"Engagement Party, Part 1"
Rennor Karradas- CEO Karradas Industries, Inc., Kaysa's Fiancé
Kaysa Zenarr- Owner of Zenarr Inc., Rennor's Fiancée
Location: Rennor's large apartment, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

"Oh dear gods, I look horrible!" Kaysa hollered at the mirror. Her eyes still displayed traces of her drunken partying the night before, as was visible in the dark bags under them and the streaks of red, bloodshot veins cutting through the whites of her eyes. She looked a mess and Rennor would not be pleased.

Kaysa ruffled her hair in a fit of frustration and shrieked as she tossed her brush across the room. She dropped into the chair, facing the dresser and glaring at the image of herself in the mirror. She glanced languidly at the chronometer on the far wall and gasped as she realized it was far later than she initially thought. With a panic-stricken urgency, Kaysa leapt from her chair and scrambled to find the brush she'd volleyed across the bedroom. "I'm gonna be late and Rennor is gonna kill me! Fuck. Fuck!"

Kaysa continued to spout profanities throughout the empty room and rushed to the closet Rennor had set aside for her. He'd filled the entire rack with elegant dresses of all colours and styles; a plethora of dresses any woman would have felt blessed to own, but now they were the bane of Kaysa's existence. There were so many to choose from and Kaysa had nowhere near enough time to try them all on.

She wanted to look perfect this evening, she wanted to have everyone as enraptured by her as Rennor was. By doing so, it would help solidify Rennor's confidence in his decision to marry her and make him certain that her intentions truly were genuine. But now, all she could do was stand in front of the closet wearing only her panties and her hair in a disheveled mass of tangled curls. Because of her, she and Rennor would show up late to their own engagement party.

As Rennor entered the room, he smiled broadly at the sight of Kaysa fretting over her evening's attire. "A beautiful ensemble there, my dear," he said as he moved closer. "Now, you'd better get your hair done, or we're going to be late."

Kaysa gasped quietly and jumped as Rennor slipped undetected into the room. She turned around, still panic-stricken and forced a nervous smile. "I know we're late but everything is just going wrong! Look at me! Look at my hair!" Kaysa tugged gently at her scraggly-looking hair, then covered her face with her hands. "I'm not going. That's it. I look horrible and everyone is gonna laugh!"

"You look beautiful," Rennor said. "And, the only person who will be laughing will be me when all their jaws drop when they see my beautiful wife-to-be." Once he was close enough, he couldn't stop his hands as they sought to explore her body. He would need to make sure she was in his bed tonight. It had been a few days, and he needed the services of his wife-to-be. "Now, put on your best dress, get your hair up into something elegant, and be beautiful. You don't want the High Prince and Princess to think I'm marrying some frumpy--"

Kaysa gently slapped Rennor's frisky hands and pulled away. "The High Prince and Princess of Tae'Karada are coming to our engagement party?" she asked, horrified. "Why didn't you tell me this before?! She'll probably show up in some gown stitched in gold thread. I'll be overshadowed by the High Princess at my own engagement party!" Kaysa stomped over to the closet and began pulling dresses off their hangers and tossing them over her head, scattering them across the bedroom. "This is horrible. This whole evening is starting out badly. I don't understand why we need to have an engagement party at all. We already made the public announcement, wasn't that sufficient?"

"Tae'Karadan custom dictates that we also throw a party," Rennor said, trying not to sound like a parent scolding a child. Why did the woman have to be so difficult about Tae'Karada's customs? It was quite tragic really. Though, some time at his side, as they toured the social festivities of the New Plouton elite would have her thinking and acting like a regular Tae'Karadan woman. The thought brought a smile to his face because it included Kaysa wearing an equadi. "You must project an air of power and prestige, my sweet. As my wife, you'll practically be nobility." He folded her into his arms and wondered if he could sneak open his pants and take her before his first guest arrived. Of course the guests would be arriving, and he had to look perfect. So, he couldn't ruin his image with a roll through the sheets with his fiancée. He released her from his embrace, but not before he gave each of her nipples a pinch. With a laugh, he hurried toward the door. "Guests are almost here. Look beautiful for me, my precious."

Kaysa wrapped her arms around herself and covered her now erect nipples. She was completely inconsolable about looking horrible and Rennor starts getting kinky. If there was one thing Rennor was not, he certainly was not helpful in a female crisis. "Yes, Rennor dear, all for you. I'll meet you at the party the minute I'm ready, but don't expect me to look anything less than plain tonight. It's just...one of those days." Kaysa grimaced and turned back towards the closet. Only a scarce few dresses remained after her fit-elicited bombardment of gowns across the room; not much to choose from, but at least she'd narrowed down her choices.

"Rennor, this could take a while. Give my apologies to our guests for my tardiness, but choosing the perfect dress is a very delicate and meticulous process, one that requires my complete focus and attention." Kaysa turned her head back and smiled at Rennor as he stood in the doorway. "By the way, you look great."

Rennor stopped and smiled at her. "I know you won't disappoint," he said. Just one, he asked himself. No, he responded, the wait until this evening will only sweeten the moment. "I will see you downstairs."

With that, he left the room, wishing he could have convinced her to wear an equadi. She would truly amaze all of his guests if he did. Ahh, if wishes were nerfs, he mused as he made one last look over his preparations. They would do this weekly once they were married. As Rennor instructed a droid in the proper manner in which the twenty liter punch bowl should be displayed, another droid arrived to announce the arrival of his first guest.

---

"Engagement Party, Part 2"
Rennor Karradas- CEO Karradas Industries, Inc., Kaysa's Fiancé
Kaysa Zenarr - Owner of Zenarr Inc., Rennor's Fiancée
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral - Employee of Zenarr Inc.
Location: Rennor's Place, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

The first guest turned out to be one of Kaysa's employees, a low-bred young women with no ties to anyone of note. It was no wonder he'd never heard of her, despite her beauty. "Please come in," Rennor said with a condescending smile; he never had any other kind for those below his station. "I am Rennor Karradas. Welcome to my party." He held out a hand to her despite her low breeding.

Shiv fought back her first impulse at Rennor's introduction. She knew that Kaysa would have been very upset if she'd kicked him in the shin. She had promised to be well-behaved and to set a good example as an employee of Zenarr Inc.

The Maeren Shivral that stood before Rennor was hardly the same girl who worked for Kaysa. Shiv rarely took much care in her appearance, preferring old work pants and t-shirts without makeup or any style to her hair. The young woman standing before Rennor, however, wore a long dress of beautiful red silk. The dress was cut in a modern style with somewhat tight fitting bodice and flowing skirt. Unlike the outfit she'd worn the night before, this one actually exposed a minimal amount of skin. It did leave a fair amount of cleavage visible as well as her left arm. Circling around her bare upperarm was a slender piece of silver crafted to look like a long, thin dagger. Around her throat, she wore a choker made of red gold. Her hair and face appeared to have been professionally done. It was piled atop her head where it had been neatly styled; her face had been made up in a variety of shades of red. In all, the look was perfection, and Shiv was doing her best to not let her own imperfections mar the one so carefully crafted for the night.

She shifted the package she carried so she could take Rennor's hand and smiled. "I'm Maeren Shivral," she said. And, then with a lopsided grin, she added: "I'm Kaysa's new star courier. I've heard so much about you, Mr. Karradas. Congratulations, on your engagement. I'm sure the two of you will be very happy."

"It is a pleasure to meet Kaysa's most important employee. She's never mentioned you, but I'm quite certain you're good at what you do. You're the first to arrive, but you may make yourself comfortable anyway. One of the droids can fix you a drink if you'd like. We actually have a wide selection of beers and ales." That was what the rabble were still drinking, Rennor was certain of it. "I have also had one of the droids lay out a nice array of appetizers. You may partake, if you wish. Enjoy."

Shiv smiled. "Thank you," she said. She started to move away, when she stopped and looked around. She frowned when she didn't see Kaysa anywhere. She turned back toward Rennor, her smile still in place. She smoothed her hands over the dress. It was designed to accentuate every curve, and it certainly did, almost too well. As she'd stood in the mirror before leaving Kaysa's apartment, she suddenly realized just how nice of a body she did have. It was easy to get lost in workpants and slop-shirts. The dress she'd chosen for the party wouldn't let anyone forget a single curve. "Is, um, is Kaysa around?"

"She's still dressing," Rennor said with a slow smile. "Having quite a time figuring out which of the dresses I've bought for her to wear for this special occasion. You look like you've done fairly well making yourself presentable tonight; perhaps you can help her." He pulled a comlink from his belt and handed it to her. "Here. See if you can walk her through to beauty, and calm her down. She was ready to pull that beautiful hair out when I was up there. The High Prince and Princess will be here soon, and I don't want her to be too late."

Shiv felt herself blush at the compliment and accepted the commlink. "Is it okay if I just go up and help her? I'm really not very good over a commlink. And, I really can't help her pick something out over a commlink." She gave him a smile, and it quickly faded. "High Prince and Princess!?" Kaysa hadn't said there would be royalty, the royalty that ran the entire planet. Suddenly she was feeling like the beautiful new dress she wore was nothing more than her usual workpants and slop-shirt. "I should go help Kaysa," she said again as she tried to not sound as panicked as she felt.

"I'm positive she'd accept your help," Rennor said. "Don't bother with compliments though; I tried them, and they didn't work. I tell you, she's beautiful enough already, she doesn't need to--" The chime sounded, and Rennor glanced in that direction. Potentially well-bred, influential people come to congratulate him on his engagement. With a confident grin, he strode off to answer his door.

Shiv stood there for a moment as Rennor vanished toward the door. She frowned and looked around. He's a real charmer, she thought to herself hoping the sarcasm didn't bleed into her body language, no wonder Kaysa's so ecstatic about marrying him. With a sigh, she headed off in the direction she thought would lead to Rennor and Kaysa's bedroom.

Five minutes and three sets of droid-given instructions later, Shiv finally found herself at Kaysa's door. It was slightly ajar and she gently pushed it open a little further. "Kaysa?" she called out as she moved into the doorway.

Kaysa peeked out from where she'd buried herself inside the closet and squinted her eyes to bring into focus the figure standing in her doorway. The woman was vaguely familiar somehow, as if she'd caught a fleeting glimpse of her in the street or bumped into her in a crowd one day, but other than that, Kaysa had no idea who she was looking at.

"Who the..." Kaysa gasped and flew out of the closet as her eyes fell upon the woman's dress. She immediately recognized that distinctive long, flowing red dress she'd helped Shiv pick out; if it hadn't been for the gown, Kaysa would not have recognized her radiant star. "Shiv! Dear gods, you're a gem!" Kaysa quickly moved to where Shiv was standing - reluctant to enter the room - and embraced her, but gently so as not to mar Shiv's perfect appearance. "Who did this to you?" Kaysa asked as she squealed with excitement.

Shiv felt herself blush under Kaysa's scrutiny. "There's a small shop just up the street from your apartment. Thae, the owner, did my hair and makeup for me. I gave her an extra big tip for the job she did. Oh my gods. I barely recognized myself." She turned around in her dress so Kaysa could see the whole thing, and then grinned at her.

Shiv laughed as she brushed a hand up Kaysa's belly and across her breasts. "I like the outfit you've chosen," she said with a sly grin. "Though, I can't tell if those are designer panties or not." She giggled and took Kaysa's hand. "I feel like I belong in a place like this all dressed up. It's so amazing." She grinned and gave Kaysa a quick kiss so as to not smudge her makeup. "Now, I'm here to help you get ready."

Kaysa grimaced and stomped back towards the closet, whining quietly to herself. "I'm gonna look horrible, Shiv! Especially compared to you! Gods you look amazing! And I will wager a bet that every man in that ballroom will want to dance with you. You're going to have a wonderful time, which, at least, will make up for the miserable one I'm going to be subjected to." Kaysa began frantically rifling through the dresses again before pausing to motion Shiv into the room. "I should not have stayed out so late last night. I am not fit to be seen today."

Shiv moved to Kaysa and put her arms around her. "You're going to be beautiful," she said softly. "And, we had fun last night. Lots and lots of wild fun. And, now we're going to find you the perfect dress, and we're going to fix your hair, and your makeup. And, you will look absolutely beautiful. And, everyone in that room, including me, is going to think that Rennor is the luckiest guy in the galaxy." She shifted herself around until she was looking into Kaysa's eyes. "You're an amazing woman, Kaysa. And, you can do this. We can do this. We will do this. Now, my mistress, let's find you your dress and go turn every head in the whole party."

"Mistress... I like the sound of that," Kaysa said with a pensive smile as she slid her arms around Shiv's waist. She pressed her bare breasts against Shiv's, which were snugly packed into her dress, and began kissing her neck tenderly. "Oh...oh we shouldn't be doing this now," Kaysa said with a laugh. "Just in case someone walks in, or even worse, we don't want to wreck your beautiful dress." Kaysa sighed and withdrew her hands as she remembered the daunting task still awaiting her. "I need to find a damn dress and I need to do my hair, and my makeup... I am going to be so very late."

Shiv felt herself moan softly at Kaysa's touch and kisses. When Kaysa pulled away, Shiv sighed and wished they had more time. Perhaps later, she thought. "Then, you'll be able to make a much better entrance that way," she said. "All the guests will watch, in awe, as you arrive at your party."

