oh I wasn’t aware it was feeding the ai. I’ve inserted hundreds of fics into chatgpt for their continuation or for a different plot within the same context just for fun and out of curiosity… but I’ve never posted any of them…
Indeed, anything that is given to AI it can use later to draw from. That's why it doesn't matter if you post them or not as it has now access to those writers' texts without their permission.
Please do not do this! I'm happy to talk about 'what ifs' or 'what happens next' even if I can't write a whole fic but PLEASE don't put any fics into AI!
#i'm so exhausted#fic being scraped off ao3 by bots is bad enough#readers actually FEEDING fic into AI is breaking my actual heart#DO NOT EVER FEED FIC INTO AI WITHOUT THE AUTHOR'S PERMISSION#99.999% of authors are THRILLED to discuss AUs for their fics#the 'what ifs'#the 'missing scenes'#the possible alternate outcomes#JUST ASK THE AUTHOR TO CHAT WITH YOU ABOUT THIS#most of us would cry with joy if you gave us the chance to ramble about our fics!#DO NOT FEED MY FICS TO AI PLEASE I BEG YOU
-@cicerfics
The Clone Wars changed everything. Danger was seeping into even the safest of places. A peaceful planet finds itself wrapped up in a political uproar that endangers the royal family. The Jedi Council assigns the 501st to assist establishing a Clone presence on Ziphus. Their Captain takes on the task of protecting Ziphus’ Archduchess, a young diplomat named Sarela, but she proves to be quite a handful for the stoic soldier!
18+ only! Later chapters will have mature themes and explicit writing!
Chapter Five: A Princess’s Perspective
Sarela tries to ease her burden with a new perspective ahead of a very important meeting.
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Waiting had never been a favorite pastime.
Sarela paced in her office, heels clicking on the wooden floor, waiting for word from her friend. She was trying to read trade reports that her uncle had sent, but she was far too anxious to focus.
Sarela had called her father about the matter and informed him exactly what was going on. Orys had gone out to speak with Grandduke Kelan, leaving Sarela alone with Rex. He didn’t seem the type to care much for trade reports, so she couldn’t even read aloud to distract herself.
She crossed the floor again and again, gripping her datapad tightly with both hands.
“You keep pacing and you’re gonna wear a hole in the floor,” Rex said gently.
Sarela huffed and stopped dead in her tracks. “I’m anxious!”
“I can see that,” he replied.
She walked across to the sofa and dropped dramatically onto it. She flopped backwards and laid across the cushions. “What would you do if you were in my position?”
Rex looked at her from his place next to the door. “What do you mean?”
She looked back at him. “You’re a princess-,”
“A princess, am I?”
“Gosh! Prince! Let me finish!” she huffed.
He chuckled softly.
“You’re a prince and Dooku approaches your planet. Asks you to leave the Republic,” she continued.
“I said no the second he appeared,” Rex answered.
“Oh, of course!” she said. “But now you face your people. They are anxious. Scared. You tell them you’re bringing an armed force to their planet. Much larger and more heavily armed than their own army. Life for them was peaceful and felt removed from the conflict. Now they’ll see echoes of it every day.”
“That’s war,” he said.
“Yes, but how do you tell them that?”
“Exactly like that. That’s war,” he said.
Rex came closer to her and sighed. “Do I have your permission to speak freely?”
Sarela sat up and looked at him. She motioned to the chair across from her. “Please do, Captain.”
Rex sat down and took his helmet off. He set it down on the table between them and leaned forward.
“Listen, your planet is pretty. All of your people are so put together and fancy. But war? It’s real ugly. They’re worried about a bunch of guys in armor? I got news for them, the droids are a hell of a lot uglier than we are. And what they’ll do to this pretty planet is ugly. So here’s what you say; War is ugly, but it’s here. It came to this pretty planet and it’s making things ugly. That’s war. The planet will stay safe under the clone army’s care. Carry on and quit whining about some minor inconveniences.”
Sarela took in his words slowly. She nodded and looked down at her lap where her datapad lay. “I suppose I am a bit soft spoken. Maybe your harsh approach will help them see reason.”
“I could be harsher, honestly, but it's a start,” he replied.
Sarela looked back at him. “Say it. I’m curious.”
He leaned back in his chair and looked at her. He shrugged. “They’re bitching about inconvenience, but it sure as shit a real inconvenience to be created and sent to war and have no other purpose but to die to keep them safe. But you don’t hear us bitching.”
Quite harsh! Sarela’s stomach sank. His coarse language wasn’t lost on her and while it normally would make her cringe, his message hit her harder. She looked away from him. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
“No one does,” Rex said.
Sarela sat back on the sofa. She crossed her legs and sat up straight, fully facing him. “Captain Rex, please tell me what being in the army is like.”
He breathed a laugh. “You really wanna know?”
She nodded. “Yes. I really want to know. I think it will help my perspective.”
Rex looked at her for a moment, head cocked slightly. “Well, I suppose I could. If it’s not too bold to say, you seem like the kind of girl who doesn’t get out much.”
“The last senate session was the first time I ever went beyond our moon,” she replied. “So you are correct.”
Rex raised a brow. “You’ve never been anywhere else?”
She shook her head. “Never. And Coruscant was quite a shock! So busy and cluttered. The fashions, the people. It was a lot to take in.”
“You seem to have survived,” he said.
She smiled. “I did alright. I learned a lot. Made friends. But regardless, I have one perspective of the galaxy. A princess’s perspective. It’s hardly worth anything.”
“You study politics, so you’re not a total loss,” he teased.
She giggled softly. “At least there’s that.”
He smiled at her. Sarela stared at his smile. It was charming. She’d seen dozens of clones before, but there was something about Rex that was just different.
“You know,” she started, “Before I went to finishing school, I never left the palace. I never even spoke to an outsider until I was twelve.”
Rex crossed his arms and shook his head. “Sheltered does not even begin to describe you.”
“No, it does not. So, please, lift the veil, Captain. Tell me how ugly it is to do what you do,” she said.
Rex smiled. “If you insist.”
The pair of them talked for some time. About his creation, his youth, his training. Some of the things he’d seen were too horrible to recount, despite her insistence. He was gentle with her. She had the feeling he wasn’t pulling back the curtain all the way. Just enough so she could see something beyond her pretty little life. Something more real than her entire existence.
Sarela was royalty. Heir to a kingdom. She was born into her life and raised from the moment she was born to be a ruler. Her life was so carefully curated by her father and her advisors. Orys had been brought in to work with her from the time she started studying politics. He’d guided her, taught her. She was his pupil in every way. But when did she stop being a pupil and start being a puppet?
She would never think that Orys had ill intentions in any way. He was a good man, but he was firm when he guided her to the decisions she made. He wasn’t pushing an agenda, just ensuring that she wouldn’t take a misstep. He guided her words, her appointments, her interactions. He held a string attached to her.
Zena held another. She guided her household. She was careful about who Sarela interacted with socially. Shooed away girls that she thought may not be a good influence on her. Her tea dates, garden walks, salon gatherings were all carefully curated by Zena. All to ensure Sarela did not misstep socially.
Her parents held two more strings. Her father held the thickest one. His guidance ensured Sarela would be ready to rule in his absence. He wanted her to be a strong and kind Empress. He wanted what was best for his people and preparing the throne for his death likely weighed heavily on his mind. His firm hand guided Sarela toward a strong future.
Her mother guided her in love. Sarela had never been in love, of course, but she had been presented with a handful of suitors. She courted one of them, but he wasn’t interested in her. Pushed at her by his family, so she kindly broke the courtship and let him go gently. Her mother worked hard to cover the affair with flowery language to avoid scandal. Thena was already pushing Sarela toward a new beau. She wanted to ensure Sarela was cared for like she was, but also to ensure she fulfilled her duty; birthing an heir.
So many people held strings attached to her arms, her heart, her mouth. Rex didn’t talk to her like that. He was gentle and careful with his words, but he wasn’t fully sheltering her. He was lifting the veil slowly.
When the door opened Sarela finally looked away from Rex. She had been staring so intently while he spoke. She blinked to adjust her vision and watched Orys approach. He handed her a caf drink and showed her his datapad.
“Your Highness, I messaged you three times,” he said. “Princess Lili responded. Is everything alright?”
Rex stood and went back to his place at the door. She watched him put his helmet back on and resume being what he was born to be; a soldier.
Sarela blinked and looked down at her own datapad. She gasped and snatched it up. She had been so enthralled by Rex’s words that she hadn’t realized any messages had come through. She opened Lili’s message and read it aloud.
“Archduchess, it’s an honor to be invited to talk about this most important issue. It is my understanding that Finis used a harsh tone and let his temper rule your meeting. That was not the intention of the Apran house and I wish to rectify it immediately. I will join you at the requested time,” she said.
She was relieved! She let out a little breath.
“Progress,” Orys said, sitting down.
“Indeed,” she said. She sipped her caf and sighed softly. “I needed this.”
“I figured you would,” Orys said, smirking.
Sarela opened the trade reports again and sipped her caf while she read them again.
“Kelan says the Horne clan wants to increase their trade agreement,” Sarela said.
“The Mandalorians?” Orys looked down at the reports. “What do they want?”
“More tea and they want wool. They’re willing to bring in more metal works,” she answered.
“I don’t see why not,” Orys said. “So long as they make good on their end.”
Sarela nodded in agreement.
Clan Horne had come to the planet years ago. A lone band of Mandalorians, they were looking to make small trade agreements. They needed supplies and they offered intricate metal works made by the clan leader’s sons and grandsons. Sarela owned several pieces of jewelry made by their silversmith. She saw no reason to deny the clan and hoped Kelan would grant their request.
Sarela’s nerves were still prickled, but she was a little more at ease than before. She found herself glancing at Rex often. He had truly helped open her eyes, even just a little.
She hoped she could have more interactions with Rex. He seemed like a genuinely nice person. Perhaps rigid, but he was a soldier. She wondered how he was when he truly relaxed and let loose.
The intercom on her desk suddenly beeped and pulled Sarela from her thoughts. She hurried over to answer.
The desk attendant’s voice came through. “Your Highness, Grandduke Kelan is here to see you.”
“Send him up at once,” she replied.
Orys looked at her as she sat back down. “Good timing. We can talk trade.”
“I have a feeling he’s here to talk drama,” Sarela said.
Orys hummed and sipped his caf.
Kelan entered the room moments later and they paid respect to one another. Orys bowed to him and waited until he was told to resume sitting. Kelan sat down on the chair next to Orys and smiled.
“How are you this morning, sprout?” he asked Sarela.
Kelan was a few years younger than her father. He had the same dark hair and eyes, the same looks. He was a kind man and a wonderful teacher.
Sarela shifted in her seat and sighed softly. “I’ve been better, uncle.”
He nodded slowly. “I would imagine.”
Kelan shifted in his own seat and rested his ankle on his opposite knee. He crossed his arms and slouched. An absolute vision of a carefree prince, though his cares were great.
“I heard what happened. Your mother came to me,” he said. “I’m sorry. It should not have happened and I have addressed Alara’s behavior.”
“Addressed, sure, but will you control her?” Orys asked.
“Control Alara? My good man, the strongest willed man in the galaxy couldn't control her,” he laughed.
“This is no laughing matter, your Grace,” Orys said.
Kelan shook his head. “It’s not, no. Forgive me. Sprout, I can send her to the country if you’d like. Get her away from the palace for a time.”
Sarela considered, but she shook her head. “She’ll just hate me more. Besides, I cannot sanction her expulsion. It’s my father’s court. He’ll decide what her punishment will be. Though, I wouldn’t mind being away from her.”
Kelan nodded. “I’ll speak to Zena. We’ll rearrange your house.”
Sarela nodded and sipped her caf. “And Miri?”
“I can move her away. If you want,” he answered.
Sarela thought of her cousin. Miri was a spineless little thing. Always doing what her mother told her to do. She worried that Alara would tell Miri to sabotage her from within while Alara was away. Sarela sighed.
“Don’t move her just yet,” she said.
“Your Highness, it may not be wise to leave Miri in your house,” Orys said.
“I’ll talk to her,” Kelan said. “Miri fears her mother, but I can reason with her. Make sure she behaves.”
Sarela nodded. “Please do, but know that I will not hesitate to dismiss her if I sense she’s carrying on her mother’s behavior.”
Kelan nodded. “I understand.”
Sarela picked up her datapad and looked down at the trade reports Kelan had sent her. “Let’s talk trade, uncle. Put this ugly business behind us.”
He smiled. “I agree.”
Kelan explained the new trade agreements to Sarela in great detail. There were many, but she did her best to focus and understand what she was being told.
Again, she found herself glancing at Rex. He was still against the wall by the door. He shifted on occasion, but didn’t really move much. She was eager to talk one on one again, but her duties that day would keep her quite busy, she was sure.
Kelan had a lot to explain to her. Some of their trade treaties were on unstable ground. Especially now that the Separatists had shown up. He was expecting calls any day from worried parties scared they wouldn’t get the goods they were promised.
This put more pressure on Sarela’s shoulders. She needed to push Apra into allowing a clone occupation. She needed to be firm with her people that were starting to make noise about the clone soldiers being present in their districts. She needed to make sure Ziphus continued to stand and function as it had for hundreds of years. She wasn’t about to let her planet fall.
Sometime just after a light lunch, the desk attendant called again. Sarela crossed to answer the call.
“Your Highness, Princess Lili and her brothers have arrived to see you,” she said.
Sarela’s gut twisted. She looked at Orys and Kelan and took a steady breath. “Send them up at once.”
She paced a few steps. Her hands were trembling.
“Calm down, sprout. It’ll be alright,” Kelan said.
Orys hurried to open the door and welcome in the Apran royals.
Lili came into the room slowly and offered her friend a warm smile. Lily was an exact copy of her mother and she had the same warmth and charm. Trailing in behind her came her twin brothers. Finis scowled. The royals paid one another respect and Sarela offered the sofa to the three.
