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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Aug 31, 2015 10:58:41 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Aug 31, 2015 10:58:41 GMT -5
Her silk skirts swished in soft whispers as she paced. Sali couldn’t decide what to do with her hands. They squeezed each other, pressing the blood into her fingertips, turning them a deep shade of red. But then she was would grab the body of her braid and pull it over her shoulder, toying with the feathery tuft at the end.
One cleaning servant approached her, inquiring on her well being. Sali gently assured the woman she was quite all right. For probably the fifteenth time in fifteen minutes, she tossed her braid back over her shoulder. Another asked her if she was expecting King Solosten? He probably wouldn’t be out of his study for another hour or so, for dinner. Sali told that servant she was aware, and yes, she would be attending dinner, and no, she didn’t require assistance at all.
Except I need the courage of a lion’s heart, she thought. Sali paused her pacing and looked at the door to his study. He took some time to attend to his kingdom, every day. Sali had respectfully remained away, understanding the importance of analyzing politics, trades, statistics, etc. every day to keep current events.
But she had been thinking. And thinking hard. The past few nights had been sleepless. Sali had needed to be sure what she wanted, how she was going to say it, and garner courage to say it to him. No, ask? Was she asking? Or telling? Or… Sali squeezed her hand hard.
And it wasn’t something she could tell him any other time. It was a matter for the king of Corellia, not the lover of Sali. Or… perhaps it was both.
He loves you, Sali assured herself. The self-reminder was comforting. She sighed a long breath, and felt her shoulders relax. Her grip relaxed, purple fingers drained to their normal color.
There was her courage. She might as well use it before she wore a trough in the floor. Surely, Rook would not appreciate tripping coming out of his study.
After a brief knock, Sali set her chin and opened the door. Closing it behind her, her pulse raced as she saw him. Perhaps this wasn’t the time. Lion’s heart…
“King Solosten of Corellia,” Sali said, stressing king. She went to grip her hands again, but forced them to her sides. “I have a matter that needs your attention, if you would listen.”
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Sept 2, 2015 8:10:44 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Sept 2, 2015 8:10:44 GMT -5
"I understand that, Admiral. But what good are we without the Republic? The safety of my people is paramount in my mind, and so is their future. Corellia cannot stand alone. If we do not support these systems, they will fall and the Sith Empire will continue their march toward the core worlds. You will move your fleet as instructed. Corellia will be an example to all the core worlds. The reserve will of course remain in the system as our protection. That is all."
Rook ended the feed and the disgruntled holo-image of the admiral disappeared. Shaking his head, he moved to a side table to pour himself a glass of whiskey. With the soothing drink in hand, he moved back to his desk and lifted his datapad. Rook thumbed through a few messages, pacing aimlessly between his desk and the window that dominated the back wall of his office. The news feeds were full of the horror stories of Taris. While there was yet to be any sort of official report of what happened, Rook knew there was likely more truth to the tales than anyone wanted to believe; proof that their foes in this war were literally prepared to do anything to gain victory.
The Republic, of course, didn't have that luxury. This fact never failed to kindle a fire in his heart. They all needed to do more, but what? Rook would support the Republic to the end, but he would not abide the sort of tactic their enemy used. He prayed he would not see a day when the Republic would debase itself in order to win. No, right would win out. It always had. They just needed to maintain their resolve; remain firm.
“King Solosten of Corellia,”
He hadn't heard the knock. Turning, Rook's features relaxed at once at the sight of her. He smiled, setting both the glass and the datapad onto his desk and took a step in her direction. But at that moment, Rook noted how she had addressed him and the way she held herself. As quickly as the smile had come to his face, it had fled, replaced by a concerned frown and a questioning furrow to his brow. What was wrong? She continued her formal address, stopping his forward motion. As many tend to do, Rook smiled through his confusion, the corners of his lips twitching slightly with uncertainty. Maybe she was just having a laugh with him.
"Queen Hyria of Onderon." he said, his voice affecting the same formal tone. He straightened up, squaring his shoulders, but his smile persisted... questioning. "I am honored to hear you. Will you sit?" he gestured toward a chair. "Do you require refreshment?"
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Sept 14, 2015 23:04:26 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Sept 14, 2015 23:04:26 GMT -5
At his returned incredibly formal address, her mouth twitched in the hopeless effort to suppress a smile. This was so silly. Stupendously silly. But she needed Rook to remain more kingly. Sali looked into his dark gray eyes and could imagine fifty other times she would rather hold his gaze. His concern stared back at her, betrayed only by the pinch in his brow. In a strange way, that comforted her.
