#ethereal everstarry

[everstarry]

ethereal (5/?)

words: 4625

chapter five: mint leaves

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“You know, usually it’s the servants that tend to the garden,” Remi huffed. The young maid sat next to Althea, shielding her eyes from the low sun as she looked at her friend. The queen rolled her eyes as she reached under the plant to get to the weeds and the roots that threatened to invade the neighboring plant. The fresh scent of all the plants invaded her nose pleasantly. She could feel the soil under her nails and in all the crevices in her fingers. It was slightly damp and soft to the touch. She rubbed the soft dirt into the pads of her fingers, reveling in its comforting feel. If she closed her eyes she could almost imagine she was back home.  

“Kuiil said I could help,” Althea pointed out. “Besides, I don’t have anything to do.” Despite being the queen of a large kingdom, She had no real duties to perform yet. The new queen only listened to grievances with the Mandalorian every two days, but besides that, she had a free schedule. Her plans for the day included her meals and a bath. Being in the garden and helping out kept her mind busy. The younger woman didn’t really want to spend most of her days with the Queen Mother. 

Remi jokingly sighed at her before reaching in and picking the leaves that were wilting on the mint plant. “We should pick some and incorporate it into your bath tonight,” the maid said absentmindedly. Althea nodded with a small laugh as she had been thinking the same thing. 

“I think that would be lovely,” she smiled. It grew silent between the pair as they worked. Althea cleared her throat, “What happened with you and Cara at the wedding?” They both hadn’t spoken about that night. Althea thought back to where her husband and her danced in front of the bluebells and the skin of his hand. She wanted to mention it but didn’t know if she should.

Remi sent her a mischievous smile. “You mean after you and your husband disappeared?” Althea blushed and playfully swatted her friend’s arm. “So she moved over and let me sit next to her,” Remi picked up where Althea left to wander the gardens. “She introduced me to all her guard buddies.” Althea laughed a bit, leaning back to listen to her friend recount all the details.

“Were they nice?” The younger woman asked curiously. She began to brush the dirt from her hands. It proved to only smear the soil into her hands which meant that her fingers were probably stained from digging around. Althea didn’t mind it but was sure if someone came across the queen of Mandalore in such a disheveled state they would have a fit. 

“Very,” Remi nodded, making a small pile of the mint leaves to take back with them later. “Cara made sure to include me in the conversations so I didn’t feel left out,” the maid added shyly. 

“Did you dance?” Althea asked, taking her eyes from the mint plant and looking at her friend. Remi seemed to glow in the light as she nodded enthusiastically.

“You should have seen us. It was… I felt beautiful.” Remi smiled as she continued to pluck a few leaves.

“You are beautiful,” she playfully rolled her eyes. “Did you kiss?” Althea nudged Remi teasingly. When her friend didn’t respond Althea looked at her, Remi seemed to be avoiding her eyes. “You did, didn’t you?!” she exclaimed quietly as if the flowers had ears or opinions of their own. 

“Yes,” Remi’s cheeks were red as she covered them. Althea squealed happily as she tried to picture her friend kissing the Mandalorian’s guard. 

“I’m happy for you,” Althea smiled honestly as she looked back to the flowers. A sort of bittersweet feeling suddenly overcame her. She wouldn’t get to kiss her husband.

“I’m happy for you,” Remi repeated as she gathered the mint leaves. “Where did you go to during the ceremony? I saw you sneak away.”

Althea tried to clean the dirt from under her nails as she responded, “To the garden,” she shrugged nonchalantly. “The king was here and we danced.”

Remi laughed at that. “I can’t picture the Mandalorian dancing.”

“He did,” Althea smiled gently as the memories and his phantom touches seemed to drag her back to that moonlit dance. She missed her husband. The young queen cleared her throat so she wouldn’t dwell on the thoughts any longer. Althea hadn’t spent much time with her new husband beside a few quick moments when they passed by each other in the corridors. 

“I think your adopted son is coming,” Remi nodded somewhere beyond Althea’s shoulder. The young woman turned to find the Child running toward her and Peli not far behind him. She giggled at the sight and turned to hold her arms open to the small being to show that he was welcome.  

“Hello little one,” Althea grinned at the small child as he peered up at her. “What are you up to?”

“Good evening your majesty,” Peli bowed, slightly out of breath from trying to catch the Child. “I hope we’re not disturbing you,” she added quickly. 

“I assure you this is a pleasant surprise,” the queen tickled the Child’s sides making him giggle as she gazed up at the older woman. “Do you normally come to the garden later?” she asked his caretaker. 

“Yes,” Peli nodded slightly. “He likes to chase the frogs and look at the worms so I try to take him out before bed to hopefully wear him out.” She moved slightly to keep the infant in her line of sight as he moved around the two women, curious about what they were doing. 

“I haven’t seen any today,” she looked to the older woman, “I would love if we could maybe get together during the day. I want to spend some time with…” she froze unsure what to call him. 

“He doesn’t have a name,” Peli said softly. Althea felt her heart ache at the thought of a nameless existence. “It’s not like that,” Peli promised quickly. “Our king decided that he should be able to pick his own name once he’s older. So much has already been taken from him…” The younger woman could hear the sorrow sewn into the other woman’s voice as she uttered the few words. She hadn’t thought about it like that but supposed that was a beautiful thought.

Althea looked to where the Child was happily digging through the dirt and thought about Din finding the child among the ruins of battle. “I think he’ll really appreciate that,” she mused. “I can’t wait to see what name he picks,” the queen smiled as she thought about the future. 

“I eagerly wait as well,” Peli laughed and then gasped as she watched the Child shovel a handful of leaves in his mouth. “Spit that out!” she scolded, quickly bending down and motioning for him to spit out the wad of mint that he thoughtfully chewed. From the bright twinkle in his eyes, she assumed he liked the fresh taste. 

“It’s alright. It's safe,” Althea soothed Peli quickly, taking a few leaves and putting them in her own mouth. The older woman breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the queen eat the mint leaves. 

“He must be at the stage where he puts everything in his mouth,” Remi teased as she watched the Child waddle toward where Althea had previously been digging. 

“How did you know?” Peli joked as she sat down on the ground, taking in a big breath as she relaxed. She seemed worn out. The Child circled her and made his way back to the queen. Althea smiled widely as he waddled around her, babbling incoherently.

“I remember when my siblings were the same way,” Remi smiled gathering all the mint leaves in her hands and clearing her throat. “I’m going to go run you a bath and make sure your dinner is ready,” she said to Althea. The maid waved goodbye to the small group before setting off. Althea turned to the older woman and saw that she sat with her eyes closed.

“You seem more worn out then he does,” Althea pointed out. Peli let out a little hum as she seemed to agree with the statement. “I would love to help out, if not to just lessen your burden but to spend more time with him,” she smiled, playing with his hands as he gripped onto her fingers. 

“You’re very kind,” Peli said softly, eyes now open and watching them interact. “I can see why our king likes you so much.” The Child crawled into her lap, gripping onto the fabric of her dress.

Althea blushed at her words. “Thank you for saying that.” Her mind was flooded with thoughts of her husband. “I’m surprised you can tell. It’s nearly impossible to read him.” A small laugh escaped her as she looked at the Child as he got comfortable.

Peli hummed thoughtfully. “I think it’s most obvious when he touches you or how he always looks to you when you enter the room,” she shrugged. The young woman tried not to think too deeply about the words but it only made her want to go over every interaction that she had with her husband.

“I’ll take that into consideration,” Althea nodded gratefully at the older woman. She looked down at the infant and gently rubbed his ears. He was falling asleep. “I think the young prince might need to be put down for the night,” she whispered, soothingly brushing the tip of her finger along his ears. Peli smiled as she stood, arms open and waiting for her to take the Child to his room. Althea stood up after, gently kissing his forehead goodnight. 

“Would you like to meet in the garden tomorrow?” Peli asked hopefully and sighed in relief when the queen nodded enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to spend tomorrow with you.” 

“I find I’m eagerly awaiting our time together as well,” Althea admitted with a small wave as she began to head back to her suite. 

Remi had the bath ready and waiting for her when she returned. “Eat first,” her maid scolded playfully, ushering the queen away from the steaming water and toward the plate of food that was at the table. 

Althea sat down and took a sip from the chalice of water that was poured for her. She eyed the small feast in front of her. “Did you eat already?” she asked her friend. “I don’t want to eat alone.” She wasn’t upset that she couldn’t have dinner with her husband the way she envisioned when she was younger but the thought of eating alone made her ache. The Mandalorian couldn’t help it and she didn’t want to bother him every night.

Remi took a seat next to her and began fixing her own plate as she talked about the gossip she had overheard while she did her daily chores. “They were nice enough to bring your dinner so I didn’t have to get it today,” she explained. “That’s why the wine is here,” the maid motioned to the bottle of the dark liquid. “You don’t have to drink it,” Remi assured her.

She nodded gratefully. “You can have it if you want,” Althea continued to eat, wanting more than anything to be in the soothing mint-infused water before it went completely cold. 

“I’ll take it to my room and enjoy it later after I retire for the evening,” Remi grinned, nudging her gently. “Thank you,” her friend said sincerely but Althea only patted her friend’s hand. It was the least she could for Remi.

After she explained what the plans were for the next day and finished her plate, Remi finally let her strip to get into her bath. The water was just barely warm. Closer to cool than hot, and the queen found she missed the biting sting from the heat. “I should have taken it earlier,” the queen pouted.

“You’ve been in the sun all day,” Remi urged. “I thought that a cool bath would be better for you,” she cupped some water and brought it up to her hair. Althea relaxed into the gentleness of her friend and lost herself in the smell of mint. The soothing atmosphere was broken by a loud bang.

Her door swung open, harshly hitting the wall as the Mandalorian and Cara barged into her suite. 

Althea let out a little yelp as she covered herself, trying to sink lower in the water. Remi jumped up from her spot near the head of the tub and placed herself with her arms stretched out wide in front of her friend in efforts to hide Althea. “You can’t be in here,” Remi said sternly, voice unwavering as she addressed her king. “You need to leave until the Queen is more presentable or perhaps this can wait until the morning.” Althea watched as Cara inspected her table. She had no idea what was happening. 

“No time,” she heard the Mandalorian huff before he pushed Remi out of the way. Althea flushed when she saw him fully. He bent down so they were at eye level. She watched a shaking hand gently reach for her, gloves brushing her hair and cupping her face. Althea relaxed into his touch as much as she could.

“What’s going on?” Remi finally asked, voice filling the room as she tried to get the attention of both the king and head guard. Althea pressed herself into the tub’s wall, trying to preserve whatever dignity she had left.

“Mando,” Cara’s voice was tense as she held up the bottle of wine. He went rigid which only confused the queen even more.

“Din,” Althea whispered. “Please just tell me what’s wrong?” She wanted to ease his tension, to reassure him, to comfort him in any way that she could, but she needed to know what caused his distress.

The Mandalorian took a shaky breath, thumb gently tracing her cheek. “My love–” Althea shivered at the sudden term of endearment, and at the way he sounded. It was almost like he was pleading with her but she wasn’t sure what for. “Please,” he begged. “Please tell me you didn’t drink any of the wine.”

Althea shook her head as she stared into his visor, still trying to piece together what was happening. Din let out a breath of relief, his helmet gently knocking into her forehead as he tried to get closer to her. She let one of her hands that covered her chest fall, just to reach up from the cool water to cup the harsh angles of his helmet, what would be his face as she tried to calm his fears. His other free hand shot up to hold her hand against his Beskar, keeping her palm pressed to the helmet.

“What’s going on?” Remi repeated. She sounded further away but Althea couldn’t see her friend as the Mandalorian held her close. The young woman closed her eyes, savoring his touch despite the situation.

“Your wine was poisoned,” Cara finally spoke to break the tension in the air. “You didn’t drink any did you?” A slight edge of panic was found in the soldier’s voice as she directed the question to the maid.

“No,” Remi promised solemnly. The Mandalorian finally leaned away from her as he began to look her over as if her assurances weren’t enough for him like he needed to check for himself that she was really okay. She felt his eyes linger on her bare skin. She blushed under his gaze.

“How’d you know it was going to be poisoned?” she asked quietly, still embarrassed that she was in the bath.

The king’s guard cleared her throat. “A prisoner overheard a plan between two people and reported it to a guard. We just decided to believe him when he ended up dead.” Cara explained. “Who let you pick it up?” 

“No one.” Althea could hear the frown in her friend’s voice. “Someone dropped it off today,” she breathed out slowly as if realizing why someone had decided to help her. 

“Do you know them?” Remi shook her head. “Would you be able to pick them out from the staff?” When Remi nodded Cara grabbed her hand and together they went to find the person that tried to poison the Mandalorian Queen. 

Althea made a small sound of protest as her friend left the room. It left her alone with the Mandalorian with nothing to cover herself. She cleared her throat, cheeks coloring pink again as she realized that her husband was still looking at her nude form. “Would you mind helping me out of the bath?” Her voice came out meeker than what she wanted, so she cleared her throat and repeated the question a bit louder. Din seemed to freeze at her words like he was sure if he had heard her correctly.

