"Reflections on Temptation, Part 1"
By: Oot Kovan [NPC+]
Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Kimara [NPC+]
Saris [NPC+]

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Lythe 8, 4 ABY

***

Her body was pressed against his as they lay together in her bed. They'd been talking softly, but not about the things most couples usually discuss after sex. Oot Kovan brushed her hand over his chest, enjoying the feeling of his hard muscles against her fingertips. "The Palace," she said. "If we can get one of them performing at the Palace, and heavily advertise it, I can't imagine them not heading there at lightspeed. All we need to do is put them somewhere public and make sure they're known to be there. We'll have to be quick, though against a concerted effort, I don't think these two will hold up. From what you've told me, I think trapping them will be fairly simple. And, Weibran owed me a few favours."

Keeve smiled knowingly at the Twi'lek as he caressed the gently swaying lekku laying across his chest. It wasn't his Maeren's golden, silky hair, but if he didn't think about it too much, he could almost imagine it was. "We'll need to bring them around the city, let people see them. Though, keep them guessing," he added. "Keep them both wandering about the city and the Tregats won't know which one to go after. It'll drive them mad."

Oot laughed. "Oh," she purred, "I love the way you think. Yes, though we'll have to make sure they're not alone, but not with too large of an entourage. Two guards and one of us?"

"Why not just use the Jedi?" Keeve asked. "They can remain hidden and still get to them in time if there's trouble."

Oot thought about it for a moment. "Yes," she said. "I'll contact Master Koran Darr and see if he's able to spare any of his Jedi for this. They'll be able to protect the girls even better than either of us or our people. Will you wish to accompany one of them?"

"I should," he decided. "It'll seem suspicious if I'm not escorting my wife." Keeve didn't wish to appear too eager, but he had grown attached to the young women. "I'll accompany Kimara."

Oot nodded. "Perhaps Kambra and I could take Saris shopping then," she said. "That should keep them guessing. And it'll definitely make them visible. We'll want to stay within the same area, but not when both of the girls can be seen at the same time."

Keeve sighed and moved his hand from her lekku, to her bare arm. Her flesh was just as smooth as Maeren's; the only difference was Oot didn't have her scent. It shattered the illusion instantly. "You wouldn't be too offended if I took a walk right now, would you?" he asked Oot with one of his dashing, charming smiles.

"I'll try not to be," Oot said. "Go take a walk, I'll get dressed and contact the Jedi."

Keeve nodded, then kissed Oot slowly, as she liked, before slipping out of bed. He chuckled as, behind him, he heard Oot purring at the view.

***

In the early morning light, her hair shone as she sat in the courtyard, watching the soldiers going through their drills. She was seated atop a small pedestal, legs crossed beneath her. Her hands worked idly before her, on a large sheet of vellum with a stylus of some sort. In that instant, she looked more like Maeren than she ever had before. It took Keeve a deep breath and a long moment to remind himself that she wasn't his wife.

Slipping his hands into his pockets, Keeve fixed his most appealing, lopsided grin in place and swaggered towards her. "So, you draw too?"

She looked down at the drawing, a fairly accurate depiction of the scene before her. She smiled. "I guess I do," she said. "I found the sheet and the stylus, and just picked them up. And, when I was here, I just started. Is it good?"

Keeve leaned his hip against the pedestal and brushed his arm against hers as he reached down to trace the image with one finger. He saw the skin of her forearm raise in goose bumps and he smiled. "Yeah," he answered, turning his face towards hers. "It's perfect. My Maeren is an artist, too. You draw just as well."

She looked up into his eyes and smiled. "Thank you," she said softly. She held his gaze, not wanting to look away. "It's very relaxing to draw, to let the images outside just form. It's very nice to have someone say things, nice things, about the drawing." A hopeful expression appeared on her face. "I could draw something for you if you want. Do you want me to draw something for you?"

