Unification

Part Six

Acaciah approached her Papa with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. “Sir,” she said. “May I go to the Flower Festival downtown? It’s by the Astara Plaza.”

“Are you going alone?” Obi-Wan asked.

“No,” she replied. “Liza’s going with me, if we are allowed.”

He slowly nodded. “You have my leave,” he said.

Acaciah bowed. “Thank you, sir,” she said, and left. She dropped into a sprint as soon as she was out of Papa’s sight. *Liza! * She pathed. *Did Master Nehiri give you leave? *

*Yes, * Liza replied. *She said the activity would take my mind off of my melancholy. *

The flower festival was lovely, and the two girls welcomed the respite from their daily lives, Liza most particularly. She had been a pale wreck of a creature since Joss’ banishment began, barely a week ago.

Even now she looked on the verge of tears, Acaciah mused. She must wish Joss were here. Acaciah didn’t blame her, she’d love to stroll through the sweet-smelling blooms with her beloved Anakin; the problem for Liza was that Acaciah’s wish was much more likely t ful fulfilled.

Meanwhile, back at the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan Kenobi considered what to do with his wayward daughter, Acaciah. She needed a more stable friend than her current favorite choice, Elizara, who had nearly caused a Knight to be expelled from the Jedi Order. It did not help that Acaciah already had an ardent suitor in his former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker; Obi-Wan suspected that any tryst that Anakin might attempt would be very carefully planned. Skywalker’s yeof sof slavery before he came to the Jedi Temple had made him a cunning, streetwise individual.

Anakin only waited for something if he thought the payoff was worth doing so. Kenobi hoped fervently that Acaciah would remain such a worthy thing in Anakin’s eyes; else there was going to be trouble. Perhaps his dear friend Joss’ banishment had made an impression on Anakin. Kenobi doubted it, though. Anakin often thought himself untouchable; he was, after all the Chosen One. In case it hadn’t, Obi-Wan had taken the precaution of calling for Galaxa tri Sephone for a visit, to share his concerns. Galaxa was a bit older than Acaciah, and her opinion seemed to carry some weight with the girl. As if the thought of her name had summoned her, Galaxa arrived.

“What can I do for you, Master Kenobi?” she asked.

“I have a favor to ask of you,” he replied. “You are friends with my daughter Acaciah?”

Galaxa assented, and he continued. “She is in need of guidance and of the age where perhaps a more feminine touch might be beneficial.”

A slight smile crossed Galaxa’s face as she realized what Obi-Wan was suggesting. “You want me to mentor her. I’d be delighted,” she said.

Obi-Wan beamed, obviously pleased. “I thought you would be perfect for the task. She is with Padawan Elizara Simone at the moment, at the flower festival downtown. Perhaps you could drop in on them?” he suggested.

“I think I shall, some fresh air would be nice,” Galaxa replied. “Thank you, Master Kenobi.” He has no idea what he just asked me to do, she thought with a laugh.

He bowed. “Thank you, Galaxa.”

***

Anakin watched Acaciah and Liza from a safe distance. The flower festival was not far from the Borash Plum Teahouse, where he had carefully arranged for their meeting. Acaciah was thinking of him now, he could feel it, and he was pleased. The girls were putting in an appearanc the the Festival in case Kenobi got nosy and decided to send someone to check in on them. Noting it was near time to meet, he left for the Teahouse.

Acaciah and Liza arrived at the Teahouse early. Liza had been a nervous wreck all morning and finally, unable to contain herself any longer, insisted they leave. They changed after leaving the flower festival, and Acaciah had given Liza a beautiful green silk dress to wear. It was from Alameen. The dress had a scooped neckline that showed off the barest hint of creamy breast before nipping in tightly at the waist. The long straight skirt fell in graceful folds to the floor. Acaciah had done Liza’s hair into a beautiful, sleek upsweep. She looked nothing like a Jedi Padawan and every inch a lady going to meet her love.

Acaciah had changed into an extravagant scarlet velvet dress that hugged her generous curves and slit up her thighs; it was trimmed in gold embroidery with Fiona and Sakarte’ crests, and had matching long gloves.

Liza looked around the Teahouse nervously. She had rarely been outside of the Temple and this meeting was especially important. A smiling man came over to the two girls. “Hello ladies, may I be of assistance?”

