So, this is a rewrite of my old fanfic "The General's Princess"! :D
I just want to preface this by saying that I NEEDED to write this story because there are little to no Grievous/OC stories and I need more of them in my life dammit! So here it is! The official rewrite! I will continue to keep the old version up on here and will be posting this story on AO3 as well under the same title.
One other thing, I hate Canon Grievous. I think he got shafted so hard in the 2008 Clone Wars cartoon and so I am entirely borrowing from the Legends and taking 2003 Clone Wars Grievous. There are very little stories about that version of him and I really don't want to portray him as an angry, impatient, incompitent beast. Legends Grievous was intelligent, cunning, patient, and not very loud. So I am using this version of him for this story. I can genuinely see 2003 Grievous falling in love with my OC Seetia and vice versa but I can never see her getting along with the 2008 version of him.
So yeah, eat shit, canon.
Also, Seetia has a voice claim! It's Erika Harlacher! (Fyi, Seetia sounds like Violet Evergarden.)
Today had not been the best day for Lady Seetia. She had woken up early that morning, had her breakfast which was strictly made for her dietary needs and to keep her healthy, spoke to her Council regarding issues that she really was not interested in. But she listened nonetheless, hoping that they would bring up important topics like the fact that her people were in a critical spot when it came to housing and social assistance. There were people in her Empire that weren't even able to go to school or have proper medical treatments.
So when they never brought up these issues, she would do so herself. Only to be brushed off and told that she was a child who did not understand the complexities of running a government. It was a painful reminder of her lack of capabilities regarding her own Empire.
She was not an Empress after all. Her Council was there to make important decisions after all. To become an Empress, she needed to do one thing she never wanted to do.
Seetia exhaled heavily as she looked around herself. The Palace garden was everything that was calming and comforting. She remembered the warmth and fuzzy feelings as her mother held her hand and took her down the very path she was currently on. Feeling nostalgic, she placed a hand over her heart and closed her eyes - remembering her mother's words.
"Feel the Force… Let it flow through you, my darling…"
"Yes, mother…" Seetia whispered in return. Though she knew her mother was not there and her voice was only a memory, it was one she latched onto dearly. It was a peaceful moment. However, as she was walking back to the Palace, a small creature flew in front of her and stopped Seetia right in her tracks. It was her ever trusting advisor and friend, a Fae named Nia Wilkilia.
"Princess, princess!" The high pitched yet desperate voice of Nia exclaimed. "There are Separatist looming over the city!" At that, Seetia's resolve grew as her eyebrows furrowed and she did her best to avoid panicking.
"Have they stated their reason for coming?" Seetia inquired softly as she followed Nia through a fast paced walk and Nia flew beside her.
"No, milady. But a shuttle was recently deployed and it is headed for the Palace!" Nia replied as they reached the Palace and Seetia nodded once before quickly making her way to the throne room. If anyone wanted to see her, that is where they would find her.
"I see." Seetia commented and Nia flew off to presumably give away orders. When Seetia arrived at the throne room, there was already a bit of chaos as the Council had gathered around the meeting table, with Seetia immediately going to sit at the head.
"Ah good, you're here, milady." One of the Council members, a man named Lochith said.
"What is the status of the Separatists' movements? I was told a shuttle was arriving shortly." Seetia asked curiously yet worried.
"They haven't attacked or given any indication of wanting to attack and the shuttle will arrive quickly." Lochith replied. Seetia nodded.
"Let us deal with the Separatists, Lady Seetia. I can't imagine you of all people would understand their means and why they are here." Another Council member, named Anduis, said with genuinity. Seetia felt a pang of rejection and unhappiness go through her as she looked away and did not comment.
Suddenly, the massive double doors opened and everyone's eyes turned to see who had arrived. To everyone's shock and horror, it was two figures that nobody had ever expected to see, least of all Seetia. She had been expecting a droid or a general to arrive. But this…
"My lords and ladies… allow me to introduce myself and my companion. I am Count Dooku of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Beside me is General Grievous of the Droid Armies." Count Dooku introduced and Seetia felt a shiver go up her spine. It was so disconcerting seeing him here of all places. It had been so long since she had seen him. Not a word for decades and now he was here.
"We know who you are, Count." Anduis spat back, his disdain for the human plain and obvious. "We have not forgotten who you are."
"Anduis, I do believe it is best to not provoke him." Another council member stated. At that, Count Dooku laughed, which genuinely took Seetia by surprise.
"I doubt anything you say can and will provoke me. Besides, I am not here to speak to this wretched council. I'm here to speak to Princess Seetia, the rightful ruler of this Empire." Count Dooku said as his gaze met Seetia's. Surprise and uncertainty shot through her. Dooku wanted to speak to her? She scoffed internally at that when the surprise wore off. Years of not communicating and now he wanted to talk?
"Of course, Count Dooku." Seetia said as she stood up, bowing slightly. Now was not the time to be defiant. She knew that resistance would not be good. For the sake of her people and her mother, she told herself.