Keeve raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Sure." Looking out upon the courtyard, he spotted a bed of brilliantly coloured flowers to the left. He tilted forward and to the left slightly as he pointed past her to it; their cheeks brushed, and the fragrant scent of her hair caressed his senses. She smelled like Maeren. "Draw those," he murmured.

"Okay," she whispered, even as she leaned slightly into him. She found an empty spot on the sheet she'd been using and started to sketch out the shape of the flowers there. She smiled slightly at their proximity, but kept her mind mostly focused on her drawing.

"I'm really glad we met," Keeve told her, watching the picture take shape. "You and your sister are going to help us."

"We get to help?" she asked with a smile, then turned her head to look at him. Doing that put her lips very close to his. "I'm glad. I want to do whatever I can to help. Thank you, Keeve."

Keeve grinned. "You haven't even heard what it is you'll be doing. You might change your mind."

"If it'll help you," Kimara said, "then I want to help."

"Good," he answered, watched her lips stretch into a bright smile, then turned his cheek to her as he regarded the picture. He felt her warm breath falling against it. "Can you dance, Kimara?" he asked casually.

"I think I can," she said. "I took some classes when I was younger, I think. Or at least I kind of remember doing so. Things...they're...it's like a fog, I guess. But, I think I can dance. I imagine you'll want a demonstration?"

He nodded. "It's important. Maeren's a wonderful dancer; everyone knows that. You'll have to be, too, if you're going to be convincing in your role."

"Do you have any music?" Kimara asked as she unfolded her legs, though in doing so she ended up facing Keeve fully with one leg on either side of him. She looked down at him, and felt herself blushing ever so slightly. "I'll dance...and...and you can see if I'm good enough..."

"If you dance as well as you draw," Keeve answered, "then you'll be just fine." His voice was deeper and more resonant than before, giving evidence of his arousal. He planted both hands on the pedestal, one on each side of Kimara's bare thighs. His thumbs lightly brushed against the smooth flesh, and he leaned in towards her. Keeve heard her sigh as their hips touched. "You're not like Saris," he whispered with his mouth barely touching her brow. "You're clones...but you're so different, Kimara."

"She's...I don't know...I love her like a sister, but she...I think she's not as...as passionate." Kimara could feel her body reacting strongly to his. "I don't know why...but...I'm just...me..." She felt her hands slip over his shoulders, catching him in a loose embrace. "You have gentle hands, Keeve."

"And yours are like Maeren's," he murmured where his lips now smoothed over her cheek. From the pedestal, his hands slid onto Kimara's thighs and slowly pushed upwards. "Did Dargus make you differently?" he asked, and felt her tremble as his fingers dipped beneath her shorts.

"I don't know," she answered, her voice growing husky. "He never talked about that." She moaned gently as she slid her hips forward to him. "I asked him, and...and he was hesitant, reluctant to talk about it. He said I was the best he'd ever made."

"I've been with many of his slaves," he whispered, "and you're definitely not like them." His fingertips grazed the patch of hair beneath Kimara's undergarment, and it spurred him into teasing her neck with his lips. She wasn't Maeren, but she was almost more like her than Maeren herself was. It made her too desirable to resist.

Kimara moaned again and leaned fully into him. With his lips occupied, she just kissed him, not really caring where. Her arms clung to him, holding herself tight enough so she didn't just fall over. With as lightheaded and warm as she was feeling, it was very possible.

"It'll have to be believable. People have to believe we're lovers," he told her distractedly while his lips dragged over her chin, towards her own lips. They were smooth and luscious, and he detected a slight quiver in them. She was a pleasure slave, yet he made her nervous. It filled him with pride and amusement; she'd never been with a man like him before. "You wish to make love to me, don't you?" he asked, still barely touching her lips, though hers pushed forward to greet his.

She whimpered. "It would be very convincing," she whispered. "Do you want to be with me, Keeve? I do want to, Keeve. Very much."