Liza’s mouth went dry and she looked at Acaciah pleadingly. Acaciah nodded at her and spoke to the man. “We have a holosuite reserved.”

“Excellent, under which name, Madame?” The man said, pulling a data pad from his pocket and looking at her expectantly.

Liza finally found her voice. “Astara” she whispered. The man’s demeanor changed instantly. He paled, his smile disappearing as he snapped his fingers in the air. Two waiters came running. He spoke to them softly and rapidly, gesturing towards Liza and Acaciah. The girls looked at each other in confusion, nothing was supposed to go wrong.

Noticing their puzzlement, the majordomo looked up quickly and said in his most subservient voice, “Please madams, this way. I apologize for making you wait. Next time, you must use the private entrance so as not to have to deal with the common rabble” he schmoozed, the fear rolling off of him in waves. Liza and Acaciah shrugged and followed the man up the stairs on the left. He walked up to a real wooden door and opened it with a flourish. Gesturing for them to precede him, he bowed low to the floor.

The room was gorgeous, silks and satins competing with velvets and brocades for prominence. A black velvet settee was in the corner in front of a huge holovid screen. Large pillows of celadon brocade lay on the floor for reclining upon. The green silk walls were a dark emerald color, while the floor was a polished white and black marble checkerboard, covered with small, opulent throw rugs that picked up the green theme of the room. A small alcove led to a balcony overlooking one of Coruscant’s many rooftop gardens. The doors were open, letting the intoxicating scents swirl and eddy in the room.

Acaciah turned to the majordomo, who was prostrate on the floor. Giggling, she looked at Liza and shrugged her shoulders delicately. “Sir, I am meeting Master Skywalker,” she said in her haughtiest tone.

The majordomo quivered on the floor, his oily voice barely above a whisper. “He has reserved a separate suite for you madam. If you would permit me, I will take you there?”

“Of course, at once.” Acaciah smiled at Liza, squeezing her fingers softly before walking out of the room behind the majordomo. “I will come back in an hour, okay?”

Liza nodded at her, going over to perch on the edge of the settee. She had no idea how anythinrkedrked and prayed that Joss had taken care of everything.

***

“May I be of service, madam?” A voice said from the corner, startling Liza. She looked over and saw a small blue creature staring at her eagerly. She nodded, unsure of who and what it was.

“Master Astara sent me. I understand that you will be coming once a week at this time?” The creature asked, moving towards her. It had a dark blue body, with a large head that looked ungainly on its thin neck, sparse white hairverivering its skull. The cobalt blue eyes gleamed and whirled as it spoke to her. “I am Groot and I have been assigned to you for the duration. Anything you need, just ask and it shall be delivered to you.”

“Th-thank you Groot.” Liza stammered, unsure of what was going on.

“Please mistress, do not be afraid. Master Kadeen and Master Astara have been friends a long time. It is my master’s pleasure to assist you during this difficult time.” Groot said, coming over to stand in front of her. Liza scooted back onto the settee, looking around nervously.

“I am just nervous, Groot. As you said, this is a most distressing time.” Liza said softly, wringing her hands together, her gaze straying to tolovolovid screen.

“Oh my mistress, please forgive me!” Groot said, following her gaze. “Allow me to help you with the transmission.” He walked over to the screen and pressed a few buttons. Joss’ face popped up onto the screen and Liza gasped with delight. Groot bowed low again and discreetly left the room.

“Liza! You look beautiful love.” Joss said softly, his eyes drinking in her image.

“Joss! I’ve missed you terribly! How can I ever manage three years of this?” Liza said softly, tears gathering in her eyes, her hand reaching out to touch his face on the screen.

“Love please, don’t cry. And don’t dwell on the negative. We have an hour, let’s fill it with pleasant conversation.” Joss implored her, the sight of her tears like a knife in his gut.

“I’m sorry Joss, you’re right.” Liza said, smiling softly, wiping away her tears. He looked so handsome, she wished that she could run her fingers through his thick black hair.

“I like your dress, beautiful clothes suit you love.” Joss said warmly, his eyes appraising her.

“It was a gift from Acaciah. I didn’t want to come to you in Jedi garb.” Liza said, the last words coming out harshly.

