The Arcadia Chronicles

Zac’s battered body lay on a bed in a dimly lit room, a circle of robe-clad blue skinned women sitting cross-legged on the floor around him. Their eyes were closed and a soft hum emanated from their lips as they kept their vigil.

He floated above his body, revelling in the feeling of contentment that filled him. Never had he felt such freedom, such unrestrained emotions. It all felt so right, so pure. There seemed to be no boundaries in this world between life and death. It would be easy enough to just float here forever. Above him the ceiling shimmered and melted away to reveal the star filled night sky. Even the stars seemed brighter here, not just white points of light, but brilliant colours pulsing vibrantly against the velvet blackness. Swirls of colour danced between them, flowing sinuously across the sky. He followed the glorious tendrils as they swirled around the stars and moved on, only to cradle another in an endless journey.

Just when he thought that nothing could be more beautiful a bright white star began to glow vividly, pulsating in waves of pure energy, beckoning to him, its pristine radiance making all else pale in comparison. A profound yearning washed over him. He felt like he had been searching for something all his life and only just found it. Home. That was the only word he could think of to describe it. The brilliant white orb was home. Pure contentment filled him as he let himself be drawn to it, floating silently up away from his body. He was going home.

“It is done,” Nadine told Arcadia.

“What’s done?” asked Han curiously. He had been just as surprised as the rest of them when Arcadia had insisted that Zac be removed from the bacta tank and bought down here. There was nothing resembling medical equipment anywhere in this room, no droids to monitor his progress, no medicines to be administered, just some nutty blue, bald headed women sitting around meditating. He thought for sure that the Princess had lost her mind.

She turned to address the group, “The Sisters have netted Zac’s life-force. The healing can now begin.”

“Netted his life-force? What exactly does that mean?”

Nadine smiled at Leia then continued softly, like a patient mother explaining something to her quizzical child. “Every being has a life-force. Zac’s was drifting away. The Sisters have captured his life-force and harnessed it to his body, stopping it from escaping. This will give his body the opportunity to heal, if he so wills it.”

“If he wills it?”

“Yes Jedi, the life-force must want to remain in this plane of existence for the healing to begin. If the life-force wishes to move on, then we must not interfere with its journey.”

“How do you know if the life-for, I mean Zac, wants to stay or not?”

“There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, Jedi. Suffice it to say that when the time is right, the Enlightened will know.”

Turning to the Princess, Nadine pulled her hair back off her face and studied her bruising.

“Close your eyes and trust in me,” she told her.

Arcadia complied. Nadine placed her palms on Arcadia’s face and closed her eyes. A warm glow spread from Nadine’s hands into her face and through her body. The princess relaxed into the feeling, then crumpled unconscious onto the floor.

“Jedi, put her in bed. She needs to rest. Come, I’ll show you your cabins.” She turned and left the room with all the authority of someone who expected to be obeyed.

Luke knelt down next to the Princess and pulled her into his arms. Her head rolled into his chest and her hair fell back off her face to reveal soft tanned skin. Luke stared at the spot where only moments ago, an ugly dark bruise resided. Running his fingers across her face, he searched for any signs of injuries but found none.

Looking up at the receding form exiting the room, he shook his head in amazement, considering himself lucky to be amongst the select few to ever meet the Enlightened. Getting to his feet, he cradled the warm body of the Princess against his chest. She looked so peaceful asleep in his arms that it was hard to believe that she had just come out of a traumatic ordeal. Gazing at her, he couldn’t help wondering at how she came about calling the mythical Enlightened, her friends.

Anger had welled within him when he found that he couldn’t reach the orb. An impenetrable wall shielded him from it Try as he might, he couldn’t penetrate it and he did try, for days on end but to no avail. Something wouldn’t allow him to leave. He was bound here floating aimlessly above his physical body, trapped in limbo. Thinking about his body made him roll over and look down at it. It looked pale to him, not like the other brightly coloured souls that surrounded it. They glowed in deep blues and purples, sapphires catching the sun’s rays. Occasionally they surrounded themselves in blazing gold, their fiery energy bathing everything in celestial light. Next to that his body looked like a corpse, cold, pale, clammy.

