Dynasty: Chunk Twenty-Three
by Valerie Vancollie and Rebecca Thomson
Luke caught sight of Ra'chealla talking with Elizabeth as he followed his father down the hall to the throne room. Seeing him, Ra'chealla smiled sweetly and Luke instantly knew that something was wrong. It had been a while since that she had been completely happy to see him without being worried about her father at the same time. Luke wanted to probe her, to see what had happened since he had last left, but he didn't have the time right now. Returning her smile, he continued on his way.
'What?' Vader questioned mentally as they continued.
'I'm not sure,' Luke responded. 'She's up to something though.'
'See what you get yourself entangled in?' Vader demanded as he sent his son a glance.
'I've distanced myself as best I can without agitating her,' Luke shot back.
Since his return to the military after Leia's death, things about his seeing Anjaleen had quieted and Vader had even said several positive things about her which had led Luke to believe that his father might like her. This latest remark, however, showed that Vader could still go any direction where Anjaleen or any other girl was concerned.
'Obviously she hasn't gotten the message,' Vader stated dryly. 'Your grandfather is right about that one, she is empty-headed.'
Luke silently agreed even as he noticed how his father only referred to Ra'chealla and not to the other young women of the court. It was clear that Vader had no intention of giving his opinion of Anjaleen at this point. It would be up to him to fish for it when the time was ripe. At the moment, however, he needed to see where his grandfather stood. He had decided that it was finally time to quit playing hide and seek as far as Raphael was concerned and bring his relationship with Anjaleen out in the open a bit more. He did, however, want to do that in as grand a way as possible, both to irk Raphael who had been downright rude lately and to impress Randolf.
Luke knew that sooner or later Mr. Winiterure was going to start acting like Buchanan and pick either himself or Raphael to continue seeing Anjaleen instead of standing back and watching as his daughter saw two men. Knowing that Anja, as he had playfully nicknamed her two months ago, liked the symphony he had just the right way to achieve his ends. If only Palpatine would let him do what he had in mind.
Vader smiled as he regarded his son. The boy had finished his formal training and was still growing in the Force as he used it more and more. It would soon be time for the fact that Luke was a Sith to be revealed. Knowing how badly Luke wanted that, Vader decided to bring it up with his own father. The boy deserved to have his position known after waiting as long as he had. It didn't mean that anything else had to be revealed just yet, simply his powers.
Palpatine quickly dismissed the courtier he was seeing upon sensing the approach of his son and grandson. Although Luke had gone on several solo missions over the past few months, he had accompanied Vader on the latest mission. It was clear from the Rebel attacks that they were getting more and more desperate as the Empire scored victory after victory with its latest military leader.
The rumors at court about who Luke truly was had grown as he had been responsible for a fair share of the victories and had hardly failed. The fact that there was still so little information about him available had only piqued more interest and people were repeating every little bit of gossip they heard. The rumors went from everything from his being Vader's military protégé all the way to him being the first specimen of improved clone technology. The last amused the Emperor greatly as it combined the courtier's lack of knowledge where Luke's position was concerned with the fact that there seemed to be no background information on the boy.
Palpatine dismissed the thought as the doors were opened and Vader and Luke entered the room.
"My Emperor," Vader said as he reached the top of the stairs and bowed.
"Your Majesty," Luke said, following suit.
"I have heard of your victory in capturing the Rebel base," Palpatine said before he looked at the Royal Guard in the room. "Leave us."
"It was a minor base," Vader informed his father as the guards left the room. "Although it will push the Rebels further as we captured quite a few men and equipment in taking them by surprise."
"Good," Palpatine stated as his eyes flickered to the boy standing next to the black armored giant. "You have a question?"
"Yes," Luke admitted. "It does not, however, have anything to do with the attack. I was hoping to be able to take Anjaleen to the Royal Symphony before we leave for the T'Zessa System. Now, knowing how long you need to order tickets beforehand, I was wondering if I could... If I could use your box?"
