CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Mara entered D'lan Boutique, a luxurious store with shimmering fabrics and elegant decor. The air was fragrant with the subtle scent of fresh blooms and polished wood. She stood in the center of the opulent store, her gaze sweeping over the dazzling displays of clothing and accessories surrounding her. Each piece exuded an air of elegance and sophistication, instantly transporting her back to the upscale boutiques of the Imperial City. The vibrant colors and intricate designs commanded her attention, inviting her to explore further.
Mara was just one of several customers that day as a small group of women explored the store. Two ladies eagerly examined the latest fashions, seeking inspiration for their wardrobes. Others were looking for that perfect outfit to enhance their style. A few customers browsed through the selections, taking their time before returning to work or heading home.
"Good day, my lady!" the friendly servant droid said as Mara turned to it. Its shiny metallic frame sparkled under the warm lights. "I'm A-D Seven," it continued with a welcoming tone. "How can I help you?"
"Hi! I'm Mara Jade," she replied with a smile. "Senator Organa-Solo called earlier to let Jena know I would be here this afternoon."
"Mrs. D'Lan is currently making final adjustments for a bridal party. In the meantime, please explore the store at your leisure!"
"Thank you!" Mara said, excitedly examining the beautiful outfits. "I plan to do just that."
"Can I offer you some refreshments," the droid asked. "We have refreshing water, aromatic tea, rich caffe, or exquisite Champagne!"
Champagne? Mara's eyes grew wide. This place is classy!
"Perhaps later," Mara replied.
Mara strolled through the store at a leisurely pace. She paused when she came to the lingerie section in the store. Remembering Leia's suggestion, she looked through the many attractive and unique intimate garments until one item caught her eye.
This ensemble was not only exciting but also exceptionally unique. Its boldness and provocative charm vividly paralleled Leia's iconic gold bikini. The rich colors and intricate details evoked nostalgia while making a striking statement. In contrast, her Arica costume conveyed a more modest aesthetic, with a graceful simplicity highlighting its elegance.
Mara ran her fingers over the delicate emerald green silk, feeling the smooth texture that shimmered softly under the light, reminiscent of a tranquil forest glistening after rain. The fabric was lightweight and inviting, draping beautifully around her form. The bra was a work of art adorned with meticulously placed beads that caught the light from every angle, creating a dazzling effect. Tiny sparkles intermingled with the beads, adding a playful elegance that drew attention without overwhelming.
The skirt was designed to rest low on her hips, accentuating her waist and allowing fluid movement. Its flowing fabric cascaded down, featuring daring slits on the sides that gracefully framed her legs. Each movement revealed a hint of skin, adding a touch of allure and confidence, while the overall silhouette maintained an air of sophistication. The outfit was a perfect blend of boldness and elegance, celebrating both femininity and strength.
"My," A-D Seven exclaimed, her mechanical voice filled with enthusiasm as she looked at Mara. "That outfit was made for you! The vibrant shade is simply breathtaking. It perfectly highlights your striking eyes and makes you look stunning, especially with your lovely red hair."
For a moment, Mara felt vulnerable, like a child caught doing something wrong. A warm blush spread across her cheeks, and she smiled shyly. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice reflecting her hesitation. "But I'm curious. This outfit doesn't feel like a nightgown, does it?"
"The item is called a 'lounge outfit,'" A-D Seven explained, her digital eyes glinting excitedly. "It's ideal for those special evenings when you want to make an impression on someone significant."
Mara giggled softly, a playful spark lighting up her features. She half-closed her eyes briefly, her thoughts drifting to unexpected places. Luke suddenly flashed in her mind, and she turned her head, contemplating what he might think of her choice of clothing.
"Would you like to purchase it?" the droid asked, pulling Mara out of her reverie. Her eyes grew wide. Why on earth was she thinking about Farm Boy?
"I'm not sure!" she said with a cheerful smile. "Could you help me find the evening gowns?" she asked, her curiosity shining through as she rushed to return the lounge outfit to its rightful place neatly.
"Absolutely," the droid replied with a nod, her circuits whirring softly. "Please follow me." A-D Seven glided gracefully through the store, expertly navigating to the section dedicated to formal attire, where shimmering gowns sparkled under the soft lights, each one more enchanting than the last.