"Of course I want to," he replied, and knew he meant it; the swell in his pants was evidence enough of that. Fingers still brushing against her slit, Keeve allowed Kimara a single, brief kiss that had her greedily reaching out for more, just as Maeren would have. "You don't know me," he told her, now gazing down into her expectant eyes. "Do you really want to be with a man you don't know?"

"You saved me yesterday," she whispered. "You gave me a beautiful name, and you make me feel special. And, the way you're making me feel now...yes, I want to be with you, Keeve. It...it feels right..." She moaned as his fingers touched off a spark within her. "Yes..."

"I know," he chuckled. "It's what Dargus has programmed you to say, to feel...." Keeve closed his eyes, breaking the visual connection and giving him back his strength of will. Gritting his teeth, and sighing, Keeve relinquished the physical connection as well by pulling away. "We have an important job ahead of us," he sighed. "This" --he gestured to her, body shaking visibly-- "will get in the way. You understand...don't you, Kim?"

"If you think I want you just because I'm supposed to," she said softly, "you're wrong. I'm not an automaton, Keeve. I can think and feel and am not compelled to do anything. I'm me, Keeve. And, I want to be with you because you make me feel wonderful...and you're sexy and beautiful and...and the sweetest man I've ever met."

"You don't even know me," he said with a laugh. "Kimara...you're a pleasure clone. How do you even know if what you feel hasn't been programmed into you?"

"And, how do I know what's not," she said. "When I was doing what he wanted me to before, it was different. I want this for me, and you...for us. Because...oh gods, I think we'd be good together, and...and you've given me an ache that won't go away, Keeve. What I did as a pleasure slave was duty and obligation, what I want with you is pleasure and love and making each other feel good. It's different, Keeve. Please believe me. It's...I...you're not work..."

Keeve frowned at her. Her entire demeanour evinced desperation and yearning. But love? Keeve shook his head slowly. He couldn't fit another into his life, even if she was a mirror of Shiv. And even if he was drawn to her. "Kim," he whispered, "I'm sorry. You don't love me. And you don't want to rush this, do you? What if I have to go away and never see you again? Do you want that pain?"

"You just said we have to make it look convincing," she said. "How do we do that if you pull away from me at the first sign of...of...getting closer. If you don't want me, just say. But...I know what I'm feeling and what I want, and I want to be with you. If you don't want that, then say so. But, please don't tell me what I want."

Keeve laughed incredulously. "I'm not telling you anything!" he exclaimed in disbelief. "And I do want you, physically, but...but I'm married, Kim. I can't afford to let you fall in love with me."

She reached up and brushed a hand over his cheek. "Or you can't afford to fall in love with me," she whispered. "I'll try not to push you, Keeve, but I can't help that I want you."

"It's not me," he assured her gently. Keeve's hand covered hers, squeezed it, then pulled it away. He laid it down upon her lap. "You should go get changed soon. We're going for a walk in the city."

"Do you still want to see me dance?" she asked as she slid off the pedestal. "And, I think I still have a few outfits that Miss Kovan let me borrow."

Keeve paused to contemplate the war raging in his mind, one between what his body wanted, and what his conscience and better judgement advised. His head nodded involuntarily. "I should. They'll know if you can't pull it off."

"I'll need some music," she said, then looked down at her attire. She quickly straightened her shorts and top, both appropriate for a dance. "I should be able to dance in this, unless you want me in a different type of thing." She approached him and could see the inner war in his eyes. She almost felt guilty over the gently sway of her hips as she moved. "Should we go somewhere else, or is here fine?"

Keeve's lips twitched into a brief smile. "You'll have to get used to dancing in costume. We'll go to your room and you can wear something more appropriate." Before she could come too close, near enough to reach out to, Keeve turned and strode for the corridor. Temptation seemed abounding in the palace.

She followed after him, an excited giggle following in her wake.

***

"How's this?" she asked as she spun in the slinky costume for him. They'd found it in one of the closets of the palace, though no one could explain it past something the former high prince liked to see the women of the palace wearing. Most of it was sheer, and gaps in the fabric exposed much of Kimara's pale flesh. It was exotic and sexy to be sure, and one look at Keeve told her that he did like it very much. "Is this one okay?"