Vader turned to face his son and shook his head even as he smiled. His boy never ceased to surprise him. It was clear that he was falling hard for Winiterure's daughter, he only hoped that Luke understood the risks involved so that he didn't crash and burn as was still a major possibility. But Vader was interested in the answer himself. Looking at the aged form sitting on the throne, he waited for it. Whatever would be said would alert him as to whether the Force had given Palpatine any new information on Anjaleen or not.
"You may," Palpatine finally replied after a short pause, knowing that the answer would mean something to both father and son. "I shall inform the manager and then you can set things up as you want them."
"Thank you," Luke answered, knowing that the permission meant that he was not only allowed to continue seeing Anjaleen, but that he was also allowed to let others see that he was seeing her as using the Emperor's private seats would catch a lot of attention, and not only that of Randolf and Raphael.
Palpatine mused on the political ramifications of the decision for a moment before changing the topic back to the original conversation.
"Just what I needed," Raphael mumbled the moment Dace was out of the room.
After Skywalker had first left Coruscant upon Organa's death, he had ordered his assistant to inform him whenever Skywalker returned. This way he could keep an eye on Anjaleen when it was necessary and not have Skywalker getting an evening out with her when he didn't know that the man was on the planet.
However nothing seemed to be happening and that worried Raphael. Was there something that he was overlooking? Ever since learning that the news of Organa's death that Skywalker had told him of was true, he was determined not to let himself be pushed into a corner where he had to decide between looking bad or being humiliated. He had decided not to say anything with Organa's death and it had thus seemed like he had not known of it when Vader had publicly announced it.
Raphael knocked a statue off his desk as he paced his office in frustration. It connected with the floor with a loud CRASH as millions of small pieces scattered in all directions. He knew that somehow Skywalker must have been seeing Anjaleen as he wouldn't just decide to escort her to Bel-Zessa's wedding out of the blue the way it seemed he had. And that was not to mention the fact that Vader just happened to need all that Intel work done right now! What was going on? Was Vader rewarding his little pet for all the victories he had achieved lately?
"Is everything all right?" Dace asked as he knocked and entered the room.
"Yes," Raphael growled. "Just perfect. I don't recall telling you that you could come in after you knocked, though."
"Sorry," Dace replied with an edge to his voice. "I thought that something might have happened."
"Nothing did," Raphael snapped. "Now go!"
Raphael returned to his pacing as soon as the door slid shut. Although he couldn't do anything about the fact that Skywalker would be taking Anjaleen with him when he went to the T'Zessa system, he could prevent the man from seeing her before they left. Picking up his jacket, he left his office, ordering Dace to have the broken statue cleaned up as he went.
Anjaleen clenched her hands in frustration as she stood on the patio of her Coruscant home. Ever since returning home, she had thought about what Ra'chealla had said. Could it be that Luke liked Buchanan's daughter over her? Gripping the stone rail harder as the thought once more raced across her mind, Anjaleen tried to figure out why the possibility hurt so badly. She had been raised to court life and knew that things all revolved around power and status. Having looked at all things, she knew that it could only be one thing: love.
Despite all that she had learned at court, and despite all her precautions about growing to like one man too much, Anjaleen realized that somewhere along the line she had slowly fallen in love with Luke. Was that love now going to come back and bite her? Did Luke feel any such emotion for her in return? Or was he only after a good wife to make him look better? Although he didn't look nor act the part, Anjaleen knew that there was always that possibility.
"Anjaleen," Randolf said as he walked onto the patio. "You have a visitor."
"Raphael?" Anjaleen inquired, not that there could be anyone else.
"No," Randolf replied. "It's Skywalker. Why don't you bring him onto the patio here? I'll have servants bring out something to drink. I want to learn a little more about the young man."
"Very well," Anjaleen replied nervously as she strode off the patio, heading towards the waiting room.
Confusion filled her as she slowly made her way to where Luke was waiting. She hadn't known that he was back on planet which meant that he had only just arrived in the past few hours. The fact that he came to see her so quickly had to mean something, hadn't it? Besides, this was the first time he had actually come to her home. Luke normally met her someplace or they met at Nastalia's. Anjaleen couldn't help but smile at how her friend enjoyed getting them together.