“Liza, you must stay the course. It is necessary if we are to be together. You will be knighted and then we will be together again.” Joss said forcefully, his eyes darkening to the silver color he got when he was in the grip of powerful emotions.

“Joss, they make me behave as if nothing is wrong! I can’t even sigh without Master Nehiri clucking her tongue at me and assigning me even more meditation!”

“Liza, be strong for me love. I have faith in you. You have to trust me, everything will work out in the end.”

“I do trust you Joss and I love you more than life itself.” Liza said passionately. “But I don’t know who to trust here” she whispered.

“You know you can trust Anakin and Acaciah. Do you need anyone else?” Joss asked her in concern.

“What about Galaxa tri Sephone?” Liza asked him, staring into his eyes.

Joss sighed, his relationship with Gal was hard to describe. They had been friends almost all of their lives but could he trust that she would keep Liza’s secrets as well? It was a lot to ask of her. “If you need her, she would most likely do what you ask of her. She has kept many secrets for me over the years.” Joss said carefully, watching his beloved’s face.

Liza sat back, surprised at his revelation. She had no idea that they were close enough to share secrets. On some level it bothered her that he would share something like that with someone other than her. “Okay,” she said softly after several minutes of silence.

The tension hung in the air and neither of them knew what to say to make it go away.

***

Anakin was standing at the window, gazing at Coruscant’s traffic lanes when Acaciah arrived at the suite. She bit her lip and tried to push away the nervousness that fluttered in her every time he looked at her. He dismissed the majordomo and took her in his arms. “Darling Acaciah,” he breathed, scooping her into a kiss. “Anakin,” she sighed blissfully.

Anakin ran his hands over the exquisitely soft velvet that covered her creamy skin. The Fiona ways fit Acaciah much better than the Jedi, he thought, and he wanted to peel her out of that tight dress into something more comfortable—him. He caressed her beneath the velvet as he rained little kisses over her face, her neck, to the hint of cleavage that peeked out of her dress. She made a soft moan as he slipped away her panties and placed her on the bed. He paused and looked Acaciah in the eye. “We are not going to do what Joss and Liza did and become separated,” he said.

“What’s that?” Acaciah asked, emboldened by his touch and their seclusion. “Getting caught?”
Anakin laughed. “No, mi priana, we’re going to wait until our wedding night to do what they did; there are other ways we can express our love for now.”

Anakin began to undress; Acaciah tried not to stare too much. He was exquisite! He rubbed his finely honed body against her before he slipped away her gown and pulled her bare body on top of his. “You are so beautiful,” he said; his gaze covered her tighter than the dress she’d just shed. She started to remove her gloves, but Anakin stayed her hands. “Leave them on,” he said. “I like the way they feel.” Acaciah’s eyes widened, but she obeyed. She bit her lip, a wicked thought coming to her. She kissed Anakin, slipping her hand down to his erection to caress him. He groaned at the sensation. Acaciah gave a triumphant giggle, and stroked him faster. Anakin pushed his tongue deeper into her mouth, thrusting inside her mouth, as he would like to inside her.

He cupped her breasts and took her nipples between his long fingers. Now she moaned, her hips undulating in time with the stroking gloved hand between his legs. Anakin continued kissing her, his lips and tongue grazed from her jaw line, to her chest, to her navel. Acaciah’s head tipped back, she was panting softly in desire. He took her by the hips and spun her around, wrapping her thighs around his face. Her yelp of surprise quickly turned to a cry of delight as he worked her bud with his tongue. She leaned over his torso and wrapped her lips around his cock, flicking her tongue over its head. Anakin thrust into her mouth, grunting his pleasure against her wetness. Acaciah’s hips began to rock in time with his thrusts as she moaned against his rod.

Anakin slipped his fingers inside her, rubbing her sweet spot, driving Acaciah wild. Her breathing was ragged, and he knew her pleasure was great. She shuddered against his mouth and fingers. Anakin was not sated, and pulled her to him, caressing her with his hands and the Force. Their lips entangled and he straddled her hips carefully; Acaciah wrapped her gloved hand around his member and he thrust into it eagerly. He pleasured her again, letting her feel his thrusts. “Anakin!” she cried, her hips bucking in time with his. “Oh, goddess, Anakin, I love you!” Her touch drove Anakin wild, and he came with a ragged gasp in han hand.