Mara's eyes sparkled with wonder as she gazed at the collection of exquisite gowns, each one more breathtaking than the last. The first gown she tried on was a striking yellow organza masterpiece featuring voluminous sleeves that billowed softly around her arms like clouds at sunset. The tight bodice hugged her figure perfectly, but as she glanced at her reflection, an unsettling sense of diminishment washed over her; the bright color seemed to overshadow her rather than highlight her features.
Next, Mara slipped into a gown made from soft red taffeta. The rich, deep shade enveloped her warmly, and the elegant silhouette was alluring and sophisticated. However, as she moved gracefully across the fitting room, the fabric crinkled loudly, its sharp sound echoing in the intimate space and making her acutely aware of the attention it drew. This was a striking contrast to her inner desire for grace and poise.
The following gown was a Cambrian creation, a marvel of softness and delicacy. The fabric caressed her skin, and intricate beading glimmered as she turned, catching the light beautifully. Yet, as she stood beneath the bright overhead lights, a wave of vulnerability swept over her; the dress's translucent qualities inadvertently revealed her undergarments, stripping away the elegance she sought.
Mara finally tried on a remarkable vintage gown, richly embroidered with unique stories in every stitch. The elaborate details captivated her with their timeless charm. However, the gown's weight challenged Mara, making it difficult to maintain her posture. She realized that even lifting her arms required conscious effort.
"Maybe it's time for a bubbly glass of champagne," she said softly. Closing her eyes quickly to relax, she reflected on an earlier time in her life.
"This is my special gift for you!"
A warm, loving voice enveloped Mara as she reached out to the Force, which gently pulled her into a cherished memory. She recalled the day Selah surprised her with a stunning gown made just for her. The thought of that moment brought a happy tear to her eye—a beautiful reminder of Selah's kindness, love, and generosity. Wearing that dress would be an excellent way to honor Selah and celebrate their fantastic bond, filled with heartfelt emotions.
Mara sat up and checked her chrono-watch. The Coruscant Storage Unit was open late and only twenty minutes away by air taxi. A cozy salon nearby would allow her to schedule an appointment for her hair and nails.
"Miss Jade," a woman knocked on the door. "It's Jena. How can I help you?"
"One moment," Mara replied, quickly dressed before stepping outside. "It's very nice to meet you," she greeted Jena. "Leia speaks highly of you."
"I think highly of her as well," Jena smiled. "Did you find something you liked?"
"Thank you for your help, but I didn't find the right dress. The gowns are beautiful, yet nothing resonated with me."
"I understand," Jena replied kindly. "Is there something else I can assist you with?"
"Yes," Mara nodded. "I need some new tunics and pants."
"Of course," Jena responded, gesturing with her hand. "This way."
Jena led Mara through the store to the section filled with casual outfits. As they approached the casual attire area, Mara suddenly stopped, her eyes locked onto the nearby lingerie section. A determined smile crossed her face.
"Jena," she said assertively, "I just saw something I want."
Without hesitation, Mara strode over to the rack of lingerie. She picked up the stunning garment she had admired earlier and held it up. "I'll take this," she announced firmly, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.
"Excellent choice!" Jena said, her voice warm and encouraging. "I'll set this aside for you until you're ready to check out; it's a wonderful addition to your collection." She carefully folded the garment, while Mara followed closely behind, her face lighting up with a satisfied smile as she felt confident in her selection.
Han chuckled softly as he watched Luke eat. It had been two days since the tour, and the change in his friend was astonishing. Luke was happy and cheerful, smiling more than usual. The most considerable change was in his appetite. Han marveled at Luke's lunch: soup and salad, today's special, and two plates of noodles. Now, he was finishing up his second dessert!
"Kid," he smiled. "You keep eating like that, and you'll never be able to fit into your Jedi Robes. Not to mention your X-wing."
"Very funny," Luke replied, with a mouthful of food.
"After you left last night, Jacen asked why you ate so much at dinner. Leia mentioned that you've been super busy lately and haven't had a chance to eat. Jaina playfully asked if you were expecting. Leia was curious about where that idea came from, and Jaina sweetly reminded her that Mommy ate a lot when Anakin was on the way!"
"What did you say?" Luke asked, laughing confidently.