There she was again, sitting next to his body, the tears still streaming down her face, the sobs still racking her fragile form. She glowed too, not the brilliant shades of sapphire or gold of the others but paler colours, muted pinks and lavender. On occasion a fiery red would consume her that would blend into a dark almost black then some days, like today she would glow a pure white. It was at those times when he would want to reach down and touch her, when the purity of her soul would sing to him. When memories of love and profound joy would come flooding back and make all the contentment he was feeling seem sadly lacking.

Reaching down he tried to touch her, tried to break through the solid invisible walls that confined him but they wouldn’t budge. Every time he tried to reach her, every time he tried to push through, the souls surrounding him would blaze a bright gold and the walls would thicken. Try as he might, there was no way for him to make contact; she was as far out of reach as the brilliant bright orb.

Pulling back in frustration he gazed longingly at her. She was leaning down on his body, her head lying on his chest, her eyes closed, her rhythmic breathing indicating that she had finally fallen asleep or was close to it. The pure white light glowed around her, bathing her in an angelic glow as she snuggled into him. He longed to feel the weight of her against him, longed to have her sweet scent intoxicate his senses, to taste the salty tears that dried on her skin, to kiss her lips and run his hands over her body once more.

Floating down, he tried to touch her, tried to run his hands across her cheek but felt nothing. The walls where still there. He thought that perhaps if he got close enough that he may be able to talk to her, to whisper in her ear and tell her how much he missed her. Leaning in close he whispered her name. She didn’t react. He tried again louder this time…still nothing. He tried again, louder still and once again she didn’t move.

Frustration racked his soul pushing the languid contentment away. This time he yelled her name, angrily forcing himself down against the barriers. The walls held. He bounced off them and fell against his own body, sinking into it. A blinding pain shot through him, searing his senses, making his soul scream. He recoiled almost immediately and found himself floating above his body again, the memory of the pain almost unbearable.

“Zac?”

He looked down in surprise and saw her rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She was brushing his hair off his face and looking at his body expectantly.

“Zac? Baby? Can you hear me?”

She had her hand on his cheek, her face close to his as she talked to him, a glimmer of hope shinning in her eyes. He floated above her, watching as her silky dark curls spilt over her shoulders and lay against his skin. He wanted to run his hands through those curls, to grab fistfuls of her hair and pull her head back to reveal the soft, tender flesh of her throat. She shuddered and looked around. He looked down at her curiously as she returned her attention back to his body.

“Please Zac, wake up.” She pressed her cheek against his then whispered, “Come back to me baby…I love you.” The white glow intensified around her then changed to a muted pink as a tear began to roll down her cheek. She sniffed as the tears formed pools in her eyes. Still he watched her as the muted pink changed to a darker shade until finally it glowed a deep red.

“Damn it Zac, wake up! Wake up!” she yelled at him shaking his shoulders. “Wake up damn you!” The tears flowed down her face and she angrily brushed them away. “Don’t you dare die on me, Zac! Don’t you fucking dare!” The red blazed around her. “I know you can hear me Zac. Get your sorry ass back here now. Do you hear me? Now Zac Terran!”

The sobs racked her body and she crumpled onto his chest again. “Don’t leave me baby,” she whimpered between choking breaths, “I need you.”

Guilt coursed through him at the amount of pain he was causing her. He didn’t want her to feel like this. If she only knew how peaceful it was here she wouldn’t hurt so much. He wanted to tell her that he was okay, that he felt no pain, that this is where he needed to be, that she should let him go, let him move on. Reaching down, he tentatively touched his body, opening a floodgate of pain. He screamed at the intensity of the feelings and pulled back quickly.

“I can’t do this,” he thought, “It hurts too much.”

Looking down at her sobbing uncontrollably against his chest, he reconsidered. They had been through so much together that he owed her at least that. He wondered at why his feelings where not as intense towards her. He knew that he loved her, that she was special to him but somehow the feelings were distant, detached, just an echo of what they once were. Dismissing the thought, he concentrated on fighting the pain. He needed to get beyond that if he was going to tell her what he wanted to say. Bracing himself he touched his body again. The searing pain flooded through him, almost forcing him back with its intensity but this time he held on, fighting past it, trying to find the eye of the storm.

Slowly the intensity of the pain subsided and he began to feel other sensations; the familiar weight of Arcadia against his chest, the feathery softness of her hair against his skin, the warmth of her touch, her sweet scent. He could taste her salty tears on his lips and every laboured breath he took. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest; feel the blood coursing through his veins. All the wonderful sensations of being alive came flooding back to him including the intensity of his feelings for her.

