The Arcadia Chronicles

Luke slowly awoke from a deep sleep, his mind groggily coming into focus. As the fog cleared, he began to feel the warmth of Arcadia’s body pressed up against his. Her soft breath was warming the hollow of his throat, her head leaning on his shoulder. Her right arm pressed against his left side, her hand on his shoulder inside his shirt, her torso across his chest. Her right thigh was draped across his hips, her foot against his calf.

Luke’s mind had cleared enough to realise that her top had ridden up while she slept and that his right hand was sitting on the bare flesh of her waist. His other hand was on her thigh. Luke froze for an instant, feeling her breasts crushed against his chest, the sensuous softness of her skin against his. He took a trembling breath and thought of how right this felt of how content and peaceful he was.

He slowly moved his fingers against her side, marvelling at how soft she was. When she failed to react, he slowly moved his other hand up her thigh, feeling the silky firmness of her body. Arcadia moaned softly in her sleep and whispered his name. A wave of heat rushed through his body, making his heart beat faster and his breathing shallow.

Arcadia snuggled deeper into him, moaning contentedly. The heat coursing through Luke’s body intensified making him close his eyes and gasp. His hand continued in its exploration of her thigh, his fingers tingling with the feel of her. Moaning again, Arcadia disentangled herself from Luke and rolled off him onto her back, still fast asleep. Luke lay still for a moment waiting for his heart to stop hammering and his breathing to return to normal. Once he had adequate control of his desires, he rolled to his side and propped his head up on his arm, looking down at the Princess. She was still fast asleep, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. Luke stared at her, in awe of her beauty.

She is so perfect.

She turned her head to the side and a loose strand of hair fell across her face. Without thinking, Luke reached over and gently brushed the hair from her face, then softly ran his fingers across her cheek. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on her forehead, then turned and rolled out of bed.

“I need another cold shower,” he mumbled to himself and silently made his way to the bathroom.

Arcadia awoke to the sound of running water. She inhaled deeply and stretched, her back arching. Rolling over to her side, she reached out her hand and gently touched the indentation on the pillow where Luke’s head had been. It was still warm. The only time that she felt safer, or more content was when she was with Zac.

“What is it about this guy?” she asked herself.

A soft beep interrupted her thoughts. She turned to her bedside table and pressed the answer button. Her droid’s face appeared on the monitor.

“Excuse me ma’am, breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes. Shall I serve when it is done?”

Arcadia rubbed her eyes and yawned, “Sure DeeTee. We’ll be down in twenty. Thanks.” Pressing the end key, she pulled the blankets back and climbed out of bed. Stretching, she padded over to the windows and looked out. It was another perfect day. The warmth of the sun streamed down onto her face from a cloudless sky.

“Good morning Princess.”

She turned to see Luke emerging from the bathroom, his damp hair tousled.

Smiling she replied, “Good morning Luke. How did you sleep?”

Luke’s eyes darkened as he remembered the feel of her body pressed up against him. “Better than I have in a long time,” he replied honestly.

Arcadia nodded, “I’m glad to hear that. DeeTee just called. Breakfast will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

She moved towards him, pulling the clip out of her hair and shaking her head to release the curls. She ran her fingers through her hair, brushing by Luke she said, “I’m going to have a shower.”

Luke watched her enter the bathroom, the door sliding shut behind her. He could still feel the warmth of her touch, his skin tingling. He inhaled deeply then walked to the windows and looked outside. The sun was shining in the bright blue sky. Luke listened to the sound of the waves lapping gently at the sand, his mind wandering. In the full light of day, the view from the window was breathtaking. The white sand stretched out for as far as the eye could see. The clear blue waters of the ocean glistened in the bright sun, distant waves capped with white foam. A school of dolphins danced in the distance, their playful cries mingling with the squawk of the birds diving for their breakfast. It was easy to lose yourself in the perfection of the island paradise that was Andromeda.

The bathroom door slid open and Arcadia strode out, her hair dripping, a towel wrapped around her body. Luke caught a glimpse of her reflected in the window and turned to stare.

“Sorry Luke, I forgot to get my clothes.”

She tucked a corner of the towel deeper between her breasts and continued on her trek to the dressing room. Once there she pressed the door release and entered the room, turning she smiled at Luke and closed the door. Luke realised that he had been holding his breath. He exhaled loudly and shook his head. It was all he could do to stop himself from following her into the dressing room. She was seemingly unaware of the effect that she had on him and it was driving him wild.

He forced himself to turn away from the dressing room and look out the window again. Closing his eyes, he tried to centre himself clearing his mind of all traces of her and breathing deeply. His Jedi exercises steadied him; he was one with the force, calm, at peace. An image started to form in his mind. Luke relaxed even further, letting the image take shape.