"Of course," Keeve replied curtly, trying his best to appear disinterested. He was definitely interested. "You won't trip in it, will you?"

"No," Kimara said, then moved from one end of the room to the other to show that she could move easily in it. "See, it's easy." She glanced back at him and grinned. "And, I can dance in it too." Without music, she was limited to whatever beat and rhythm she could find within her mind. By the look of it, it was a very nice beat and an astounding rhythm. Her movements were expert and precise, yet beautiful and improvised. There was a sensuality and passion to every movement that drew in those watching. She was a star. There was no doubt, Kimara could definitely dance. And Keeve was far more allured now.

He laughed and applauded her with slow, resounding claps. "I guess Dargus made sure you were given many talents, huh?" Keeve watched her still twisting, and swaying, and knew to resist her would prove impossible. He'd attempt to hold out as long as he was able. "Okay...I think I've seen enough. You've passed, Kim."

She gave him a demure smile. "If he were still around, I'd have to thank him. Though, I think I'd rather thank you for freeing me from his ship and whatever little control he had over me still."

"That was Oot," Keeve reminded her. "I just came along for the ride. And believe me, I'm sure she'd be grateful if you thanked her."

"It was you, too," Kimara said. "So, both of you deserve mine and Saris' thanks. So, if we're going out, should I wear this or find something else? I imagine going out in this, I'll have people staring all over if I wear this, or anything in the closet where I found it."

"If you wear that," Keeve told her with a crooked grin, "we won't get two steps outside before you have every man on Tae'Karada hanging off you." Including me, he thought. His eyes roamed over her form, lingering long enough to convey his desire. They stopped on her face, on her blushing cheeks, and he shot her a wink as he rose from his chair. "Come to the throne room when you're dressed. Oot will have some instructions for you before we leave."

"I'll see you soon, Keeve," she said with a smile. She watched him as he departed, both of them still watching each other, their desire and longing clear. She gave him a little wave before he passed through the doorway, and finally turned away. "Oh gods," she rasped as she sank down with a whimper escaping from her lips.

***

"So, you'll be going with Oot, and your sister with me," Keeve explained. He pointedly looked around the throne room, then smiled at her. "Wherever she is."

Saris nodded. "Of course," she said. "And, last I saw my sister, she was dressing. And undressing and redressing and...so on. When I came down, I believe she had finally settled upon an outfit."

Keeve hid a grin. "Well...at least you're a little more decisive." He turned to Oot, who was watching him with her inherently hungry gaze, though there was a hint of recognition in her eyes, regarding Kimara, likely. "How did your talk with the Jedi go?"

"Master Koran Darr told me he can spare himself and one other. So we'll have one Jedi for each of us, if that's alright."

Keeve shrugged. "If that's all they can spare.... I can handle things on my own."

"You sure?" Oot asked. "We can have one for each of us. But if you're certain you and Kimara will be safe..."

"We will," Keeve smiled. "Saris isn't the only enhanced being in this room, Oot."

Saris grinned from ear to ear and stood up straighter at Keeve's words. Oot only chuckled. "Very well," the Twi'lek said. "Though, if you need anything at all from us, don't hesitate to contact us. Yes?"

"If Kimara's in any danger, I'll comm you right away," Keeve assured her. The double doors were pushed open, and Keeve looked back at the figure approaching. Her beaming smile triggered one of his own. "Well, well...look who's deigned to make an appearance."

Kimara gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry," she said. "I couldn't find anything to wear." What she had chosen to wear was a pair of camouflage military pants, rolled up to about mid-calf. The pants were in varying shades of grey, and went well with the grey top she'd chosen. It was sleeveless and had a high neck and high hem, giving occasional peeks at the creamy flesh of her navel. In her hands, she held a pair of sandals with her bare feet silently moving across the marbled floor. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. This seemed the most comfortable of everything."