He was silent for a long moment until she used her only free hand to point to the robe that laid on the back of a chair. The Mandalorian moved quickly as if he was suddenly hyper-aware of the situation. 

“I’m sorry,” he almost sounded as embarrassed as she felt. Althea giggled as he held open her robe, head turned away from her as she rose from the minty waters to give her a hint of privacy. Althea found that she missed his eyes on her. That she liked the way he looked at her as if she was something so exquisite, like he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her form. The young woman almost wanted him to look at her when she wasn’t covering herself, when she was completely exposed. She slipped her arms into the sleeves of the robe and quickly tied up the front. As soon as he was sure that she was covered he turned his head back so he was facing her, taking the sight of her in again. 

“You were worried,” she voiced her thoughts, stepping closer to him so she could wrap her arms around his middle, holding him tightly against her. Althea rested her cheek against the metal of his breastplate, pressing closer as if that would allow her to hear or even feel his heartbeat. It didn’t. 

His arms wound around her tightly, holding her to him as he lowered his head to just get that much closer. “I was… scared,” he admitted quietly. Althea closed her eyes at his words. The Mandalorian admitting he was scared felt like something monumental, something that was bigger than herself. “I was scared that I would come in here and you would already be dead…” he paused, “Or that I would have to tell you that you were going to be. That I would be powerless to help you, forced to watch you die in front of me.”

Althea kissed the metal beside her lips, squeezing him gently before looking up at him. “I’m sorry,” she whispered because she did feel sorry. The young woman couldn’t imagine what he was feeling.

“It’s not your fault,” he replied quickly, absolving her of any guilt she may have felt. “I would have been to blame if you had died.” Althea shook her head, something close to heartbreak welling in her chest. 

“It wouldn’t have been your fault,” she breathed, pressing onto her tiptoes to lean her forehead against his helmet as he had done earlier. A sort of kiss of their own.

“My love, I would have blamed myself with every breath I took without you by my side.” Althea felt herself melt at his words. She didn’t know what to say and the quiet seemed to stretch for miles.

“Help me brush my hair,” she smiled gently at him. “You don’t have to go do you? I’ve missed you. I wanted to see you all day,” Althea explained quietly, she moved to pull away but Din held her close. She reveled in the feeling of his fingertips pressing into her to keep her in place. Even through the leather of his gloves she could feel the strength of his hands. The nearly bruising force that wouldn’t let her go, that pushed her closer despite their already close proximity. 

“Just another minute,” came the quiet voice that she loved. “Forgive me,” he breathed. “I thought I was going to lose you, and somehow that thought alone was worse than any death I had ever faced.”

“You won’t ever lose me,” Althea swore to him. 

He let go of her quickly and outstretched his pinky to her. “Promise me,” his voice wavered. “You are the only thing good in this world and I can’t… Althea, please just promise me. ”

She entangled their pinkies. “It’s a promise then.” The queen leaned down to kiss her thumbnail as she had done with their first pinky promise.

He let out a breath as he watched her. “You have no idea just how much you mean to me.” Before she could respond he was guiding her to the vanity, sitting her down and grabbing her brush from its place. With a gentleness that she didn’t know he possessed, he began to untangle the knots in her hair as he passed the brush through it. She watched as the Mandalorian brushed her hair, the sight was something so domestic yet so endearing. 

“I…” he began, pausing suddenly like he lost his words along the way. Althea looked at him through the reflection of the mirror to encourage him to continue. “I missed you today too,” Din said softly, responding to her earlier comment. 

Althea wasn’t sure what to say but her cheeks flushed pink in response. “I wanted to come and see you but didn’t want to bother you,” the queen admitted somewhat shyly. “I thought it was better to keep out of your way.” 

“I imagined being in the garden with you all day,” he spoke quietly, placing her hairbrush back in its original place. “You could never bother me. I find that I miss your presence dearly, and long for even just a glimpse of you.”

“I feel the same way,” she promised. Althea noticed the somehow between everything that had happened the sun had slipped below the horizon, that the only light came from the many candles that decorated her room. She turned to look at him fully. “I’m not keeping you am I?” 

The Mandalorian shook his head. “Change into your sleepwear,” he urged, brushing a piece of her hair behind her ears. Althea hesitated. She didn’t want him to leave just yet. She wanted to talk more, to spend more time with him. As if sensing her inner thoughts, the Mandalorian traced his thumb across her cheek. “I’m not leaving.” Those three words seem to calm the storm brewing inside her.

“Okay,” she smiled. Behind the safety of her divider, she changed into the nightgown that Remi had left out for her. She stepped out once she had finished. “Lay down with me?” Althea asked hopefully, suddenly shy again. The concept was foreign to her. She had never shared a bed before with a man, even if it was just for sleeping. Althea moved to her bed and the Mandalorian followed closely behind her. He stopped to watch her as she crawled onto her bed.

“You’re so beautiful.” It was so sudden that the young queen hadn’t expected it. He was so still as he gazed down at her.

Althea flushed, pushing the strap of her nightgown back up her arm. “Thank you.” The rasp of his voice warmed her insides, she wanted nothing more than to hear more of it. She waited for him to move onto the bed with her but instead he began to unfasten bits of his armor. Althea averted her eyes quickly as her hands balled up the fabrics that decorated her bed. “Din?” Her voice broke as her nerves threatened to consume her whole. 

“It’s okay,” he mumbled, “It’ll be more comfortable.” Althea didn’t think she could open her eyes, the soft sounds of the armor being shed echoed in her ears, felt like waves crashing into the cliffs of her home. She couldn’t imagine him without the armor, it was an integral part of him, nearly a skin. “Althea,” he breathed her name like it was the only thing he needed. 

He was so close to her. She felt electric.

When she opened her eyes, she was met with his helmet. A part of her sighed in relief when she saw the familiar sight. Somewhere along the way the Beskar had become a comforting thought. The Mandalorian had shed most of the armor that protected his arms and chest. Instead, she was met with the dark cloth undershirt that he wore under it all, her eyes remaining glued to it. It was almost jarring seeing him without all the armor. “Is this okay?” she asked quietly before she could stop herself. 

“Yes,” Din breathed. “I want to hold you against me and actually feel you… I can’t do that with all the armor.” His hand was shaking as it reached for her. Althea allowed herself to be pulled into his arms, laid her cheek against his warm chest. She actually let out a gasp when she felt his warmth, felt his heartbeat.

“Din,” Althea mumbled, lips brushing against the dark fabric of his shirt. He seemed to shudder under her, arms pulling around her, leather-clad fingers dancing over her bare shoulder. “Can we do this more often?” she asked her husband. 

“I’d like that.” He traced patterns absentmindedly on her skin. He grew quiet as he lost himself in the gentle touches. Althea knew him to be quiet so she didn’t mind.

“Can I ask you something?” Din hummed in response. “Why did you move our wedding to the garden?” It was something that had been consuming her thoughts late at night when sleep eluded her. 

“I almost didn’t, but I knew you would be happier there.” The rasp in his voice nearly made her shiver but his answer only confused her more. He cleared his throat before elaborating, “If the wedding was a bad memory… I didn’t want to ruin that place for you…” the Mandalorian trailed off, sounding unsure of himself. 

“It’s not a bad memory for me,” she assured him. “Is it for you?” Her heart beat painfully against her ribcage as she waited for his answer. Althea worried that he would be able to feel the frantic pitter-patter against his chest.

“No,” he breathed. “There was more I wanted to do but the way you looked at me… That’s one of my best memories.” Althea felt herself smile as she relaxed more into him, gripping the fabric of his shirt tightly because she didn’t want to let go. 

“What more did you want to do?” she asked curiously. The young queen thought she felt his heart skip a beat so she moved to look at him, but Din’s arms tightened around her. Effectively trapping her to his chest. 

“To kiss you… At least just once.” Althea blushed at his words and the image they put into her head. “Now try to go to sleep,” he sounded breathless and embarrassed. 

“How can you expect me to sleep after a declaration like that,” Althea huffed.

“Just try.” There was a chuckle in his voice as he continued to gently trace her back. Althea closed her eyes and somehow managed to fall asleep, lulled by Din’s soft caresses and faint breathing.

When she woke the next morning he was gone and she was alone again.

taglist: @munted-llama @bittersweetamor @kateb013

notes: this took so long for me to write and I’m so sorry for the wait!

[absurdthirst]

Mando x Princess AUs

Since someone decided to be a jerk about the idea of me writing a Mando x Princess AU since their “friend” who isn’t on Tumblr is writing one - but hasn’t posted it....I decided that I was going to list as many of the Mando x Princess fics I can find. Enjoy the list. 

Security by @dindjarindiaries

Regalis by @dindjarindiaries

What Was Once Mine by @meshlasolus

The Wastelands by @moon-sang

More to Love by @syndxlla

Mando & the Princess by @ofstarsandvibranium

Burning Hour by @juletheghoul

Among the Stars by @jaceyneedsabetterusername

Ethereal by @everstarry

Turn, Turn, Turn by @rae-gar-targaryen

Of Crowns & Armor by @acourtofsnakes

So now that we’ve established that this is a common troupe, don’t be an asshole to people, even when you think you’re ‘standing up for them’. You aren’t. There is obviously enough room in this space for everyone’s story. 

[wandawxdow]

Star Wars fic recs

The Clone Wars

Padawan Lost by holocronfiles

Our Bravery Wasted by asparagus_writes

Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur by onepageatatime715

Jetii Vod’ika by onepageatatime715

Two For One Deal by Adrestia_of_the_long_night

Burc'ya vaal burk'yc, burc'ya veman by onepageatatime715

Battle Tested by NascentSunbeam

Fake News by for_darkness_shows_the_stars

Hurts will come undone by Webtrinsic

I thought that the sun would never rise again (but you proved me wrong) by Sacred__Oasis

The War She Didn’t Sign Up For by dieFabuliererin

Request by Unwhithered

the stars were made for falling by CeruleanTactician

What Was Left Unsaid (until now) by Kenobicontent

Dynamic by postapocalyptic_cryptic

Jungle by moonlightpadawan

The Wrong Target by Soulvaren5555

Vod’ika by Sees_writes

Icy Hands by dieFabuliererin

The Mandalorian

Din Djarin X Reader

Okay by Lady_Of_The_Spirit

Ethereal by everstarry

Din Djarin & Grogu

A Little Time To Breath by retrojupiter

The Incident by MxTicketyBoo

the boy that is your son by retrojupiter

Wherever I go, he goes by Grumperella

Kylo Ren X Reader

Between Floors by kalinko

Temptation* by simpremerat

Don’t Be So Shy* by kasanovella

Tell Them What You Want* by kasanovella

Look At This Beauty Which I Have Defiled* by Mottled_System

A Camping Trip* by here_for_the_fic

[mazzyleaves]

Incorrect Ethereal Quotes pt.1 :

1. Althea : ohhh this is niceeee

Celeste : oh I see they’re just letting anyone up in here huh

*start arguing*

Rémi : NOW YALL BETTER NOT ...YALL BETTER NOT

~ Din and Baby Yoda minding their business in the garden ~

——-

CHECK OUT MY BEST FRIENDS MANDO FIC

@everstarry

[everstarry]

ethereal masterlist

summary: a queen made of silk. a king made of armor. or two people who find love in an arranged marriage.

one: the first encounter

two: the bluebell

three: the stairwell

four: the wedding

five: mint leaves

six

seven

[everstarry]

ethereal (4/?)

words: 4769

chapter four: the wedding

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She watched the pastel pink petals swirl in the steaming water. The suite was cast in a golden glow from the low evening sun. Remi hummed softly from her spot near the head of the tub. The young maid busied herself with checking the water and readying the various oils that were going to be used. “Almost ready,” Remi smiled gently. Althea nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. It was a simple gesture meant to comfort herself. She was wearing a simple robe that could easily be slipped off before she entered the bath. “Are you nervous?” her friend asked.

The three words brought Althea from the spiral of her thoughts. “Very,” she smiled. The young princess had barely slept the night before, she kept looking at the moon. It was nearly full. She would be married in the coming hours. The butterflies that occupied her stomach seemed to consume her whole. “Is it that obvious?”

“Very,” Remi teased. “You should really eat something,” her friend hummed. “You might faint in the middle of the ceremony.” The mental image of her collapsing as they spoke the vows made her laugh. The anxiety she was feeling was like wildfire in her veins. It coursed through her quickly, burning her every capillary.

“Did you see the change of venue?” she squeezed her arms. Althea turned to look at Remi instead of the bathwater. Her maid was already looking at her with a curious look. “The garden.” The words hung in the air above them as if it was part of the fixtures. 

“The Mandalorian knows how much you love the garden,” Remi supplied, stirring in the lavender and lemon oils in the water. The scent filled the room and calmed the younger woman. “I think it just shows how much he is trying to please you.” Althea nodded, feeling the usual flush that accompanied thoughts of him in her cheeks. 