He saw himself standing in front of a large window in a grand ballroom, exquisitely attired. The room was fully decorated for a special occasion, staff running around making preparations. A door opened to one side of the room and a young girl came running in, calling out “Daddy.” He turned and the little girl ran straight into his arms. He saw himself lift her up and embrace her warmly. He then saw Arcadia walk into the room, gently nursing an infant. He saw himself walk over to her, lean down, and kiss her on the lips. He then looked down at the baby boy in her arms. A pair of small blue eyes stared back up at him. A feeling of profound joy swept through him as he pulled them all into his embrace.

Luke gasped as his vision vanished. He reached out and steadied himself against the window, his breathing shallow. “My family,” he whispered in amazement. Turning to look at the closed dressing room door, he smiled and thought of the wonderful life that lay before them.

Arcadia couldn’t believe that she had forgotten to take her clothes with her when she went for a shower. She couldn’t begin to imagine what Luke must think of her, parading around the room dressed only in a towel. She shook her head and dried herself, surveying her clothes for something appropriate to wear. “Although,” she said with a smile, considering the way that he had looked at her.

She pulled a pair of Zac’s old cargo pants that she had cut off just below the knee off the hanger and stepped into them, her small waist relegating them to her hips. She scanned the racks and decided on a white midriff top with a low cut neckline and capped sleeves. Finally, she slipped on a pair of comfortable shoes and surveyed herself in the mirror. “That’ll do,” she stated out loud and opened the door.

She walked out of her dressing room towelling her hair dry. Sitting down in front of her dressing table, she combed her long tresses then applied her makeup. Luke was sitting on the bed watching her. She caught his eye in the mirror and they exchanged a smile. Once her makeup was complete, Arcadia stood up and shook out her hair. The long straight strands forming into their familiar curls. She reached her hand out to Luke and asked, “Ready?”
Luke nodded and taking her hand in his, he stood up and escorted her from the room.

The others were already seated when Luke and Arcadia arrived. The large oval table was set for six as Arcadia had requested. Luke and Arcadia took their seats to the sounds of “good morning” and “how did you sleep?” The droid was busily arranging platters of food on the table, while smaller serving droids where bringing jugs of juice and pots of tea and coffee.

“Would that be all ma’am?” The droid leaned down to Arcadia and asked her in a melodious tone.

“Thank you DeeTee. This is perfect.”

DeeTee bowed low then left the terrace.

“This all looks wonderful Cadi.” Leia commented as she filled her cup with coffee.

“What’s this stuff?”

Han had skewered a round, flat, golden brown object with his fork and was holding it up for all to see.

Leia inhaled sharply, “Pancakes! I haven’t had pancakes since mother used to make them.” She reached over and stacked a pile on her plate.

“That’s not all Leia, look.” Arcadia held up a bowl with small red fruits in them.

Leia’s eyes widened. “Strawberries! They where native to Alderaan. Where did you get these from?”

Arcadia smiled at her sister. “I discovered a small primitive planet out in the far rim on the outskirts of the galaxy. For all their lack of standard technology, they had all sorts of amazing things there. Here, try some of this.”

Arcadia handed Leia a small jug containing a sticky substance. Leia eyed it warily.

“What’s this?”

“Maple syrup. Pour a little over the pancakes and strawberries and have a taste.”
Leia complied. Her eyes widened, as she tasted the sweet sensation.

“This is wonderful! Han, you’ve got to try this.”

Leia cut a piece of her pancake and fed it to Han. He chewed it warily then swallowed.

“Well?” Leia asked him.

“It’s okay.” He replied with a shrug.

“Okay? Just okay?”

“What?!” Han couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.

Zac leaned over to Luke.

“Thanks for watching Cadi for me last night Luke.”

Luke finished buttering a slice of toast, “It was my pleasure, Zac.”

He looked around the table trying to decide what to have with his toast avoiding Zac’s eyes. “Did you come up with any leads?”

Zac shook his head, “I thought I was on to something, but it didn’t pan out.”

Luke nodded, “What about the presence I felt out in the beach area?”

Zac looked unsure, “The secdroids failed to find anything. If someone was out there they left before the droids could detect them.”

Luke looked at Zac, “There was someone out there Zac. I’m sure of it.”

Zac shrugged, “We’d better stay close to Cadi until we figure out who it is that’s after her and why.”

Luke agreed, staying close to Arcadia was definitely what he planned on doing.

Arcadia leaned across the table reaching for the coffee as she sat down she brushed up against Luke. Luke pressed against her and she smiled at him, snuggling closer.

Turning to her, he whispered in her ear, “Did I tell you that you look gorgeous this morning?”