Shiv turned away from Kaysa and approached the dresses. She started sliding them aside, looking, frowning, and rejecting. She pulled one out, held it up before Kaysa and then frowned again. She discarded it with the rest of the pile. She turned back to Kaysa and laughed. "You have a lot of dresses, my dear," she said.

"And all of them nowhere near fit for a common street rat. Will you look at these repugnant things?" Kaysa said with distaste as she kicked the dresses lying upon the floor. "Rennor certainly has good taste in women - he did choose me, after all - but his fashion sense is somewhat...lacking." Kaysa sighed in frustration and hurried over to her dressing table, running a brush furiously through her tangled hair. "If I show up in one of those, I have no doubt someone might mistake me for Rennor's mother."

Shiv stepped toward Kaysa to console her when she heard the familiar whir-click-whir of an approaching droid. She moved next to Kaysa, and kissed the top of her head. "I promise it'll be okay," she said. "We'll find you something. If nothing else, you can wear my dress and I'll look like Rennor's mother."

The droid, a protocol model, stepped into the doorway, and made a noise like clearing its throat. "Pardon me," it began. "Mistress Kaysa. This package arrived for you." It held a large flat box in its hands as it shuffle-stepped toward Kaysa. It stopped before her, holding the package for her to take.

Kaysa stared warily at the droid, but it was the box it had that really held her attention. She rose from her seat and slowly circled the droid while keeping her eyes on the box. There was no tag attached, but it was secured with a large, red bow and curled ribbon draped down the sides of it.

"Who's it from?" Kaysa asked as she stopped in front of the droid and slowly picked up the box, shaking it gently. "When did it arrive? Just now? Did someone from the party bring it?" Kaysa bombarded the droid with questions, and the droid stared at her with a blank look like only droids could give. Kaysa liked gifts, as any woman did, but she knew of no one in New Plouton, besides Rennor, who would surprise her with a present.

Kaysa looked at Shiv as a smile slowly grew on her face. "Should I open it?" she asked, barely hiding her curiousity and excitement.

Shiv's grin broadened as well. "A gift from a secret admirer? Of course you should open it," she said. She flashed a glare at the droid, daring it to break its programming.

The droid shifted its attention to Shiv, and then back to Kaysa. "The present recently arrived, and the identity of the giver is...unknown."

"Yeah, yeah," Shiv said, and grinned at Kaysa. "Just open it, Kaysa." Her eyes glowed with open curiousity as she watched her friend and lover.

Kaysa giggled and rushed over to the bed, upon which she set down the box. "You can go now," she said curtly to the droid as her eyes remained fixed on the box.

"As you wish, Mistress." The droid gave a stiff bow before turning around and lumbering out of the room.

Kaysa ran her hands over the box and let the ribbons slide through her fingers. "I've never actually gotten a gift like this before," Kaysa said quietly as a smile continued to grace her features. She knelt down before the bed and slowly began to untie the bow. She couldn't contain her excited giggles as the ribbons securing the box finally fell away.

Kaysa looked back at Shiv for a moment before the anticipation overwhelmed her and she quickly tore the lid off of the box. "Oh my..." Kaysa's breath caught in her throat as the most dazzling dress she'd ever seen lay before her. "This is definitely not from Rennor. He could never have picked out anything so magnificent." Kaysa pulled the dress from the box and let it unfold as she held it up in the air. "Shiv...I think we've found my evening gown. Isn't it wonderful?"

Shiv felt her excitement ready to bubble over. "It's beautiful," she said, nodding. She moved to Kaysa's side with a grin that wouldn't go away. "That is definitely your dress." She moved closer as Kaysa held the dress up in the light. She was near bursting. She wanted to laugh and giggle, and run around the room foolishly. But, she tried to contain it all. It was difficult, but she was managing so far. "Do you need help getting into it?"

"Of course I do! Look at this thing. I don't even know which way is front!" Kaysa laughed exuberantly as she pressed the dress to herself and closed her eyes as the thin, soothing material seemed to mould to her naked breasts. "How will I ever find out who gave this to me? They don't know how desperately I needed a dress like this, especially now! Come on, Shiv," Kaysa said quickly as she handed her the dress, "hold it while I step into it."

Shiv took the dress from Kaysa and held it up for her. "I have a feeling they knew," she said. "And, if they don't, they'll see you in it, and know." Should she tell? Could she hold off? She could. She knew she could. She was strong enough to keep this from Kaysa. Keep it a secret surprise. She looked into Kaysa's eyes as she stepped forward. She felt them pull at her, that familiar falling feeling. "It was me." Dammit, she thought.

Kaysa stood motionless, gazing at Shiv, whose cheeks seemed to redden even beneath all the blush she wore. "You bought this? For me?" Kaysa looked down at the dress and marvelled at how glorious the glistening material looked as the light hit it. It was a gorgeous dress, and one Shiv must have certainly spent a laborious amount of time picking out, just for her. "This thing must have cost a fortune. I guess it's a good thing you swiped Dev's cred chip or I'd be without a dress tonight," Kaysa said with a gentle laugh.

Shiv could feel the heat radiating from her face, and under Kaysa's scrutiny it wasn't going away. "Well," she began, "I didn't feel right buying that for you with Dev's chip; so I used my own money. I saw it when I was out today, and I thought to myself that you had to have that dress. It was so beautiful, and I knew you'd love it. I tried it on and it fit me perfectly, so I knew it'd fit you too." She shrugged. "You've done so much for me. I mean, you've given me a place to stay, and a job, and you woke me up. You deserved something in return." She held the dress out for Kaysa again. She had to blink away the tears that threatened to fill her eyes, cursing herself for being so emotionally weak. "You're gonna turn every head tonight, Kaysa. And, they will all love you, but not as much as I love you." She grinned and it quickly turned into a giggle.

"Shiv..." Kaysa's voice trailed off as she was overcome with both surprise and joy. Shiv, her star, her pet, used her own creds to buy her mistress a gift. Was it an act of humility and servitude meant to gain her favour, or was it simply a gift, a sign of affection given to her by a woman whose self-proclaimed devotion and love for her was stronger than she could ever have hoped for from anyone, especially a woman.

Kaysa was unable to utter a single word and tried to suppress the feelings touching her at that moment, feelings she knew were a weakness. Her relationship with Shiv couldn't be anything more than a business arrangement on her part, but she doubted Shiv thought of it in that light. Shiv had developed an emotional attachment - that was plain to see. All Kaysa could think about as she stared at Shiv, then looking at the dress and back again, was: poor girl.

Kaysa pulled the dress from Shiv's hands and lay it gently upon the bed. "Shiv, you stupid little thing," Kaysa said affectionately as she brought her hand to Shiv's cheek. "You're far too sweet and innocent for this universe. I don't deserve such a wonderful gift." Kaysa's hand brushed along Shiv's neck and dropped to her heaving breasts. "What do you mean I woke you up? Not a sexual awakening, I presume," she said with a gentle smile as her hand cupped Shiv's left breast and began kneading it through the fabric of the dress.

Shiv gently thrust her chest forward into Kaysa's hand, enjoying the feelings being generated there. "In a way," she said, "yes. I mean, Lerrah and I were pretty wild when we were together. But, with you, I mean I was with my first guy. And, the things the last couple nights. You helped me to wake up to the things I was missing, turning my back on." She smiled. "And, you deserve it. I just saw it there, and I thought you'd like it. I mean, you know I love you. You've given me more chances in the last month than anyone's given me in my life. And, I just wanted to repay you, and give you something nice." She looked up into Kaysa's eyes, forcing herself to keep looking there. "I know you don't love me, and probably never will. And, that's okay. I'm okay with that." She covered Kaysa's hand with her own as it kneaded her breast. "I don't expect you to fall in love with me. I just want to be your friend, and love you however I can. I don't really need anything back. I just need to love you."

"Oh, I think you do need something from me, Shiv. That's where you're wrong," Kaysa said as she slipped her hand away from Shiv's breast. She stepped back and slid her panties down from her waist and let them fall to the ground. "You need this," Kaysa said, running a hand along her breasts, "and you need this," she added as her hand gently brushed across her mound. "If I didn't give you those so freely, would you still feel that way, Shiv?"

Shiv felt her heart beat faster as she watched Kaysa's hands. "I'd still love you," she said softly, "like I did before that first night. I would still love you, but it'd be different I think." She shook her head and met Kaysa's gaze. "I need you, Kaysa; I do need you. And I think I'd go crazy if I could never touch you again, never feel our bodies pulsing together. I've never had orgasms like I've had with you, and...and I want to try to give you orgasms just as powerful. I give you all of myself freely, and I guess as long as I do get something back from you, I'll be content. And, if it's only your body, I'll be happy with that." She sighed. "I don't want to be greedy with you Kaysa. I do want you. I want you with every part of me, but I'll be happy with whatever you want to give me. But, I'm all yours. I'd do anything to make you happy."

Kaysa laughed gently and held out her arms to Shiv. "Come here, Shiv, and bring that dress," she said with a smile. "It's alright to want my body, Shiv, to desire it. If it makes you more resigned and obedient, you only have to ask, and I will give it to you."

Shiv smiled, a slight blush coming to her face again. It seemed somewhat strange, and yet completely natural and normal to talk to Kaysa about her complete subservience and devotion. To so openly and freely submit to another, and then to talk about it was not something she would have ever expected of herself. But, with Kaysa it felt so completely right.

She approached with the dress for Kaysa to put on. "Maybe later if there is time," she said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "you can help make me more resigned and obedient. But now," she added with a giggle, "your fiancé is waiting and you need to dazzle everyone with your beautiful new dress."

"I think I've managed to tame you enough over the last couple of days." Kaysa smiled as she carefully stepped into the stunning dress while Shiv held it up for her. "So, have you met Rennor then?" she asked with a dry laugh. "He's quite the gentleman, isn't he? It can get annoying at times when he starts preaching about manners and propriety, but at least he's good in bed."

Shiv giggled. "Well, isn't that all he's good for anyway? Well, that and his extremely large bank account. Well, the gentleman met me at the door, I asked where you were and suggested I might help you when he said you were having trouble, he agreed and then just wandered away without another word. I think you might have to talk to him about manners and propriety. I had to find you on my own. Thankfully Rennor appears to have a droid fixation, or I'd still be looking for you. I have never seen so many droids in a single place before. Does he actually do anything for himself?" Shiv looked at Kaysa in her dress and felt her breath catch. "Oh gods, Kaysa. You look beautiful. Oh wow. When you show up down there, you're going to give every man at the party an instant erection." She wanted to reach out and touch, but refrained. She knew she was beaming, so very proud of how beautiful Kaysa looked. She finally did step forward to look at Kaysa's hair, to figure out what they could do with it. "So, is Rennor the best you've had? And, don't worry, I have no intention of trying to find out. I will not screw things up for you. I promise. But, is he the best?"

Kaysa looked down at the dress now snugly fitted onto her body and smoothed her hands over the material, or what little there was of it. "Good choice, Shiv," Kaysa commented with a grin. "I think more of my body is exposed than covered up." She laughed softly and moved to her dressing table. "Help me with my hair, Shiv," she said as she took a seat in the chair and looked at Shiv through the mirror. "And as for Rennor's feats in the bedroom... Well, let's just say he's a generous lover, but I've definitely had better with guys who are so drunk, they couldn't even get it up."

Shiv laughed. "Well, it'll be a good thing you've got me then," she said as she started working with Kaysa's hair. "At least, I hope it's good. I mean, when you're married to him, and you need some good sex, we could always have a romp. Or we can sneak off to some bar, pick up a couple sleazy guys and just have a wild fuck." She started working Kaysa's hair up into a roll. She stifled a giggle at the image that came into her mind: Kaysa wearing the double-rolls made popular on Alderaan a few years back. She would never do that to Kaysa, and no matter how much she loved Kaysa, she would never let her wear that style. Not that she thought she ever would; not that she thought anyone would willingly choose that style for themselves. She smiled when she saw that the roll would work very well for the night, and Kaysa was going to look absolutely beautiful. Once she had Kaysa's hair tucked in place, her hands moved to the bare skin showing through the gaps in the dress. "You look very sexy. The dress is perfect for you."

"And I have you to thank for that," Kaysa added as she stared at Shiv's beaming face reflecting in the mirror. "You did a wonderful job on my hair and the dress truly is dazzling." Kaysa kissed each of Shiv's hands, which had found their way to her exposed chest and were caressing the portions of her breasts peeking out from the dress. "Don't worry, Shiv. Even though I'm marrying Rennor, it doesn't mean your company won't be much appreciated and wanted. I don't think there's any way I could replace you and this...unique relationship we have."

Shiv smiled, her body flushing with a mix of arousal and elation. A part of her wanted to slip aside the thin fabric covering Kaysa's breasts, and touch them more fully. She wanted to caress and suck her nipples, to make love to her there on Rennor's bed. But, she resisted, knowing to do so would rumple both of their dresses. It wouldn't do to go downstairs looking less than perfect. She smiled and realized she was making a gentle purring sound. "I love the feel of your skin," she said. "And, I didn't think the marriage would affect us too much. Well, I was hoping it wouldn't. And, I'm glad it won't. I mean, the guys I've been with now, and Lerrah, they can't even come close to the feelings when we're together. I mean, it's so powerful. Almost too powerful. I mean, when I'm with you, it's like I become just raw sexual energy. I hope we never lose that, Kaysa. I'd do anything to be able to keep that."