The Apran siblings sat down together, Lili in the middle. Sarela sat down across from them.
“I will leave you to your business, Highness. Your royal highnesses, it was a pleasure to see you again,” Kelan said, bowing to them again.
After Kelan left, Orys ushered Captain Rex out of the room with him and he closed the door behind them.
Sarela smiled at the three, but her nerves were prickling.
“Dearest, I want to start this meeting with an apology,” Lili said softly.
“Oh, no. Please. That’s not necessary,” Sarela said.
“Of course it is!” Lili laughed. She looked at Finis. “Apologize to her. Immediately.”
Finis looked back at his sister and raised a brow. He was quiet for a tense moment and the air seemed to grow thick around them. Finally he turned his eyes to Sarela and nodded his head.
“Please accept my apology, Highness,” he said.
Sarela hesitated, but she nodded. “I accept, Finis. Thank you.”
Lili smiled and her feather ruffled up. “There! Friends again, yes?”
“She insulted us,” Finis growled.
“She spoke from inexperience and worry. Accidental insults are common in such times. I will set everything straight,” Lili said.
Sarela shifted uncomfortably.
“Lili, I never meant to imply that I did not care for your people,” she said.
“Of course not. And we know that,” she said.
Sarela knew there was a but coming.
“But,” she started, “Finis is right. We cannot accept a clone occupation of Apra.”
Sarela sighed. “Lili. You must.”
“Do you know how the Seer’s power works?” Lili asked.
“I do not,” Sarela answered.
“The Oracle grants us power from his blood. The red river is where it comes from. The Oracle is in the moon, do you understand?” Lili said.
Sarela nodded slowly. “I think so.”
“Every baby born on Apra is dipped into the waters to receive power. Some receive a lot, some a little, some none at all,” she said. “The Seer is endowed with great power. It comes from deep in the center of the moon. From the Oracle.”
Sarela nodded slowly.
“The Seer senses every living being on the moon. Every citizen of Apra can be felt by the Seer. You were felt the moment you arrived all those years ago,” she said. “If the clones occupy Apra, the Seer will sense them. So many men with the same destiny, so much death tied to their existence. It will confuse the Seer. The Oracle will become angry.”
Sarela sighed. This was quite a predicament.
“There must be a way to compromise,” she said.
Lili shook her head. “There is nothing to compromise. We will not accept a clone occupation.”
Sarela checked the time. They were due for the meeting soon. “Will you still come to the palace? To hear the Jedi?”
Lili made a face. Disgust at the word ‘Jedi’. Sarela had forgotten about the Aprans’ dislike of the Order.
Her face softened, though, and she nodded. “Yes, I will attend. Because you asked me.”
Sarela smiled. “Thank you, Lili.”
Sarela stood and gathered her files and her datapad. She pinned her hat back on and picked up her things.
The Aprans rose and stretched their wings. Lili smiled at Sarela. “We’ll ride just behind you, then?”
Sarela nodded. “Yes, that will be ideal. Are you alright with the clones escorting us? I have quite the entourage now.”
“Of course! We have nothing against the clone army,” Lili said. “Isn’t that right, Finis?”
Finis only grumbled in response. Sarela sensed a lot of tension between the siblings and she wondered if it was caused only by the current situation or if something else happened. Still, that was a mystery for another time.
Sarela was escorted from the building by Rex, Orys close at her heels. Sion had been waiting outside with his advisor and climbed into his speeder when he saw the party approach. The Aprans were safely escorted to their own vehicle and the party was off.
Their arrival at the palace was met with heavy clone guards. Many more than when she’d left. Sarela hoped Finis would keep himself in check. Though she was absolutely sure if he had no self control, then Lili would certainly control his temper.
Sarela climbed out of her speeder and held her files tightly. She was nervous. She wanted this meeting to go well. She hoped with all her might that the Jedi had a solution to the issue with Apra. She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt at the thought of pressing the occupation on them.
She had always held Lili’s friendship and she knew that pressing against her wishes would destroy that relationship. She would anger the Apran Queen, Lili’s dear mother. Queen Cora had been friends with her father for as long as she could remember. She would never want that friendship to be ruined.
A hand on her back almost startled her. She looked to her right and saw Rex at her side.
“You alright?” he asked.
She nodded stiffly.
“You’re white knuckling that datapad,” he said. “You sure you’re okay?”
She frowned and relaxed her grip. “I’m nervous.”
“Nothing to be nervous about. It’ll all work out,” he said.
“Are you so sure?” she asked.
“We always find a way to cohabitat a place and keep it safe. It’ll be alright,” he said softly.
Sarela forced a small smile. He was so comforting to her. It would be a sad day when he was finally recalled to more important duties.
The party traversed the halls of Sarela’s home until they came upon a set of ornately carved double doors. The guards at the doors immediately reached for the handles and opened the doors for Sarela and her guests.
Her father’s meeting room was quite cozy compared to many other rooms in the grand palace. It was still quite large, of course, and just as fancy and heavily decorated. Dark brown paneled walls with intricate carvings twisting up the wood from floor to ceiling. The white plaster ceiling held several gold chandeliers and crown molding stippled with gold leaf to catch the light. There was a large rectangular table in the center of the room with a set of matching plush chairs around it. Sarela had fond memories of hiding under the table while her father conducted business. Just to be near him.
Sarela curtsied deeply to her father, who smiled and welcomed her into the room.
He was standing by the window with their guests. A pair of Jedi and two clone soldiers. Master Skywalker and Padawan Tano were also present and talking quietly. Edric spoke to his clone escort by the window on the other side of the fireplace. Her mother and Helene stood with her father. He beckoned her closer.
“Cherub, may I introduce Master Jedi Torin Ornil and his Padawan Zyrah Mai,” he said. “And their clone Commander Rila and his Captain, Bren.”
Sarela curtsied to them and smiled. “A pleasure, truly.”
The pair bowed and Master Ornil smiled. The large Cathar Jedi was quite a sight! “Your Highness. We’ve heard much about you from your father and here you are, a vision in pink.”
“She never wears any other color,” her father laughed.
Sarela laughed softly. “Pink is my signature color!”
Master Ornil looked behind Sarela. She sensed his curiosity at the Aprans and she turned.
“May I present Crown Princess Lili of Apra and her twin brothers Princes Finis and Arel,” she said.
The Aprans paid their respect to the Ziphan royal family and then to the Jedi. Though that respect was tense, to say the least.
“A pleasure, your Highnesses,” Master Ornil said.
“We feel the same,” Lili said.
“Come!” her father said. “Sit and let us discuss this business at hand.”
“Your Majesty, Helene and I will take our leave now,” her mother said, curtsying to him.
“Of course, my love,” he said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. He smiled at Helene. “Sure you don’t want to stay? For the politics?”
Helene made a face. “Yuck, no thank you.” She smirked.
He laughed and kissed her cheek. “Off you go, angel.”
The two ladies left the room, leaving the group to their business.
Tam took his place at the head of the table. Sarela sat to his right and Sion on his left. Edric was seated next to Sarela. The Jedi took up the spaces next to Sion and the princes next to Edric. Lili said opposite Tam. As the highest ranking noble from Apra, it was only right. Orys stood behind Sarela’s chair, just to the right. Nej stood behind her father’s chair. Sion’s advisor, his husband Lorn, stood behind him.
“First, allow me to ask how the base is coming along?” her father asked.
Master Ornil folded his hands on the table. “Quite well! We should be finished in a few weeks, I imagine. We have a larger team with us, so the construction should be quick.”
“Fantastic,” her father said.
“Our troops are mapping the planet as we speak. Looking for the best places for small outposts and such. Commander Rila will construct a schedule for guard duty and divide troops up once he has this information in hand,” Master Ornil explained.
“Excellent! How is that coming, Commander?” he asked.
“We’re right on schedule, your Majesty. Your own security force is assisting and being quite helpful,” Commander Rila said.
“Good news all around!” her father said.
Sarela glanced down at Lili. “For us, absolutely, but we have a matter to discuss concerning Apra.”
Her father nodded. “Of course. Your Highness, I am told you will not allow a clone occupation on Apra. Can you tell me why?”
Lili shifted in her seat and glanced at the soldiers standing behind the Jedi. “The presence of so many men will confuse the Seer. Her power will be overwhelmed and she will not be able to accept visions from the Oracle. He will become angry.”
Her father nodded.
Master Ornil cleared his throat gently. “Would your Seer be willing to try?”
Finis shook his head. “No. We will not risk angering our god.”
“We cannot accept the occupation, your Majesty. We will not,” Lili said.
“Sarela says Apra threatens violence if we move forward with the occupation,” her father said.
Lili looked at Finis. She fixed him with a hard glare. “No. Apra does not raise arms against its sovereign.”
Her father sighed with relief. “Thank the Great Mother. I would never hope to be opposed to your mother. She is a good friend.”
“She thinks the same of you, Great King, but you must know our friendship cannot survive an order that upsets our way of life,” Lili said.
“If this was not related to safety, then I would agree, but you must understand that there are lives at risk. An occupation will disrupt daily life, but a droid invasion will end your way of life. You must comply,” her father said.
Sarela frowned. The same argument. What else did they have, but the same argument?
“We will not submit to an occupation!” Finis snapped.
“Peace!” Lili snapped.
Torin sighed softly. “We must occupy the planet, your Highness. We need to ensure your safety.”
“Silence, Jedi!” Finis snapped.
“Remove yourself immediately,” Lili hissed at him.
The room went silent. The tension shared among them was already thick, but this outburst brought it to suffocating levels.
Finis stared at her in disbelief. “Sister.”
“Immediately,” she hissed again.
“Please, your Highness, I took no offense,” Torin said.
Finis said nothing more. He stood, bowed to the group, and left quickly.
Lili’s wings tensed. “These matters have divided my household. You have to understand what it does to us.”
“I am sorry,” her father said.
“Call off the occupation,” Lili said.
“No. I cannot,” her father sighed.
Lili stood sharply.
“If I may,” Captain Bren suddenly said, stepping forward.
“Captain?” her father looked at him.
The Jedi all turned in their chairs to look at him. The Commander and Captain Rex also paused to look at him. Sarela wondered what Bren’s story was. There was a story there. Bren cleared his throat.
“Would you agree to an orbital outpost?” he asked.
Lili slowly sat back down. “Orbital?”
“Yes, your Highness. One station in orbit, several ships to act as patrol. We could come down to the planet in small groups. With plenty of prior notice to prepare your people. Or we could send our own Republic probe droids to patrol the planet. We’ll stay above,” he explained.
Commander Rila patted his shoulder.
Sarela’s father looked at Lili. “A brilliant idea. Would you agree?”
Lili looked at Arel and the pair smiled. “Yes. Yes, it is.”
“Such a simple idea. We should have thought of that,” Arel said.
“So you’ll be alright with that?” Sarela asked hopefully.
Lili nodded. “We shall. A compromise.”
Sarela and Lili shared a smile and then she looked up to the Captain. He had moved back to stand with Rila and Rex. Sarela hoped she got to talk with him more.
She was eager to speak with more of the clones. Rex had given her a small glimpse into their world and she wanted more. His words about no one caring that they lived and died for the Republic still rang in her ears.
Sarela had a duty to Ziphus. As its Archduchess, as its Senator. She had a duty to her people. To represent them in the Senate and act in their best interest. She also had a life. Friends and hobbies, likes and interests. She loved to spend her free time in the country and in Harbor City, shopping and dining.
The clones also had a duty. But what else did they have outside of their duty? Nothing, it seemed. That didn’t sit well with her.
Sarela made a very important decision at that moment. While she watched the clones speak quietly to each other she swore to fight for them.
To give them everything they’ve ever wanted.
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
The post dividers are made by @saradika ! I have linked each image to the original post for ease of finding them!
The Clone Wars changed everything. Danger was seeping into even the safest of places. A peaceful planet finds itself wrapped up in a political uproar that endangers the royal family. The Jedi Council assigns the 501st to assist establishing a Clone presence on Ziphus. Their Captain takes on the task of protecting Ziphus’ Archduchess, a young diplomat named Sarela, but she proves to be quite a handful for the stoic soldier!
18+ only! Later chapters will have mature themes and explicit writing!
Chapter Four: The Princes
Sarela learns about a distressing amount of family drama and receives a surprise visit from Apra’s twin princes.
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Warmth and light. Sunlight. Sunlight? Morning!
Sarela’s eyes peeled open and she looked at the entourage at the side of her bed. They were always, annoyingly, on time. She wished they’d be late one morning. Just once.
She stayed under the blankets, bundled comfortably, glaring daggers at Zena as she approached.
“Now now, your Highness. It’s seven o’clock. Time to rise,” she said, her hands folded in front of her.
Sarela didn’t budge.
“Your Highness,” Zena said sternly.
Again, she didn’t budge.
“I will fetch your mother,” Zena warned.
“Do it,” Sarela grumbled. “I dare you.”
Footsteps in the salon came to her ears. Likely her hairdresser and his assistants. She rolled over and tucked the blanket tightly around her body.
“Your Highness!” Zena snapped.
“Sarela Deas Obarel,” she heard suddenly. “Get out of that bed.”
Sarela rolled over again and watched her mother stride into the room. She looked at Zena, curtsying deeply to her Empress, and wondered what telepathy powers she had to summon her mother like that.
Sarela looked at her mother again and groaned dramatically.
“Out of that bed, missy!” she snipped.
Sarela grumbled and shuffled to the edge of the bed. She tossed her blankets back roughly and stomped both feet onto the floor.
Her mother raised her brows. “Goodness. Such an attitude. What’s gotten into you this morning?”
“It’s too early,” Sarela grumbled.
Aunt Alara and a maid came forward with a bowl of water, some soap, and a washcloth. Her mother pointed at the bowl.
“Wash your face,” she commanded gently. “It’ll wake you up.”