Arcadia’s cheeks coloured at the comment and she looked at him shyly from the corner of her eye.

“Actually no,” she whispered back.

Luke smiled at her appreciatively, “Well you do.”

Arcadia tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled at him, her eyes twinkling. Han didn’t miss the exchange. He leaned back in his chair considering. Chewbacca also noticed the chemistry between the Princess and the Jedi. He growled and grunted at Han between bites of his breakfast.

“Yeah Chewie, I think you’re right.”

“So what’s the agenda for the rest of the day?” Han looked around the table questioningly after everyone had had their fill.

Arcadia finished chewing, “I thought I’d show you around the complex, then maybe go for a swim after lunch.”

Leia and Han nodded their agreement. Luke downed the last bit of his coffee.

“Sounds like a plan,” he said standing up.

He offered his hand to Arcadia and helped her out of her seat. The others followed their lead. Arcadia ushered them into the main house and out the front door.

Once outside Arcadia excused herself from Luke and pulled Zac aside.

“Hey Zac.”

He put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.

“Hey Cadi. What’s going on?” He poked her in her side, “It looks like you and Jedi boy are hitting it off. I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time.”

Arcadia sneaked a look at Luke, “Yeah, there’s something about him Zac. I can’t explain it. Every time he looks at me I get butterflies and when he touches me…” Arcadia closed her eyes and sighed. “I feel like I’m sixteen again Zac.”

Zac smiled, “Come here.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “I’m really happy for you Cadi but promise me you’ll be careful.”

She returned his hug, “I will Zac.”

He held her face in his hands and looked deep into her eyes, “I love you Cadi.”

She smiled at him and leaned her forehead on his, “I love you too Zac.”

After a long moment Zac pulled away, “So who’s the better kisser, me or him?” he asked her teasingly.

“Actually I don’t know. He hasn’t kissed me yet.”

Zac’s eyes widened, “What? He spent the entire night with you and didn’t even try to kiss you? What a loser! What’s wrong with him? Is he blind? Or just stupid?”

Arcadia laughed at Zac’s outburst. Zac moved closer to the Princess and placed his arms around her waist, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“You know Babe, we are really hot together. How about you forget about Jedi boy here and come back to my room. I’ve picked up a few new moves that I’m dying to try with you.”

Arcadia’s eyes darkened as she remembered the feel of his body moving against hers, the salty taste of his skin, the musky smell of him, his lips roaming over her naked flesh. She moaned softly.

“Really hot? Don’t you mean sizzling? Just watch yourself baby, I may take you up on that offer.”

“I don’t know Han. I will never understand women. What is she doing?”

A pained expression adorned Luke’s face as he watched the exchange between Arcadia and her bodyguard. Han looked across the courtyard at them.

“Don’t ask me kid. Maybe she’s trying to make you jealous.”

Luke considered for a moment, “Well it’s working. I feel like going over there and beating him to a pulp.”

Han smirked, “Why don’t you?”

Luke shook his head at his friend, “you know I can’t do that. I’m a Jedi. What sort of example would I be setting? Besides, she really cares about him. She’d probably hate me if I tried something like that.”

Han considered, “Your probably right.”

Leia smiled at them. “Violence never solved anything. Why don’t you try romance instead?”

They looked at her in confusion.

She sighed. It’s like talking to a brick wall.

“If your first instinct was to hit Zac, then what was your second?”

Luke thought about Leia’s question for a moment.

“What I really want to do is take her in my arms and kiss her.”

Leia smiled and patted him on the shoulder, “There you go. Now that’s a plan.”

“What?”

Leia shook her head and sighed, “Go over there, take her in your arms and kiss her. Passionately.”

Luke looked at Arcadia, “I can’t do that Leia. What if she slaps me?”

Leia was exasperated, “You two are impossible. You think nothing of running headlong into danger, but ask you to do something romantic and your mortified. What is your problem? Look at her Luke. She is a beautiful, sexy woman. I know Cadi. There is no way that she will make the first move. If you really want her, then you’re going to have to go and get her. And believe me, if you don’t then somebody else will. She was never short of admirers and Zac was always her number one fan.”

Zac’s rich laughter filled the courtyard emphasizing Leia's words. The friends looked up to see Zac and Arcadia walking towards them, their eyes gleaming. Leia nudged Luke forcing him to take a step forward.

“You guy’s ready to go?” Arcadia scanned their faces and received nods of reply. “Great, let’s go.”

She reached over, took Leia’s arm, and led her out of the courtyard and into the main complex area. The others followed behind.

“This is the main complex. Over there is the nightclub, which you have already seen. The roof opens and closes so it can be used in all sorts of weather. That smaller building is the day club. You would be surprised at the number of kids who want to go dancing during the day.”