"Leia and I made it clear that only girls can have babies after they get married. Once everyone was asleep, we recognized that it wouldn't be long before we needed to have 'The Talk.'"
"I'll tell you, you boys really devoured everything!" Beatrix remarked, standing near their table. "There's not a single crumb left."
"Some of us were definitely more hungry than others," Han quipped, pointing directly at Luke with a grin.
"Can I get you anything else?"
"Don't tell me you still have food left in the kitchen?" Han exclaimed sarcastically.
"Now, Han," Beatrix admonished, taking their plates. "Don't be so hard on him. I like seeing a young man with a healthy appetite."
"Nothing for me, Beatrix," Luke said. "I'll take the check." Luke studied it and pulled credits from his pocket. "Here you are," Luke said.
"Thank you, Luke, Han," she smiled. "I hope you two enjoy the rest of your day."
"Glad to see you're in a better mood," Han commented as they walked out.
A twinkle appeared in Luke's eye. "Maybe I was just happy the tour was successful."
Han rolled his eyes with a wry smile. "Okay," Luke confessed. "Maybe I was just slightly happy that Mara turned Sebastian down."
"Just a little bit?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "Is it bad that I feel that way?"
"Eh," Han waved his hand dismissively. "It's a bit of both. You don't want to witness someone being embarrassed like that. On the other hand, it was a foolish move to ask Mara out in front of everyone."
"How did you know what she was doing?"
"Perhaps some of your Jedi instincts have rubbed off on me," he joked. "Honestly, I wasn't sure at first. She was being quite evasive. The whole 'taking an oath' thing seemed to come out of nowhere. That was when I realized she was turning him down. I have to give her credit; that was a smart move."
"I wish I knew more about women like you and Lando. If I knew half of what you guys know, maybe I wouldn't have so much trouble with them."
"Kid, let me share something with you." Han smiled as he put his arm around Luke's shoulder. "I've been all over the galaxy," he said, pointing his finger from left to right. "I've met so many different women: tall, short, smart, not so smart, strong, a bit more delicate, beautiful, average-looking, human, non-human, and every type you can imagine. You know what I've realized? No matter how many wonderful women I've met, I still find them a bit of a mystery sometimes."
Luke chuckled and replied, "I'm sure they probably think the same about us!"
"You're right, Kid," he snickered. "I think that's what makes it so interesting. They can't figure us out; we can't figure them out. Know something? I kind of like it. It keeps things interesting. Well, sometimes, that is."
"If not frustrating," Luke added.
The two men walked together along the lively sidewalk, navigating through the vibrant crowd. The air was filled with laughter and chatter as passersby immersed themselves in their experiences. Luke stopped in front of a delightful flower shop, captivated by the colorful blooms in the window. As he took in the beauty of the flowers, an unsettling feeling began to creep in. Suddenly, a vision of Mara appeared in his mind. He realized that the woman standing before the emperor was not his friend but a skilled assassin prepared to execute her master's orders.
"Don't be foolish, boy. Mara Jade is not your friend."
The words dripped with an icy certainty, cutting through the air like a cold blade. Accompanying the remark was a sinister laughter reverberating ominously, sending a shiver down Luke's spine and making him freeze as if time had momentarily stalled. He instinctively clutched his stomach, a twist of unease settling in his gut while doubts began to swirl chaotically in his mind. Had Mara truly changed, or was a hidden darkness still lurking within her? He recalled a time when her loyalty had been unwaveringly devoted to the Emperor, a life that felt like it belonged to someone else, a distant past shrouded in shadows.
"Hey, kid," Han said, his voice shifting to one of genuine concern, a furrow appearing on his brow as he glanced at Luke's troubled expression. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, sure," Luke replied, attempting to mask his apprehension with a lighthearted façade that felt more like a fragile mask than genuine bravado. "I guess I just overate," he joked, though the smile he managed to form felt strangely strained and hollow.
The two men exchanged a brief chuckle, the sound echoing lightly in the air before they resumed their mission, the weight of the search for the perfect flowers for Mara hanging over him like an unspoken tension.
Marcus paced around his office, anxiety coursing through him. Each echo of his steps amplified his worries, and he felt his knees might buckle under the weight of his thoughts. Two long days had passed since the tour, and a persistent unease lingered.