Sarela did as she was told. She didn’t dare go against her mother. She was not cruel or harsh in any way, but her disappointed look stung harder than a knife. She had perfected her various ‘mom-looks’ and Sarela was not about to go up against a mom stare at seven in the morning.
When her face was clean, she dried it and stepped back to wait for her clothes.
“The Jedi are coming to the palace today,” her mother said as she lifted Sarela’s nightdress off. She handed it off to a maid behind her.
Sarela nodded. “What time?”
“I’m not sure. Your father didn’t mention a time. We’ll ask him at breakfast,” she answered. “Miss Ahsoka went off to meet them.”
“Did Captain Rex go with her?”
“I don’t think so. I thought I heard him speaking to one of the other soldiers,” her mother said. “Of course, I suppose it could have been any of them.”
Aunt Alara came forward with a chemise and to Sarela’s surprise, stepped past her mother. Zena made a garbled noise and her mother’s head whipped up to look at Alara. Alara paused and looked back at her Empress. The two women did not say a word to one another.
There had been tension between the two women for years, but it usually didn’t surface when there was an audience. Sarela glanced behind the two women at Alara’s daughter. Her cousin, a young lady named Miri, looked back at her with a concerned expression. Miri was nice enough, but her mother’s control usually kept her away from Sarela and her siblings.
Zena stepped forward and cleared her throat.
“Your Grace,” Zena said. “The right belongs to Empress Thena.”
Alara hesitated and several ladies made small gasps. She eventually offered the chemise to Thena, hanging it on one finger. Thena did not move to take it.
Sarela cleared her throat as softly as she could. “May I remind you that I’m naked?”
Her mother snatched the chemise from Alara and watched the other woman retreat with a soft dip of her head. Her mother turned fully toward her.
“Leave this room at once and wait for me in my salon,” she said.
Alara hesitated again. Her mother took a step toward her. A soft challenge. Alara curtsied deeply, but the little smirk on her face was telling.
“Your Highness,” she said.
Several of the ladies, Sarela included, gasped. Thena said nothing. Sarela knew she was seething, but she was holding herself as gracefully as possible.
Alara stood and swept by, letting her gown brush Thena’s. Had they been closer, their shoulders would have bumped.
Her mother turned a sharp glare on Miri. “You are dismissed.”
Miri curtsied deeply and bowed her head. “Your Majesty.”
She rushed out of the room as quickly as she could. Sarela almost felt bad for her.
Sarela, still nude, tapped her mother. “Mama?”
Thena hesitated. She was upset. Sarela looked at Zena and frowned.
“Your Majesty?” Zena said softly.
“If I were a lesser woman, I would strike her,” Thena said sharply.
“Mama, I’m naked,” Sarela said, hugging her chest.
“Your Majesty, forgive me, but we need to dress her Highness,” Zena said.
Footsteps carried in from the salon. A few voices were heard, but not the words they said. Thena was twisting the chemise in her hands. Sarela reached out for it, even though she wasn’t supposed to.
“Your Highness,” came a deep male voice.
Sarela looked up just as Captain Rex walked into the room.
Rex practically jumped out of his skin and whipped right back around. She’d never seen a man’s face go so red so quickly. The ladies were in an uproar. Zena chased him out of the room, scolding him loudly and demanding to know what he was thinking! Sarela snatched her chemise from her mother and pulled it on.
“Well, this is lovely! Alara’s attitude and now this?!” Sarela cried.
Helene rushed into the room as the dressing screen was opened. “What is all the yelling?”
Sarela pointed to the door. “The Captain saw me in the nude!”
There were several male voices coming from the salon. She distinctly heard the clones, but also what she thought was Orys and Edric.
Helene gaped at her. “He came in on purpose?!”
Sarela shook her head. “I truly doubt he was being a predator, but what was he thinking?! He was told to ask permission!”
Helene looked back out into the salon. “Alara was out there. Leaving as I came in.”
Sarela looked at Thena. “Mama.”
“I will address this,” she said.
Sarela was beside herself. “Mama, she did this on purpose!”
Thena was already marching for the door. “I will handle this!”
Helene rushed over to help Sarela dress. She said nothing.
“She did this on purpose!” Sarela cried.
“I know,” Helene said softly.
Sarela’s aunt had always been a bit of a thorn, but this was quite over the top. Even for her. Sarela tried to think of what she could have done to upset her aunt that badly, but nothing came to mind.
She said nothing else while she was dressed. Her ladies were silent as well. Zena came back in shortly after and took her place near Sarela. She looked more prickled than normal.
“It seems her Grace gave the captain permission,” she said stiffly.
Sarela’s eyes filled with fresh tears. Helene brushed them away with her thumbs and gave her sister a kiss on the cheek.
“Zena, please see that Sarela gets everything she needs. I have an appointment,” Helene said.
She turned away without a word and rushed out of the room. Sarela watched her go, then looked to Zena. She offered Sarela a handkerchief. She took it and wiped her tears away.
The dressing screen was removed. Her hairdresser came in sheepishly, having heard the commotion while he waited in the salon. Sarela sat down and kept her eyes on her lap. He was gentle while he tended to her hair and her makeup.
“Your Highness?” she heard.
She glanced up. Captain Rex stood by the door, hands behind his back.
“Yes, Captain?”
“I’m deeply sorry,” he said. “I was given permission to enter the room by your aunt. I assumed it was safe.”
“Don’t apologize, Captain. You’re not at fault,” she said.
“I must apologize, your Highness,” he said.
“Really, Captain,” she said, sighing. “It’s alright.”
He was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. “I didn’t see anything.”
She doubted him, but she wouldn’t argue. Truthfully it was kind of him to ease her anxiety over the whole affair. She offered him a small smile. “Thank you, Captain.”
When Sarela’s hair was finished, her hairdresser left quietly, offering her only a gentle touch on the shoulder. Zena handed Sarela her usual morning caf. She sipped for a moment before looking up at Rex.
“Captain, what did she say to you?”
Rex was quiet for a moment before he responded. “I entered the salon and saw her Grace leaving your bedroom. I paid her respect and asked if I was allowed beyond the salon. I wanted to double check the back hall before we left. She said that you had risen early and were already dressed. She said, verbatim, ‘you may go in. She’s waiting for you.”
Sarela looked at Zena. “What are your thoughts?”
Zena considered for a moment. “Well, your Highness, she has always needled your mother.”
“Perhaps, but to do this? To disrespect her over a squabble they had makes sense. But to put me in this position?” Sarela shook her head. “Something happened. She thinks I’ve slighted her.”
Zena nodded, but she shrugged. “I cannot imagine what she thinks you did.”
“A scandal,” Sarela said, scoffing and shaking her head. “I have always upheld a clean reputation, Zena. And now a scandal.”
Zena waved a dismissive hand. “You needn’t worry! This is hardly a scandal. And it will come to light very quickly that her Grace had a hand in it. She’s not exactly a sterling example of royalty.”
Sarela looked up at her. “Mother never told me why they hate one another. Do you know?”
“Of course I do,” Zena replied. “I attended your mother’s household during her time as Archduchess.”
“What happened?”
“Alara wanted to be queen. Practically threw herself at your father. It was shameful, really. Her family wanted to recover from a scandal. Her older sister was discovered in a most unlady-like fashion. They wanted a good distraction,” Zena said. “But no one was forgetting that. Please. They still talk about it and it’s been twenty years. Why do you think Alara’s family was never allowed at court?”
Sarela sipped her caf and listened. “I had wondered.”
“By the time it was announced that your father would take a bride, he’d already met your mother. Her council work impressed him and he fell hard. Alara stood no chance of winning his affections. So she started needling at your mother. Her family shoved her at Duke Kelan and he accepted her. Goodness knows why. I think he just wanted to hush up his father,” Zena said.
“I see,” Sarela said. “Well, this is quite a development.”
Sarela never expected it to be that terrible. She thought perhaps they’d squabbled over a dress or a pair of shoes. Ladies issues. Silly issues, but regardless. This was almost too much for Sarela to take in.
“Still. I don’t see what you did to upset her. Unless she’s using you to go after your mother,” Zena said.
“Well, then. Do what you do best,” Sarela said. “Find out.”
Zena smiled and curtsied to Sarela. “Your Highness.”
She left quickly and two of Sarela’s ladies, Zena’s daughters, rushed after her. That left Sarela and Rex, and a few of her maids and ladies.
“Captain Rex,” Sarela said.
“Your Highness,” he responded.
“To avoid this in the future, I would ask you to only enter this room when I or Comtesse Auren give you permission to do so. Am I understood?” she asked.
Rex stood at attention and nodded once. “Loud and clear, your Highness. Again, I’m very sorry.”
Sarela stood and held her caf cup out. Her maid rushed forward and took it from her. “We’ll forget this whole business ever happened. Alara will be dealt with.”
Rex stepped back and motioned to the door. “I’ll escort you to breakfast now.”
Breakfast, thankfully, was unremarkable. Sarela was quiet for the entire meal. Her mother and sister did not show up. Her father did not say anything other than a quiet good morning. Edric said nothing at all.
When she was finished and excused from the table, she hurried quickly back to her apartments to gather her things. Captain Rex was close at her heels.
She collected her datapad and a few files that she’d prepared the day before. She avoided looking at Rex. He was also quiet, thankfully. She pinned a hat to her hair and headed out toward the main halls. She was counting on her work to distract her.
Sarela was safely put in her speeder, surrounded by guards and soldiers, and she got settled. Orys and Rex climbed in with her and they were off.
Orys looked at his datapad and Rex watched out the window. Sarela looked between the two of them, then down at her lap. She felt very awkward. Orys reached over and patted her hand gently.
Rex looked at Sarela. They shared a long look before he spoke. “May I ask you a question?”
She nodded. “Of course, Captain.”
He was quiet for another moment. “Is it always like this? The squabbling and, for lack of a better word, drama?”
Sarela breathed a small laugh and nodded. “Unfortunately. That’s life at court, I’m afraid.”
He shook his head. “Seems exhausting.”
She shrugged. “It is, but it’s just how it is. I just never expected to be the subject of a scandal.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Captain, you are not at fault,” she said.
“And we’re already working to smooth it over,” Orys said softly.
“You people work quick,” Rex said.
Orys smirked. “Half my job is avoiding political and personal scandals and making awkward situations disappear.”
“He’s quite good at his job,” Sarela said with a smile.
Rex smirked and shook his head.
They arrived not long after and Rex hopped out to ensure the area was clear. Once he was sure it was safe, Sarela was taken inside the State House.
She greeted the lobby attendant and hurried up to her office. Sion was waiting outside of it. Not what she was expecting at all. She paused when she saw him. He bowed to her.
“Your Highness,” he started, “There is an urgent matter to attend to. I tried to call this morning, but was unable to reach you.”
Sarela frowned. “Chaotic morning, I’m afraid. What’s the matter?”
He took a step forward and lowered his voice. “The twin princes of Apra are waiting for you. They would not tell me why they’ve come and they refused to leave without an audience with you.”
She nodded and glanced at the door. “Have they been tended to?”
“Yes, your Highness. My assistant served them tea while they waited. They haven’t been here long,” he answered.
Rex stepped forward. “Are they dangerous?”
“Stars, no!” Sion said.
“I will go in alone. The Aprans can be jumpy when it comes to private business,” Sarela said to Rex.
He nodded. “I’ll be right outside the door. If you feel threatened, call out.”
She smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Captain.”
Sarela took a steady breath and entered her office.
Standing at the large back window were the princes in question. They were completely identical. Dark feathers on their bodies, soft gray faces, golden winds like their mother, jet black hair. One wore his hair intricately braided. The other left it loose around his face.
They turned and bowed to Sarela as she entered. She returned the respect and curtsied to them.
“How lovely to see you, your Highnesses. To what do I owe the pleasure?” she said softly.
The princes moved away from the window and sat on the sofa on the side of the room. Sarela sat in one of the pink cushioned chairs across from them.
“We have received distressing news,” Arel said.
“What distressing news?”
“That the Separatists have approached Ziphus,” Finis said.
Sarela frowned. “They have.”
Arel shared a look with his twin. So much was said when no words were spoken at all.
“We have concerns,” Finis said.
“Of course. Please, tell me any and all of your concerns,” Sarela said. “I will do my best to alleviate them.”
Finis shifted and his wings stretched. Arel was looking at the teacup on the table. She’d never known the princes to be this way. They were always the most confident of the Apran royals.
Arel sighed. “You will occupy Apra with clones.”
“Yes. Ziphus is hosting a Republic outpost. Our moons will be occupied as well,” Sarela answered.
“We do not want a clone outpost on Apra,” Finis snapped.
Sarela was surprised and her nerves kicked up. She sighed softly. “We must.”
“No!” Finis snapped.
Arel put a hand on his arm. “We must insist that you reconsider. We do not want soldiers on our land.”
“My princes, we must,” she insisted. “Ziphus is in danger and that danger extends to Apra. They may attempt to subdue you and set up a base there. If they do, I cannot imagine the horrors they would unleash on your people.”
“You care for Ziphus!” Finis snapped. “What they will do to your people! Not mine!”
“That is not true!” Sarela shouted back. “I care very much for your people! I care what the Separatists will do to you! That’s why you must agree to a clone outpost!”
“Our mother does not want them on the surface!” Finis roared. “Their energy will anger the Oracle! Confuse the Seer!”
“Nonsense!” Sarela said.
“You deny my concerns! About my god! Our Seer! My grandmother!” Finis stood up. Arel pulled on his arm.
Sarela stayed seated. She wouldn’t let him intimidate her. She couldn’t!
“What does your Great Mother say? Hm? Full support to your filthy soldiers, I imagine!” Finis snapped.
“Stop this!” Arel shouted.
Sarela took a deep breath. “The Great Mother guides us and protects us. There is danger and these soldiers can protect us. She would agree.”
Finis scoffed and walked to the window. “We do not agree. You will not send them.”