They strode along a wide footpath leading to some larger high-rise buildings.

“Over there is the main hotel. As you can see all the buildings are no more than five stories high. I didn’t want to spoil the aesthetics of the island. Everything we have here is environmentally friendly and harmonizes with the natural surroundings.”

They strolled past the hotel and the numerous swimming pools, some heated, some not. Everywhere people where milling around. Kids splashed in the water, families picnicked in the parks. The island was a hive of activity.

“That building there is the shopping complex. You name it we’ve got it and if we don’t you can order it. Behind the shopping complex are the landing bays. We have a sophisticated security system that ensures that we and all our guests are well protected.”

Arcadia led them past another security gate and into a quieter area.

“This is my favourite part of the island. Out here is the heart and soul of Andromeda. This is where the locals live. Those buildings in the distance are the schools and hospitals, over there is the government house and this building here is the orphanage.”

They all looked up surprised, “An orphanage?” Leia asked.

“Yes. You’d be surprised how many kids there are out there with nowhere to go. Some are orphans others are runaways. They all need a place to stay. I have provided them with a safe, nurturing environment to grow up in. They go to school; some of the older kids work at the complex. I have carers that provide everything for them, food, education, entertainment. They are well looked after. The best thing about it is that they are kept off the streets. They are taught independence. They learn the value of hard work and money. They have all turned out to be well adjusted happy members of the community.”

A group of kids were playing out in the courtyard when one of them spotted the Princess.

“Cadi!”

Arcadia looked up at them then smiled and waved. They all came running over.

“Hi. How are my favourite people today?”

They were all milling around Arcadia and Zac excitedly. An older girl cradling an infant in her arms walked over.

“Cadi, Zac how are you?”

Zac gave her a broad smile, “Just great Talya. How are you?”

She blushed slightly, “Fine thank you.”

Arcadia leaned over and tickled the baby under her chin. “How’s our precious little one doing today?”

Talya looked down at her baby, smiling sweetly at her. “Daphne is just fine now, thank you Cadi. Would you like to nurse her?”

Arcadia smiled at Talya, “I’d love to.”

The young mother handed her precious bundle to the Princess and smiled proudly as Arcadia rocked and talked to her daughter.

Luke watched Arcadia as she cradled the infant. He marvelled at the way she instinctively bonded with the child. “She’s going to make a wonderful mother,” he thought, images from his earlier vision racing through his mind. She looked up and caught his eye. He smiled at her, unable to hide his admiration. She returned his smile, a flirtatious glint in her eye. She handed the infant back to her mother and knelt down to talk with some of the younger kids.

Zac was a hit with the girls; they all flocked around him, one of the younger ones clinging around his neck. He tickled and joked with them then pulled out a bag of lollies from his pocket and handed them around.

Talya made her way over to where Luke was standing.

“Aren’t you Luke Skywalker?” she asked him.

Luke was surprised. “Yes I am,” he replied.

Talya smiled at him, “I thought so. We studied you in class earlier this year.”

Luke’s jaw nearly hit the floor, “You studied me?”

She laughed at his reaction, “Sure, you bought about the downfall of the Empire. You are required reading. A real live hero.”

Luke was dumbfounded. She smiled again then turned and left. She hugged Arcadia and smiled shyly at Zac then gathered up the other kids and returned to the main building.

“Well that’s pretty much the tour. Is there anything that anyone particularly wants to see or do?” Arcadia questioned her companions.

“I’d love to do some shopping.” Leia replied looking sweetly at Han.

“I guess shopping it is,” he said.

Zac placed his hand on Arcadia’s arm. “Cadi, I need to check in with security. Do you want to come with me?”

Luke interrupted before the Princess could reply. “I was hoping that you could show me your private beach before lunch.”

Zac eyed Luke suspiciously. “I just don’t want you wandering around by yourself sweetheart.”

Arcadia nodded acknowledging his concern. “I’ll be right Zac. I’m sure that Luke won’t let anything happen to me.”

Zac gave Luke a warning look. “He better not.”

Luke smiled reassuringly at Zac but inwardly he was thinking about decking him. It annoyed Luke that Zac and Arcadia were so close. He was uncomfortable with the feelings of jealousy that kept creeping up on him whenever he saw Zac eyeing the Princess appreciatively. It was almost impossible to keep the images of Zac and Arcadia writhing around in her bed out of his head. He knew in his heart that the two of them had been together. It was obvious that they shared a deep intimacy and that really irked him. He wanted her all to himself and although Zac was being nothing but charming towards him, he struggled to keep the hostile thoughts at bay.

Arcadia reached up and kissed Zac, placing her palm on his cheek she said, “I’ll see you at lunch.”