"Don't worry, Shiv," Kaysa said as she shifted in the chair to face Shiv. "As long as you continue to look as hot as you do now, I'm sure sex won't be a problem." Kaysa smiled, then wrinkled her nose and gave Shiv an inquisitive expression. "What colour lipstick do you think I should wear?" she asked, their tender moment broken by the casualness of her question.

Shiv stared hard at Kaysa for a moment. "Not too red," she said. She reached out and picked one of the many lipsticks up. "What about this one? It's not too red, and I think it'll go well with your skin tone and hair. Oh, and I think there are some nice complimentary colours here too. Reds and red-browns." Shiv moved to Kaysa's side and took up a few of the brushes. She smiled when she realized doing this was going to be very similar to painting. "Now, don't move too much."

"I won't," Kaysa answered as a suppressed smile caused her mouth to twitch. "I'll be a very good girl. If I'm not," she said as the mischievous smile finally consumed her, "you can punish me later." Kaysa ran a finger along the valley of Shiv's breasts and let it trail down to her stomach before stopping precariously close to the edge of her mound. "Now, hurry. We'll be late for the party," she said with a lustful gaze.

"I'm almost done," Shiv said as she added another touch of colour around Kaysa's eyes. "You have no idea how tempting it is to hike my dress up with you doing that. I am definitely going to have to find myself an eligible bachelor to try to satisfy me tonight. That is unless you think you might be able to get some time away from Rennor." As she applied the finishing touches to Kaysa's face with one hand, she let the other trace circles around Kaysa's nipples. "We really need to get to that party before we end up doing things that will make us even more late."

"Well, if you're done, we can get to the party quicker, and make our hasty exit even sooner." Kaysa grabbed Shiv by the waist and pulled her down into her lap. "I don't have to stay with Rennor tonight," she whispered into Shiv's ear, then nuzzled her lips against the girl's cheek. "My bed has room for two, and I really could use the help getting out of this dress afterwards."

Impulsively, Shiv shifted in Kaysa's lap and kissed her, the passion she'd been feeling since arriving in the bedroom flooding out as she did. Both women wrapped arms around the other as their tongues explored each other's mouths, the temperature of the room seeming to rise with each passing second. Finally, Shiv pulled away, breathless.

She looked at the smudges around Kaysa's lips and giggled. She knew her own mouth must look similar. "Oops," she said through the laughter. "I'll fix it." She quickly grabbed brushes and pads and went to work on Kaysa's face again.

"My aren't we the energetic, impetuous little vixen tonight." Kaysa smiled, but gently so as not to distort her features while Shiv worked on making her look perfect again. "Your youthfulness reminds me of how old I really am," Kaysa muttered as Shiv moved the brush onto her lips.

Once finished, she repaired the damage their kiss had done to her own face. It only took a few moments and then she grinned as they looked at each other in the mirror. "All better." She gave an approving nod and put everything back in its place. "And, I really like your bed. It's a very comfortable bed, and bouncy." She giggled. "I like the bouncy part."

"I like the part that causes all the bouncing," Kaysa retorted as she affectionately squeezed Shiv. "But for now, I think you should escort me to my engagement party." Kaysa laughed and playfully patted Shiv on the rear. "Go find me a pair of heels, will you, my dear."

Shiv grinned. "Yes, Mistress," she said and disappeared into the large closet. She returned a moment later with a pair of shoes that looked like they'd be perfect with the dress. She held them up for Kaysa's approval.

"Ooh, very nice choice, my star. Now, if you'll be so kind..." Kaysa crossed her legs and pulled the hem of her dress over her knee, flashing her bare thigh for Shiv's viewing pleasure. "Right shoe first, my dear."

Shiv hiked up her own dress and knelt down next to Kaysa. She slipped the shoe onto Kaysa's foot and fastened it into place. Before putting on the other shoe, she ran her hand along Kaysa's calf. She then put the other shoe on, again running her hand sensuously along Kaysa's exposed calf. She looked up into her lover, her dream's eyes and smiled. Then she leaned forward and placed a kiss on Kaysa's bare thigh. When she pulled away, a perfectly formed pair of lips was left in the place where she had just kissed. She sat back, still looking up at Kaysa.

Kaysa smiled gently and glanced at the red, heart-shaped stamp of lipstick on her leg before her eyes fluttered back to Shiv's face. She placed her hand under Shiv's chin and leaned over to kiss each of her eyelids tenderly. "If you behave yourself tonight, I'll let you kiss more than just my thigh. Is that incentive enough for you?"

Shiv nodded vigourously. "I will be on my best behaviour," she said. "I will be an angel tonight." Shiv stood and held out her hands to help Kaysa up from the chair she was sitting upon. "Your engagement party awaits," she said with a smile. "Shall I escort you to the grand ballroom, my mistress?"

Kaysa laughed cheerfully as she placed her hand in Shiv's and rose gracefully from her seat. "Well, since Rennor's abandoned me to go mingle with his illustrious guests, you get to walk me across the red carpet." She moved with Shiv to the doorway and as a thought sparked in her mind, she glanced sideways at Shiv and smiled conspiratorially at her. "If Rennor only knew about you and I... He'd be furious if he saw you walking me down the aisle on my wedding day. Whaddya say, Shiv?" Kaysa continued gazing at Shiv, waiting for her statement to process in Shiv's mind and anxious to see the girl's reaction.

Shiv watched Kaysa for a moment as her mind raced to put together the pieces of Kaysa's question, and then it hit her. She saw Kaysa's smile brighten as her own face suddenly bore the signs of dawning recognition. Her excitement blossomed anew. "You want me to be your maid of honour?" She was thrilled to say the least, and she loved the other implications it brought. She thought of the intimate mark placed on Kaysa's thigh, a sign of her devotion to Kaysa, a sign that she and Kaysa shared a relationship, a bond that defied any conventional ideals or labels. "I would love to. I mean, to be able to do that for you...and then to flaunt it all in front of unsuspecting Rennor. I'd love to. Oh, yes I'd really love to." She giggled and hugged Kaysa. "I'll need to get another dress, I guess."

"Good, we can pick out one for you together, and then you can help me pick out mine. And this time, Rennor's paying." Kaysa smiled at Shiv and pulled away. She looked over her shoulder in the direction which the subtle ambient sounds of music and friendly banter were rising from the ballroom, winding their way through the hallways. Kaysa sighed and turned back to Shiv. "Well, it's time to go dazzle the guests. Are you ready?"

Shiv grinned. She took a moment to glance down at her dress and then at Kaysa's. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She held out an arm for Kaysa to take as she glanced toward the waiting door.

---

"Engagement Party, Part 3"
Kaysa Zenarr - Owner of Zenarr Inc., Rennor's Fiancée
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral - Employee of Zenarr Inc.
Location: Rennor's Home, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

The noise of the crowd below rose to meet Kaysa and Shiv as they neared the staircase where they would make their grand entrance. Shiv felt a nervousness in her stomach, but the giddiness both women shared had not dwindled. They were both still giggling, still excited about the prospects that awaited them. It would indeed be a big night for the two of them, and they could both feel it like it where a palpable thing.

Shiv, her fingers still laced with Kaysa's, grinned as she glanced at her friend. There was only another hallway to go before they were at the top of the stairs, before they would be in full view of the gathered throng. They both slowed their steps, prolonging the last couple moments before they were thrust into the festivities. It allowed them a last couple moments alone before they were too busy dancing, drinking, and carousing with the rest of the guests. Soon, Kaysa would be the trophy, paraded around the ballroom by Rennor, shown off as a prize and a symbol of status. And, that would leave Shiv to fend for herself in her new dress, to dance and mingle, to flirt and impress. She would make Kaysa proud tonight. The thought brightened her smile even more.

"Are you nervous," she asked as their pace seemed to slow even more.

"Nervous? Never," Kaysa said with a forced smile. She squeezed Shiv's hand and gave a nervous laugh as the large crowd of guests finally came into view. "Ok, I lied," she whispered, "I'm terrified."

Shiv squeezed Kaysa's hand in response. "You'll be fine," she whispered as they neared the centre of the stairs. "And, if it gets too bad, we'll just have a couple shots of that pink stuff we had last night. It was really good for bravery." She stifled a giggle as they started down the steps.

As they hit the third step, the sounds of the party started to dwindle. Below, heads started craning upward to see the two women slowly descending the stairway. Shiv's heart beat faster when she realized that she was attracting attention with Kaysa. She squeezed Kaysa's hand again as she bit her lip to keep herself from giggling foolishly. "They're all watching us," she whispered.

"Thank you for pointing that out, Shiv," Kaysa commented sardonically as she forced a large smile for the guests watching them intently. "Gods, why couldn't have Rennor invited only close friends? We are definitely not having this many people at the wedding." Kaysa glanced at Shiv for a moment as they neared the centre of the long staircase and gave her a wink, one completely unnoticeable by the guests below. "I hope this isn't inappropriate, Shiv, but I can't wait to get you out of that dress."

Shiv giggled as they reached the centre of the staircase. She looked over at Kaysa, her grin big. "Maybe during a quiet spot in the party, we can find a secluded location without anyone else around and I can give you a little peek. I'll probably be out dancing with all those eligible, unmarried men out there. But, if you want me, I'm all yours. Just holler."

The room had gone quiet as all eyes were now on them. They were closer to the bottom of the stairs, and their private conversation would soon have to stop. She could see that Rennor had detached himself from a small group and moved closer to await Kaysa's arrival. She had a feeling that her own presence was completely insignificant. I wonder if he even sees that I'm here, she wondered, and then gave Kaysa's hand another squeeze. She could see that most eyes were caught by Kaysa's dress, what there was of it.

Shiv grinned again. "Have I mentioned that you're completely beautiful yet?"

"You haven't," Kaysa replied quietly, "but now that you have, rest assured you will be thanked for it later...more than once." Kaysa's sideways glance and crooked smile said more than her words had expressed, and if Shiv really did behave herself that evening, she would be paid in full for her sweet compliments and obedience with a night of sheer ecstasy.

Kaysa turned her eyes back to the crowd, which was now hushed, save for the odd audible comment and ambient whispering. A flush consumed every inch of Kaysa's exposed flesh, and considering her dress was made of a negligible amount of material, the blush of her skin must have been quite visible to all in the large room. Her eyes flitted down to her dress before she quickly looked up again in mortification. Having all those people staring at her certainly had an unwanted effect, mainly, her nipples clearly displaying her fear to all within close enough proximity to view them protruding from the thin, tight material of the dress.

Kaysa swallowed back an embarrassed chuckle, but as she glanced at Rennor and saw the proud smile on his face, her wavering confidence settled and she felt her tense body quickly relax. She would show him how lucky he was to have found her, and the sight of the dress hugging every curve of her trim figure might just remind him what he would be missing out on if he didn't give her exactly what she asked for.

Kaysa's stiff, uncertain movements became once again graceful as her hips swayed gently with every step she took. The skirt of her dress brushed against each stair, fabric whispering to drown out the sounds of those in the crowd still gossiping--most likely about Kaysa herself. Small bumps formed across the skin of her arms as a cool breeze from somewhere in the room swept across the large opening on the back of her dress. The chill continued down to the small of her back where the dress finally stopped plunging.

At that moment, she was glad she had taken off her panties, for they certainly would have been quite visible. The same cool breeze brushed across her stomach, which was bared for all to see through the large, diamond-shaped opening on the front of the dress. She felt almost naked as she looked down at herself, her belly button compacting then being pulled taut again as her body moved down the stairs. The lights of the room reflecting off her dress caused the milky, white colour of the material to take on an iridescence; the myriad of colours produced shimmered with every sway of her hips.

If her breasts hadn't been squeezed so tightly into the top of the dress, she was certain her bouncing steps would have caused them to flounder out for all to see. As it was, they were already scarcely covered and pressed so tightly together, she could barely distinguish one firm, white breast from the other. The only thing holding the entire dress up was a single strap around her neck; she hoped Shiv had securely clasped it or Kaysa would be having an unpleasant encounter with a magically vanishing dress.

As Kaysa and Shiv finally reached the last step, Rennor's smile had consumed his entire face, and the lust in his eyes was definitely visible to all who looked. She gave Rennor a polite bow of her head and held up her hand to him. "Good evening, my dear," she said with a voice as silky as her flowing dress.

---

"Engagement Party, Part 4"
Rennor Karradas- CEO Karradas Industries, Inc., Kaysa's Fiancé
Kaysa Zenarr - Owner of Zenarr Inc., Rennor's Fiancée
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral - Employee of Zenarr Inc.
High Princess Kalaira Ardelyr-Valreth of Tae'Karada
High Prince Airan Valreth of Tae'Karada
NPC - Lando Calrissian
Location: Rennor's Home, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

Rennor felt his pulse quicken as he brushed his lips against Kaysa's cheek. With a hungry glance over her dress, he complimented himself on his choice of getting that gown for her...though he didn't remember that one. But, he'd take the credit for it anyway. With pride overflowing, he led the way toward where the High Prince and Princess waited for him to present his fiancée. "Your Majesty, I present to you now, the jewel of my heart and future bride, Kaysa Zenarr."

Airan looked over the woman before him and nodded. He held out his hand to her, ring placed to where she could acknowledge him. He kept his face neutral, but he'd learned early in his reign to hold the hand lower than what would be comfortable so that the supplicant would have to bow lower to press lips to the sign of his sovereignty. "We congratulate you on your joyous union," he said. "And, we compliment you on your gown. It is very nearly Karadan." He slipped his arm around Kalaira at his side as if to emphasize what he considered Karadan.