Sarela sighed. “Apra is under Ziphan control. Royalty or not, you cannot deny a decision made by me or my father.”
“If you will not agree, then Apra will retaliate,” Finis snapped.
“Brother!” Arel stood.
Sarela also stood. “What do you mean?”
“Test us and find out, little princess,” Finis spat.
He said nothing more and stormed out of the room. Sarela looked at Arel. He sighed deeply and bowed to her.
“Forgive me,” he said softly and he hurried after his brother.
Sion and Orys rushed into the room. Rex came in after.
“What happened?” Sion asked.
“We heard shouting,” Orys said.
Sarela slowly sat back down.
“Apra has threatened violence against Ziphus,” she said quietly.
“Great Mother protect us,” Orys said.
“Did they say why?” Sion crossed the room and sat down next to her.
“They are rejecting a clone occupation,” she said. “They say if we force an occupation, they will retaliate.”
Sion sighed. “This is Finis’ doing. During my visits he’s always challenging me.”
Sarela’s hands were shaking. “What do I do?”
Orys stepped forward. “Contact Princess Lili. She has always been your friend. She will surely be more reasonable.”
Sarela nodded and took a shaky breath. “Comes at quite a time, hm?”
Sion shook his head. “Truthfully, I wondered when they would challenge our rule. It was only a matter of time. I’ve sensed political unrest coming from them for some time.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sarela asked.
He shrugged. “It wasn’t a threatening feeling. I assumed they would remain peaceful, but firm. I never expected them to threaten violence.”
“Regardless, I should have been alerted,” Sarela snapped.
He bowed his head. “Forgive me, Highness.”
“Orys, clear my schedule. We have work to do,” she said.
“Ah, I can clear some things, your Highness, but you are expected to attend the meeting with the Jedi this afternoon,” he said. “Should I contact Nej and tell him not to expect you?”
Sarela sighed in frustration, but she was suddenly struck with an idea! “Tell Nej that we are expecting another guest. Princess Lili.”
“If she agrees,” Sion said.
“I will contact her at once and ask her to join,” she said.
Sarela stood and crossed to her desk. She sat down and began immediately typing a message to Apran’s princess. She needed to speak with her. There had to be a way to sort this mess out. A peaceful way to resolve things.
She only hoped her friend would listen.
Oh, the DRAMA!
The post dividers are made by @saradika ! I have linked each image to the original post for ease of finding them!
The Clone Wars changed everything. Danger was seeping into even the safest of places. A peaceful planet finds itself wrapped up in a political uproar that endangers the royal family. The Jedi Council assigns the 501st to assist establishing a Clone presence on Ziphus. Their Captain takes on the task of protecting Ziphus’ Archduchess, a young diplomat named Sarela, but she proves to be quite a handful for the stoic soldier!
18+ only! Later chapters will have mature themes and explicit writing!
Chapter Three: Troubled Past
A young Captain struggles with his past as he ventures to Ziphus.
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
“Every crate is accounted for and ready to be offloaded, Captain.”
Captain Bren nodded and patted his sergeant on the shoulder. “Good man. We touch down in thirty.”
Bren walked away from him to inspect the line of walkers. Everything looked good to go. Not a single thing out of place.
Bren or CT3924 to some, had been on two previous missions to establish republic bases before. He was very familiar with how they operated and was confident that this one would also go smoothly.
Still, he was a bit sour about being on a third base mission. They were important and he knew that, but he was itching for real action. To be back out with his brothers. To dirty up his armor again. But he was stuck on a Venator class ship, inspecting boxes, looking at manifests. Could life get any more boring?
He walked away from the walkers in search of his commander. He found Rila not far from him, checking a number of preloaded hoversleds. Building supplies, or so the crates read. Everything in these crates would make a base. A home for his brothers while the war raged on. There was some pride in the work, but it was still boring.
“Everything’s ready for deployment. Sergeant says we’re good to go,” Bren told him.
Rila smiled and glanced away from his datapad to look at Bren. “Good. So why the sour mood?”
Bren didn’t answer right away. He crossed his arms and shrugged.
“That’s not an answer, son,” Rila said.
Bren sighed and shrugged again. “This is the third base mission we’ve gone on. Is that all I’m good for now? Crate jockey?”
Rila fully looked up from his datapad. He tucked it under his arm. “Is that what you think?”
“It’s pretty obvious. I’m never going back on the battlefield,” Bren felt his temper rising. “At this point I’d take a decomm over this. Absolute waste of training.”
“You don’t mean that,” Rila said evenly. He huffed a short sigh. “You are not being wasted and neither are your men. You are still healing.”
“I’m done healing!” Bren snapped.
Rila fixed him with a disappointed stare. “Your temper hasn’t healed yet. You’re angry about the accident and I’m not sending you back to the battlefield with so much anger in your blood.”
“The accident was six months ago,” Bren grumbled.
“May as well have happened last week with the way you carry yourself,” Rila retorted.
Bren scoffed. “I’m healed.”
“Your body is, but let’s give the mind a little more time,” he said.
Rila patted his shoulder and walked away from him. Bren watched him go and he sighed. He found a place to sit and his mind started to wander. It went right to the accident.
Six months ago Bren was captain of a company under two twin Jedi. A Kage brother and sister, Koda and Tess Marr. The twins were headstrong, but Tess was reckless in her quest to prove herself. Bren was given the all clear by his scout to press forward, but something nagged at him. It didn’t feel right. He expressed his concern to the twin Generals, but Tess ignored his worries.
She ordered them to push forward and clear the droids from the planet. Bren reminded her of the reinforcements coming, but she was convinced they could clear the enemy on their own. Bren knew it was for her own glory, but he didn’t have a choice. Against his will, he pushed forward. Straight into a trap.
His company was ravaged. He fought for as long as he could, but he was forced to retreat. He ordered his men to take cover in the brush and wait for help. When they headed into the overgrowth, one man called out a warning to turn back. They’d stumbled onto a nest of varactyls.
Scared for their young, the creatures attacked. Bren was struck once in the face and his helmet was lost. He scrambled to his feet to make his getaway, but the great beast struck him again in the face. Without his helmet the pain was blinding. He collapsed, dazed and confused, wondering if he’d died. He’d never forget the sight of the varactyl standing on him. With his last bit of sense, he lifted his blaster and shot the poor beast. It fell on top of him and the weight was enough to knock the last bit of breath from his body.
If it wasn’t for his medic and his heavy artillery men, he never would have survived.
Still, he wasn’t without his scars. A thick scar ran up his jaw from his chin to his ear on his right. Smaller scars were scattered around it. He had one scar just to the side of his eye, showing how dangerously close he’d come to losing it
He shivered when he thought back to that moment. He had to keep himself busy. He couldn’t lose himself in those memories. He stood quickly and walked around the crates. Right into another person.
They made an ‘oof’ noise and stumbled backwards.
“Goodness me!” they said.
Bren looked down at the poor girl he’d just whopped and frowned. His commander, Zyrah.
The Firrerreo looked up at him with a smile. “In a hurry, Captain?”
“I’m really sorry, Commander. Wasn’t paying any attention,” he said.
She waved a hand. “Oh, it’s no worry! Everything alright? You’re tense.”
He hesitated to answer. He didn’t know Zyrah well yet. She'd joined the company a bit late. She’d been off studying when Master Ornil recalled her to help with the war effort.
He eventually nodded. “I’m fine, Commander. Just thinking and it got away from me.”
She also hesitated. He figured she could sense the lie. It was heavy and sour on his tongue. She nodded, though.
“I’m here, you know. If you need an ear or two,” she said.
“Thank you, Commander. It’s appreciated,” he replied.
She smiled again and nodded. “Master Ornil says we’re about to touch down and I’m to stick with you.”
He smiled slightly. “Sounds good to me, Commander.”
She walked with him toward the hangar doors. “Commander. Never thought I’d be called that.”
“Why’s that?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I’m a scholar. Didn’t think my skills would be needed in a war, you know?”
“You a poor fighter or something?” He was only teasing and he hoped she would sense his tone.
She giggled. “Stars, no. I’m just fine with a saber. Just didn’t expect to use it so much. I like being a scholar. I was never suited for the life of a knight. I’m still shocked I passed the padawan trials, honestly.”
Bren sat with her in the few seats near the doors and strapped in for the rumbles that breaking atmosphere brought. While he watched her buckle up, he realized he’d never gotten a chance to talk beyond relaying orders.
“What do you study?” he asked.
She beamed. “I’m an ancient historian. I study ancient texts and artifacts. Mostly Jedi, but I’ll look at anything, really. I’m thrilled to be on Ziphus! They have a rich culture and I’m hoping to see some of their historical sites before leaving.”
He chuckled softly. “I hope you get that chance.”
She looked up at him. “You should come with me! You need a little break.”
He considered and wondered why anyone would want to look at old junk, but then again, he did agree with her. He did need a break from all this crate shoving. He nodded.
“If I can, sure,” he said.
“Fantastic! I’ll beg my master on my knees if I must!”
He laughed! “I hope you don’t have to.”
The familiar rumbling finally gave way to a smooth descent. Bren leaned back in his seat and kicked his feet out. A few moments of relaxation before they started hauling crates and driving walkers down onto the planet.
Once they landed, the troopers sprung into action. Guiding walkers out of the ship, loading crates of supplies on hoversleds and following the walkers outside.
Bren walked down onto the surface and looked around. He stood near Zyrah, who was looking at her datapad. She looked up at him and motioned to the sprawling field he stood on.
“We’re inside of the twelfth province. They call it Firoghin. Governed by Hugo Rikil. We’ll be meeting him at some point, according to my Master. As well as the royal family,” she said.
Bren nodded. “Fantastic.”
“Something wrong?”
Bren shrugged. “Usually when we set these places up there’s a group of people mad that we’re stomping on their land. Angry that a bunch of soldiers are building a base on their precious grass.”
Zyrah nodded. “The Emperor specifically chose the twelfth district to avoid that. The only thing here is a water treatment plant. Our small outposts may upset a few people in other districts, but out here we won’t disturb anyone.”
He found that hard to believe. Someone was always complaining. As if he wasn’t protecting their lives. Ready to give his for theirs and they’re always mad about some guys in white armor and a patch of grass.
“Oo,” Zyrah said suddenly. “I felt that.”
“Felt what?”
“Your anger,” she replied.
He looked down at her. He didn’t know what to say.
“Deep breath with me. Come on. In through the nose, hold for four seconds, out through the mouth,” she said, turning to face him. She put a hand on his arm.
Bren wanted to walk away. Tell her she was being silly, but he couldn’t. He relaxed his arms and took a slow breath. He held it with her, then let it go. It did help. He gave himself a moment before he spoke.
“Thank you, Commander,” he said.
She smiled. “Any time, Captain.”
The rest of his day was spent directing his men and overseeing the offloading of the crates.
Bren toed a fine line when it came to his busy work. On one hand he was glad for it. He couldn’t think of the accident and how annoyed he was that he wasn’t on the battlefield yet. On the other hand, he was still angry that he had to do it. He wasn’t sure what he wanted anymore. Did he want to stay busy with base building or did he want to fling himself back at the enemy?
Rila came by just after dark and told him to call it quits. It was time for a meal and a rest, so Bren dismissed his men and confirmed the overnight guards were ready to watch over their work.
He headed back into the ship and up to the mess hall. Rila waved him over to a table once he had his ration kit. Bren joined him and cracked open his drink.
“Good progress today, eh?” Rila said.
Bren nodded. “Yep.”
Rila sighed a little. “Still mad at me?”
Bren shook his head. “Just tired.”
“You’re a pisspoor liar.”
Bren stabbed his fork a bit roughly into his food. “Yeah, well lying wasn’t on the training list as a kid.”
Rila sighed and put his own fork down. “You will be back on the field when Alpha gives the okay.”
“Oh, so never,” Bren grumbled.
“Alpha won’t do that to you,” Rila said.
“Yes, he will,” he grumbled.
“Son, I have never met a more impatient clone until I met you,” he sighed and returned to his meal.
Bren huffed and stabbed his food again.
“Stop it,” Rila said evenly.
“I want paint,” Bren suddenly blurted out.
Rila looked up at him. “What?”
“Paint. I want paint. For my armor,” he said.
Rila watched him for a moment. Bren didn’t look up, but he could feel his eyes on him.
“Alright,” he said softly. “I’m sure we have a can around somewhere.”
Bren nodded and grumbled a quiet thanks. They ate in silence after that.
When they finished and ditched their trash, Rila walked him down to the storage hangar. He dug around for a while until he produced a small jar of paint and a couple brushes. He handed them to Bren.
“What are you going to do?” he asked.
Bren grit his teeth for a tense moment, but relaxed when the nerves in his cheek flared up. “A varactyl skull.”
Rila nodded. “Let me know if you need a steady hand.”
Bren nodded, but headed off without a word. He gathered up a few rags and his datapad and went outside. He wanted to be in nature. Or at least closer to it.
He sat on the grass and looked for a picture on the holonet while he shook the paint up. Once he found a good reference, he took his chest plate off. It wasn’t the one he was wearing then. It was new. Shiny. He hated the sheen it had. He opened the jar of paint and dipped his brush in.
Bren sat with the chest plate in his lap and slowly painted. He wanted mirrored varactyl skulls on the chest plate. The beast that caused the scars on his face, the dull ache in his chest. The hours and hours of physical therapy. And yet he couldn’t hate it. He felt guilty about shooting it. The moment haunted him. Even with the advanced development of his brain by the Kaminoans, he was still haunted by that moment. An innocent life taken by his hand. And now the chicks she was so desperate to protect were without a mother.
He heard a rustling in the grass behind him. He turned to see Zyrah approaching.
“Good evening, Captain. It’s quite late. Shouldn’t you be asleep?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Wasn’t sleepy.”
She peeked over his shoulder. “Skulls, hm?”
“Varactyl skulls,” he said.
“Ah,” she said. “I see.”