"Hello, Luke," Anjaleen said as she entered the room.
"Hello, Anjaleen," Luke replied as he turned to her and smiled. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"No," Anjaleen reassured him. "In fact, Father would like you to join us for something to drink outside."
"Ah yes, I'm to be checked out once more," Luke said with a smile while Anjaleen blushed.
"This way," Anjaleen said as she led the way out of the room.
Luke followed and felt her nervousness, so he lightly probed her to see what was up. He disliked going too deep as he respected her privacy, but he did see her doubts about his sincerity and that she was wondering if she was second to Ra'chealla. Stiffening, he couldn't help but feel slightly hurt that she would think so of him. Shaking his head, he quickly reminded himself of all that his father had told him of the workings of the court. Besides, the fact that those thoughts hurt her as well, showed that she didn't like them either.
"Are you all right?" Luke inquired, knowing that that was the best way to start the conversation as he couldn't let on that he knew what was wrong.
"What do you mean?" Anjaleen asked as she stopped and turned to face him, nervous, but wanting some answers if she could find a way to phrase the questions correctly.
"You seem... preoccupied and worried."
"I had a talk with Ra'chealla earlier today," Anjaleen stated softly.
"Ra'chealla? I saw her on my way to see Palpatine," Luke said, seeking the best way to direct the conversation to where he wanted it to go. "Haven't been able to talk with her yet, I wanted to see you first. Did she say anything special?"
"Only that she was seeing you from time to time," Anjaleen blurted out before she could stop herself. The moment she uttered the words, she held her breath in expectation. Would Luke interpret them wrongly and get angry at her? But she had to know how he felt about her, or at least that he didn't want Ra'chealla over her.
"Yes," Luke admitted, knowing that honesty was the best way to go. "Although I agreed with Buchanan to steer clear of her, she keeps coming up to me the moment his back is turned."
"Oh."
"Anja," Luke said as he reached forward and lightly touched her face, lifting it so that she looked him in the eyes.
Anjaleen met his gaze, the use of his nickname for her capturing her attention. She had never been called anything but Anjaleen before as her father disliked nicknames, and normally she did to, but she liked it coming from Luke. It showed that they had gotten past simply being acquaintances to something more. Just how much more she wasn't sure though. Meeting Luke's gaze, she could see the questions in his light blue eyes.
"What is it?" Luke inquired softly, before he pretended to suddenly understand. "You think I like Ra'chealla?" Seeing the way she looked away, Luke sighed aloud. "Why would I want her?"
"Status," Anjaleen replied, knowing that there was no use denying things.
"If I was after status, it would be much easier for me to go after Elizabeth," Luke reasoned, seeing and feeling the hope that came to life within the young woman before him. "Her father doesn't mind me, and there is no one else who wants her. And why would I have arranged things so that I ended up dancing with you the longest on my birthday? Anja, I like you, not her."
Anjaleen smiled as she looked up at him. What he said did make sense. Ra'chealla was without a suitor and, if it was Buchanan that was driving Luke away from her, then there was Elizabeth who had just as much status. Why hadn't she thought of that before? She normally wasn't one to overlook the obvious like that. But then, she had been concentrating more on her emotions than trying to rationalize things.
"I'm sorry," Anjaleen finally said. "I... I just wanted to make sure."
"Don't be sorry," Luke replied firmly. "Just talk with me, okay? I don't bite. Are you okay now?"
"Yes," Anjaleen lied as she smiled, the death threat coming to the top of her mind once more.
"Good," Luke said, sensing that there was more, but deciding to lay off for the moment. "Now, I think your father is waiting for us?"
"Oh, yes," Anjaleen stated as she suddenly remembered, just as the chimes sounded, announcing another visitor. "This way."
As she led Luke onto the patio, Anjaleen motioned to one of the servants to bring the new guest there as well.