Then she remembered he’d inquired on her thirst and if she would sit. All her willpower went to keeping her hands apart. “Ah,” she started, “Yes.” And she sat. “And yes. I do not have a preference.” Sali eyes lighted on his momentarily forgotten glass. “I’ll have what you’re having.”
She watched Rook pour the drink, glimpsing his straight nose and beautifully curved jaw. She’d petted those cheekbones and kissed his full lips countless times these weeks. Sali accepted the drink from him. His fingers brushed beneath hers and Sali wanted urgently to hold his hand. Cradling the glass in her lap, her thumbs aimlessly stroked the rim.
Sali met his eyes again. I love you, she wanted to say. However, such a summary would not be sufficient.
“As you may recall,” she began, “We released information pertaining to my well-being, largely I am very much alive and safe, and about your generous hospitality.
“A great number of people, including my advisors, harbor profound gratitude for your accommodation and secrecy in this manner as thorough investigations took place. I appreciate allowing me to direct my affairs from your home.
“Imperial intelligence was uprooted from the capital. For now,” Sali swallowed, “it’s believed the immediate threat to my person has been eliminated. My people expect me to return home. I’m uncertain if your people believe I have greatly overstayed my welcome.”
Sali sighed, and looked into her glass. Sipping the whiskey, she let the moment hang as the liquid warmed the path from throat to stomach.
She continued, voice roughened slightly from the whiskey. “However, I have been carefully analyzing political affairs. As of yesterday, I declared Onderon’s military in support of the Republic. However,” Sali paused, sorting her distressed thoughts. “I have Mandalorian presences on Dxun, growing in number. The Mandalorians are aligned with the Sith Empire. The individuals sent to assassinate me were of the Order. The Beast Riders have declared war.”
Her knuckles were white, from clenching the glass so tightly. “I fear an invasion.” Her voice became small. “Of significant magnitude. I feared before I declared for the Republic, and now I am certain it will happen all the sooner. If there is to be an invasion…” Sali swallowed. “I am no longer safe.”
She sipped again, and fixated her gaze to a point just behind Rook. “And may the stars forgive me, I do not want to put myself in danger. I am afraid to return to Onderon.” Sali met his soft gray eyes. “Yet I am compelled by duty, am I not?”
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Sept 15, 2015 9:23:39 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Sept 15, 2015 9:23:39 GMT -5
He waited, eyes trained on her with some unknown expectation. He waited for her to break the act, or to explain it. He waited for her eyes to relax and her smile to appear. But she remained… resolved. She sat, and accepted the drink offer. Rook’s eyebrow arched at that. He couldn’t stop the amused curve that took his lips when she said that, but he could hide it. So he turned away and fetched a glass from the sideboard, dropped two cubes of ice into it, and poured the famed liquor of Corellia. He filled the glass just below halfway and brought it over to her, retrieving his own along the way.
She’d taken one of the chairs facing his desk, and so he took the other, turning it slightly as he sat so that they faced each other. He lifted his own glass in a silent toast before taking a sip and setting it on his desk. Their eyes met, and Rook could see something there; there was an urgency in those chocolate depths and he felt he knew what she might say. His smile warmed and he opened his mouth to say I love you...
“As you may recall…”
Rook closed his mouth, the line of his jaw tightening slightly. So this was truly a formal visit. He swallowed, not angry, but still offput by what this formality might forebode. He nodded his head as she glazed over the big picture of her stay and what it meant, as the monarch of a planet. He neither dismissed nor commented on her noting the accommodations that had been made for her. Of course he had given them, and his people were supportive of it. There was to be no concern on that front.
He stiffened at the mention of Imperial involvement. He had not pushed for information from Sali, and still would not. His concern for her was deep, but he respected her as a fellow monarch and would never meddle in her affairs without invitation. She’d shared some information before, but largely, the two avoided the subject. But now, he could feel every tendon in his body strained, and his blood flushed with hot rage. Those damnable Sith, he thought to himself, they’ll burn in hell for what they’ve done to us! It was a moment before what she said next registered in his mind.