He tried to open his eyes, tried to move his arms and wrap them around her. He wanted to tell her that everything was going to be all right but the only sound that passed his lips was his ragged gasps for air. His body refused to respond.


Luke and Leia stood in the doorway watching the Princess crying against Zac’s chest, just like she had done every day and night since they arrived here.

“Eight days, Leia. She hasn’t left his side in eight days. This isn’t healthy.”

“I know Luke. It breaks my heart to see her like this. Come on.”

Walking into the room the pair approached the Princess.

“Cadi, sweetie, you need a break.”

Arcadia looked up through bloodshot eyes. Wet streaks lined her cheeks and red-rimmed dark circles cradled her eyes. Sniffing loudly she shook her head. “No Leia, I’m fine.”

Leia studied her for a moment, feeling all her despair. The pain and solitude where taking their toll on her. She looked drawn, fragile but worse still she seemed resigned. She had shut herself off from everyone since Zac had been injured, unwilling to leave his side. Leia was starting to worry about her, not only her health but also her state of mind. She needed to spend time away to regain perspective.

“Don’t argue with me Arcadia, you’re not fine, look at you. You’re a mess.” Softening her tone she continued, “Please Cadi, go for a walk with Luke. Get something to eat. I’ll watch Zac. If there is any change in his condition I’ll call you immediately. I promise.”

Arcadia considered for a moment, swapping her gaze between each of them, including Zac, then nodded slowly. Leia was right she did need a break. She was at her wits end. If Zac didn’t start to show signs of recovery soon she was afraid that he never would.

“Okay,” she conceded. Leaning across, she kissed Zac’s lips and rubbed her thumb against his cheek then stood up.

The tingling rushed through Zac as her soft lips left his, bringing with it all the memories of the time they spent together.

“Come here, babe.” Luke took Arcadia into his embrace and held her tightly. She melted into him grateful for the feel of his strong arms around her. It felt good to be held. She had spent so long concentrating on coercing Zac back to health that she had denied her own basic needs. She had almost forgotten how safe she felt in Luke’s arms and realised that she so desperately needed comforting.

“Babe? BABE? What the hell do you mean Babe? Damn it Skywalker, get your hands off my fiancée.” Zac struggled with all his might to make his body react as the rising jealousy pushed all other thoughts from his mind. “When I get off here I’m going to beat the crap out of you. DAMN IT!”

“Let’s go.”

Arcadia nodded and grudgingly pulled back from his embrace. He wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb and brushed her hair back off her face, before kissing her softly on the forehead. Arcadia smiled weakly at him. He returned her smile then putting his arm around her he led her out of the room.

“NO!” Zac screamed at her. “Cadi? Damned, fucking Jedi bastard!”


In her darkened chamber, Nadine sat crossed legged on the intricately embroidered rug that covered the bare floor. Around her a soft opulent light shimmered, reaching out to touch the darkened recesses of the room, but strangely not casting any shadows. The soft humming that emanated from deep within her throat suddenly came to an end and opening her eyes, Nadine smiled.

Warmth encompassed them as they walked out of the dimly lit room into the dark night. The stars where shinning brilliantly, bathing the night in soft white light. Closing her eyes Arcadia inhaled deeply, breathing in the sweet scents and calming freshness of the mystical planet. Everything was so peaceful here. Just breathing in the air was enough to take the edge off Arcadia’s despair. She wasn’t sure if the Enlightened suffused the planet in healing tranquillity or if it was the other way around. All she knew was that this place was special and that miracles, for lack of a better term, happened here everyday.

The small village of the Enlightened was nestled next to a gently flowing river, its soft gurgling adding to the soothing atmosphere. Luke and Arcadia followed the path of the river as they strolled aimlessly along, passing the occasional group of locals who glided by serenely and acknowledged them with knowing smiles. It wasn’t long before the lights of the cabins where just specks in the distance. Without the glow of the village lights, the path they were following seemed to sparkle of its own accord, like millions of diamonds reflecting the stars’ radiance. It snaked along beside the river, finally arriving at the base of a high waterfall, the cascading water crashing into a large crystal clear pool.

