Ep V: Chapter 24

Tonight, Scora’s having dinner on a patio near the edge of the resort that’s bathed in the flickering light of especially violent storms. There’s a dance floor, and tipsy resort guests are partying in full swing as they sit down to eat.

Myra’s already at the table, looking casually glamorous in a filmy dress with a wide-brimmed hat and spectacular shoes that expose her pale, elegant toes.

She smiles mildly as Scora bends to kiss her before taking her seat.

That Mandalorian bodyguard is at the far end of the dance floor, just standing there with that big rifle. A resort guest drunkenly places a silly hat on the bodyguard’s dully gleaming Beskar helmet. The Mandalorian patiently removes it and tosses it aside.

“How’s your day been, Darling?” Scora asks brightly, considering the holographic menu.

“Productive. And yours?”

“Very satisfying,” Scora replies.

Myra looks up from her communicator, and then turns her eyes on Enthea, who sits quietly.

“And you, Master Jedi? How are you finding this task?”

“Pleasant enough so far,” Enthea tells her.

“That’s all?”

“The tea has been good.”

“And Chandar’s Folly?” Myra turns her gaze on the Stormlands. “What do you think of that?”

“I think it’s beautiful.”

“I find it hideous. Those lovely mountains are wasted on this place.”

“I can understand why you’d see it that way,” Enthea says readily. The storms are as frightening as they are pretty.

“I didn’t see you at the shareholder meeting,” Myra notes casually.

Scora frowns. “What were you doing at the shareholder meeting?”

“Looking for you.”

“Oh. I was showing Enthea around.”

“What did you see?” Myra asks, turning back to Enthea.

Scora opens her mouth and Enthea speaks first.

“The mountain,” she says.

“I see.” Myra expressionlessly turns toward Scora, who pretends to focus on the menu. “Did my beloved show you her special place for quiet contemplation?”

“Yes.” Jedi do not lie.

“And what did you think?”

“It was lovely. Maybe not the best contemplation I’ve done,” Enthea says, gazing across the table at Scora. “Or the quietest.”

“You must think that my betrothed is very rude,” Myra says, looking at Enthea directly.

“Jedi appreciate honesty.”

Myra takes that in, then turns her stare back to Scora.

“This Jedi is here to protect you. And this is how you behave.” Now Myra is icy. Scora shrinks away slightly, intent on the menu. She taps the air to order a very strong drink.

“Is there a problem?” Enthea asks.

“There certainly is.” Myra’s eyes are cold as she looks over her glass at her fiancé. “I’m a princess about to marry an animal.”

Scora sucks her breath in through her teeth.

“I’ll make it up to you,” she says hesitantly.

“You will,” Myra snaps. “By learning some manners.”

Scora perks up. “Sounds good. I was meaning to do that anyway. I’ll have to attend all these functions on Alderaan,” she adds, directing that at Enthea.

“You will apologize to the Jedi,” Myra says through gritted teeth.

“Oh. Right.” Scora makes a conciliatory gesture. “I’m sorry, Master Jedi. My actions were not appropriate. Sometimes I get carried away.”

“Not here!”

Scora and Enthea both flinch at Myra’s sharp tone. Myra stares at Scora, who cringes.

“You will apologize to her,” the princess says regally, “…upstairs.”