“What? No. Sali I…”
But she continued. Rook lifted his glass from the desk, holding it too tight as he drained its contents. His jawline clenched again and his eyes darkened to two stones. Good, part of him thought. Onderon’s neutrality had always been something of a sore subject between them, but he could never had denied that it was likely the one thing that had protected the planet for as long as it had. Corellia had no choice in supporting the Republic. Even if it had a choice, Corellia was a bastion of the institution and would never consider otherwise. Onderon had such a different history. But now, that history would likely be its downfall.
“The damn cowards!” Rook spat, slamming his glass back onto his desk, sending the ice inside tumbling around. One bounced out and slid across the polished wood surface, falling away on the other side. She spoke of her fear then, and Rook turned back. He pulled his chair closer to her, prying one of her hands from the glass she held.
“You have the Republic with you now.” he said, his hand squeezing hers gently to convey the sincerity of his words. “We’ll beat the bastards back.”
”I am no longer safe.”
“As long as I am breathing, Sali, I swear…”
But she continued, and what she said stopped his words. The saliva in his mouth felt sour and Rook stood, taking his glass to the sideboard and filling it again. He felt as though there was a weight pressed into his chest. He drank, gulping a sizeable portion of the drink. His two aspects fought for the forefront of his mind. She is right, the king said. A monarch cannot hide while their people are attacked. Rook looked at Sali. They will hunt her down, the man said. You won’t survive losing her again. Draining the glass once again, Rook left it behind and crossed to Sali.
“You will have our full support.” he said, sinking to a knee beside her chair and taking her hand once again. “I will bring my reserves and we will escort you home. Corellia helps her allies.” These last words came with the authority of the king, but they were spoken from the mouth of the man. In the back of his mind, he ignored the voice that warned what a Corellian host might look like to the Onderon people. Would it not appear to be an invasion of a different sort? Damn how it looked! It was the right thing to do. History would see that.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Oct 2, 2015 15:07:34 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Oct 2, 2015 15:07:34 GMT -5
Sali felt rude and terribly pushy, bowling over his words that would make this a conversation. Except if she hadn’t, Sali wasn’t sure she would have confessed her fear at all.
She held Rook’s hand firmly. Her thumb stroked over his knuckles a couple of times as she met his sincere gaze. Then she set her glass on his desk, cupped his hand between her own, and leaned to rest her forehead against his.
This wasn’t exactly how she’d wanted this conversation to progress. Even so, she was relieved by the break in her formality, and in his. Maybe there was an in between. Where love and royal duties can intermingle in a discussion, instead of remaining polar.
“Rook, I… you’re very kind.” Sali sat back a little, but kept the space close. She cradled his hand tight, stroking the back of it. “However, I think the plan was just to take my small ship again and meet with one of my naval ships, which would escort me back planet side. That should be safe enough. Unless you mean to bolster Onderon’s fleet out of good will. However, the Republic agreed to send a diplomat to Onderon, and will be bringing a few ships, to establish strong planetary ties.”
Her gaze dropped their hands. “Of course, if I know a thing or two about strategy… any invasion would happen before the Republic gets to Onderon.”
She fell quiet for a few moments. Her fingers continued absently rubbed across the palm of his hand. “I’m sure… you have moments where you wondered what you could had done differently? What if I had attempted contact with the Mandalorians? Their leadership has changed three times now. Surely one of them might have wanted to talk? The jungles are certainly large enough to allocate some land to them.
“Or what if I had declared for the Republic sooner, before the Sith started extending their long fingers? Before the Order became involved?
“Or even,” Sali met his gaze again, already assuring herself of a reason before she’d voiced the alternative circumstance. “What if I had accepted the Beast Riders marriage proposal? Set aside my main desire for any marriage and lay down my pride. Could I be facing one or two armies, instead of three, with two or three of my own, instead of one?” Thoughts on the warmth of Rook’s skin and the wonderful magnificence of his smile proved, to herself, she never would have been able to abandon her desires. She watched him, though, and knew he would have something to say about it all. Sali lifted her glass again, and drank the whiskey.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Oct 16, 2015 14:29:38 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Oct 16, 2015 14:29:38 GMT -5
His eyes closed as her forehead touched his own. His shoulders relaxed slightly in that moment. He needed that. This conversation had put him so quickly on edge. Pure panic had gripped him at the thought of her leaving. If he lost her again... She spoke and pulled herself away. For a brief moment he remained motionless, eyes still closed as he felt the skin of his forehead cooling where her warmth had left it. He wanted to take her head into his hands then and pull her back, stopping this formal visit with a kiss. But instead he opened his eyes and focused them on their hands.
