- He is a bloody idiot. All he cares about are whores and drinks and everyone knows that. Everyone expects him to be like that.

- And?

- Obi-Wan, listen to me. You can't play the duke of Iymrish.

- And why is that?

- You might be good at talking yourself out of things you don't wish to do, but this is different. Its politics and the dirty one at that. Trust me, I am living it.

- I know. I am prepared.

- You might have learned a few things about Drayib and the Iymrishi, but you don't know how politicians behave, how they think. You don't know what goes on behind the curtains.

- I trust the Force with the truth.

- No, I am telling the truth. Obi, don't be a mule about this, Not now.

- What do you suppose I should do? Decline the task?- he ran one hand through his hair, frustrated.

-Now, that would be smart. - she held both blue hands up to stop his angry interruption.-I know you wouldn't...But I think you should at least fill me in on the process. I want to hear everything they say, I want to know everything they do. What they eat, what they wear, whom they invite. Everything.

-Impossible.

-Why?

-You are countless parcels away. You think I can update you through holonet? Really? This is a secret mission for a reason.

-Actually, I'm not that far away.

-Where are you?- he asked, perplexed.

-Never mind. I'm on holiday.

-You are?- he raised one brow.

-Don't try to distract me! I'll figure something out. And I'll transfer my information to you.

-Thank you...- Obi-Wan tried to make a decent eye contact with her.-but keep out of this! It's complicated, we agree on that much. And that is why you're absolutely not going to get involved. Think of your position, think of who you are. It's too dangerous for you.

-And what about you?- she asked angrily- High and mighty friend of mine, do you really think you're that much better than I am?

-It's not that...- he looked somber as he paused for a minute..- I am just not quite that important, you know. I won't be missed.

And he broke the connection through the aid of the Force, a quick flick of his fingers channeling his will... He switched the commlink off to ensure, she would not be able to reach him again.

 

 

 

 

 

-Prepare a hot bath- he instructed the droid casually... -This dress is killing me!- he murmured quietly...

-Yes, duke, immediately. The Governor's gift had arrived for you. He said, he hopes you'll enjoy it.- The protocol droid's metallic voice was beginning to take his headache to the extreme.

-Yes, yes, whatever- he waved a dismissive hand. He poured a little from the exquisite corelian brandy that stood untouched on his desk.-I'm sure I will...- He drank it all at once, trying hard to minimize the painful grimace on his face, for the sake of the droid, who was just coming back from the luxurious bath cabin.

-Just keeping up the facade- he murmured again. Obi-Wan really started to hate being alone. Without his master he had no one to talk to, no one to be himself with and so Drayib's troublesome persona slowly begun to grow on him.

And he drank two more shots, just for “protecting his identity”. By the end of that third glass, the droid announced:

-Your bath is ready, sir. And the gift of the...

-Yes, I know, I know. I'll enjoy it, absolutely! Just leave already!

-Is there something else I could do for you?- the droid turned icy.

-No. Now leave.

 

He didn't even wait to hear the door close with throwing off his clothes. One disgusting shoe after and other, jackets, trousers, pants showed his slightly sinuous way towards the bathtub.

He stopped before the mirror, fidgeting with the buttons of the last one standing: knee length, half-opened black velvet shirt. His headache was getting unbearable, even with the soothing techniques it seemed impossible to stop. A soft moan escaped his lips; he couldn't wait to get into the hot, soapy, bubbly water.

-Don't let me stop you!- A sweet, musical voice called from behind his back...

He did spin around, terrified, but by the time he saw her, he already knew.

-Ardenis! What in the blazes... Turn away, kriff it, I'm almost naked.

-You are not saying- she said, running her gaze up and down his body...

-Ardenis!!!!

-Alright, alright. Do get in, I promise I won't look...- She turned away, her shoulders trembling with suppressed laughter. She waited till she heard the water splash, than carefully peeked above her shoulders, before turning back.

-I guess you like soap?- she gestured towards the thick, white, foamy surface of the water that almost completely covered Obi-Wan, leaving only his head- his very angry looking, tomato red head-out.

-Lucky for me- he grunted furiously, though the bath took away most of the edge from his voice.

-What are you even doing here?- he asked, frustrated.- And what the kriff are you wearing?-Only now did he have the chance to look at her properly; crimson red dress shaping her body, deep cleavage, bare shoulders...It did not leave much to his imagination either...

-I'm working.

-?

-I'm your... personal gift so to say. Entirely at your disposal...- She smiled at him as she sank down the floor, leaning her back to the tube.- You are just quite that important. Not many have a queen to entertain them you know.

-You are impossible!- he grumbled. Her remark to their last conversation moved him and so he left her witout retort... momentarily.

-I know, I know- she sighed.- But I wasn't going to let you do this alone. And besides... You were hilarious! I would have been sorry to miss that one...

With that she stood up, and gracefully danced out of the room.

 

 

She was staring out the window, when he walked up to her. The deep blue silky pj's were still no part of his normal wardrobe, but he did feel more confident, now that he had at least some clothes on, for star's sake... He was about to have just a bit of a revenge.

-You are quite brave you know... Submitting yourself entirely to my will... I can do whatever I want to do with you now.

-And whatever would that be?-She turned, her piercing eyes cutting through his core, forcing his mental shields to jump into place; an automatic, defensive reaction.

After a moment of useless battle, he decided it was time for his infamous evasive tactics.

-Are you even old enough to be in the business?- He walked towards the brandy again. The irritating headache and his utter defeat were uncomfortable companions he longed to soothe the pain.

-Probably not- she smiled, easing up- Oh, put that away- she took the bottle from him.-Go lie down, we'll discuss things tomorrow.

-But I can't sleep...

-Shut up. I'll help you, you gundark.

As he obediently lay down, she put her cool hands on his forehead and before he knew it, her powerful Force suggestion sent him to a deep and exhausted sleep.