“Will you dance with me later?” she asked her friend, changing the subject. Althea tried not to think about how much she missed her siblings. No one she grew up with or knew was going to be attending her wedding. Her sisters and brothers were still in Saneca. Remi was all she had. 

“Of course,” her friend smiled. Remi stood and Althea stepped close. Her maid helped her out of the robe and into the warm water. It was more about cleansing than enjoyment. “You know who asked me to save a dance for them?” Remi asked, knowing that some conversation would make her mistress feel better. Althea hummed, dragging her fingers through the water and floating petals. “Cara.”

Althea grinned as she met the eyes of her friend. “Maybe there will be another wedding in the near future,” she teased. Remi playfully splashed her with aromatic water. “I didn’t know that you and Cara were an item,” she smiled. 

“We’re not,” Remi cupped some water in her hands and brought it to Althea’s shoulders. The water trickled down her back and chest slowly, Althea lost herself in the feeling and relaxed into the side of the tub. “Cara would sometimes find me when I was out and about to chat, but that was it,” her maid shrugged. 

“Do you like her?” Althea asked because she knew that her friend tended to overthink things. Remi froze for a moment but the princess grinned when she realized the answer. “You do,” she teased lightly. 

“Maybe,” Remi giggled and began running her fingers through Althea’s hair. She could feel the gentle scrape of her friend’s nails on her scalp. Althea closed her eyes. “I just don’t think she likes me like that, you know?”

Althea turned her head to look at her friend. “You are as beautiful as you are kind. She would be lucky to have someone like you. It’s her loss if she doesn’t feel the same way.”

Remi smiled at Althea before turning her back around so she could continue brushing through her long hair. “The Mandalorian is a lucky guy. You are as kind as you are beautiful.” 

“I hope he feels the same way,” she mumbled as she ran her hands over her arms and legs. Althea knew she couldn’t spend all night in the bath. Eventually, she would have to get ready for her wedding.

“I know he feels the same way,” she poured some water over Althea’s hair. “Every time I met with Cara, he wasn’t far behind, and he always asked about you without fail,” Remi explained. Althea felt herself smile at the newfound information about him. “He’s a little hard to get to know but I’m sure you’ll get through that armor eventually.”

Althea nodded in agreement. “I feel like I don’t know anything about him. We are binding our souls together and I can’t stop thinking about how little I know about him.”

“I know he cares for you,” Remi added without missing a beat, “And I know that he’s not going to be able to take his eyes off of you once he sees you in that dress,” she nodded to where the silver gray gown was hung. Althea’s eyes went to the train and skirt of the dress, to all the little bluebells that decorated the fabric. It was a message only to him. Everlasting love. 

The princess took a deep breath. Remi worked the oil through and out of her hair. “What if I forget the words?” she rushed out, finally giving voice to her insecurities.

“You’re not,” Remi assured her. “You’ve practiced so much that I think you can say them in your sleep.”

She stared into the water, brushing a petal that stuck to her fingers away. “What if he thinks the gown is too much?” Althea asked. 

“He’s not,” her friend smiled grabbing the robe to begin to dry her off. “If anything he’s going to be in awe at your beauty.” Althea stood from the tub. “Stop worrying so much and please eat something, Thea,” Remi nodded to where a plate of fruit was left. Althea stepped closer to the array of foods, not caring about the stray droplets that dripped from her skin to the floor. 

“Thank you,” Althea said gratefully. She was glad that Remi was there to help settle her mind. She wasn’t sure what she would do without her friend. She picked a few pieces of apple up and bit into the crisp fruit. The sweetness perked her up a bit. 

“Anytime,” Remi smiled and began to unfold the veil-like headpiece, a sort of armor of her own. She would wear it throughout the ceremony.

Althea completely dried herself off but cast another look at the prepared bath. Remi seemed to sense her longing and grasped her shoulders to guide her away from the tub. “There will be more baths,” she teased. “You have to be on time for your wedding.” Althea nodded and reached for the dress. 

Remi stepped back to give her privacy and Althea went behind the divider to change. “I was thinking of keeping my hair simple,” she slowly put on the dress, letting the fabric fall around her naturally. “I think anything elaborate would take away from the dress.”

Remi let out a small gasp when Althea stepped out. “You look…” Remi trailed off, utterly speechless as she looked at her friend.

“Yeah?” Althea replied hopefully, lightly brushing the fabric down. The young woman could feel the light breeze that accompanied sunset brush her bare arms. The dress just had thin straps, not the usual sleeve she was used to. 

“Yeah,” Remi grinned, holding her hands out so Althea would take them. Remi’s hands were warm. “You are beautiful, Thea,” she gushed. Althea laughed and nodded. She felt beautiful, she was just sad that she wouldn’t be able to see the Mandalorian’s reaction as she walked up to him.

“Thank you,” Althea finally said. “How much time do I have?”

“Well considering no one has knocked on the door and rushed you, plenty,” Remi guided her to the vanity. She sat Althea down before picking up the brush to comb through her hair. “It begins at sunset,” she reminded. 

Althea turned to look at the low hanging sun in the sky. “I think that’s sooner than we realize,” she mumbled absentmindedly.

“Maybe,” Remi replied. “But it’s not like they can start the ceremony without you.” Althea rolled her eyes but felt herself begin to smile. Remi set down the brush and picked up a few pins. She brushed a few pieces of Althea’s hair back before meeting her friend’s eyes in the mirror. “Like this?”

Althea nodded. Remi began to place the pins in her hair. “Do you think that we are going to consummate the marriage tonight?” Remi seemed to freeze in place as Althea merely stared at herself in the mirror. The other woman obviously hadn’t been expecting a question like that.

“Usually, yes.” Remi cleared her throat and continued to pin the front pieces back. “But, I have no idea,” she added honestly. “You were the only daughter from any nation that was offered to him. The Mandalorian would want the marriage to be binding. Your father needs his armies so he wouldn’t break off the marriage even if he wanted to.” Althea nodded at the words. “Are you scared?”

Althea hesitated before slowly shaking her head. “I trust him, as foolish as that may make me,” she handed her maid the veil when she sensed that her hair was done. The veil had a simple silver band that mimicked a crown. After the vows and before the first dance, the Mandalorian would push back the front of the veil.

“I don’t think it makes you foolish,” Remi said after a moment. She lowered the sheer fabric over Althea’s head, securing the headpiece and smoothing down her hair. It was still damp from her bath but she didn’t mind it. “You can still be scared and trust him,” she added softly.

“I know,” Althea let her eyes linger on herself for a moment before standing. She was ready. Remi stood straighter when she sensed her princess was getting ready to leave. “Thank you for being here.”

“I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” Remi smiled, offering her arm so that they could walk together. Her maid wore a dark gown that was much more elaborate than what she normally wore. A wedding was a cause for celebration, even if it was a small Mandalorian one.

Celeste was pacing near the stairwell when the pair approached her. Her dark hair was twisted into a complex hairstyle. Althea felt that her own maybe too simple but it was too late to second guess herself. The Queen Mother seemed to relax when she saw the young princess. “Good, I was worried that I had scared you into doing something… Drastic,” she laughed lightly. Remi’s arm tightened around her own. The thought of hurting herself hadn’t even crossed her mind. 

“I wouldn’t ever do that to the Mandalorian,” Althea replied tensely. His name almost seemed to slip from her lips but she caught herself. She had decided to only call his name when they were together, when it would mean more to them. Celeste stared at her for a minute before she cleared her throat. 

“Are you ready?” the former queen asked, she could sense the hidden question. Are you ready to be a queen? The ceremony would not only make her the wife to one of the most powerful men in the world but a queen that ruled beside him. Althea nodded because she was ready. Remi took her place behind her mistress and fixed the train on her veil, the sheer garment would trail on the floor behind her as she walked. Remi gave her one last encouraging glance before heading outside to where the wedding would take place. Celeste looked her over once more before nodding in approval. “You really do look like your mother.” There was a certain sadness found in the older woman’s voice and eyes. Althea smiled weakly as the former queen fixed with the top of the veil with careful movements. It was something so motherly and small, but made her feel a bit better.

“Thank you,” she whispered as they walked. The doors opened before her and a certain hush came over the crowd that gathered at the garden’s entrance. She could see some of the castle’s servants and some of the noble families found in the kingdom. Celeste stepped out from behind her to join the groups of people, allowing Althea to walk up to the archway by herself. The young princess ignored the faint whispers that accompanied her steps. She stared ahead to where the Mandalorian king stood by himself. The dark metal of his armor juxtaposed the green of the archway. Despite the helmet and low lighting from the setting sun, she felt his eyes on her—studying her, as if he were committing the sight of her to memory.

The Mandalorian offered his hand as she got closer which she gladly took. Althea felt a blush color her cheeks as she looked up at him. He looked the same as he always did but she could tell by the way that he stood that he was as nervous as she was. He let her hand fall back to her side gently as the crowd grew silent. She wanted more than anything to feel his touch on her skin again. 

The Mandalorian held out his arm in front of him, palm up, hand empty and waiting. There was no holy priest to guide them through the ceremony. It was just the two of them reciting a promise to one another. Althea carefully brought her arm down so that her forearm rested against his hand and that her own grasped his arm. She stared down at their arms and fought to keep the breath in her lungs. It felt entirely too fast. “Mhi solus tome,” Din began, his voice was quiet but seemed to echo throughout the stillness of the garden. She had never heard him speak Mando’a before and found the gentle rasp of his voice all that more endearing. “Mhi solus dar’tome.” Althea felt his pinky move to trace her skin. The younger woman savored the small touch, the gentle affection. It brought back memories of their pinky promise. “Mhi me’dinui an, mhi ba’juri verde,” he finished softly. 

Althea looked at where she imagined his eyes were, pouring sincerity into the words as she spoke them. “We are one whether we are together or apart,” she answered back, repeating what he said before. “We will share everything and we will raise our children as warriors.” As she finished, Din hesitantly cupped her cheek with his free hand. Althea held her breath but looked at him to show him she was okay with it. He leaned down and pressed his helmet against her forehead. For a moment she let herself imagine what it would have been like without the barrier of steel separating them. Where it was just a gentle forehead touch instead of just metal against lace. She knew it was more about what he wanted to convey to her than the action itself. She let out a shaky breath and gripped onto his arm tighter, trying to show him that she understood what he meant, that she would always understand him.

The sound of applause interrupted the moment. They broke from each other and looked out at the crowd. Twilight colored the sky as the sun slipped below the horizon. Althea found Remi in the crowd of people, wrapped in the embrace of Cara. It seemed as if this moment passed in the blink of an eye. She was almost sad it was over. The Mandalorian held out his arm for her and she interlocked hers within his grasp. Her bare skin brushed Beskar as she stepped closer to him. The metal was cold to the touch.

They made their way to the area that was set up for the celebration in silence. Althea tried to think of anything to say. “Are you a good dancer?” she asked for the sake of making small conversation.

There was a small tilt of his helmet before he replied to her. “No,” he almost seemed a bit embarrassed. “Cara made me practice so I wouldn’t step on your feet.” The image of him practicing made her laugh. He watched her shoulders shake slightly before a huff of air escaped him as well. It apparently amused him just as much it amused her.

“Sorry,” she smiled at him, “I’m sure you’re a wonderful dancer.” The conversations from the other attendees reached her in fragments and distracted her for a moment. They were following closely behind the bride and groom. “This is really beautiful,” she motioned to the garden and decorations. Althea wondered if he had Kuiil help. He nodded and guided her to the large table. They stood in front as the guests filled the many tables set out. Althea’s eyes traveled across the mass of people and cloth that made the large tent. She noticed the other generals and soldiers found within the tent and along the outside of the structure. When Celeste has said small she imagined a private affair but this was a lot bigger than what she envisioned. She was in awe of the whole thing. 

“Althea.” Din softly called her name to get her attention. She turned to her husband and saw his hands held out before her. Althea let him gently lift the veil back and let it fall behind the silver band in her hair. She noticed his fingers shake as if he was scared to touch it. She wondered if he feared tearing it, if he felt he couldn’t touch something so delicate. Whether it was her or the veil she didn’t know. 

“Please enjoy the feast,” the Mandalorian began. “There’s plenty of food and drink to go around.” There was a small cheer as the cups were filled with expensive wine. Celeste made her way to the front to congratulate them first. 

“I told you it was easy,” she teased Althea, patting her shoulder lightly. Din tensed up beside her as if the mere touch would harm her. “You were worried over nothing.”

“Thank you,” Althea stuttered out, she could feel the heat in her cheeks. She hadn’t wanted Din to know that she was worried about marrying him. “Do you want to sit?” She motioned to the large table where the royal family normally sat.

“Of course,” the Queen Mother led them to the three seats and poured herself some of the wine that awaited them. “I’m sorry you won’t be able to enjoy the food, Din,” she sipped her drink inconspicuously. Althea looked down to find a place hadn’t been set for him and then remembered that he ate privately. 

