Dynasty: Chunk Twenty
by Valerie Vancollie and Rebecca Thomson
Ra'chealla frowned as she looked around the garden and couldn't immediately see Skywalker. Chances were that he wouldn't have gone to the left as it led to the where the hovercars were parked and she couldn't see him among the elder people on the patio to the right. Deciding to try the gardens, Ra'chealla smoothed her hair before starting down the path that was in front of her.
Ra'chealla was about to give up and head back to the party when she thought she heard Luke's voice ahead of her. Smiling she made her way towards it and then froze when she heard a feminine voice. What was Luke doing out here in the garden with another woman? Feeling jealously flow through her veins, Ra'chealla moved forward slowly, making sure to stay out of the moonlight.
Not hearing anything else, she briefly wondered if she had imagined the voice before she reached a bend in the path and could just make out two figures standing next to a marble fountain. Seeing the scene before her, Ra'chealla stood frozen in place in shock. He was kissing her! Luke was kissing Anjaleen Winiterure! Pulling back, Ra'chealla ran back down the path from which she had come in horror.
At the edge of the gardens she took a moment to compose herself and to think of what she had just seen. Why did Luke like Anjaleen? What did that girl have that she didn't? It definitely wasn't status as her father was higher than Mr. Winiterure was. Besides, Anjaleen already had someone, Raphael Jerklin. So why did Skywalker like her? Was it because Buchanan was chasing him away? Had her father talked with him?
Whatever the reason was, Ra'chealla would show Luke who she was. She would have him. And she knew just how to begin. Heading towards the patio, Ra'chealla wiped all emotions off her face as she had learned how to do in court. Entering the dance room once more, she looked around until she caught sight of Raphael standing at the refreshment table. From the way he was looking around the room and from the frown on his face, it was clear that he was looking for her new enemy. Quickly she made her way over to his side.
"Raphael," Ra'chealla said as she stopped next to him.
"Ra'chealla," Raphael replied as he briefly looked at her before sweeping the room once more with his eyes. "You wouldn't happen to know where Anjaleen is?"
"Actually I do," Ra'chealla replied as she smiled inwardly. "Which is why I need to talk with you. I think you should know about something."
"What?" Raphael demanded as he gave her his complete attention. "What is it?"
"Anjaleen is outside in the gardens with Skywalker."
"What?" Raphael exclaimed as anger appeared on his face and he made no attempt to mask it.
"They're outside," Ra'chealla stated with glee. "I saw them as I was out there for a breather. But please don't tell Anjaleen that I told you, they didn't see me. You see, they were kissing."
"Kissing?!" Raphael demanded, his voice tight with rage. "Where were they?"
"Out front at the fountain," Ra'chealla said at which Raphael brushed past her and made for the entrance hall, leaving a now very pleased Ra'chealla alone.
As he stepped back and their lips parted, Luke studied Anjaleen for a reaction. Her green eyes sparkled in the moonlight as they searched his face for a moment before she smiled at him, blushing slightly. Probing her with the Force, Luke quickly found that the smile was genuine, even though her emotions were in turmoil. Returning her smile, he held out his hand to her.
"I think we better head back inside before we're missed," Luke said, breaking the moment before it became uncomfortable.
"Yes," Anjaleen agreed and Luke could detect a hint of indecision in her voice.
When they reached the edge of the gardens, Luke looked up to see Raphael come out the front door. As the man looked towards them, their eyes locked. Luke could clearly sense the hostility radiating from the man without even using the Force. Probing him, he also learned that Raphael knew of the kiss. Confused he dug deeper and found that Ra'chealla had seen them and told him. Feeling his own anger stir within him, Luke forced himself to remain calm as he turned to Anjaleen.
"Looks like your escort is here," Luke said as Raphael approached. "I'd best be getting back to my other guests."
With this, Luke kissed her hand before giving it to Raphael who sent him a hate filled glare before escorting Anjaleen off the way he had come. As he watched them go, Luke saw Anjaleen sneak a glance over her shoulder and he smiled at her. Raphael could do what he wanted, but the man was not going to keep him away from Anjaleen if he wanted to spend time with her.
Quickly, Luke shook his head before he headed towards the patio. He had other things to do tonight and he could sort through his feelings later. But even as he approached the guests that were seated outside, he couldn't completely get his mind off Anjaleen and the fact that he would be able to dance with her during the last dance whether Raphael liked it or not.