***

Galaxa went to the flower festival, and the girls had indeed been there, but they’d left over an hour ago. Through a combination of questioning and checking for Force signatures she’d found that they had changed clothes and gone to the Tea House. Entering the main hall, she’d scanned for them and found nothing; perhaps they’d already left, she thought. She nearly gave up, when she bumped into Geo Astara.

“Good afternoon, Galaxa,” he said impishly.

“Geo,” she was taken aback. “How are you; you look well” she said trying to be polite.

Galaxa was distressed that the years had been so kind to him physically, too kind in fact. He was more appealing than ever. It had been five years since she had first gone to him, and now she was twenty-four and a full fledged Jedi Knight. His shoulder length hair was now worn in a ponytail that reached the center of his back, with silver streaks running through it. He was in his late twenties, the same as Joss, and his eyes hadn’t lost one bit of their spirit and mirth. They had always seemed to be dancing. And if the truth were told, she had never gotten over him. Although they had seen each other quite a few times in passing throughout the years, it had been quite a while since they had more than a trite hello. Galaxa struggled with her feelings for him for years, especially when his reputation began to precede him.

The only thing more infamous than his torrid affairs with new women every week was his expensive tastes and underworld connections in the empire that he had created. He had began as a mere orphan turned spice smuggler finally making his way into the upper echelon of society, where they chose to ignore his transgressions, favoring his graces. Galaxa’s nerves were wearing thin being so near to him until she became distracted by something around his neck.

Geo was wearing an amulet of some sort, and it had strange glyphs on it. Galaxa stared at it; the script seemed to wiggle until it worked itself into a recognizable shape. “The Chosen Ones?” she read aloud, and gave a derisive laugh. “You think you’re a Chosen One now, Geo? All this hanging around with Anakin is going to your head!” she exclaimed, her pulse quickening at being so close to him.

Geo’s mouth dropped open in surprise; he closed it quickly. This was too good to be true- Anakin said only the other Chosen Ones could read the script! He smirked; the prim and proper Galaxa was one of them! The one woman who he wanted above all others was now linked to him permanently. He couldn’t wait to tell Anakin and Joss!

“Perhaps we have more in common than you think, Galaxa,” he said, trying to calm the wild beating of his heart.

In your wildest dreams, slut puppy, she thought to herself. Aloud, she asked, “Have you seen Acaciah Sakarte or Elizara Simone?”

Geo smirked again. “Perhaps, why?” He was enjoying having this much of Galaxa’s attention.

“Master Kenobi sent me to see how they are handling Joss’ banishment. It would not do for them to act impulsively right now.”

Geo snorted. “I’m sure whatever they’re doing is quite pre-meditated.” He glanced at his watch; an hour had nearly passed. “Why don’t we get some tea while we wait for them to come down?” he suggested.

Galaxa got n hin his face. “Why don’t you take me to Acaciah now, for starters?” she shot back.

Geo shrugged. “Have it your way,” he said, and let her to the suite.

Anakin and Acaciah were still coiled together when Galaxa found them, wearing nothing under the thin sheet but satiated smiles. Galaxa gasped; Anakin’s head shot up. He smirked. “Force, Geo, can’t you even wait until we leave and they change the sheets?” Acaciah giggled beside him.

Galaxa shot both men dirty looks. “Anakin,” she began, “Master Kenobi sent me to check on Acaciah, and here I find you’re doing what Joss did to get banished!”

“And you care so much about us that you let us know; you are a thoughtful friend. Poor Master Kenobi doesn’t realize you’re a good confidant,” Anakin smoothed right over Galaxa’s lecture before she could even get it out. “I appreciate you covering for us, dear, without my even asking.” He winked at Galaxa.

She shook her head. “One of these days, Anakin, you’re going to get in over your head.”

Geo cleared his throat. *Anakin! * He telepathed, * Galaxa can read the amulet! *

Anakin raised an eyebrow. *Interesting, * he replied. * Now we are six. * Acaciah knew they were conversing, and she tweaked his nipple to get his attention.

“Behave,” Anakin said, and took her mouth in a deep kiss. Galaxa covered her face with her hands.

