The Art of Chaos and Darkness

Epilogue

Valda stared at the old woman before her.

"Are you sure?"

The ancient Sith lord nodded, her tanned skin wrinkled and flecked with scars.  Her hair was white as the surface of Hoth.  "I am absolutely certain, your Majesty.  Would you like me to send for him?"

Valda blinked.  "No, no- that's alright.  Thank you.  You may go."

The old woman bowed and left the chamber.  Valda fell back on the plush cushions of one of the many couches in the royal quarters.  She massaged her temples with her hands.  The tether inside her chest tugged and she sensed Din.  He could feel her worry and anxiety.  A few moments later he came through the door.  

He removed his helmet setting it on one of the tables.  "Valda?  What's wrong?"

She shook her head.  "Nothing.  How did the meeting go?"

Din narrowed his eyes like he didn't believe her.  He put his hands on his hips.  "Three of the Hutt's largest freighters were destroyed in the assault.  Minimal casualties."

Valda closed her eyes, letting the relief flow through her.  "That's good news."

"Yes, we're getting closer."  The cushions dipped down beside her and Din took a seat.  He reached for her hand.  "Tell me what's wrong."  

Valda chewed on her lip.  "Do you remember when I underwent the ritual before ascending the throne?"

Din frowned.  "In the tombs, yes."

"And I saw my father?"

Din nodded.

Valda sighed.  "He said something to me then that never made sense but now... now it does."

Din swept a thumb across the back of her hand.  "What is it?"

She turned her brilliant gaze toward him, staring deep into the depths of his rich-toned eyes.  "He told me that... we would change the fate of the galaxy.  That we would have one of the greatest legacies in history- the Queen of the Sith and the King of Mandalore." 

Din searched her face.  "Okay... but what does that mean?  I don't-"

"Din, I'm pregnant."

He broke off midsentence, mouth hanging open.  "I'm... I'm going to be a father?"  He whispered finally.

Valda nodded slowly.  "This-"  She never finished her sentence as Din leaned forward and pressed his mouth against hers.

"Holy shit," he whispered, breaking away.  "Holy shit."

Valda blinked and then a smile cracked across her face.  "We might possibly be the worst example of parents for any child."

Din grinned.  "A child of a Sith and a Mandalorian.  At least he or she will know how to beat the shit out of anyone."  He pulled her into a hug.

Valda buried her face into the crook of his neck.  "True."

He laughed, shaking his head.  When he looked at her again his eyes were shining in the light.  "I love you, Valda Aslyran."

Valda gave him a gentle smile, wiping away the single tear that ran down his face. 

"And I love you, Din Dajrin."