He nodded as she explained that the Republic was already sending ships. The relief was not much, but it was welcome, and then it was dulled by her next observation. Could the reserves be mobilized and delivered any faster than other republic ships? It might not be likely. He sighed.
At her next words, Rook looked back up at her, his eyes narrowing against this unpleasant train of thought. "The Mandalorians aren't exactly known for talking." he interjected, but she continued. "You might have only made yourselves a target sooner." he reassured, but there was a tension growing in her. He could feel it in her hands.
"Or even..."
His hands gripped hers tighter as the next words flooded out. His teeth ground shut and his nostrils flared slightly. His mouth was dry and his stomach churned at the thought. In his mind's eyes, Rook saw the Beast Rider and rage returned at the memory of how that man tried to possess her. Part of him wanted to push away from her for even entertaining the thought. But she took her own hand away, reaching for her glass. He could feel her eyes on him as she took a drink, but he could not meet her gaze.
After a moment, Rook eased himself back into the chair he'd left, placing his hands on the armrests as he thought of what to say. What he wanted to say was damn the Beast Riders, and the Mandalorians. But such empty passion served no good purpose. She had come to him as a fellow monarch. He drummed the fingers of his right hand on the armrest, gathering his thoughts.
"Facing more enemies does not mean the decisions you made were wrong." he began, thinking of his father's lectures on morality and leadership. "Doing the right thing is seldom popular." He looked back up at her then. "You have always done what you thought to be right. You must not blame yourself when others take the easier path. We do the best that we can because it is all we can do." he cleared his throat then and straightened in his chair, allowing the king to speak. "Corellia supports your majesty. We are at your service."
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Oct 18, 2015 18:53:59 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Oct 18, 2015 18:53:59 GMT -5
He’d gone rigid when she mentioned the beast rider. Sali drained the rest of the whiskey, the slow burn fueling her courage. She met his gaze when he looked back at and tilted her head inquiringly as he spoke. A small smile pressed her lips.
“Thank you, Rook. However, denying marriage requests has become easy in the last decade. It would have been difficult to accept the proposal, actually.” Sali set her empty glass back on his desk. “I try to balance what is right for me, and what’s right for my people. When I denied the prince, I denied for me. After his threat, I denied on behalf of my people. For if he made such an ultimatum to me, privately, what ultimatums would he pit my people against? Yet, I understand you.”
Sali waved her hand, as if shooing away her musings, and focused on Rook’s handsome face again. Reaching across the chairs, she rested a hand on his arm. “I never wanted a political marriage, Rook,” she said, gently, trying to coax him into a more relaxed state. “I have defied the notion since I was a little girl. For love or nothing.” She studied his face carefully. “I’m not about to change my mind any time soon.”
Standing, Sali picked up her glass and cross in front of him to the side table. Her heart was thudding a little heavier than usual. Finding the whiskey, Sali splashed a little more into her cup. His emotions were alternating high and low, and she thought she knew how to fix that. Perhaps by being forthcoming about what she was looking for in him?
Breathing a quick sigh, Sali said, “I’m sorry I upset you, Rook. Sometimes I’m a little worried discussing monarchial problems with you. I didn’t know if I should approach your kingly side or your manly side. I’m trying to find a mix of both. I desired to voice these issues to someone who would understand their burden. Someone who doesn’t look up to me, like my captain. Someone who would not exactly challenge each word I breathe, like my advisors. And… have assurance I am a good monarch who is making the best decisions.” She looked to him, a slight pleading in her expression. A small revelation came to her, and she quickly added. “And I have played the political game for so long, hid my true motivations for so long, I forget… I don’t have to play much of the game with you.”
"And... if you'll listen, I would like to continue." Some little voice in her head told her she was still playing the game; she was stalling the arrival of the true purpose of her visit. Arguing with herself, Sali internally justified needing to help Rook smooth out the rocky bumps in his emotional state. Nothing ever good came about when his emotions swung like a pendulum.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Nov 9, 2015 18:23:08 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Nov 9, 2015 18:23:08 GMT -5
He relaxed, a little, at her words on marriage. He hadn't known the burden of a political marriage looming over him his whole life. He'd been a third son, the youngest of Corellia's bright princes. Colin and Henry were the one's that mattered, the latter slightly less than the former. Rook had always known he'd need to find a "proper" match, but his options had always been very open. These days, however, he was learning what a headache the whole ordeal was, and he didn't envy Sali's experience with it. He still had yet to even entertain the idea though. In his mind, there were no options. There was only the impossible.