"It's perfect," Keeve told her, his smile wistful. "You look just like Maeren." Noting the hint of yearning in his tone, Keeve cleared his throat and addressed Oot, turning his back fully to Kim. "We should have had them pierced like Maeren."

"Both nipples, clit, nose, and eyebrow, right?" Oot asked. At his nod, she tapped a finger on her chin. "Yes, we should. I know of an artist who could do the work. I can have him here within fifteen minutes."

"Won't they be sore?" Keeve asked.

"A topical application of bacta will take care of any soreness," Oot said. "It's really quite amazing stuff."

Keeve shrugged and glanced back at the girls, who seemed quite eager about the idea. "For the ruse," he answered, again facing Oot. "It's necessary."

"I'll have him brought in immediately then," she said. "He'll make sure they are identical to Maeren's, though you may need to direct him to the exact locations of her piercings. All I know, I know from overhearing conversation, not from visual examination."

"Well, at least you're the only one on Tae'Karada who hasn't seen them," Keeve quipped. Without sparing them a glance, Keeve started off past the girls, telling them, "Get undressed. I'll wait outside until I'm needed."

Kimara pouted prettily, but she began undressing nevertheless. Soon, both girls were disrobed. It wasn't long after that the artist Oot had mentioned arrived. She briefly discussed what he would be doing and allowed him to do a rough check of the twins. His gaze lingered longer than it should have a few times, though he made a good effort at maintaining a professional demeanor. He nodded at the tattoos on both of their hips, declaring the work to be quite remarkable, and a very beautiful and intricate design.

"Let me bring in Keeve," Oot said. "He knows where the piercings should go." With that, she left the room. "It's your turn," she said when she found him waiting on the balcony where she'd found him the night before. "This should be very quick, and then they'll put their clothes back on and cease tempting you."

"Tempting?" Keeve snorted. "They look like Maeren, but they're not her." He pushed away from the balustrade and scowled jestingly at Oot as he walked towards her. "I'm a professional. You should know that." Oot laughed. "Of course," she said. "I don't envy you being around them, looking so much like your wife with her being so far away. I imagine there are times where you could almost forget yourself. But, you are a professional, after all. And, the other professional is waiting to make them physically identical to Maeren."

Keeve sighed. Saris was easy enough to resist - she didn't have the fire and persistence of Kimara. But Kim, pierced as Shiv was and dressed in attire he could easily find in his wife's closet, made her nearly impossible to resist. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to.

---

"Reflections on Temptation, Part 2"
By: Oot Kovan [NPC+]
Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Kimara [NPC+]
Saris [NPC+]

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Lythe 8, 4 ABY

***

The doors to the throne room were parted for them, presenting them with a scene of Kimara and Saris, both reclined on exam tables, and utterly bereft of clothing. His eyes froze on their bodies, slim yet shapely, with breasts always the perfect size for cupping in his palms. He glanced up to catch Kimara smiling at him with that smile that always triggered the tingle between his legs, and was forced to look away. Little by little he was losing his resolve.

The artist, a man with a slim figure and shaved head, smiled at Keeve. His ears held a dozen piercings each, as well as his nose and eyebrows. A spiral pattern worked itself from the top of his head and down his neck to disappear beneath the collar of his shirt. "Hi there, sir," he said. "My name is Tashke, and I understand you need some special work done. Just let me know what you want, and it shall be done. And, for Oot, a discount for you."

Keeve nodded at the man and came up between the two beds to stand over Saris. He turned his back fully to Kimara. He felt her eyes boring into him from behind. "The nipples," Keeve told the man perfunctorily. "The left nostril, the left eyebrow, both ears." He paused, and refrained from eyeing the spot as he finished, "Between the legs."

"Of course," Tashke said. "I'll begin at once. They should be finished within thirty minutes."

Behind him, Kimara let out a whimper and reached out to brush her fingers against his back, only barely able to reach him from where she was on the table.