Stopping on the path, Arcadia nestled into Luke’s chest as they both admired the beauty of the natural formation. The endless flow of water rolled off the top of the high cliff face and tumbled into the deep pool, sending sprays of mist into the air, the tiny droplets refracting the soft light and forming a shimmering rainbow. The glittering path they were following continued to snake around and seemed to disappear into the waterfall only to reappear on the other side. They both noticed it at the same time.

Taking Arcadia’s hand Luke led her along the path to the edge of the waterfall. A soft stream of water formed a curtain across the path. Reaching out with his thoughts, Luke redirected the water flow and peered behind it. A smile tugged at his lips and turning to the Princess he escorted her through. Once past the curtain of water, Luke released the force, letting gravity take over. The water streamed back down again and completely hid the entrance to the cave they just entered.

Looking around Arcadia was awestruck.

“What did you do, Luke?”

Luke shook his head, “I wish I could take credit for this Cadi, but I didn’t do it.”

She turned and looked at him quizzically.

“Honestly, I had no idea.”

The cavern wasn’t huge but it wasn’t small either. It glittered with a natural incandescence throwing soft muted tones against the stone walls. On the hard rock floor lay a large soft rug with pillows of different sizes and shapes scattered around it. In the centre of the rug was a thermocase filled with an assortment of food. A bottle of champagne sat chilling in ice, two glasses nestled either side of it.

Arcadia smiled as she saw the tiny kitten curled up asleep on a pillow. “Nadine,” she thought.

“Oh Luke, isn’t she gorgeous?” Kneeling down on the rug next to the kitten, Arcadia softly stroked her. The tiny creature opened an eye sleepily, a soft meow escaping from her throat before she closed her eye again and softly purred as she once again fell asleep.

“She’s so cute. I wonder where she came from?”

“Nadine.”

“Nadine?”

“Yea, all of this is Nadine’s doing.”

“How do you know?”

“I just know. I had a kitten like this a long time ago Luke. It’s a long story though, I’d rather not go into it just now.”

“Okay.” Luke shrugged and indicating the food he continued, “I guess we shouldn’t let all of this go to waste. Are you hungry?”

Up until that moment food hadn’t entered her thoughts. She had been so preoccupied with her grief to concern herself with such frivolities but now the smells emanating from the thermocase were making her mouth water and her stomach rumble in anticipation.

“Starving,” she replied, her groaning stomach emphasising the point.

Leia was reclining on the chair next to Zac’s bed, lost in thought. She had her doubts about Zac recovering from his injuries, especially since no one here was actually doing anything to intervene. Perhaps Han was right; maybe they should just move him into a medical centre where fully qualified doctors could attend to his needs. Shifting her weight on the chair she sighed. Still the medi-droid had said that he wouldn’t survive the night, even in the bacta tank and yet here they were almost nine days later and Zac still held on to life if just barely.

“Cadi.”

It was scarcely a whisper, an almost inaudible sigh, so much so that Leia doubted her own ears. Standing up she leaned over him and stroked his cheek.

“Zac?” she asked. “Zac its Leia. Can you hear me?”

His eyelids fluttered briefly then closed again, a soft moan his only response.

Hope flooded through Leia. Any sign, however brief was a move in the right direction. Straightening, she moved to the other side of the bed and pulled back the sheets so she could check his wound. The clear dressing they had applied to it prevented any infection from forming and at the same time allowed an unobstructed view. Leia had checked his wound daily since Arcadia moved him here and every time there was no change, so she was taken aback when this time the wound looked different. New cells had formed around the charred organs. Where yesterday there was blackened flesh, today it looked a healthy pink. Cells seemed to be forming, dividing and multiplying before her eyes.

Stunned she moved the communicator up to her lips with the intention of calling her sister but the cool grip of Nadine’s hand on hers stopped her.

“No, she needs this time for herself. Tomorrow will be soon enough.”


Arcadia leaned back against a large pillow, the kitten cradled against her chest. Luke sat down across from her and offered her the glass.

“That’s the last of the champagne,” he told her.

Taking it from him with a smile she said, “thanks.”

Luke studied her over the rim of his glass. She looked relaxed. He wouldn’t go so far as to say she looked happy but there was a definite contentment there.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

She looked at him and mulled his question over for a while finally she shrugged. “Scared. I’m so scared that I’m going to lose him Luke. You have no idea how much that frightens me. He’s always been there for me, no matter what. Just the thought that I could wake up tomorrow and he’d be gone…” the tears glistened in her eyes, “I don’t think I could handle that.”