He watched her move to the sideboard; his impossible girl. What had they gotten themselves into? That gala on Coruscant felt like several lifetimes ago. But oh, what a waltz that had been. The corners of his mouth were tilted in just the slightest of smiles as he watched her pour herself another dram.
Whens she spoke again, she revealed the reasoning behind her formal behavior and his smile took on a hint of understanding. There were few people in the world that monarchs to talk to as equals, and that list usually only included other monarchs. He and Sali had a... peculiar situation in their relationship. He imagined it must be like inter office dating. There were lines that ought not be crossed, and there were lines that were really only there as a formality. It was hard to navigate and determine which was which.
"I understand completely." he replied, and he felt the truth of it relax his shoulders a bit. He'd never much cared for the game. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He often enjoyed the game for the sake of defying it, or using it to his own amusement. He'd never saw the point in following the rules, at least not until recently. "I want you to feel free to talk to me about anything. I can't always guarantee that I won't have some sort of... reaction." he said, chuckling silently at how hot headed he'd gotten earlier. "But I will always listen to you, Sali. I can promise you that much, at least."
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Nov 28, 2015 23:44:49 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Nov 28, 2015 23:44:49 GMT -5
The tension in her shoulders released and Sali returned his smile. Picking up Rook’s glass, Sali poured him a small bit more and then handed it to him.
“All right,” she said. “You were… easily agitated by what I was saying. I have no intention to hurt you. I’m ensuring I have nothing more to regret.” Sali sipped and faced the window. “Outside of the times I angered you. I don’t want to do that.”
She pulled her braid over her shoulder, her thumb rubbing the feathery end. Now?, she wondered, passing the tuft end back and forth over her knuckle. Not quite. He would have no warning. She’d send him reeling.
“My advisors delicately remind me my time to produce an heir, from my body, is running short. However, since I refuse a political marriage, it is likely I never will. The Hyria line ends with me.” There was a small pang, in the small hollow between her ribs. If there was ever to be a regret in her life, Sali was sure that would be it. The end of her bloodline; a legacy snuffed before it had barely begun. Publically, Sali denounced the need for an heir. Secretly, Sali wanted a child. Had for years. But every prospective nobleman had been unsuitable to be even her husband and king, let alone a father to any child of hers.
Sali raised her cup to her lips. “I will name a noble family to succeed me. I’ve been deciding between three. A husband and wife, with children.” She looked toward him, found his eyes. Her heart had not ceased its deep throbbing, a pulse felt more than heard. The tuft brushed back and forth across her knuckle. “This is my intent, Rook. I love you. You will have me for as many days as you return my love.”
Her hand was gripping tight to the glass again. “Rook.” The words fled as her heart gave an unexpected, panicked squeeze. What if he did not promise the same? “I want… Are you…” It was suddenly very hard to find the proper words. Sali sharply inhaled and blurted, “What are you going to do? I know you have the same pressure to marry. I need to know, Rook.” Her eyes darted across all corners of his face. “I have to… To know I’m doing what’s best.”
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Dec 5, 2015 15:28:50 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Dec 5, 2015 15:28:50 GMT -5
After promising to listen, Rook prepared himself to do just that. He knew that whatever Sali was wanting to get at would not likely be an easy topic. If it was, there wouldn't have been a need for all this formality. Whatever it was that she wanted to say, it had obviously been on her mind for some time. Being a man, Rook knew that he was predisposed to action when it came to problems. Get the facts and find a solution; such was the way of testosterone... fix it. But he knew that diving into a solution was not what Sali wanted here. Or at least, not entirely. He knew her well enough to know that she was not afraid to take action, and she certainly didn't need his help in that regard. She'd been a queen far longer than he'd been a king. No, she wasn't looking for him to tell her what to do with her problems. And as she handed him his newly filled glass, he thought that he could see she'd already made some kind of decision. What she needed was to know where he would stand once she revealed that decision to him. He swallowed a lump in his throat, and then a sip of the whiskey as she began.
