AN: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. Please read and review.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Mara admired her reflection in the mirror. The dress was as beautiful as the day she received it. She twirled for the umpteenth time and danced around the room. Gone were the Imperial Assassin, the Smuggler, and the Jedi Student, who were replaced by a dilettante trying to decide who her next dance partner would be. Mara burst out laughing. "Oh, if Luke could see me now, he wouldn't believe it," she muttered, taking off the outfit. "Hell, even I don't believe it."
The carillon chimed. Mara dressed quickly and answered the door. The complex superintendent, Oswin Sorrel, stood before her, holding a large floral bouquet alongside his service droid. "Miss Jade," he smiled. "It looks like you have some admirers."
Mara signaled for him to come in and set the flowers on the table. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied. "When the delivery droid mentioned these were for the same person, I told him that someone had admirers."
"Thank you, Mr. Sorrel."
"Yes," he nodded. "It's not every day a woman receives bouquets like that."
Mara bit her lip. The man was friendly and helpful but tended to be a bit nosy. She knew he couldn't wait to share the news with his wife and friends. "Thank you for bringing the flowers."
"Anything else you need?" Oswin glanced around. "Does anything need fixing?"
"Nothing," she smiled, extending her hand toward the door. "Good day, Mr. Sorrel."
Oswin slowly backed away. "Good day, Miss Jade." With a nod, he and the droid left.
Mara gleefully clapped her hands and giggled as she inspected the first bouquet—a vase filled with beautiful long-stemmed red roses and light pink lilies. The second one featured stunning white and cream roses, orchids, and green leaves. Putting her finger to her chin, Mara pondered, "Now, which one should I read first? Hmmm." She selected the card from the first bouquet: "Sorry I lost my temper the other day, Luke." Then she read the second card: "Mara, forgive me for putting you in an awkward situation, Sebastian."
Oh, you silly boys!" Mara exclaimed as she collapsed onto her couch with a wide grin. "You are both so sweet." Rising from the couch, she activated the hologram. Moments later, Luke appeared, busy at his desk.
"Mara!" Luke exclaimed, leaping up so quickly that he knocked over an empty cup. I'm sorry," he blushed. I... I wasn't expecting you," he stammered. How are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied warmly. "Thank you for the flowers. They're lovely."
"I'm glad you like them," he responded cheerfully.
"So," Mara raised an eyebrow, "the card mentioned you were sorry for losing your temper."
"Yeah," he nodded. "Not something a Jedi should do," Luke reasoned, looking like a bashful schoolboy talking to a cute girl with a goofy grin. Mara found it endearing whenever he flashed that silly grin.
"You know," she mused, "I was thinking… I might stop by to talk… like we used to."
"I'd like that," he smiled. "So, um..." Luke hesitated, stammering. "Will I see you at the Ball?"
"We'll see," she replied with a wink.
"Okay, Mara," he laughed. "I'll see you later. Good night."
"Good night, Luke."
Mara rubbed her hands up and down her arms, cherishing these moments. However, something felt different about this instant; she sensed a deeper connection with him. What was it?
Mara activated the hologram once again. Sebastian soon materialized. He was dressed formally, but his eyes seemed vacant. "What's wrong?" Mara asked, covering her mouth as a dreadful thought crossed her mind. "Oh no," she panicked. "Selah!?"
"No," Sebastian waved his hand. "No. Mother is fine. She'll be going home tomorrow," he replied with a small smile. "I assume you haven't heard about Marcus?"
"I've been spending most of my time in the library working on my thesis," Mara explained. "What happened?"
"Marcus was arrested on bribery and extortion charges a few days ago," he answered, shaking his head.
"What?" Mara's jaw dropped.
"He was taking money from people to promote their agendas. Marcus is on his way back to the Qui'Tan System for trial."
"Damn him," Mara shook her head. "That wretched, disgusting, devious idiot," she muttered.
"My father taught me that there would be those who would try to befriend me to take advantage," he said, his voice dull and distant. "But Marcus? I never would have thought he'd betray me."
"I'm very sorry, Sebastian. Would you… like me to come over? We could talk."
His smile widened, and joy began to fill him. "That would be wonderful," he started. "However, I have a reception I must attend. Several diplomats whom Marcus confronted will be there, and I need to make things right. I hope you understand."
"Yes, I do," she nodded. "I called to thank you for the flowers," she smiled. "They're lovely."
Sebastian's face lit up. "I'm glad you like them. I hope you can forgive me for putting you on the spot like that. I should have asked you privately, but you probably would have turned me down because of your oath."
Mara bit her lower lip, embarrassed about misleading him, but he had acted like a jerk. Now, he seemed remorseful for what he had done.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to be going." He paused briefly. "Perhaps I'll see you at the Ball if you decide to attend. Maybe we can talk then. Or," he paused, "perhaps we can dance."
"Yes," she nodded. "Take care, Sebastian. Good night."
"Good night."
Mara gazed at the bouquets. Luke wanted to be friends again, and Sebastian apologized for his actions. Mara smiled. No matter how much they irritated her, they were still friends, and friends forgave each other.
"Okay, boys," Mara sighed in satisfaction as she looked at the bouquet. With a relaxed smile, she said, "I'll see you both at the Ball."
Sebastian's frozen smile began to ache. He had been talking with Amage Typhe, the daughter of a mining company owner. She did most of the talking, regaling him with mundane topics like her friends and the parties she attended during the social season. Her friend Ersente Melne soon joined them. Several other ladies added to the group, but the conversation mainly remained between Amage and Ersente, who tried to outdo each other by bragging about their new vacation homes.
