• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

“True.” The anger was all but gone now, and Khai looked thoughtful. “You did not hesitate to offer your aid?”

Vestara shook her head. “Not for an instant. We worked together as a team. That is how he will continue to think of us. And Ben will desire his father to think of us that way as well.”

“You have bedded him?”

Another pang, quickly shuttered. Vestara was Sith. She had been trained to utilize every weapon in her arsenal, and was well familiar that being able to manipulate another’s physical desire was a powerful tool. Still, to have her own father speak so casually of it—

“No,” she said. “Not yet.”

“Keep him wanting you,” Khai said. “Do not let him have you unless you judge that it will get you something truly important. I expect you to have Ben Skywalker eating out of your hand like Tikk by the time you are done with him.”

Vestara smiled a little at the thought of her pet. She did not ask what had happened to Tikk. He had been left behind at the Sith Temple when she had departed Kesh to explore the galaxy. She had no idea if he was still there, or if he had been returned to her family. She did not want to risk her father’s irritation by inquiring.

“I will endeavor to do so. Master Skywalker is endeavoring to keep us apart. I think he senses what you and I intend.”

Another hit—reaffirming her bond with her father as a conspirator. All traces of anger were gone now.

“Of course he does. You are a lovely young human woman, my dear, and Ben is a healthy young male. Of course he is attracted to you. No doubt he aspires, for the moment, to ‘save’ you and bring you to the light side of the Force.”

Vestara nodded. She and her father had both read what information Ship had on the Skywalkers. Doubtless her father was right.

“I wonder then why Master Skywalker does not encourage him,” Vestara mused.

Her father slipped a forefinger under her chin and tilted it up. He smiled at her kindly now, the alien anger replaced by the more familiar pride and affection. “Because, Master Skywalker is not the besotted fool that Ben is. Ben is young and idealistic and full of hope. Luke Skywalker is much wiser. He sees how strong with the dark side you are, and knows, as I do, that you cannot be turned.”

“Yet his own wife was the Emperor’s Hand,” Vestara offered. “And he himself turned one of the most powerful Sith Lords in history. If there is anyone who has seen that people can be swayed from the dark side, it is Luke Skywalker.”

“I did not say Skywalker thought it impossible to sway someone. I said that he very wisely thinks it impossible to sway you.”

“That is unfortunate,” Vestara said. Things would be much easier if Luke thought, as Ben probably did, that she could be persuaded to leave the path of the dark side. “Should I attempt to behave as if I am considering betraying you?”

Khai considered for a moment. “No,” he said, finally. “I am sure you would be convincing, but Skywalker would be on to you immediately. Continue as you have.”

He glanced up and Vestara followed his gaze. Luke stepped out from the entrance to the dome, squinting against the sunlight, one hand raised. Behind him floated the limp shape of Dyon Stad, and Ben brought up the rear.

“So, Skywalker was able to negotiate for Stad’s release. Interesting. Dyon escapes his prison, but it is clearly time for you to return to yours,” said Khai, almost but not quite growling. He turned to her. “It is only because you are serving the Sith that I permit it.”

“I know, Father.”

He bent and kissed her forehead. “Make me proud, daughter,” he said. She bowed to him and went to rejoin the two Jedi. Ben saw her coming, a step or two behind his father, and gave her a quick smile, his attention still on levitating Dyon. She did not dare return the smile, as Luke was regarding her with that same intent gaze he always did.

“I am glad that the boy was released to your care, Master Skywalker,” Khai called. “I would hope that if it were one of our apprentices, you would be as pleased for us.”

“Honestly? Doubtful,” Luke said.

“Your honesty