Luke led Elizabeth off the dance floor as she shot him a smile. Luke smiled back, kissing her hand as he turned to go. "Duty calls, my dear. I have a quite a few women I still have to dance with as host. But I wanted to be sure to get to you."
"Thank you, Mr. Skywalker." Elizabeth simpered.
Luke nodded back and turned towards his father. The Dark Lord was standing next to his Emperor, who was watching the party. He walked towards them, figuring that he ought to at least say something to his grandfather sometime this evening. He could speak to him anytime he needed to, but the courtiers didn't know that, and he had to keep up appearances.
The Emperor nodded at him, giving him permission to speak. "Hello, your Majesty. I hope you are enjoying the evening."
"Yes. It is an interesting party." Luke wondered if his grandfather had been keeping eyes on him all night. He hoped not, he suddenly realized that he might get in trouble. "But I am keeping you from your fun. I will speak to you afterward." The Emperor continued. Luke bowed, and turned away.
Leia watched the party from her security screens, rubbing the headache from her temples. What had Luke done? It had felt like a vibroblade twisting in her skull, and she could barely remember him leaving. She watched him dance, hoping that he wouldn't come back up to visit tonight.
She flipped between two cameras, watching the women who were watching him. One of them, the women with the feathered head-dress, clearly hated her escort and would rather be with Luke. Leia wondered what they had done when Luke had snuck off with her earlier. The other was having jealous fits every time Luke danced with anyone. The last was obviously the feathered head-dress' friend, and was keeping an eye on Luke for curiosity's sake. She seemed to be talking to her escort, an Admiral, about Luke.
Leia glanced at the chronometer on the wall. It was almost dawn. The last dance would be in a few moments, she wondered what Luke was going to do.
Luke Skywalker glanced around the dance hall, trying to determine whom he would be starting the last dance with. It didn't really matter, most of the time he would be with other partners, but he might as well pick someone interesting. Unfortunately, Anjaleen was out, Jerklin was watching her like a hawk.
Luke looked at the refreshment table, and Ra'chealla caught his eye. He hid his grimace, furious at her and himself for getting caught in the garden. He should warn her to keep her distance. He took a few steps towards her, and felt her father stiffen from clear across the room. Luke smiled. Well, maybe not warn her straight off. After all, Buchanan should learn that Luke would do whatever he wanted to do, and Buchanan would just learn to live with it.
Skywalker walked over to Ra'chealla, beaming a smile. "Hello, my dear. You still look lovely."
"Thank you, Mr. Skywalker."
"It's the last dance, and I don't have a partner. Would you join me?"
"Of course."
Luke glanced around, and then led Ra'chealla out to the dance floor as the other partners took up positions. Once the floor was filled with partners, the music began. He danced the few turns with Ra'chealla, then changed to Elizabeth.
"Going well?" she asked.
"As well as to be expected." Luke replied, then the music twirled them around again, and Luke was facing Nastalia.
"I'm dying of curiosity." She said.
"I never tell till the time is right." Luke answered.
The music swelled again, and Anjaleen moved into his arms. The music slowed, and Luke led her across the floor as Jerklin glared. It was the longest section spent with a partner for the dance.
"Did you plan this?" Anjaleen teased.
"My dear, I hold all the cards tonight." Luke whispered.
"Conspiracy and secrets, your specialty."
"I try."
The music swelled, and they parted. Luke danced with several other girls before he returned to Ra'chealla. The woman was clearly grateful to return to him, and he could clearly read her mind. She wanted to own him, and keep him all to herself. Luke was a little surprised at the intensity of her feelings, she hardly knew him.
"Luke, it's been wonderful."
"Yes." Luke gave a small smile. "I have no idea how I'm going to top it next year."
"Top it next year? I don't think anyone can." Ra'chealla replied.
The music stopped, and the partners began to separate. Ra'chealla held onto his hand. He raised it to his lips and kissed it. "Your father is coming, and I must stand by the door and say farewell to my guests."
"Of course." Luke could feel her stab of rebelliousness at her father's wishes. He realized that she felt the same way about being married off as Anjaleen, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Even if she was nothing but trouble. He left her, moments before her father reached her side.
Sasha smiled at her daughter in the light of the rising sun. They were sitting in their vehicle, headed home. "Well, that was amazing, don't you think so?"
"Yes, it was Mother."
"Humpf. Lord Vader sure knows how to spend the credits." Randolf growled.