“It’s fine,” he assured Althea when he sensed her worrying gaze on him. “I’ll have some brought up to my quarters later.” Celeste hummed at that, looking at her reflection in the dark liquid. “But please enjoy for me,” he added quickly. 

“I’m sure we will,” Celeste stared ahead as a servant came by to pile food on their plates. Althea felt like she was caught between two storms sitting between them. She took a deep breath to calm herself. The difference in the way that Celeste treated the Mandalorian and her made her heart ache. 

A woman cleared her throat as she approached the royals. It tore her from her thoughts as she stared at the bundle in her arms. “Sorry your highness,” she bowed to the Mandalorian before stepping closer. “I think he’s a bit tired so I was going to put him to bed but I just know he wants to see you before.” Suddenly from the bundle came a pair of big green ears and large brown eyes. Althea felt herself smile at the little creature. 

“Althea meet the Child,” Celeste took a bite of her food. “And the help.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Althea bowed her head slightly. The servant flushed, a bit frazzled that the new queen was bowing to her. “What’s your name?” she asked the woman. 

“Peli, your majesty.” she bowed again.

“Thank you for caring for him, Peli,” Althea smiled at the older woman. 

“Let me see him,” the Mandalorian stood and met the older woman at the front of the table. The Child reached for the king who took him immediately into his arms. Althea smiled at the sight before her. 

Celeste sighed and refilled her cup with the pitcher that was placed near her. The younger woman wondered how much she had already drank. “If I were you, I would insist on the promise that only your children would inherit the throne.” Celeste offered the pitcher to her.

Althea shook her head. She kept her voice low as she responded, “Isn’t he just as much as my child as he is the Mandalorian’s?” Celeste pursed her lips and regarded her carefully. Althea refused to back down. The Mandalorian broke the silence between the two women when he sat down again. The former queen returned to staring ahead. “I was wondering if I could spend some time with him… If that’s alright with you,” Althea turned to ask her husband, relief flooded her chest when she saw the familiar gleam of his armor. Celeste huffed beside her.

The Mandalorian king seemed surprised by her request but nodded. Althea smiled and turned to face the crowd. Some were still eating and others had begun to dance. The song was something familiar and fast-paced. The young queen began to scan the people partnered up to see if she could find her friend. A gloved hand on her knee brought her from her search. Althea looked at the Mandalorian to find that he was already facing her. 

“Please eat,” he urged her quietly. Althea weakly smiled at him. She didn’t think he’d notice. The young queen laid her left hand on top of his to keep his grip on her. The Mandalorian watched her as she picked up her fork and began eating. It was nice but she wondered if that meant she would eat her dinner alone every night. 

When she couldn’t possibly take another bite she resumed her search for Remi. Din leaned close to her, trying to see what she was looking for. “Remi,” she answered before he even asked the question. “I can’t find her though.” In her defense, there was a lot going on and there seemed to be even more people now than when the feast first started. He pointed to her right and she followed his finger to find Remi off by herself. Althea laughed at how quickly he was to find her friend. “I’ll be right back,” she promised her husband before quickly standing, As she made her way over to her friend and few people cheered their congratulations to her. 

“You look like you’re having fun,” Althea teased when she approached Remi. Her maid smiled and surged forward to hug her. The queen squeezed her friend tight before letting her go. “Where’s Cara?”

Remi nodded to her left and Althea realized that the king’s guard was drinking with some of the soldiers. “I don’t want to interrupt… What if she was just being nice? What if she doesn’t want to actually dance with me?” Remi breathed out. “Also, congrats on being married,” she hurriedly added.

“Thanks,” Althea smiled. “Have you talked to her?” she asked. “Maybe she thinks you don’t want to dance with her.” Remi shot her friend a look. “I’m just trying to be helpful.” 

Remi let out a deep sigh before fixing a crease in the veil. “I know… I’ll go talk to her. Would you wait for me here in case…”

“Of course,” Althea smiled at her friend, nudging her a bit. “I’ll be here.” The queen looked toward the royal table again but didn’t see the Mandalorian. She turned to find Remi wringing her hands in front of her as she spoke with Cara. The king’s guard merely shifted to give Remi some room to sit on the bench. Althea smiled when her friend turned and gave her a thumbs-up before sitting next to Cara.

Althea decided that she needed a breath of fresh air before returning to Celeste. She made her way to the garden, determined to see if her marigolds had started to grow the way she wanted them. The full moon provided just enough light that she could see the blossoms of the flowers as she passed them. The noise from the celebration reached her but sounded muddled to her ears. She let her fingers brush against the leaves of the plants beside her as walked past them. She turned the corner and froze in place. 

The Mandalorian was standing before the bluebells. His hand was ungloved as he gently touched the flowers drooping petals. The light from the moon barely illuminated the skin of his hand. Instinctively, she squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head towards one of the plants beside her. She cleared her throat. “Is that you, Din?” she called. Her mind focused on the glimpse of his skin. The young woman heard a brief rushed shuffle as he shoved his hands back into their leather confines. She pretended to busy herself with plucking a few leaves on the plant next to her. 

“Althea,” he breathed. “What are you doing here?” the Mandalorian had a slight edge of panic in his voice. His body language screamed nervous.

“I was checking up on my flowers,” she stepped closer to where he was. “It’s too dark to really see anything. I almost didn’t recognize you,” she lied. “You’re the only person I know who’s wearing a helmet tonight,” she motioned to the piece of armor that was like a crown. Althea watched his shoulders slightly sag with relief. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Needed to get away…” he began. Althea wrapped her arms around herself as she looked up at him. “I’m not very good with people.”

“You’re fine with me,” she smiled up at him. The moonlight gleamed off his armor as he tilted his head. She loved the subtle movements he made, she wondered if he even knew he made them.

“You deserve someone better.” Althea’s breath hitched in her throat as she stared at her husband. He stayed perfectly still as her arms dropped around her. With his words came a sinking feeling in her chest.

She shook her head, felt the gentle lace brush against her skin. Althea stepped toward him and took his gloved hand in both of her own, the same one that had touched the bluebells. She squeezed it before bringing his gloved hand to her lips and kissing it gently. There was a stutter in his breathing as he watched her. “You are more than enough for me,” she said honestly. “Please know that.” Din nodded quickly as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. She smiled, kissing his hand again.

He raised his free hand to run the tip of his fingers down the bare skin over her arm. The leather against her skin made her shiver. “Tell me,” he mumbled. “Is your skin as soft as bluebell petals?” She seemed to melt at his words. Althea hummed when he cupped her cheeks gently in both hands. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you how beautiful you looked before.”

“How do I look?” she teased with a small smile. Althea wanted to hear him say it again, wanted his words to cover her skin. 

“Heavenly,” he breathed out softly, tracing her cheek with his thumb.

She leaned into his touch. “Will you dance with me?” she whispered, too scared her voice would fail her, too scared anything louder would ruin the moment. 

“Here?” he asked, his thumb brushed her bottom lip and she pressed a small kiss into the leather.

“Here,” she nodded. Althea placed one hand on his shoulder and the other grasped one of his own. Din followed by wrapping one of his arms around her waist and bringing her impossibly close. So close that the metal of his armor pressed into her dress and skin, but she found she didn’t mind it. They swayed slowly to the music that reached them in bits and pieces, under the light from the moon that they both had waited for.

taglist: @munted-llama @bittersweetamor

notes: I looked up some Mandalorian vows and that’s what I found if it’s wrong please don’t yell at me omg.

[everstarry]

ethereal (3/?)

words: 3737

chapter three: the stairwell

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The slight clink of the spoon hitting the side of the teacup was the only sound heard throughout the solar. Althea’s eyes bounced from one corner of the room to the next, admiring its beauty. The Queen Mother sat in front of her, stirring her tea as she studied the young princess. “You have a very lovely room,” she said quietly, picking up the teacup that sat on the small plate. Small red flowers decorated the rim and she tried to not look like she was fascinated with trying to figure out what type of flower curved around the edge.

“It’s much smaller than the queen’s,” the older woman smiled bittersweetly. Althea felt her heart stop. She was now in the queen’s suite. The Queen Mother just laughed. “I’m kidding.” Yet, she didn’t sound like she was kidding. Althea cleared her throat nervously. She hadn’t thought about where the former queen would stay when she moved into the suite.

“What kind of tea is this?” she tried to make conversation. The Queen Mother had invited her up for breakfast but was just watching Althea. She felt like her every nerve was strung together tightly. One wrong move and she would snap.

“Something imported,” the former queen waved her hand dismissively. “I liked it and thought I might turn you on to it,” she smiled. Althea took another sip of the tea before nodding. “You look like your mother,” she added out of the blue.

Althea froze at the other woman’s words and set the tea down. “Thank you my…” she wasn’t sure what to call the former queen. 

“Celeste is fine,” she added to help Althea. The younger woman nodded gratefully.

“Thank you, Celeste,” Althea smiled sadly. “I didn’t know you knew her.” The thought of her mother sent a new wave homesickness through her. It confused her because she wasn’t sure how she could miss someone she never even met. “Everyone always told me that Kalina looked exactly like her.”

Celeste shook her head. “Kalina is your eldest sister?” Althea nodded, expecting something about how she wasn’t her sister. The former queen didn’t say anything about it. Althea was grateful. “I’ve never met her but I’ve met you and you have your mother’s kind eyes.”

“Thank you,” Althea smiled. She reached for a small cake that sat on a platter. “My father doesn’t talk much about her much. I always thought it was because it was too painful to remember… Anyway,” Althea tried to laugh it off but the sound that escaped her was almost painful. She didn’t know anything about her mother.

The Queen Mother looked her over before beginning. “I knew her when we were much younger. Younger than you are now,” Celeste smiled sadly as if trapped in a memory. “Way before we were married off and had children of our own,” she explained, setting her cup down daintily. “Some other time I’ll tell you about some of the things I remember.” The Queen Mother paused, “How has everything been for you, my dear?” she asked, changing the subject.

Althea swallowed a bite of the sweet treat before responding. “Lovely. I wasn’t expecting Mandalore to feel like home,” she replied honestly. She wanted to hear about her mother right then but didn’t want to push Celeste. Althea could wait, she had been waiting long before this moment. 

“I was the same way,” Celeste replied. “Though, I didn’t marry the former king for money or armies.” Althea nearly winced. “My family wanted power, I wanted power, and Mandalore just so happened to be exactly what I was looking for,” she shrugged. Althea nodded, unsure what the Queen Mother wanted from her. “Are you happy?” she asked, leaning in close like she wanted the young princess to spill all her secrets. “I wasn’t and I would hate to think that all that awaits you is a lifetime of unhappiness.” The words dripped with faux concern.

“I think the Mandalorian wants to make me happy so…” Althea replied meekly. She thought of the bluebell she had pressed between the pages of her favorite book. When her mind couldn’t settle she found that she replayed the few words shared between them. Althea imagined being happy with him.

“That only last for so long,” she smiled sadly. “They don’t ever take off that armor. You will never feel the heat of his skin on yours. He will never kiss you or be able to comfort you. That armor will never come off,” Celeste explained. Each word felt like a slap. Althea didn’t want to believe it. She felt the grip of her king on her through the leather of his gloves like he craved their small touches just as much as she did. That he needed to feel her to make sure she was real. “I didn’t even see my husband’s face until right before his burial.” Althea watched as a small frown etched itself onto the former queen features. “It’s a sad life being a Mandalorian queen,” Celeste said after a moment. The younger woman recognized the pity in the other woman’s voice. 

Althea suddenly found she had no appetite. She set down her cake and wiped her hands on a cloth napkin. “How did you survive it?” Althea asked, trying to understand more of what her marriage was going to be like. Celeste offered a firsthand account of what her future was going to be. 

“You’ll find other ways to satisfy your needs.” The words made her nauseous. Althea wanted to leave, to find Remi, or to go to the garden. Celeste seemed to see that the young princess was uncomfortable. “Have you decided what you were going to wear to the wedding?” she asked, trying to ease the tension from the younger woman. 

Althea nodded. “I’m wearing a silver dress… I’m having some alterations done but it should be done in the next day or two,” she explained, gripping her hands in her lap. 

“What are you having done?” the former queen asked curiously. She grabbed the small teapot to pour more the brewed drink into her teacup.

“Some embroidery,” Althea squeezed her hands tight. “It was kind of last minute but I think the Mandalorian will appreciate it.” She wanted to be as beautiful as she could be just for him. So people wouldn’t look at him as lesser. They would see him as someone powerful, and she would be his golden queen at his side.

Celeste looked at her, green eyes the color of poison ivy studying her every breath. “Do you normally not wear a corset?” The question wasn’t meant to be harmful but Althea still glanced down at her chest. She hated corsets. It made it impossible for her to bend and work in her garden.

“No,” she said softly. “Do you think he would like it if I started wearing one?” Althea asked. She remembered the tight constricting feeling of the garment around her.