"Good." Count Dooku almost purred. His once soft and delighted gaze turned cold as he looked at the Council. "You are all dismissed."
"Now, Count, you no longer have the authority to-" Anduis growled but his sentence was cut off by General Grievous's lightsaber at his throat.
"Choose your next words… carefully." Grievous's deep mechanical voice commanded. Anduis shook slightly and gulped.
"I-I'll be off then." He stuttered before getting up and carefully maneuvering around the massive general. The entire time, Grievous watched him like a hawk and soon everyone but Seetia, Dooku, and Grievous had left the room.
For the first time, Seetia fully took notice of the General. He was massive, taller than even Dooku. He was powerful looking with a sleek and yet daunting build and made entirely of durasteel. He looked like a droid but upon closer inspection, Seetia could see his glowing orange/yellow eyes with slits of pupils, like a reptile. He was draped in a white cape that made him look regal and yet still deadly. The way he carried the green lightsaber was the way one who had skills with it held it. He was by no means a Jedi.
"Now that the… lovely Council is out of here, we can finally talk openly." Count Dooku said bluntly. At that Seetia's eyebrows raised.
"Openly regarding? I'm sure any discussion we reach would concern the Council." She replied carefully yet confused.
"You're to be the crowned Empress, my dear. And after this, you will no longer have to be hidden behind closed doors. You will have full reign with your System." Count Dooku said promisingly yet with a slightly sly tone. Seetia did not like the tone he used but his words were strangely enticing.
"I'm listening." She said simply in response.
"I'm here to offer you a deal, Princess." Dooku said. At that, Seetia's interest peaked as her long ears perked up in curiosity.
"A deal?" She asked.
"Why yes, which I know you will not refuse." He said with an underlying threatening tone but not very obvious. Seetia knew why he said this and she knew he was right. "So, are you ready to negotiate?"
"Yes, Count Dooku. I am ready to negotiate."
He had not expected that.
General Grievous watched the girl before him. She was young, still so full of life. A flower in full blossom and even as beautiful as one. He would not deny that he found her beautiful, what point was there to lie in that? But what was so odd to him was the way she so easily gave into the Count's demands. She offered no resistance, no disagreements, it was almost as if she was expecting this to happen and was obligated to reply as such.
Grievous saw Dooku smile as he continued. "Princess Seetia, I will have the Separatists provide aid and protection from the Republic, seeing how they have been anything but kind to you and your people. You will become part of the Separatists and receive assistance. But only if you promise me three things."
"What is it? I'll do anything for my people." The Princess exclaimed with an almost desperate tone to her voice. Grievous was even further surprised. He wasn't expecting a royal that was so obviously pampered and yet hidden away to care so much.
Dooku lifted a finger. "The first end of the deal is that you will surrender your planet's resources to the Separatists if I require them." He stated and paused. Grievous saw the Princess nod.
"Agreed." She said with no hesitation.
Dooku lifted a second finger. "The second part is that you must not communicate with any members of the Republic under any circumstances."
"Agreed." The Princess replied. Grievous hoped that she would keep her promises, especially if what Dooku had said about this planet's resources and strengths were good things. The two had talked about what this planet had to offer in terms of technology and metalwork.
Dooku lifted a final finger and Grievous had to pause to look at the Princess. He noticed that the Princess was curious to hear what the last demand would be. Grievous himself wasn't so sure how the Princess would react to the final part of this deal. And he was dreading it, despite having no desire to do what the Count would ask of the Princess.
"The final part is this - you are to take General Grievous's hand in marriage. You and him are to be wed and become Utau's new Emperor and Empress." Count Dooku declared and Grievous heard a small gasp from the Princess as she went utterly still and her gaze met his. He could see her confusion and fear as she searched his gaze, which he himself made to be neutral. It was not long before she looked at the Count in confusion.
"General, could you excuse us for a moment?" Dooku asked politely yet sternly. Grievous was part surprised and part suspicious as he narrowed his eyes at his superior. The Count rolled his eyes. "It will only be for a moment, I must talk to the Princess in private."
Grievous looked at the Princess, whose gaze was now cast at the sleek marble flooring and had a forlorn look on her face. A pang of sympathy crossed his chest but he immediately stuffed it back down and nodded once, wondering what was so secretive that he couldn't hear the discussion. But he did as he was ordered and left the room, closing the large doors behind him.
And waited patiently outside.
"I'm sure you have questions." Count Dooku spoke to Seetia as her gaze fell back onto him. She had a rather curious yet suspicious look in her eyes. At that, he laughed and Seetia felt flustered. "You sure do have your mother's defiance."
"Count Dooku, why have you chosen General Grievous of all people to be my husband?" Seetia asked puzzled as she watched the elder man smirk. She had definitely not expected the last clause of the deal to be… so personal.
"Well, because I trust him, my dear. He has been my apprentice for 5 years now and is both incredibly intelligent and very resourceful. He already makes a fine General in my armies and he is an excellent leader. He would do well for the Utau Empire." He explained. Seetia couldn't understand regardless and felt even more desperate.