Kalaira smiled. Airan could have manners when he chose. She had worried about that.

Kaysa smiled sweetly to hide her reluctance at having to kiss the pompous High Prince's ring, but she leaned over and kissed it at any rate. She straightened up and cleared her throat before she addressed the High Prince with as much humility as she could muster. "Thank you, your highness, but I am hardly the loveliest woman in the room this evening." Kaysa shifted her gaze to the High Princess and bowed her head slowly. "I was speaking to Rennor earlier and told him I feared that no matter what I chose to wear this evening, the High Princess of Tae'Karada, with all her beauty, would certainly outshine me. As I look upon you now, I think it's safe to say that my prediction was correct," Kaysa said with a sly grin.

Kalaira laughed lightly. "It is no shame for a bride to outshine a High Princess, my dear. But thank you none the less."

Kaysa smiled politely as her awareness was drawn back to a gentle squeezing of her left hand. From the corner of her eye, she caught the bright red colour of Shiv's dress and mentally cursed herself for neglecting to introduce her. She looked back at Shiv and pulled her forward into plain view. "Your highnesses, I wish to introduce you to an employee of Zenarr Inc., as well as a close friend of mine, Maeren Shivral." Kaysa gave Shiv a smile of encouragement as she gently pulled her closer to the High Prince and Princess. "She will be acting as Maid of Honour at our wedding ceremony as well."

Airan smiled and held his ring out to the young woman. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shivral," he said.

Kalaira echoed his sentiment. Seeing an Ambassador that had been avoiding her, she excused herself after wishing the happy couple well.

Shiv had glanced down at the High Prince's hand just as the High Princess suddenly made a sound she thought was a how-do-you-do, and then excused herself. She watched in stunned disbelief as the High Princess, in her transparent gown made of the finest Karadan transparent fabrics that left nothing a mystery, just wandered away. How rude, she thought to herself as she eyed the ring thrust out upon which she was expected to supplicate herself to the man who exuded an arrogance that bordered on the revolting. She knew she could swipe the thing from his finger and be down the street before he even knew it was gone.

The thought brought a smile to her face until she noticed the faceless entourage surrounding the High Prince. As she bent forward to kiss the bastard's ring as Kaysa had done, she let her eyes wander the room to see more of the same sort of men. All wearing the same faceless black uniform, all designed to inspire fear. She noted that they were doing their job well. She imagined the party would be quite raucous if it weren't for the faceless minions of High Prince Airan throwing cold water on everyone's fun. Nothing like a goon squad to strike fear into the heart of revellers. With the finger thrusting and the horde of guards, it was obvious the High Prince was trying to assert his place as ruler. She figured the title 'High Prince' would be enough without having to lord it over everyone. And, all of that at Kaysa's engagement party? She figured tackiness had been bred out of royalty, but obviously she was mistaken. High Prince lording it over everyone he's the High Prince; and High Princess showing up in a dress to outshine the bride-to-be. Oh, it's going to be a fun night indeed, she thought.

She had half a mind to pull back and not kiss the ring, not acknowledge his authority over her. She wasn't Karadan; her lady and mistress was Kaysa, and hers was the only authority Shiv respected. But, she had promised to be good, to make Kaysa proud. And, to not press her lips to the ring would definitely cast a bad shadow on things. She still couldn't believe the gall of the man. Sure he was High Prince, but to show up at Kaysa's engagement party, and then wander the room expecting everyone to kiss his ass and his ring? It was all too much.

Shiv finally allowed her lips to touch the insidious ring. As she straightened herself, she saw the High Princess across the room, chatting merrily with someone who was blocked from Shiv's view. She didn't like the woman. She was so cold and distant, and then coming into Kaysa's party flaunting her body in that skimpy dress. It wasn't right.

And, then to just leave as Kaysa was introducing me, Shiv thought. I hope that all royalty aren't stuck-up snobs like the Tae'Karada royalty.

She gave Kaysa's hand a gentle squeeze, partially to relieve the tension she was suddenly feeling, and partially for reassurance that she was still there. She'd stay with Kaysa until she was sent away. She found she suddenly wasn't really in the mood for partying.

"We approve of this union and give you the full support of the monarch, Rennor Karradas," the High Prince said. "Now, if you will excuse us, we must find our wife."

Once they were alone, Rennor gave Kaysa an approving look. "That went well," he said. "I think we managed to impress them. You look magnificent, my sweet. Not even the High Princess herself can compare with your beauty." He slipped his arms around her, and tried not to grimace too openly at the the young woman still clinging to Kaysa like a child on its mother's skirts. Why doesn't the little tart go find a boy to molest, he asked himself. "Your dress is beautiful, my pet. Simply beautiful. By next week, all the women in the city will want to be wearing it."

Shiv was caught offguard by the sudden embrace Kaysa was pulled into. She did manage to keep a hold on Kaysa's hand, not exactly an easy task with Rennor enveloping her body with his. She realized she was practically invisible standing there. Rennor hadn't even acknowledged her. And, after she was introduced to the High Prince and Princess of the planet, they decided they'd rather be somewhere else. Is it me? she thought

She wasn't letting go of Kaysa's hand though. She'd only let go when Kaysa did, only leave Kaysa's side when Kaysa asked her to go. And, she didn't care how invisible Rennor tried to make her.

Kaysa attempted to concentrate on Rennor's comments, but her eyes kept wandering to her side, where Shiv was obediently standing. She wondered if he even noticed Shiv was still clinging to her, or if he was aware of her presence, but merely refused to acknowledge it. Kaysa gave Shiv's hand a firm, comforting squeeze as she glanced sideways at her with a hint of a smile. She turned her gaze quickly back to Rennor and allowed her smile to blossom into a full blown grin. "Well, if you like the dress so much, you should thank Shiv over here. She picked it out for me."

Rennor made a non-commital grunt, and was saved from having to truly acknowledge the young woman's accomplishment when a newcomer at the door caught his eye. Dark skin and clothes fashioned in blues and a white cape, and a roguish look that set Rennor's lips curling into a big grin. He didn't expect him to show up, but there he was. He must have run the blockade, he thought to himself.

"Come along, my pet," Rennor said quickly, and pulled Kaysa along with him as he fled toward the door. "An old friend arrived, and you have to meet him."

Kaysa grimaced at Rennor's utter lack of manners. He, once again, ignored Shiv completely, and now he was dragging her across the room like some disobedient child. She turned her head back only to see Shiv stumbling along behind them. Kaysa was going to release her grip on Shiv's hand, but the look on the girl's face indicated she didn't want to be anywhere but at her side. "Try and keep up, Shiv," she whispered back to her.

Shiv nodded as she tried to move faster to keep up. She gave Kaysa a weak smile. "Heels," she whispered back as if that explained everything. She fought off the wave of giggles that wanted to escape. She'd never worn heels before, and she was realizing, as she sped after Kaysa, exactly why.

"Lando, you old space-dog, I'm surprised they'd let you into a place like this," Rennor called out. "Long time, old friend."

"Well, I was in the neighbourhood and heard about this little party. I didn't have anything better to do, so I thought I might see what the ol' scoundrel Rennor Karradas was up to and try to steal his lady away." Lando laughed and clapped Rennor on the shoulder before taking the offered hand and shaking it.

"It's dangerous for you here," Rennor said softly.

Lando laughed. "Dangerous everywhere," he said. "Nice little blockade you have going up there though."

"I wouldn't delve too deeply on that topic around here tonight," Rennor said. "Tensions are frayed, and the High Prince is not pleased with their presence." With a laugh, Rennor decided to change subjects away from Tae'Karada's Imperial difficulties. "So, what's this I hear about you joining up with the Rebellion?"

"I had no choice. Darth Vader forced me to choose sides. I lost quite a bit on Bespin, and I just couldn't see myself bowing to the Emperor. So here I am," Lando said. "Enough of war." He turned to Kaysa. "You can't be telling me you convinced this beautiful woman to marry an old dog like you." He bowed low and kissed Kaysa's hand. "Lando Calrissian, it's my pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Kaysa smiled, but tried to not appear the submissive, obedient wife-to-be she knew Rennor was trying to pass her off to be. She was still Kaysa Zenarr, and as long as she still held her name and her freedom, she would continue to act precisely the way Kaysa Zenarr would. "Likewise, Mr. Calrissian," Kaysa replied as she allowed her hand to rest in his. "It's too bad you weren't around when I met Rennor. I would have enjoyed having the two of you fight for the honour of claiming me."

"If that's the case, Rennor would be the one attending our party," Lando said with a laugh. "He still can't bring himself to cheat to get what he wants." He stepped back from Kaysa and his eyes were immediately drawn to the young woman standing at her side. "Hello, Beautiful. Rennor, you ol' dog, I see you've brought someone for me. Who is this breathtaking star beside you?"

"I'm Maeren," she said as she looked him over. He was a scoundrel if she ever saw one, and she'd seen many. "Kaysa's maid of honour and her star courier." She gave him a smile and then shook her head with mischief and mirth flashing in her eyes. "And, I wasn't brought here for you, silly Mr. Calrissian. I'm not an object to be possessed and shown off." She cast a sidelong glance in Rennor's direction. "But, if you would like to dance with me later, you will have to ask nicely and I'll think about it." She flashed him another grin. "And, stop trying to look down the front of my dress."

He laughed and shifted his gaze to her eyes. "I would be most honoured to dance with you, Maeren," Lando said with a graceful nod.

Shiv laughed softly. "Like I said, I'll think about it."

Rennor watched the exchange between Maeren and Lando and wanted to shake his head. Lando could certainly do much better than Kaysa's employee. He should at least find a woman who would provide breeding something above that of a common barmaid. "So, tell me about the next operation you want me to invest my money into."

"I've got several new ventures in the works. We stand to rake in the credits if you're interested in a partnership, Rennor." He noted the looks that both Shiv and Kaysa were giving him and decided a topic change was in order. "Let's shelve the business talk. I think these two lovelies are getting bored." Lando smiled at Maeren. "May I have this dance?"

Shiv glanced at Kaysa, and then back at Lando. "I guess one dance won't hurt," she said with a sly smile. "Let me warn you before we get out there though, I'm not used to these shoes." She finally managed to force herself to release Kaysa's hand and placed it in the one Lando Calrissian, scoundrel and rogue, held out to her.

Rennor forced a smile. "Yes," he said. "Dancing. A splendid idea. Come, my dear, it's time for you to press that glorious body of yours up to mine."

"I don't know if we should, Rennor," Kaysa said with a grin playing on her lips. "Every time we dance, it always leads to other things..." Kaysa winked at Rennor then leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "I'd love to dance with you," she whispered into his ear as she took his hand.

When they got out onto the dance floor, Rennor's body reacted immediately as Kaysa's pressed close to his. He smiled when she gave him a knowing look. "And, maybe as we're out there showing all our guests how well we move together, maybe we can slip out onto the balcony for some of those other things."

Kaysa laughed gently as she danced with Rennor, her cheek pressed against his and their bodies moving as one. "Well, let's stick to dancing for now, and save those other things for later," Kaysa said softly. Her lips brushed against his neck and she slid her hand along his back as the slow, rhythmic music hypnotized her and blocked out the chatter and laughter that filled the room. "Rennor, dear?" Kaysa asked. Her once-graceful dancing became awkward, just as being in Rennor's arms suddenly became uncomfortable. She was beginning to realize she needed a large drink.

"Yes, my pet," Rennor said with a smile. "Are you ready to slip out onto the balcony now?"

Kaysa glanced around the room at all the faces of people she didn't know, and by the looks of it, didn't want to know. She wrinkled her nose and looked back at Rennor with a grimace. "Promise me we'll have far less guests at our wedding. I don't feel comfortable with all these people around. I mean, do you even know half of them?"

"They're all close, personal friends of mine," Rennor said. "I'm a very popular man, you know. All these people want to be in my good graces, and soon yours as well. But, we can do a small wedding if you'd like. Just make a small guest list of about two hundred people, and that will be fine. Though, we really must have a reception of at least five thousand. It would be a terrible slight to invite only some of them. It's a Karadan thing, my pet; you wouldn't understand." As the music stopped, he led the way toward the edge of the dance floor. "Here, let me get you a drink. We can toast to our continued happiness."

Kaysa narrowed her eyes at Rennor and cautioned herself not to overreact to his hopefully unintended insult. She may not have been born on Tae'Karada, but she was well versed in their customs and primitive traditions - having women walk around half-naked being her favourite one to criticize. "My nerves are fine, Rennor," she said coolly as she took the drink from his hand. "And the only reason you like having all these people around is so you can show off your new prize. Isn't that how it works on Tae'Karada? A woman's only purpose is to be a trophy for her man. She has no rights, no voice; her only concern in life is whether she's succeeding in pleasing her man, for if she doesn't, she's a complete failure. I hope you realize, Rennor, that I'm not that kind of woman."

"Yes, my pet," Rennor said slowly. "I realize that, and I don't want you to be worried about that. All you need to worry yourself about is keeping me satisfied in bed and bearing my children. Now, go show off that beautiful dress and mingle with my friends. They all want to love you as much as I do."

