Dear Real World

[Squee]

(Cont. from Classic Crimes)

Everything was warm, like basking in a blanket of sunshine or feeling a beautiful spring breeze. He was everywhere in this fantastical land that her mind had constructed. His body pressed against hers, skin melded softly, sharing a mutual heat that made her feel wanted. An arm across her back, fingers folded lightly on her, to hold her safe. There was a nose in her hair, lips on her forehead, and a heartbeat in her ear, announcing the presence of another living being.

Sali reach, semi-conscious, with a hand to brush against that other body her cozy mind remembered so. Yet her fingers only slid through hair and across the smoothness of the sheets.

Confusion mingled with her wonderful memories. Slits of light twinkled in the room as she opened her eyes carefully. Strands of her hair were in her face so she used her arm to lift them away. There was emptiness where his warm, comforting body should be. Just a vacant spot with slightly wrinkled sheets and a blanket over her legs.

“Rook?” Sali blinked her bleariness away as she began to glance about the room. She tugged her legs free of the blanket and slid across the bed. Pulling the shoulder up on her gown, she moved to open the curtains further.

Did he leave me in here? Her eyes stared outside, eyeing the sun’s position. Wait time is it? Goodness…It could be the afternoon and I’m not decently dressed.

“Rook?” She started walking around the room. Her primary goal was to find Rook, yes, but her gaze fell upon the things in his room. She fingered tapestries and touched trinkets on his dresser. “Are you in here?” Do you have a brush? She opened a drawer out of curiosity. Maybe could start untangled this bedmess she called hair. Alas, her search proved unsuccessful.

Sali sighed softly and moved toward the opening that lead to his wardrobe. He’s obviously not here. What does the great King Corellia have for clothing, however? I wonder if there are any dresses from his mother left. Sali really didn’t want to walk out of Rook’s quarters in a nightgown. Oh the things that would be said.

[Meira]

When he'd woken again, it had almost been the same as when Sali had woken him from his nightmare. He'd almost jumped out of his skin. Was it so strange to have another body so close? Rook had shared a bed with a fair few women in his past, so why did it feel so strange to wake with Sali in his arms?

Strange wasn't the right word. He was elated, once his mind had settled back into the reality of the waking world. Perhaps it was the circumstances through which she was here. It had been a terrible experience and he still mentally flinched at the pain he'd felt through it all. Rook had known for some time that he had strong feelings for Sali, but to have to so suddenly face her loss had been something he was unprepared for.

But that was past, and he'd be damned if he ever had to prepare for such grief again. So, instead of jolting awake, Rook had willed his body still and calm as he drank in the presence of his love. He wanted nothing more than to slip back into blissful dreams with her in his arms, but they couldn't spend their life in bed, much as that thought appealed to him.

Instead, Rook slowly peeled himself away from Sali, stepping lightly from the bed and then silently exiting the room. He padded down the corridors in much better spirits than the palace staff was accustomed to seeing recently. In the kitchen, he bustled about, practically oblivious to the cooks who stood by, staring. It was a few moments before he glanced up to find their eyes on him.

"Oh, ummm..." he mumbled, wiping his hands on a nearby towel. "I've got this, thank you. I'll just be taking it back to my room."

"Of course, Your Grace." one cook replied and then shooed the rest away from their monarch.

Rook continued slicing fresh fruit and arranging some breakfast pastries the bakers had prepared on to plates. He poured fresh juice into a glass and liberated a pot of caf from the maker. He'd piled just about every type of breakfast food he could think of onto plates and arranged them onto a cart before making his way back to his room.

Once there, he again opened the door as silently as he could. He was content the cart wheeled so quietly. But as he entered, he noted something was amiss about the bed. Mainly, his dear Sali was not still in it. Leaving the cart by the door, Rook entered further into the room to find her opening the door into his wardrobe.

Quick as he could, Rook closed the distance between himself and his beloved and managed to scoop her up into his arms before she was able to turn around.

"I can't leave you alone for one minute, can I?" he asked, a devilish grin on his features as he carried her back to the bed. He set her down and planted a kiss on her forehead before standing back up. His features turned quite stern as he spoke. "Now, stay right there. And if you could, just fall back asleep for a moment."

