Ashes

Chapter 11: The Game

LUX BONTERI

After a few minutes of pure bliss with his arms wrapped protectively around Ahsoka, there was a knock at the door. Ahsoka took a step back from him, and her gaze fell.

"I should get that," she said, frowning.

"Of course," Lux said as she walked over to the door.

He followed her inside and sat on the end of the bed while she invited Koda and Governor Sotik into the room. They seemed surprised to see Lux there, but Ahsoka didn't appear to notice.

"It's time to get some of the formalities out of the way," Sotik said, glancing back and forth between Lux and Ahsoka. "Ra'Bonteri, Koda would be more than happy to escort you–"

"He's staying," Ahsoka interrupted. "Whatever this meeting is about, I want Lux to be here."

Lux smiled as she sat down at the end of her bed and motioned for Lux to join her.

Koda cleared his throat. "I'm just going to cut to the chase here because it's going to be a lot to take in no matter how much I sugarcoat it."

Sotik shot Koda a disapproving look and began to speak. "We have a lot of traditions surrounding a coronation, so it's important that you understand exactly what's going to be expected of you."

"But know that we're all going to be here for you every step of the way," Koda added.

Lux reached his hand out and wrapped his arm around Ahsoka's lower back. She jumped just slightly at his touch but relaxed as he squeezed her gently.

"Come on, I did this once and it wasn't that bad!" Lux chided. And she knew better than anyone else that if he could do it, so could she.

Lux could tell from Sotik's hardened expression that he didn't appreciate the comment, so Lux decided to keep his mouth shut.

"We have a training program you must complete before your coronation ceremony. It's a long and difficult road, but every queen before you has emerged successful," Sotik said.

Lux didn't have to do any real training when he became king because he already developed the necessary skillset as a Republic Senator. It made sense that Ahsoka would have some to learn before excepting a position as a political leader herself. From the way they were talking, though, it sounded like the steps to becoming queen were more challenging than what he expected.

"What kinds of things would I be doing?" She asked.

"It's going to look a little different for you because you've been away for a while," Koda said. "I wouldn't worry about it. You'll probably cruise through all that."

"But that's not all?" Ahsoka questioned.

Koda cleared his throat. "There's a stupid rule that every princess must have a prince before her coronation."

Lux crinkled his nose. "Are you serious?" He blurted out. "Isn't that a little–"

"Archaic?" Ahsoka finished. "Ancient? Ridiculous?"

"It's to ensure that the royal bloodline will continue," Sotik said very matter-of-factly.

Ahsoka looked up at Lux, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if to say, "Can you believe this guy?"

Lux felt his stomach turn into a knot as he shook his head.

"You don't have to marry the guy or anything," Koda reassured. "It's more of a formality. You can drop whoever it is as soon as you become queen."