After dealing with Kaysa's flaring temper, Rennor realized he needed a drink as well. He moved to the bar and gave the droid working there a broad smile. "A Rialian Spritzer," he ordered. "And, make it a double."

Kaysa watched as her own fiancé snubbed her and practically shooed her away with an imperious wave of his hand once an obviously prestigious and important woman began conversing with him in hushed tones. Their eyes were locked as they spoke and she was enjoying his company far too much, and by the smile on his face, apparently he was enjoying hers just as much. "Oh, I can't wait to punish you tonight when I roll over and fall asleep just as you're nice and hard. Jerk..." she muttered as she finished her drink and stalked away, grumbling under her breath.

---

"Engagement Party, Part 5"
Kaysa Zenarr - Owner of Zenarr Inc., Rennor's Fiancée
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral - Employee of Zenarr Inc.
NPC - Lando Calrissian
Location: Rennor's Home, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

Shiv walked off the dancefloor ahead of Lando. "I'm sorry, okay," she said.

"No, no," Lando said, rushing to catch up. "I've had my feet stepped on before."

"I'm still sorry," Shiv said again, trying to hide her smile. "Look, I'll buy you a drink."

Lando laughed. "The drinks are free."

Shiv laughed. "Then I'll buy you two."

She picked up a pair of glasses from the tray of a passing droid and handed them to Lando. She gave him a grin that he returned. Across the room, she saw Kaysa at a droid of her own with drink in hand.

"I've got to go talk to someone," Shiv said to Lando. She glanced around them and then back to the scoundrel. "Mingle. And, maybe I'll see you later."

With a smile in place, she strolled across the floor to Kaysa.

"Miss me?" she asked as she stepped up behind her mentor.

Kaysa turned around slowly as she continued sipping her drink. She placed the empty glass blindly onto the droid's tray and grimaced at Shiv. "Well, let's see, Shiv. I don't know anyone here, but I already hate them all, then Rennor, my dear, sweet fiancé abandons me on the dancefloor to go mingle with some hussie aristocrat," Kaysa said sardonically. "So, Shiv, did I miss you?" she asked as she leaned forward with a smirk on her face. "Of course I did, my pet." Kaysa straightened up and sighed airily while she glanced around the room. "What happened to your beau?"

Shiv grinned and glanced back to where she'd left Lando. "I stepped on his foot while we were dancing. I should have just worn my boots, even though they would have looked funny with the dress. But, I left him over there. I think he's talking to a brunette now." She looked around and sighed. "I saw there's a nice looking garden over that way. Want some fresh air?"

Kaysa's eyes grew wide with delight as she spotted a passing droid holding a tray full of drinks. She quickly swiped two glasses from the tray and looked at Shiv with a mischievous smile. "To the gardens, my star. The longer these arrogant socialites engage in their pretentious conversations, the more this room becomes full of hot air. Come on," she said as she handed Shiv a glass and began moving through the dancefloor.

Shiv took the glass and a quick swallow, then started off after Kaysa. They wound their way through the crowd toward the other side of the room, heedless of those out dancing.

Large doors led out into the terraced balcony. It was dark, but the flowers, plants and trees filling the area were still visible. Shiv pushed open the door and let Kaysa lead the way outside. She followed after and out to a large stone bench where Kaysa had seated herself.

Shiv looked around and sighed. "Much nicer out here."

Kaysa took a deep breath of the cool, night air, which was filled with the sweet scent of freshly bloomed flowers. The breeze slowly danced upon her mostly exposed flesh and as it whistled in her ears, the annoying chatter and loud music of the ballroom was almost drowned out...almost. "I swear, if there are more than ten people at that wedding, I'm walking out. Those people are so haughty and affectatious... I mean did you see how the High Princess snubbed you!" Kaysa let out a sharp breath before swallowing back her entire drink. She smiled at Shiv and motioned for her to take a seat. "Are you about ready to just run outta here and escape this stuffy place? You're probably sorry you came, aren't you?"

Shiv laughed. "It's tempting," she said, "but it's not that I want to leave or anything. I mean, watching these people is interesting. I mean, I've pretty much been totally ignored by everyone. Well, except for you and Lando, and I don't really want Lando's attentions." She sat down on the bench, making sure her dress didn't get wrinkled too badly. "If you wanted to rush off together and escape the pretentious and arrogant, I wouldn't hesitate."

"I'd jump at the chance, but Rennor hasn't finished showing me off yet. I'm beginning to wonder if all of this is worth the humiliation of being married to that...man." Kaysa placed her glass to her lips, only to realize she'd already emptied it. She sighed and threw the glass into a set of shrubs next to the bench they sat upon. She grumbled quietly under her breath and placed a hand on Shiv's thigh, rubbing it soothingly. "It's a good thing you came tonight, Shiv. Without you here, I think I would be jumping off this balcony right about now."

Shiv smiled and placed her hand on top of Kaysa's. "Well, then I'm glad I came here tonight," she said. "I'd kiss you if it wouldn't mess up your lipstick, or all the people that might walk in on us. However--" She hiked her skirt up to where a lot of thigh was showing along with a slim band with six small, rolled cigarras and a small lighter. She plucked one of the cigs out and held it up for Kaysa to see. "I brought us a special treat." She brought it to her lips, touched the igniter to it, and inhaled deeply. She savoured it briefly, and then handed it over to Kaysa. "Forget your problems and know only bliss."

Kaysa tried to suppress a smile and the urge to pluck the joint from Shiv's fingers and take in the entire thing in one long breath. Instead, she glanced at the doorway leading to the ballroom, then back at Shiv before she took the joint in one hand, and grabbed Shiv's with the other. "Let's find somewhere a little more secluded," Kaysa said as she placed the joint between her lips and pulled Shiv along.

"You really are a lifesaver, my pet. Smuggling these things in here after I explicitly told you not to do anything to ruin this night for me..." Kaysa inhaled the Spice deeply and blew out the sweet-smelling smoke before looking at Shiv with a dreamy smile. "Remind me not to be so hard on you the next time you break your promise to me."

Shiv grinned. "It appears that these are saving your night for you," she said with a sly grin. "And, I didn't know if I'd need them or not, but just in case, I brought a few along. Probably don't want to let Rennor know though. I mean, I doubt a few puffs of these would dislodge that spanner he's got up his ass." She watched Kaysa smoking the Tiesta and felt her heart flutter. "Maybe we could just kick Rennor out and live here. Just think of the parties we could have."

Kaysa laughed and continued pulling Shiv along until she found a small grove filled with overhanging vines and brilliantly coloured purple flowers. She walked to the far end of the grove with Shiv in tow and stopped before the balcony, staring down upon New Plouton. All this - the gardens, the penthouse apartment, connections with the New Plouton elite - all of it hers just by marrying a man she didn't love. It wouldn't be too bad, but marriage on Tae'Karada was a serious matter. One didn't just marry a man and walk out on him when she'd had her fill. If she married Rennor, she was stuck with him.

"I'm going to be miserable, aren't I, Shiv," she asked quietly before turning around and facing Shiv. "I mean, when I marry him, I'm gonna be trapped in this place...this dungeon only to be taken out so he can showcase me to some potential business partners. I'm his fucking prize and I can't believe I'm allowing myself to be so."

"Probably," Shiv said with a nod. "But, you'll still have me. Maybe we'll be able to get some time together. I mean, we'll still work together, so maybe we can lock ourselves in a storeroom at lunch or something." She pressed herself against Kaysa, her face resting against Kaysa's cheek as she slipped an arm around Kaysa's waist. It was comfortable there. She closed her eyes and wished they could stay like that for always. "Maybe sometime you could come with me on a run. I mean, to give me a progress report. Or just to see how things are going out in the field. But, if you need someone to spring you from this prison, I'll do it gladly." She brought a hand up and let it trail down the bare skin of Kaysa's back. "You're very beautiful in that dress, Kaysa. The most beautiful woman here tonight. And, Rennor doesn't deserve you. He's so...I don't know. He doesn't deserve you at all." Shiv sighed, thinking about herself and Kaysa curled up together in bed. "Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe you and me together, and the occasional trip to a bar, maybe we can make it bearable."

"You already are, Shiv," Kaysa replied softly. She kissed Shiv's neck and threw her joint over the balcony, freeing her hand up to grip Shiv's rear tenderly. "Gods...I don't wanna be with Rennor tonight, my star. Maybe later we can sneak out and I can tell him I had a horrible headache." Kaysa's other hand came to Shiv's breast, which she squeezed gently. She laughed quietly as Shiv moaned and began to tremble with excitement. "Not now, my dear. I don't think even these thick vines will be able to drown out your cries. How much longer will you be staying at the party?"

Shiv looked around, still just enjoying the feeling of Kaysa's body against hers. "As long as you are," she said softly. "I mean, if you're going back to the apartment tonight. If you are, I'll just stay here as long as you need me to in order to keep you sane." She reached out a hand and touched one of the vines. "No, definitely wouldn't hold back my cries. I've never tried to stay quiet during sex, but where's the fun in not crying out?" She grinned and pressed her chest against Kaysa's hand, just enjoying the pressure. "It would be terrible if you came down with a headache. I'd have to take care of you. And, it's one of those headaches you get, isn't it? The kind you just have to wait out until it's gone?"

"Hmm...you know, I think I do feel one of those headaches coming on," Kaysa said, joining in on Shiv's charade. "I promise, Shiv, I'll try and come home with you tonight, but if Rennor requests my presence in his bedroom tonight, I don't think I'm in a position to refuse." Kaysa gave Shiv one final kiss on the neck before pushing her gently away and staring at her with a smile. "You've even managed to keep your makeup on without having to touch it up. I think you're cut out for this opulent lifestyle. You've certainly pulled off that dress and I know Mr. Calrissian was taken with you...he had to have been if he chose to dance with you over me!"

Shiv laughed. "He danced with me because Rennor would have revoked his invitation if he danced with you. And, I've been very careful with my makeup." She pulled a second joint from her garter and lit it. "Do you think he'll demand that you service him tonight?"

"He can demand all he wants, but in the end, it's up to me," Kaysa spat. "You wouldn't believe what he said to me tonight! It was so demeaning. He was talking to me as if I were a complete idiot who understands nothing about anything." Kaysa pulled the joint from Shiv's fingers and took a long drag. She sighed as a rush of tranquility enveloped her body and she leaned lazily against the balcony. The night before, they'd finished off six joints between the four of them, but the night would have been glorious even if she hadn't been high. Kaysa smiled and blushed slightly at the remembrance of the passion, the multiple orgasms... "Shiv," she said with a hint of excitement tingeing her voice, "what did you think of Zale?"

A slow smile crept across Shiv's features. "I liked him," she said. "Oh and he was so strong. I mean, you saw the way he just picked me up over his shoulder. And, he was good. I mean, I loved having sex with Corun, but Zale was like...wow. And, when he just shoved his dick in my mouth while Corun was fucking me. It startled me at first, and I didn't know what to do. But, I felt so abused. I loved that feeling. I mean, having two guys doing that at the same time, and me unable to do anything. I could only lay there and let Corun fuck me, and I could only suck Zale off. It was powerful. And, watching you and Zale together. You guys were so good. I mean, watching you two, I feel so clumsy and awkward."

Kaysa sighed with contentment as she stared up at the smoke rising slowly from the burning joint. "He was...amazing, Shiv." Kaysa cleared her throat as she remembered she was supposed to be setting an example for her new pet, and fawning over a man who they were never allowed to see again was inappropriate. "At any rate, you've only been with three men, Shiv. It's only right that you haven't got the moves down yet. It comes with practice, Shiv. Trust me."

"Well, I got a lot of practice last night," she said. "And, I guess if I wanted to do it, I could get more with Lando Calrissian. But, I don't know. He was okay and everything, but not really for me. Maybe we can take another trip to a club in a day or two, and I can wear that one dress. I think that will get some attention too." She took the joint from Kaysa and took a long drag on it and passed it back. "Did I look like I was doing better last night? I mean, did I look like I at least had an idea what I was doing? It'll be hard to top last night."

"You were exquisite, my dear," Kaysa commented as the joint, once again, went to her lips. "And I think we'll have to wait at least two days before doing it again," she added, leaning forward towards Shiv. "I'm still sore from last night. I think Zale and I got a little too enthusiastic. He wasn't as big as Corun, but that thing was rock hard." Kaysa laughed and moved towards Shiv slowly. "You really do look beautiful in red, my star. It's too bad there isn't a more private place in this entire apartment where we can...reacquaint ourselves with each other," Kaysa said suggestively as she let her hand drop to Shiv's waist. "You won't be too sore for me tonight if I drop in for a visit, will you?"

Shiv let her hands trace Kaysa's curves. "No," she said, "I'll definitely be okay for a reacquainting visit tonight. I'm actually feeling this nice warm ache for you right now." Shiv blinked slowly as she gazed into Kaysa's eyes. "You and Zale looked enthusiastic. And, Corun was big. I mean, he really filled me up. You should have seen me trying to get all of him in my mouth. I got most of him in though. If we didn't have the rule, and I didn't royally screw everything up with him, I'd want to see him again to try to get all of him in again. I think I can do it now, especially if I don't let myself tense up." She leaned closer to Kaysa and grinned. "If we didn't have to look presentable in there, I'd kiss you so hard right now."

"You can save that kiss for later, when you can follow it up with a good finger fuck." Kaysa smiled at Shiv and brought the joint to the girl's lips. "Until then, suck on this."