He turned away then to fetch the cart, making a dramatic show of sneaking it over to her bedside. He left it there, than continued his performance as he moved back to his side of the bed, where he promptly jumped, landing on his side next to her.

"Good morning!" He exclaimed, his arm held out to present the feast he'd brought her.

[Squee]

Sali paused to knock a couple of times on the wardrobe door. “Rook?” she asked again. Maybe he was in there speculating his daywear, and she wanted to give him fair warning someone was about to invade his privacy. That is, if he was anything like she was and he regarded his wardrobe nude. Not that… that would be a bad thing…

There was no response, and as Sali opened the door just a little, she realized there was no light either. No light. No Rook. Most definitely no naked Rook then. Probably for the better. The last thing I should be having are randy thoughts.

Sali chirped a startled yelp and jumped when she suddenly felt arms around her. Though the arms held her firmly and the amused voice that spoke brought her immediate relief. Letting out a rushed, raspy sigh, Sali clapped a hand over her heart as she melted against him. “Oh my god. I almost jumped out of my skin thanks to your sneak attack.”

He set her on the edge of the bed and she leaned into his forehead kiss. Her arms came up to hug him close, but he leaned back to look her in the eye. She settled to lightly rubbing her hands over his arms and tilted her head curiously at his request. “Fall… back to sleep? But I’ve slept half the day!”

As Rook walked away, Sali pushed herself further onto the bed nonetheless, grumbles still mumbled. Lying back on the pillows, she closed her eyes to satisfy him. However, the rattling and slight tings of hard surfaces contacting each other made her partially open her eyes. Just a fraction. Just to know what was going on.

What did you do, Rook? He got closer and Sali shut her eyes completely once more so he wouldn’t know she’d cheated. She continued to lay still as she heard Rook rustle from one side of the bed to the other. The bed bounced beneath her suddenly and Sali shot her eyes open to view a still grinning Rook as he greeted her a good morning.

With a half roll of her eyes, Sali smiled back at him as she propped herself up onto an elbow. “Take a trip down to the kitchen?” She scooted close to him, still desiring to just be near him. While not particularly hungry at the moment, her appetite would develop with every minute she remained awake. “It’s been a while since I’ve had breakfast brought to me. And never by a dashing king. Is this some ploy to keep me in your bed, Your Majesty?” Sali touched her lips to his cheek and pulled away with a grin. “If so, it may just work.

“That is… if you can stay. I don’t want to be here alone while you have to attend meetings and such.”

[Meira]

He delighted in the way she seemed to settle into him, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And why shouldn't it be? Rook knew with the utmost certainty that he loved this woman, and would continue to love her until his very last breath. Likely beyond that, even. It didn't bother him how quickly this revelation had occurred, for in many ways, it had been there all along. From the moment they'd met, this truth existed. They merely had to discover it. The only regrettable thing being the pain they both had to suffer along the way. But that was a sad thought better left to darker days. This morning was bright and promising and Rook would not sully it with wasted melancholy thoughts. No more wasted moments. Not a one.

"Just thought I'd snag a few things." he answered as he moved around Sali to uncover some of the dishes. He would present each platter to her, allowing her to take her pick of the selections. An empty plate waited for her to fill on the cart.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had breakfast brought to me. And never by a dashing king."

"I should hope not." he replied with a teasing smile.

"Is this some ploy to keep me in your bed, Your Majesty?”

His smile widened and he wiggled his eyebrows at her, taking a bite from an apple.

“If so, it may just work."

A touch of triumph.

"That is… if you can stay. I don’t want to be here alone while you have to attend meetings and such.”

Rook's playful smile seemed to disappear from his face, replaced by a set jaw and an urgent solemn look in his eyes. He dropped the apple onto the cart and pushed the whole thing aside. Knealing down beside where she sat on the bed, Rook took her small hands into his own. His thumbs ran across her knuckles and he was silent, but only for a moment.

"I have only one task to attend to today." he said, his eyes still on her hands. "And that..." he lifted her hands up to kiss her finger tips, then finally locked his eyes onto hers. "Is to ensure that your every..." he kissed her chin. "need..." he kissed her cheek. "is met." Rook's hand slipped behind her neck and pulled her close to kiss her deeply. He released her lips a few moments later, but still held her so that her forehead touched his. "And that is non-negotiable." he finished before letting her go and pulling the cart back over for her.

