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Prologue

The twin suns of Tatooine burned high in the sky, their relentless heat casting long shadows across the throne room of the palace once ruled by Jabba the Hutt.
Now, it was Boba Fett who sat upon the iron-like throne, his green Beskar armour gleaming dully in the dim light filtering through the heavy sandstone walls.
The hum of murmured conversations and the scuffle of boots on the worn floor filled the chamber as supplicants shuffled forward to pay their respects to the Daimyo of Mos Espa.

Fennec Shand stood at his side, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of treachery through her black and dusky red helmet. Dressed in her signature black armour, she looked every inch the lethal ally who had helped Boba rise to power. Her blaster hung at her hip, though her hand rested casually on the hilt of a vibroblade strapped to her thigh. It was a silent promise to anyone considering foolishness.
The latest nobleman approached, his robes billowing as he carried a small chest toward the throne. He knelt, setting the box down with a reverence that was almost theatrical. “ My lord Fett” the man intoned, bowing so deeply his forehead nearly touched the floor. “ A humble tribute for your continued protection of our lands”.
Boba inclined his helmeted head, his expression hidden but his presence commanding. He gestured with a gloved hand, and one of the Gamorrean guards lumbered forward to retrieve the chest. The contents—a modest collection of precious metals and spice—were inspected quickly and passed along to a servant.

Boba said nothing, his silence as weighty as his reputation. It was Fennec who broke the tension, her voice calm but laced with subtle menace.
“ Your loyalty is appreciated ” she said, her eyes flicking over the kneeling man. “ But we trust your tribute reflects more than gratitude. It reflects understanding”. The nobleman nodded frantically. “ Of course, of course ” he stammered, backing away as quickly as decorum allowed.The steady murmur of the throne room quieted as Lord Walkmaker strode forward, his gait confident and self-assured. His presence always carried a certain flair, and today was no exception.
Draped in deep crimson robes trimmed with gold, the proprietor of Mos Espa’s most lucrative—and infamous—escort service walked with a lilac-skinned Twi’lek by his side. She moved gracefully, her bare feet silent on the cool stone, her scant attire glittering in the dim light as if woven from starlight itself.

The girl was beautiful, her lekku adorned with delicate silver wrappings that caught the eye with every subtle movement of her head. But what set her apart was her demeanour—serene and poised, though devoid of the telltale signs of oppression. She did not wear the chains of a slave, only the glimmering ornaments that signified her trade.
Lord Walkmaker reached the foot of the throne and bowed deeply, a practiced gesture of both submission and calculated pride.“ My Lord Fett ” he began, his voice smooth as silk, “ I come bearing a tribute that I believe will bring you unparalleled pleasure. May I present Nivasa, the jewel of my house. Her beauty is unrivaled, and her devotion is absolute. A gift befitting the Daimyo of Mos Espa”.
Boba shifted slightly in his seat, his visor lowering to inspect the girl before him.

Through the filtered view of his helmet, her features were undeniable—striking eyes, flawless skin, and an aura that seemed almost magnetic. Even from his stoic perch, he could not deny her allure.

Yet as he studied her, something in him resisted. Fett had dealt with Lord Walkmaker’s escorts before—he knew them well enough to recognise that their beauty often hid an emptiness, a lack of substance that rendered them more decoration than a companion. For all her perfection, Nivasa was no different. Her presence, while pleasing to the eye, held no promise of depth.
Fett’s voice, deep and modulated by his helmet, broke the silence. “ Your tribute is noted, Lord Walkmaker ” he said, his tone flat but firm. He raised a gloved hand, gesturing toward a nearby servant. “ See to her comfort”.
The servant stepped forward and gently took Nivasa by the arm, leading her away from the throne. She glanced back briefly, but Boba did not look again. His gaze returned to Walkmaker, unreadable behind the T-shaped visor.
“ You have my thanks ” he said, a hint of finality in his voice.Walkmaker bowed again, his smile unchanged but his eyes sharp as he studied the Daimyo. “ I am honoured to serve you, my lord ” he replied smoothly, stepping back into the crowd with the same practiced grace as before.Fennec leaned in slightly, her voice low and laced with dry humour. “ I’d say he outdid himself this time”.
Boba didn’t reply, his attention already elsewhere. The Twi’lek was beautiful, yes, but beauty alone had never been enough to distract him. He had no use for empty offerings, no matter how finely wrapped they came.

Boba leaned back, his gauntleted fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his throne. He had spent the last two years consolidating power, turning Mos Espa into a stable territory while maintaining his edge as a bounty hunter turned crime ruler. But despite his efforts, the weight of leadership often felt heavier than the Beskar he wore. The throne, as he had come to realise, was both a prize and a prison.
Fennec turned to him, her tone shifting to something more casual, almost amused. “ Another prosperous day in paradise?”
He gave a slight nod but said nothing. He had never been a man of many words, and ruling had done little to change that. Still, there was a restlessness within him, a lingering sense that despite his accomplishments, something was missing.