"Ms. Zenarr?" came a voice from within the grove. Kaysa looked up with a startled gasp to see one of Rennor's faithful servant droids standing on the path, a short distance away from them. Kaysa growled under her breath and scowled at the droid, even though it was really Rennor her annoyance should have been directed at.

"What do you want?" Kaysa said curtly as her hand moved to Shiv's rear. "I'm a little busy right now," she added with a smile.

The droid, unphased by Kaysa's rudeness of course, replied, "Mr. Karradas requires your presence in the ballroom."

"Oh...are there some dignitaries Rennor's neglected to parade me in front of?" Kaysa laughed and shooed the droid away. "Tell Mr. Karradas I will be in attendance shortly. Now go."

The droid complied without hesitation and gave a stiff bow before turning out of the grove and hobbling away. Kaysa rolled her eyes and smiled at Shiv. "Looks like duty calls, my dear. Will you be coming back into the party or have you had your fill of those snobs?"

"I think I'm gonna finish this," Shiv said, indicating the joint, "and then I'll come back inside." She moved closer to Kaysa, pressing the length of her body against her friend. "Maybe that headache will hit soon and we'll have to go. I mean, I'll have to take care of you if you had a really bad headache. And, I've got this ache I'd like you to look at...if that's okay."

"Oh really?" Kaysa asked, pouting playfully. "Hmm...that ache, is it...down here, perhaps," she said softly as her hand gently brushed across Shiv's mound. "If so, I think I know a perfect remedy for that." Kaysa laughed and pressed her lips lightly against Shiv's before pulling away. "You take your time out here. You could use the cold, night air to cool you off, my dear. I'll see you again later, alright?"

"Definitely," Shiv said with a grin as she followed Kaysa back out of their little hideaway. "If I'm not back in before you're ready to go, just come find me. I don't think I'll be out here too much longer. Maybe just finish this off and then stare at the stars for a bit. But, then I'll come back in and find you." She brushed a hand down Kaysa's arm, stopping briefly to press her hand to Kaysa's. "I'll see you soon, my mistress."

"I really do like it when you call me that," Kaysa said with a grin. Kaysa laced her fingers around Shiv's and looked through the doors at the party. "Well, I guess it's time for me to make Rennor proud," she said with a grimace. "Don't stay out here too long. I need you to save me from my charming fiancé." Kaysa smiled and slipped her hand from Shiv's. She pulled the joint from Shiv's fingers and quickly took a drag before handing it back. "Oh I definitely needed that," she said as the smoke spilled from her lips. "See you soon, my star," Kaysa said with a dreamy smile before she sauntered away from Shiv and engulfed herself in the haughty laughter and airy conversations of the party inside.

---

"Engagement Party, Part 6"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral - Employee of Zenarr Inc.
Dargus Kandran - Head of the Kandran Crime Syndicate Location: Rennor's Home, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

The night air was cool against Shiv's bare shoulder. She wished for the moment that she had worn a dress with two sleeves, but the one she wore was so beautiful that she could endure the chill for a little while longer. There were a lot of people inside and she was happy to be out of the pressing crowd.

She took a slow drag off the Tiesta cigarra as she watched Kaysa's bare back disappear back into the party. It was nice to have her friend alone for a few moments, even though it was only enough for a few puffs of spice. Rennor had summoned Kaysa back inside on some urgent matter of import, probably a duke or count or scoundrel showing up he needed to flaunt her for.

She shook her head and stared out across the city. Green fronds rose up around her, making the spot where she stood almost like a secret place. The moon cast shadows across the ground, and across the skirt of her dress. Tranquil. It was definitely tranquil, with only the light sounds of the party behind her, and the distant sounds of the traffic on the street below. She knew that if she were the one marrying Rennor, this is the place she'd spend most of her time.

She took another drag of Teista and sighed. Eventually she'd have to go inside again, but she wasn't ready for that yet.

***

When Kaysa Zenarr slipped back inside the party, Dargus Kandran smiled. That left her pretty little apprentice out on the balcony alone, and he had an incredible desire to meet the young woman. He knew that Evie would be quite upset with him for seeking out the pretty blonde, but he would just say he needed some air. And, actually that would be quite true since Rennor Karradas had to be one of the stuffiest men he'd ever encountered.

He slipped out into the chill of the open air and smiled when he caught her eye. He approached, a charming smile dropping into place. He held out a hand to her and bowed slightly. "It is a lovely night, isn't it? Though it pales when compared to you."

Shiv turned quickly, startled by the sudden appearance of a man in the garden. Her hand slipped quickly behind her back to hide the burning cigarra. "Hi," she said with a smile. "It's a very nice night. I'm surprised there aren't more people out here. With the stars and the garden." She switched the cigarra to her other hand and then held the other one out to Dargus. "I'm Maeren."

"A pleasure, Maeren," Dargus said. "I am Dargus Kandran." He moved closer to her, knowing she'd feel the heat of his body fueled by his desire. "It's warm tonight."

"Actually, I was just thinking there was a chill out here," she said, and then motioned to her bare arm. "But, it could just be the dress. The fresh air is nice though, and it's nice to step out of the party for a few minutes. I also didn't want to have a smoke inside. I don't think Mr. Karradas would have liked that." She grinned, and then took another drag from the dwindling cigarra. She was definitely feeling more relaxed, and she thanked whatever gods had been watching out for her last night when she bought the Tiesta. "So, you just getting some air too?"

"You could say that," Dargus said with a smile. He took the opportunity to let his eyes consume her body and realized he really liked what he saw. He had to have her, and tonight. He wondered if he could get her back to his ship without Evie getting too suspicious, or jealous. Most likely, he'd have to send someone after her, and bring her to him gift-wrapped. "So, what is it that you do?"

Shiv laughed. "I'm one of Kaysa's couriers. Mainly I just run shipments when she needs them run. Though, I'm gonna have to get my ship in for some maintenance soon. She's an old one, but she's never let me down." Her smile left no doubt about the pride she held in her ship. She held the cigarra up toward Dargus. "Wanna drag? It's Tiesta spice. It's the best I've ever had, and you get an amazing high off it. It's going to be a sad day when it's all gone."

"Kaysa? Who's Kaysa?" He grinned. "So, a courier. Have you had a chance to test yourself against the Empire's blockade?" He accepted the offered cigarra and took a long drag from it. "Good quality," he said.

She shook her head as she took the cigarra back and took another drag. She was definitely starting to get lightheaded, and she hoped the party was over soon because she was definitely feeling the need for some private time with Kaysa. "Kaysa. You didn't look at your invitation, did you? She's the reason this party is happening. You probably saw Rennor in there, showing her off to everyone like a trophy." The look Dargus gave her indicated that he knew who Kaysa was, but was playing with her. She only giggled and realized she was definitely feeling stoned, especially just blabbing off like that. "And, I haven't had a chance to run the blockade yet. I've got a week off. I imagine I'll have to run it if it's still up next week." Shiv turned from the view and rested her back against the cool surface of the railing. She looked up at Dargus as he watched her. "I've only run a couple jobs for her so far, but I think there are more on the way. Since she just hired me, I've been learning my way around Zenarr."

Dargus nodded slowly. "So, is your arrangement exclusively with Ms. Zenarr, or are you available?

Shiv turned to look out at what Dargus was looking at. "Exclusively for Kaysa," she said. "At least that's the arrangement we have. I don't know if she'd be willing to contract me out to other people. I mean, I wouldn't mind as long as the price was right."

"If you can slip through the Imperials, I'd hire you in an instant. It's rough, this one. I've lost four pilots and ships since it started. And, if you're going up against that, perhaps you'd be interested in looking at one of my ships. In an older ship, this blockade could prove deadly."

"Blockades usually are," she said with a grin. "At least Stiletto's gotten me through them before. She's an old girl, but she watches out for me. I think I'd feel safer in my own ship, especially running an Imperial blockade. And, if you want me to do any work for you, I'd need to talk to Kaysa. But, I'll need to know what you expect of me, and what sort of money's involved for me and Zenarr."

"You do that," he said with a wolfish smile. "I treat my employees very well, and all I expect is for you to be on time, as well as nice and respectful. Money is negotiable."

"On time's not a problem, nice and respectful I can do as long as I'm getting the same in return. But, I can't agree to anything without talking to Kaysa first." She took a final drag from her cigarra, and held it while she felt her head getting even lighter. Finally she let the smoke out in a cloud, and stubbed the cigarra against the wall on which she was leaning. She flicked it over the edge of the balcony, where it disappeared into the night. Oh, she realized with a smile, I'm definitely going to want to be alone with Kaysa soon. "Stiletto may be old, but she can dance around Imperial cruisers and dodge Imperial fighters like they're standing still. And, if I get the mods I'm looking into, she'll be just like new. Besides, that new ship of yours would cost me way too much. I don't have those kinds of credits."

"I'm sure that you and I working together would make quite the union," Dargus said, wondering if she'd understand the depth of meaning in his words. "I have access to substantial resources, and I think I could have those mods done for you at a very reasonable price." He let that linger, and wondered just what she'd think of his prices. "Talk to Kaysa, and then we can talk."

Shiv nodded. "We can talk," she repeated, and looked around the garden. "This place is big. Well, the whole thing, but this garden especially. You could probably have a little bit of everything. Back there in the back, against the far side, it's so secluded that I bet you could hide a body there and no one would ever find it." She giggled. "I wonder how ruthless Rennor is in business. I guess you could just count the freshly dug graves."

She pushed off from the wall and started following the path on unsteady feet. She ventured away from the veranda and balcony and out deeper into the garden.

"Rennor isn't the type to bury his conquests in his garden," Dargus said with a smile. "He's more subtle than that, to be sure. I would expect to find them in Yallder, or possibly transported out to Thanatos. He likes keeping himself clean, and that leaves the bodies as far from him as possible. You don't like him, do you?"

Shiv turned back, walking backwards, to face Dargus. "Not really," she said with a shrug. "He ignores me. He fawns over all his other guests, but because I'm Kaysa's employee and only have as much money as I can scrounge together, he doesn't give me the time of day. Typical rich, businessman with no interest associating with those 'below his station.' I'm not really big on people who get off telling me how much more important they are than me."

"Well, I have much more money than Rennor, and I'm not ignoring you. However, in his defense, he has a lot on his mind. Marriage, this party, and making sure his new bride-to-be gets full treatment in bed."

Shiv laughed and stopped to look at him. "No, you're not. Maybe that just makes you a special kind of wealthy guy." She giggled as she looked him over. "So, do you always make apologies for Rennor?" She grinned. "Or is that just what rich people do? So are all big-wig parties like this? I've never been to one before. Would you believe this is the first time I've ever worn a dress?"

Dargus laughed. "Well, you look fabulous in that dress," he said. "And, I can't imagine you wearing anything other than beautiful clothes." Or nothing at all, he added. "So, Maeren, tell me about yourself. For all his skill at social occasions, Rennor throws a very boring party. Entertain me with the story of your life."

Shiv grinned. "Well," she said, "I was born on a freezing ball of rock and it was the worst experience of my life. Then we moved to another planet that was all jungle, and I ran around without a top because that's how everyone ran around. And, I was in love with a girl. My parents got lost and I left with Lerrah. We were in love and all that. And, then we started doing some freight hauling work. One day we got a job that we fought over, and she left. And, I struggled to make it work on my own, glaring at all the men who just stared at my tits, and finally came here. I kept hearing that Tae'Karada's a good place to go for freighter pilots. So here I am." She giggled. "And, no, I don't still run around topless like I used to, so don't even ask." She stopped for a moment, deep in thought. "Oh, I actually did last night. Um, nevermind, I do still run around topless, but I can't tonight 'cause I told Kaysa I'd be good."

"So you prefer women? Interesting." Dargus raised an eyebrow. He didn't let his displeasure at knowing Shiv shared herself with women reach his face. "Well, topless isn't exactly a problem here," he said. "I'm certain you've noticed the fashions here."

She laughed. "Last night, I went to this club, and I just wore a vest without a shirt underneath." Her smile grew quite big. "I was quite popular last night. There was this guy outside and up the street a little, and he was selling the Tiesta. He told me he'd give me the stuff half off if I let him fondle me." She giggled. "It was a really good deal. And, I prefer women to men. They smell nicer, they're softer, and they're prettier. But, I'm finding an appreciation for men. Actually, last night, there were a couple guys and I showed them just how much I appreciated them."

"Really," Dargus said, suddenly much more intrigued. He knew he was finding a definite appreciation for her professed wild side. "So, what exactly did you do to gain their appreciation?"

Shiv giggled again. "We had sex, silly," she said. "It was quite an amazing night. One of the guys was really big. Well, not really him, but, you know...his--" She leaned in to whisper to Dargus, "his cock. I didn't believe it was happening, but it was." She grinned. "I hope it happens again."

Dargus knew his grin was filled with the lust that he was famous for. "That sounds like quite an adventure." He smiled. "Does it seem warm out here to you? And, you're looking quite flushed. I imagine an uninhibited girl like you would have no qualms about being topless around all the people in there." He glanced at her, and then forced a look of surprise to his face. "No, no. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked such a thing. Just forget I mentioned it."

Shiv giggled. She reached up to the shoulder with the sleeve and pulled it down, taking the front of the dress down with it. She looked up at Dargus and grinned. "Like that?" she asked with a giggle. A part of her mind couldn't believe she was doing what she was doing. But, it was fun, and she could tell he was quite shocked by her move...which made it that much more fun.