"Eat up." he said, grabbing the apple once again and taking another bite. "I will send for your people to come and collect you to prepare for the day." He was walking toward where his bathroom connected to the royal suite. "Wear something comfortable." he offered before closing the door behind him. But only a moment later, the door opened again and his head poked back into the room.

"And Sali," he said, that devilish flash of mischief back in his eyes. "no more peeking." And then he was gone.

[Squee]

As Rook’s playful smile vanished from his face, Sali felt her heart sink. Of course it was foolish to think she would have the king of Corellia all to herself for the day. The man would have meetings planned, advisors to listen to, gatherings to devise, and reports to read. Her hands embraced his back as he knelt down, her grip light. Her disappointment fell across her face, dulling her expression as she looked at him sadly.

"I have only one task to attend to today."

A flare of hope. Unless it took him all day. Hopefully not though.

"And that..."

Sali’s lips smiled gently as he kissed her fingertips.

“Is to ensure that your every..."

Her small smile bloomed larger as he planted a kiss on her chin.

“need…”

A full grin by the time his lips contacted her cheek.

“is met.”

Sali squeezed his hand as he cradled her head. She had to fight to keep her grin under control to kiss him properly. However, as their lips parted, that grin spread quickly across her face, her eyes searching his as they stayed close. “I have no counterargument to give.”

He rolled the cart back to her so she could continue to pick over the choices of food stuffs. “… Do you mean my guards? I don’t have any people, Rook. I’m supposed to be a diplomat’s attendant.” One who escaped her own chambers to come sleep next to Corellia’s king. Oh gods… how many servants have seen us? How many know? What are they giggling about?

“And Sali.” The queen lifted her gaze from her plate. “No more peeking.”

“I…” her face flushed warmly and she dropped her eyes down again. She had nothing to say in reply, and therefore silently stewed in her embarrassment and shyness. Her fork tumbled across her plate, the burn in her cheeks intense.

After she’d eaten, and another bout of embarrassment with the servants while emerging from Rook’s chambers, Sali did manage to return to her given quarters. Tenohver huffed at her for running off, looking rather ragged and tired himself. After confirming her captain of the royal guard had been to his meeting with Chief Gordon, she waved the man in direction of a bed. Though a short protest followed, Sali calmed and assured her guard that she was likely to spend the day with King Solosten. Her presence would be in the accompany of the best protectors his own royal guard could offer.

Her guard had managed to move in her wardrobe. Though most of the garb was not befitting the extravagance and elegant status of a queen, it was fair and the materials rather luxurious. It suited a highly regarded royal diplomat’s attendant. After scrubbing off the night, Sali braided and pinned her hair across the back of her head with the help of one of the palace servants. Her finalized choice of clothing was a fanning, large cut pants of a light tan color, a swarthy, maroon top-piece that seemed to criss-cross over her body, and a hood that matched her bottoms. A pin was fastened on her left shoulder, signifying her as under Onderonian politics.

For the time she waited for Rook, Sali took the time to ignore the messages from her advisors and focus on the news back home. There was, of course, galactic press on the matter, but new details were reaching Onderon cities regarding the two transports noted to have left the palace of the fateful night. It was leaked the queen had been on one of them. Pieces of the wreckage of the destroyed one were under scrutiny, to help determine which one it had been and whether the late queen had been on it. Her advisors had taken her suggestion, it seemed.

[Meira]

It was difficult to keep himself from rushing. It was as if he were a teenage boy all over again. Had he not looked in the mirror, Rook might have forgotten entirely of the agony he'd been in only a short time ago. But he did look in the mirror. There was a darkness to the skin under his eyes. It was fading, but it belied that sleepless night. He quite needed a shave as well. And so, with deliberate slowness, Rook set about the process of making himself presentable once again. When he was done, he called for his personal guard to meet with him.

This team consisted of the best of the best of his palace guard. Chief Gordon was their direct supervisor. Those he called numbered at four, with two technicians that would supervise all communications for the four. Once they were assembled in a small office adjoining his chambers, Rook informed them of the nature of the day's mission. To these six, Rook revealed the true identity of their Onderonian guests. He detailed how imperative it was that this not be made public knowledge, and how Queen Sali should be guarded with the same diligence that they showed for himself. Rook knew he could trust these people, not only to keep Sali's secret, but also to keep any rumors of Rook cavorting with some Diplomat's aid.