He stopped and looked up at her. “Heard the story, eh?”
She nodded and sat down. “I have. Commander Rila told me.”
Bren scoffed and went back to work. “You gonna pity me, too?”
“No,” she said. “I have a feeling if I do, you’ll no longer wish to talk to me. And I definitely don’t want that.”
Bren shook his head. “You’ll pity me anyway. Everyone does.”
“I won’t offer you pity. Only sympathy and understanding,” she said.
Bren, satisfied with the twin skulls on the plate, set it down and stood up. He took a few paces away from her. “Sympathy is just pity wrapped up in nice words!”
“You think so?”
“Yeah! People keep fucking saying how sorry they are for me! How much it must have hurt and how scared I must have been! How terrible it is that all those men had to die!”
“It is terrible. Don’t you agree?” she asked.
He turned to look at her. She had his helmet in her lap and she was painting on it. He was so worked up that it didn’t even register what she was doing.
“Yes, but that’s not the point! I’m angry! And no one will let me be angry!” he shouted.
“Yes, your anger rolls off of you in waves,” she said calmly. “I will let you be angry if it helps you.”
He shook his head and huffed out a laugh. “Oh, sure! Miss Jedi is going to condone anger? Aren’t you people against that shit?”
She nodded. “Yes. Anger leads to darkness. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still feel it.”
“I don’t get you people,” Bren grumbled, shaking his head.
“Anger is a wound. If you let it fester, it rots and kills you. If you treat it, it heals. Talk to me. Why are you so angry?” she asked.
Bren turned away from her and looked out at the grassy field. The night was calm. Still. Barely any wind. Only the soft cry of crickets in the grass.
He wanted to say it, but Zyrah was a stranger. Could he trust her? What if she ran to Rila? Or General Ornil? Or hell, Alpha? He took a steady breath and say back down next to her.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“I can.”
“Promise me you won’t run off and tell anyone.”
“You have my solemn vow, Captain. What you say will stay between us.”
He hesitated, but he spoke softly. “I trusted her.”
“Tess?” Zyrah questioned.
He nodded. “With my life. With the lives of my men. We got the all clear, but it wasn’t vocal. I got a message. I tried calling him, but he didn’t answer. Said it wasn’t safe. I told her to send a second scout and hunker down. I told her to wait for backup. She didn’t listen to me. She wanted to push forward, claim victory for our battalion. Be heroes.
But I told her that she was buying glory with blood. I begged her to reconsider. She dressed me down right there. In front of the company. Told me I was a coward. Said if I was so scared of pushing forward then I should have stayed on Kamino. I backed off. I know I shouldn't have, but what could I do? I let her push us forward while they brought up the rear.
They closed in on us from all sides. It was a fucking trap. I knew it, too. I knew we were walking into a fucking trap, but I couldn’t stop her. And we were slaughtered. I called a retreat. Figured I could face her wrath later. I forced the men into the brush, but there was a nest of varactyls. They had babies. So they attacked. Can’t blame them, you know?”
The whole time he talked, she painted. He was curious now, but he had more to say.
“One fucked me up good. Broke my jaw, crushed my chest. I shot it. Killed the poor thing,” he told her.
“Poor thing?” she asked.
“She just wanted to protect her babies. She was being a good mother. She was protecting her young from us,” he said. “I can’t hate her for that. I hate myself for killing her.”
“You shouldn't,” she said.
“Why?”
“Nature played its part. If not you, then something else would have come too close. Startled her into defending her young and she would have died regardless,” she said.
Bren shook his head. “Still.”
“So you’re angry with Tess Marr,” she said.
He watched her turn the paint brush over and scratch at the paint she had applied with the handle.
“Yeah,” he said. “She should have listened! To me! To Koda! But she was so hungry for glory!”
Zyrah nodded. “Everyone in the Temple talks about her. About how far she fell from grace.”
“She got all of those men killed. Her finger wasn’t on the trigger, but she’s the reason they’re all dead. She’s the reason Koda is dead.”
Again, Zyrah nodded. “A valid reason to be angry.”
“At least someone agrees,” he grumbled. “Can I speak loosely?”
“If it helps,” she replied.
“I hate that bitch,” he spat.
She looked up at him. “And now it’s time for me to talk. Do I have your permission?”
“You’re my Commander. You don’t need permission,” he said.
“No, no. Right now I am Zyrah. You are Bren. We are not Commander and Captain,” she said. “We are equals.”
He was taken aback, but he nodded. “Uh, well alright. Then you have my permission.”
“It’s time to let your anger go,” she said.
“There it is. Jedi crap,” he scoffed.
“Now hold on!” she protested. “I’m not done, Bren.”
He shook his head and motioned to her. “Continue.”
“What has your anger gotten you?” she asked.
He didn’t answer.
She motioned behind her. “This. It got you this.”
He shook his head and ripped some grass up. He tore at the little blades and tossed them away.
“Do you like doing this?” she asked.
He shook his head again. “Not really.”
“Tess Marr is paying the price for her actions. Her brother is dead. Stripped of command, her status as a Jedi is gone. She is alone in the galaxy. Her wrongs against you are great. She, as you said, paid for glory with blood. Someone else’s blood. But now she wanders alone. You have your brothers. You have men to lean on. So lean on them,” she said.
He looked over at her again. She offered him his helmet. He took it and looked at the paint. Feathers. All sweeping back from the forehead.
“Your headdress should be as grand as the beast that nearly bested you,” she said.
He breathed a little laugh. “Thank you, Commander.”
“Zyrah.”
He looked at her. “Zyrah.”
“I’d like us to be friends.”
He hesitated, but he couldn’t help but feel so relaxed around her. She radiated calm and he liked that about her. She smiled softly. He returned the smile.
“I’d like that.”
A first look at my baby Bren! I hope you like him, even though he has a stinky attitude <3 He's healing!
The post dividers are made by @saradika ! I have linked each image to the original post for ease of finding them!
The Clone Wars changed everything. Danger was seeping into even the safest of places. A peaceful planet finds itself wrapped up in a political uproar that endangers the royal family. The Jedi Council assigns the 501st to assist establishing a Clone presence on Ziphus. Their Captain takes on the task of protecting Ziphus’ Archduchess, a young diplomat named Sarela, but she proves to be quite a handful for the stoic soldier!
18+ only! Later chapters will have mature themes and explicit writing!
Chapter Two: The Captain
Captain Rex and his boys in the 501st have been on enough high stakes missions to last a lifetime, so who better to guard a royal family in danger?
Prologue
Chapter One
“Once my ass hits that bunk, I’m never getting up again.”
Rex looked up from his datapad. He watched Fives drag himself across the room and flop down on his bunk. He let out a long groan and closed his eyes. Rex smirked and breathed the tiniest laugh.
After being out on a string of missions, back to back, he couldn’t blame his boys for being tired. He took a moment away from his report to look around the barracks. Jesse was sitting up on his bunk. Tup was sitting up on his own, above Jesse’s. Echo was at the foot of his own, removing and storing his armor. He nudged Fives to do the same, but he only got a groan in response. Appo passed them, chatting quietly with Kix.
“How long will we be down for?” Echo asked as he climbed into the bunk above Fives.
The question was aimed at Rex, but Jesse answered before he could. “With our luck? Six minutes.”
Rex laughed again and shook his head. “No rest for the best, boys.”
They all shared a tired laugh. Rex looked back at his datapad and scrolled through the mission report. He wanted to make sure the details were exactly right before he sent it off.
What he didn’t expect was his comm to go off. Fives groaned loudly. Rex shot him a glare and then answered the call.
“Rex, I need you on the bridge in five. The Council has a mission for us,” came General Skywalker’s voice.
“Right away, sir,” Rex replied. The call cut out.
Fives peeled his eyes open and looked at Rex. “No rest, eh?”
Rex grinned as he set his datapad aside. “Not for the best, Fives.”
Fives offered him a smirk. “Lemme know when you need me.”
Rex headed out quickly, tucking his helmet under his arm as he walked.
He was on the bridge in four minutes and as he walked in, he saw a smirk hit Commander Tano’s lips.
“Four minutes, Captain,” she said.
He returned the smirk. “I’m efficient.”
General Skywalker smiled and motioned to the war table. The holograms of two Jedi and a few clones were waiting patiently, Cody among them. Rex saluted them and stood at the ready.
Master Obi-wan spoke first. “The Council recently became aware of a situation on the planet Ziphus. Their Prime Minister received a few messages hinting at a possible alliance with the Separatists, but during the opening address of their congress they were interrupted by our old friend Count Dooku.”
“Gotta love when he comes around,” Ahsoka grumbled.
A Cathar male nodded. “Quite true, but we fear he won’t let Ziphus slip away so easily.”
“Anakin, we want the 501st to guard the royal family and the Prime Minister. Master Ornil’s battalion will set up a clone presence on the planet,” Obi-wan explained.
Anakin smirked. “You can count on us, Master.”
“Master Ornil will meet you on the planet. Get there quickly and secure the palace,” he instructed.
“Guard duty seems a bit low for us,” Ahsoka said, crossing her arms.
“Aw, come on, Snips. Every mission has its importance,” Anakin said, nudging her arm.
“Ziphus is a planet vital to the Republic. The revenue alone is extremely high, but its placement in the system could leave several smaller planets vulnerable if overtaken. We are counting on you to ensure the safety of the royal family and thus the loyalty of the planet,” Obi-wan explained.
Anakin smirked again and waved a hand. “Don’t worry, Master! We’ll take care of it! We always get the job done!”
“Yes, but your methods worry me,” Obi-wan sighed.
Anakin shrugged. “But my methods produce results.”
Aksoka rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, Master Kenobi. As boring as guard duty is, we’ll take good care of the royal family.”
Master Ornil chuckled. “We’ll secure the planet as fast as we can and get the 501st flying off to more exciting adventures, Commander.”
The image fizzled out and Anakin sent the planet’s coordinates to their navigator. He smiled at Rex and Ahsoka. “Ready for an easy mission?”
“Are they ever easy? You know this is gonna go belly up,” Ahsoka said.
“With any luck, it won’t. Master Obi-wan was right. Ziphus sits too close to the capitol. If we lose it, it could leave Coruscant vulnerable to attack,” he explained.
Rex nodded. “Don’t worry, General. My boys’ll get the job done.”
Anakin beamed. “They always do, Rex! Go get them briefed and ready. We’ll be jumping in a few minutes.”
Rex nodded again and headed back down to the barracks.
He found his boys right where he left them. Fives looked up at him as he walked in and tossed his helmet on his bunk.
“We’re on guard duty, boys,” he said, setting his hands on his hips.
“Not the Chancellor this time. We’re heading to a system called Ziphus. The Seppies wanna sink their claws into it and it’s our job to ensure the safety of the royal family,” he explained.
Fives smirked. “So we get to play with princesses, eh?”
“With your luck it’s a totally male family,” Echo said.
“Not according to this,” Tup spoke up. He was on his datapad. “Emperor Tam has a wife and three children. Two girls and a boy.”
“So we get to play with princesses,” Fives chuckled.
“You better behave or I’ll decomm you myself,” Rex said, pointing at him.
Fives laughed again. “No, you won’t. You love me too much.”
“We’ll see about that when you’re in prison for toying with a princess,” Jesse said.
“Everyone in this company better be on their best behavior. We’re professionals and I expect you to act like it. Understand?” Rex said sternly.
They all nodded and confirmed they, in fact, understood him. Rex sat down on his bunk and slid his helmet underneath. He stretched out to get some rest and look over his mission report.
“I hope they’re pretty,” Fives mumbled sleepily.
“Will you shut up?” Jesse snapped.
Rex chuckled and shook his head. Professional soldiers or not, they were all just boys sometimes.
“I’m gonna make you guard the prince,” Rex said.
Fives scoffed loudly.
“Can I help?” Tup suddenly piped up.
Rex, and a few of the others, looked over at him. Tup blushed a little and shrugged. Rex smiled at the subtle confession.
“Sure, Tup,” he said.
He smiled back and stretched out on his bunk. He wiggled his datapad and glanced at the others. “You know, this Ziphus is a pretty place. Guard duty on this planet is gonna be a nice change of pace.”
“Well, at least there’s that,” Fives said.
“General Ornil is setting up a base and once he’s finished and a team has been assigned, we’ll be off again. Couple weeks, maybe,” Rex said.
“General Ornil?” Echo questioned. “281st, right?”
Rex nodded. “Yeah, I think so. Why?”
“I know their Captain. He was recovering on Kamino while we did our Arc training,” he said.
“Recovering from what?” Jesse asked.
“Got his chest cavity crushed,” Fives replied.
“And he lived?!” Jesse shouted.
“Armor saved his life. Took a while to get him back on his feet. He was doing p-t on Kamino and working with Alpha to get him ready to go again,” Echo said. “What was his name, Fives?”
“Bren,” he answered. “He’s a good guy.”
Rex remembered the name. He was sure he’d met him before, but he couldn’t think where. “Hope he’s doing alright.”
“Me, too,” Echo said.
The boys continued to have light conversation, sharing expectations about their upcoming mission and little anecdotes from the past until one by one they drifted off to sleep.
Rex was the last to turn in, as he usually was. He finalized his report, submitted it, and turned off the datapad. After shedding his armor and stowing it properly, he hit the bunk and laid his head back against his pillow.
Sleep came easily to his exhausted body, but it was interrupted far too soon for his liking. He was being gently shaken and he groaned in protest.
“Rise and shine, Captain!” Commander Tano said cheerfully. “Skyguy wants you on the bridge in ten.”
He rubbed his face with one hand and sat up slowly. He nodded and stifled a yawn. “Yes, sir.”
She gave his shoulder a good pat and headed off. He looked around at his men, who were all slowly coming to life. He climbed out of his bunk and shivered when his bare feet hit the durasteel floor.
As he pulled his armor on, a few of the boys exchanged grumbly good mornings with him as they shuffled about. He yawned and grumbled and stretched to shake off the sleep and headed up to the bridge.