Keeve clamped down hard on his urge to respond with a caress of his own, but he instead began moving off again. "If you need anything else, just ask," he told Tashke.

A wadded up piece of clothing bounced off the top of Keeve's head as he walked away and then landed a meter away from him. It appeared to be a frilly pair of panties.

He stopped, and studied the undergarment with surprising amusement. Grinning curiously, he looked over his shoulder at Kimara. "Naughty girls don't get piercings," he scolded teasingly.

"You mean...if I'm not good, I don't get to be pierced? Well, I guess I'd better be good then." She gave him a look that held a mixture of longing and something more. "I'll be good," she said, "just...please don't turn away from me..."

"You don't like the view?" he asked with a playful smile.

"It's a very nice view," she said. "Though, I like the other side too."

Keeve sighed as he exchanged a helpless look with Oot, then reluctantly turned and headed back towards the beds. This time, he stopped in front of Kimara's, though he kept his eyes on hers. "You're not helping, Kim," he chided.

"I can't help it," she said softly. "I mean...could you? Not that that's an easy question to answer, but could you? I'll try to be good, Keeve, but it's not easy. You're too...and...it just feels so...natural. Maybe it's a part of being Maeren's clone."

"It's not me," he told her firmly. "You'd react the same way for any man. You're not a pleasure slave anymore, Kim. You're going to have to learn to control your desires, your urges...your programming."

"Would I?" she asked, and then glanced at the artist. "Not him, not those guards in the courtyard. Maybe we'll have to test this, hm?"

Keeve smiled with challenge. "Maybe we will. Then you won't require me, will you?"

"Well, if your theory proves true, then no I won't," Kimara said with a smile. "However, if my theory proves true then...well, then we'll have to see." She met his eyes and felt her pulse quicken and her skin flush. "We'll have to see," she breathed.

Keeve groaned inwardly. She wasn't going to give him a moment's peace unless he gave himself to her at least once; he wouldn't be able to resist forever. His gaze was drawn to Tashke as he announced Saris was finished. "Same with this one," Keeve told him. He grinned down at Kimara. "Care to test your theory?"

She ran a hand along his arm. "Gladly," she said.

Keeve tsked at her disapprovingly and folded both arms across his chest. "Did Dargus program you to show insolence as well, Kimara?"

"I don't think he did," she said. "But with him, from what I've heard, who knows. Do you not like it?"

"Does it matter?" he replied evasively.

"It does," she answered. "It matters."

Keeve sighed and looked away. "I can't afford to," he admitted.

She didn't say anything else, but he could feel her watching. The doctor moved over with his supplies and set to work. "They'll be identical twins again in just a few minutes," he said.

Keeve wished that were true, for then he wouldn't experience the urge to take Kimara every moment she stared at him with those expectant, brown eyes. As much as she wasn't Maeren, she was, and he felt himself willing to give in to her pleas. It would only be a matter of time.

***

They'd left the palace shortly after Tashke was finished, with both of the Maeren clones dressed identically, wearing the outfit Kimara had chosen for herself. Oot and Saris had moved a couple streets up so they weren't walking together, but they'd be close enough to make someone scratch their heads, not become overly suspicious. With both girls out, they were certain to attract attention, especially with double the exposure.

"We get to shop?" Kimara asked as they entered the shopping district. "We should buy two of everything, that way Sari has outfits too. Oh, and I know I don't have any money, Keeve, but...but I want to get you something..."

"It's okay," he told her gruffly. "I don't need anything." He'd been putting forth his best effort to turn Kimara off of him, but she still had the same, dreamy gaze when she looked at him. Holding her hand throughout the entire walk certainly wasn't helping, but keeping up the illusion of husband and wife sharing in a stroll around the city was important, even if it was only encouraging her further. Sighing, he steered them towards a boutique offering resplendent gowns and other finery, perfect for her performance the following evening. "You only need one of these," he said. "Saris won't be dancing."

