Chapter 14

Sabe was officially crowned Queen Valaria six days after the initial announcement of Queen Jamilla's resignation due to terminal illness. Senator Lara Naberrie Skywalker and her husband, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, were present, along with other Naboo nobles and dignitaries. Due to the political situation on Coruscant, Lara's cousin, Senator Amidala, was unable to attend, but she sent a transmission to the new queen, pledging her fealty and support.

"Your cousin looked positively radiant," the new queen commented to Lara once they were alone. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think she's pregnant."

Lara giggled. "It's really not my place to say, Your Highness," she demurred.

Meanwhile on Coruscant, Mimi Calrissian was escorted to the Jedi temple in secret. After Jaden Solo had tracked her down, he managed to talk her into going into their protective custody in an effort to bring down Kent Lars. Since her home planet of Bespin was so far out into the outer rim, they weren't too terribly concerned about Kent trying to go after her son and Amara's son, so it was presumed that the pre-pubescent boys were relatively safe for the moment.

"What do you know of Kent Lars?" Mace Windu asked her.

"Just that he's a lecher and an all around bastard," she replied crossly. "He raped Amara and left her pregnant eleven years ago. Her son was the result. Now, do you see why she wanted to stick it to him?"

"She risked Master Kenobi's life, not to mention the lives of his wife, her colleagues and her unborn child just to prove a point?" The Korun master was shocked. "Do you know where he hangs out?"

"In the seediest part of this planet," Mimi told him. "There are several bars that he likes to frequent." She paused. "Look, do you need me to stay here, and for how long? I would like to get back to my son and Amara's."

"Where are they now?"

"Cloud City on Bespin. It's a mining colony, but the boys are happy."

Mace shrugged. "I can send someone there to look after the boys if you'd like, or we can bring them here."

Mimi considered both options. If they were brought here, chances were that the boys wouldn't be happy, wouldn't be able to adapt. Lando was used to keeping busy, helping his uncle manage the mining colony, at least when he wasn't training at the flight school in Cloud City, and Han was actually starting to feel safe and at home for the first time in his life, considering that Amara dragged him all over the galaxy to keep him away from Kent Lars.

"They wouldn't be happy here, so if you can spare one, send a Jedi Knight to Bespin for as long as I have to stay here," she said wearily. "But could you send a message from me with him?"

"Yes, Mistress Calrissian," Mace said kindly. "We'll send Rina Solo, and she can convey a message from you." He motioned for a Padawan to join them. "Please escort Mistress Calrissian to her temporary quarters. She's to be our guest for a while."

The young boy nodded. "Yes, Master. Mistress Calrissian, if you'll come with me, I'll take you to your quarters. Food and drink will be provided for you, and you'll have a comfortable place to sleep."

Mimi smiled, letting the boy lead her away. She knew she was safe for the moment. But for how long remained to be seen. And the boys, she thought to herself. She hoped Rina would be able to keep them safe in Cloud City.

Lara walked into the temporary quarters she was sharing with Anakin. It was another tiring day of helping Sabe through the transition of becoming queen, and informing her of the war going on, as well as Palpatine's dealings, a lot of which were arousing her suspicions.

"You look beat," Anakin murmured, an undercurrent of concern in his voice. She let him pull her into his arms from behind, pressing her back against his hard chest.

"I've been catching Her Highness up with the current situation and my position on it," she explained. "We've spent the past hour and a half in a transmission conference with Senators Organa and Mon Mothma, and they told us about something, something to do with you." She paused, taking a deep breath before going on, "Chancellor Palpatine wants you to go back to Coruscant. Word has it he wants you to be his representative on the Jedi Council."

Anakin shook his head. "Like that would ever happen. The council would never go for it. I'm too young. And even if I was allowed on the council, I wouldn't be given the rank of Master just yet. I need some more experience under my belt before then." He sighed, sensing his wife's discomfort. She really was beat. "I can give you a massage."

She smiled. "Thanks, Ani. Truth is, I think I could use one." She hurried into the 'fresher and showered quickly, drying off and coming out wrapped in nothing but a towel. Anakin gestured to the unmade bed, figuring it would be better if she was lying down on her tummy. He gently untucked the towel, draping it over her lower torso and buttocks, and set to work. They'd been given a bottle of massage oil as a wedding present from Padme and the scent was of the flowers from Naboo. It was perfect for what he wanted to do. Pouring a small amount into his hands, he rubbed them together and began to knead the oil into his wife's tense back.

"Mmmm," Lara moaned into the pillow. "You're incredible. Maybe you should become a Jedi masseur after the war."

Anakin chuckled. "My ally is the Force, and a strong ally it is," he quipped, imitating Yoda. "But the only body these hands are ever going to touch is yours."

"And don't you forget it, mister." Lara giggled, but her giggles soon turned to moans as she felt a stirring in her lower belly. What was Anakin doing to her? With every massaging touch of his hands, she was becoming aroused. "Anakin…" she mumbled, trying to keep her bearings. "I think you're trying to seduce me."

He chuckled wickedly. "Do you now?"

"Mmmmhmmm," she murmured. "And it's working." She felt herself being turned over onto her back and looked up at her husband's playful seductive expression. Suddenly, his lips were devouring hers and she reached up to undress him. He laughed at her eagerness and was soon as naked as she. Laying her back down on the bed, he began to explore her body with soft kisses and nips, watching her writhe beneath him.

He entered her slowly and held still, relishing the feeling of her around him, the feeling of them being truly one. "Anakin," she whispered. "Please…"

He smiled down at her and kissed her tenderly, starting to move inside her. She matched his rhythm and they moved together, clinging to one another. Before long, they could feel the pressure building and they picked up the pace. It wasn't long until they fell over the edge together and the shared climax made them fly without wings.

A few minutes later, Anakin gathered his wife in his arms, cuddling her close. "You know Ani," she whispered. "At the rate we're going, we'll probably give Padme and Obi-Wan's baby the little Skywalker playmate we were joking about before long."

He laughed, pulling her close. "I certainly hope so." Kissing her softly, he gently sent a Force sleep suggestion, wanting her to get some uninterrupted rest. "Sleep sweetheart." She smiled and drifted into sleep, snuggling close to him. It didn't take him long to join her in sleep, the two of them wrapped in each other's arms, the problems of the galaxy at bay for the moment.