When he arrived he looked at Ahsoka, who had quite the grin on her face.
“Eleven,” she said. “Thought you were efficient?”
“I am,” he replied. “Just usin my change from yesterday.”
She shook her head and looked up at Anakin. “So what’s the word?”
He smiled. “Master Ornil will be arriving in a few hours. He has his battalion ready to occupy the planet. We’ll be heading down to meet with the royal family within the hour, so get your boys ready to go.”
“Right away, General!” Rex replied, saluting him.
Rex turned and hurried away from the bridge.
He gathered his boys and had them briefed as quickly as he could. He made sure they had all of their equipment and ushered them all off to the hangar. Drop ships were waiting to take them to the planet below. Anakin and Ahsoka joined them soon after and they were off.
When they broke the atmosphere, he had a look out the port windows. Tup was right. It was a pretty planet. Lush and green, sparkling blue waters. Reminded him of Naboo.
Anakin stepped forward. “Men, I want this mission handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Ziphus is an important system and we cannot let it fall into Separatist hands. Understood?”
They all saluted and shouted in the affirmative. Rex didn’t worry a bit. He knew his boys would handle this.
“General, we have clearance to land and we’ll be touching down momentarily,” came the pilot’s voice over the comm.
“Excellent!” Anakin replied.
When the ship touched down and the doors opened, Rex and his boys spilled out. They spread out over the landing site and had a look around. There were Ziphan guards waiting nearby with a well dressed man. He waved to them as Anakin, Ahsoka, and Rex approached.
“Good day, General,” he said. “I thank you for coming so quickly. My name is Nej Vane, advisor to his Majesty Emperor Tam.”
Anakin and Ahsoka bowed politely.
“Our company will be taking care of security for the royal family. Another company is behind us who will establish a base of operations and handle setting up a clone presence on the planet,” Anakin explained.
“Excellent, General. Come this way and I’ll take you to the palace,” Nej said.
Anakin and Ahsoka joined Nej in his transport while Rex and his team joined the Ziphan guards in theirs. Rex looked them over and made notes about the weapons they carried. Long range blaster rifles and a single blaster pistol. Rex frowned. Not enough against a droid company. He was glad they were there.
One of them tipped his chin up and caught Rex’s attention. “You the captain?”
Rex leaned forward and nodded. “I am. You are?”
“Gabe Nal. Major in his Majesty's army,” he replied. He held a hand out.
Rex shook his hand and nodded again. “Good to meet you, Major.”
“You as well. We’ll be working closely together. I’m in charge of palace security,” Gabe said.
“Good man. We’ll need a detailed blueprint of the palace. Access points, weak spots, and your command center,” Rex said.
“Of course,” Gabe nodded. He suddenly looked a little uncomfortable. “Do I use your..number? Seems demeaning and I’d rather not.”
Rex smirked and shook his head. “Name’s Rex.”
Gabe smiled and looked a tad relieved. “Well met, Rex.”
When the transport arrived at the palace, Anakin waved on to follow them inside. He turned to Appo and instructed him to work with Gabe.
“He’ll help you map the perimeter of the palace grounds and go over entry points. I trust you to handle this for me,” he said.
Appo nodded. “You can count on me, Captain.”
He saluted and approached Gabe, who was standing nearby with his own soldiers. Rex followed his commanders inside the palace.
He was used to seeing grand buildings and ornate palaces by now. He’d been all over to reassure kings, queens, dignitaries, and all manner of folk that their planets were safe from the droid army. He kept his eyes forward.
Nej led the group through the palace until they reached the throne room. He opened the doors and stood aside for them to enter.
Dead ahead in the center of the back wall was a grand throne. Ornately carved wood with gold filigree along the back. A smaller throne of similar style sat next to it, one step below. Emperor Tam and his wife were atop these thrones.
Standing to Tam’s right was a young woman, the spitting image of the Empress seated on Tam’s left. To the left of the Empress stood a young man and woman. Most obviously they were his children, but he wondered why they were separated.
The three of them bowed deeply.
“Emperor, I hope you’re well,” Anakin said as he straightened.
Tam smiled some. “I’d be better if it wasn’t for these uncertain circumstances.”
“There is quite a bit of tension now that Dooku has made his intentions clear,” Empress Thena said sadly.
Anakin nodded and brought his hands together in front of him. For such a chaotic figure, the General could really pull himself together and emit such a calm. Rex respected the duality of it.
“We’re here to ease that tension, Empress,” Ahsoka replied.
“Emperor, my name is Anakin Skywalker. This is my Padawan learner, Ashoka Tano and Captain Rex of the 501st legion,” Anakin said.
“A pleasure to meet you all,” Empress Thena said with a smile.
Tam smiled a little wider, then motioned to his right. “Please allow me to introduce my heir, Archduchess Sarela.”
Rex watched Sarela curtsy to them, bowing her head slightly. He made a mental note that he specified heir. She would need to be well guarded.
Tam waved to his left. “And also my son, Duke Edric, and my youngest, Duchess Helene.”
Edric and Helene bowed and curtsied to them as well. Rex remembered Tup’s insistence in helping guard Edric. He smirked behind his helmet.
The trio bowed to the royal children. Anakin spoke to them, “You have nothing to fear. Captain Rex has a skilled team and in their care you’ll be quite safe. Won’t even know anything’s changed.”
Rex nodded.
“Everything’s changed, Master Jedi,” Sarela said softly.
“Cherub,” Tam said. A small, but gentle warning.
“Please, your Highness, continue,” Anakin said to her.
“Our people are scared for their lives. As are we. I don’t doubt the skill of your men, but I doubt things will feel normal,” she said sadly.
Ahsoka nodded. “Well, then we’ll do our best to make things as easy as can be. You’ll be safe, your Highness, and so will your people.”
She nodded and said nothing more.
“Sarela has quite a full schedule, Captain,” Thena said. “Will she be alright moving between the palace and the State house? Or should she conduct business from here?”
Rex considered. “I’ll guard her myself, Empress. Under my care she’ll be free to travel to any destination necessary to conduct her business.”
She smiled. “Thank you, Captain.”
“Does this mean you’ll reopen congress, your Majesty?” Sarela asked. “Since we were interrupted.”
“Oh, yes, your nerd speech,” Helene said suddenly. “You were so excited over it.”
“Helene,” her mother warned.
“What?”
“Helene, this is quite a serious matter,” her father said.
“I never said it wasn’t!” she defended with a little smirk.
He gave her a look, but it could hardly be called a scolding one. Rex got the impression that his children had him wrapped around their little fingers. Which could prove troublesome if they didn’t want to behave. He’d give them the benefit, though, and wait to see what they were like when it came to taking orders.
“I will reopen congress tomorrow,” he said evenly.
Sarela smiled. She had a charming little smile.
“We should discuss your schedule, your Majesty,” Anakin said.
Tam stood and nodded. “Right this way, General.”
Anakin turned to Rex and Ahsoka. “Ahsoka, I want you to go with Empress Thena. Rex, I’ll leave it up to you to assign guards to the Emperor’s children. You know your boys best, so I trust you to assign them properly.”
Rex nodded. “Yes, General.”
Ahsoka smiled at the Empress. “Lead the way, your Majesty.”
The two Jedi followed the Ziphan rulers out of the throne room, leaving Rex with the royal children. He raised his arm and spoke into his comm.
“Sergeant, send Fives, Echo, Tup, and Jesse to the throne room,” he said.
“Right away, Captain,” Appo replied.
Rex looked around the throne room while he waited. The siblings came together in front of the throne. He watched them for a moment.
Helene pointed to her father’s throne. “Sarela, when you sit back on the throne, do your feet touch the floor?”
Rex watched Sarela gather her skirts and sit down. She wiggled backwards until she was against the seat back. Her little feet, in fact, did not touch the floor. It only then occurred to him how much shorter she was compared to him.
Sarela snickered. “No.”
The three siblings burst out laughing and Sarela kicked her feet.
“Baby queen!” Helene laughed.
Sarela laughed harder and pounded her fists on the arms of the chair. “My first royal decree is the abolition of nap time!”
The three laughed quite hard. Rex couldn’t help but chuckle. In this moment they really did forget their troubles. He didn’t want to disturb them.
“A toybox in every household!” Edric laughed.
Around her deep belly laughs, Helene wheezed out, “Blankies for all!”
They laughed themselves to tears until the doors opened. His boys came in, walking up the long center carpet until they reached Rex. The siblings settled and Sarela stood up off the throne.
“Alright, boys, listen up. Fives, Echo, you’ll be guarding Duchess Helene. Jesse, Tup, Duke Edric,” Rex said.
“Yes, Captain,” they said in unison.
“Study their schedules, vet their staff. They don’t leave your sight. Am I understood?” Rex asked.
“Sir, yes, sir!”
Tup and Jesse followed Duke Edric. He explained his schedule as he walked with them.
Duchess Helene smiled at the Domino twins. “Be ready to die of boredom. My first appointment today is with the modiste.”
“The what?” Fives questioned.
Helene giggled. “The dressmaker.”
Fives nodded slowly. “Right. Well, lead the way, your Highness.”
Helene gave her sister a kiss on the cheek and she spoke softly to her. They parted and Helene led the twins away. That left Rex and the Archduchess.
He turned to her. “Madam, I will do whatever I can to make you feel safe and as undisturbed as possible.”
She smiled at him. “I am most certain that I’m in good hands with you, Captain.”
Rex offered her an arm and she took it quickly. They walked together toward the door.
“Where to first?” Rex asked.
Sarela smiled. “I need to get to the State house. I have a few meetings with the governors today.”
Rex nodded and led Sarela outside. Her speeder was waiting nearby. The speeder was surrounded by Ziphan guards and clone troopers. With the bulked up security, it was unlikely anyone would get within ten feet of her.
Rex was more than confident that he could keep this tiny princess safe.
Hope you enjoyed!! <3
The post dividers are made by @saradika ! I have linked each image to the original post for ease of finding them!
The Clone Wars changed everything. Danger was seeping into even the safest of places. A peaceful planet finds itself wrapped up in a political uproar that endangers the royal family. The Jedi Council assigns the 501st to assist establishing a Clone presence on Ziphus. Their Captain takes on the task of protecting Ziphus’ Archduchess, a young diplomat named Sarela, but she proves to be quite a handful for the stoic soldier!
18+ only! Later chapters will have mature themes and explicit writing!
Chapter One: The Address
Sarela is nervous to address Ziphan Congress and a distressing message causes more nerves for the already rattled princess.
Prologue
Sunlight. Morning already. Sarela peeled her eyes open.
The heavy curtains that surrounded her bed had been pulled open by her maids. This allowed the bright morning sun to pour into the room. She groaned softly and rubbed her eyes, still blurry from sleep. She looked at the entourage waiting by her bed. They all curtsied deeply. Her head of house stepped forward.
Zena Auten was a high noblewoman. She had acted as head of the Archduchess’ household for longer than Sarela had been alive. She was quite sure she was the third Archduchess she had been with. She was haughty and stiff. Sarela didn’t dislike her, honestly, but she wasn’t entirely a fan either.
Each set of apartments in the palace was treated as its own separate entity from the others. Her apartments had their own staff, as did her siblings’ and her parents’. Each had a head of household that would ensure everything ran smoothly and that every need was fulfilled.
“Your Highness,” Zena said.
Sarela sat up slowly and slid to the edge of the bed. She said nothing. She was too sleepy.
As it did every morning, the crazy activity began.
Noble ladies, all with high ranks and close ties to the royal family, gathered around her. Her nightgown was removed and the highest ranking woman in the room, her aunt by marriage, placed a chemise over her head. She wiggled her arms into the sleeves and let it fall around her. Her aunt then handed her a pair of stockings for her bare legs. Sarela tugged them on and stood up straight. Her aunt bent low and helped Sarela slip on a pair of heeled shoes.
She yawned and shivered while she waited for the next round of garments.
While she waited, a dressing screen was stretched out suddenly, shielding her and her ladies from the doorway.
“Your Highness,” came a voice. Her advisor, Orys. A man of middle age and high rank. She liked him.
“Good morning, Orys,” she replied sleepily.
“Pardon my intrusion to your dressing ceremony, but I wanted to make certain that you were ready for the day,” he said.
Her father, Emperor Tam, was opening the next Congressional session that morning. As Ziphus’ acting Senator, Sarela would address Congress after her father and the Prime Minister.
She yawned again as her aunt strapped a pair of stays around her middle. “I finished the speech last night. Did you get it this morning?”
“Yes, your Highness. I read it with my breakfast. It’s very good!”
She smiled. “Thank you. No notes on it?”
“No notes, your Highness,” he replied. She could hear the smile in his voice.
Thundering footsteps were suddenly heard from the rooms beyond. Sarela shooed her aunt away as she tried to lift her first petticoat over her head. Her aunt huffed haughtily.
A young lady rushed around the dressing screen and came to a halt at the railing separating Sarela’s bed from the rest of the room. She pointed quite dramatically at Sarela.
“You!” she hissed.
Sarela pointed back at her. “Be gone, witch!”
The ladies all curtsied low to her. Zena shooed her aunt away much more dramatically. “The honor of dressing the Archduchess passes to her sister, Duchess Helene.”
Helene snorted. “Oh, sure, such an honor. Lazy witch can’t dress herself.”
Sarela smirked. “Why should I? I am Archduchess, crowned heir of his Majesty the Emperor of the realm.”
“And annoying! Don’t forget annoying,” Helene said cheerfully.
Helene, already dressed and made up for the day, rushed into the group with a giggle. The girls were quite close and their dramatics were all a game for their amusement. Helene took the petticoat from her aunt with a little nod and tossed it carelessly over Sarela’s head. Sarela, now tangled in a heap of fabric, squeaked a cry and tried to right herself.
“Your Highness, please!” Zena snapped.
“Are you excited?” Helene asked as she helped Sarela tie up the petticoat properly.