Once he was satisfied that all was clear, he dismissed the techs to their operations room and dispatched two of the four guards to collect Sali and deliver her to the private landing pad at the south of the palace. He then returned to the kitchen with the cart he'd commandeered and gathered more supplies. It didn't take long, so he was at the landing pad before Sali arrived, able to stow what they'd be taking with them and prepare the small transport.

Sali would arrive to find Rook with his trademark grin on his face, standing beside the transport in an outfit of brown linen pants and a deep green shirt, equal parts casual and sophisticated. With hands clasped behind he back, he drank in the sight of her as she approached, part of him musing about how much he enjoyed this undercover queen. Something about the secrets and the sneaking about just made it all that much more exciting.

[Squee]

When the guards came knocking, Tenohver had yet to fall asleep. He insisted on opening the door first, and greeting the pair of men with firm shakes of his hand. When they mentioned they were here to escort his assistant to their king, Tenohver questioned the guards. Wasn’t he needed, he asked them. No, they replied, the outing was only for King Solosten and… the lady Queen.

They were hesitant to reveal their knowledge of the Onderonian queen, and for good reason. If these were Rook’s guards, they would understand the redness that burst across Tenohver’s face and the stiffness that clutched his frame suddenly. Tenohver was as loyal as they come, but he was a security man and lacked the ability to lie, even if it seemed to be the best option when faced with these events. Her captain fumbled over his words, delayed too long, to try and lie that he didn’t understand who they were asking for, as the queen was dead.

Frustration appeared on the Corellian guards, men who only wanted to do the bidding of their king. While Tenohver might try to shield his approaching queen, there was no way he could ignore her command.

“It’s all right, Tenohver.” He turned to look her in the eye. “King Solosten suggested I clean up, because he wished to spend the day with me.”

“Your safety, milady, is my utmost priority.”

“You know I understand. Knowing King Solosten, however, he wouldn’t have sent men he didn’t trust to hold me under their care.”

Tenohver turned to the guards. “Where are you taking her?”

“His Majesty asked that we escort Queen Hyria to the transports just outside these grounds. We believe he means to take her from the palace on a day trip of sorts.”

Sali touched Tenohver’s arm gently. “I am certain it isn’t into the city. King Solosten wouldn’t want to bring attention to himself, as that would draw their eyes on me. He is a smart man, and he would not put me in danger. Please, Captain… get some rest. I trust these men as I trust His Majesty.”

With difficulty, she watched Tenohver relent, though her captain requested knowing the exact whereabouts of his lady. The guards ensured he would know, allowing him a way to make contact with the necessary people. Sali once again reminded him to sleep before taking the arm of one of the Corellian guards. She asked questions of Rook’s intentions, but received no clear answers as she was escorted outside the palace to the landing pad.

Sali returned Rook’s smile as she approached him. “Casual enough, I hope?” She spread her arms from her sides. “Where are you taking me?”

[Meira]

"Perfect." he replied, the glint in his eyes revealing just how genuine the judgement was.

The transport door opened and Rook took Sali's hand to help her inside. Two of the guards made their way to the front seats while the other two made their way to another transport. Rook settled into the back with Sali. The door closed and sealed, then the transport hummed to life as the guards brought the systems online. For the briefest moment, Rook considered not answering Sali's question, but the thought brought to mind their last trip together on Corellia. That one hadn't ended well at all.

"We're going to a cottage, not too far from here. My grandfather had it built for my grandmother after they'd married. It sits beside a small lake at the foot of Dregan's Pike. The land has been owned by our family for generations and is as well guarded as the palace. We will be safe there, I promise."

As an added measure, Rook draped his arm around Sali's shoulder as the transport set out toward their destination. As there was no traffic in the area to which they traveled, their journey was a short one during which Rook told Sali stories about his times at the cottage as a child. The transport crested a hill and at that point, the whole of a lush green valley came into view. Ahead, Dragen's Pike towered over the area, a lone mountain surrounded by rolling hills. Slowly, the lake came into view, its waters a clean, clear blue reflection of the sky. Lastly, the cottage could be seen as the transport slowed to land in a grassy clearing.