Dargus glanced at Maeren's bared breasts and smiled. "Very beautiful," he said. "How much will it cost me to touch them?"

Shiv grinned, holding back a giggle. "How much are you willing to pay to touch them," she asked, letting them sway slightly before him. She watched him watching her breasts and saw approval in his eyes. "Well, while you think of that, I'm going to have another smoke." She then hiked up the skirt of her dress, showing a lot of leg and thigh. Tucked into a garter were four more cigarras. She plucked one free and let her skirt fall back into place. "Got a light?"

"Sure," Dargus said with a smile, and put out a flare stick. He deftly pressed it to the end of the cigarra, lighting it instantly. Once he'd pocketed the device, he covered her breasts with his hands. "Very nice indeed. I never pay to touch women, Maeren. A little policy of mine. However, those women who work for me, I treat them very well. Better than the High Princess herself is treated."

Shiv laughed. "Oh," she said, "so you didn't mean it when you asked me how much it would cost you to do that? You were just planning on doing it anyway?" She watched his hands as they massaged her breasts. "And, you know I can't work for you until I talk to Kaysa." She let out a quiet moan and took another drag on the cigarra. "So, how do you treat the women that work for you?"

"There's only one way to find out how I treat those who work for me..." He grinned. "Now, let down the entire dress. Unless you think it's too cold."

Shiv looked around. "Not too cold," she said, "but it is a little chilly out here." She watched Dargus for a moment, wondering what she might be getting herself into. But, it was definitely thrilling. And, he seemed to be enjoying it. And, she was too. She could feel him slowly being wrapped around her fingers, just like Kaysa had taught her. Soon she'd have him doing whatever he wanted of her. Her exhibitionist streak was going wild, and she was definitely going to need to have a wild tumble with Kaysa later. She held the Tiesta out to Dargus. "Hold this."

Once Dargus managed to pull his hands away from her breasts and took the cigarra, she pushed the fabric of the dress over her hips and down to the ground. She stepped free of the fabric wearing only her heels, the garter around her left thigh, the choker around her neck, and the dagger armband. She giggled. "Didn't think I'd do it, did you?"

"Very nice," Dargus said. "Come this way." He picked up her dress and moved toward better light. Fortunately, there was still enough foliage separating them from the rest of the terrace, that no one would see them out here. He backed her into the ledge of the balcony until she was trapped. He set the dress aside, and let his hands explore her body freely.

As she suddenly found herself against the wall, Shiv felt her panic rise. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. It wasn't supposed to be this way. She was supposed to use her body to control him. She couldn't move away, and his hands seemed to be everywhere. She wanted to push him away, tell him that she didn't mind being naked, but letting him have his way with her was something else entirely. Just as she was about to tell him, his lips found hers and he pulled her to himself. Despite her efforts to feel nothing, Shiv heard herself moan. Her own body was rebelling against her.

As Dargus held her to him, his mind was crying out with the pleasure awaiting him in the form of their bodies writhing in Rennor Karradas' perfect garden. With a malignant smile, he reached out and took a handful of her dress and flung it into the night. With the small problem of her clothing out of the way, he knew that the night would be that much more exciting. He could feel her body surrendering to his, so he reached down and unzipped his pants. He pulled himself out and pushed himself to her entrance.

The sudden touch of his throbbing prick sent Shiv's mind reeling. She couldn't do this. She didn't want to be with with him, not in a million years. And, if Kaysa found out about this, she'd kill her. She couldn't do this. Not like this.

"No," she said, pressing her legs together. "I made a promise. I can't tonight. Please, I need to go back inside."

"Find a new excuse," he growled. "Open your legs before I force them open, bitch. You took your clothes off for me, and now I'm going to fuck you. That's the way it works with Dargus Kandran. Don't make this a rape."

"I'll scream," she rasped. "Please...I made a promise, and I can't go back on that. Please, I just want to put my dress back on and go inside."

"Fine," Dargus said. "Just keep your mouth shut." He couldn't risk raping the girl with so many influential people inside. He may have been powerful, but he wasn't that powerful. "I'll let you go this time, but later tonight you will come to my condominium and we'll finish this."

"I've got plans for later," she said. "Maybe tomorrow or something." She turned to where he was at and reached for her dress, and then frowned at the emptiness that should have been her dress. "Where's my dress? What the hell did you do with my dress, you bastard?" She rushed to the edge and looked over, frantically searching for her beautiful dress. Down on the street, she saw a distant red fluttering, caught on the fender of a hovercar as it roared out into traffic. "No," she cried, and turned to Dargus. "What did you do? Oh gods..." She glared at Dargus, anger washing over her features, flushing her skin red down over her breasts. She punched him in the chest, once and twice. "Damn you, bastard."

Dargus snatched her wrists before she could continue pummelling him. "Watch yourself, you little bitch in heat," he sneered. "You're the one who took your dress off, and you're blaming me for it blowing off the building? Now, calm your pretty little head down, and I'll lend you my coat. You can give it back to me, among other things, at my condo tonight and we'll forget this little incident ever happened. Keep yelling at me, and I'll leave you here and start charging admission for everyone in the party to come have a look at the naked girl on the terrace. Now calm down, and things will go smoothly."

"Fine," she spat as she struggled to get her wrists free of his grasp. Her eyes shone with unshed tears, but the glare she was giving Dargus was filled with anger. "That was the nicest thing I've ever owned, and you practically threw it off the balcony. Gods! You're probably too dumb to even herd nerfs. You probably did it on purpose too. Bastard. So is this how you treat the women that work for you? Or is this just how you try to woo them in? Just let me go." She tried to tug her arms free of his grip again as he just looked at her. A single tear fell down her cheek, and Shiv cursed herself for it.

"Now, now," Dargus said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm offering my help to you, and you insult me. That's not very nice. Promise to come to my condo tonight, and I'll lend you my coat."

Shiv wiped the tear away angrily. "Come see you? You won't make me go back inside naked if I agree to come see you? You really are an opportunistic bastard. And, I suppose if I agree to marry you you'll give me a ship too." She turned away, crossing her arms over her breasts.

"Spread your legs, and the ship's yours," Dargus said with a smile. "Well, I can see you really don't want my help. Hopefully it won't be a cold night out here. Have a nice night, Maeren." With that, he turned toward the doors and started inside.

Shiv shook her head. "Yeah," she said, "I'll do that. And, I'll try to return the favour sometime. You're a real gentleman. Kiss my ass and I'll help you. I'll help you if you agree to come to my private office to continue what we started. Isn't that it? You just want a good fuck with the blonde wench? Yeah, I'll return the favour sometime. You try to make yourself different, but you're not! You're just like all of them!"

"Kiss my ass and Rennor's entire gathering won't be taking a good long look at yours. Now, I would like to help you, Maeren. Why don't you apologize, and then ask for my help and I'll give it gladly."

"Apologize!? YOU want ME to apologize to you? You're the reason my dress is gone. Just go back inside you fucking bastard. I'll take my chances out here naked. Just go."

"You were quite rude to me, my dear," Dargus said with a smile. "You called me names, and you hit me. Be glad I didn't return that favour. I do deserve an apology for that. But, if you're willing to risk it out here... I'll make sure to let everyone inside know the view in the garden is amazing."

Shiv pulled her arms away from her breasts to give him a good long look of what he wouldn't be getting. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head, a wry laugh escaping from her throat. "You deserve to be called names and worse," she snapped. "You lost my dress. You should fucking be apologizing to me. But no, you just demand that I apologize to you because I'm not being all nice, sweet, and pliable. Just get out of here before I hit you again." She turned away cursing rich people and their arrogant attitudes.

Dargus smiled. He would definitely enjoy this one. Oh what he wouldn't give to be able to break her spirit. "You know, I think Rennor could really use some floodlights out here. The terrace should be much brighter."

"Will you please just leave me alone? You've caused enough damage tonight." She stepped away from him, moving deeper into the garden.

Dargus shook his head and shrugged out of his coat. "Very well," he said. He hoped this ploy would work. Perhaps he could still lure her in and not have to force matters with her. "An offer of peace. And, I'd hate to have to share that view with everyone here tonight."

Shiv reached out to take the jacket. "Thanks," she said softly.

"You do realize that it should be a considered a crime to cover that body," he said. "You belong in equadi or nothing at all. I can't think of a single man in existence who wouldn't agree with that. Oh the tragedy..."

Shiv laughed. "I'm sure," she said. "But, I can't go back inside naked. Kaysa would kill me, and probably fire me." She wrapped the coat tightly around herself. Despite not having any fears about standing around in public completely naked, the coat did make her feel less vulnerable. She smiled. "Thanks."

"Now, you are still going to talk to Kaysa about our little proposed arrangement? I want my share of you, Maeren, and I think you'd do well to fly with me. Now, why don't you take that jacket off and give me another peek at what you're taking away from me."

Shiv grinned. "I'll talk to Kaysa then," she said as she wondered what she'd gotten herself into. "I'll take the jacket off when I've got something else to wear. I'll have to get something from Kaysa, and I'll mention your offer to her then."

"There's a fifteen thousand credit slip in the pocket of the coat," he said. "Keep it as an apology, and for a new dress." And, as a temptation to bring you willingly back to me. With that, he turned and returned to the party.

Shiv stood and watched him walk away, turning the credit chip over in her hands. She looked down at it and gasped when she saw it did really show a balance of fifteen thousand credits. "Thanks," she said again. As he opened the door, she added: "I'll talk to Kaysa about your offer." The jacket was huge on her and she had to keep it closed tight in front or else she'd give everyone a good long look at where her dress used to be.

---

"Engagement Party, Part 7"
Kaysa Zenarr - Owner of Zenarr Inc., Rennor's Fiancée
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral - Employee of Zenarr Inc.
Location: Rennor's Home, New Plouton
Date: Thaniss 5, 3ABY

***

Once Dargus had disappeared inside, Shiv sighed. She waited another moment before cautiously approaching the door. She made sure there wouldn't be a hundred people standing there staring at her before she slipped inside and looked around for Kaysa. She found her across the room retrieving another drink from one of the droids.

Skirting the edge of the room, Shiv made her way toward where Kaysa stood talking to a distinguished looking man who was probably very boring. The man nodded, patted Kaysa's arm, and then departed for another group. Once he was gone, Shiv seized her chance.

"Kaysa," she said hesitantly, pulling the borrowed coat even tighter around herself. It was dragging on the floor at her feet, and she hoped that Dargus wouldn't be too upset about that. "I need to talk to you."

"Ok, Shiv wha--" Kaysa choked on her words and stared at Shiv in mortification. Her hair was falling loose from the roll it had been in, and her makeup was smeared across her face, but it was the oversized, brown coat she was wearing that really caught her attention. "Shiv, why are you wearing that hideous coat. Take it off now!" Kaysa said in an urgent, hoarse whisper as she tugged on the jacket, trying to pull Shiv free of it.

"I can't," Shiv whispered back, trying to keep a hold on to it. She glanced around to make sure no one was looking, and then flashed the coat open for Kaysa to see she wore nothing underneath. "Can we go somewhere to talk?" The tears were brimming in her eyes again as the image of her dress being dragged out into the road resurfaced. "There was a man named Dargus Kandran in the garden and I'll explain everything. Can we just go somewhere to talk?"

As Kaysa caught a quick glimpse of Shiv's very naked body, she heard herself gasp and looked around the room frantically. When she was certain no one had seen Shiv's display, she grabbed Shiv by the arm and began pulling her towards the tall staircase. "Move quickly but try not to draw attention to yourself...if that is at all possible," Kaysa said between clenched teeth as she tried to contain her anger. She knew many of the attendees had no doubt noticed Shiv's odd appearance, and were now scrutinizing her with stark disapproval and disgust. "I can't believe you did this, Shiv," Kaysa muttered as they mounted the stairs quickly. "You promised me...you promised."

Shiv followed after Kaysa, wincing at the hard grip on her arm. She'd seen Dargus watching her as they started up the stairs and quickly looked away. She wondered if she'd be looking for a new place to live after the party. Kaysa looked very upset, and she didn't know if there was any way out of this. Just tell her everything, she told herself. A door opened in front of her and Kaysa pushed her inside, following quickly and closing the door behind. Shiv looked down at the floor, not wanting to see the disappointment and anger in Kaysa's eyes. She closed her eyes to keep back the tears brimming there.

Kaysa paced across the room hastily and cursed under her breath. She kept her gaze on Shiv and her face was fixed into a cold expression of rage. "Don't you dare start crying!" Kaysa hissed suddenly as she stopped in her tracks and started towards Shiv. "If you think you can placate me by crying, you are dumber than I think you are. Take that bloody coat off!" Kaysa hollered as she began pulling on the coat again. "I should have let you walk through that ballroom naked! Where's your dress Shiv? Huh? And what the hell were you doing with Dargus Kandran?!"

Shiv let the coat go. Once Kaysa had pulled it free of her, she stood in the room naked. She told Kaysa the whole story, about how she went to a secluded spot in the garden where no one could see and tried to seduce him. About how she planned on teasing him into wanting her even more by first lowering the top of her dress and then removing it, but planned to leave him unfulfilled as she put her dress back on and returned inside. And, then she told how he started touching her and kissing her and how he had all of a sudden opened his pants and tried to enter her. And, then she stopped him. But the bastard had knocked her dress off the ledge and it was now gone for good.