“One piece of advice from me to you would be that the king has power over his people,” Celeste dipped her spoon into the little bowl of honey and Althea watched as it dripped into the teacup. “But a queen has power over the king.” Celeste watched Althea’s reaction but didn’t seem to get what she wanted. “Anything you can do to have more power over him you should,” she explained tensely. It sounded close to manipulation. Althea shook her head but the former queen only nodded. 

“I couldn’t,” she said voice wavering. She thought of her promise to the Mandalorian and now knew why there was disdain in his voice. Celeste was a power hungry woman. Althea would be her newest conquest. 

Celeste regarded her before turning back to her drink. “I suppose he might like the weak and submissive act,” she set the spoon down. “He has a big heart,” the Queen Mother sighed. “Have you met the Child?” Althea immediately knew what she was talking about and shook her head. She hadn’t even seen the Mandalorian’s ward. “You’ll meet him at the wedding probably,” she shrugged. 

“When is the wedding?” she asked, picking back up her tea. 

“Next full moon,” Celeste replied. “Should be soon.” Althea nodded, trying to remember what the moon had looked like the previous night. It was more than half full. “Is there anything you want to know?” she asked, knowing that Althea did. She smiled when the younger woman nodded enthusiastically. “I’m an open book.”

Althea took a deep breath as the million questions she had raced through her head. “What actually happens during the ceremony?” She hoped she hadn’t sounded childish as she asked but she didn’t even know what to expect on her wedding night. Althea wanted to be prepared. Celeste didn’t seem like she minded the question. 

“You will lay your hand on his forearm and he grasp your own. Then, you will repeat the words that will bind you two together and he will do the same. You will enjoy a feast and dance and do all the normal things you would imagine happens during weddings,” she set her cup down and reached for some cut up fruit that was near her. “The words will be translated for you and you will have to memorize them.”

Althea nodded and went back to snacking on her cake. “What about after…” She could feel her cheeks burning as the questioned came out whispered. 

Celeste smiled at her, “The helmet doesn’t come off, if that’s what you’re asking.” The teasing tone in the former queen’s voice made Althea let out a small laugh. There was a small part of her that hoped that she would see her husband on their wedding night. “I hate to be the one to tell you this, but most of the armor doesn’t come off either… Things are just pulled down or to the side.” Althea tried to imagine what it would be like but the image was lost on her. She could only picture him looming over her as she begged him to be his wife or when they entangled their fingers in the garden. It became silent as Celeste waited for her to say something.

She cleared her throat. “I didn’t say so before but I’m sorry about the passing of your son,” Althea said quietly, eyes downcast. She could feel the queen’s eyes burning into her.

“Thank you,” she said airily but Althea could still sense the immense sadness that dragged the woman down. “I would have liked to think that my son would have been the one marrying you instead. You are absolutely lovely.” Althea felt herself stiffen at the words. The queen just took another sip of tea as if she hadn't said anything shocking. The younger woman was reeling at the revelation that the king wasn’t her son.

“Your son? I thought the Mando–”

“That king?” The Queen Mother laughed. “He is not my son.” The words were spit at bitterly. “My husband had an affair with his chambermaid. Din is barely even considered a royal. There just happens to be no one else.” Her skin felt like it was on fire. Her ears buzzed with the forbidden word. 

Din. His name was Din. 

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. Something close to shame was working its way through her veins. Althea wasn’t even sure if she was supposed to know his name, yet the excitement of finally knowing her husband’s name made her shake. She mouthed the word to herself just to feel his name in her mouth. 

“It’s not your fault,” the queen reassured her. “I just hope that you won’t have to deal with a bastard child as well. I mean I don’t think he ever would as much as look at another woman if we just.. fix you up some,” she said as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Althea looked down at herself. She didn’t think there was anything wrong with how she looked. The younger woman looked at the woman in front of her. Celeste had flawless skin, bright green eyes, and darker than midnight hair. Althea thought of her own face and the small freckles that dotted her skin from all the time spent in the sun. “What do you think I should do?” The words seem to come from another part of her.

Celeste smiled demurely. “I think we should get you a corset and some prettier dresses. All to add emphasis to your natural beauty of course,” the Queen Mother listed off as if she had already thought about what needed to be done to fix Althea. 

“I’m not sure,” Althea said, remembering her promise to the Mandalorian. She imagined his grip on her. “I like my dresses and I find corsets to be… stifling,” she supplied.

“It will just be more fitting. He won’t be able to keep his gloved hands off of you.” Celeste urged. Althea wanted to say that he already found any excuse to put his hands on her and that she felt like she only lived in those small moments, but bit the inside of her cheek instead.

“My wedding dress fits me,” she pressed. “I think when the Mandalorian sees the small details added he will appreciate them.” Althea wanted to believe that when he saw her that his heart would pound as hers did when he entered her thoughts.

Celeste pursed her lips sensing that Althea would not change her mind. “Just keep an eye on the maids that hang around him,” she offered, planting a small seed of doubt in Althea’s mind. The younger woman tried to ignore it, tried to get the image of him grabbing onto other women as he did her out of her head. Her chest hurt as the thought festered.

“What happened to his mother?” Althea asked before she could stop herself. She was trying to rid her mind of the jealousy she thought she didn’t have the right to. Althea imagined the Mandalorian as a small child with this woman as his adoptive mother and it made her sad. Celeste just seemed manipulative.

“She died in childbirth. You and him have that in common.” The younger woman stopped breathing as the former queen said it so blatantly. Althea felt her eyes burn with the sadness of losing a mother before ever really getting to know her. “I guess it’s fitting you know, a bastard king only deserves... so much.” The way Celeste said it made her feel worthless. Althea nodded like she agreed with her statement, fighting back tears. The comment dug into her chest, buried itself in the spaces between her ribs. Celeste had hoped for one of her sisters, one that had more power in Saneca but was gifted her instead. Althea stared at the teacup that rested in front of her until her eyes stung. 

Red dahlias. That was the flower that decorated the porcelain.

Althea waited a heartbeat. She tried to steady her breathing to show that Celeste hadn’t gotten under her skin the way she had hoped. She didn’t want to show weakness in front of someone she knew would use it against her. The sound of the door opening provided enough distraction for Althea to discreetly wipe her eyes. Since her back was to the door she had to turn to see who had entered. The young princess was surprised to find the Mandalorian walking into the room. Relief flooded her chest as he approached the pair. Althea saw him stiffen slightly as he came to a stop directly behind her chair. She had to tilt her head back to keep looking at him. His gloved hand came down lightly on her shoulder, almost as if he was afraid to touch her. She felt herself turn her head so that her cheek would graze the top of his knuckles. Althea wanted more than anything just to be closer to him, wished the leather of his gloves didn’t block the warmth of his hand. “Why does my bride look close to tears?” The voice that came from under the mask sounded sharp. The Mandalorian almost sounded angry. It made her shiver. 

“Simple case of nostalgia and homesickness,” the Queen Mother shrugged lightly. “Nothing a good cup of tea won’t fix.”

Althea bit her lip but refrained from saying the real reason she was upset. The Mandalorian was there and that was all that mattered. “I’m sorry,” she directed to her king before looking forward again. A sort of guilt began to work its way through her system, she hated to think she had worried him.

Such a soft sigh escaped her future husband she almost didn’t catch it. “No reason to apologize,” he reminded her, bring back memories of their short time in the garden. “Are you done?” the Mandalorian asked the Queen Mother. “I was hoping to steal her away.” Althea smiled at the thought.

“By all means, Din,” the Queen Mother said cooly. The room became quiet. Althea didn’t need to be looking at the king to know that he had flinched at the sound of his name. 

“Althea,” he held out his hand as a silent invitation for her to follow. She grasped it tightly and stood up from her chair. She bowed slightly to the former queen before following him out the door. The Mandalorian let go of her hand as they walked. Though she wanted to feel the leather on her skin again desperately, the princess refrained from reaching out to him again.

The Mandalorian was deathly silent as they walked. He stopped suddenly in the stairwell, forcing Althea to stop a few steps behind him. “Is everything alright?” she asked after a moment of stillness. He seemed tense and she wanted more than anything to be able to soothe him.

“What did she say to you that made you cry?” The Mandalorian turned to her so she was no longer looking at the back of his helmet. His hand almost seemed to reach out to her before he let it fall to his side. Althea wanted him to touch her, needed constant reassurance that she was enough. 

“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” she promised. He didn’t answer her but continued to study her. Althea wasn’t uncomfortable under his gaze as she often found herself when under the careful eyes of others. Instead, she seemed to bask in it. She thought back to his name and the silence that followed the syllable, wondered if he even wanted her to know his true name. “If you don’t want me to call you by your name I won’t,” she mumbled, feeling her cheeks heat up. His name seemed to burn on the tip of her tongue but she refrained from saying it.

The Mandalorian let out a shaky breath. “No,” he breathed. “If anything, I want only you to say it.” Althea felt her heart flutter in her chest at the sound of his voice. “Please, say it.” He sounded as if he was on the verge of begging. 

“Din,” she said softly. He seemed to shudder as the word left her lips. 

“Thank you,” Din said, his voice made her melt. She smiled at the words. The Mandalorian cleared his throat. “Did you get enough to eat?”

She nodded. The younger woman could still taste the sugar than lingered in her mouth. “Did you eat?” Althea asked.

“This morning,” came the reply as he started walking again. Althea followed close behind. 

“How do you eat?” she wondered aloud. Althea froze at her own question. The younger woman sheepishly looked to the Mandalorian king before adding a quick apology. 

“Like you do,” he deadpanned. Althea almost laughed at the absurdity of the conversation. “I take the helmet off to eat. I just take my meals privately,” the Mandalorian explained. Althea nodded, trying to picture what he looked like under his helmet. She almost couldn’t. A sort of rugged older man took shape in her mind and she felt herself begin to blush. 

“Do you like the cinnamon bread? I’ve noticed it’s something served at every breakfast.” Althea wondered. He offered his arm to her and she took it gently.

“Remi told Cara that you liked it so I thought that I might ask the chef to make you some…” he almost sounded bashful. Althea gripped his arm tighter as they walked. “I didn’t think about the fact that you might tire of it.”

The fact that he thought of her made her smile. “I see that Remi is just gossiping about me,” she quipped.

“I also heard that your wedding dress is being altered,” he seemed to be trying to make conversation which made her feel lightheaded. 

“I’m having some embroidery done,” she said shyly. “Bluebells,” Althea hummed. 

“What?” he asked.

“The seamstress is sewing them all over my wedding dress. I wanted to surprise you,” Althea explained. “I’m sorry about spoiling the surprise,” she said shyly. 

“I’m sure you’re going to look lovely,” Din cleared his throat.

“Do you know what bluebells mean?” she asked a bit breathlessly. Althea looked ahead trying to work up her courage to tell him the flower’s meaning. 

“No,” he said. She could feel his eyes on her.

Althea cleared her throat. “Everlasting love. Gratitude. Constancy.” She could hear the Mandalorian’s breath hitch in his throat. “I think it fits us well or it will fit us,” she whispered mostly to herself but knew he would hear her.

The Mandalorian king looked around before guiding her into a little nook in the hallway where wandering eyes wouldn’t see them. Althea found that her heart was trying to beat out of her chest as she pressed herself against the stone wall. She bit her lip as he stepped forward, nearly crowding her in the small space. His hand reached up to cup her face, to tug the delicate skin of her lips from her teeth. “Althea,” he began. She fought against the pull of his voice, it seemed to nearly drown her. “I’m counting the days until the full moon.” The younger woman closed her eyes as she savored the words. “Soon,” he promised. Althea wasn’t sure what he was referring to but she found she was eagerly awaiting whatever it was. 

“Soon,” she agreed. Althea felt the leather of his gloves as his thumb traced her cheek softly.

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ethereal (2/?)

words: 3764

chapter two: the bluebell

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Althea found waking up to be easier than she expected. She woke to the smell of cinnamon. The young woman stretched in her bed under the soft linen. She arched her back and curled her toes, flopping back down onto her bed with a small huff. It made her think of a little black cat that frequented the halls of her old home. Remi used to chase it out but it always somehow managed to find a way in. Althea wondered if it missed her as much as she missed him. All she could think about were the times where she used to sneak scraps of her breakfast to the kitten. Or how she sometimes found him playing in the flowerbeds of her garden. She smiled at the fond memories of the little creature. Althea knew she couldn’t think of the kitten all day. She would eventually have to get up. She yawned and sat up, eyes blinking blearily around her suite. 

“Good morning,” Remi called from the lounge area. She must’ve heard her begin to stir.

Althea looked toward her friend’s voice before getting up and walking to the table area. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the spread of fruits, honey, and bread that decorated the top of the wood. “Did I wake up late?” she asked, popping a grape into her mouth before facing Remi.