“Nervous, actually,” she replied.
“You? Nervous? Nonsense!” Helene said, tossing her skirt over her head in the same fashion.
“Your Highness!”
Sarela giggled and righted herself. “It’s not my first address, but what if I mess it up? I tend to ramble.”
“Oh, trust me, I know.”
Sarela gave her sister’s cheek a light smack. “Ugly.”
Helene gasped dramatically. “Abuse! Abuse from my sovereign!”
“Papa is your sovereign, dumdum!” Sarela laughed.
“Am I allowed in?” was called from the doorway behind the screen.
The voice belonged to Sarela’s younger brother, Edric. The girls giggled when they heard him.
“Your Highness is not completely dressed,” Zena replied.
Edric sighed and his hand came around the screen. “Gimme treats. You always have the best morning treats.”
“Pays to be Archduchess, eh?” Sarela said as Helene helped her into her gown for the day. She buttoned it for her and smoothed any wrinkles away.
“Edric, if you want better treats, ask for them.” Helene said, shaking her head.
“Or I could come mooch off our dear sister,” he replied.
“I don’t mind,” Sarela said with a smile.
Helene wrapped a necklace around Sarela’s neck and tied it at the back. She put bracelets on both wrists and then ushered her toward the dressing chair. The screen was removed and Edric came rushing by the ladies to steal a little cake from the tray brought in for Sarela’s morning ceremony.
Sarela sat still while the hairdresser styled her hair for the day. She smiled at him in the mirror. He was a kind man and she adored his work. He worked quickly and efficiently.
“Are you coming to the Meeting House?” Sarela asked. The question was aimed at both of her siblings.
Helene had flopped down onto Sarela’s bed and was scrolling on her datapad. “Yuck, no.”
Sarela giggled. “Edric?”
“Of course! I’ll be there,” he smiled and picked up another cake.
“Politics are dreadfully boring,” Helene said with a sigh.
“Says you,” Edric replied.
“Yes, says me. And what I says is always correct,” she said back.
“Mm, beautiful grammar,” Edric said a mouthful of cake.
“Your mama,” Helene quipped.
Sarela laughed! “She’s your mama, too?”
Helene rolled onto her stomach. “What if she’s not?” She gasped dramatically. “Royal scandal!”
The siblings all laughed. Such things were nonsense, of course. No one could ever believe their father would ever hurt their mother like that. They were so in love. Sarela hoped that her own romance would be like theirs.
Sarela’s advisor stepped closer to her while she had her hair done. “Your Highness, I must remind you of your appointment to meet with the Prime Minister before the address.”
Sarela waved her hand to her aunt. She rushed over with a tray holding a caf drink. Sarela took it and sipped on it while her hair was dressed. “I will see him right after breakfast. There should be plenty of time.”
Orys nodded. “Of course, your Highness.”
“Your highness. Your grace. Duchess this. Duke that,” Helene sighed. “Why not just say our names?
I’ve always wondered that. You know us well enough.”
Zena stepped forward. “It is against protocol, your Highness. You must be addressed formally. Your name is informal and it would be improper to ignore your royal blood.”
Edric plopped down next to Helene. “Even you, Aunt Alara?”
She nodded. “Yes, your Highness.”
Helene made a small noise. “Silliness. Sarela, promise me you’ll abolish that rule when you’re queen.”
Sarela sipped her caf and waved a hand. “You got it.”
“Your ‘your highness’ days are numbered, Zena,” Helene said.
Zena only huffed in response. She was very stiff and rarely went against royal protocol. The siblings were always at odds with her and they delighted in driving her mad.
When Sarela’s hair was pinned in place and her makeup was done, she stood and handed the finished caf off to Alara. The three siblings left the room together, passed the ladies and Orys, all curtsying and bowing.
They walked together to the dining room where their parents were waiting. They bowed to them, paying the appropriate respect and joined them for breakfast.
The family, all seated on one side of a long table, were served from grand silver trays and bowls. They all sat still while their plates were dressed for them. Each member ate something different. Sarela was served a few small sweet cakes dressed with syrup, butter, and fruit.
A gathering of nobles were standing against the wall across from the family and several more drifted through the room, watching them. Sarela had never questioned being on display. She was used to it. She offered small smiles and short nods to the nobles and several of them seemed quite pleased to be acknowledged.
Her father cleared his throat and looked down at Sarela, who was seated on his right. “Are you prepared for the address?”
She nodded. “Yes, papa.”
He raised a brow. Addressing him in such a way in front of the nobles was not appropriate. She cleared her throat softly and amended herself with a soft voice. “Your Majesty.”
A small smirk stretched over his lips as he turned back to his meal. “I’m glad to hear it. I look forward to hearing your speech.”
“I’m sure you’ll love it,” Sarela smiled.
The family continued their breakfast, chatting lightly about their plans for the day, before parting ways. Sarela and her father walked toward his office together. Edric promised to meet them before traveling to the Meeting house.
“I have a meeting with Prime Minister Aller this morning,” she said to him.
He nods. “Don’t leave without your guard.”
“As if I could get a foot without ten soldiers surrounding me,” she said.
“I worry for your-“
“Safety!” she finished. “I know. It’s been years since we saw the Seer. I have never once had a brush with death.”
“You are young,” he said stiffly. “There is still a chance. Do not. Leave. Without your guard.”
Sarela huffed softly. “Yes, sir.”
They parted ways at his office. She curtsied deeply and she, closely followed by Orys and an entourage of Ziphan guards, hurried out of the palace to a waiting speeder.
The State House was a simple building. Red brick outside with white trimming around the doors and windows. Sarela’s office was inside, as well as the office of the planet’s Prime Minister, a man named Sion Aller.
Sarela hurried into the building, greeting the desk attendant as she passed her. She rushed up the central spiral staircase and approached Sion’s office. Orys was behind her. Her guards stayed below.
The office door was open. Sarela knocked on the door frame and peeked inside. Sion looked up from his work and stood immediately. He rushed around the desk and bowed deeply to her.
“Good morning, your Highness,” he said as he straightened. “I thank you so much for meeting with me this morning.”
“Of course, Prime Minister,” she answered. She crossed the room and sat down on the chair in front of his desk. “What did you want to discuss with me?”
He sat back down behind his desk and turned his datapad toward her. “I have received a few distressing messages.”
Sarela’s brow knit. “What sort of messages?”
He pointed to his datapad. “Annonymous messages that talk about the corruption of the Republic and Ziphus’ vital importance. If we left the Galatic Republic, they would surely take a hard blow. A few more talked about Ziphan pride and how we must stand together against tyranny.”
Sarela scrolled through the messages. “Have you told my father?”
“Not yet, your Highness. I wanted to alert you first,” he answered.
Sarela frowned. “The crown should come first.”
He dipped his head. “Apologies, your Highness.”
She hummed in thought while she read a few more. “Have you traced them?”
“I have, but it was so scrambled that I couldn’t tell where they came from. They all arrived overnight,” he explained.
She nodded. “May I forward these to myself?”
“Of course, Highness,” he said.
She tapped the screen and sent the messages to her own inbox. “There’s not much we can do at this moment. We’ll both meet with my father after the session and alert him to the potential trouble.”
“Yes, your Highness,” he replied. “I apologize again for not alerting your father first.”
She waved her hand. “No need to worry. We’ll tell my father and get this all sorted out. He’ll know what to do.”
Sion leaned back in his chair. He had a firm frown and his eyes were fixed on her. He took a small breath before speaking. “Highness, forgive me for saying so, but I would think..you..would know what to do. This is clearly someone with Separatist ties or sympathies. This is your area, Senator.”
Sarela sat silent for a moment. She looked at him and for the first time in his presence she felt small. She looked back down at the datapad. Her stomach twisted.
Sarela had always looked to her father for help and had always provided it. Perhaps it created a safety net. One she couldn’t rely on.
She took a breath and nodded. “You are right.”
He nodded and leaned forward again. “So tell me, Senator, what is the best course of action?”
Sarela stood and handed him the datapad back. “I will make the Chancellor aware of these messages at once. Without a clear message from the Separatists there may not be much we can do at the moment, but we can ask for the Republic to keep a closer eye on Ziphus.”
Sion smiled. “Thank you, your Highness.”
“In the meantime, we’ll be extra vigilant and please make me aware of any more messages you receive,” she said.
Sion stood and bowed to her. “Of course, your Highness.”
She smiled and moved toward the door. “I’ll just be off to contact the Chancellor. Shall we ride together to the Meeting house?”
“I would be honored, your Highness,” he replied.
“Wonderful!” Sarela turned and left the room, Orys trailing behind.
He picked up his steps until he was at her elbow. “You did very well, Highness.”
She smiled softly. “Thank you. I’m trying.”
“It shows. You are becoming a fine politician,” he said.
She nodded her thanks as she entered her office to get to work.
She worked quickly as she wrote messages to the appropriate people. The Chancellor’s office was notified first. She forwarded the messages Sion had received and hoped they would be taken seriously.
Sarela also had a mind to alert the Jedi. She wasn’t sure what they could do with just some strange messages, but best to keep them abreast of what could potentially be a dangerous situation. After all, there was no clone presence on Ziphus. If the droid army attacked, they would only have their own military to rely upon.
When she was finished she looked over her schedule for the afternoon briefly and made mental notes of her appointments. She was pushing the clock and needed to hurry now. She left the State house with Sion and their advisors and hurried to the waiting speeder. Guards in tow, they hurried to the Meeting house.
The Meeting house was also a simple building. Red brick and white trim. Inside was just as simple. A large room with rows of boxes, all sectioned for the provinces of the planet and the colony on Apra. A second level held plain rows for citizens to attend the meetings and congressional sessions. So long as there was a seat, all were welcome to attend.
When Sarela and Sion arrived, the rows above were full to bursting. The boxes below were tightly packed with council members and advisors to the governors of each province.
Ziphus was split into thirteen provinces. Each of them providing a different resource or service to the realm and all equally important. Each of these provinces was headed by a governor and a council, much like the Galactic Senate that governed the Republic.
At the head of the room, in a raised box with a podium at the center, Emperor Tam took his place. Flanked on either side in their own raised boxes, Sarela and Sion took their own places. Sarela held her hands in front of her, twisting her fingers together nervously.
She spotted Orys in his private box with the Emperor and the Prime Minister’s advisors. He made a small motion with his hand, waving it downward. She knew what he meant. She let her arms fall gracefully to her sides and she shook out her fingers. She brought her hands back together and held them calmly. She offered Orys a small smile, which he returned.
Her father banged a gavel three times, silencing the chatter in the room. He raised his hands and offered the room a warm smile. “I welcome you all to our most treasured meeting house. I do trust you all had a relaxing break, but duty calls us once again, I’m afraid.”
A small chuckle rumbled across the room.
“Today we open our Congress with words from myself, our esteemed Prime Minister, Sion Aller and our distinguished Senator, Her Highness Archduchess Sarela,” her father continued.
Sarela’s stomach nearly dropped out her behind. She was nervous. Her speech had to go over well. She had been appointed by her father as Senator, but much of Congress was unsure of her. She was young and coddled. She was a princess. They only saw her as that.
Her father began his own speech, citing Ziphus’ great struggles in the past, but movement above caught Sarela’s intention.
A figure, robed in black with a mask over his face, rushed forward to the railing. He threw something to the floor below. Instinctively, Sarela took a step back. The object hit the floor and the procession gasped. The man who threw the object was running for the stairs. Guards were in hot pursuit and the crowd was in an uproar. Tam attempted to regain order, but was failing.
Suddenly the object sprang to life and a holoimage was projected. The crowd gasped. Count Dooku was displayed.
“Emperor Tam Obarel,” he said in his deep voice. “How nice it is to see you.”
Her father said nothing. He was likely too shocked. Sion crossed behind him and came to Sarela’s side. He spoke softly to her. “Looks like we didn’t have to wait long.”
“I have a little proposal for you and your dear planet,” Dooku said.
“You have nothing we want, Count,” her father said firmly.
Dooku chuckled. “Don’t be too hasty to reject me, Emperor.”
The crowd looked on with bated breath.
“Your planet is rich with resources and revenue and the Republic uses its oppressive hand to hold you back. Joining the Separatist Alliance will see your planet renewed! Your people will know riches beyond measure and freedoms seldom dreamed of!” he said to them.
“The Separatists have no place here, Count!” her father snapped.
Again Dooku chuckled. “Please, Emperor, for the good of your people. For the good of the crown. Think on this.”
“You are not welcome here!” Sarela found herself shouting.
Dooku looked down at her. “Ah, the young Archduchess. She’s growing into quite the politician.”
“We will not leave the Republic, Count. Leave our planet in peace,” Sion said from beside her.
“I urge you to think on this, Emperor,” Dooku said. “As I said; for the good of your people.”
The holo fizzled out and the commlink went quiet. The room was hushed. People searched each other for answers and soon the whispers began. And then the shouts.
Sarela looked up at her father. He shared her worried expression.
“Contact Chancellor Palpatine at once,” he said.
Sarela nodded and turned to hurriedly leave her box. Sion followed her and she met Orys once she was on the floor. They needed to get to the State House.
Orys muttered one thing as they exited the building. “Great Mother protect us all.”
Sarela dearly hoped she would.
I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! If you did, please leave a like! I'd really appreciate it! <3
The post dividers are made by @saradika ! I have linked each image to the original post for ease of finding them!
The Clone Wars changed everything. Danger was seeping into even the safest of places. A peaceful planet finds itself wrapped up in a political uproar that endangers the royal family. The Jedi Council assigns the 501st to assist establishing a Clone presence on Ziphus. Their Captain takes on the task of protecting Ziphus’ Archduchess, a young diplomat named Sarela, but she proves to be quite a handful for the stoic soldier!
18+ only! Later chapters will have mature themes and explicit writing!
The Prologue
Worried for their daughter's future, the rulers of a grand planet called Ziphus take her before a mysterious figure that resides on their moon.
