Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 48: The Assassinations

The next day, King Cepheus, Queen Cassiopeia, and Iris left to go to Raxus to speak to the Parliament. I remained in my room for the entire day, thinking about Koltav's harsh words. "Just so we can get together and then when a little issue arises, you leave. That's what you do best, Storm. But I shouldn't expect anything more from you, a granddaughter of Dooku."

I did my best to make sure Dooku and I were nothing alike. Koltav had to go and throw it all in my face, knowing very well that I hate being compared to him. Then one of my fears began to blossom as I wondered if Dooku and I were that similar. I heard his voice again. "So you have finally come to accept the truth. You see little Storm, we are not that different."

I mentally shook my head. You're stronger than this, Storm. Don't listen to Dooku, he wants me to fall to the dark side, just like he did. At that moment the door opened, revealing Areria. Her face looked pale as though she had seen a horror holofilm.

"Areria, what's wrong?" I inquired.

"Iris has returned without her parents. King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia are dead." Areria explained.

My eyes widened at her words. I shook my head. "That can't be...You can't serious."

Areria wore a grim look. "I'm sorry, Master, but I'm very serious. Iris is waiting in the throne chambers. She wants to see you. Everyone else is already waiting."

I raised an eyebrow. "Everyone?"

Areria nodded. "Rex, Your mom, Leander...and Koltav."

She hesitated before saying Koltav's name. I knew what Areria was thinking. She knew Koltav and I were going through a rough time. But last night made me fear that I've lost Koltav for good. I mentally shook those thoughts aside. We have bigger problems than my love life.

"Let's get going." I urged.

We quickly made our way to the throne chambers where Iris, Leander, mom, Koltav, and Rex were. Mom and Iris were comforting each other with tears streaming down their cheeks, meanwhile Leander paced the chambers with his fists clenched and tears threatening to fall from his eyes. Rex remained by my mom's side, while Koltav stood by the door. As soon as Areria and I entered, all eyes were on us. I rushed over towards Iris, giving her a hug.

"Iris, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you and Leander must be feeling." I said.

Iris nodded. "Thanks..."

I knew she didn't wish to speak about them, so I tried changing the subject. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, it's about my parents. I know that they were assassinated." Iris informed us.

Assassinated? As soon as Iris saw the baffled look on my face, she let out a sigh. "I know it's absurd, but it has to be. I have this strong feeling that someone didn't want us to propose the idea of speaking to the Republic to negotiate."

Mom placed a hand on Iris's shoulder. "Don't worry Iris, we will get to the bottom of this."

Areria raised an eyebrow. "How?"

"I have friends whose speciality is espionage for the Republic. One of them must know about this." Mom explained.

•••

Days past and I avoided Koltav to the best of my ability. After what he said to me, I couldn't face him. His words had struck my heart and I couldn't get those words out of my head. It wasn't long until mom found out the truth about King Cepheus' and Queen Cassiopeia's deaths thanks to her connections. Mom, Iris, Leander, Koltav, Rex, Areria, and I were all in the throne chambers again, waiting to hear what my mom had learned. She looked more pale than usual.