“Not any later than usual,” Remi stood to greet her even though Althea told her time and time again not to bother. She didn’t like that whenever she entered the room Remi felt the need to stop whatever she was doing just to let Althea know she was aware of her presence. Old habits die hard and Remi’s old master was strict. “I was told to let you sleep in case you were deprived of it during the journey.”

Althea turned to the spread again and picked up a piece of the cut up strawberries that laid in a pile. “Told by who?” she asked curiously, popping one in her mouth. The red fruit was sweet on her tongue. She motioned for Remi to sit back down, grabbing for a few more pieces of the fruit.

“Cara, who was most definitely told by King Mando.” She could hear the grin in her friend’s voice as she got comfortable again. “You woke up on time anyway,” Remi pointed out. Althea was used to waking up early to tend to her garden.

“You should try the bread,” Remi urged, “It’s pretty tasty.” 

Althea looked at the knife beside the loaf of uncut bread before looking at her friend. “You already had breakfast?” she asked. There was no other reason for her friend to know what the uncut food tasted like otherwise. She nearly sighed at herself for not picking up that fact earlier. “Earlier, I mean,” she corrected herself.

Remi nodded, “I went to the kitchen and it was prepared for me there.” Althea cut two slices and slathered them in honey. She walked over and handed her friend the other piece before settling down in the seat next to her. Remi took the bread with grateful eyes. 

Althea knew breakfasts fed to the servants were nothing more than essentials which meant that Remi was probably just given a piece. Althea jokingly nudged her piece of bread with Remi’s in a sort of toast. Her friend grinned at her and repeated her action. “To us,” she said excitedly.

“To us,” Althea exclaimed and bit into her piece of bread. Remi was right, it was a little slice of paradise. The cinnamon and honey created a lovely savory flavor. She wondered if it was served everyday or just on special occasions. It was odd to refer to her arrival as a special occasion, the young princess didn’t believe she was all that special.

“Even better the second time,” Remi joked before taking another bite. Althea laughed, covering her mouth with the back of her free hand. She wouldn’t mind if she could spend her every morning like this. She felt happy and at peace, it was such a beautiful feeling. She thought of her marriage again and wondered if this would be her permanent residence or if she would share a room with her husband. Just the thought of waking up with the Mandalorian sent a sort of shock through her body. 

She realized she hadn’t said anything for a few minutes and Remi had already finished her piece and was staring at her curiously. “Promise me,” Althea looked to Remi, “That if you are ever hungry or just want more of something you will take it from the plentiful spread they give me.”

“I couldn’t–” Remi started but Althea shushed her by feeding her a bite of her own bread. Remi began to chew which let Althea talk. 

“You always go above and beyond for me. It’s the least I could do. There is no way I can finish all this food by myself anyway,” she shrugged, finishing her bread as she said it. Althea would rather share anyway, knowing that if she didn’t finish sometimes the food was wasted.

“You’re too sweet,” Remi pinched her cheek playfully between her thumb and index finger. “Then you won’t mind me helping myself to another piece of bread then?”

Althea smiled, holding her cheek, “Not as long as you get me another piece with just as much honey as my last one.”

“Of course,” Remi got right to it. She relaxed into the cushioned chair as Remi hummed a soft tune. If she closed her eyes she could almost imagine being back home in Saneca. Her new room and her old room tended to blend when she thought of home now. She supposed it was constantly correcting herself, reminding herself that this was home now. That although she could go back she was nothing more than a visitor now.

“How do you feel about exploring the garden later?” she asked, looking down at her hands.

Remi continued to spread honey on a piece of bread for her, “Didn’t we already do that?” she teased. 

Althea turned to look at her with a slight pout, “It’s not the same in the dark,” she explained. “I need to see it in the day time to see where the sun is the best and–”

“I know,” Remi turned and held out the bread for her. Althea took it, swiping her thumb across the edge of bread to gather up some honey. She licked her finger and savored the sugary substance. “You want to go talk to Kuiil about planting your marigolds.”

“Guilty,” Althea said quietly but knew her friend would still hear her. “I can’t remember if I saw any last night. Plus, he was so frazzled about me knowing so much about all the flowers he wanted to show me.” 

Remi sat next to her and began to eat her own bread. Her friend had piled her piece with a bunch of fruits. Remi hummed when she took her first bite. “I wouldn’t mind going down to the garden,” she brushed a few crumbs off her dress. “It’s not like we have all that much to do.”

Althea agreed. Back home she would often spend the day with her sisters. She supposed the only thing she had to do was to write to them. “When do you think the wedding will be?” The thought of the ceremony seemed to set her nerves ablaze. The longer she thought about the more nervous she became. Althea barely knew the Mandalorian king and she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with him.

“Soon,” Remi shrugged. “From what I heard you’re the only one for him.” Althea blushed crimson as Remi laughed. “I meant that you’re the only woman who has entered or was interested in an engagement with him. He’s going to want to marry you as fast as he can. Gotta make sure you don’t run away,” she grinned. 

“I wouldn’t,” Althea made a face as she imagined the Mandalorian standing alone in the castle. For some reason it made her very sad. 

Remi made a humming sound as she looked at her friend. “Because you like him or because you don’t want to back out of the deal?” Her blue eyes gleamed mischievously.

“It’s not like I don’t like him but my father needs the extra armies,” Althea tasted the words as she uttered them. It didn’t feel right in her mouth. It felt like something she wouldn’t say. “I was promised to him so I’m not going to back out,” she said finally.

“Even if he offered to break off the engagement?” Remi asked. “I mean maybe you have a thing for armor and a nice voice…” she trailed off.

“He does have a nice voice though,” Althea conceded with a small laugh. There was a moment of silence where Remi just blinked at her but then she burst out laughing.

“I didn’t think you would agree,” she grinned. “I’m kind of glad that you did. Now I can tease you with it.”

Althea groaned playfully. “I’m going to get dressed,” she said, changing the subject. She stood up and made her way to her wardrobe.

“Do you need help?” Remi asked, looking at Althea’s back as she rocked back and forth on her feet.

“Yes,” she said picking a blue gown. Althea knew that she needed to pick a gown that was made of a lighter material and that wouldn’t show dirt or grass stains if she decided to help Kuiil. Remi took the dress from her hands and off the hanger as Althea stripped from her nightgown. The blue dress had shorter sleeves than her other dresses. Remi soothed out her sleeves before tying the dress in the back. “Thank you,” she said as Remi crouched down to help her with her shoes. 

“You’re welcome,” her friend stepped aside as Althea began brushing her hair. “To answer your other question, I wouldn’t.” She pulled a few pieces of her hair back so they wouldn’t get in the way later.

“Wouldn’t what?” Remi gave her another pin for her hair. 

“I wouldn’t break off the engagement even if he told me I could,” she said simply, looking herself over in the mirror. 

“Why?” Remi asked softly behind her. 

She turned slightly to look at her friend. “There could be worse people to be married to.”

“You don’t even know him,” her maid said solemnly. There was something in her voice that made Althea realize that Remi was concerned. That she was worried about her princess. It gave her a glimpse into her friend’s thoughts. Althea was glad, Remi was always reluctant to sharing her worries with anyone.

“Yet,” Althea paused to brush her hand against the back of her friend’s, “I feel like I do.” She was trying her best to comfort her. “I don’t know what it is but I saw him and I just… I felt like pieces of myself—some I didn’t even know existed—fell into place,” Althea smiled.

Remi still looked skeptical. “You didn’t want to be married to him the entire journey here and suddenly, he says five words to you and you’re swooning?”

“I couldn’t explain it even if I tried. Maybe we are made of the same cosmic dust,” she met her own eyes in the mirror and gave herself a small smile. “It’s going to be okay,” Althea promised. “I’m going to be okay,” she added, knowing that was what her friend wanted to hear the most. 

Remi let out a little sigh. Althea didn’t expect her to understand when she barely understood herself. “Okay,” she relented. “Are we going to go to the garden or what?”

They took their time on the walk over so they could explore a bit more of the castle. Althea wanted to look at the tapestries and carpets and all the things she missed out on when Cara took them up to their room for the first time. Kuiil met them at the entrance almost as if he expected her to return. “Good morning, princess,” he greeted with a slight bow.

Althea smiled at him, “Good morning,” she replied. “I’m sorry for dropping by so unexpectedly,” she apologized. 

“I’d figured you’d want to see the flowers and other plants during the day with how much you were enthralled with them last night,” Kuiil smiled bashfully, straightening his posture as if he was pleased she loved the garden. 

“I think she enjoyed being out here more than she enjoyed the actual feast,” Remi teased while Althea laughed.

“I was wondering if you could point me to your marigolds,” she inquired. “That is if you have any,” she added, not wanting to make the royal gardener upset if he didn’t.

“I’m not sure if we do,” he replied honestly, ushering them down the many rows and flowerbeds. She admired all of the plants as she passed. “I think we have some violets and pansies,” he mentioned offhandedly.

“If it’s not too much to ask,” Althea began shyly, “I was wondering if you had any empty spaces or if you could tell me where in the castle I would be able to garden?” she asked. 

“I think we can arrange for your flowers to be added to the garden. I think the gesture of your flowers joining our garden is symbolic,” the gardener nodded to himself. 

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” Althea shook her head. “Besides, I don’t even have the seeds with me.”

“Nonsense,” Kuiil began. “I have spoken.” He nodded to himself again. “I’ll even let you pick the spot.”

Remi smiled, “I’ll go grab the seeds.”

“Perfect,” Kuiil began walking. “There’s a few spots that I think would be perfect,” he turned to look at her, “Come along,” he motioned for her to follow him.

“I’ll be back soon,” Remi promised before leaving the garden to get the flower seeds. 

“If you tell me how often they need to be watered or taken care of I can gladly help,” Kuiil began, ushering her to one sparse spot in the garden.

“I couldn’t ask that of you. I’ll take care of them,” she smiled. Having a small garden to take care of would allow her a taste of her home. She needed to be back in a garden to feel like herself again. “Besides, I love taking care of flowers,” she explained.

“If those are not enough to satisfy your need of gardening, maybe you can help with the other plants found in the garden,” Kuiil softly touched the leaves of the flowering plants next to them.

“I would be honored.” Althea felt her heart swell at the thought of helping the older man in the garden. She looked over the spot where Kuiil had taken care of her but felt like she needed a bit more sun. “Is there any spot that has full sun?” she asked.

“I have some by the bluebells,” he motioned for her to walk with him. “If you want to find it, I’ll grab some supplies for you.”

“Thank you,” she said gratefully. “I’ll meet you there.” When Kuiil had left, Althea made her way to where the vibrant blue flowers were planted. She crouched down to look at the soil and the spot where she thought the gardener meant. It was a perfect spot and she knew that the gold would compliment the blue of the flower planted next to it. 

Althea looked at the small weeds sprouting from the rich soil and began to pluck them. As the first smear of dirt appeared on her hand she felt herself smile. She held onto the small weeds as she continued to get the spot ready for her first addition to the royal garden. The young princess set down her small pile of weeds and kneeled down to get more comfortable while she worked. She leaned over to start working on the bluebells, picking the flowers that looked like they were beginning to droop and the weeds that tried to overtake the soil.

“Do you not like them?” She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the Mandalorian’s voice. Althea nearly fell back in shock when she turned and saw him standing behind her. She wiped her hands free of the dirt that clung to them and hurried to stand. 

“Oh no, these are beautiful!” she exclaimed. “I was just helping, cleaning it up so it could bloom fuller as the season continues,” Althea blushed, embarrassed that he caught while she was so disheveled. He didn’t seem to mind her state as he bent down to pick up one of the delicate flowers she had plucked from the plant.

“Cara told me that I would probably find you here and that you liked flowers.” His voice was honey smooth and she wanted more than anything to hear more of it, more of him. 

“Yes,” she replied breathlessly. “Kuiil is letting me plant some of the seeds I brought with me… I hope that’s okay with you,” she added timidly. Althea looked him over and wondered if he was hot in the dark clothing and armor. The sun was shining bright, she could feel the heat as it settled over her. Though, there was a slight breeze that gently swayed his cape.

“If I would have known you were coming I would have prepared the garden for you,” the Mandalorian admitted. Althea found she nearly closed her eyes to savor his words. They seemed to cover her exposed skin in a way that made her yearn for more. 

“Thank you, my king,” she breathed, bowing her head slightly. “But your garden is already beautiful.” She meant it. The garden at Saneca wasn’t as big as the one before her and she found that she was in awe at the number of flowers that covered the land.

The Mandalorian seemed to want to say something but refrained from doing so. “Has everything been to your liking?” he asked finally, something close to concern dripping from his voice. 

“Perfect,” she smiled, clasping her hand behind her back as she swayed slightly. “Is there anything you need me to do?” Althea asked, wanting more than anything to be helpful.

“No,” he started and then sighed, “Yes.” Althea gave him a confused look. “The Queen Mother wants to speak with you,” he explained. She picked up the disdain in his voice.

“Your mother?” she asked, hands falling to her side as her heart dropped to her stomach. He seemed to wince at the question, as if those two words had burned him.

