The Questionable Courtship of the Hydian Princess

[Meira]

[[This thread is set 3 years in the past and takes place in Space.]]


The long anticipated night had come. For years, the noble, royal, and super-rich of the galaxy waited for the maiden voyage of the largest M-class cruise ship ever built. The Hydian Princess was heralded as the pinnacle of luxury liners, with only the most wealthy able to afford to take a place on her cruise. The maiden voyage had been booked since the day it'd opened for reservations, and now the day had come to welcome her guests.

Though the Hydian Princess was the largest ship ever created, it held a relatively small number of rooms. This allowed for the mere hundreds of guests that would be aboard had all the space they could ask for, sparing no expense. The remainder of the ship was dedicated to providing every service the guests might be able to imagine. Spas, casinos, entertainment, and more was all at the disposal of the guests.

Among the prestigious lucky few that would be aboard the Hydian Princess that day was none other than Rook Solosten, prince of Corellia and third in line for the throne. Rook did not hesitate to accept the invitation on his family's behalf. The rest of the Solosten family was unable to attend the voyage, and so Rook had come alone with only a small security detail. This escape from his family was welcome to the young prince and he arrived with a hint of excitement in his step, eager to sample all of the delights to be found aboard.

His cabin suite was near cavernous with two sitting rooms apart from the private chambers. Well suited for a young royal bachelor such as himself. Being present for the cruise alone was not troubling for the young man. Though he did not know the specifics of the passenger manifest, Rook was fairly certain that there would be other youths, like himself, with large amounts of money at their disposal and no truly proper means of dispensing it other than throwing it away on women, alcohol, and a game or two of chance.

With his attendants seeing to the placement of his belongings, Rook dressed for the evening's festivities and meandered his way to the leto deck where the dedication of the ship was said to be taking place soon. As he moved through the ship, he encountered the nobility of many planets with which Corellia was allied through the Republic. He was charming with queens and princesses, gallant with kings and dukes, but did not linger long with them. Though many of the princesses were beautiful and batted their eyes just so, none of the faces he greeted on his journey held what he was looking for. As he accepted a glass of champagne from a waiter on the fringes of the gathering crowd on the leto deck, Rook scanned for another perpetually lost soul, one that might share in the appetites he aimed to feed in the coming days.

[Jace]

The Hydian Princess was a luxury liner like no other, and that was why he probably had found himself here. Luckily for him, neither his mother nor father could make it, which meant he had come here alone as the sole representative of Alderaanian royalty. That fact pleased him greatly for whatever restrictions he would have had now vanished. Indeed, the prince was not the type of person who enjoyed a restricted lifestyle. He was a free spirit, at least, that was what the nicer people called him. He was a man who enjoyed the finer things in life, or rather indulged in them greatly.

Sébastien Eliar Reventón strode into his room with his head held high. Even as lifetime royalty and a child of wealthy parents, he was quite impressed by what he saw. The room was massive, bigger than many of the expensive penthouse suites he had stayed in previously. It was lavishly furnished, and no doubt upon further inspection he would find that they would be from the most elite manufactures. He had no care for such trivial things though, all that mattered was that it was there. Sébastien had been born into a world where he could notice such things in an instant.

"Oh my" He said to himself as something more alluring caught his attention

Aside from top class furnishing there was also a rather enticingly beautiful women waiting for him. Her smile was quite alluring and like all true men, Sébastien, held a weakness for beautiful women. The upside was that beautiful women had a weakness for well...him. He strode up to her in a rather grand manner, stopping when they were practically face to face. His sly grin only grew wider as the woman held her ground. Unlike many, she didn't seem to seem to be entranced by his absolutely gorgeous looks. He had met her type before, more commonly known as playing hard to get. She would succumb to her charm. It wasn't a matter of if, only when.

"And who might you be?" asked Sébastien in a playful tone

"I am here to assist you in any way you I can, your highness" she replied

"Is that so?" responded Sébastien with a raised eyebrow

"Sir, the inauguration ceremony will begin soon, if you would please follow me" she responded with a hint of seriousness

"By all means" replied the prince, motioning towards the door with his hand

The ship was indeed magnificent, every hallway and passage was adorned splendidly. He would indeed enjoy his time on this ship. Sébastien passed many people, some he knew but most he didn't. His mother had said something about representing Alderaan but he hadn't really been paying attention back then. He was sure it wasn't all that important, a majority of the things she said weren't. It wasn't long before he reached the leto deck where the ceremony was to be held.

The woman had taken her leave as they arrived and Sébastien merely nodded in thanks. He was approached by a few princes and princesses, people he had interacted with before. Some were entertaining but most just bored and/or annoyed him. There was no doubt about it though, this place was a just full of opportunities. A large smile spread across his face as he thought about what the following days would hold for him. He then spotted someone interesting at the fringes of the crowd and made his way over to the person. Sébastien grabbed two glasses of champagne and soon stood at the other man's side. He downed one glass and left the other for the toast.