"Mr. Winiterure," Luke said as he approached the table at which the older man was seated.
"Mr. Skywalker," Randolf replied as Luke and Anjaleen sat down. "Who is that dear?"
"I'm not sure," Anjaleen admitted. "I asked for the servants to escort him here."
Just as she finished her sentence, Anjaleen caught sight of Raphael stepping out onto the patio and she paled. Seeing her reaction, Luke twisted in his seat and pretended to be surprised to see the Intel man.
"Mr. Jerklin," Randolf said as he motioned to an empty seat. "We were just going to drink something. Would you care to join us?"
"Yes," Raphael agreed at which the servant who had escorted him out left to get another glass. "Mr. Skywalker, it is a surprise to see you here."
"I aim not to be predictable," Luke replied dryly, clearly feeling the hatred the other man felt towards him. He would love making his announcement now. "It can be lethal."
"That it can be," Raphael replied, his voice hinting at something more than only agreement, before he turned to Anjaleen. "My dear, you look stunning as usual."
"Thank you," Anjaleen replied as her eyes flickered from Luke, to Raphael, to her father, before coming to rest back on Luke.
"I don't have too much time," Luke started, wanting to get his date secured before Raphael could offer anything. "I just dropped by to ask you, Anja," seeing the flicker of disapproval cross Randolf's face, he made a mental note not to call her that anymore in the older man's presence, he didn't mind Raphael's anger at the nickname though. "If you would care to accompany me to the Royal Symphony and then dinner tomorrow evening."
"The Symphony?" Raphael cut in before Anjaleen could reply. "The tickets for that were already sold out the last time you were on planet and they weren't on sale yet when you were here before that."
"I've got special seats," Luke announced.
"Which ones?" Randolf inquired, curiously.
"The Emperor has given me permission to use his box," Luke declared and watched Raphael's mouth drop open in surprise while Randolf and Anjaleen both stiffened in utter shock.
"The Emperor's?!" Raphael finally exclaimed before he began to laugh. "Funny."
"I am not joking," Luke replied smoothly before turning his attention back to Anjaleen. "Would you care to join me tomorrow, my dear?"
"Yes," Anjaleen stated with a smile. "I'd love to go."
Randolf glanced between the three young people before him. Skywalker was pleased with himself, and obviously ignoring Raphael, who was furious. His daughter, Anjaleen, was oblivious to the sparks flying between them. She was smiling at Skywalker, excited about the prospect.
He cleared his throat and asked, "How did you ever convince his Majesty to let you use his box?"
Skywalker shrugged. "I asked."
"Of course." Mr. Jerklin almost snarled. Skywalker ignored him, turning back to Anjaleen.
"My dear, I'd love to stay and talk, but I've got a lot of work to do. I need to finish my report on our last mission."
She smiled at him. "Yes, how did it go?"
"We destroyed a minor Rebel base. The Rebels are getting harder to find, mostly because they aren't gathering into one large base anymore, they are dividing into cells. But we will hunt them down all the same." Luke replied, rising.
Anjaleen rose as well, "I'll escort you to the door." The two left, leaving one young and furious man, and one calculating older one.
Lord Vader stood behind the Emperor in his private quarters, watching the sun go down. His son would be here soon. Luke would come up the back way, just as he had. But for now, he had a little time to talk to his father about the boy while no one was listening, as the servants and guards had been dismissed.
"Your Majesty, have you discovered anything about the Winiterure girl?" Vader asked, determining a direct approach would be easiest.
The old man sighed. "The vision of the Force strong child has only strengthened. I have also taken the time to investigate her. She and her family are extremely loyal to the Imperial Cause. She's also quite capable of keeping secrets. Not even her father knows how much she has been seeing our young Luke."
"She hasn't told her father?" Vader asked, disapproving.
"Oh, she's not really keeping it a secret from him." The Emperor smiled, pleased at the girl's cleverness. "She's keeping it from her mother. The women would spread everything she knew about her daughter and Luke to everyone at court. She's an incurable gossip."