"B-But then he would be missing out on the war! He is needed on the battlefield, right?" She asked, almost wanting to beg. It wasn't as though she disliked the General, it was more of the fact of her fear and anxiety… and her promise…
"Not necessarily true. While yes, he is a vital part in the Army's function, most of his tasks can be completed remotely. And before you ask, yes, he is aware of this arrangement and all of its caveats and he has agreed to them." Dooku explained as he walked over to the refreshments table and proceeded to use the Force to pour two glasses of wine for both of them. Seetia fiddled with her dress as she struggled to come up with any excuse not to marry. "You needn't fear. General Grievous is not so terrifying."
"It's not that I fear him, I just… I know it is tradition for the partner to be picked but…" Seetia said, almost on the verge of tears as she sat down and wiped at her eyes furiously, determined not to let Dooku see her cry.
"It's all right now." He said comfortingly as he brought over the wine and handed her a glass. She looked it over before taking a small sip. "I know you are not entirely satisfied with this arrangement and I know why." At that, she gasped as her eyes widened. "I've known for a while now that you've wanted to marry for love's sake but unfortunately, your time is running out, my dear. You've refused every suitor who you even shared a connection with."
"I-I…" She stuttered but could not finish her sentence as she bowed her head. Her mouth scrunched up as she felt so lost and hopeless. But she knew he was right. It was time for her to marry, regardless of what her heart told her. And besides, Dooku could never know of her promise. Even though it felt so wrong to deny her heart.
"I know… but, can I make one request?" She asked softly. She could feel Dooku was smiling one of those soft smiles that looked so strange on his usually very stern person.
"I know this arrangement is not one you will be the happiest with, but if I can make it easier, I will do my best." He replied. Seetia smiled nervously as she looked up at the Count, uncertainty in her eyes.
"I would like at least 5 months to get to know General Grievous. I want to at least be familiar with my husband-to-be and perhaps even become friends?" She requested. The Count looked at her curiously before he nodded once.
"That is acceptable." He replied tersely before he stood up and drank the rest of his wine. "I will be on my way and let you and General Grievous become more acquainted with each other. I will send a droid to discuss further aid and make plans with you as soon as possible. I will also alert the Council that you are engaged."
Seetia smiled slightly as she sighed softly and sipped a bit more of her wine. She watched as Dooku slowly went out of hearing range and she looked back down at her wine glass, muttering softly, "Thank you, father…"
When the door opened once more, it was Dooku who stepped out. General Grievous looked over his master with curiosity. "She accepted." The Count said.
"I know this is all in service of the Confederacy and I agreed to it, but I do not understand why you chose her of all people?" Grievous questioned. Count Dooku chuckled slightly.
"If I told you, you would not believe me. And besides, I know she will become an excellent leader of the Separatists one day. I have every confidence that you two will achieve great things together." Dooku explained smoothly. Grievous decided to accept that answer but still had many questions.
"A political marriage is indeed a good way to gain more power and strengthen a cause." Grievous mused aloud. Count Dooku nodded once.
"Indeed, and besides, if you require anything, do contact me. But for now, I shall take my leave of you both." Dooku announced. Grievous felt a rush of surprise go through him.
"But, master, what of the wedding? I am sure you want to attend, seeing as you organized all of this." Grievous asked curiously yet he masked his surprise quite well.
"The wedding will not be for another 5 months, Princess Seetia requested that amount of time for you both to become familiar with each other. I granted her request." Dooku explained. Grievous was even more surprised at this. She wanted to get to know him? He understood why, it was because she was marrying a total stranger and he himself was glad to have that time as well. It was just so… optimistic to see her make the best out of a situation she definitely did not want to be in.
"Good day, General." Dooku stated tersely as he walked off, returning to the shuttle. Grievous watched him go briefly before looking back at the doors to the throne room. He opened them once more and stepped in. As soon as he saw the Princess, he was definitely sure she did not want to be in this position.
She was fiddling with her dress, avoiding his gaze and doing her best to appear small and unnoticeable. Grievous approached her as if she were a frightened animal and stopped a few meters away from her.
"So…" She spoke first to his surprise. Her gaze slowly returned to him with pseudo bravery in her eyes. "You are General Grievous."
"Yes, I am. And you are Princess Seetia Utausi." He replied with a more confident tone. There was an awkwardness that neither of them knew how to breach. And the more silence passed between them, the more that tension and awkwardness grew. Grievous couldn't take it for so much longer as he looked around the room. "This room is quite grand, Princess. Perhaps you could give me a tour of the Palace?"
At that, the Princess seemed rather relieved. She stood up from her chair as she looked at the towering General who only looked back down at her. She smiled shyly as she gestured for him to follow her with a rather awkward and tense wave. Grievous realized that she was glad to have something to do. And he, in truth, was glad to have her show him around.
It wasn't long before they were out the door...