"He does have them, doesn't he? It was educational too, you know." Sasha continued.
"Oh really? So what did you learn, gossiping with all the other women?" Randolf sighed, thinking of his bed.
Sasha rolled her eyes at her husband's stubbornness. "Skywalker is called 'Master Luke' by the help, and that practically makes him Vader's heir, for one thing."
"Really?" Randolf actually looked interested.
"Yes dear. I actually confirmed that one myself. Makes young Skywalker rather important, don't you think? I wouldn't want you to make him mad."
Randolf sat there, thinking. He despised his wife's gossiping, but it did turn up something useful sometimes. He resolved not to anger the young man till he learned more.
Darth Vader motioned Luke forward, as they entered the immense room. He had shed his helmet and mask, dressed in a plain red version of Luke's outfit. The Emperor stood to one side, his Red Guard outside the room, unaware that Lord Vader had entered the room through a separate entrance. The house guard was outside as well, leaving the three of them alone.
A huge shape was draped in a large black cloth in the center of the space, and Luke thought the shape looked suspicious.
"Well, young Skywalker. I brought you a gift." The aged Emperor crackled.
"Thank you, Grandfather." Luke smiled, bowing.
"Open it," the Emperor continued.
Luke walked up, and tugged on the heavy black fabric. Using the Force, he made it look like the cloth slipped off the present without a snag. It was a TIE, obviously a proto-type, with forward slanted wings, and a more compact shape.
"It has hyperdrive and shields, and a new design on the lasers that I think you'll like." The Emperor purred. "At least my engineers loved it, and the test-pilot, even if he barely had the reflexes for it."
"Thank you." Luke whispered, brushing a hand against its underside. "It's beautiful."
"Unfortunately, it's too expensive to mass produce." The Emperor continued, "but I had them make one anyway, just for you."
Luke turned to the Emperor and bowed, radiating gratitude.
"Now, your father has something for you as well." The Emperor said, turning to his son.
"My gift is a much older. In fact, it is over a thousand years old. It's been passed on from father to son, parent to child, and master to apprentice since the last golden age of the Sith." Vader said, pulling something out of his pocket. "Take care of it, for it can teach you much about the Dark Side and the history of the Sith."
Darth Vader opened his large hand, and a small pyramid of flat black stone sat in the middle of his palm. Luke walked up, looking at the strange object. He scrunched his eyebrows and peered at it.
"It has a presence in the Force. It's all Dark, and it moves like a living thing, but it is ordered and still like a dead thing. What is it?" Luke asked.
"A Sith holocron. They are very rare, I've only heard of others, never seen one. It is a recording device of Sith lore. Here, hold it. You need to introduce yourself."
Luke gently picked it up, and holding it in his hand, watched black tendrils of smoke form an image of a man dressed in ancient armor appear above the device.
"I am Darth Ravenous, the guide of this Sith holocron. Who are you?" The voice was hollow, and barely louder than a whisper.
"Luke Skywalker."
The image of the dead man's spirit looked at Luke. "You are being trained. Yet you have no Sith title?"
"He is my son." Vader said, "and for now, he is hidden."
"Ah, I understand." The image said. "What do you wish to know?"
"Everything. But we can begin later." Luke said. The ghost-like form nodded, and dissipated.
"Thank you, Father." Luke said, turning to the tall blond man and bowing again.
"Now, there are Jedi holocrons. They are cubical, and white. If you ever find one, destroy it." The Emperor said.
"Of course."
"It's late." Lord Vader said, "and I have to get to my shuttle."
"Yes, my son." The Emperor said.
"Goodbye, Father." Luke added. Vader left, and Luke tucked the holocron in his pocket while he escorted his Majesty to the door.
Leia sighed as she picked at her lunch. The only people she had seen since Luke's visit last night during the party were the servants and they never said anything if they didn't have to. Finishing her food, she got to her feet and walked over to the window. Looking down, she could see the servants cleaning up where the guests had been outside.
Leia shook her head as she thought back to the party. Simply knowing how much it must had cost made agreeing with Vader a little more enticing as he was obviously willing to spend a lot on his children. At least on those that saw things his way, although Leia had to admit that the clothes she had been given were expensive. Feeling herself slightly drawn to it, Leia forced herself to think of the price she knew must come with it: total surrender of her will to her father. Besides, she knew her conscience would never leave her alone should she ever join her family.