“What’s the matter, Galaxa? You want to be able to honestly tell Kenobi you didn’t see them doing anything?” Geo chuckled. “It’s been an hour, kids. Get dressed.” Anakin and Acaciah broke apart, and Anakin tossed Geo Acaciah’s gloves. “Have your people get those cleaned, will you? I don’t think the Temple laundries know what to do with velvet.” They laughed.

Galaxa rolled her eyes and stalked out of the room to find Liza, Geo trailing after her.

***

Acaciah knocked on the door of the room after dressing quickly and running after Galaxa. Groot opened it, stepping back to allow her entrance. Galaxa was standing on the balcony, looking out at the garden and Liza was collapsed on the settee, tears wracking her body. Acaciah hurried over to her, sitting next to her and stroking her back. “Are you okay? What happened?” She asked her.

Liza sat up, trying to talk through her tears. “We, he, I” came out in great heaving gasps as she tried to get her emotions under control.

“Yes?” Acaciah said softly, her green eyes filled with concern.

Liza took a deep breath, trying to get her control back. “We fought,” she said simply, dropping her head in Acaciah’s lap and dissolving into tears again.

“Oh, Liza, I’m so sorry. I had hoped that this would be a joyous visit for you both. Is there anything I can do?” Acaciah asked her, running her hands over her hair.

“I just want to go home.” Liza whispered through her tears. Galaxa came back into the room as they rose and Groot stepped out of the shadows. He moved towards the door, holding it open while the ladies exited.

~~

In another room in the teahouse, Anakin and Geo sat facing a holovid screen, their friend’s angry face filling the screen.

“Fuck!” Joss said, banging his hand into the desk in front of him.

“What happened?” Anakin asked him. Geo watched them impassively, waiting to see if he would be needed.

“She asked me about Gal and then it just went downhill from there.” Joss said softly, the anger dissolving into sadness. He hated that their first meeting had ended in such dismal failure. He cursed Yoda and the rest of the Col fol for their actions.

“She is still very upset Joss. You have to remember that she is still mostly a child in a woman’s body.”

“I know! And I know that I pushed too hard but Dammit Anakin, this isn’t easy on me either, you know.” Joss said angrily, staring at his friends.

“I know Joss. But you have read the prophecy; you know that things will work out in the end. You just have to give it time. I know that it’s easy for me to say that, sitting here in my position but I am telling you the truth.”

Joss sighed heavily, his friend’s words sinking in. He knew Anakin was right and that he needed to be patient but three years of this and he might well go insane. He raked his fingers through his hair and spoke again, giving quiet instructions to his friends.

***

The next day, two droids entered Liza’s quarters, a huge bouquet of rare white Celesian lilies in one of their arms, the other carrying several large boxes tied with gaily-colored ribbons. They set them on the desk and left the room.

Liza returned several hours later, walking in to see Master Nehiri looking through the boxes, clucking her teeth.

“You have received a gift, Padawan.” Master Nehiri said, a disapproving look on her face.

“A gift, Master, from whom? I know no one outside of the Temple.” Liza said, moving over to inspect the contents of the boxes.

“They come from Lady Miriam Sakarte’. Why would she be sending you a gift?” Master Nehiri asked her suspiciously.

“I did some research for her in the Temple Archives some weeks ago. was was looking for some old Fiona documents that we had copies of. I guess this is her way of thanking me.” Liza said, her eyes darting to the huge spray of flowers.

“Humph.” Master Nehiri said, leaving the room. As the door closed behind her, Liza donto nto the boxes, pulling out the beautiful dresses and spinning about the room in happiness. She knew Joss was somehow behind this, and she was determined that their next meeting go much better than the last.

***

Acaciah was working on an assignment from her Papa when a droid brought her a holocard from Lady Miriam. It read:

My Darling Daughter,

I am requesting your presence for a celebration on Alameen. I will send a speeder to pick you up shortly.
Love, Mama

Acaciah grinned. She was going to see her mother! She went up to her room and showed Papa the note. Obi-Wan frowned. “No,” he said. ”She has not cleared this with me.”

Acaciah stomped away and dispatched a quick note to her mother informing her of the refusal; a few moments later there was a loud banging on the door of their quarters.

Mace Windu stood with another holonote in his hand. “Master Kenobi,” he said. “Have you been in contact with Acaciah’s mother lately?”

“Not recently, why?” asked Obi-Wan.