He closed his eyes as he felt the coolness of her hand on his face.

“Take care,” he said.

“I will,” she replied.

She turned to face Luke and offered him her hand. He took it willingly and they started back to the main house. The leisurely pace that they set seemed to harmonise perfectly with their surroundings. All around them people of all races were enjoying the same sun, soft warm breeze and perfect climate that Luke and Arcadia were. It took them some time to walk back to the house.

Finally arriving at the house, they made their way up to Arcadia’s room. Luke followed the Princess into her bedroom and sat down on her bed while she went to get changed.

“Cadi?”

“Hm?” came the muffled reply.

“Why is it that you have two adjoining rooms either side of your room?”

Arcadia finished pulling on her swimming costume and walked out of her dressing room.

“Zac wanted me to have multiple escape routes.”

Luke was impressed. Zac was obviously very intelligent and resourceful. He looked up as the Princess entered the room and couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was wearing a light blue two-piece cossie. The bottom was a boy-leg design that sat on her hip while the top was a low cut tube design with fine straps that started at the centre of the back and ended up over her shoulders. Arcadia sat down in front of her dressing table, seemingly oblivious to the effect that she had on Luke. She pulled out her comb and began to gather her hair into a ponytail.

The turbulent emotions roared through Luke as he sat watching her. Every move of her nubile body evoked feelings of desire within him. He fought the urge to throw her on the bed and ravish her. As she pulled her hair up, the back of her long neck was exposed. Luke thought about running his hand up the back of her neck then pulling her head back and kissing her luscious lips but before he could act there was a knock at the door.

“Excuse me ma’am?”

Arcadia barely looked up. “What’s up DeeTee?”

The droid entered the room and approached the Princess.

“Do you have any preferences for lunch today?”

Arcadia looked at Luke’s reflection questioningly. When he shook his head she replied, “No DeeTee. Just surprise us.”

The droid bowed her head. “Very well ma’am. Will your friends be joining you again?”

Arcadia nodded, “Yes DeeTee. I expect they will be staying with us for a while.”

The droid nodded then turned and left.

Arcadia stood up and disappeared into her bathroom. She reappeared shortly with two beach towels in her hand. Luke was standing at the foot of her bed. Stopping before him she tilted her head to the side and looked into his bright blue eyes.

“Aren’t you going to get changed?”

Luke considered for a second then pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it on the bed. Arcadia inhaled deeply as the adrenalin coursed through her veins. She took a step towards Luke and lightly ran her fingers over his bare muscular chest. He closed his eyes for a moment savouring the feeling. When she reached the top of his hips she stopped and looked up at him, her pupils dilating. Luke met her gaze. He brushed his fingers across her cheek then ran them up the back of her neck. His hand then cupped the back of her head and he slowly moved towards her.

“Excuse me ma’am?”

The melodious tones of the droid interrupted Luke’s train of thought. He looked deeply into Arcadia’s eyes then decided that this time he would not be denied. With a thought, the droid was pushed back from the doorway and the door slid shut.

“How rude!” DeeTee’s muffled remarks where distinctly heard as she picked herself up and scampered away.

The slight interruption failed to break the mood and Luke paused for only a second before continuing on his quest for the Princess’s lips. He leaned down into her and brushed his lips lightly across hers. Their hearts pounded in unison as their lips met. Luke pulled back slightly to look into Arcadia’s eyes and saw his desire mirrored in hers. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her into him, pressing his lips on hers in a long probing, passionate kiss.

The heat surged through their bodies as they discovered the sweet sensation of each other. Arcadia melted into him, pressing her body into his, savouring the feel of his warm skin against her semi-naked body. She ran her hands over his back, feeling the firm muscles contracting as his arms caressed her. Her hand roamed up the back of his neck, her fingers entangling themselves in his hair.

“Good news Cadi. I’ve managed to...”

Zac froze in his tracks as he caught sight of his Princess in the Jedi’s embrace. His mind refused to register what his eyes were witnessing. The pain threatened to engulf him, tearing at his soul, the blinding white anger choking him. Arcadia looked up and saw Zac standing in her room, the horror plain on his face, the pain flashing in his eyes.

“Zac,” she breathed in confusion.

She was completely unprepared for his reaction. They had a mutual understanding. They had decided a long time ago that they needed to broaden their horizons. They had practically grown up together and they had realised that it was healthier for them to spend time with other people, build other relationships. This wasn’t the first time that Zac had seen her with another man and his playboy image was the stuff of legends, yet here he was plainly deeply affected by what he saw.

His pained expression tore at her heart. He looked into her eyes then turned and strode out of the room.

“Zac!” she called out after him. She pulled away from Luke and moved to follow but he didn’t let go of her hand. She looked at him questioningly.