In order to push the thoughts aside, Leia let her mind drift to other matters. Like what was really going on between her brother and that girl with the fancy head-dress from last night. What had Luke called her? Anjaleen? Searching her memory, Leia finally remembered her last name from her own days at court; Winiterure. She was the daughter of Randolf Winiterure and would inherit her father's position.
Leia sighed as she watched the activity outside. What could possibly be going on between those two? Anjaleen clearly had an escort whom she disliked immensely, and that Luke was defensive of her last night had shown when she had insulted Anjaleen. Then there was the matter of them sneaking out together. Could it be that her twin truly cared for Anjaleen and that it wasn't simply a pretty face that he saw?
Leia shook her head as she turned away from the window. The only way to find out was to ask Luke and she doubted that he would tell her if she did so. Besides, he might get mad at her for prying and, if Vader was already gone as the servants claimed, then there was no one to stop him if he wanted to hurt her. How ironic that she now relied on Vader to protect her from a boy who had once saved her from him.
The princess shivered at the thought and moved to the controls of the cameras, turning them on. Silently, she watched as the servants cleaned up the dance room, but left the flower arrangements in place. Changing the cameras, she finally flipped to the patio camera and froze at what she saw. Luke was sitting at a table with a small, pyramid shaped stone before him on the table. Extending from the stone were black tendrils of smoke which hung in the air to form an image of a man dressed in ancient armor.
Fascinated, Leia watched as the smoke-like holo made gestures and seemed to be speaking. Suddenly, however, Luke twisted around in his chair and looked right up into the camera at her. He extended an arm and the image flickered and faded. Looking at the control panel, Leia saw that the patio camera was no longer working, leaving her to wonder at what she had just seen.
Luke felt a flame of anger flicker to life inside of him as he looked at the camera. He'd have to get the holo setup in Leia's room taken down now that the party was over. There was no use in having her spy on him the whole time.
"Excuse me, Darth Ravenous," Luke said as he turned back to the holocron, feeling slightly silly at addressing an artifact. "The Jedi have messed with my sister's mind and she is not to be trusted with anything."
"The Jedi," the image of the dead Sith stated. "Are nothing but trouble."
"Indeed," Luke agreed. "Now, you were saying something about there being only two Sith."
"Yes," Darth Ravenous confirmed. "Ever since Darth Bane's time, there have only been two Sith. A master and an apprentice."
"Why?" Luke inquired even as he wondered at why the rule had been changed. He debated asking the holocron, but decided that the change was too recent for it to have been added to the information contained in the device's memory banks. "Why only two?"
"Otherwise there would be a struggle between apprentices or masters and only one would be left alive anyway," Darth Ravenous explained as Luke leaned closer. "The master teaches the apprentice who becomes the master once his own master has passed away and he is fully trained. He then takes an apprentice of his own and the cycle continues. Eternally."
"But Sith don't trust others with power," Luke stated, remembering his grandfather's words. "Not even their own apprentices."
"Yes," Darth Ravenous replied even as the image managed to look pleased that he knew this bit of information. "Apprentices who have too much power will challenge their masters and only one Sith will survive such a challenge. If it is the apprentice then he simply replaces the master. However, if it is the master, then a new apprentice must be sought and trained. Either way it does not work out very well for the master."
"That will be all," Luke said as he leaned back and thought, watching the image disappear back into the holocron.
Skywalker picked up the holocron and put it back into his pocket as he got to his feet. He needed to pay a visit to his grandfather to clarify some things he had learned. First, however, he needed to see to a few other things. Entering the castle he quickly sought out Mark.
"Yes, Master Luke?" Mark questioned as he saw the young man approaching him.
"I want the holo set-up in Leia's room taken down," Luke stated.
"Very well," Mark replied. "Is Leia to wander around while this is being done or not?"
"No," Luke said. "Have the cells been cleaned?"
"Yes," Mark stated, a undercurrent of anger filling his voice as he thought of the Rebels once more. The only thing that stilled the anger was the knowledge that the intruders were dead. "Shall I have her put there then?"
"Yes," Luke said. "Also, can you have the TIE moved to the landing pad? I think I want to try her out this afternoon."
"Very well."
"What?" Randolf demanded as he saw Raphael's eyes going over his shoulder and out the window.