“I have a statement of intent to sue the Temple if we do not release Acaciah for a weekly visit to her mother’s.” Windu replied.

Obi-Wan ran his hands over his face. “Holy Force,” he muttered, thinking that Miriam had become much pushier lately.

“If it is fought in court it will be costly,” Windu continued. “Is there any reason not to let her see Lady Miriam?”

“No,” Obi-Wan shook his head. “Acaciah!” he called her out of the bedroom.

She bowed to them both. “Yes, sir?”

“Pack your things, you are going to your mother’s for the weekend,” he said.

“Thank you, sir,” she replied.

***

Miriam retrieved her daughter happily; she was going to see more of now than she had Acaciah’s whole life. Miriam felt incredibly indebted to the young man who had made this possible, the young man who had asked her for her daughter’s hand in marriage. Acaciah had always been fond of Anakin, and Miriam felt her daughter’s ardor for him was part of her fate. She squeezed Acaciah’s ha

They came to the villa at last, and Acaciah followed her mother in. A familiar figure reclined at the desk in Miriam’s study. He rose gracefully and swept Acaciah into a deep kiss before she could say a word. She was amazed, but delighted. “Anakin!” she exclaimed.

“Hello Acaciah,” he beamed at her. “I have a surprise for you,” he said.

“Everything’s ready,” Miriam added, exchanging a knowing look with Anakin.

Acaciah looked from one to the other. They looked like mischievous schoolchildren, harboring their secret. “What is it?” she finally asked.

“Lady Miriam has given me permission to marry you, if you are willing,” he said.

Acaciah’s eyes went round with shock, then her lips curled upwards as she nodded her assent.

Miriam took Acaciah’s hand. “We’d better get you dressed, then, dear,” she said.

Acaciah’s wedding gown was a beautiful Fiona princess dress of white with red and gold embroidery. Lady Miriam piled Acaciah’s red ringlets atop her head in a pearl headdress.

Miriam’s villa had an exquisite garden full of delicately scented blooms. Anakin stood in it, his cerulean eyes flashing like lasers as he waited for his bride. Etos and Najara Savros, the High Priest and Priestess of Parthenia were performing the ceremony.

Acaciah and Miriam finally entered the garden, to Anakin’s relief, and the ceremony began.

“Lady Miriam,” Etos began. “This man, Anakin Skywalker, comes before us to bond with Acaciah in marriage. Do you accept his petition, and release your daughter to him?”

“I accept Anakin as my son; let him join with my daughter,” Miriam replied.

Anakin and Acaciah stood, faced each other ancitecited:

As the Force is eternal, so is our love;
As it is all-encompassing, so is our love;
As it binds the galaxy together, it binds us together,
so that we may become One in body and soul.

Etos turned to Anakin. “Do you vow to take Acaciah as your Mayana, your first priority to love and protect, in accordance with the will of the Force?”

“I do,” Anakin resolved, and placed his ring on Acaciah’s finger.

Najara turned to Acaciah. “Do you vow to take Anakin as your Mayani, your first priority to love and honor, in accordance with the will of the Force?”

“I do,” Acaciah declared, and placed her ring on Anakin’s finger.

Etos and Najara took a silken white cord and tied Anakin and Acaciah’s wrists together. When they were finished they linked hands around the couple.

“In accordance with the laws of Alameen, and the will of the Force, you are now husband and wife." They continued, " May the Living Force bless your union.”

They kissed and everyone applauded.

Acaciah Sakarte’ was now Acaciah Skywalker, and she had never been so happy. Anakin was her dashing knight, her hero, he was her beloved, and always had been, even when she was little. Now they were husband and wife; and Acaciah thought nothing more perfect than her groom. He was handsome, brave, loyal, brilliant, and he adored her. Anakin beamed at her; could he hear her thoughts? He gave her a wink. “Let’s go, mi priana,” he said.

He took her to a house, built of huge stones. The cornerstones had some of the strange writing he showed her the night after the scene at the club.

Anakin picked her up and carried her inside, straight into a room with a circle of white cord in its center and set her in the middle.

“What is this?” she asked immediately.

Anakin smiled at her as he lit the candles. “We are going to bond,” he replied. “Trust me.”

Acaciah nodded, her gaze flitting around the room as Anakin got out a chalice, athame, ink and more of the glyphs she’d seen earlier.

