Ka woke with a groan as he blinked through the heavy fugue sitting around his head. He felt as if he'd been drugged as he tried to comprehend his surroundings. He was lying in bed, a rather lush and comfortable bed at that, with silk sheets no less. He took a breath and immediately started coughing violently as his body objected to the deep inhalation, his chest aching powerfully.
As if summoned by his fit of coughing, the doors to the ornate bedroom flew open and Kesarah came rushing into the room.
“KA!” was all she said before she was in the bed kissing him fiercely as she straddled him and held his face in his hands.
Kesa, his mind urged her. I can't breathe.
She immediately released him, looking at him possessively.
“After this last week I think I have a right to smother you!” she declared haughtily.
“A week?” Ka asked blearily as he leaned back in the bed. “What's happened?”
“I'm afraid,” the Empress' voice said serenely as she walked into the room. “You've been quite the bother in a week's time Knight Han.”
Ka looked past Kesarah at the young ruler who raised her hand by way of greeting.
“Remain where you are,” she remarked wryly. “I don't imagine that Knight Dilligas would have it any other way.”
Kesarah's lekku rippled in a manner that Ka didn't quite catch from his position between her thighs but he placed a reassuring hand in hers, giving it a squeeze. Her brown eyes immediately returned their full attention to his and in them he could see an ocean of swirling emotions that were far too complex for him to unravel without diving into her mind to discern what she was thinking. He didn't, contenting himself with the hesitantly hopeful smile she gave him instead.
“I cannot imagine that being allergic to kolto is very convenient for a Jedi who might be called upon to go to war for the Republic.” the Empress remarked as she stood besides the bed. “It certainly presented our best surgeons and doctors with a conundrum as to how to go about saving your life.”
Looking between Kesarah and the Empress, Ka bowed his head.
“I hope you've thanked those beings thoroughly for me.”
“Oh I have.” the Empress said with a knowing glance at Kesarah. “I threatened to remove their heads if you died and told them that would be a mercy compared to what Knight Dilligas would do to them. She carried you to my inner sanctum and demanded that you be treated immediately even as the insurgents were still attempting to make their way inside the palace. I believe we have the both of you to thank for preventing them from gaining a position on the upper landing areas.”
Ka's gaze again fell upon Kesarah who seemed oddly flustered by the description of her actions. Drawing her hand to his lips, he kissed her coral pink knuckles tenderly.
Thank you. he thought at her.
Better be. she replied, her thoughts warm as they filtered through his mind. I had to drag you through half the palace!
“I presume you're unaware of what's been done?” the Empress inquired.
Ka shook his head, clearing his throat slightly at the discomfort he was still feeling in his chest.
“I'm afraid your chest was rather ruined by my dear cousin. Without kolto repairing the damaged portions was difficult but within our physicians' abilities, however your lung was quite destroyed. We were forced to give you an artificial one. There may be some discomfort.”
“That explains the pain.” Ka remarked as he looked down at his chest to see the very evident scar where they'd cut him open. “Is there anything I need to do?”
“In regards?” the Empress asked idly, sounding almost bored.
“The lung.”
“Oh, no it should function just as your normal one would, perhaps even better.” she shrugged. “I can have the doctors come and explain its functions in depth to you if you like.”
“That won't be necessary.” Ka said as he touched the scar. “So long as it works.” he looked at the Empress. “Thank you.”
“Well it was my cousin that caused the damage.” the Empress remarked. “It wouldn't be very kind of me to just let you die after that.”
Ka frowned, looking between Kesarah and the Empress.
“What happened to him?”
“He came out worse for wear in the combat against Knight Dilligas. He too is having to have parts replaced though I doubt he will be as gracious.” at this the Empress smiled. “Also I have arranged for titles to be given to the both of you with all the duties and expectations that implies.” she raised her hand at Ka's open mouth. “It has already been done, I am the Empress Teta and I will not be questioned in this regard. You both have served me multiple times and I would like to entertain the notion that we are at least on amicable terms. I reward such people. Now, I believe I have spoken enough and shall leave the two of you to one another.” she inclined her head. “Rest well dear Jedi.”
With that the Empress turned and left the bedroom, leaving Ka and Kesarah together as she continued to sit atop him. She looked down at him for a moment before she leaned down and pressed her lips to his, far less fervently this time. Ka returned the kiss gently, reaching up and cupping her head beneath her lekku. The kiss lingered for a long time then, neither of them saying anything between their minds as they simply lingered on each other's lips. When it finally ended, Ka looked up into Kesarah's deep brown eyes as she frowned down at him fretfully.
“I thought I'd lost you.” she said finally.
“You didn't.” Ka replied tenderly. “I knew you'd save me.”
“What if I hadn't?” Kesarah asked pensively as her brow creased and her lekku trembled. “Ka, remember what I said that night?”
“You asked if I understood how important I am to you.”
Nodding, Kesarah laced her fingers with his, holding him tightly as she looked down at the scars on his chest.
“I don't think you do, I don't think you understand.”
“Kesa,” Ka began but she shook her head to forestall him.
“Don't, please don't say anything else.” she leaned her head down against his as she rested her forehead on his. “Just tell me what I want to hear.”
“I love you.” he breathed as he put his arms around her and held her tenderly.
Kesarah smiled, closing her eyes as she draped her arms over his shoulders and held him tightly. Ka had the distinct feeling that she wasn't going to let go, but didn't want to say anything as he remained where he was holding the woman he loved against him.