As he turned his chair around, Randolf saw Anjaleen pass across the patio his window looked out onto. Seeing her, he turned his attention back to the young man before him just in time to see anger cross his face. Briefly, Randolf was surprised, but then he thought of how differently his daughter had been acting since the party. She was more absent minded than usual.
"What is going on?" Randolf repeated, adding a tone to his voice, to pull Mr. Jerklin's attention away from his daughter and to himself. "Did something happen at the party the other night?"
"What?" Raphael questioned as his mind raced.
Should he inform Mr. Winiterure of what had transpired between Anjaleen and Skywalker? Or would he lose face in doing so? On the other hand, however, Mr. Winiterure might be able to get Skywalker out of his hair and away from Anjaleen for good. Why would Randolf want a nobody like Skywalker hanging out with his daughter anyway? Mentioning the kiss would be enough to get Randolf to take steps towards getting Skywalker away from Anjaleen and he wouldn't have to humiliate himself too much in the process.
"Actually, yes," Raphael stated with a smile. "Admiral MacNelly wished to dance with Anjaleen and after they were finished dancing, she disappeared."
"Disappeared?" Randolf inquired.
"Yes," Raphael said. "At least that was the way it seemed to me. I couldn't find her until I was informed that she had gone outside and into the gardens. I was also told that Anjaleen was together with Luke Skywalker out there. The person went on to say that not only had she seen them alone, but that she had seen them kissing."
"Kissing?" Randolf demanded as he straightened visibly in his chair, his eyes hardening.
"Yes," Raphael confirmed. "Skywalker also danced with Anjaleen earlier in the evening and ended up dancing with her during the longest portion of the trade off dance."
"I was not aware of this," Randolf said as his mind raced. "Thank you for informing me."
"A pleasure," Raphael replied as he smiled inwardly.
Now Skywalker would be kicked out of the picture and he'd have Anjaleen all to himself. Between his current job, a beautiful wife, and the position he would get through Anjaleen, he would be all set. Certain that his future was secure, Raphael turned his attention back to the man before him. Randolf was staring into space as he processed this new information. Seeing this, Raphael thought it best to leave him alone.
"I shall see you later, if there is nothing else you need," Raphael said.
"Fine," Randolf responded as got to his feet and opened the door to his office before motioning a servant over. "Escort Mr. Jerklin to the front door."
"At once," the servant replied.
Randolf watched the young man go, closing the door and moving back to his chair when he was out of sight. So, Skywalker had an eye on his daughter as well. It was a bad sign that he hadn't noticed this yet, especially if it was true that Anjaleen had already kissed him. Either Skywalker was playing with her or he was looking for a wife. On the one hand, Randolf was pleased that his daughter was attracting this attention, but on the other hand he wasn't too pleased to have Skywalker with her. Although, if what Sasha had overheard was true, then Skywalker might turn out to be someone of great importance which would ensure Anjaleen's future.
Randolf rubbed his forehead in frustration. The sheer cost of the party of last night proved that Vader saw Skywalker as important. This in itself suggested something about Skywalker and he just couldn't risk agitating someone who was potentially so important by telling them to back away from his daughter. He'd have to see how things turned out, but at the present he'd let Skywalker see Anjaleen and see where it went. This would also mean that he'd be able to see just how far Raphael was willing to go to ensure his daughter's hand in marriage.
"And I was wondering when and why this two Sith rule was eliminated," Luke said as he seated himself across from his grandfather in the Emperor's private chambers.
"Although I had been planning on terminating that tradition, it wasn't until your training started that there were more than two Sith since the Sith Wars," Palpatine replied, pleased to see his grandson's interest in the Sith traditions. "While your father still lived on Tatooine, I had an apprentice named Darth Maul, but he was killed by the Jedi on his first mission. A great disappointment."
Luke nodded his head at this, knowing how much time it took to train a student. To have that student die on their first mission...
"Kenobi killed him," Palpatine stated as he observed Luke. "And he was still a Padawan at the time."
"Padawan?"
"Jedi apprentice," the Emperor explained, delighted at such ignorance of the Jedi ways. It demonstrated how well he and Vader had succeeded in wiping out the knowledge of the Jedi. "However, Maul's death left the way open for me to focus all my energies on the downfall of the Republic and your father once he became old enough."
"Would you have broken the two Sith tradition if it hadn't been family that you trained?" Luke inquired.
"No," Palpatine stated bluntly as his piercing yellow eyes probed his grandson.
