Okay, next chapter is on!

General Grievous conquers a new planet which isn't found on the data-tracks, and as he about to kill the royal of the planet, Princess Seeth, Count Dooku arrives and decides to offer a bargain. The neutral planet of Utaimasu would be spared, if Seeth offered her resources and loyalty to the Separatists... And for Count Dooku's most trusted General, Grievous, to take Seeth's hand in marriage.

(General Grievous/OC; AU - Rated T for violence, language).

"The General's Bride"

Chapter Four:
The Library

/\\\

The General made his way through the halls of the palace. And while he was upset about staying here (perhaps) until Seeth and him married, he could not help but admire the beauty of this palace and of this planet. There was something about it that soothed him and told him that it meant no harm. He could only trust the voice in his head which told him that.

And then something caught his attention. Large brown double doors which were carved out in the shapes of shelves and... books? And there were people carved out as well, reaching out for a book or reading whilst standing. And it was all carved in such fine detail. But still... Books? No one had used or made books in thousands of years. Grievous knew what books were but he had never personally read or seen one for the matter. So his interest was peaked as he pushed open the heavy doors and entered, closing them behind him.

And Grievous froze in awe. There were shelves upon shelves of books of all sorts of colors, most of the colors were faded but by the Force, they were kept in good shape! Beautifully, the shelves also had carvings of all sorts of letters from different languages. The place had large windows that were long and tall, the ceiling was also (unsurprisingly) high and they too had carvings of characters of some kind, reading the books whilst sitting at a large table and some people were chatting idly abut the stories (Grievous could guess). There was not a single color besides rich brown (unless you count the books).

Grievous decided to explore this hall of knowledge as he had heard that long ago, these books were the basic form of knowledge and held many interesting topics. Some even before the Old Republic! Grievous could not resist, after all, he was to be king (despite how much he despised that title) of this world so he was not forbidden from reading or entering in this wonderful place.

Grievous soon found himself searching the shelves for something, the letters were not at all similar to basic but still somewhat cryptic so he could vaguely understand it. He pulled out a specific book about the history of the Old Republic and walked over to a table to sit down and begin reading. There was no one there to disturb his peace and he highly doubted someone would think to search for him here. It was the solitude that Grievous desperately desired.

/\\\

Seeth was upset. General Grievous had been living here for a week now and the situation between them did not change. Grievous refused to speak with her and she refused to speak with him. Occasionally, the two would bump into each other whilst wandering the halls, but there were only glares given and no words spoken. She was upset because she had to marry this infuriating cyborg in just under five month!

Seeth quickly found herself near the old palace library and used her magic to push the door open quietly. She entered the library before checking to see if anyone followed her. No one. Satisfied, she closed the doors behind her before strolling around the library. She smiled when she saw a book she loved or had come to care about. Seeth had spend so much time here that she read all the books in this massive library. Several times. It was all after her mother died and Seeth became depressed when she had developed a fascination with reading. So she spend most of her days in this very library. It was so peaceful as no one entered or had simply forgotten about it. A shame, really. Who could forget such wonderful things!

But that sense of peace and serenity would only crumble when her eyes found a very familiar cyborg. One she had tried desperately to avoid. General Grievous. Seeth hid behind some shelves quietly as she had assumed he would see her. But he gave no call or gesture to let her know he had seen her, so Seeth assumed that the General had not seen her.

Seeth carefully moved her way around him and climbed up a ladder to the top of a shelf and watched him. But he was... reading? Seeth had not expected that. He was trying though as she could see he was struggling with some words and letters that he did not understand, but he could understand the main principles. Seeth, with her Ningyo enhanced vision, saw that he was at the center of a book about the history of the Old Republic. She watched him curiously to see what would happen but then saw him get up and storm off, agitated.

/\\\

This routine continued on for several more days. Seeth had found out at which time would Grievous visit the library and would watch him from the top of the same shelf each day. He was only slightly improving with his reading and would quickly get upset and leave. Sometimes, Grievous would stay for such a long time that Seeth had grabbed a book herself to read. Seeth always assumed he did not know she was there.

How wrong she was.

Grievous knew from day one that she was there. Spying on him. Though he said nothing he could always feel her gaze on him and whenever she was busy reading a book, he would glance up to see her lying stomach first on the top of an extremely large shelf. Though the glances were quick and short, Grievous always knew she was there. And while at first, she bothered him, over time he grew to just tolerate her there. There was nothing wrong with what either person or cyborg were doing so why call her out on it?

Until Grievous had enough.