“Sort of,” he twirled the stem of the flower in his gloved hands. “I think it’s about our wedding,” he added, sounding at least a bit more hopeful. The way he said ‘our’ made her heart skip a beat. 

“I was expecting that,” Althea laughed softly, trying to put him at ease. It seemed like the Queen Mother was a touchy subject. “I have some ideas about what I wanted but I wanted to make sure those were okay with you,” she paused, trying desperately to gage his reaction when he realized that she wanted to please him more than anything. The young princess also wasn’t sure if there was traditions that she needed to abide by. “But I’m sure she’ll help guide me through some of the tougher decisions.”

There was huff of air that came from the helmet wearing man, she wondered if it was a laugh that escaped him. “Don’t let her bully you into anything you don’t want to do, Althea.” The way he said her name made her shiver. She wondered if he noticed. “I hate thinking that someone like her would take advantage of you,” his voice was soft again which made her cheeks dust with a rosy pink.

She held out her pinky before she could stop herself. “I pinky promise,” she heard herself say.

“Pinky promise?” he asked, helmet tilting to the side. The rasp in his voice was still there even with the teasing question.

“As in, I promise I won’t let her walk all over me,” Althea mumbled, somewhat embarrassed that she still held out her little finger to him. Even though her sisters told her to never mumble, even though she only pinky promised her brothers when she was much younger than she was now. “I’m sorr–”

The Mandalorian suddenly wrapped his pinky finger around hers. It was awkward because of his glove but he gripped her finger tight in his own. “It’s a promise then,” he breathed out.

“Promise,” she agreed with a smile. Althea leaned down to kiss her thumbnail, his finger seemed to tighten around hers and his eyes followed her every move. She found that she enjoyed being watched by him. She leaned away.

The Mandalorian cleared his throat. “Please don’t feel the need to apologize to me,” he began. “There was no need.”

Althea hummed. “What if I do something awful or I mess up?” she asked. “Then I would need to apologize to you,” she teased. 

“There is nothing you could do that I would ever think warrants your apology.” For some reason, his words made her sad. It made her think that he thought he didn’t deserve any of her grief or sorrow. All she could see was the lonely Mandalorian in his dark castle. He let her pinky go and the distance between them seemed to grow. Althea wanted to reach out just to hold on to him, just so he wouldn’t slip away. “I told the Queen Mother that you were busy today but that only means she’ll said someone to fetch you in the morning,” he said. King again, almost not the person she was just talking to.

“Okay.” She fought to keep the frown from forming on her face. Althea didn’t want him to know just how sad that had made her. She wanted to protect him from her own feelings. 

Silence filled the space between them, and the Mandalorian king looked down. He stretched out his hand to offer her the wilting bluebell. Althea noticed a slight tremble in his gloved fingers. She looked at him but found it was impossible to tell where he was looking, if he was even looking at her at all. “It goes with your dress,” he said simply.

She weakly smiled, “Thank you.” Althea took the flower from his hand as if he offered her something precious, in a way he did.

taglist: @munted-llama @bittersweetamor

[everstarry]

Sorry I am about to ramble... But ethereal is so good. All the characters have so much personality(remi!!) and i just love that the main character loves gardening because i love it as well!! But real quick i had one doubt, you mentioned that mandalore is really strong and stuff alot so why does nobody want to form a marriage alliance with them?

Omg thank you so much!! So Mandalore (in ethereal at least) isn’t as rich as some of the other countries but they are powerful (in terms of armies and force etc). A lot of the other countries view them as a bit barbaric so no one wants to marry their daughters to them. For example, Althea’s father is at his last resort. He needs armies and he needs them cheap. No one else will help him so he turns to Mandalore because he knows when he offers a marriage alliance they will agree. (We learn that he didn’t even tell them which princess he was sending until Althea stepped out of the carriage.) Even though he is desperate, the fact that he sent Althea still shows how little Saneca regards Mandalore as remarked by Cara. Since there are two other older princesses (Kalina and Delilah) the fact that he sent Althea shows that he’s saving his other more “powerful” daughters for alliance that will benefit him in the future.

Anyway! Thank for the question and sorry for the rambling response! If you have anymore please don’t hesitate to ask!

[everstarry]

ethereal (1/?)

words: 4926

chapter one: the first encounter

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Althea Canale sat with her hands folded in her lap, looking as regal as ever in a light blue silk gown. She had her head turned to stare out the small opening the carriage provided as a window to her new home. She caught glimpses of green from the trees that decorated the landscape and puffs of clouds that painted the sky. Her new home was not unlike her former one. Mandalore and Saneca were extremely similar. She supposed that meant that homesick feeling that had plagued her would soon disappear. Part of her wondered if she would even think of the place that raised her once she got used to her new routine. Being a queen meant that she would likely be busy from the moment she woke to the very moment where sleep claimed her. Althea gripped her own hands tightly to comfort herself as her thoughts wandered.

“Are you alright?” The sound of her friend’s voice broke her from her thoughts. Remi Sherhi sat across from as she did for most of the journey. Her blue eyes were pools of concern as she looked to her mistress. Althea managed a small smile before reaching over to take her maid’s hand. The warm touch comforted her and gave her a sort of relief.

“I’m just tired,” she promised sweetly as she always did. Althea let Remi’s hand go before leaning back into her seat to resume her view of her new country. The least she could do was put on a brave face in front of her maid. The young princess needed to be much braver the closer they drew to the castle. She only knew so much about her new husband and most of it came from horror stories her brother would taunt her with before bed. The Mandalorian and his soldiers tended to creep into her fire filled nightmares. “I think I could really use a nice bed and a warm bath right about now.” 

Remi merely grinned at that. “I know what you mean,” she shifted again in her seat, something she had been doing the last few hours of the trip. Her friend had grown impatient with stillness that accompanied traveling. She understood, it tended to become monotonous. It was the same thing over and over for weeks. Wash, rinse, repeat. She had stopped asking when they would arrive as the shrinking numbers did nothing but cause her anxiety. Though the boost in moral definitely meant they were reaching their destination that day. That was why she pulled out the dress that her sisters said did her wonders. She could always rely on them and knew that if she wanted to impress the Mandalorian she needed to look and be her best. Without Kalina and Delilah with her she would just have to rely on their previous advice until she could write to them again. The sky blue dress brought out the gold in her hair and eyes. Althea felt beautiful when she wore it and felt the need to try to impress her future husband. “I’ll draw a bath for you as soon as we get settled.” The idea of hot water and hair oils did sound heavenly.

She nodded to Remi. “I think it would be safe to assume that the Mandalorian would grant such a simple request.” Althea actually had no idea if he would. She knew next to nothing when it came to her new husband. Granted, they were merely engaged at the moment so technically she knew nothing about her fiancé. The bedtime stories were one thing but the more she tried to remember anything about her new country the more blanks she drew. Althea remembered something about armor but she couldn’t picture it in her head, knew about the expansion and wars but couldn’t remember the name of the battles. The more she thought about it the more she wanted to laugh. Her tutor must be so disappointed in her. She never paid much attention to her lessons anyway. She had assumed there would be no need, that she would become a lady-in-waiting to one of her sisters as they took their place on the throne. The thought of becoming a queen had never crossed her mind.

“Do you think they’ll have a feast waiting for us?” Remi asked, tapping her fingers on the seat. “I’m starved.” They had been living off dried meat and bread. There had been a few nights spent at inns that provided warm broths and beds that were almost uncomfortable. Althea was looking forward to having a nice meal and a restful night of sleep.

Althea had to stifle a laugh. “I think so,” she replied. “They would want to impress a daughter of the Canale’s.” Her family name tasted bitter in her mouth and felt like venom dripping from her teeth and down her throat. She hoped her disdain wasn’t obvious. Remi raised an eyebrow at her but didn’t say anything else about it. “I just mean–”

“You don’t have to explain,” Remi smiled gently. Althea felt like she could breathe again. The fact that her friend just knew what she was feeling without her having to explain made the world feel a little lighter. “I wonder if they know it’s you,” her friend mused. While she didn’t mean any harm the words still felt like a stab to the gut. Althea pretended like the words hadn’t done any harm but felt her chest shutter as she tried to breathe normally. Her insecurities suddenly brought to the front of her jumbled thoughts. Remi suddenly went stiff as she realized what her words implied. “I mean–”

Althea waved her hand to silence Remi. “You don’t have to explain,” she repeated tiredly. Part of her knew exactly what Remi meant. “I’m the youngest daughter. Technically, fifth in the line of succession. Not anyone’s first choice just merely leftovers,” she replied hollowly. “If my father had any respect for the Mandalorian he would have sent Kalina.” The thought of her older sister sent a fresh wave of sadness through her. It felt like ice and gripped her tightly. She would give anything to just be able to talk to her sister again, to walk into her room to see all the sewing projects she was working on. Kalina was best at that. Each of them seemed to have their own niche. Kalina had sewing, Delilah had art, and Althea was good at gardening. Her garden was now at the mercy of whoever her father had appointed to take care of her flowers. Althea supposed she could ask for her own spot on the grounds of her new home. She had even hidden some of the seeds from her favorite plants in her luggage.

“I think your father knew exactly what he was doing when he chose you,” Remi said carefully, it made her nearly scoff. Althea noticed that she wasn’t as tense as before. Remi almost appeared relaxed. Her friend always was a charmer. Remi knew exactly what to say, it was as if people were harps and she knew exactly which chords to pluck. For someone who often found herself in trouble it was a useful—and necessary—skill to have.

“He knew he was saving his best daughters for other marriages that would benefit him,” Althea rolled her eyes. “I am an expendable princess. He knew that I could be sent and either the Mandalorian will accept that this is the best he will get from any country or my head will be returned to my father shortly. Either way it is a win in my father’s book.”

Remi sucked in a breath as the statement gathered weight. Words tended to do that when people let them steep for too long. Althea thought they were like tea. The longer the tea steeped the stronger it was, the longer the silence the heavier the words became. “Althea,” her friend mumbled sadly as she studied her friend. “Are you alright?” she asked again as if this time Althea would give a different answer, confess her heart’s desire.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Althea hated to disappoint but she had already prepared herself for the possibility that the Mandalorian would cut her down as she stood before him. She had also prepared herself for the possibility that he might send her back home. After all of this heartache, she would have nothing to show for it. Remi eyed her skeptically. Her friend wanting more than anything for her to be okay. Althea knew she had to be okay, had to act like her father wasn’t making a mistake.

“I think that if he sends your head back home in a box your father would go to war,” Remi grinned as she said it but Althea made a face. “What?” she asked with a slight tilt of her head.

“Are your forgetting why I’m marrying the Mandalorian in the first place?” Althea pursed her lips. “My father is doing this for the Mandalorian armies. He needs more soldiers to fight back the Abyssin.” Remi suddenly went silent, understanding dawning on her. “The Mandalorian could do anything he wants to me and my father wouldn’t be able to do anything to stop it.” The admittance of her situation made her feel faint. The carriage jostled forward and they kept at their journey. Althea Canale just had to accept her fate. It wasn’t the worst thing to happen to a person. She was at least nineteen. She might be a queen to a huge country. She should be grateful. Althea felt guilty for not being grateful.

Remi sighed once before stretching her legs out in front of her, taking up more space in the small area. “You are so dramatic,” she teased. Althea cracked a smile. “I heard our Mando is a pretty nice guy. Nice as a guy can get without ever taking off his armor,” she mused knowing just how to capture her princess’s attention.

“Where did you hear that?” she heard herself asking before she could stop herself. Her curiosity got the best of her. Knowledge about the man she was marrying was enticing.

“Servants talk,” Remi shrugged. “I just happen to listen.” Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief. Althea didn’t think about how Remi felt about accompanying her. The young princess knew that she liked to gossip with the other maids and for the duration of the trip Remi had few people to talk to. The guilt that she was feeling earlier came back heavier and larger. It nearly made her gasp for breath as it seemed to settle on her chest. Remi had to leave behind her friends and family just as much as Althea did. She wondered if her friend would hate her.

“What did they say?” Althea leaned forward, knowing her friend would love to have someone to gossip with. 

“That he has a child,” Remi leaned back cooly, watching the dejection cross her friend’s face before deciding to elaborate. “He found the child during a battle. The armies had basically killed and pillaged everyone in the village and the prince found him under some wreckage.”

“Prince?” Althea asked, soothing out the invisible wrinkles on her dress’s skirt. There was something relieving about knowing a small kindness that her future husband had performed. Perhaps he was kind and the stories that scared her a child were just stories.

“This was during the time that the former king ruled as the Mandalorian,” Remi explained. When she saw her friend’s confusion she went to elaborate, “It’s like...” she paused, trying to pick the right words. “Think of it like Mandalorian as just another royal title. So when a new king comes to be he is called the Mandalorian. It’s supposed to keep the ruler as faceless and to scare others. The so called Mandalorian keeps ruling no matter how much time passes.” Althea wondered how Remi knew so much about Mandalore but decided not to press it. “So back to the original point, while his brother ruled as the Mandalorian, our Mando was just a commander in the army. Adopted the child as his own and that was that. After his brother’s untimely demise, he became the king.”