Unlike almost all structures those who resided in the core were used to seeing, the cottage was made of stone rather than metal. It was two stories, but still quite small, with a steep pitched roof and a tall smoke stack visible at the back. The windows had black shutters and flower boxes on every one on the first floor. One entire side of the white-washed walls was dominated by deep green ivy that had climbed all the way to the black roof. Rose bushes were everywhere and sported many colors and weeping willows flanked either side of the building which was surrounded by a low stone wall with a black iron gate marking the beginning of the path to the door.

The transport door opened and Rook stepped out into the quiet of the countryside, breathing the clean air deeply into his lungs as he offered his hand to help Sali. "Well," he said, gesturing all around them, "what do you think?"

[Squee]

Sali took Rook’s hand as she stepped into the transport, smiling and thanking him as she did so. Though she seated herself furthest from the open door, Sali was certain to move back once Rook was inside. An hour or a little more it may have been, Sali had found herself missing the comfort of Rook’s physical presence. She was grateful for his nearness and touch since last night. Although part of her mind whispered to stop this dependent nonsense, Sali more readily listened to the argument of her fear and her grief. Rook made her feel better; so, as long as he provided safety and kind words, Sali was content to draw her emotional strength from him.

A cottage on the lake… It sounded cute, and the brief story behind the cottage was cute as well. My grandfather just gave my grandmother a crown. He have been head of the court, but my grandmother was most certainly the neck – she turned his head where she wanted it to go. Sali smiled softly. Her head rested gently on Rook’s shoulder as he told stories. During a later tale, she finally reached across Rook’s lap to hold his other hand and trace her thumb against his skin.

She watched Corellia’s beautiful countryside through the viewport, smitten with the hills and greenery. “Corellia has so many lovely places, Rook. I’m sure you’ve seen them all a hundred times over, but Corellia has so much beauty.”

After the transport landed and the door was opened, Sali was taken aback by the smell of the air. It wasn’t dirty like the city or clingy with humidity. It merely smelled… good. Her hand slid back into Rook’s as she stepped down, but she didn’t let go after both her feet were on the ground. The water of the lake swayed like a gentle ocean and the breeze brought her that fresh, earth-born scent. Her eyes settled on the cottage in mute amazement. Despite being a sign of civilization in nature, the little building fitted in with its natural setting.

“Is it… actually made of stone? Not just… stone imitation or laid over a framework of metal? I’m sorry, I don’t know what to actually say about it. It’s… cute? Adorable? How does one describe a cottage? I like the flowers and the ivy and… Rook, it’s just lovely. Is it furnished? Can we go inside?”

[Meira]

"Yes, real stone." Rook chuckled. "Gran was a nut for this kind of thing. And yes, it's furnished."

Rook led Sali toward the cottage, opening the gate for her and then moving toward the door. There was a security panel in the wall, hidden behind a wooden shutter that flanked a small window by the door.

"Though, it's not entirely ancient." he said with a wink as he entered the security code. An audible click sounded as the door unlocked. Rook opened the door outward, once again allowing Sali to pass through first. The entry was small, with a coat closet to their right and a set of stairs to the left. He led the way forward to where the kitchen and main living room opened up into one large space. A small dining table separated the two spaces. With only enough room for four people to sit, this bit of furniture alone was evidence that the cottage was never meant for hosting anyone but the royal family. Large windows let in the light along the back wall, and to the right in the living area, a large stone fireplace dominated the room. The furniture was certainly fine, antique without a doubt, but unlike the lavish furnishings of the palace, these felt simply like they belonged in a home.

"There's a bedroom through there," Rook pointed through the living room back toward the front of the house, "and two more upstairs. That's really it." he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "It's not much. But it was never meant to be. The views are the best part."

Rook stepped over to where a pair of pale green curtains hung in front of a set of double glass doors. Pulling them apart, Rook opened both doors, revealing the large back deck of the cottage. It was covered, and so shaded, but beyond it the sun shone brilliantly across the water of the lake. There was a path that led from the deck, through another black iron gate in the surrounding stone wall, and then off to the side where it met the water's edge at a boathouse. In all directions, it was the only other structure the eye could see and it was designed to be a copy of the cottage, down to the little window flower boxes.