On day eleven, Grievous knew that this was getting them no where so as soon as Seeth relaxed and began to watch him, Grievous called out, "Seeth, I know you're there. I've known since the beginning and I would appreciate it if you came down and spoke with me." His voice was (forcefully) polite and yet also stern.

Seeth was shocked at that fact but quickly did as she was told and climbed down. She cautiously approached her finace (ugh) and sat across from him. Grievous gestured for her to sit down next to him and Seeth's eyes widened slightly sheepishly. Though she regained her composure and slid over the table before sitting down on the bench next to him. Grievous, caught off guard by her little stunt on the table, stared at her in surprise before shaking his head at himself and picking up the book and placing it in front of her.

"I would very much like a translator, Princess." he finally spoke as he looked away, embarrassed to have to ask her of such a thing. Seeth was caught off guard completely that she froze like a deer in head-lights. Staring at the Kaleesh in wonder. She understood how much that request wounded his pride and she smiled at the fact.

Grievous was soon to hear giggling from beside him and he looked down at the princess giggling to herself, "Don't worry, Grievous. I won't tell anyone you asked my help with reading." she smiled, "It'll be our little secret," She whispered jokingly. And Grievous stared at her in shock and also thankfulness.

"So you accept the job?" he asked, also trying to joke but failing miserably due to his robotic voice making him sound serious. Seeth smiled genuinely.

"Yes." she answered kindly before beginning to read in basic from where Grievous left off.

/\\\

Late at night it was when the two finished the book and Grievous and Seeth began to make their way out of the magnificent library. Seeth found herself shocked, upset, angry and also happy. To know that there wasn't any hostilities between them during those peaceful hours made her feel happy and hopeful that perhaps this marriage wouldn't be a hostile one. But Seeth was upset because she was quick to assume that they would be friends. No, like that could ever happen.

Grievous was conflicted. He enjoyed and disdained her company. She was such a good story teller that he had forgotten his troubles and was focused on her alone. Seeth was a beautiful woman with such a un-lady-like personality. Grievous was shocked that she had slid over the table to sit down next to him and he was impressed but also surprised and it was... interesting. She was not like any other royal that was for sure.

Seeth made him curious. Incredibly curious.

The two exited the library in silence. Not a single word was spoken between them. Seeth turned to Grievous as did he to her and she smiled slightly yet politely and genuinely. Grievous froze at such a sight until she turned away and started to walk away.

"Wait!" he called out in a moment of haste and he was surprised at his own behavior. Seeth stopped and turned around towards him curiously. Grievous paused, choosing his next words carefully, "Princess, would you like me to accompany you back to your room?" he asked. Seeth's frown turned into a soft and kind smile as she nodded once and Grievous casually walked up to her and stood by her side.

Grievous was confused with his own actions. Since when did he desire to be near her? He wanted to be near her for as long as he could and this confused him. He figured that her smiling beautiful face would haunt him that night had he left there and then.

The two continued down the hall where the long windows were open and the moonlight's light seeped in, giving a perfectly lit up way as there were no other light sources. And it was magnificent. The stars were shining brightly and everyone in the city that the palace overlooked was sound asleep. Grievous' eyes never left her face, illuminated beautifully by the moonlight. Grievous was hesitant to speak, but Seeth broke the silence.

"What a beautiful night it is, right?" she asked, gesturing towards the night sky. Grievous' eyes left her face and gazed outside and nodded before returning his gaze to her. He may have been a creature of war but he could still have a certain yearning for beauty. And while the night was beautiful, he was more focused on her but showed no emotion in his eyes to signify such an observation of her.

Seeth's eyes met his as they both seemed to stop slowly as they stood and stared at each other. Curiosity in Seeth's eyes, and a cold yet yearning look in Grievous'. And this made Seeth nervous yet fascinated. Grievous was a general in a war, a war in which she wanted no quarrel in. And yet, here he was, staring her down as if she was something important. Something beautiful. Seeth suddenly felt self-conscious as she looked away from his burning gaze, flushed and embarrassed. Grievous took notice and tilted his head slight to the side in a curious yet slightly teasing fashion. Seeth blushed.

To the normal eye, it would appear that the two were just staring at each other and Seeth got embarrassed. But if you looked closer, a silent conversation was very apparent. And what was 'said' was clear as day. Grievous complimented Seeth with his actions and Seeth understood. He was teasing her because she was embarrassed by his 'compliment' and she blushed.

Seeth looked at him again after several seconds and stared deeply into his orange golden orbs. Blue and brown eyes met golden orange eyes in another silent conversation, but this time, no 'words' were spoken. They just stared, until Seeth snapped out of her daze and cleared her throat. Grievous soon followed her out of the trance and they began to walk again.