His last conversation with Sebastian replayed in his mind, a haunting reminder of their time together. It took place that evening after the tour. Once the dust had settled, Marcus took a steadying breath and apologized for suggesting the idea initially, relieved when Sebastian accepted his apology with a warm smile. Yet, beneath that relief was a nagging uncertainty about their future collaboration.
The following day, E-One-M-Two informed him that His Grace was occupied with crucial diplomatic talks and unable to be disturbed. When Marcus inquired why he hadn't been consulted, the droid explained that those discussions fell outside his responsibilities. Although the situation felt odd, he chose not to pry further.
Marcus's worry intensified when he realized that his contacts in various diplomatic circles had gone silent. He arranged to meet at the designated locations, but his efforts bore no fruit. The holo-news had no updates regarding the individuals he was trying to reach. Attempts to gather information from junior staff yielded nothing new about the research center's whereabouts.
"Perhaps it's nothing," he murmured, trying to quell the rising tension.
Moments after arriving at his office the next day, E-One-M-Two's hologram flickered to life. "Master Krille," E-One-M-Two announced, "His Grace requests your presence in his office immediately."
"Did he specify the purpose?" Marcus asked, a slight tremor in his voice.
"No, sir," the droid replied before ending the transmission.
Marcus strode down the hallway, maintaining a semblance of confidence, but halted when he reached the office door. Four armed guards stood sentinel, seriousness etched on their faces. Gathering his composure, he announced, "I'm Marcus Krille. The Viscount is expecting me."
His confidence faltered as he caught sight of Sebastian behind his desk, distress evident on his features. The Viscount looked fatigued, shadows under his eyes indicating a weighty concern. The vibrant man Marcus once knew seemed to have diminished, aged overnight by unseen burdens.
His gaze shifted to the far side of the room, where Asher Kromes, the Head of Security, stood with Lydia and Kohle. The room was thick with tension, punctuated by an almost oppressive silence.
"What's happening here?" Marcus asked, his voice steady, though concern seeped through. As he stepped further into the room, the silence amplified his unease. Clasping his hands behind his back to steady himself, he felt a tight knot of anxiety forming in his stomach. Taking a moment to straighten his posture and breathe deeply, he focused on reclaiming his sense of calm as his heart raced.
"What's going on?" he repeated, searching the faces around him for clarity.
"His Grace has serious concerns about leaking sensitive information," Lydia declared firmly. "Specifically, Chavi Dermain. We questioned her and other press members; however, they cited the confidentiality of their sources."
Marcus felt a sense of relief wash over him. He was confident that Chavi recognized the importance of confidentiality and would not incriminate herself. "If that's all there is," he said.
"That is not all there is," Sebastian interjected, his tone firm. "Have you accepted bribes?"
Marcus's heart raced as he met the accusatory stares surrounding him. The memory of his uncle's advice echoed in his mind: "When negotiating a deal, make sure you take something for yourself." With determination, he forced a confident smile. "Of course not. Is this some kind of joke?" he asked, ready to challenge the tension.
"Does it sound like anyone is laughing?" Sebastian shot back firmly, clearly unfazed.
"This is ridiculous!" Marcus declared. "I refuse to tolerate these unfounded accusations." With that, he turned toward the door, a surge of desperation driving him.
"You will stay!" Sebastian commanded, his voice unwavering.
The force of Sebastian's command hit Marcus like a shockwave, immobilizing him. The intensity of Sebastian's gaze filled him with disbelief. Kohle recoiled in shock while Lydia covered her mouth in surprise. An oppressive silence enveloped them.
Lydia glanced at her datapad, her expression resolute. "We have sworn testimony from several staff members across various diplomatic offices indicating that you solicited bribes to advance their interests."
"Nonsense," Marcus retorted, anger flaring as he stepped back, doubt swirling in his mind. The fleeting thought of fleeing crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. "Why would I ever stoop to something so foolish?"
"I believe that's the crucial question we need to address," Lydia responded, her confidence unshakeable as she locked eyes with him. "You attempted this to further your already substantial wealth and status."
"I do not need to bolster my wealth or status," Marcus snapped defiantly, raising his chin to assert his pride. "I already have more than enough of both."
Sebastian turned his head slightly, his expression tightening with suppressed emotion. He took a deep breath, battling his simmering rage.