“My love is neither dark nor light,” Anakin said, unzipping her wedding gown. “It simply is.” His breath fell hot against her neck. Acaciah could find no words when she gazed into the cobalt fire of her husband’s eyes. A fevered chill of anticipation ran down her spine. “We are not like the rest of tedi,edi,” Anakin continued. “The Force has chosen us for better things.” He removed his tunics, baring the tattoo Acaciah had seen earlier, and he took Acaciah’s chin in his hand. “The Force has left its mark on me, and when we bond tonight, you will leave your mark on me, and I will place my mark on you.” He took her mouth with his own, their tongues tangling sweetly. The energy in the room swirled around Acaciah; she felt it urging her forward.

Acaciah put her hands on his hips, unzipping and freeing Anakin’s impressive member, which she squeezed gently, her thumb stroking its tip in tiny circles. He moaned softly, his kisses trailing down to the taut peaks of her breasts; he nipped at them eagerly.

He placed her gently on the floor, his kisses grazing down her body from the curves of her breasts to the scarlet delta of her mound. Anakin slipped his tongue into her delicate lips, finding her wet and ready for him. Acaciah gave a little moan, slipping her fingers into his hair. He continued to work her clit, and her hips rocked in tiny thrusts with each deft stroke of his tongue. “Please, Anakin,” she moaned.

He looked up at her, licked his lips and grinned. Anakin leaned over her and wrapped her legs around his hips, thrusting up into her quickly.

“Ow, ow, ow!” Acaciah cried.

Anakin was still, letting her adjust before resuming his thrusts. Acaciah’s eyes shimmered, and she nodded for him to continue. They began to rock together, Acaciah scratching at Anakin’s shoulders as her pleasure intensified. “I love you, Acaciah,” Anakin said, driving into her. She was tensing around him tighter and tighter, driving him wild.

“Yes, Anakin, oh goddess, yes!” she cried out. They shuddered together, spent for the moment.

Anakin lay beside her quietly a moment, before reaching for the chalice, athame and ink. He took the cup to her sex and collected their combined fluids into it. Next he made a cut on each of their thighs and put the blood in as well. “Now we will mark our bond,” he stated.

Acaciah looked at Anakin, wondering what symbol to place on him as her mark.

“I love you, mi priana,” he breathed, kissing her fingers.

Mi priana—she was his flower, she thought, and her eyes lit up. The lotus, it was perfect! She took the chalice, spread their fluids and began to chant:

Mi Mayani, my love
This lotus is yours
Ay priana Vatsama vena
Open only to you.

Anakin shuddered at its potency. The fluids burned into the flesh just below his navel, leaving a raised mark. He took the chalice from Acaciah, and recited:

Mi Mayana, my love
For you is infinite
As the stars and
Sky in our name,
So let the stars be
Your crown.

He spread the fluid on her now, and the lotus appeared over her womb; stars now graced the tips of its petals on his and hers.

They appraised each other, pleased, Acaciah licking her lips. Anakin mounted her again, their bodies grinding together, thrust for thrust, and moan for moan.

“`An Gebo, `an Wunjo, `an Sowelo, `an Teiwaz,” he uttered, the glyphs ringing around their lotuses as they pumped together.

“`An Gebo, `an Wunjo, `an Sowelo, `an Uruz,” Acaciah cried in agreement, adding to the ring of glyphs.

Anakin groaned, thrusting harder, his beloved thrashing beneath him in bliss as they peaked.

“Acaciah, my love, we are One,” Anakin declared.

“Yes, Anakin,” she breathed, “oh goddess, yes!”

They rested in each other’s arms a moment. Anakin looked contented; his fingers traced over the mark he’d just put over her womb.

“What does it mean?” Acaciah asked. He smiled. “You are my consort, Lady Skywalker.” Anakin continued to caress her, sending shivers of delight down Acaciah’s skin. “You’re very special, mi priana,” he said. “You’re like me, a child of prophecy.”

Acaciah shrugged. “Papa says I shouldn’t dwell on it. We are here to serve the Force, not for the Force to serve us.”

Anakin smirked. “Do you really believe that? The Jedi Council has its own agenda, and they protect their power and assets just like any money-grubbing politician.”

“Assets?” she asked. “What assets does the Jedi Council have?”