"It is a beautiful night indeed." he spoke, answering her question to avoid another awkward moment. Seeth nodded, still flushed by his actions and her own. She smiled.

"Is it like this on your home planet?" she asked, and the general paused and stared at her in a shocked manner. Seeth was confused, "Well, I assume you have a home planet, right?" she asked, thinking he was perhaps just an experiment. Born and bread in a laboratory. Which saddened Seeth deeply if that were the case. Grievous felt insulted at her assumption.

"Of course I have a home planet! I wasn't always a Cyborg, I'll have you know." he said, not very angry but still felt insulted somewhat. Seeth was quick to apologize as she stared at him in horror.

"I am terribly sorry, general! My assumption was incorrect. Please forgive me." she apologized, horrified. Grievous noticed her horrified expression and laughed.

"My dear Seeth, why are you so horrified? It was an honest mistake and it did no harm." he assured her and Seeth felt relieved as she sighed. And she was slightly sheepish when he had said her name. It was soft on his tongue (if he had one that is).

"Oh, um, well, in my culture it is very rude to make assumptions of one from another world." she said, bashfully and Grievous smiled mentally. This world at least was respectable and properly cultured. Grievous nodded in acknowledgement.

"And yes, it is peaceful at night on my home planet when war was not among my people. But not as magnificent as this." he answered, referring to her original query. Seeth nodded and frowned at the mention of war on his planet.

"The separatists attacked your home planet?" she asked, curious yet also sympathetic. Grievous huffed.

"Oh no, Princess, the Jedi did." he said, sarcastically yet extremely bitterly at the mention of the Jedi. He felt like he wanted to kill one at this point just saying that disgusting name. Seeth's eyes widened at the mention of such a thing.

"No, that's not possible. The Jedi don't just attack random planets for no reason, Grievous." she stated, feeling somewhat betrayed and heartbroken at the idea but she tried to deny such a thing.

"Yes, it is possible! I saw them with my own eyes! They slaughtered my people! All in the favor of the heinous and dastardly Huk!" Grievous yelled, enraged and Seeth stumbled backward somewhat at his raised voice. He gave her a apologetic look when he started to calm down and Seeth knew she could no longer deny it.

Seeth was curious at the mention of creatures called the 'Huk'. She'd recognized that name from anywhere. Grievous gave her a somber look that said that he did not wish to speak of them anymore. Seeth nodded, understanding his reasons more or less.

But Seeth was still horrified that the Jedi would do such a thing. They'd killed people from Kale! Kaleesh people! "You are from Kale?" she asked, trying not to gloss over the fact that the Jedi did such a thing. Grievous turned to her shocked.

"You know of Kale?" he asked, and Seeth nodded quickly.

"I knew someone from Kale. They explained a lot about the Huk to me." she answered and Grievous stared at her coldly, not saying a word. Not trusting her own words. There was something missing with her story.

Soon the two were in front of Seeth's bedroom's door and they paused in front of the door. Seeth smiled softly. "Thank you for taking your time to keep me company, General." she said politely as she curtsied slightly before turning to the door and opening it slightly.

Grievous placed a hand on her shoulder comfortingly and Seeth's eyes turned to his hand on her shoulder before meeting his gaze. They stared at each other for what must have been the 100th time that night and Grievous made a smirking noise, "Use my name, Seeth. I would like it if you used my name as I use yours." he said, softly as he gave her a slightly longing look.

Seeth paused in surprise before smiling and closing her eyes in agreement, "Of course, Grievous." she spoke softly before wishing him a good night and entering her room, closing the door behind her and sliding down it once it was closed. She let out a heavy sigh as she heard footsteps walk away from her room and towards his own. She was beating herself for being so open. So... caring. So nice. But it wasn't like he was treating her coldly. He did ask that she would use his name in exchange that he would use hers. And she felt like a fool for behaving so naive and soft. But... it wasn't so bad. Right?

Grievous felt like he had ran 1000 miles and was nervous and panting slightly. That was tense. Extremely tense for him. He never felt so... heavy. So annoyed with himself for feeling this tense. He felt... Excited too. Excited to finally speak to her in a polite manner and not a hostile one. And he found himself scolding himself for staring at her. But, Ugh! She was just so beautiful. The way her face lit up in the moonlight made her... beautiful, graceful, enchanting, innocent. Just that.

And Grievous realized that he wanted to speak to her more.

Seeth, quite on the opposite, wanted to avoid him... but something within her told her that she did not wish to avoid him...