"We just finished building a new balcony outside the living room. It overlooks the ocean," Amage gushed. "The sunsets are breathtaking. I know my father would love for you to visit us."
"That's wonderful," he said pleasantly, though his voice remained monotone. Sebastian could only think of Mara. She was kind, supportive, and caring. His eyes were half-closed as he recalled their dance at the Al'vanta. He would never forget how she felt in his arms on the ballroom floor, her infectious laugh echoing as he lifted her into the air. Sebastian cherished those moments. Deep down, he knew they could never have a romantic relationship. He felt foolish for allowing himself to believe otherwise.
"Do you enjoy winter sports, Your Grace?" Ersente gleefully repeated.
Sebastian blinked. To his surprise, several other young ladies had joined Amage and Ersente. "I'm sorry," he stammered. "I didn't catch that."
"Do you like winter sports?" Ersente gleefully repeated.
"Well," Sebastian cleared his throat. "I'm sorry to say I have little experience with winter sports."
She added, "My family has a winter home in Ebusenna. We would love for you to visit, and I could teach you how to ski. Would you like to learn?"
"I don't think the Viscount would enjoy his time at your winter home," Amage smirked, looking at the woman. "He comes from a tropical climate, not a frozen one."
"How do you know?" Ersente sneered. "Perhaps the Viscount would be interested. What do you think, Your Grace?"
"Well... um, I haven't given it much thought," he said with a laugh. "But you know what they say about skiing: it's all downhill from there."
Sebastian chuckled but groaned internally, uncertain about what to do. Amage and Ebusenna giggled, while several others smiled or looked away. Another woman rolled her eyes. Two people sipped their drinks, and another scanned the room, hoping to spot a familiar face to excuse herself.
"Pardon me, ladies," Kohle interrupted. "I'm afraid I must take the Viscount away. There's an urgent matter that requires his attention."
"Ladies," Sebastian nodded. Once they were out of earshot, he whispered to Kohle, "Thanks for getting me out of there."
"Some men might envy your situation," he joked.
"I usually do. But I hate it when I can't get a word in. And that stupid joke," Sebastian groaned.
"Many young ladies are waiting to see whom you choose as your consort for the Ball."
"I'm afraid they will be disappointed," Sebastian replied. "I've decided against bringing a consort."
The two men stepped into the gardens for a brief respite from the reception. The cool evening air felt refreshing against Sebastian's warm face. "Mara received the flowers," he smiled. "She loved them and forgave me for my earlier behavior. I told her about Marcus." Sebastian beamed. "Mara wanted to come over and talk to make sure I was okay."
"She's a good friend," Kohle nodded. "Speaking of Marcus, I spoke with Captain Bleys Carden of the Wyvern. They will be landing in the Qui'Tan System tomorrow afternoon as scheduled. Marcus will be met by the authorities and taken into custody.
"Do you think he will be released on bail?" he asked, his tone flat and unemotional.
"That is up to the magistrate," Kohle responded.
"I should never have listened to him," Sebastian lamented, his voice low and each word hurried as if he wanted to erase it from his mind. "Visiting the Academy and asking Mara in front of those people—what was I thinking?" He turned to face Kohle. "And yes, I should've known better. I let myself believe she wanted a serious relationship. That's not going to happen. On one hand, I accept it, but on the other, I'm disappointed."
"I understand." Kohle put his hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "Remember, you will emerge from this stronger and wiser."
"My father said something similar when I told him what happened," he smiled.
The laughter of two young couples interrupted their conversation. "I suppose it's time to head back in," Sebastian suggested. "I don't want to disappoint the ladies," he laughed and paused. "One other thing. Do you think Chavi Dermain will be at the Ball?"
"I assume she will," Kohle stepped back, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "I hope that woman keeps her distance from me and my guests. Perhaps I can double the guards around me," he joked. The two men chuckled as they headed inside.
"I don't understand why you must go," Chavi whined.
Tristen frowned, running his fingers through his brown-gray hair. He gestured to a droid to take his cases to a waiting air limo. "Chavi," he rubbed the back of his neck, "you've known about this conference for six months. I was asked to give the keynote speech. I told you I couldn't take you to the Ball because of the conference. Do you remember what you said?"
Chavi sat on the bed, arms folded, crossed her legs, and bounced her foot up and down. "No," she muttered, looking at the floor.
"Yes, you do." Tristen sat beside her and tried to take her hand, but she scooted away. "I said if you didn't want me to go, I would decline the invitation. Instead, you said you were fine with me going to the conference. It wouldn't be a problem; you could go with your friends. Remember?"
"Yes," she acquiesced. Chavi decided not to pursue the matter any further. "What should I do if the Viscount or the Senator come up to me?"
"Talk to them," his matter-of-fact tone irritated her. "Be cordial. I know you can be."
A servant droid entered the room and took Tristen's bags. When the droid left, he took his wife's hands and pulled her to her feet. Tristen gazed into her eyes. "I promise I'll make it up to you," he said warmly. "Next year, you and I will have a fantastic time."
Chavi nodded as she walked with him to the door. Tristen kissed her. "I'll contact you when I land. I love you."
As soon as the door closed, she shook her fist. "Idiot," she muttered.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Dermain. Shall I get you something? A light supper, perhaps?" the servant droid asked.
Chavi waved her hand, dismissing him. Moments later, a suspicious smile appeared. When she attended these functions with her husband, Chavi spent most of her time entertaining his friends and associates. This year, she could observe the Viscount and his guests' interactions. Master Skywalker, his sister, and her husband would be at the table; if she couldn't, her friends would.
Would Mara Jade show up? How will the Viscount and Skywalker react?
Chavi threw her head back and laughed. This could become a very interesting evening.