"Well, I only need one for the dancing, I guess," Kimara said. "But, what about when I'm not dancing. We need things to wear. And, I want to give you something. Maybe if we stop somewhere, I could draw something for you. Would that be alright, Keeve? Oh! Look at that one, there's almost nothing to it, but it's beautiful!"

He smiled at her obvious excitement, despite his best attempt at appearing disinterested. "Then try it on," he encouraged. His mind quickly turned to sinister, wicked schemes and plots to squelch Kimara's infatuation. He masked one such with a coating of sweetness and affection. "You'll want to get something else a little more durable," he said nonchalantly. "The men after the show tend to get a little...rowdy. The minute you get upstairs, they want to tear your clothes off." Keeve watched Kimara sidelong, and asked with affected curiousity, "Oot did tell you about the pleasure rooms, didn't she?"

Kimara's eyes went wide. "Pleasure rooms? No, she didn't. I...it'll be like Dargus' ship again, won't it? I...I guess I can...to help you. Wh-- What are they like?"

"What are they ever like?" Keeve answered with a shrug. "You have to pleasure men, and let them do what they wish with you." He frowned, then, and asked, "That won't be a problem, will it?"

Kimara looked at him sadly and shook her head. "No," she said. "No, if that will help you, then I will do it. Does this one appear to be durable enough? It's cute, and sexy..."

"You should try it on," he answered. "I'll wait here for you, or I can wait outside...."

"No, there," Kimara said. "I don't think they'd like me to go outside wearing it without paying for it." She handed him her sandals and took the dress with her. Before slipping into the changing room, she gave him a little wave and smile.

When she emerged a few moments later, the sight was breathtaking. The skirt was short and showed plenty of leg. The top seemed to give her cleavage that didn't normally exist. A star-like pattern was cut from the navel, leaving it bare. The back was non-existent, showing even more skin. She turned for him, watching him expectantly. "Well?"

Keeve was convinced there would be no end to the temptation she would provide him with...and there was still a lot of day left. His expression remained neutral, unaffected by her appearance, but within, his need for her was intensifying. She was everything Maeren was, and at times, more of what he wished his wife was. Kimara had an innocence, an unmolested view of the world, one filled with wonder and excitement; Maeren had seen too much to retain that, and it saddened him at times. It also evoked a fervent desire to protect Kimara and keep that innocence safe, but it meant closing the distance he'd put between them and potentially giving in to his urges. The situation was proving a quandary. He sighed and shooed her back into the changing room. "It's...it's perfect," he admitted grudgingly.

She let out an excited squeal of delight and disappeared back into the changing room to put her own clothes back on. A few moments later she returned with the dress over her arm, a wide grin on her face. "Can we get some lunch soon?" she asked as she approached him. "I'm starving."

Keeve chuckled and shook his head. "You're always hungry," he said habitually, though he realized moments later it wasn't Maeren he was speaking to. Kimara apparently had the same appetite. With a heavy sigh, he rose from his seat and motioned for her to follow as he started for the counter. "I'll pay, then we can eat. You can wait that long, can't you?"

"I'll try," Kimara said. "Though, I may have to chew off my leg if it takes too long." She gave him a big grin and slipped her arms through his when she caught up with him. "There was a little place across the street, can we go there?

"Anything you want," he answered dully. At the counter, he disentangled his arm from Kim's to dip his hand into the inner pocket of his jacket. He handed the credit slip that emerged to the cashier. He folded both arms across his chest in case Kimara decided to seize his again while they waited. As the woman entered the purchase, Keeve told her as an afterthought to add the gown in the window to it. At Kimara's questioning, overjoyed gaze, he explained, "You'll need something to dance in won't you?"

She gave him a demure smile that was an attempt to hide the blush that washed over her cheeks. "Thank you," she said, though it was clear she was trying hard not to burst into a fit of giggling laughter.