Taking her glass, he placed it down next to his and moving closer, he wrapped his arms around her, letting her snuggle into his chest.

“You have to stop thinking like that baby, Zac’s a fighter. You should’ve seen him when he found out you were gone. Besides he loves you, you don’t seriously expect him to just let me kiss you unchallenged.”

It took a moment for his words to sink in. Pulling back she looked up into his clear blue eyes and watched them change from softly compassionate to bright with desire. The butterflies started to flutter madly in her stomach as he slowly moved towards.

“Luke don’t,” she whispered.

“Don’t what?” he asked softly, still moving towards her.

“Kiss me.”

“Okay,” he breathed an instant before his lips closed over hers in a slow tender kiss.

She told herself that this shouldn’t happen, not now, not like this. Zac was in a coma, on his deathbed. The last thing she should be doing is kissing another man. She knew that she should be feeling guilty and she did but a more powerful feeling overshadowed the guilt. Desire swept through her drowning out almost everything else. She tried to fight it, tried to control the unnerving emotions but failed miserably. There was no denying the feelings that he was evoking within her. They were too powerful, resonating with an intensity that she had only ever previously experienced with Zac.

Luke felt her inner struggle and thought about backing off, it would be the honourable thing to do but he had had just about enough of waiting around patiently while opportunities flitted away. Sure he was a Jedi, but he was also a man and as a man he found it increasingly difficult to suppress his desires, especially where the Princess was concerned. It wasn’t his fault that Zac was in a coma and he knew that she was feeling vulnerable right now and to take advantage would be wrong but he also knew that she had strong feelings for him. Zac could wake up at any time and he knew that Arcadia would not leave his side when that happened. No, there was no way that he was wasting this opportunity, especially since he knew they could be a family.

A muffled meow caught their attention and Luke pulled back enough to give the kitten some breathing space. She purred at him and rubbed her head against Arcadia’s chest before jumping down and finding a suitable pillow, she curled up and fell asleep.

Returning his attention to the Princess he gazed longingly into her eyes. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, his sense of chivalry getting the better of him, hoping against hope that her answer would be no.

She considered his question and knew that she should say yes. She even opened her mouth to say it but nothing came out. Her feelings were in turmoil and she was so emotionally drained that she didn’t want to make the decision.

“I don’t know what I want, Luke.”

He nodded, fully understanding her dilemma, his rational side burying the primal that kept whispering to him how easily he could take her, ravish her, that with a thought he could make her want him and she would never know that the thought was not her own. It was tempting, so very tempting but he knew full well where temptation like that could lead and that was a path he didn’t want to follow. The fact that he was in love with her also played a major part. Sure he wanted her but even more important than that was his need for her to want him too, not just sexually. He wanted to share his life with her, he wanted the vision to come true and that meant a relationship built on honesty and trust, not simple mind games.

Smiling, he changed tact. “You know, you still owe me a swim.”

She stared at him for a moment then chuckled softly, “I didn’t bring my bathing suit.”

He’s smile broadened, “Neither did I.” Biting his bottom lip he continued, “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

Standing, he offered her his hand and after a brief pause she took it and he helped her up. They shared a conspiratorial smile, a wicked glint appearing in their eyes. Arcadia told him to turn around and when he complied she peeled her clothes off, leaving on only her g-string. Smiling at his back, she sauntered to the waters edge and dipped in her toes. The water was cool, refreshing, inviting. Slipping into the water she swam out to the middle, still within the cave but deep enough for the water to lap above her breasts.

“Okay, I’m in,” she called to him

He turned trying to hide a mischievous smirk. He knew she was in, he had been watching her reflection in the champagne glasses as she was undressing, marvelling at the way her body moved.

Keeping eye contact with her, he pulled his shirt off over his head, stripped off his pants then dived into the water, coming up for air right in front of the Princess. The brown strands of his hair fell across his face, darkly emphasising the brilliant blue of his eyes. Droplets of water glistened on his lashes and streamed down over his muscular body as his torso rose from the pool. Looking up through her lashes, Arcadia smiled wickedly at him. A barrage of water splashed into Luke’s face and he turned his head instinctively.

“Hey!”