"True enough." Vader sighed. "She's not the kind of women I would want to be allied with."
The Emperor pushed his lips together in a grimace. "Yes, I know. And that is what we are talking about, isn't it? However, the father is acceptable, he hasn't forbidden his daughter to see Luke purely out of respect for you. He hasn't even begun to guess at Luke's true importance."
"Very few people have." Vader replied. "I find it surprising."
"I don't." The Emperor said. "There are so many rumors here at court that it is hard to see the facts."
"But not in the military. It is getting harder and harder for Luke to hide what he is. Battle and command are done much more out in the open. This last mission, I had to forbid him to go down into the Rebel base until it was secure. There was too much risk that he would have to defend himself, and the wrong people would see."
"Yes. It is close to the time when Luke will reveal himself. Ah- here comes the young man now." The Emperor paused, and Skywalker walked into the room. He didn't announce himself, knowing the two men were more than able to sense him.
"Well, Skywalker, was the young lady happy to accompany you tomorrow night?"
"Yes, your Majesty. She was very pleased." Luke smiled, adding, "However, Mr. Jerklin was there when I asked her. He isn't very happy."
"No, he wouldn't be." Palpatine replied. "Now, young Luke. I was talking with your father. You've made it rather obvious that you enjoy this woman's company. I've probed the Force, and we have come to the conclusion that you should follow the Force's prompting concerning her."
The young man blinked, smothering his surprise. "Yes, your Majesty."
"Also, your father informs me that the necessity of you hiding your Force abilities is hampering your capabilities with the military assignments I have given you."
Luke nodded agreement, not willing to share how frustrated hiding everything made him feel. He tried to keep that information tightly shielded, not wanting a lecture on patience.
"Now," the Emperor continued, "I know that if you have to hide your abilities much longer someone is bound to insult you such that you will have to exact some level of revenge later, when you do reveal your heritage. That could create problems. Therefore, I want you to know that you will be allowed to reveal your talents soon, at an opportune time."
"Thank you, your Majesty." Relief seeped out from under Luke's shields.
"Now, I wanted to discuss with the both of you our next major military thrust-" The Emperor clearly turned the conversation back to more public matters.
Anjaleen smoothed her gown as she looked in the mirror, both her mother's and her maid fussing over her hair. Sasha was going to the Symphony as well tonight, both her parents had tickets in their usual places, but they had left early, planning on eating dinner beforehand at a restaurant. A servant walked in.
"Madam, Mr. Skywalker is here."
Anjaleen looked at the jeweled chrono on the wall. "Oh no. I'm not ready. I'll be down in just a second. Please have him wait in the sitting room."
The servant left, and the two maids hurriedly finished Anjaleen's hair. She stood, and took her handbag from the dressing table.
A quick moment later, and Anjaleen was walking down the wide staircase towards the front entrance. Luke walked into the entryway from the sitting room, clearly appreciating what he saw.
Anjaleen's dress was a sheer red patterned lace with inlaid jewels and gold highlights over a black base fabric. The dress clinged tightly till it past her waist, where it flared widely. The sleeves went to her wrists, and both her neckline and wrists were accented in large red jewels. Her hair was done in a multitude of braids, accented with gold cord and red jeweled combs.
She smiled at Luke, and he held out his hand. "You look beautiful, my lady." He whispered.
She blushed, murmuring thanks. Luke kissed her fingertips.
"We better go," Luke said, "we have to be early enough that everyone has time to whisper about us before the show, so they don't disturb the performance."
Luke stepped out of his private speeder, holding his hand out for Anjaleen. She got out of the vehicle, holding her small handbag in one hand.
He escorted her up the stairs to the performance hall, along the roped off section reserved for the highest elite. He smiled softly as he spied a discreetly hovering holo-cam trying to take pictures of each of the elite as they disembarked. One of the local news stations logo was plastered to the side of the device.
As he walked, he kept a careful eye out with the Force for any threats. Nothing happened, but as he traversed the short plaza to the hall's grand entrance, the holo-cam was joined by four more. His picture would be all over the gossip columns tomorrow. Especially with what was about to happen.