At first, he curled his nose at the talk of producing an heir. He suppressed the expression, but not likely before she would see it. There was another aspect of "the game" that he despised. In many ways, monarchs weren't taken seriously as living beings until they'd produced an heir. Until that point, it mattered very little what they did or how they led. Who would care about the deeds of one man? One tyrant could do damage, surely, but that tyrant was temporary. A benevolent ruler could do a great deal of good, of course, but all of that could be undone. What mattered was the legacy one left behind. Multiple generations of saints or demons were what left lasting impacts. But worse than being the only one, was being the last. In this regard, Rook and Sali both felt the weight of their dynasties on their shoulders. The failings of a new regime always shared some of the blame with their predecessor. Being the last of a bloodline rarely ended on a good note.
He knew, through her words and her actions, that she would not bow to the pressures placed on her. Even at the risk of being the last, she would not sacrifice that much of herself. It was one of the things he admired most about her. He felt fairly certain he could and would do the same. Fortunately for him, he did not suffer the pressure in the same way she did. Be it because he was a man, still too new to the throne, or the wounds of the loss of his family too recent; the subject was always broached gently in his court, and easily dismissed. Rook had a feeling that Sali was not afforded such courtesy now.
“This is my intent, Rook. I love you. You will have me for as many days as you return my love.”
He'd just raised his glass to take another sip of his drink, but paused with the glass inches from his lips. His brows furrowed for a moment, and then the glass was lowered too quickly. It knocked against the arm of the chair and a small portion spilled over the lip, soaking quickly into the carpet. He quickly set the glass on his desk and moved forward in the chair, his weight at the edge of it. Did she mean...
“Rook. I want… Are you… What are you going to do? I know you have the same pressure to marry. I need to know, Rook. I have to… To know I’m doing what’s best.”
He was frozen. This hadn't occurred to him. Or perhaps it had, but only in selfish, shameful, thinking; such thoughts would be dismissed so quickly, they might as well have never existed. But had he heard her words correctly? Had he read his own meaning into them?
"You mean to... to abdicate?" he finally said, the word feeling strange in his mouth.
It was not, necessarily, a foul word... but among royalty, it was considered the most extreme measure a monarch could possibly resort to. In many cases, death was preferable. In some ways, pride drove this thought, but there was something else, something deeply rooted in the genetics of royalty that made such a thing seem so unwanted. The burden of leadership inherent in a monarch was more than a right or an obligation. It was a duty, such so that some even went so far as to call it destiny. It enveloped every fiber of one's being and became as much a part of them as their own beating heart. Even though Rook was never meant to sit the throne, there was an understanding that he carried, deep into his bones, of the weight and the importance of his station. As much as he'd balked at the system before, to be royal was literally in his blood and the defiance of his youth was tempered by the ancestral knowledge that came with age and wisdom... and most painfully, with loss.
For Sali to have considered abdication, Rook knew the paths of thought she must have traveled. He'd experienced them, though not so deeply, before his own ascension to the throne. His first instinct was to run and leave it all behind. The weight of the crown had been terrifying to his grieving heart, but even then he could not have turned away. Had she not done the same? Even in such pain, she'd taken on the yoke of leadership. To cast away that sacrifice now...
He had thought that she was coming to tell him she had to leave, to return to her people. Then at the talk of marriage and heirs, he'd feared she was going to tell him she'd accepted an offer. Lastly, he'd been relieved to know that she had not, and would not, do such a thing. At that, he'd determined she was confessing, for perhaps the first time, that she would announce her intentions to her people. He assumed she would live out the rest of her rule and hand the crown over peacefully to her successor when her time was done.
But these words painted a different picture. She meant to step away now. Even though he knew it was not the case, Rook couldn't stop the word abandoning from entering his mind. In many ways, that's how monarchs saw abdication; soldiers do not abandon their posts, doctors do not abandon their patients, parents do not abandon their children, and monarchs do not abandon their people.
"Sali, I-"
What could he say to this? The king was appalled, the man was disgracefully hopeful. But he was silent. He didn't know what to say. He stood, moving to the window behind his desk and looking out across the palace grounds. What could he say? There was no correct answer here. There was no fixing this. His mind was terrifyingly blank. There was nothing there except... except for the echo of her words.
“This is my intent, Rook. I love you. You will have me for as many days as you return my love.”