"Ideon Arcourt was taken into custody today and is facing charges of extortion and making threats against the life of Ambassador Pentzant. There is evidence that he transferred credits to a private account registered under your uncle's name. Law enforcement officials have obtained sworn statements from several staff members detailing the alleged bribes that Arcourt reportedly offered in an attempt to gain influence and favors."
"This is nothing but a fabricated story!" Marcus insisted with indignation.
"Will you swear to that?" Sebastian demanded with unwavering authority. He opened the desk drawer, retrieved a copy of the Scrolls, and walked around his desk to confront Marcus directly. "If you did nothing wrong, then swear on the Scrolls."
"There's no reason for me to do that," Marcus stammered, trying to maintain his composure.
"So, you will comply," Sebastian declared, firmly presenting the Scrolls to Marcus. "Swear on the Scrolls and declare your innocence."
Marcus's body trembled. He knew swearing a false vow on the Scrolls was a grave sacrilege. A wave of fear gripped him as he met Sebastian's calm yet piercing gaze.
"I... I can't," he stammered. "I'm sorry," he began to sob. "I didn't mean for it to go this far."
Sebastian gently set the ancient scrolls onto his desk; the weight of his friend's confession weighed heavily in his psyche. He took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment of silence to gather his emotions. "When I first heard these shocking allegations, I was completely blindsided," he started, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of disappointment. "I assured others that Marcus, a loyal friend since childhood, would never stoop to such disgraceful behavior." A wave of frustration washed over him as he pressed on, "I never imagined you would be involved in something like this. Why?" he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper, heavy with sorrow.
"I... I don't know," Marcus stammered. A weak smile crossed his face. "I would have shared it with you."
Sebastian's body shook, his lips curled in anger. He struck Marcus so hard that the man fell to the ground."How dare you," he yelled. "Do you think I would betray my family? My morals? My office? To think I would accept a bribe is an insult. You have betrayed your oath. And me."
"Guards," Kromes shouted. The guards pulled Marcus to his feet. He touched his cut lip to stop the bleeding.
Sebastian took a deep breath. "I trusted you. But this is something I can never forgive. You are dead to me. GET HIM OUT "OF MY SIGHT," he roared.
"Marcus Krille, you are under arrest for bribery," Kromes said as he placed the cuffs on his wrists. "You are at this moment stripped of all your office and titles. You will be taken to the Qui'Tan System to await trial. You may request counsel before your hearing."
"Please, Sir," Marcus wailed. "Listen to me. I can explain this. Give me a chance."
His desperate pleas gradually diminished as he was forcefully pulled down the hallway. "Kohle, please close the door," he murmured, his voice barely rising above a whisper, sinking heavily into the battered chair that awaited him. The room enveloped them in a thick, painful silence. Kohle and Lydia exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and confusion as they grappled with the moment's weight, unsure of how to break the stillness or what words might bring comfort.
"Thank you, Lydia, for all you have done," he whispered.
"Sir," Kohle asked. "Would you like me to cancel the invitation to the reception?"
"No," Sebastian interrupted. "If you will excuse me, I will be in my quarters."
Safely inside his room, Sebastian stood at the window, gazing upon the city beneath him, its lights flickering like distant stars in the twilight. It did little to soothe the heaviness in his heart. Tears streamed down his face; each drop was a silent testament to the overwhelming memories that flooded his mind.
He could almost hear Evonne's and Darby's laughter, bright and infectious, while Marcus bragged about following in his father's footsteps. It filled him with a profound sense of loss, a reminder of the moments they shared, the joy that now felt so distant. The many conversations they had about their dreams and hopes swirled in his memory, an embrace of understanding and companionship that he would always cherish. And Marcus, with his infectious enthusiasm and zest for life, had a way of making every moment feel alive, inviting Sebastian into adventures that now felt like echoes of a happier time.
Surrounded by the city's vibrant life, Sebastian felt a deep loneliness that echoed through every memory. It was a poignant reminder that the bonds he once cherished were now painfully absent. His heart ached for a return to the carefree days of his youth, which had enriched his life with laughter, love, and camaraderie—elements that now seemed so far out of reach.
But it was all a lie. The friend he had trusted had betrayed him, leaving his soul filled with emptiness and sorrow. Overwhelmed, Sebastian buried his head in his hands and wept.