"Now he wants to see me again," she said, keeping her gaze on the floor. "He was trying to tell me that he'd give me his coat if I agreed to go see him. I just told him to go away and leave me alone. But he wouldn't." She shook her head and looked away. "I'm so stupid. I thought hidden out in the garden everything would be okay. But, it all turned awful. At first the guy seemed like a nice guy, but then he just turned into a jerk." She shook her head. "He gave me this to buy a new dress." She handed the credit chip she'd been holding to Kaysa.

Taking the chip into her hand and looking at the amount, Kaysa knew Shiv's naiveté had finally gotten her into trouble. "Did he try to force you?" she asked flatly. Her anger had diminished but was quickly replaced by rage directed at Kandran, as well as intrigue. Kandran seemed to like her pet and judging by the amount on the credit chip, he liked her a lot. "What did he say to you? What did you talk about?"

Shiv went over the entire conversation, especially the part about how he wanted to work for her, to share her as he put it. She left nothing out, and went into as much detail as Kaysa wanted. "I think if the party weren't happening inside, he would have forced me. I mean, the look in his eyes... He would have forced me if we were alone. But, now he wants me to go see him. And, he told me he'd have all the Spice I could smoke in a day." She shook her head and sighed. "And, the money on the credit chip is...I'm sure he'll be willing to give me a lot more than that if I work for him. But, I don't know if I really want to work for him, not after this."

Kaysa mulled over what Shiv had told her. She knew all about Kandran; he was a tyrant, a scoundrel whose ruthless pursuit of creds and power caused him to resort to vile measures to get it. She'd never met the man, but the stories she'd heard about him certainly built him up quite the reputation for being one of the most feared men on Tae'Karada. But creds... He'd given Shiv 15,000 creds as if it was pocket money, so he certainly had creds and appeared to give them away freely, even though they most likely came with a price. She knew that price, though, and it was Shiv's services, and Kaysa had a good idea what those services might be.

Kandran had another reputation, and that was for being quite the lady's man, not to mention that he was quite endowed. Rumour had it that there was a Hutt somewhere in the galaxy missing his "assets", as it were, and Kandran had procured them. Kaysa stifled a laugh as she pictured an angry Hutt lumbering around without a penis, but she pushed those thoughts aside and considered what Shiv had told her. "He wants you to work for him? So, he wants me to rent you out to him for a few jobs. You do know the man will most likely demand you go to his bed."

Shiv nodded. "I know," she said. "I think that's what he expects our meeting to be. I think he wants to get me stoned on Spice so he can have his way with me. But, if the money's good... I mean, how bad could it be? I mean, he's sorta good looking and his dick's pretty good. And, he looked like he knew how to use it, I guess. I mean, if it could bring in additional money for you, Kaysa, I guess I could sacrifice having sex with him. I mean, it's not like he wants to marry me. Just fuck me for a bit, and then let me go fly his cargo somewhere. But that's different from whoring isn't it? I mean, I'm not just prostituting myself to him, am I? It is different? And, if the money's really good. I mean, we'd be able to really upgrade the entire Zenarr fleet with some left over. Especially if he pays like that. I mean, that's good for almost twenty dresses."

"I don't know, Shiv," Kaysa said uncertainly. "With what you've been telling me, it sounds like he won't be satisfied with having you just once. And when you are alone with him, he'll take you whether you like it or not. He's just like all the rest of the men in this galaxy." Kaysa grimaced, but softened her expression as she brought a hand to Shiv's cheek and wiped away all trace of the tears she'd shed. "There does seem to be a good business opportunity in all this, my pet, but I won't force you to do this. If you are willing to go through with it, I think all three of us should have a little meeting first."

Kaysa kissed Shiv gently on the forehead and gave her a comforting smile. "And if you're worried about all this making you into some prostitute, well, I won't let that happen. If Kandran wants to sleep with you, he's going to have to do that on his own time and aside from whatever business he conducts with us. For now, though, I think it's best that you refrain from taking anymore gifts from Mr. Kandran, just until we've all had our little meeting. I want to make certain I know what Kandran's intentions are."

"Okay," Shiv said with a nod. "I guess I should tell him that the three of us will be meeting." She grinned. "I don't think he'll like that very much. I think he wanted me alone so he could have sex with me." She giggled. "That'll probably make him want me even more...and that may help us get a better price out of him if he thinks having sex with me is part of the deal." She reached out and traced a finger along Kaysa's side. "I won't take any more gifts from him." She watched Kaysa for a moment before speaking again. "Should I have sex with him? That isn't going to cause problems, is it?"

"For now, Shiv, I want you to keep your distance from him. If you want him in the future, I won't forbid you to sleep with him. I just want to clarify to you that Kandran is a dangerous man. From all the rumours I've heard, he's a brute, a fiend, the epitome of everything that is evil in this universe." Kaysa laughed dryly and shook her head slowly. "I can't even believe I'm considering doing business with him. I must be more desperate for creds than I thought."

Kaysa stroked Shiv's shoulders tenderly, but gazed at her sternly. "I want you to know, Shiv, that I'm very disappointed in you. I can't believe you put yourself into a position where you could be taken advantage of like that. I tried to teach you to never hand over your control to a man, especially not someone like Kandran! I think--" Kaysa said as she placed one hand on Shiv's waist and slowly let it slide down her leg, "I think you should lay off of these for awhile." Kaysa's hand stopped at Shiv's garter, where she pulled out the leftover joints and closed her fingers over them. "You could have ruined everything tonight, Shiv. But at least you have opened the door to a possible business partnership with Kandran. I'm not sure if that's a good thing yet, but I'm certain we'll find out very soon."

"If I knew he was that kind of guy from the start, I wouldn't have done it. And, I thought I was in control. I thought I was getting him wrapped around my finger, and then all of a sudden he was all over me." She glanced at the fist closed around the joints and sighed. "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful in the future. And, if I try to do anything like this again, I'll check with you first. I guess I'm not ready to try it on my own yet. I thought I was doing good enough to, but I guess not."

"You do fine with ordinary men, Shiv, but Kandran's different. He's used to being in control, dominating others. It's what he does." Kaysa smiled at Shiv and kissed her lightly on the lips as she crushed the joints in her hand and let the remains rain down to the ground. "Unfortunately, Shiv, you made a mistake tonight and there will be repercussions, I'm afraid." Kaysa placed the credit chip into the space between her breasts to free up her one hand. She wrapped an arm around Shiv's waist and hugged her tightly against her as she stared into Shiv's eyes. "I know I said tonight I'd come home with you, but you lied to me, Shiv, and that is unforgivable." Kaysa's other hand slowly moved to Shiv's mound where she delicately placed her fingers inside. She worked them in and out until Shiv was moaning and her hips were jerking forward against Kaysa's. "Tonight, my dear, you'll be taught a lesson." Kaysa's smile faded and she quickly pulled her fingers out of Shiv's cunt as she felt it tightening around her hand with Shiv's oncoming climax. She released Shiv and stepped away, picking up Dargus' coat and throwing it at her. "You won't have me tonight, Shiv. If you want to satisfy your sexual urges, you'll have to do it yourself. I think that is the worst punishment I can give you other than killing you," Kaysa said acridly. "Now put on that coat and follow me. We're going to find you a dress and then I want you to leave. I don't know if I can bear to look at you for the rest of the night."

Shiv stared openmouthed at Kaysa as her hips rolled with the desire burning there. Her face was a mix of anguish and anger, and she slipped on the jacket as the tears formed in her eyes. She kept her mouth shut. It felt like everything was crumbling around her, but she couldn't cry. Not now. A tear slipped down her cheek, but she ignored it.

As they left the room they'd stepped into, Shiv stopped. "Just take me to the front door," she said. "I'll go back to the apartment from there. And, you won't have to worry about looking at me for the rest of the night."

Kaysa remained silent as she led Shiv to her bedroom. She was already feeling guilty about being so cruel to Shiv, but the stunt she pulled could have gotten her into trouble with Rennor. Moreso, though, she was upset that Shiv had unwittingly gotten them involved with a despicable man like Kandran. He was dangerous, everyone knew it, but he was also rich and if Kaysa could do business with him, maybe she wouldn't need Rennor after all. It was all too premature to decide anything, though, and the first thing she had to do was get Shiv out of there before she caused anymore scenes. "Here," Kaysa said coldly as she tossed Shiv a plain, rather ugly-looking dress from her closet. "Put this on and clean yourself up. You're a mess."

Shiv looked at the dress and dropped it on the floor. "I've imposed too much already," she said. "I'll just leave. Besides, I'd probably just ruin the dress if I borrowed it. I lost my dress, I'll pay the price. If you could just put the coat with the rest of the coats so Dargus can get it." She moved to stand by the door, not wanting to just leave without Kaysa's permission.

Kaysa stared at the fallen dress, then slowly shifted her eyes back to Shiv. "Pick up that dress and put it on, Shiv. This isn't a game," she said in a steady, eerily calm voice.

"I know it's not a game," she said. "I lost my dress, so I'm going home without it. I don't want to impose on you anymore, Kaysa. I almost ruined everything for you. I just want to go. And, then you can enjoy the rest of the party without worrying about what I'll fuck up. Can I please just go? I'll just leave the coat at the front door."

"You are not leaving here naked, Shiv!" Kaysa stormed over to where Shiv was standing. She bent over quickly and picked up the dress before tossing at Shiv again. "I give you a job, a place to sleep, I take you under my wing, and you defy me? You ungrateful little bitch," Kaysa hissed, her face almost pressed to Shiv's. "Is this what I get for placing my trust in you? Put on that dress, Shiv, or don't bother going back to my apartment, for you will no longer be welcomed there."

"Fine," she said, tears freely flowing down her cheeks. She threw the dress to the floor and turned toward the door. She knew she was making a huge mistake, throwing away everything. She owed everything to Kaysa, but she'd almost screwed everything up that night. It was best that she was just gone. If she stayed, she'd only end up messing up Kaysa's life. And, it was bad enough having Kaysa upset with her, but to actually do something to hurt her, screw up her life, it was too much. She couldn't bear to hurt Kaysa anymore, so leaving was best. Just keep telling yourself that, Shiv, she told herself. "I'm sorry for ruining your life, Kaysa." She could barely see straight because of the tears, and partly from the Spice, but she knew where the handle of the door was and rushed for it.

"Ruining my life?" Kaysa laughed derisively at Shiv and grabbed her by the arm before swinging her roughly back away from the door. "My, aren't we getting brave? Just put on the dress and everything will be fine, Shiv. Why won't you just put on the bloody dress?!" Kaysa shrieked in frustration. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She pressed her hand to Shiv's cheek and searched Shiv's eyes as her tone softened and she said, "I thought you loved me, Shiv. I guess you're realizing it's much easier to hate me than to give your heart to me to have it trampled on. I guess you had to learn that the hard way."

Shiv shook her head. "I do love you, Kaysa," she sobbed. "I love you more than anything, but I almost screwed up everything for you tonight. I mean, I could have ruined it all out there with Dargus Kandran. And, I can't do that to you. It's better if I just go and not screw something up even more. You don't want me as your maid of honour, I'd probably just screw that up too. I'm sorry, Kaysa. I tried, but I'm just bad. I could have messed up everything. It's just better if I go. I'll just disappear and everything will be fine again. You won't have to worry about me ruining your plans or embarrassing you or anything. I'll just go. I know you don't love me, Kaysa. I know you'll never love me. So, it's no loss for you, right? I mean, if I just disappear, it won't hurt you, right? I'll just go and you can go back to your life. I'm just a screw up."

"Fine," Kaysa said as she pulled her hand from Shiv's face and folded her arms across her chest. "You seem so determined to leave, so leave. But remember, Shiv, I own you. That contract you signed? It means you're mine no matter what. You couldn't take a job with anyone else even if you wanted to; that would be a breach of contract, and in New Plouton, that's quite the punishable offense. Without me, you'll be desolate, scrounging around in garbage heaps for food, or maybe selling that beautiful, young body of yours." Kaysa smiled ferally and looked indifferently into Shiv's tear-soaked, red eyes. No one walked out on Kaysa Zenarr, especially when their usefulness had yet to be used up. "So, Shiv, stop pitying yourself and put on that dress like the good little girl you are and march straight home. Is that understood?"

Shiv's expression hardened, but the tears did not stop. "I don't have a home," she said in a low whisper. With that, she turned around, grabbed the handle on the door and flung it open. She took one final glance back at Kaysa, and then ran from the room and down the hall toward the stairs.

Kaysa stalked out of the room quickly with a surge of anger, but before she could go any further she stopped as if a wall had suddenly sprang up before her and slammed her back, impeding her from pursuing Shiv. It was her conscience, resurfacing again, that was holding her back. The tears and pain she saw in Shiv's eyes brought her back to the day she drove Merrick away. She'd done, to Shiv, precisely what she'd done to Merrick and the cold realization came to her that she was far too adept at driving people away, and that it was far easier for people to hate her rather than love her.

It was true, then, what she'd thought all along, all her life. Cadwin abandonned her because she was impossible to live with, not because he was a scoundrel who couldn't bear to commit. It was her, all her.

"Fine, Shiv. Leave me like all the rest of them!" Kaysa called out weakly as her voice caught in her throat. "I don't need you. I don't need anyone," she murmured as she turned and slowly staggered back to the b