“Let him go. Stay with me, Cadi.”

The conflicting emotions bounced off each other as she saw the pleading in his eyes. She definitely had strong feelings for Luke, but Zac was her best friend, her first love. She couldn’t stand to see him in such pain. She shook her head.

“I can’t,” she said, her eyes pleading for understanding.

He nodded and let her hand go. She turned and ran out of the room. For the second time Luke was left with that same foreboding feeling as he watched her leave again.

She ran through the corridors looking for him but he was nowhere in sight.
“Oh Zac, where are you?” she asked the empty room. The soft thud, thud that wafted in on the breeze brought a smile to her face.

Of course, the gym.

She ran down the stairs and up the long corridor, finally arriving at the door of the gym. The thuds were distinctly louder now, as were Zac’s angry grunts as he took his frustration out on the punching bag. She stood in the doorway watching him pound his fists into the unfeeling apparatus, the sweat beginning to bead on his body. She took a deep breath and walked into the room. Zac looked up at her under his brows but didn’t stop his assault on the bag.

“Why are you here?” he growled.

She was taken aback by the menace in his voice, she had heard that tone often, but rarely directed at her. Sitting down on a bench near him she asked, “So are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

Stopping mid punch, he glared at her.

“Nothing, nothing is going on.”

Holding eye contact she said, “It doesn’t look like nothing Zac.”

He opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it, returning his attention to the punching bag. He was still very angry and needed to release the energy before he could continue this conversation with the Princess. He pounded at the bag, throwing as much anger and pain into each punch as his muscles could muster.

After a short while, Arcadia stood up and tried to stop the onslaught.

“Zac… Zac look at me. That’s enough.”

She took hold of his wrists and placed herself in between him and the bag. Slowly he began to come out of his pain and focus on her.

“No more Zac. Your knuckles are starting to bleed.”

He looked down at his hands and was surprised to see the blood oozing out of them. His mental anguish had been so intense that the physical pain that he was inflicting on himself had failed to register. Looking back up at her, he saw the concern in her face, the tinge of fear in her eyes. His laboured breathing slowly started to subside and the burning in his muscles eased. Little by little, he returned to her. As the adrenalin cleared from his veins, he became acutely aware of the throbbing pain in his knuckles.

“Come here.”

Holding him by the hands she led him to the bench and sat him down. He slumped over and held his head in his hands, droplets of blood dripping down his arms. She retrieved the first aid kit from an alcove in the wall and returned to him. Placing the kit on the bench she knelt down in front of him.

“Let me see,” she took his hands from his face and sat them on his lap, studying them for a moment. Shaking her head, she looked up at him meeting his gaze. The anger had subsided but the pain was still etched all over his features.

“Oh Baby,” she sighed and placed a hand on his cheek.

He pulled his head away from her and looked down at the floor. A stab of pain shot through Arcadia as he avoided her touch. Never in the time that she had known him had he ever withdrew from her like that. She felt like she was losing him and that thought scared her beyond belief.

Fighting the urge to take him in her arms, she opened the first aid kit and started attending to his wounds. She wiped the blood away and applied antiseptic before bandaging his knuckles with soft gauze. He silently watched her nursing him, trying to understand his feelings for her, trying to analyse his reaction to seeing her with Luke.

“There,” she said when she finished pressing the last piece of tape in place. She studied his hands for some time, the hesitation stemming from fear of possibly seeing the distance in his eyes. Finally, she summoned up the courage to look at him and raised her head, her eyes focusing on his. They looked at each other for an eternity, searching each other’s soul for clues. The pain in Zac’s eyes had softened but was still there. Arcadia was relieved to see that he hadn’t completely distanced himself from her, the fear of losing him slowly diminishing.

The Princess broke the silence. “What happened Zac?”

He looked at her for a long time trying to make some sense of his emotions. Even now, as she knelt before him, clad only in that blue bikini, the emerald he gave her blazing at the base of her throat, her big brown eyes pleading for answers, he could still picture her in Luke’s arms. He closed his eyes and tried to erase the image from his memory.

“Zac, talk to me,” placing her hands on his thighs, she manoeuvred herself closer so he could not avoid looking at her. “Please,” she whispered.

Opening his eyes he studied her for some time before replying, “I don’t know what to tell you.”

Encouraged by his reply she continued probing, “What happened? Why are you so angry? You’ve seen me with other men before but you’ve never reacted like this.”

He shook his head, “I don’t know.”

She considered for a moment, “Is it because of last night?”

He rubbed at his temples, “Maybe, I don’t know.”

They sat in silence as they gathered their thoughts.

“Actually I do know.”

Arcadia looked up at him.

