Falling from Grace 10/16

by Christina, kenobijedione@yahoo.com

Rating: this chapter PG

Warnings, disclaimers, etc. in part 1

Chapter 10: Prince Daman of Alderaan

The Princess sighed resolutely as she looked into the eyes of her latest suitor. She understood what he was saying, she really did, but it was infuriating her that neither he, nor her mother, were making an effort to understand her.

"I thought you considered young Skywalker a friend," the Queen countered, not bothering to hide the exasperation in her tone.

Kalyia grimaced. "A friend," she repeated thoughtfully, wondering what the term really meant these days. She'd dined with him several times outside the Palace the first few months after Sena's death. They'd carefully avoided all talk of the young Jedi's Master. Once Kenobi and Skywalker were called to serve in the Clone Wars, he’d had no choice but to cease contact.

Kalyia was miserable. She'd waded her way through months and months, only attending the most important functions, not bothering with menial ones for she could barely stand to smile and talk as though all was well. She'd only recently begun feeling better, allowing herself to be courted by various suitors at her mother's request; it was either that or listen to the Queen drone on and on about her duties to her heart, contacting Obi-Wan and so on and so forth. The suitor that joined them that day was an old friend of the family, Prince Daman of Alderaan. His father, the honorable King of Alderaan, had grown up courting her mother on their home planet until her heart and hand were stolen by the great warrior, King Bania Amaya of Courscant. The rest, as they say, is history. Prince Daman’s older brother was slated to take over the throne on Alderaan, and as the younger heir, it was Daman's duty to marry a Princess and become King in his own right. Kalyia liked Daman well enough, he was sweet, handsome and charming; all the makings of a great Prince. But she wasn't in love with him. She didn't' see herself falling in love with him anytime soon. He didn't amuse her. He didn't entertain her. He simply was. He was everything he was supposed to be and nothing she wanted.

"Princess?"

She snapped her head up. She'd been so lost in thought that their discussion had completely slipped her mind. "Right, yeah. Of course I consider Anakin a friend. And I'm proud of him, I am. But I think I'd be more comfortable celebrating with him another time. Perhaps I could take him out or--"

Prince Daman chuckled slightly and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Princess, your mother is hosting this gala. It would be rude of you not to show up."

Kalyia glared at Daman. "Why are you so behind this? You're not exactly a fan of Skywalker’s."

The Prince raised his eyebrows. "I have nothing against the good Jedi," he said caustically. "I merely do not think they are all they're cracked up to be."

Kalyia glanced at her mother and noticed the lines in her face tighten. She bit her lip and held back a chuckle. "Watch out Prince, don't get my mother started on the virtues of the Jedi," she warned.

The Queen frowned at the two. She seemed ready to say more but only shook her head and let it pass. "Regardless," she conceded, "Prince Daman is right. If you do not come, it will be seen as a shun to Skywalker, Kenobi, and the Council."

Kalyia exhaled sharply. "Not if they know that--"

Eyes flashing, the Queen held up a hand, cutting off her daughter. "Know what? That you are behaving like a spoiled child? I have chosen to honor the young Padawan as he enters into Knighthood, as I have done with every other Jedi. You will attend, as you have before. If you do not wish to see Kenobi, keep your distance, but do not even think about missing this event."

Reeling back, Kalyia was surprised at her mother's outburst. She knew what the Queen said to be true. Every Jedi was honored in the Palace upon entering into Knighthood. It was a tradition, as it had been for as long as Kalyia could remember. There were only rare exceptions with no celebration, when Jedi were granted Knighthood under extreme circumstances, as Obi-Wan had been after Qui-Gon's murder.

Kalyia repented, bowing slightly to her mother's glowering form. "Yes mother," she said softly.

The Queen did not soften. She tilted her head up, regarding her daughter for a long while before speaking in the clipped tone usually reserved for servants. "Your presence is required tonight." With that she turned, heels clicking loudly through the silent piano room as she departed.