He turned quickly, the few steps that closed the distance between them fell hard on the floor. His hands sought her, one behind her neck and the other at her waist as he pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers. He was not rough in this, but he was not gentle either. He needed to hold her, to kiss her. When he broke the kiss, he kept his forehead pressed to hers, his hands remaining firm in their positions to keep her close.
"I don't know what to tell you, or what I will do. If this is your track, I will not seek to alter it." he moved the hand at her waist to the other side of her neck, tilting her head up toward him. "But you will not do this for me, do you understand? Not because you want me, or because I want you. I am no factor in this."
He kissed her again, desperately, before letting her go and taking a step back. "As a king, I have no right to influence the affairs of Onderon in this way. As a man I... I fear my selfishness is no true counsel." He paused, then took her hands. "Sali, I love you. I love you. But you know as well as I do that we are not our own.
"If you do this, you ask what I will do. I will get on my knees and give you my heart. I will ask you to be my wife and give you all the protection of my station and my body. I will love you. If you do not do this, I will promise you that I will take no other. My marriage to you would be as real as any. I will offer you the protection of my station where I can and of my body unconditionally. I will love you.
"But I cannot tell you if you should do this."
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Dec 28, 2015 20:52:35 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Dec 28, 2015 20:52:35 GMT -5
"You mean to... to abdicate?"
Sali stood frozen. Her teeth gritted and her jaw tightened at the word. Warmth flooded her face, and Sali knew she was flushing red.
He read into it. She hadn’t expected him to do that. Rooted, Sali stared into his eyes, watched his expression with fixated acuteness. At first, his face mirrored her surprise. Then there was the small wrinkle between his brown eyebrows, the slight squint of his gray eyes, as his surprise took the form of disbelief.
He may as well have confirmation. “Eventually,” she whispered, soft as gentle wind.
Even as his eyes glossed, seeing only the thoughts in his head, Sali watched. If it weren’t for the thumping of her heart against her ribs, Sali would have believed she had been turned to marble. The two sides of Rook waged a skirmish across his features; a battle between the dutiful, steadfast king and the longing, heartfelt man.
Sali wanted the man to be the prominent responder. She feared the anger of Rook’s kingly side. She feared him shaming her, scolding her for selfish reasoning, and telling her it’s impossible to have and to hold him as her own. Whereas the man would sympathize. The man would share in her shamefulness. Because no matter how long she thought over it – no, warred over the decision, her motives were entirely self-fulfilling. As a selfless monarch for over a decade, thinking and speaking of abdication, for her happy ending with Rook, was the most difficult decision Sali could make.
“Sali, I-“
She moved stiffly, turning to face him fully. Mechanically, she set her glass on the desk. Then waited, eyes cast aside as she tried to find some more words to say.
Sali felt more than saw him move. Looking sharply, his face was intent. “Rook, I-“ She stopped talking when his arm went around her waist, knowing then what he was going to do. Her arms slid up his chest as he kissed her, settling firmly around his neck. She took a deep breath, keeping her eyes closed. One hand settled on his smooth-shaven cheek. She felt the muscle of his jaw work as he spoke to her.
You have everything to do with it. You are the factor. He had to know those words were foolishly spoken. If he had never danced with her on Coruscant… where would she be now? Certainly not here, in this Corellian haven. She would not have seen the golden beaches, or been to the Solosten’s adorable cottage. She would not have him. She did not want to not have him.
Her hands squeezed his tightly. After this proclamation, this vow of action, how could he not be even more of a factor? Sali had spent over a decade wanting a man to simply love her. To expound his love beyond a bouquet of moon flowers or a bedazzled ring meant for her finger. Rook had performed such a feat on the very first night she’d met him.
You are the factor. Sali bit her tongue against saying the words. Stalling for a little time to choose her next words, Sali wrestled her hand from his grasp and touched his cheek again. “Beautiful and cruel words spoken, my dear.
“I will name a noble family my heir.” She said, this time with certainty. “It is not unprecedented on Onderon. Nor, do I think, it will be a great shock to the Onderon people. I have never been intent on taking a husband.”
Both hands rested on his face now, thumbs stroking the lines of his cheekbones. “Rook, I look into your eyes and I think ‘there are no other eyes I want to look into, for the rest of my life’. I don’t want to see you for only one week every few months. I don’t want to see you only when disaster strikes. I don’t want to be in my palace, pain in my heart because I miss you. I want to see you every day, as I have been able to lately. These two weeks… are another happy memory for me.