Between making sure that Vader knew exactly what to do on his mission and talking with the courtiers, Palpatine had been keeping an eye on his grandson during the party. This had proven good when the boy had gone up to see his sister, but he had also learned something else. Something he wasn't too happy about.
"You were alone with the Winiterure girl during the party," Palpatine stated, making sure that Luke knew that he knew.
"Yes," Luke replied, stiffening as his earlier suspicions were confirmed.
His grandfather had been watching him during the party. But just how much did he know? Did he know about the kiss? Or simply that he had seen her alone? Although, Luke had some idea of exactly what he felt for Anjaleen, he still wasn't completely sure of his emotions. He was, however, definitely not ready yet to discuss it with his father or grandfather. Looking up, his eyes locked with his grandfather's and they held each other's gaze for a few minutes before Luke broke the contact and lowered his eyes once more.
"You know what happened between your parents," Palpatine said, knowing that Luke would get the warning behind his words.
Although the Emperor knew that Luke had been with Anjaleen Winiterure, he wasn't sure just what had happened and it bothered him. His grandson's shielding had reached the point where the boy would sense him if he tried to gain the knowledge from his mind and he didn't want that to happen. He was, however, pleased by the boy's progress, even if it cut him off from a source of information on the current matter. There were enough alternate methods to learn what was transpiring between the two.
"I do," Luke responded.
Luke walked along the hallways of the Palace, nodding to people as he went. His father had left a week ago, and life at court had finally returned to normal after the party.
He entered the garden, and a knot of young women were crowded together near a fountain. Luke spied Anjaleen, Elizabeth, and Ra'chealla as well as some others clustered around Nastalia. He started to casually walk by, but Ra'chealla saw him.
"Luke Skywalker, you have to come see this." She smiled at him, and beckoned him closer. Luke walked over, only slightly curious.
Nastalia was showing off a new bracelet of Kyrab gems. Three large gems were held together with strings of clear crystals on golden chains. The Kyrab gems were yellow, but then they flashed to red and then back to yellow. Luke remembered reading about the jewels- they changed colors with the light and the wearer's moods, and were used as a sign of engagement among the galaxy's upper crust. Yellow would mean that Nastalia was very excited right now.
"Looks like there is one happy Admiral in the Navy." Luke said. "Congratulations."
Nastalia giggled. "Thank you, Luke. Nathaniel gave this to me just this morning. I was so surprised. We're going to get married in a few months, and you have to come."
"Just a few months?" Elizabeth asked, brushing a wrinkle from her dress.
"Yes, the Conqueror will be refitted by then, and I want to get married before Nathaniel leaves again. My father agreed. He said it was best."
"You're not leaving here that fast, are you?" Anjaleen asked, just a little worried.
"No. Father said I could come back once Nathaniel was back on duty, it will take awhile till we get our own house built."
The women all started talking at once then, but Luke could hear his grandfather in his mind, 'Stop prattling with the women and come here.' Luke hid his grimace. "Excuse me, I have to go. Good day." He bowed and left before they could start asking questions.
Luke entered the throne room, it was empty except for the Emperor and the guards. Grandfather had chosen to see all of his petitioners one at a time today, keeping gossip to a minimum.
"Young man, you're going to get into trouble."
"Your Majesty?" Luke asked, silently wondering what Palpatine could be upset about.
"I received a report that you were flying around in your new ship and scaring the civilian traffic." The Emperor said.
"Yes, your Majesty. I was just trying it out. Seeing what she could do."
"Coruscant's skies are too crowded for that. Take a trip out of the system if you want to play with your new toy." The Emperor said. Grandfather continued mentally, 'it is, after all, a proto-type. I don't want too many people finding out what it can do. Your life is in that ship.'
"Yes, your Majesty." Luke bowed.
"Lord Vader has sent a report that all is well." The Emperor continued on silently, 'and I received a report about you and Anjaleen Winiterure in the garden at the party. You are very lucky that the rumors are not flying around right now. You shall not be so careless in the future.'
"Yes, your Majesty." Luke's face showed nothing, but he dared ask a question. 'Is there anything wrong with her in particular, Grandfather?'
"I expect him back in a few weeks. Maybe next time you can go with him. How is your guest?" The Emperor asked, before continuing on mentally. 'You don't need to be worrying about women yet, young man. I had no intention of having your father marry to produce an heir until recently, and he is twenty years older than you. Besides, you have too many secrets to have a gossiping female under your roof.'
