Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 02_ Omen - Christie Golden [95]
“And now to celebrate,” he said.
“This day?” Jaina wrinkled her nose. “I think it needs to be buried, not celebrated.”
“So far, I would agree with you. But I have something to suggest that will, I certainly hope, let this hitherto horrible day end on a very positive note.” He poured the wine into two fluted glasses. Jaina accepted, looking at the amber liquid with the small bubbles for a moment, then turning her attention to Jag.
“This better not be about the Moffs, the GA, or the Empire,” she said.
“Well, then I must disappoint. Because this is most assuredly about the Empire. Specifically about the head of said Empire and a joint venture he is suggesting. I think that a formal alliance between two key factions would be a wise idea at this juncture. Both parties would benefit.” He turned to her expectantly.
Jaina peered at him. She couldn’t fathom what in the galaxy he was talking about. He had a very odd look on his face, too, though he was trying hard to keep his expression composed.
“Have you been in negotiations with some world I’ve not heard about? Or are you trying to push that whole rival Jedi school thing on me again?”
He blinked. A smile curved his lips, then became a chuckle. “Jaina Solo,” he said, warmth lacing his voice, “I’m asking you to marry me.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I—what—you—how would this possibly work?”
It was not a romantic response, but it was from her heart, and Jag knew her well enough to know that.
Still holding the celebratory wine, of which neither had yet partaken, Jag replied, “You’ll continue exactly as you have, of course … and so will I. Eventually I am certain the Jedi will determine exactly what’s going on with Valin, Jysella, and the others. Once a treatment is found, Daala will be severely defanged. Luke will still be gone, but this whole rather grotesque sideshow will be over. I am also certain that Luke will return sooner rather than later with enough information on what happened with Jacen to get his sentence turned over. Once he accomplishes that, public sentiment will swing back toward the Jedi. As for the Moffs,” he said, frowning a little, “they may think I’m a fool for love, but I actually have some very solid leads on who the troublemakers behind the scenes are.”
He leaned forward, looking into her eyes. “Jaina, I love you for who you are. I have for a long time. I have absolutely no desire to curtail, impede, cripple, modify, or thwart you in any way. There is my detailed argument for this formal union. What do you think of the proposition?”
Jaina was still reeling. It was all so well thought out, so precise, so … Jag.
But beneath the military bearing and the clipped, logical, formal presentation of a proposal of marriage, she knew that Jagged Fel was deeply in love with her. He was even nervous, she knew, as he waited on her reply.
So she gave it to him.
She sprang into his arms with such vigor that the chair fell over, but neither of them particularly seemed to mind.
ABOARD THE JADE SHADOW
LUKE HAD BEEN ENCOURAGED BY HOW WELL HE AND BEN HAD BEEN getting along through most of this odyssey they had embarked upon. There had been some friction, and some arguing, but by and large they had been growing closer.
Now, as he had feared ever since Cilghal had suggested they travel to the Aing-Tii, the issue of flow-walking had divided them. Luke had to struggle against the desire to protest, to try to stop Ben, every time he went off with Tadar’Ro. He had hoped that by biting his tongue he would encourage Ben to volunteer information about how the training went, but Ben remained silent, almost angry.
So it was no surprise initially when Luke’s dreams were chaotic and oppressive—as if he were coming under physical attack.
And then a fraction of an instant later he realized it was no dream.
Luke sprang up, fully awake immediately, executing a somersault over the length of the bed as he summoned his lightsaber