"Look at all that potential" stated Sébastien to the man at his side. He had never met the man before but the prince had trained eyes. The man had been scanning the crowd, but not the way when you were searching for someone particular. It was the search for opportunity, a activity which Sébastien indulged in often.

[Meira]

Prince Rook? The young woman had appeared at his side, smiling up at him almost bashfully.

Yes?

My name is-

Elianna.

Her took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips for a quick kiss to her knuckles. Elianna blushed. Rook grinned. Elianna had visited his home once many years ago when he was roughly 13. She'd grown since then, taking on the more womanly figure that fit her age, but her face was much the same as he remembered. The daughter of Corellian Ambassador Jan Aasen, Elianna was a name he'd heard often in the palace, but had only seen the one time before. She was the first girl he'd ever managed to charm.

You remember me? She said, the blush spreading across her cheeks to her ears. The more she blushed the more he smiled.

Of course. How could I forget such a lovely-

Elianna...

Rook raised his eyes to see Ambassador Aasen himself standing just a few paces away. His wife stood next to him, pointedly looking in a different direction. Rook's smile drooped slightly. Ambassador Aasen was not one of Rook's biggest fans. Unlike many of the King's advisors, Aasen saw Rook's antics as counter-productive to Corellian affairs.

I'm so sorry Prince Rook, I...

Please, just Rook Elianna. And I understand.

He released her hand, bowing his head slightly toward Elianna's father as she retreated to his side. His smile returned when Elianna glanced back at him.

Ambassador.

Your highness.

Rook straightened up as the Aasen family moved away to the far end of the crowd. He chuckled to himself when Elianna glanced back again. Oh the fun he would have.

"Look at all that potential."

Rook turned his head to find another individual suddenly standing at his side. His eyebrows furrowed as he took in the sight of this man. Roughly his own age, of wealthy... no... definitely noble stock. But Rook hadn't the faintest idea of who this man was. It was odd. Rook knew a great many of Republic nobility, who could this one be? By the look in the man's eyes, he had a similar outlook to Rook's own views of this trip. That mischevious grin returned to his face, adding a twinkle to his eyes for good measure. He nodded his head at the man's comment before presenting his hand.

Rook Solosten. And you are...?

[Jace]

"Sébastien Reventón" replied the mischievous prince

Solosten eh? He thought to himself

The name seemed familiar but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. His upbringing had made him almost a database of names and faces. He was trained to recognize royalty and those of importance on the spot. This man was definitely noble, his last name was more than just a little familiar. Sébastien's mind whirred through a list of names and places until finally something clicked in place.

"Ahh so you are from Corellia, I take it?" He said a minute later."I am the crown prince of Alderaan, or so my mother likes to remind me every other minute" He continued with a smirk

The young prince scanned the area once more and found himself rather...bored. There were a number of beautiful women here but they all seemed occupied at the moment. Not to mention more than a few of them were at their parent's side. They were an unwelcome addition to the women he was attempting to 'court'. He would have to wait until later when they had separated from their guardians. The fact remained that he still needed to do something. These inauguration ceremonies tended to be quite drawn out with a good deal of boring dribble.

He looked around him once more, and then suddenly spotted something that piqued his interest. Off towards the back of the deck was a rather alluring bar. A drink or two would surely be able to ward off this lack of excitement he was currently experiencing. Champagne didn't really do the trick as he had finished his second glass minutes before. Sébastien then gave his new found companion a nudge with his shoulder.

"I fancy a drink, this inauguration business can be quite drawn out after all" stated Sébastien with a sigh.

Then with that being said, he headed off towards the bar. It was about what one would expect on a luxury liner as this. The various alcohols seemed to glimmer on the shelf in front of him. It was the ever so tempting shine of which Sébastien could rarely resist. Then again, he never had a reason to resist, so why should he? He would just have to be make sure he didn't get roaring drunk....yet.

"What will you have sir?" inquired the bartender

"Surprise me" replied Sébastien as he turned to the man sitting next to him "So Rook, what brings you here?"

[Meira]

As the two shook hands, and as Sébastien gave his name, Rook's curiosity was quenched. Yes, the Crown Prince of Alderaan. He remembered now. Rook of course had never met him, but he knew of him. He wondered vaguely if his older brother had ever met Sébastien. His royal father had made it a point to introduce Colin to many of those who would become his royal peers in the future. Of course, Colin was older than this Sébastien, but in any case.