“It’s him. That self-assured, bastard, Jedi. Ever since he walked into this place there’s been nothing but trouble.”

Arcadia gaped at him, “He saved my life.”

He grimaced at her, “Yeah. Funny that he just happened to be there when it happened.”

Arcadia was stunned, “Are you suggesting that he set it up?”

“Think about Cadi. He managed to keep me away from you all last night. Hell I even asked him to stay with you.”

She shook her head, “Zac you’re being irrational. He is Leia’s brother. He is not out to hurt me.”

Zac looked at her, “Hurt I can deal with. I have been protecting you from that for a long time. It’s the other I’m worried about.”

She stared at him, the meaning of his words sinking in. “This isn’t the first time that someone has shown an interest in me Zac. Why does it bother you so much?”

He looked down at the floor then back up at her, “Because this time its different. After all these years, for the first time I actually feel like I’m losing you.”

His words wrenched at her heart. She knew exactly how he felt. She felt the same way just moments ago when he pulled away from her. He had been so much a part of her life that if he were gone, she would be left with a dark gaping hole in her soul.

“All those other times, those other men you were with, they never really posed a threat. They would come into your life then disappear and each time you would return to me. Now I am not so sure.” He pulled his hair back from his face. “ I see you with him, I see how happy you are and part of me is really happy for you but another part.” He shook his head, “Another part of me, a stronger part, wants to beat the shit out of him. I mean really hurt him. I can’t stand to see him kissing you. It tears me apart.”

The tears started to roll down the Princess’s cheeks. “I never meant to hurt you Zac.”

He pulled her into his arms and held her tight. “I know baby. It’s not your fault. You can’t help the way you feel.”

She sobbed into his shoulder.

“Sh baby, don’t cry.” He stroked her back trying to soothe her, barely keeping his own emotions in check. “I love you Cadi. I always have. I always will.”

She kissed his neck. “I love you too Zac,” she whispered between sobs.

In that moment, Zac made a decision. He realised how important the Princess was to him and how devastated he would be if he lost her.

“Marry me.”

Arcadia froze; her entire world came to a standstill as his words hung in the air. She decided that she couldn’t have possibly heard him correctly. She pulled back from him and looked deeply into his eyes.

“What?” she breathed.

He smiled, “Princess Arcadia Organa, would you please do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

There was no mistaking his words this time. She stared at him in disbelief. This is what she always hoped for, but never dreamed would happen, something that she had imagined long ago when Zac had escorted her to her sixteenth birthday party. A desire buried so deep that she had forgotten it ever existed. She wanted to say yes, but found that she couldn’t. Images of Luke kept creeping into her mind.

Damn it! Why is this happening now?

She wanted to ignore her conflicting emotions and accept Zac’s proposal but knew that it would be unfair on him to do so. If and when she gave herself to Zac, she wanted to do so completely, with no doubts and at the moment she had doubts. Great big ones.

Zac was looking at her expectantly.

“Oh Zac, why couldn’t you have asked me this yesterday?”

He looked at her in astonishment, “You’re saying no?”

She shook her head quickly, “No, no baby, I’m not saying that at all. I just need time to think, to sort out what I’m feeling. I’m confused at the moment and I don’t think that it’s fair on anybody to give you an answer when I’m in this state.”

Zac was crushed. He had hoped that she would accept and they could get back to their lives as before, just him and her but it was obvious that he was right about her feelings for Luke. They must be very strong if she needed time to think about her answer. The anger started to well up inside him again.

Damn you Skywalker. Why did you ever have to come here?

She saw the anger returning to his eyes and mistook it as being directed at her.

“Please Zac, don’t be mad. I just need some time.”

He pulled her into his arms and spoke softly into her ear, “Take all the time you need Cadi. I love you, only you. I’ll wait for you until the end of time if I have to.”

She closed her eyes and buried her face into his shoulder, the tears starting to flow again. She felt so safe in his embrace, so complete but she struggled to decide if it was due to love or familiarity. What if Luke was her true love? Could she just dismiss these feelings she was having? Could she just walk away from him without giving him a chance? She knew that she couldn’t. If she did, she would spend the rest of her life wondering about what could have been. Zac deserved better than that. She owed it to him, to Luke and to herself. She needed to make sense of her emotions and she needed to do it now.

She pulled away from Zac and started to brush the tears from her face.

“Come here,” he whispered and took her face in his hands. With his thumb, he wiped the wet smudges from her cheeks and pulled her towards him, kissing her gently.

“I love you,” he said pressing his forehead on hers. “Always remember that.”

She looked deep into his eyes and nodded. Pulling away from him, she stood up and slowly backed towards the door. “I love you too,” she said before turning and leaving the room.