They entered the hall, the entryway a huge space of creamy marble and gilding. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, causing the gems in everyone's clothing to sparkle. Several of the ushers met them at the door, escorting them to their box, past the milling crowds of 'everyone else'.
Soon they were in their seats, the wide box was in the center of the first balcony, which was made up entirely of private boxes. Two chairs had been placed side by side next to the low ledge, overlooking the audience. Fresh fruit and iced wine had been provided, plus a uniformed servant if they needed anything else.
Luke escorted Anjaleen to her seat, and then sat himself. The whispers began almost immediately, Luke could see people turning their heads to stare, then talking to each other in hushed tones.
"So, Anja," Luke said, "what do you think they will talk about more: you and me as a couple or where we are sitting?"
"Where we are sitting." Anjaleen replied.
"Pity." Luke said, smiling at her. She gave him a weak smile back.
"What is it?" Luke asked, curious to what was disturbing her now. It might be what had been bothering her earlier.
"Oh, nothing." Anjaleen forced a smile. "Not everyone is happy we're here."
Luke nodded, sending his senses out. He could quickly feel two balls of furious hatred radiating at them in the room. One was a Raphael Jerklin, up in the next balcony. The other was Ra'chealla Buchanan, sitting two boxes over. She was staring at the stage with an expressionless face, but Luke could tell she was angry.
He looked at Ra'chealla, probing a little deeper. She was jealous of Anjaleen, and furious with her father. Luke looked at Buchanan, who was also avoiding his gaze. The man was very thoughtful.
Luke turned back to Anjaleen, "They can't hurt us. Try to enjoy yourself, I'll take care of it."
"Okay." Anjaleen replied, trying to believe it.
Ra'chealla stared at the stage, the musicians were starting to filter in, warming up their instruments. Her father shifted beside her.
"Ra'chealla, had you heard that Skywalker was coming tonight?"
"No Father," she replied. "I'm not supposed to talk to him, remember?"
Buchanan ignored his daughter's unseemly outburst, telling himself he would talk to her when they got home.
Ra'chealla was too busy fuming to notice her father's displeasure. She had warned that little girl, she had. And that little twit had responded by coming here with Skywalker. Of course Skywalker had gotten the Emperor to lend him his seats, anyone with half a brain would realize that he was far more important than he let on. She, Ra'chealla, should be the one in that chair. Sitting next to Skywalker, in the Emperor's private box. It fit her position just perfectly.
Part way through the show, Luke felt Anjaleen relax as she turned her full attention to the music she loved. Looking at her, he smiled. This moment reminded him of when he had first seen her at the execution ceremony. Little had he known at the time that she would become so important to him even though the Force had tried to tell him.
As the thought entered his mind, he tried to figure out just how important she had become to him. It wasn't rare anymore for him to think about her and long to return to Coruscant simply to be with her while on one of his longer missions. He also knew that he loved her. But just how much? Enough to spend his life with her? The thought pulled at him, even as he tried to keep caution in mind. He hadn't forgotten the way his father's marriage to his mother had ended. But on the flip side of that there had to be something brilliant in their future together as his grandfather had suddenly given him permission to follow the Force and thus his feelings on the matter as they seemed to be pulling him down the same path. A path that had led him to where he was at the moment.
Luke stifled a sigh as he turned to look at the musicians on the stage. Although he enjoyed the music and having Anjaleen so close to him, he couldn't stop his mind from wandering. Just what had Palpatine meant in telling him to follow his feelings with Anjaleen? Had he meant as far as marriage, or not? He wasn't sure, and knew that his grandfather had chosen his words especially for this purpose. Those words had put him in a position where he had to go and ask permission, the conclusion of which was that the Emperor would know exactly how he felt about the young women he was now with.
