Jacen200015 – Thanks for finding the story again over here.

I am going to post both chapter 3 and chapter 4 as I was wrapping up the school year, giving my students evil final exams, and all those other teacher things. For those of you wondering, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Anakin will make an appearance and become an important part of this story, I just need to devote a couple more posts to Xanatos and Mia's background.

Chapter 3

The lights in his office – the private office that adjoined his sleeping chamber – were turned down low. Shadows danced against the wall. The dim, gentle light helped to soothe the ache that had set into his head as did the rich liquor that burned a path down the back of his throat.

"How did it go?"

He turned toward the voice, having felt her presence long before she spoke. Long hair, slightly tousled by sleep, fell freely down her back. A black silk gown hung loosely on her shoulders, caressing the curves of her body. She was a welcome, alluring sight after such a long trip, and his eyes drank her in.

"They are going to need more incentive, but at least the meetings weren't a complete waste of time." He took her hand as she came closer and pulled her into his lap. A purr rumbled in his chest at the feel of her warm body next to him once again. "Sorry to wake you," he said before claiming her lips.

Xanatos was always at war with himself when it came to Mia. The shrewd, ever cautious part of him that had served him well for most his life cursed him for getting too involved and allowing her to become an integral part of his life. Feelings were foolish and trusting her would only lead to trouble. But the part of him that looked out and saw only a future of continued solitude, alone in his sprawling estate welcomed her. It was that side of him that wanted to hold onto her and never let her out of his sight.

"How have things been here?" he asked. "Have you had any difficulty with the staff?"

"No," she answered.

"That's good."

It was a practical concern. Mia was his lover, not a wife, but he still wanted his staff to treat her with respect, as though she had every right to be there. He had offered her a room in his estate, but to his knowledge, she had never slept there. It had come as no surprise to find her in his private quarters when he returned. And now it was time to address what he had heard since leaving.

"Soren told me that you saw a doctor recently," he said gently. He tried to infuse his voice with concern, but felt certain a rebuke would come.

Mia stiffened, pulling away from him as much as his arms would allow. "Why is it so hard for you to simply ask how I am doing?" she asked. "It seems you already know I am going to tell you something before I can get the words out of my mouth."

"I'm sorry." He pulled her close again. "I am a man who is accustomed to trusting no one. Every time I do, I pay a price. Old habits are hard to break." Running his thumb down the side of her cheek, he pressed a kiss to her head. "I just want to know if you are well."

He sensed rising apprehension and uncertainty, and began to fear the worst. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I'm pregnant. The baby is yours, of course," she hurriedly added.

Stunned into silence, he allowed her words to sink in for a moment before forming a response. "Why so much unease over carrying my child?"

"We haven't been together very long. I haven't been sure how you would react, and …"

"Do I strike you as the kind of man who would cast his child, and the mother of that child, out on the street?"

"No," she said softly. "It would just be very easy for a man like you – wealthy, powerful - who has much to lose and doesn't easily trust to see this as a ploy."

"You have nothing to worry about." He reached down, his hand settling on her abdomen. "This is a gift, not a curse." He helped her to her feet before getting up from his chair. "But, you need your rest, now."

He led her into the room they shared and settled into bed next to her. As they both drifted off to sleep, his mind tried to wrap itself around the idea of fatherhood. It was something he never thought would happen to him. Soon he would have a daughter or a son. A daughter - he imagined a little girl as beautiful and intelligent as her mother. He, of course, would never let a man near her, and would have to protect her and teach her to defend herself. The galaxy was a treacherous place. Or a son - an heir to survive him and carry on his family name. He would teach that son everything he knew.

"Crion," Rena called in a soft, friendly voice.

Xanatos resisted a smirk at the distress that rested just beneath the surface of her charming, amicable façade. The young woman was quickly losing her patience.

"Come out," she called in a sing-song voice. "Play time is over."

She turned, freezing at the sight of her employer leaning in the doorframe.

"Sir?" she said quickly, bowing her head.

"I was hoping to see my son," Xanatos said.

"He's hiding somewhere in this room. He isn't fond of napping." She sighed in exasperation, her panic multiplying at the thought of having to explain how she had lost the boy. "I know he is still in the room."

"Of course he is, and we will find him," Xanatos assured her. "Talk with me for a moment. How is Crion adjusting to being back home? Be honest."

"He is adjusting fine, although he tends to be a bit stubborn and strong-willed," she said hesitantly. "He asks about his mother quite a bit.