Luke paused, thinking. "My guest? Quite frankly, she doesn't seem to like me much. I have hardly spoken to her at all lately." Luke decided not to continue asking about Anjaleen.
"Practice your patience." The Emperor said, dismissing Luke.
"Well?" Nastalia inquired once she was sure that she and Anjaleen were alone in that particular section of the gardens. "What happened during the party?"
Anjaleen smiled as she looked at her friend. She had sensed Nastalia's curiosity ever since she and Luke had been together at the party. However, due to Nastalia's engagement to Nathaniel and other events, they hadn't been able to get together alone yet.
"Well..." Anjaleen began as her mind went back to the kiss.
"Come on!" Nastalia urged. "I'm dying of curiosity here! I asked Luke and he wouldn't tell me."
"He wouldn't?" Anjaleen inquired and then smiled. "Perhaps I shouldn't either then."
"Anjaleen!" Nastalia exclaimed. "I helped to get you away from Raphael and to Luke. Please tell me!"
"Promise you won't tell anyone other than Nathaniel and that he won't tell anyone either?" Anjaleen inquired. She didn't want this all over the court so that her father heard.
"I promise," Nastalia instantly replied.
"Okay," Anjaleen said slowly, teasing her friend. "He kissed me."
"Luke? Luke kissed you?" Nastalia repeated, slightly stunned. She had been expecting something, but not exactly a kiss, that was more then she had meant even when she hinted at it being a romantic scenario with the two of them alone outside. "And?"
"And what?"
"What are your feelings on the kiss?" Nastalia inquired.
"I..." Anjaleen began, a little hesitant as she hadn't spoken to anyone about it yet. "I liked it."
"I told you it was a romantic setting," Nastalia giggled.
Anjaleen simply smiled, even as she tried to sort her emotions. She felt slightly guilty about the kiss as she was supposed to be seeing Raphael, but each time she thought of the kiss it stirred emotions inside of her that she wasn't familiar with and wasn't quite sure what they meant.
"My Emperor," Vader said as he kneeled before the enlarged image of his father's face.
"The line is secure," Palpatine replied as he looked at his son. "We need to talk about Luke."
"Has he done something wrong?" Vader questioned as he wondered what his son could possibly have done.
The first thing that came to his mind was Leia. He knew how the two of them hated each other, not that he could blame his son. Leia had been annoying ever since she had arrived and was showing no signs of improvement even though she had had a burst of proper behavior. But that had instantly vanished after the Rebels' failed rescue attempt. Vader even dreaded going home, which was a first as he normally saw his castle as a safe haven, even more so since Luke had come to live with him. However, the prospect now of having to return and work on Leia's conversion made the return less appealing as she was being so stubborn.
"Not since you left, other than scaring the civilians while test flying his new toy," Palpatine said, slightly amused despite himself. His grandson was so like his son at times. "It is more what happened the night of the party which concerns me."
"Yes?" Vader inquired.
"Do you know who Anjaleen Winiterure is?"
"Yes, Father," Vader replied, wondering where this was going.
"Luke seems to have taken a liking to her," Palpatine explained. "Seems he kissed her the night of the party. It was seen by Buchanan's daughter. He is lucky it isn't all over the court by now."
"It's not?" Vader asked as he processed this new information.
The news was a bombshell. Vader had not even been aware of the fact that Luke liked Anjaleen anymore than the other young women of the court. Although, now that he thought about it, Luke had mentioned noticing her before he was even allowed to attend the court. Perhaps he should have noticed it earlier, but Luke had definitely not shown any signs of liking her and he had left directly after the party. What Vader also didn't understand was why word wasn't spreading. Normally that kind of gossip spread like wild fire.
"Buchanan's daughter has not spread the word, when I probed her for a reason I found that she is jealous of Miss Winiterure. She wants Luke. To this end she informed Miss Winiterure's escort and he doesn't seem to have said anything," Palpatine explained his findings. After he knew what to look for it hadn't taken long to piece the whole scenario together with the use of the Force. "He doesn't want it known that Miss Winiterure was even looking at anyone other than himself."
Vader nodded his head at this. It was only another example of the court's intricate workings and hidden dangers. Now it was no wonder to him why Raphael Jerklin had been angry with his son during the party.
"Buchanan is doing his best to keep his daughter clear from Luke," Palpatine continued. "However she is being subtly rebellious. She is near him whenever she can. Buchanan would also have not attended the party had I not gone."