That I am. Rook replied when Sébastien had guessed correctly at his own home planet. They both seemed to relax a bit more, now that they each knew who the other was. Though my own princely title comes without the crown. Or its weight. He thought as he smiled back at Sébastien. He'd never wanted what his eldest brother seemed to flaunt. No, he much preferred his place. In Colin and Henry's shadows, he could get away with so much more.

When Sébastien mentioned drinks, Rook nodded and followed his new companion to the bar. His one glass of champagne had been empty and taken a while ago yet, and the prospect of something more substantial was enticing indeed.

Make that two surprises. He said after Sébastien had made his order. The ceremony had started somewhere at the other end of the section of the leto deck, boasting of the ship's craftsmanship and amenities, dedications of the vessel. All very boring. Even smashing a bottle of champagne against the deck seemed like little more than a waste to the young prince that had no patience for such pageantry.

"So Rook, what brings you here?"

Oh, the usual. Representing Corellia in the place of my more favorable brothers who couldn't come. My father thought it a royal pain in the ass, so he sent me instead.

"Here you are gentlemen." The bartender presented two short glasses filled with a bright, neon orange liquid, garnished with a wedge of some exotic fruit. Rook arched an eyebrow at the man, who shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Fair enough. Rook said, chuckling to himself as he lifted the glasses and handed one to Sébastien. He held his aloft in salute to his new friend before taking a healthy swig. He winced slightly at the unexpected burn of the strong liquor. When he looked back at the bartender, the man was laughing softly.

"Surprise..."

Now it was Rook's turn to laugh, and he did so heartily before taking another drink. By the sudden applause from the crowd, it seemed the ceremony was over. Rook clapped Sébastien on the shoulder. What about you?

[Jace]

Sébastien had been correct in guessing the man's origin and was slightly reassured that he hadn't made a fool of himself in front of new company. He didn't care what most people thought of him, but every once in awhile, there would be someone who he would act properly around. It seemed that Rook was one of those people, maybe it was because he seemed so much like Sébastien. Well that still remained to be seen but things were looking good so far.

The prince looked rather quizzically at the drink before him. It had a rather interesting neon hue to it. Sébastien nodded as he took the glass which Rook handed to him.

"To your health" toasted the Alderaanian with his raised glass

He then proceeded to take a rather large swig of orange liquid and cringed ever so slightly at the burn. Sébastien turned to the bartender who gave him a shrug followed by a sly grin. He let out a laugh of his own before taking another substantial sip.

"I guess you can say I am here for the same reasons but rather my mother thought it would be good for me to be here instead of her. Fantastic mistake" He quipped with a hearty laugh.

Indeed Sébastien hadn't expected to be having such a good time but here he was. That being said, the amount of noise from the other side of the deck most likely meant the ceremony was over and the fun was about to begin. The Hydian Princess offered a wide assortment of frivolity and pleasures, something the prince was keen on taking advantage of. He looked around and people slowly began leaving the deck, no doubt some had the same thoughts in mind.

"Another round" remarked Sébastien as he finished off his neon drink. Minutes later their next round of drinks arrived and he grabbed his glass and stood up. He looked up towards the sky and then back to his companion.

"So Rook, how do you feel about gambling?" Sébastien said with a large grin, motioning his glass toward the exit and in the general direction of the casino.

[Meira]

Already it seemed these two young princes had much in common. Both sent to represent their respective families and planetary monarchies, and both planning to take advantage of their parent's folly in sending them alone. Rook flashed that sly grin that would, in time, come to be known as a calling card for mischief, and finished his own drink. In good time, too, it seemed as Sébastien was already ordering their second round. Yep. He thought to himself. This will be fun.

"So Rook, how do you feel about gambling?"

It's a terrible vice. Crooked and drain on society. He said, a mock of seriousness splashed across his face. He grinned again. But I'd love nothing more than to lose some of my father's hard earned money. After you. He finished with a slight bow before taking another drink and falling into pace beside his new friend.

The casino wasn't hard to find, even on such a large ship as the Hydian Princess. One had only to follow the sound of alluring music and the general din of sounds designed draw in the unsuspecting fools who hoped to win on the brightly colored machines. Gambling wasn't necessarily a losing sport, of course, if one knew the proper games to play. Anything run by a machine was a waste of money. But cards, well, that was a different story.

Rook wasn't particularly known to be a compulsive gambler, but he was known for his love of a good game, so long as the company was good. And if things continued as they'd started, Rook was sure the company would be fine.

As they moved into the casino, Rook made a sweeping gesture with his free hand that encompassed all around them. So, Sébastien what's your poison?

[Jace]

[Could've posted more but I need to do my research on pazaak first before I do which takes time I do not have atm.]