“Loving you has everything to do with wanting you.” Sali smoothed the front of his coat. Not because he had wrinkles in it or something was amiss about the way it set, but simply to keep her hands on him. “I want to love you better. I cannot do that from Onderon. I do love my people, but it is you who cherishes my heart.
“So, I will do this. I will gladly do this.”
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
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Dec 31, 2015 14:43:21 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Dec 31, 2015 14:43:21 GMT -5
"“I will name a noble family my heir.”"
Not until she said it, this time with the authority of a queen, did he allow himself the hope he'd so long denied. It surged through his heart with a sting so sweet he was sure he'd cry. But he didn't. As Sali spoke, the king would not relinquish his hold on the man, for decorum's sake. He allowed only a slight tilt of his head toward the warmth of her hands. A smile touched the corners of his lips at her words.
"“So, I will do this. I will gladly do this.”
Rook took a deep breath. One hand sought hers, taking it and holding her fingers. His eyes met hers as he took a small step back, then bowed. His lips touched lightly to the back of her hand. "If it is your majesty's will." he said, then lifted his eyes toward her as he straightened back up. "Queen Hyria of Onderon, I thank you for coming to speak with me. Now that our business is concluded, I bid you good day.May the friendship between Corellia and Onderon continue."
He turned quickly then, moving toward a portrait that hung on the wall to the side of his desk. The framed visage of his father was pulled outward to reveal the wall safe behind. Rook pressed his palm to a pad and there was an audible click as the safe unlocked. Rook pulled something from inside the safe, then closed it and replaced the portrait. He stood very still for a few moments, facing the wall. Then, he turned and moved back toward Sali, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Sali." he said, and the tone of his voice would tell her that the king, for now at least, was gone. One hand sought hers while the other remained behind his back. His thumb ran over her knuckles. "I think I've realized that you are far braver than I could ever be. I hope you will not fault me for that. From the moment I saw you at that gala on Coruscant, part of me knew that I would always want you. That part grew, with time. I have a bad habit of wanting things I cannot have." his eyes looked down for a moment, a touch of shame taking a bit of the light out of his smile. "But you make things possible. What I can only see as a dream you... you make it real.
If you will have me..." he said, sinking to his knee, "I will wait until you are ready. If you need a thousand years, I will find a way to keep my heart beating. I will make it possible."
His other hand came into view now, a small wooden box held in it. Rook released her hand to open the box. Inside, a ring was revealed. It was not overly ornate, but it was beautiful in its simplicity. The stone was a round cut emerald, taken from the heart of Corellia. It was set into a woven band of Izizium, a copper colored metal mined only on Onderon. He'd thought it a fitting token; something from her old home, and something from what he hoped she would come to see as her new home.
"Will you be my wife?"
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Jan 18, 2016 18:48:14 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Jan 18, 2016 18:48:14 GMT -5
She hadn’t expected him to be kingly in response. Sali felt the confusion ripple across her face as she blinked, stunned, as Rook merely kissed her hand and dismissed her. She didn’t know whether to laugh at this bizarre turn of character or call him out in anger. So she stood there, rooted in her puzzlement, watching Rook.
As he revealed the hidden safe guarded by a portrait, Sali had some sense he had not truly wanted her to leave just yet. Forcibly, she made her shoulders relax and she picked up the whiskey glass to sip at it once. She could not see what he pulled from the safe, and he did not turn around immediately after replacing the portrait. Sali fiddled with the end of her braid. Had he really meant for her to leave? She replaced the whiskey glass on his side table.
Then he said her name. The awkwardness melted away with his tender voice. Sali held his hand, and looked in his eyes. As he spoke, she felt a smile take over her face. You’ve decided as well. And you’re going to keep your word now. Right now.
“Yes. Of course…” Sali rested her hand on his forearm, to momentarily stop him from taking the ring from the box. What a beautiful treasure, and I do not have his. “You shame me. I do not have your ring.” Sali had not planned ahead, planned for this possibility, as Rook apparently had, driven by the secret wishing of his heart. There was such a ring made, already, but it was marked by the royal house – a royal engagement token. It would not suit Rook. “That is Onderonian custom.” She ducked her head, and the emerald twinkled in the light. He needed a unique ring, just like this one. “Exchanging beautiful rings. Nonetheless, Rook… I will be your wife, if you will delight me to be my husband. Will you?”
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