She squealed and backed away as he reached for her, still sending water splashing his way, their laughter echoing off the cavern walls. Taking a deep breath Luke disappeared under the water. Still giggling, the Princess scanned the surface looking for any sign of him. The seconds slowly ticked by but he failed to surface.

“Luke?” concern crept into her voice.

“Boo.”

It was a quiet sound whispered into her ear but still she screamed and jumped. She hadn’t heard him come up behind her. Turning she fixed him with a steely glare.

“Damn it Luke, you scared me.”

He reached out and took her hand.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

“Uhuh,” he said, pulling her into his embrace.

“I mean it Luke.”

“I know,” he said huskily as he felt the warmth of her body pressed up against him, in sharp contrast to the cool waters. Running his hands over her contours, he was amazed at how soft and smooth she felt. Her firm breasts crushed against his chest and the silky feel of her wet hair caressing his skin sent shivers up his spine. Closing his eyes he held her tightly, etching this moment in his memory for all eternity, wishing he could freeze time.

She snuggled into his shoulder, her breath warming the side of his neck, her arms wrapped around him. Slowly she began to relax as the healing waters of the natural rock pool worked their magic. Her fears and anxiety drained from her and drifted away. The gently lapping waters rejuvenated her body and spirit, leaving her feeling refreshed, enriched and alive. All the constraints that she had placed on herself melted away and left her feelings exposed.

She was acutely aware of Luke’s toned body pressed up against her, of the feel of his muscles contracting as his hands roamed over her, of his musky scent and the beginnings of stubble scratching her cheek as she brushed it against his face. Her breathing began to deepen as she rubbed her body against him in slow languorous movements, soft moans of pleasure escaping on sighed breath.

Luke prided himself on the extent of his self-control but he had never experienced anything so sensual as the almost naked Princess taking such pleasure from the feel of his body and his gentle caresses. He fought to keep his desires restrained as she tenderly trailed soft kisses down his neck and sucked the pool of water from the hollow where his neck and shoulder met. Heat radiated through his body, making his heart pound. Pulling her hair to one side, he felt her tremble as he sucked on the side of her throat, working his way around to the back of her neck. Moans of pleasure reverberated in the base of her throat and she clung to him as shivers ran through her.

Lifting his head, he gazed into her desire-darkened eyes, her breasts rhythmically breaking the surface of the water with each shallow breath. Taking her face between his hands he slowly leaned in towards her, his eyes locked with hers till just before their lips met. He kissed her, tenderly at first, his tongue seeking hers. Soft moans gradually became louder as his roaming hands and deep kisses began to entice a response from her.

Walking slowly backwards, he led her under the cascading waterfall. She giggled and lifted her head letting the soothing waters tumble over her and wash away all remnants of her restraint. The exposed flesh of her neck was too tempting a sight for Luke, lifting her out of the water so her throat was level with his eyes, he buried his face into it, sucking and kissing, slowly lifting her higher as he worked his way down to her breasts, his strong arms easily accommodating her weight. Her moans where almost drowned out by the rumbling of the falling water as the sweet agony of his caresses overtook all rational thought.

“Luke,” she whispered.

Looking up, he saw his desire reflected in her eyes, the intensity of her need making his blood race. Keeping his eyes locked on hers he slowly lowered her back into the water, the coolness of its touch almost steaming against her skin. His clear blue eyes gazed into the depths of her soul and revelled in the purity of the emotions that he found there.

“I want you so badly,” he told her hoarsely.

Shivers ran through her, her breath catching at his words, the soft sigh shakily escaping her throat as he urgently sought her lips again. He pulled her firmly into him, needing to feel her body crushed up against him. His deep, feverous kisses making her head spin. Their hearts pounded in unison as their tongues met, the deep intimacy they were feeling rapidly changing to wild unadulterated passion.

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her out of the water and laid her gently on the soft rug, her head resting on a pillow. Crouching down above her he kissed her lips again then worked his way down her neck and across her chest, pausing to suck on her nipples and massage the fullness of her breasts. His tongue licked a trail down her flat stomach and flickered over her navel moving lower still to hover above her g-string. Looking up at her through smouldering eyes, he ran his hands down her body and hooking his fingers under the straps he slowly pulled them down, kissing the exposed flesh as he did.

Arcadia gasped as he nuzzled into her, his tongue finding the spot that sent waves of pleasure radiating through her body. Arching her back she moaned, her hand reaching down to play with his hair. Grabbing her buttocks he pulled her up to him as he teased her, sucking and licking until she could bare it no longer.