Zac watched her leave. Only now did he realise how much he really loved her. He thought about all that time that they could have been together, all the wasted opportunities and knew that he only had himself to blame. It was his idea to keep the relationship casual. Previously when things started to heat up between them it was he who would back away. He kept telling himself that he couldn’t protect her if he was that close. Now he realised that he was kidding himself. He had wanted to have her and his freedom too and obviously that wasn’t going to work. Deep in the back of his mind the thought that she may find someone to replace him had always haunted him and now it looked like that fear may come true. He shook his head.

“I’m not letting you go without a fight Princess,” he vowed. “You belong with me.”

Arcadia’s emotions were frazzled. She walked back to her room in a daze, reliving the conversation repeatedly in her mind. She knew that she loved him that was never in dispute. Spending the rest of her life with him wasn’t an issue either. In fact she didn’t know what she would do if he wasn’t in her life. The problem was Luke. He had mesmerized her with just one look. She felt a connection with him on a higher level but was she in love with him? That was the question that she needed to answer.

She entered her room in the same daze like state that had haunted her since leaving Zac.

“Is everything okay Cadi?”

She looked up startled by the voice and saw Luke get up off her bed where he had been sitting, waiting patiently for her return. She stared at him for a long moment studying the man that had bought such confusion into her life. Trying to determine if he was worth all the pain that he was causing her and her beloved Zac.

“You’ve been crying,” his face filled with concern. Approaching her, he took her in his arms and held her. “What happened Princess? Did he hurt you?”

She looked at him in confusion. “Who?” she asked.

“Zac. Did Zac hurt you?”

She couldn’t believe that he could suggest such a thing.

“No! How could you even think that? Zac is my angel, he could never hurt me.”

He showed her her hand. There was a smear of blood on it.

“That’s blood.”

She sighed, “It’s not mine, it’s Zac’s.”

He looked up at her, “Zac’s?”

She nodded.

“Is he okay?”

She looked at him and shook her head slowly, “No Luke, he is not okay.”

She pulled away from him and walked to her dressing room. Retrieving the clothes that she had been wearing earlier, she started pulling them on. Running her hands along Zac’s old pants, she thought about the way he looked at her just before she left. The tears barely stayed away.

I’ve got to get out of here.

She turned to leave when she spotted her weapon sitting on a top shelf. Without thinking, she pulled it down and started to feed the belt through the loops of her pants. She attached the holster and strapped it around her thigh. Checking that her blaster was fully charged she inserted it into the holster and snapped closed the safety strap.

Arcadia strode out of her dressing room and brushed past Luke as she headed for the door. He noticed that she was wearing her weapon and the concern started to grow within him.

“Where are you going Princess?”

Without changing her stride, she announced that she had to be alone, that she needed time to think. Luke noticed the determination in her voice, her face and in her stride and thought better of trying to stop her.

Marching out of her room, she was relieved to see that Luke didn’t try to stop her. She didn’t think that she could handle another intense emotional conversation. She walked through the maze of corridors in the house, choosing the one that led out to the beach. Once on the soft sand she removed her shoes and walked slowly along the water’s edge, feeling the cool waters caress her toes.

That part of the beach was deserted. It was protected from the public areas by a large rock formation. Arcadia walked towards those rocks, trying to keep the thoughts out of her mind, trying to give her self some space to relax. She started climbing up the small boulders, picking her way up the formation until she reached a large flat rock that jutted out over the water. She sat down, her arms wrapped around her knees looking out across the horizon and up at the clear blue sky. This was her favourite spot. She had spent many a long hour here contemplating her life. She felt safe here, at one with the universe. This insignificant rock cradled her and allowed her to clear her mind enough to sort through the emotional minefield that her life had become.

She looked out across the ocean and watched the dolphins playing in the distance, their muted cries music to her ears. The gentle breeze tugged at her hair and sprayed mists of salty water onto her face. She inhaled deeply, breathing in the essences of nature, her mind and body starting to relax as the rhythmic crashing of the water against the rocks worked its magic. Closing her eyes, she practiced her deep breathing exercises, clearing her soul of all the negative energy that had built up over the last few days. Normally she would do these exercises at dusk with Zac by her side, the two of them moving through the ancient rituals in perfect harmony, mirroring each other, their bodies completely in tune with one another.

Opening her eyes, she sighed. Even when she tried to clear him from her mind, he managed to sneak in. She shook her head and smiled, “maybe I should take that as an omen,” she thought, picturing Zac’s smiling face before her as her fingers stroked the gem on her neck. The sound of falling pebbles startled her out of her reverie. She spun around gun in hand and caught a glimpse of two men standing on the rocks behind her before a bright blue light touched her and she slipped into unconsciousness.