“Not what, but who,” Anakin replied. “We are their assets. The Knights, healers, Padawans, we are their property. They control what we do, and that has nothing to do with the will of the Force.”

“I don’t want to believe that,” Acaciah said.

“What about Liza and Joss? They followed the will of the Force, and they were punished for their love!”

“But they let us get married,” Acaciah said.

“No, they didn’t, I didn’t ask their permission,” Anakin replied. “Obi-Wan threatened to keep you from me, to turn me out like the Council did Joss. That is unacceptable, Acaciah. Nothing will keep us apart!”

“Then they will banish or expel us?” Acaciah asked, dismayed.

“For now we keep it a secret. We’ll inform the Council when we’re ready. They’ll forgive us.” Or suffer the consequences, Anakin thought to himself. “But only because I am their prize race horse,” he continued. “Any time they need good publicity, to justify the power they hold, they trot me out; the one who exposed the corruption of the Chancellor.” Anakin rolled his eyes. “Their games bore me, but I humor them. It suits my purpose for now.”

“What purpose is that?”

“I did it to protect our interests, present and future,” he said, patting Acaciah’s belly. “Our children deserve better than a life as the High Holy Ten’s pawns.”

Acaciah squirmed as she considered the implications of Anakin’s statements. “You think we should leave the Order?”

“Not at all,” Anakin smiled. “We are going to show them the error of their ways.”

“Papa wouldn’t like to hear you say that,” Acaciah said.

“Papa,” Anakin said, letting the last syllable linger. “Papa does whatever the Council says. Papa will say ...whatever the Council tells him to.” He gave her a long look. “Do you like your new name, Mrs. Skywalker?” She assented. “It’s the first time you’ve ever carried a man’s name.” He smiled. “Acaciah Skywalker…you belong to me now. You never belonged to Obi-Wan.”

“I am still my father’s daughter,” she replied. “I will always love Papa.”

“That is not what I said, darling. Master Kenobi is an honorable man. Have you never wondered why he didn’t give you his name?”

“Because I am a Fiona,” she said, her face flushing.

“I gave you my name because I love you,” Anakin said. “And because I am an honorable man.”

Acaciah scowled. “Papa is honorable!”

“He is,” Anakin agreed, disarming her with an innocent look. “He just didn’t name you as his child. You took your mother’s name, just like me.”

“You didn’t have a father!” Acaciah exclaimed. “That’s why you are the Chosen One!”

“Exactly!” Anakin grinned. “I am not the only one who was chosen by the Force, mi priana. You are too.”

“But Papa!”

“Is not your father, no more than I am,” Anakin interrupted.

Acaciah recoiled. “He should have told me!”

“The Council told him not to. They wanted you here; they have to keep an eye on the Chosen Ones. There are six of us. We are much too valuable assets to let go; that is why they take babies from their mothers. If your mother had raised you, you would not be at the Jedi Council’s disposal. Now you are.”

Tears rolled down Acaciah’s cheeks. “He should have told me,” she repeated.

“I’m sorry darling,” Anakin said, and traced the glyphs on her womb again. “I wanted you to know the truth. The Jedi have taken you under false pretenses.” Anakin drew her close and wiped her tears away. “I love you, Acaciah.”

She sobbed softly, burying her head in his neck; finally she raised her head and looked him in the eyes. “If Papa is not my father than who is?” she asked.

“You are a child of the Force, like me,” Anakin replied. “There are six. I want you to help me unite the rest, Acaciah. The Order doesn’t have to be this way. We can weed out the corruption, together.”

Acaciah gazed on him in wonder. “I don’t think the Order wants to be fixed.”

“There is much in the Jedi Order that needs to be corrected,” Anakin replied.

Acaciah wiped her eyes. “I know,” she said quietly. A look of grim determination spread across her face. “But how?”

Anakin rubbed her mark; the other hand curled around her breast. “It will take some time, love, but we will triumph, I know that,” he said quietly. “For now we keep our marriage secret from the Order. We will come together when you t yot your mother. Miriam has arranged for that already, once a week. I will not let them tear us apart like they did Joss and Liza. Fortunately that will not last forever.” He paused. “Joss and Liza are like us, Chosen Ones, but Liza doesn’t know that yet. You let Joss handle that.” His tone suggested no compromise on that point.