Heir to the Empire

Chapter 3

The sun shined brightly through the fluorescent forest of Myrkr. The colorful  leaves danced in the wind as it carried them away to the riverbed. Despite its beautiful appearance and colorful wildlife, the flowered forest was not a force to be reckoned with. From a distance, she could hear the faint chatter of the residents in the city. The laughter of children as they played near the forest with their friends. She closed her eyes, taking in the peaceful aurora that surrounded her. It was a peaceful life—that’s what she kept telling herself. Far away from the Empire, the New Republic—and from him. 

 Mara Jade clenched her jaw at the thought of him—Luke Skywalker, the man who ruined her life. The past five years were difficult for her. She traveled across the galaxy, searching for a new purpose in life, one where her nightmares could no longer haunt her. Which is how she ended up here on Myrkr, with Talon Karrde.

 It wasn’t a luxurious life, she had to admit, but her training had prepared her for any situation thrown her way. Opening her eyes once more, she took in the beauty of the forest before heading inside.

___

 The fold-out table in his private office was set, the food was ready to serve, and Talon Karrde was just pouring the corellian wine when the tap came on his door. As always, his timing was perfect. “Mara?” he called out.

 “It’s me, Karrde,” Mara responded as she gracefully entered the door. “You wanted to see me? You didn’t say what—“ her green eyes flicked to the elaborated set table “—this was all about,” she finished, her tone just noticeably different. The green eyes came back to him, cool and measuring. 

 “No, it’s not what you think,” Karrde assured her, motioning her to the chair opposite of him. “This is a business meal—no more, no less.”

 From behind his desk came a sound halfway between a cackle and a purr. “That’s right, Drang—a business meal,” Karrde said, turning towards the sound. “Come on, out with you.”

 The vornskr peered out from around the edge, it’s front paws gripping the carpet, it’s muzzle close to the floor as if on the hunt. “I said out with you,” Karrde repeated firmly, pointing towards the open door behind Mara. The vornskr rushed towards Mara, it’s tail wagging in excitement. It got on its hind legs and began licking her face. 

 "Drang—" Mara cried out. She fought the urge to toss the animal away from her. She let it cover her face with its sloppy tongue. The vornskr eventually went back down, still happily wagging its tail. Wiping away the excessive drool off her face, Mara kept her emotions in check. This was not the time to get angry. 

 Laughing, Karrde grabbed a piece of braised bruallki from the serving dish. He tossed the food in the general direction of the doorway. Drang leaped as he grabbed the food in midair. "There," Karrde called after him. "Now go and enjoy your supper." 

 The vornskr trotted out, content with his meal. Karrde gave Mara a napkin to clean herself with. "Forgive me, Mara," Karrde said casually. "I forget that not everyone is a fan of my vornskrs."

 "It's fine Karrde," Mara said as she finished using the napkin. "You were telling me this is a business meal, right." Despite having to deal with an over-friendly vornskr, her voice remained cool and measured. 

  "It is," Karrde said, shifting his position back to Mara. 

  "It's certainly the nicest business meal I've had in quite a while," she said as she sat down. She observed the lavish dinner presented before her. Along with the wine and the braised bruallki, it was certainly a luxury. She had to admit, she missed these types of meals.