Ashes

Chapter 13: Fallout Shelter

LUX BONTERI

Lux had been immersed in paperwork all afternoon. When he first took the job as king, he knew there would be a plethora of bills and reports to sort through, but he thought more of his time would be spent actually debating and forming policies rather than simply reading about them and providing a stamp of approval.

His great ambitions for Onderon had taken a backseat when the Empire rose to power. Now, his vision had to be the Empire's vision, and the only thing they seemed to see for his future was an endless stream of paperwork. The silver lining was that it was easier to stay offworld for a while and be here with Ahsoka when she needed a friend.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair before glancing at the clock. 1900 hours. Ahsoka and Koyi were probably starving, and Lidan, Ahsoka's youngest brother, had been kind enough to show him to some of the nicer places to eat in town. It wouldn't take him long to go get something and bring it back for them.

There was a soft knock at the door, breaking his train of thought.

"Come in."

Koyi peeked her head around the door before waltzing into the bedroom. He wasn't sure why she knocked, as they shared the bedroom, but seeing her brought a smile to his face.

He pushed his work aside. "Hey, babe. How was dress shopping?"

She sat down beside him on the bed. "It was quite illuminating, actually."

"Really?" He said, kissing her cheek playfully. "How so?"

She glanced out the window, her smile fading slightly.

Immediately, his mind jumped to the defensive. Had he done something wrong? Ever since Ahsoka came back, he had done is best to convince Koyi that his feelings for her were all in the past, but it seemed like he was having more trouble convincing himself of that fact.

There was no way she could've found out about him spending the night with Ahsoka that once in the hospital. Besides, it's not like anything happened between him and Ahsoka that night. It was a friendly gesture, nothing more. Surely she knew that.

You keep telling yourself that, Lux. He ran a hand through his hair.

Regardless of how the gesture was intended, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty for how it appeared from the outside. He couldn't blame Koyi for being upset.

"I really wanted to hate Ahsoka," she said. "I wanted her to be an awful person. But the thing is, she's actually really great. I can see why you two get along so well."

Lux reached out and took her hand. "I'm sensing a 'but' coming."

Koyi sighed heavily. "Lux, you know I love you. I don't doubt that you love me too, but what you have with Ahsoka... I can't compete with that."

Lux was taken aback. "You don't have to. I'm with you, babe, not her." He leaned in and kissed her, but she gently pushed him away.

She stood up, her back facing him. "I think I'be finally figured you out. Somewhere along the line, someone told you to listen to your head over your heart, and that's why we're together. It makes sense for the king of Onderon to marry someone like me."