they would head out for their honeymoon, which Kyp was keeping secret. Suddenly they heard soft voices and they stopped.

"Jy, I love you why can't your father see that," it was the pained voice of Doran Tainer. Kyp and Jaina both looked at each other and grinned.

"I love you too. However, he thinks you are too old for me, Doran," came the naturally husky voice of Jycella Horn.

"Well, I just don't get it. Here we are at the wedding of a couple who have much more age between them than us and he doesn't seem to mind that," anger laced the young Jedi's voice.

"Don't be so sure. Dad still thinks Master Durron is too old for Jaina, but what can he say? Jaina isn't his daughter, but I am." Kyp scowled at Jaina and she shook her head. Even though she knew they should not be eavesdropping on the younger couple, she was unable to move and she did not want Kyp's dislike for Corran Horn to spoil his daughter's moment. She had a feeling.

"I don't care what your dad thinks, Jycella. I love you." There was a pause and when he spoke again his voice shaky with emotion, "Jycella Horn," there was a gasp from Jycella, "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife."

Kyp and Jaina, smiling from ear to ear, began to move away when they heard a tear-filled, joy-filled "Yes!" ring out over the garden.

X

They were laughing by the time they reached their room. Kyp opened the door and swept Jaina off her feet to carry her across the threshold. They entered the sitting room of the flower and candle filled bed chamber. Jaina looked around and gasped, when she brought her attention back to Kyp he said, "I had them prepare the room before I came to rescue you."

"Oh," she smiled, "It's beautiful."

Once he set her down he said as he removed his jacket and undid the complicated tie, "Well, can't wait to see Horn's reaction to that one."

"Kyp!" Jaina admonished, "I really could care less what anyone thinks outside of this room."

He looked at her and smiled as he took her into his arms and kissed her letting his tongue play with hers. After he broke the kiss he huskily said, "You know I believe I promised you a backrub a while back."

She was puzzled for a moment until she thought back and suddenly the memory came to her. She had tried to forget that terrible day. She quietly said, "You did."

"Well, I think its time I paid up on my promise. Don't you think?" he gave her a lopsided grin.

"Yeah, I think it is about time to pay back…" she never got to finish the sentence, his mouth hungrily claimed hers.

He pulled away and picked her up to carry her to the large, high, old fashioned four poster bed in the adjacent room. He laid her down on the bed and as he came beside her he said, "Goddess, I love you, I always have and I always will." No other words were said as they found their happiness in each others arms.

X

Jaina was standing next to the door frame looking into the brightly decorated bedroom. There were two small beds in it and she watched a man as he sat on the edge of one of them. His back was towards her, but she knew what he was doing. She could hear him telling a story. She didn't really hear all the words but she knew it was a familiar story to her. Upon her face was a broad happy smile and she stepped into the room.

Suddenly, she stopped when she heard the small voice of a little boy say, "Daddy, I don't like that story. We know that one. It's about you and Mommy."

"I like it. Mommy is a goddess and Daddy is a knight," another voice come across stubbornly. Jaina could tell it was of a little girl.

Jaina moved in until she was standing directly behind the man then she saw that he was also holding a child in his arm, another little girl, she was sleeping. He turned and she looked into the green eyes of an older Kyp but he still was as handsome as ever and she could see the happiness radiating from his eyes. He held out his hand and said, "We seem to be having a difference in opinion about story topics for tonight."

"What else is new," she rolled her eyes as she took his hand. She said the words but did not know why. It just seemed to fit.

She looked down at the two children on the bed and gasped. The little boy resembled Kyp, with dark green eyes and black curly hair, and looked to be about five years old. The little girl who looked to be the same age—twins?—had purest blue eyes and black hair that lay in long wavy curls. She would be a beauty when she grew up, Jaina was sure. The sleeping toddler in Kyp's arms looked to be about three and had more of Jaina's characteristics.

Her heart raced as she realized what she was seeing and her hand fell to her swollen abdomen. She looked down in surprise as she realized she was pregnant. She brought her eyes back up to meet Kyp's but before she could the scene was gone—

Jaina startled awake and looked around. The room was darkened; most of the old fashioned flame candles were burned down to the wick. Then she brought her attention back to the man whose chest had been her pillow. She had a dream. Kyp was breathing deeply in sleep and she laid her head back down onto his chest and cuddled in closer. But she could not go back to sleep. She suddenly was very excited as she realized what the dream really was—a vision. A vision of their future.

Fin

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I will begin posting the companion pieces to this soon. So keep a look out for them...

To Love Thy Friend--the romance of Jag and Shawnkyr

The Strength to Go On--the romance of Valin and Tahiri

There is also a sequel to these set 25 years into the future and deals with the Children...Love's Sweet Promise

Thanks everyone who as read this...

Flowerlady