Sébastien listened amiably as they proceeded out from the deck towards the gambling parlor. The Princess was indeed a vast ship but the prince had done his homework, a rare occasion, and already knew where it was located. That being said, it wouldn't have been hard even if he hadn't had prior knowledge. The ship did not lack clear directions nor staff to direct one wherever their heart desired. If he didn't know better, he would think that all these lights and people were guiding him to gamble.

It is fate then thought Sébastien to himself with a smirk

Anyone around him could have easily seen his eyes light up as bright as the decorations around him. The Alderaanian wouldn't really consider himself a frequent gambler but he did love a good challenge, and every once in awhile gambling provided him that challenge. That being said, he wasn't just one of those rich idiots who goes and waste their money on some slot machine. Sébastien had always prided himself on his ability to read people, usually women, but also others. He couldn't deny that luck played a great part in gambling, but it wasn't his money anyways.

"So, Sébastien what's your poison?"

Oh how long of an answer that would have been if it were out of context. He looked around, numerous tables waiting to provide fortune or despair. Many seemed to have been ahead of the game and had already began gambling. Sébastien felt slightly disappointed, he had thought they would be the first one here. It gave him more choice not to mention satisfied his ego to a minor extent, but satisfaction was satisfaction. He looked around until he finally spotted what he had been looking for and nodded his head in the general direction.

"I do admit that I occasionally enjoy a round or two of Pazaak"

Rubbing his hands together, Sébastien made his way towards the Pazaak table. It had been a little longer than he would have liked since he last played, but he was confident in his abilities just as he was confident in everything else. Hopefully he could meet some interesting people here, but if not, the touch of woman's body would do just fine.

[Meira]

"I do admit that I occasionally enjoy a round or two of Pazaak"

Rook smiled, giving his new companion an approving clap on the shoulder. He downed what remained of his drink, set the empty glass on the tray a passing waitress carried, and urged Sébastien forward into the cling and clatter of the casino.

If I didn't know better, I might have thought you were my brother! He said as they wound their way to the Pazaak tables.

Unlike in the cantina's and aboard the starships around the galaxy, Pazaak on the Hydian Princess followed casino rules. So instead of rows of tables made for two people to play one-on-one, the tables that spread out before them were half circles, accommodating five player seats around the curved side, and space for the dealer along the flat side. Here, players would face the dealer, rather than each other. Aside from this, the rules were the same.

Prepared for the possibility of gambling, Rook had brought his side deck with him, and now produced it from a pocket as he and Sébastien sat down at a table. The only other occupant was a balding, portly man, so consumed by the game and his cigarette that he hardly seemed to notice the two princes as the dealer welcomed them.

Place your bets please, gentlemen, and draw your cards.

Rook drew 1000 credits and exchanged them for chips from the dealer. He began with a minimum bet of twenty credits and drew his cards. He held two +6 cards, a -2, and a -3. A waitress passed, smiling, and Rook waved her over. He'd been without a drink for a ghastly five minutes and that simply wouldn't do.

Corillian ale, please. A nice amber should do fine. One for my friend as well. He turned to Sébastien as the waitress walked off to collect the order. I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't treat you to a proper drink. Whatever that bartender gave us, it was good, but I have a certain taste that only my home planet can quench. I think you'll understand when you try it.

[Jace]

His good mood continued to grow as he found out that Rook also enjoyed Pazaak. The Coreillian prince was right, it was almost as if they were brothers. Sébastien couldn't help but think that tonight wouldn't be as tedious as he had initially believed. He had become so tired of women fawning over him, and the envy from his 'peers'. The young prince seemed to have finally met a person worth his respect.

Sébastien let Rook guide him through the throng of gambling tables until they reached an almost empty Pazaak table. The other player didn't really seem to much care for the two, no doubt he was trying to focus on not losing his money. Sébastien wasn't exactly wanting for money but when he gambled, he liked to win so he took it relatively seriously.

"Place your bets please, gentlemen, and draw your cards." stated the dealer, his tone was all business, just the way it should be.

Rook wasn't the only one who had come prepared as a side deck appeared from Sébastien's suit pocket. He enjoyed Pazaak, it provided the perfect scenario for him. The game was a mix of skill, intelligence, and of course luck. The Prince also withdrew 1000 credits from his pocket, following the lead of his new friend. Once they had been exchanged, Sébastien drew the four cards from his side deck. There was a +5, -3, -2, and a +7. He was just about to order a drink when Rook beat him to it.

"You read my mind." commented the Alderaanian prince with a grin. He studied the waitress who took the order for a few moments. She was pretty, but then again so were all the others. Cruise ships such as these made sure that their guests had the very best. He fancied himself to find a princess for his bed tonight but a waitress wasn't exactly out of the question. Sébastien threw her a wink and a devilish grin just in case.

"Some local flavor would not go amiss"

The thought of the waitress left his mind as she walked away, and Sébastien turned his focus back to the table.

"Lets play some Pazaak"