Luke caught sight of Ra'chealla sending a dirty glare in Anjaleen's direction as he looked down at the other people. Making sure that she didn't see him spying her, he wondered what was up. There was clearly something going on between Ra'chealla and Anjaleen that he didn't know about. Something more than Ra'chealla giving Anjaleen the cold shoulder. Had Buchanan's daughter let her jealousy get the better of her? Luke didn't like the thought and hoped that Anjaleen would speak to him if there was anything wrong. If she did it would show the trust between them.
Relaxed for the first time in several days, Anjaleen sighed as she let the soft sounds flood over her. She had always liked music as the sounds seemed to come alive and soothe her. Reaching for a snack, she brushed something warm. Looking sideways she smiled as she saw that she had hit Luke's hand. Then their eyes meet and Anjaleen felt emotion surge through her.
"Well? Have you got anymore info on what's going on?" Klin inquired of his assistant as the young woman approached him.
"Nothing new," Delphine replied with a shake of her blond head. "The manager simply said that he had gotten orders from the Emperor to get the box ready for Skywalker and Miss Winiterure and that Skywalker contacted him later to arrange the details."
"Did you offer him some money?" Klin demanded as he ran a hand through his short hair.
"Yes, Sir," Delphine stated stiffly, insulted that her boss would even consider her overlooking such a regular news acquiring tactic.
"Nothing personal," Klin said, noticing her tone. "It's just that this might well be the big scoop of the month and all we know is what every other news station knows. Damn!"
"What about the Winiterure girl?" Delphine suggested. "Anything there?"
"Nothing much," Klin stated as he sorted through the datapads on his desk. "We do know, however, that she is currently also seen with a Raphael Jerklin who is with Intel."
"I'm sure he loves what's happening tonight."
"Indeed," Klin responded as he picked up a datapad and scrolled down the list of names. "It seems that he has a seat with a good view of the Emperor's box. Considering how much those seats cost, I doubt that it's a coincidence."
"He knew Skywalker was going to see his girl," Delphine connected with a sly grin. "And wanted to keep an eye on him. Do you think he'll comment?"
"I doubt it, but it's worth a try," Klin said. "Why don't you give it a try when he exits the Symphony?"
"That was interesting," Buchanan stated as the music came to an end and an applause started.
Buchanan looked up to the Emperor's box for the hundredth time that evening and watched as Anjaleen and Skywalker applauded while talking with each other. Perhaps he shouldn't have judged Skywalker when he had. It was obvious now that the Emperor saw him as something. Otherwise why would he allow Skywalker to use his box? In allowing him to do so he was practically announcing that Skywalker had pull with him as the Empire's elite were bound to notice and repeat the night's events. The fact that someone other than the Emperor had used his box would surely make the news.
As he finished his applause, Buchanan waited for the people to start exiting the room. Was this one of Palpatine's hints that something was going to happen surrounding Skywalker? Perhaps that his position would be announced? Inwardly Buchanan fumed at the thought. He had been able to dismiss Palpatine attending Skywalker's birthday party as simply a way to converse with Lord Vader about the Dark Lord's upcoming mission as the galactic ruler had spend a good portion of his time at the party chatting with the Sith. But the fact that Skywalker was now permitted to use his box instantly alerted Buchanan to the fact that he had misjudged Skywalker's importance.
Buchanan winced as he thought back to his talk with the boy. That day could have some serious repercussions in the near future if this was indeed Palpatine's subtle warning of things to come. Looking over at his daughter, he saw that Ra'chealla was purposefully avoiding looking at either him, or the Emperor's box. Seeing the way she struggled for control of her emotions, Buchanan sighed. Despite all that he had told her, she was still not ignoring her emotions where Skywalker was concerned. He'd have to talk with her about that as well then. Didn't she understand that love had no place at court?
"My dear," Luke said as he got up and held out a hand for Anjaleen. "Time for dinner."
"Which restaurant are we going to?" Anjaleen questioned as she took his hand and let him escort her out of the box and into the hall.
"Tower Point," Luke replied, knowing that was the best restaurant to go to this time of year.