Keeve shrugged and held a hand out to the cashier to accept his slip. He thanked her briefly, then departed with Kimara hurrying to catch up. "Don't forget your gown," he called back to her, then stepped outside.

"I've got it," she said, quickly following. She managed to catch up to him and looked up at him, his face in profile as he tried to avoid looking at her. "I'm making you uncomfortable, aren't I," she said sadly.

He smiled tightly. "You are."

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I...I don't mean to...it's just...I guess I'm a naturally excited and affectionate person. I'll try to...to be less that way."

"But it's how Maeren is," he told her. "If you change, they'll know you're an imposter."

"You're uncomfortable because I'm not really her," Kimara said. "I guess when we're done with this, you won't have to see me again. At least you have that to look forward to."

"We have different lives," he explained, finally looking directly at her. "Once this is over, I might not even be here anymore. What's the point of getting attached?"

"I don't know," Kimara said. "You're one of the only people who knows me. And...and you seem to care. With you, I don't feel so lonely. Even with Saris, we were alone. We could talk and things, but...but our world was so small. With you, there's so much more. I know you can't be with me or want me or any of that because you're already married to the real Maeren, but at least I got to know you for a little while."

Keeve sighed, already feeling the bitter taste his attempts at alienating the girl were leaving in his mouth. Even with as cruel as he was being, she was too kind to take offense or lash out; instead, she blamed herself, and it pained him. "Look," Keeve finally said, stopping in front of Kim. "I'm sorry, okay? I'm just trying to resist you...and it's hard." He smiled wanly. "Being mean just seemed easier."

Kim nodded. "I'll try to be more resistible," she said. "I...I don't know if I know how to be though. And...it's...it's difficult because...because I don't want to be resistible... I'm sorry, Keeve."

"I don't want you to be," he stressed by gently gripping her arms and leaning forward to stare levelly into her glistening brown eyes. "Be as irresistible as you are. I'll...I'll just learn to control my desires. Besides, how will you play a convincing Maeren if you become quaint and ordinary? Hm?"

She gave him a wide, happy grin. "Alright," she said, then let out a squeal of delight and threw her arms around him.

Relenting, Keeve slipped his own arms around her trim waist and found himself pulling her closer. She felt good there. "You're bad for me," he whispered into her ear. "You shouldn't be able to affect me like this."

"At least it will be believable to anyone watching," she whispered, and allowed herself to melt against him. After several moments, she looked up into his eyes. "We should go get some food."

"Ah, yes," Keeve said with a grin. "The 'chewing your own leg off' thing." He released his hold on her, and graciously relieved her of the two purchases draped over her arms. With a wink, he nodded aside towards a nearby café. "You can eat as much as you like. It's my treat."

"Thank you," she said softly. "I'll try not to make you broke. And, I'm going to have a treat for you, but I need something to draw with."

"We can stop by an art supply shop too," he answered. "And don't worry," he added with a grin, "I've got plenty of money. Buy as much as you want."

"Thank you," she said a big smile holding back the delight that wanted to bubble out. She hugged him again and reached up and kissed his cheek, enjoying the feeling of their bodies pressed so closely together. "Thank you very much."

"Thank me after you've bought everything." He grinned at her, then stepped away and lowered his hand to the small of her back to guide her forward with him. "Café, then supplies, okay?"

"Okay," she said enthusiastically. "Oh, I hope you like what I'm going to draw for you. I already see it in my mind. Oh it'll be so perfect!" She saw a plate piled high with food on one of the sidewalk tables, with a woman and man eating and chatting. "Oh wow, that looks fabulous! You have to get your own though." She flashed him another grin as they headed to the entrance.

Keeve gave a look of utter disbelief and aghast as he glanced at the plate overflowing with a variety of foods. The frightening part was he suspected she could finish it, too. Chuckling to himself, he followed Kimara in, though in that moment it felt almost like doing so with Maeren. But watching her smile at him, stare at him with expectency and unconditional affection, and the thought of being with her suddenly seemed no longer troubling.

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