Fate is a funny, fickle thing.
It’s unpredictable and often leads people in wild directions.
Some people know their destiny and follow their predetermined path expecting every turn in the road.
Some let fate lead them and their lives twist and turn with new surprises around every corner.
Some are right in the middle. Expecting one outcome and yet are handed another with no anticipation of the wild change and are expected to handle it with grace and dignity.
Young Sarela Obarel was sure she knew what was in her future. A noble husband, heirs, a long reign on a throne inherited from her father. She had been groomed from day one to take the throne of a grand planet called Ziphus.
Nestled in the interior, Ziphus was a large planet of moderate climates and two moons. One inhabited, the other barren. The planet supplied the Galactic Republic with quite a bit of tax revenue and was generally treated with much respect because of it.
The people of the planet commanded much more respect. Their haughty attitudes and stiff traditions were often the subject of scrutiny and commentary from many, but they hardly seemed to care. Their way of life was best, or so they thought.
Sarela knew nothing except the Ziphan way of life. At the tender age of twelve, she’d never been offworld. She’d been raised on firm beliefs and traditions and never saw anything wrong with them.
Ziphan tradition is what summoned her to her father’s office one afternoon. He’d interrupted one of her speech lessons, much to the annoyance of her instructor. Sarela was happy to skip off through the halls and take the much needed break. Sharpening her accent was a pain in her royal bottom, but necessary, so says her mother.
Ziphans typically spoke with a rough burr, but the highest of nobles, and the royal family, often employed speech therapists to sharpen and smooth their accents. Sarela had only mastered the basic language a few short years ago and hadn’t been allowed to converse with anyone outside the palace.
She was excited for her upcoming enrollment in finishing school. It was the first time she’d be allowed beyond the palace walls on her own. She was sure her schooling is what called her away from her lessons.
Sarela entered the grand office and approached her father’s desk. She dipped into a low curtsy and bowed her head before straightening up.
“Your Majesty,” she said softly. Father or not, an Emperor is always greeted thusly.
Her father, seated behind his desk, offered her a small smile. Her mother stood at his right.
Tam and Thena Obarel, Emperor and Empress of Ziphus, were kind rulers and even kinder parents. Sarela shared her mother’s pale skin and blonde hair. Her brown eyes were a gift from her father, along with her stubbornness and tenacity. Her kindness was a gift from both of them.
“Dearest,” Tam began, “Your mother and I have something to discuss with you.”
“Have I done something wrong?” she asked.
“No, darling!” her mother said quickly, coming around the desk. She took Sarela’s hands in hers. “Your father and I have been talking and we want you to visit the Seer.”
Sarela’s brow knit. “The Seer? Why?”
“We believe your fate may be uncertain,” her father said.
For the first time in her short twelve years of life, Sarela questioned her future. Could it be in danger? But it couldn’t be! She shook her head and took her hands back gently. She waved one dismissively.
“Nonsense!” she snapped. “I know what my fate is. Marry, produce an heir, take the throne. To believe anything but is foolish.”
Tam stood and came around to the front of his desk. He sat down on the edge and crossed his arms. “We want to be sure.”
“Please, darling,” her mother said.
Sarela twisted her small hands together. She wasn’t sure about this. Looking up at her mother she felt a little twist of guilt. She let slip a small sigh.
“Very well,” she replied. “When will I see her?”
Tam looked at his wife, then back to Sarela. “Tomorrow. I can arrange everything this afternoon.”
Sarela nodded. “Yes, father.”
He smiled and brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “Don’t look so glum, cherub. It’s for the best.”
“We must be sure, darling,” her mother said.
Sarela nodded again. “I know. For the good of the crown.”
“That’s my girl!” he said, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
Her mother kissed her forehead. “Back to your lessons, little darling.”
Sarela curtsied to them both, then turned and left the room.
Certainly unexpected. A visit to the Seer. She couldn’t imagine what they would tell her.
And yet she could hardly wait to find out.
Waiting a day felt like an eternity and she barely slept a wink. She rose the next morning, took breakfast in her room, and was quickly dressed for the day. Her ladies in waiting, all teenaged young women of high nobles, were especially quiet that morning.
Sarela was taken from her rooms to the front grand stone staircase where her father waited with her mother. Her siblings were not present. She was disappointed. Her younger brother and sister were a comfort to her.
“Good morning, cherub,” her father said. She curtsied to him. “Come. We’ll be leaving for the colony straight away.”
Sarela walked with her parents to a waiting transport. Surrounded by armed guards on all sides, the royal family was escorted from the palace grounds to the hangar where their grand starship was waiting for them.
Sarela had never been inside the ship before. She’d never needed to. She marveled at the large ship with ornate detailing. Many starships were sleek and plain, but Ziphans had a love for details. Twisting filigree and flowers, their royal symbol, all in shiny platinum along the walls. Some may say a bit much, but Sarela was used to gaudy details.
She sat with her parents and their advisors and strapped in. She was a bit nervous. She’d never left the planet so she wasn’t sure what it would feel like leaving the atmosphere. Though apart from some mild turbulence, leaving the planet wasn’t much different from speeding along the surface.
They arrived at their destination in what felt like no time at all. Ziphus’ moon, Apra.
The moon was lush and beautiful. Sarela was at the windows in a heartbeat. She had only ever seen pictures and none of them did it justice.
The trees were not green here, like her home. The leaves were many different colors. Deep turquoise, rich pinks, and deep golds. It was a gorgeous place! The plants were large and covered the ground. There wasn’t much clear space. It was all covered with rich flora, thick and overgrown.
The ship touched down among a gorgeous clearing and her parents rose behind her.
“Come, cherub. Time to go,” her father said.
She turned to him and offered a small smile. She was suddenly very nervous. What would the Seer say?
They left the ship and crossed the cobblestones, approaching the palace where the royal family of Apra lived. The palace was a sight to behold. Made of gorgeous white stone that shimmered in the sunlight and covered with blooming vines that twisted around every wall and spire. Her own palace was a marvel, but this? This was a fantasy come true.
The Obarels were led, guards and advisors close by, through the palace by a pair of Apran guards.
The Aprans were a beautiful people. They were vaguely humanoid in some ways, but so different from them. Each of them had a pair of large, feathered wings on their backs and clawed feet similar to a bird’s. The males’ hands bore short claws and were much closer to a human’s. The females had long fingers and claws. A shared feature was the eyes, black scleras and a sharply colored iris of varying hues. Their ears were pointed and their hair thick and wild. Their teeth were sharp and intimidating. Truly beautiful people.
The palace was covered in twisting architecture and it seemed every surface was covered with flowers and vines. The palace was as overgrown as the planet. They were brought to the throne room where a gorgeous grand throne sat at the back, solid gold with a rising sun carved into the back.
Seated on the throne was an Apran female. Robed in deep reds and golds. Her golden wings framed her body. She was flanked on either side by many males. Young and old.
The Obarels approached the throne and all three bowed deeply to the Apran queen. The Aprans bowed their heads in return.
“Dearest Majesty,” her father said. “How are you on this beautiful day?”
She rose from her throne and came forward. Her clawed feet clicked on the stone floor. “I am well, Emperor! And how are you on this fine day? I can sense your nerves.”
Her father held his three pointed hat in his hands, twisting the brim some. “I am well, but nervous. I fear what she may say.”
The queen nodded and approached Sarela. She was quite a bit taller than the tiny Duchess. She cupped Sarela’s chin and smiled. “Worry not, little princess. The Seer will see good. I am sure of it.”
Sarela smiled, too, but her stomach was still twisted. “Thank you, your Majesty.”
“Come, little princess,” she said, offering her a clawed hand.
Sarela took her hand and walked with her toward a door at the side of the throne room. She heard her father’s footsteps behind her.
The Queen turned sharply. “Ah! You know the rules, great king.”
“Please,” her father started, “She’s so young. I don’t want her to be afraid.”
“You know the rules,” she pressed. “Only one. Otherwise you will confuse the magic.”
“Darling, please,” her mother said. “She’s in good hands. She’ll be alright.”
Sarela began to shake. What was it truly like going before the Seer? Would it hurt? Was she a great beast? No one ever talked about what she looked like. Only what she said.
The queen placed a hand on her back and guided her toward the door.
She chuckled. “Fear rises in you. You need not worry. You are in good hands. I assure you.”
Just before they went through the door, she turned to the flock of males on the dias. “My sons, be good hosts in my absence. And impress upon our tiny princess your good fortune.”
Each of them bowed their heads and spoke two words in unison. “Our mother.”
She seemed pleased and took Sarela through the door.
As they wound through the white stone windowless halls, the queen swung their arms and walked jauntily. Sarela felt a comfort come over her. She smiled and gave the queen’s hand a gentle squeeze. She was reminded of the walks with her mother. She liked this woman very much.
“Tell me, tiny princess,” she said. “What do you hope to learn?”
Sarela thought while they walked. She shrugged. “I hope my future is just what I expect it to be.”
“And what is that?”
“I will marry, produce heirs for the throne, and take the throne when my father passes it to me.”
She looked down at her. “Is that all you want?”
She considered for a while. Was that all she was to be? A wife. A mother. A queen. Was that all?
She let her hand trail along the stone of the wall as they walked. “I want to help people. My mother was a council member before she married my father. She still works with congress. I want to be like her.”
The queen hummed quietly. “I sense goodness in you. I am no Seer, but I know you will help a great many people.”
They finally came to a large door. It was the whole width of the hallway and the height of the ceiling. Twisting metal vines decorated the door. There was no handle, but when the queen laid a clawed hand on it, it opened with ease. It split in the middle and opened inward with a metal groan. Sarela stepped through behind the queen and looked around the room beyond.
The room was dark, lit only by low flame sconces on the walls and a single light in the center of the room. Red silk fabric was hung from the ceiling around a large round pillow in the center of the room, creating a sort of tent. She could just make out the figure of the Apran beyond the curtains. The single light in the ceiling lit the inside of her tent. Incense smoke swirled around them. The queen bowed deeply, sinking to her knees and folding her body forward. Her clawed hands pressed against the stone floor.
“Great Seer,” she addressed the Apran lounging on the many pillows piled up on the large cushion on the floor. “I bring you Sarela Deas Obarel, Archduchess of Ziphus, first born of Emperor Tam Obarel and his noble wife Thena.”
The Apran shifted and the curtains parted. Her markings were entirely black, save for her pale face. Black wings, black hair, black claws. No color in her eyes. She was robed in deep red. She extended a hand to Sarela.
“I wondered when Tam would bring you to me,” she purred. Her voice was soothing and soft.
“I humbly thank you for seeing me,” Sarela said, not sure what else to say.
The Seer chuckled. “See you. How funny a remark. Or did they not tell you I was blind?”
Sarela gasped softly. She dipped into a low curtsy. “Please accept my apologies!”
The Seer laughed softly. She swore she could hear bells in her laughter. She waved her hand to her. “No apology needed, child. Come come!”
The queen rose slowly and offered a smile to Sarela as she stepped forward. She wasn’t sure if she should crawl onto the cushion, but the queen’s gentle insistence urged her on. She quickly took her heeled shoes off and gathered up her skirts. She crawled onto the cushion and came close to the Seer.
The Seer’s eyes swept over her. She had the distinct feeling that while she couldn’t see her, she was being perceived by the Apran just fine. Some old magic, she thought. It must aid her sight.
The Seer waved her hand. “Leave us, my child.”
The queen bowed again. “My mother.”
With no other words, she hurried from the room. Sarela watched her go, then looked back to the Seer.
“Your father had a glimpse of your future in his. It’s why you are here,” she said. She picked up the pipe of a hookah sitting just behind her and took a long drag from it. She held the smoke for a moment before exhaling toward the ceiling.
“What did he see?” she asked.
“The Oracle cannot show the true future,” she explained, “but he saw a great trouble for you.”
“Trouble?”
She nodded. “A shadow loomed over you.”
“An omen, then?” she frowned. “The Great Mother has never shown me such an omen.”
The Seer chuckled. “The Oracle sees beyond your Great Mother.”
Sarela hummed thoughtfully. “If the Oracle cannot show the true future, can these visions be wrong?”
The Seer hummed and nodded. “Yes. They can be. The future changes. Every tiny action can enact great change to your future. Insignificant things cause ripples that grow and change things. Always be mindful of your actions, Duchess.”
Sarela nodded and took a deep breath. “I am ready to face your Oracle.”
The Seer shifted and moved onto her knees. “You will see a great many things. Don’t fight them. Let the visions come to you without thought or desire to decipher. They will be scrutinized later.”
Sarela nodded and shifted forward. She laid her hands on her thighs and took another breath.
The Seer took a long drag on the hookah, then replaced the pipe behind her. She held the smoke for a long time before exhaling. Her clawed hands came to Sarela’s cheeks. They cupped her cherby cheeks, then slid back to hold either side of her head. She looked upward and spoke in an odd language. Sarela’s hands balled up her skirts and she shivered.
The sconces around them dimmed and then exploded with high flames, burning brightly. A light in the ceiling above them shown as brightly as the sun, but somehow did not burn Sarela’s eyes.
The smoke swirled around them until she could no longer make out the walls or the sconces. In the smoke she saw visions. Running through the gardens. Addressing Congress. Arguing with someone. A man. A soldier? Many soldiers! All alike. A Mandalorian. Cups of tea. What did this all mean?
It felt like an eternity before the Seer collapsed and released Sarela. The smoke thinned and the room became dim again. The Seer’s chest heaved. Behind them the door opened and in rushed the Apran queen.
“Mother?” she said softly. “What did you see?”
The Seer got slowly to her knees. Her head stayed bowed and she touched her forehead.
“In Sarela’s future, I saw death.”
If you enjoyed this, please leave a like and a comment! I will scream and kick and have heart palpitations! <3
The post dividers are made by @saradika ! I have linked each image to the original post for ease of finding them!
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