"Is he seeing enough of Mia?"

"As much as her doctor will allow, Sir." Rena bowed her head before adding, "I don't think it is enough though."

Mia's pregnancy had quickly become an exercise in keeping both mother and child alive. Crion had been born healthy and strong. Mia, however, had grown weaker with each passing day. They had nearly lost her during delivery. When she continued to remain frail even months after Crion's birth, the doctors had begun looking for an explanation. A month later, Mia was diagnosed with Nowat syndrome, a rare, debilitating disease. While there were drugs that could slow the progress of the disease and treat the symptoms, the outcome was inevitable. Mia was dying, which made her decision to run and chance leaving Crion an orphan all the more puzzling to Xanatos.

"I am between meetings. Take a break. I will find him and put him down for a nap," Xanatos said confidently. "I will call you when he is asleep."

"Are you sure?" Rena asked, failing to hide her surprise. "He can be a bit … difficult."

"I'll be fine," Xanatos assured her. "I need to take a more active role in his life."

"As you wish, Sir."

She bowed and exited. Xanatos surveyed the room. There was no visible sign of little Crion; he was well hidden. Fortunately, Xanatos could observe the room with a second sight and quickly sensed where the boy was tucked away in an empty cabinet.

"I am not one of your caregivers, Crion," he called. "And you aren't old enough to know how to shield yet. You can't hide from me."

Silence.

He kneeled down next to the cabinet and quickly opened the door. The child inside squealed loudly, squirming and kicking his feet as Xanatos reached in to try to grab him.

"Come on. Nap time, Crion," Xanatos grunted, trying to avoid being kicked.

"No." Crion jutted out his bottom lip in a scowl. "No nap."

"Yes, it is nap time."

Xanatos scooped up his son, carrying the thrashing child to the crib. "Noooo!"

"Yes," Xanatos replied firmly as he deposited the boy in the crib, thankful there were bars.

He looked down at his clothes, aware of the large wet spots where his son had slobbered on him. Grabbing a nearby blanket, he blotted the damp silk. He was going to have to change before his next meeting.

He looked up in time to see Crion standing, one leg slung over the side of the crib.

"Oh, no you don't," he scolded. Crion shrieked as Xanatos approached. The boy began to run in circles in the confined space before stopping to face his father.

"No nap!"

Xanatos leaned against the railing, easily imagining himself being as difficult as a child. He had heard stories. "You've made your wishes abundantly clear," he said, wondering why he was even trying to reason with a toddler. "But, I'm your father, and it is nap time."

"Dee," the boy said, directing a chubby finger across the room.

"I suppose I should know what 'dee' is," Xanatos mused, looking in the indicated direction.

A large pile of stuffed animals rested on the floor. He scooped one up and presented it to the boy. "No!" Crion scowled before grabbing and throwing the toy. "Dee," he insisted.

Xanatos tried a second animal, only to have it rejected as well. He let out a sigh before a worn, blue blanket caught his eye. It was the one Crion had held onto for the entire trip back to Telos. He grabbed the shabby blanket, hoping this would please the boy.

"Dee!" Crion giggled, grabbing the treasure eagerly. "Dee … dee … dee."

"I'm glad."

"Da," Crion said, pointing at him.

"Yes," Xanatos confirmed, a strange giddiness filling him at the small term of endearment.

"Mama?"

"Mommy is taking a nap. And you should as well," Xanatos suggested.

"No nap."

"Yes, you've said that already."

Xanatos placed a hand on his son's forehead, sending out a light pulse through the Force. Bright blue eyes widened, staring intently up a Xanatos. Even at such a young age, Crion seemed to know that he shared something with his father that he shared with no one else. The bond had been rapidly strengthening before Mia had run.

"It's time to sleep," Xanatos said, delivering a Force suggestion.

The boy slumped over. Xanatos laid him down gently, tucking thick blankets around him. It was cheating, he knew that, but it was his right as a father. Even when Crion was a small baby, the caregivers had been baffled at how one who obviously knew so little about children could calm his son almost instantly and always get him to sleep.

He brushed a stray raven lock from Crion's forehead, smiling. "Yes, Crion. Now that I have you back, I will teach you everything I know," he whispered.

A frown replaced his smile. He had avoided seeing Mia for days, afraid of being unable to control his hurt and anger. But now the questions he had were burning a hole in his heart, and he could no longer wait. He needed to know why she had taken his son away from him.