“His child is a spoil of war?” Althea asked shakily, wondering if her story would be the same as the child’s. Nothing more than a casualty of politics. 

“Part of him has to care about this child enough to raise him as his own,” Remi explained. She looked to her mistress to see if there was any more distress in her features. “I believe that same part of him will learn to care for you.”

She hummed in agreement. “I will pray to the Maker that we can at least get along during our marriage.” 

Remi let out a huff of air. “I think you are allowed to pray for more than that. Pray for love. Pray for peace. If the Maker even listened I want to believe he would listen to you.”

Althea felt herself smile at her friend’s words. With Remi by her side she felt like she would be able to survive anything. So she prayed for peace, but mostly she prayed for love. Althea thought she deserved love most of all.

There was a light tapping from the outside of the carriage that broke the comforting silence within it. Her heart seemed to jump to her throat when she realized just what that meant. They were close to the castle, they were approaching it. The signal from the escort was a reminder to be ready. Remi looked to see her friend’s reaction before leaning forward and motioning her close.

Althea leaned over as Remi fussed with her golden hair. She pulled the hair from behind Althea’s ear so it would rest naturally. The young woman had a habit of pushing her long hair behind her ear and she nearly flushed because she didn't even realize she had done so during their conversation. “How do I look?” she mumbled quietly, looking to her friend for comfort.

“Like a queen,” Remi promised. 

Althea grinned at her before leaning back in her seat to see if she could get a glimpse of anything through the small window. She saw some of her escort and a few citizens who stopped to stare. The streets were close together and paved with stone. She tried to imagine herself walking down the streets and stopping at the shops and stands. It was easier than she expected. Mandalore was not how she imagined it. It was noisy as merchants called out and she could hear people talking. Over all the chatter she could hear the unmistakable clang of the many blacksmiths that Mandalore was also known for.

“Beskar,” Remi mumbled to herself. Althea glanced at her friend but found she was lost in her own thoughts. The maid often talked to herself as she did small things. It was one of the things that Althea liked about her. She had other servants who were silent and thought that talking to someone of noble blood would be considered an offense. Althea didn’t care about things like that. She wanted good conversation and someone who spoke their mind. Remi and her were a good fit.

It grew quiet and she knew that meant they were approaching the castle. Althea sat up like her future husband would be able to see through the carriage walls. Remi seemed to sense her nervousness and gave her a comforting smile. While it did nothing to chip away at the tension mounting on her shoulders it did make her feel like she wasn’t alone. Althea gave a timid smile back before preparing herself to face the Mandalorian king.

The carriage stopped. 

She held her breath for a moment. Then three.

The door opened and light flooded the interior. The princess let out the breath she was holding to try to relax. From the brightness came a hand to help her down. Althea took the outstretched hand and stepped out into the entrance. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her as she soothed out her dress before stepping forward so that the Mandalorian could finally look at her. Her heart pounded in her chest as her gaze fixated on the powerful figure before her. Althea’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of her future husband. There was something so captivating about his dark armor. A sort of butterfly feeling started in the pit of her stomach as she took him in. She wanted to commit the scene to memory, too scared to even blink.

 The Mandalorian stood on the steps to his castle, unmoving. Nothing about his posture or demeanor betrayed how he felt when she stepped out. Althea wondered if he was expecting her sisters, wondered if his helmet hid his disappointment that she wasn’t one of them. Despite the tint on the panel that concealed his eyes, she could feel him studying her just as much as she was him. She flushed when she realized she hadn’t even taken a step forward so taken with the Mandalorian. The princess took small steps toward him. Althea glanced to her side to see if Remi was close behind her but instead noticed that the entrance area had filled with whispers. She looked ahead again trying to ignore the hushed conversations but instead found what she had grown to fear the most on her journey.

 The advisor and guard that stood at his side were whispering to him and she felt her heart drop, felt a storm brew inside her with the uncertainty at what they were telling him about her. However, she knew exactly what that meant.

Althea was not the princess they were expecting. She was not who they had hoped for.

She stood with her head high despite feeling like she was caving in on herself. The feeling only intensified the closer she came and the longer he remained silent. Althea squeezed her eyes shut, despair filled her lungs as water did while drowning. She could describe the feeling as exactly that because that was what she was doing. She felt like she was drowning.

Althea stopped a few paces from him. The Mandalorian king looked taller up close. Everything about him screamed intimidating. If he was a predator then she was his prey. She bowed lowly to him. “Mandalore welcomes you Princess..?” the woman beside him began. His guard knew exactly who she was. The slight smile and edge to the supposed question was done to further stoke the flames of tension.

“Althea,” she supplied. Her own voice sounding meek to her ears. 

The Mandalorian still said nothing.

Her mouth felt incredibly dry. “I see that your father could not make the trip?” the woman pointed out which made her nearly wince.

Althea shook her head. “He had fallen ill two nights before we were supposed to set out,” she explained. Her father hadn’t. He just didn’t want to be there when the Mandalorian realized that he was worth nothing more than Saneca’s youngest daughter.

“We will pray to the Maker that his health recovers soon so that he may visit our generous king,” the woman smiled. It didn’t seem genuine, just all teeth. Althea noticed it didn’t reach her eyes. 

“Enough,” the Mandalorian directed to his guard. His voice nearly made her shiver in the spring air. There was something about it that made the butterflies start up again. Althea just wanted to hear it again.

“As you say,” the woman began bitterly. “I was trying to make a point. How dare they–”

Althea dropped to her knees in front of him, interrupting whatever the woman was going to say. It seemed to shock everyone as it immediately became quiet. A pin could be dropped and heard in the silence. She looked up at him pleadingly. “I know I am not your first choice. I might not even be your second,” she took a sharp breath and held her clasped hands in front of her as if she was praying. In a way, she was. “But I can be a good wife to you. I can be a good queen to your people. I can be good,” she urged, on the brink of begging. Althea was desperate. She hoped she came off as sincere. She kept looking at where she imagined his eyes were, hoping that he would understand.

There was a moment of stillness. Althea’s heart pounded against her ribcage as if trying to escape its skeletal prison. The Mandalorian said nothing, but offered his hand to help her up.

Althea took his gloved hand with trembling fingers. Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment as she shakily stood. A breath of relief escaped her lips as he continued to guide her up the few steps and into the castle. The leather of his gloves meant that she couldn’t feel the warmth of his touch but she still clung to it anyway. The entrance was filled with excited chatter as she crossed the threshold, still holding his hand as if her life depended on it. “Thank you,” she said softly, hoping he was the only one to hear her gratitude.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, just as soft as she spoke. He squeezed her hand once before letting her go and turning to the many people that flooded the hall. Althea was surprised at the sudden and small show of kindness and affection. She grasped her hand as he had did not moments before, she wanted to remember the feeling of his grip on her fingers. Even though it was something insignificant, she found comfort from it. Althea took her place by her future husband’s side. She looked out into the small crowd and instantly found Remi. She stood next to the Mandalorian’s guard. The princess could still feel the resentment coming from the other woman but she tried to ignore it in favor of her friend’s much more supportive gaze.

“I want things to continue on as before,” the Mandalorian spoke. The crowd was mostly made of advisors and guards any way. She assumed that meant a similar talk would be given to the servants and maids. “That’s all,” he said after a moment and Althea watched in awe as the people scattered to return to their usual stations and positions. There were a few servants that immediately went to get her things and others that stood at posts in the halls. 

“What would you–” the guard began but the Mandalorian stopped her.

“Cara, I want you to show Althea and her maid to their quarters and I want you to make sure they are comfortable.” He looked at Althea once more and then turned to leave. She watched him until he disappeared from her sight. She then looked to his guard who stood stiffly in the middle of the hall. The silence became uncomfortable. Suddenly, Remi cleared her throat and snapped Cara out of whatever trance she was under. 

“If you’ll follow me,” she brushed past the pair and began walking briskly down the hall. “A more detailed tour will be given to you at a later time,” Cara huffed. Althea sped up to keep up with the other woman while she marveled at the walls of her new home. While she wasn’t able to admire the finer details she glimpsed tall windows that let the sunshine in.

She had to think like she was being transplanted. Her roots had grown in Saneca but she bloomed. Mandalore was like a spot in the garden with more light, better growing conditions. Althea would not wilt, she was resilient. She would take here. 

“Do you have a garden?” she asked as Cara took them up a winding staircase. Remi stifled a laugh when the Mandalorian guard gave her a curious look.

“She’s not asking because she wants to take her tea there,” Remi explained. “She has a way with plants and she’s itching to go dig in some dirt,” her maid teased. Cara let out a sound of amusement but kept walking. 

“She means I like gardening not just playing in the dirt,” Althea added quickly, shooting an annoyed look at her maid. Remi merely shrugged. For some reason a part of Althea wanted Cara to like her, even if it was just a little bit. “Forget I asked.”

“But don’t bother asking where your cups and bowls have gone then. She tends to plant in the oddest of things,” Remi added nonchalantly, skipping a few steps to be up with Cara. The guard snorted at the maid’s comment while Althea blushed behind them.

“We have a garden. Once the dinner is done I’ll gladly have someone escort you to meet our gardener and see the grounds yourself,” Cara added, taking them down another hallway. Althea noticed that her tone wasn’t as belligerent as before. “Here we are,” she motioned to a door. “This one is yours, princess,” Cara opened the door and the trio stepped inside. 

“This is beautiful,” Althea slowly turned to take in her new room. There was an empty desk near the window. A room divider hid the bed and wardrobe while the part that was visible held a dining and lounge area. It was much bigger than her old bedroom. “Thank you,” Althea added shyly, finally remembering her manners.

Cara didn’t reply to that but gave her a curious stare. “Your’s is right across the hall,” she pointed to Remi. “Is there anything else you need before I leave?” She looked to both women. 

“Can we have a tub and some oils delivered to my room for the princess?” Remi asked. “I’m assuming you’ll put together her room first so there will be people going in and out. We’ve been traveling for some time and we want to impress the king during the feast,” Remi smiled at Cara.

“Believe me,” Cara rolled her eyes. “Our king is already impressed with the princess.” Althea’s heart beat wildly at the statement but she tried not to let it show. “I’ll get you the tub.” Cara left without another word.

“Good impressed or bad impressed?” Althea wondered aloud, exploring her room now that she felt as if every breath she took wasn’t scrutinized by the king’s guard.

“Is there such a thing as bad impressed?” Remi called from her room across the hall. Althea sat on the edge of her bed and looked at the suite again, trying to imagine her things in all the empty places. 

“I mean an unfavorable impression,” she stood so she could make her way to Remi’s room. Her friend was straightening out the quilt on her new bed when she walked in.

Remi gave her a look when she entered. “You ended up on your knees basically swearing him your undying devotion,” Remi smiled, “And you haven’t even seen his face.” Althea flushed as she remembered her plea and then when she remembered she barely knew the Mandalorian king. “You are probably more than what he was expecting, Thea.” Hearing her nickname seemed to settle her thoughts for a moment. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to respond to Remi. Her maid just sat down at her table and waited for the tub of hot water. 

“He was expecting my sisters,” she pointed out, taking a seat across from her friend. From the open door they watched the beginnings of the luggage be brought into her room.

“You’re sisters would have made good queens,” Remi tapped her fingers on the table. “He’s looking for a wife just as much as he’s looking for a queen. You offered yourself as a wife even before as just a queen. Why wouldn’t he want someone who has offered him a chance at love?”

“I guess you’re right,” Althea mumbled.

“Don’t guess, just know that I am right,” Remi teased with glimmering smile. Suddenly, a tub was brought into the room with buckets of steaming water following. Remi stood to direct the other servants and Althea watched as the bath was put together before her eyes. “What oils do you want to use in your hair?” Remi nodded to the few bottles that were being offered to her. 

“Is there lavender?” she asked. Remi nodded once and grabbed the oil that was on her left. The other servants cleared out of the room to give the princess some privacy. “Can you mix in a bit with the bathwater?” Althea asked as she began to strip from the silk dress. The heavenly smell filled the room as Remi mixed in the oil. Althea could almost imagine the purple flower in her garden as she submerged herself in the hot water. 

“You should have waited a moment,” Remi lightly scolded when she noticed Althea’s skin turn a rosy hue. “It’s hot.”

“I don’t mind it,” Althea let out a sigh. In fact the warm water felt nice. It was the first time in a long time that she had felt truly clean. “I was thinking of wearing the pale pink dress to the feast,” she said absentmindedly as Remi began to work the oil into her golden locks.

“How about whichever dress is easiest to access,” Remi laughed a bit. “Unless, you’re still trying to impress him.”

Althea brought her knees close to her chest, leaning her neck back to look at Remi. “Shouldn’t I want to impress the man I am to marry?” she smiled.