The top of the building, where the restaurant itself was located, slowly rotated, giving the dinners a marvelous view of the capital. At this time of year, when the sun set extremely late, the view was spectacular as the buildings reflected the sun's light as it set even as the sky turned various shades of fiery red, orange, yellow, and lavender. Upon getting reservations, he had made sure that he had a table near the window so they could enjoy the sunset as they ate.
"That'll be nice," Anjaleen said as she smiled at him.
"I'm glad you approve," Luke teased as she stopped before the door leading into the lobby. "Are you ready? News has probably traveled as fast as usual."
"I'm ready," Anjaleen said at which they stepped through the door and instantly became the center of attention for several holo-cams. Following the ushers that urged them forward, they quickly exited the building and climbed into Luke's speeder waiting for them at front steps. "That wasn't too bad."
"Well, you're more used to this than I am," Luke stated as he indicated the driver that they were ready to go. Seeing Anjaleen's inquiring look, he smiled at her. "I am well aware of what Hors knew and said, Anja."
Anjaleen felt the surprise flash across her face before she quickly hid it. However, seeing Luke's smile grow, she knew he had seen it. Briefly she wondered how he knew that the General had told Nastalia who had told her, but then she remembered how he had suddenly died after telling Nastalia. It could have been coincidence, but having been raised to the court and having spent her life around politicians, she knew that this was probably not the case. The fact that Luke hadn't said anything to Nastalia and herself about this proved that he trusted them.
Ra'chealla's death threat rose unbidden to the top of her mind once more and she suppressed a shudder. After the woman had seen them together tonight there was an increased possibility that she might follow up on her threat. Anjaleen did not welcome the thought of having to look over her shoulder whenever she felt like there might be an assassin behind her. She knew that she had to talk with someone about it, and Luke was probably the best person as he more or less understood her place with Ra'chealla. But she didn't want to spoil their dinner. Making up her mind, she decided to tell him on the way home.
With this settled, the thoughts instantly fled her mind as Luke took her hand in his own and smiled lovingly at her.
Raphael was still fuming from seeing Anjaleen enjoying the evening together with Skywalker and thinking of all the ways he could rule out the competition once and for all that at first he didn't notice the petite women who approached him.
"Mr. Jerklin?" Delphine asked as she stopped next to him.
"Yes?" Raphael replied as he looked her over, missing the news logo she wore. "Who are you?"
"I'm Delphine Michleo with Coruscant Daily," Delphine introduced herself. "I was wondering if you would care to comment on this evenings events. Did you know Skywalker would be seeing Miss Winiterure? What do you think of the fact that he's seeing the girl you are seeing? What are Mr. Winiterure's opinions on the matter? How--"
"Enough," Raphael interrupted as he pulled his eyes away from the holo-cams that were trying to get a last shot of Skywalker's speeder. "And no comment."
"Come on," Delphine pressed as she followed him as he moved on. "You must have some thoughts on the matter. Are you going to let Skywalker take her from you? Whom does she prefer? You or him?"
"Security!" Raphael yelled as he continued on his way. "Get her off me!"
Instantly several stormtroopers advanced at which Delphine stopped her attempt. Watching Jerklin exit the building and get into his own speeder, she shook her head. She had doubted that he would reveal anything, but it had been worth a try. Oh well, there were always the public records that she could check. She doubted that she would find anything on the current situation, but at least she'd get some more background info on him.
Ra'chealla closed down the com connection, turning towards her door. She smiled, thinking what was in store for that stupid little girl Anjaleen. She had been quite serious when she had told her that she had more than enough pocket change to get rid of her, and Ra'chealla had just hired the assassin to prove it.
She left her room, headed for dinner. Father had decided not to eat out after the concert, so they had come straight home. Ra'chealla was a little nervous that her father would start lecturing her again. But it shouldn't be a problem, Skywalker had proven his pull with the Emperor tonight, and her father should agree with her that he was quite the catch. After all, soon he would be quite available.
With any luck, Anjaleen wouldn't even get home from her date with Luke.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail Rebecca or me at valeriev84@hotmail.com