Rook allowed Sali a few moments to take in the view, noting that one of his guards had silently stepped into the double doorway. Rook moved over to the man, who confirmed in a whisper that the area was secure and that he and the other three men would be near if needed, but out of sight. Rook shook the man's hand and thanked him before turning back to Sali.

"I've seen little reason to come here lately." he said as he approach, taking her hands into his own. "I thought, why dredge up memories of what I can never have back? But..." Rook brought one hand to Sali's cheek, pulling her close and kissing her gently. "Sometimes the things we love do come back to us."

[Squee]

Rook’s Gran, Sali thought as Rook led her up to the cottage door, Thank you for being a nut about these kinds of things. She passed her palm across the stone’s rough exterior. Rook opened and ushered her through the doorway, so she did with a smile, only to let him take lead again inside the home.

As she passed by the dining table, her hand followed along a chair’s curved back. Then across a simply designed throw pillow. Facing the stone fireplace, her fingertips brushed the edge of the mantle. The fireplace was clear, but showed some black marks from use. As Rook pointed out where the rooms are, her eyes followed his directions.

“Some things don’t need to be a lot, Rook,” she said as she followed him to the double doors. “It is very cute.” Sali stepped onto the deck just behind Rook. Her eyes were dazzled by the play of sunlight on the lake’s surface enough that she blinked and still saw spots. The spots settled as she approached the edge of the desk, once again resting her hands on the railing. A pleasant had remained curved on her lips.

It was all very pretty. He did always try to bring her to the prettiest places. It was special to Rook, too. Built by his grandfather, a place of his childhood… Let us not argue again. Watch the wine. Be diligent in the conversation. I will let controversy fall between my fingers like sand.

Rook had come up beside her, scooping up her hands and speaking aloud his thoughts. Sali tilted her head against his hand and looked into his gray eyes. You poor, dear man… She knew he was referring to her supposed death and resurrection. I really hated to trick you so…

Sali returned his kiss sweetly, and wound her fingers with his other hand. “Thank you for keeping me and my captain and my guardsmen safe.” Softly, she kissed him again. “Thank you for bringing me here. I really like the cottage. My grandmother hated nature… so my grandfather never built her a home in the middle of the jungle.” Sali held his hand in both of hers, thumbs brushing his knuckles. “And my mother was one of who would have said ‘You live in a palace, why would you want less’. She came from a humbler family, though. Therefore, I never inherited something as special as this.” She looked back toward the lake and took a deep breath. “What’s the boathouse look like?”

[Meira]

Never inherited anything like this. Rook thought over those words, realizing the only thing he wanted to say was that she had. All he wanted to do in that moment was profess that everything he had was hers for the taking. But even a man drowned in love knew that grand proclamations were sometimes inappropriate. Sali knew very well that he would do anything for her, so long as it meant she was alive an safe. She didn't need to hear it again and again. She needed to feel it. Her thanks was evidence enough of that. So he would leave the words unsaid, holding onto them for a different time; a time when they would be more than just words.

She asked of the boathouse and Rook smiled, pulling her across the covered deck in that direction. "It's mostly empty, now." he said as they moved across the lawn toward the back gate. "The boat had fallen into disrepair. It's currently being restored. But if I remember correctly..."

He smiled, a knowing, boyish grin as they neared the edge of the land and moved out across a walkway over the water. The planks beneath them creaked slightly, but were sturdy. The whole floating structure felt almost as solid as ground. They approached the door and Rook again punched in a code, unlocking the door and revealing the dim interior. Stepping inside, they would find the air a touch musty, an unavoidable mixture of dust and algae. Rook quickly found a light switch, bathing the open space in light to reveal a large, empty slip where the boat he spoke of would usually be tethered. In its place, a small rowboat floated. The rest of the boathouse was little more than a workbench and storage areas.

"We called the large boat The Elysian. It... would be much more impressive." he chuckled, moving toward the rowboat. "This," he said, tapping the bow with his toe, causing the small vessel to bob in the water, "we call Plan B."

A few more steps brought Rook to the door controls for the slip. The press of a button caused that door to slowly ascend, revealing the lake and letting in the warm sunlight.

"What do you say, Sali?" he asked, gesturing toward the rowboat. "Care to give it a try?"