“I want you inside me,” she whispered hoarsely between moans.

Looking up at her, he took one last long suck then licked a trail all the way up the centre of her body, pausing before crushing his lips on hers, enjoying the idea of her tasting herself on his tongue.

Running her hands over the contours of his chest and down over his stomach, she reached into his underpants and rubbed his hard erection, evoking deep moans. She tried to sit up so she could remove his underpants but he shook his head and forced her to lie back. He stripped off and lowered his body down on top of her careful not to crush her with his weight. She wrapped her legs around his hips and he kissed her as he slowly pushed inside, both of them gasping as he filled her. Slowly he began to move against her, kissing her neck as he did, his heart pounding in his chest as the heat coursed through his veins.

She moaned and circled her hips against him, creating a rhythm of her own. She ran her fingers lightly down his back then grazed her nails up along his spine and the back of his neck, finally entangling them in his hair. His burning kisses sent shivers through her as she nibbled and sucked on the supple skin of his neck and shoulder. The cool droplets of water began to evaporate with the rising heat of their bodies only to be replaced with the glistening sheen of perspiration.

“Luke,” she moaned into his ear, both her heart rate and breathing increasing as she began to lose control to the overwhelming passion.

“Oh baby, don’t stop,” she breathed.

Luke had no intention of stopping, or slowing for that matter, in fact he increased the pace, almost losing control as Arcadia’s back arched moments before he felt her shudder and grip him tightly, her nails digging into his skin. He bit his lip, fighting the urge to surrender, barely keeping control as she gradually relaxed under him.

“So beautiful,” he whispered in her ear and she smiled between heaving breaths.

Looking into her eyes he sat back and pulled her up with him, kissing her as she settled on his lap, his hands roaming over her back and supporting her as she started to move again. He leaned in and sucked on her nipples, the sensation forcing her head back to expose soft flesh in the most primal form of submission and trust. Moving from her breasts, he sucked hard on her neck making her moan that combined with his stroking bringing on the rush of passion again. Mind numbing sensations coursed through them and quickly reached boiling point. This time Luke didn’t hold back and they both cried out as shuddering waves of ecstasy radiated to every cell in their beings.

Luke tried to ignore the beeping of his communicator, not wanting to be drawn out of his deep sleep in case he awoke to find that last night had been another dream. As he slowly drifted into the waking world, the beeping sounded more insistent. Keeping his eyes closed, he moved his wrist to his mouth and spoke into it sleepily.

“Yeah?”

“Hey kid.”

“Han?”

“Where are you Luke?”

“Huh?”

“Where are you? Leia wants to know if you and Cadi are alright.”

Arcadia moaned softly in her sleep and snuggled deeper into Luke’s chest. Running his hand up her back he smiled.

“Yeah Han, we’re fine.”

“See Leia, I told you, nothing to worry about.”

“Tell them about Zac.” Leia’s voice echoed through the communicator

“What about Zac?”

“Leia says that Zac’s wound is healing.”

“Healing?” Luke rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “No, not now,” he thought.

“Yeah, Leia says to tell Cadi right away.”

“No, damn it,” he thought.

“She’s sleeping. I’ll tell her when she wakes up.”

Arcadia stirred and half opened her eyes. “Luke?” she whispered questioningly.

“Sh baby, it’s ok. Go back to sleep.” He stroked her hair and kissed her as she snuggled back down and drifted off to sleep again.

Han sniggered, “So it’s baby now? Way to go kid. Tell me all about it later.”

“Goodbye Han,” he said deliberately.

Chuckling softly, he ended the conversation and pulled the blanket they had found up over them. He ran his fingers across her cheek and brushed her hair off her face then leaned down and kissed her. Wrapping his arms around the Princess he smiled contentedly, thinking that there was nowhere in the universe that he would rather be. She moaned and adjusted her position, wrapping her long lean leg around his.

“I love you,” he whispered, realising that this is what it was all about. For the first time in his life Luke discovered that he was happy, really happy. He had finally found that one elusive thing he had been searching for that made his life complete. Who would’ve thought that it would take the form of the beautiful Princess that slept blissfully in his arms? Holding her tightly he sighed and swore that nothing was ever going to take her from him again.