Vader sighed at this. Having Jerklin angry with Luke was one thing, having Buchanan angry with him was entirely different. Buchanan had much more power and would resort to nastier methods to see that he got things his way. Vader was sure that his son was aware of the situation, but he had also seen him go up to Ra'chealla on several occasions and it was now more than clear to him that his son was playing with the older politician. On the one hand it pleased him that Luke had gotten a grip on the political game so easily, but on the other hand it frustrated him, as he knew he'd have to figure out just what kind of web Luke had woven, where the spiders were, and what he planned to do. At least he could take care of himself if he got into trouble.
"How serious is he?" Vader inquired.
"He wanted to know if there was anything wrong with her in particular," Palpatine replied.
"I will talk with him when I return."
"Good."
"The first question we need to address is where are we going to have the wedding?" Nathaniel said as he looked up at his fiancée and her father.
"It is our tradition that it is to be done in the T'Zessa system," the Grand Moff stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It will have to be the same for you."
"Very well," Nathaniel replied. "I know that we can't come up with a full list now, but are there any special guests that you really want to be there?"
"Anjaleen for one," Nastalia said as she thought of her friend. "And then some of the high court politicians simply must be asked. Although people like Vladimir and Buchanan might refuse, I think that their daughters would come. Not to mention my brothers."
"What about Skywalker?" Nathaniel inquired. "I know we have to ask him, but do you think he would come?"
"I think so," Nastalia replied as she thought of the party and what had occurred there. "If he can, he might be off on some assignment at the time."
"True," the Grand Moff agreed. "There are also the other Grand Moffs and their families that must be invited as well as a few other military officials. Anybody special with you, Nathaniel?"
"Yes," Nathaniel responded. "I may not have a lot of friends having been absent the last few years, but I must invite my aunt and uncle."
Nastalia took his hand in hers as she looked at him adoringly.
"I think it would be best to hand the whole project over to a designer and that you then monitor what he does," the Grand Moff suggested as he observed his daughter and soon to be son-in-law. There was no way they'd get anywhere alone.
"Sure," Nastalia replied as she looked at her father before turning her attention back to her fiancé.
The Grand Moff shook his head in exasperation as he got to his feet and left the two of them alone.
"No Mr. Jerklin tonight?" Luke asked as he approached Anjaleen from behind.
"Luke!" Anjaleen said as she started and then turned to face him. "No. Raphael had to do some work tonight."
"You seem glad," Luke observed as he scanned that room, noting that his grandfather was in a conversation with Buchanan. "Don't you like him?"
"He's nice enough," Anjaleen replied as she studied his face, seeing if there was a deeper purpose behind his question. The kiss they had shared the night of the party still a fresh memory. "It's just that he can be so overbearing at times. Especially since he saw us together."
"He knows," Luke stated.
"How?" Anjaleen inquired, a little surprised.
She had sensed that something was wrong with Raphael, as he had suddenly seemed too possessive for it to simply be having seen her and Luke coming out of the gardens together. However, she had written it off as him simply not wanting to have her seen with Luke. What with his reaction to her wearing the dress Luke had wanted her to wear and his reaction to her dancing with Luke. But she hadn't guessed that he knew about the kiss.
"Ra'chealla saw us," Luke explained and saw realization dawn on her face. "What is it?"
"Ra'chealla hasn't talked to me since the party other than to be polite in front of the others. She's been giving me the cold shoulder," Anjaleen stated. "I wasn't sure what was wrong with her, but..." she trailed off as she looked for the right words.
"She likes me," Luke finished. "I am aware of that, but I dislike her behavior that night. To say the least."
"It was... childish of her to tell Raphael," Anjaleen agreed and then smiled as she saw her father approach. "Father."
"Mr. Winiterure," Luke said as he turned to face the man and nodded his head.
"Mr. Skywalker," Randolf replied as he gave the man a once over. Due to work, he had been unable to see Skywalker since the party and so this was the first opportunity for him to look at him now that he knew the man might be after his daughter. "How are you?"
"Fine," Luke responded as he probed the man, pleased that he was not going to try to block him from his daughter. "And you? I've heard you're having some trouble back home."
"A little," Randolf admitted. "But it seems to be settling down once more and I hope for it to be over with soon."
"Good," Luke replied.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail Rebecca or me at valeriev84@hotmail.com