Outwardly, he was the unflinching Daimyo, a legend whose name inspired both fear and respect. Inwardly, he couldn’t shake the feeling that all his power and wealth meant little without someone to share it with—a companion who could look past the armour, the reputation, and see the man beneath.

Boba Fett was a ruler, yes, but he was also a solitary figure in a galaxy that offered little solace.
 
The throne room had quieted, the last of the tributes delivered and dismissed. Boba now sat at the head of a long, weathered dining table in the palace’s dining hall.

The room was stark yet warm, its rough stone walls lit by flickering lanterns that cast a golden glow over the scene. The scent of roasted meats and spiced drinks filled the air, a modest feast laid out in stark contrast to the grandeur of the palace itself.

Boba waited in silence, his gloved hands resting on the arms of his chair, the dim light reflecting off his armour.

The table was meant for a family—his family, if the misfit band of individuals who had fought by his side could be called such.

Fennec Shand entered first, moving with her usual quiet precision, her sharp eyes surveying the table before taking her place at his right.

Drash and Skad followed, laughing at some shared joke, their vibrant outfits and youthful energy an odd but welcome contrast to the ancient walls of the palace. The rest of the biker gang shuffled in behind them, their footsteps echoing faintly as they settled into seats near the middle of the table.

Krrsantan arrived last, his massive form casting a long shadow as he lumbered into the room. The Wookiee grunted a greeting and took his place at the far end, his dark eyes glinting with quiet amusement as he eyed the food.

Boba’s gaze swept over them, a rare softness hidden beneath his helmet. They were an odd group, bound together by circumstance and loyalty rather than blood, but they were his now. He reached for the pitcher of ale and poured a glass, setting it down as he turned toward the door.

He had summoned another to join them tonight.

The soft sound of hesitant footsteps drew their attention. Nivasa appeared in the doorway, her lilac skin glowing faintly in the warm light. She was dressed as she had been earlier, her glittering attire leaving little to the imagination. Yet there was something different about her now—a  hesitance in the way she stepped forward, her eyes darting between the faces at the table. She clasped her hands in front of her, unsure, her usual grace tempered by uncertainty.
Boba leaned back in his chair, his voice calm but firm. “ Come, little one. Sit down”.
Her gaze flicked to him, and for a moment, she seemed unsure if he was speaking to her. But when he removed his helmet, she nodded quickly and stepped forward, her movements careful and reserved. The table fell silent as she approached, all eyes on her, though the attention was more curious than hostile.

Fennec gestured subtly to a seat in the middle of the table, and Nivasa hesitated before taking it. She settled between Fennec and Drash, her posture stiff and uncertain as she folded her hands in her lap.
Drash offered a small, reassuring smile, leaning closer. “ Don’t worry ” she said quietly. “ We don’t bite”. “Unless you want us to…” Fennec said half joking. She took in the young woman’s appearance and she could very well agree with Lord Walkermaker, she was jewel.
Nivasa managed a faint smile in return, though her hands remained tightly clasped.
Boba, his voice carrying over the table, spoke again. “ Eat. You’re part of the family tonight”.
At his words, the tension in the room seemed to ease. Plates were passed, drinks were poured, and conversation gradually resumed. Nivasa, still unsure of her place, picked at the food on her plate but kept her head down.

From his seat at the head of the table, Boba watched her through his lashes, noting the nervous way she avoided his gaze. She was an outsider here, just as he had once been, and though he had no illusions about who she was or why she was here, a part of him felt a twinge of sympathy.
 
The dining hall had grown quiet. The remnants of the evening lingered only in the faint scent of spiced meats and the low hum of the maid droids as they worked to clear the last of the dishes.

Most of the family had retired for the night, their laughter and conversation now only echoes in the empty halls.

Fennec lingered by the far wall, leaning casually against a column as she observed the scene with her usual sharp-eyed vigilance.

Krrsantan, slumped at the end of the table, had succumbed to the effects of the evening’s ale, his deep snores resonating through the room.

Nivasa, however, had not moved. She remained seated where she had been throughout dinner, her posture rigid, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Though the droids worked around her, she seemed almost frozen, her gaze fixed on the empty plate before her.

Boba, who had been observing her from the shadows of the hall, decided to approach. His boots echoed softly against the stone floor as he crossed the room, and Nivasa’s lekku twitched slightly at the sound. She didn’t look up until he pulled out the chair beside her and sat down.
His unmodulated voice broke the silence, calm and measured. “ How are you settling in here, little one?”She hesitated, her fingers tightening on the fabric of her skirt. Her gaze flicked briefly to him, then back to her lap as she nodded. “ Well, so far, my lord ” she replied softly, her tone respectful but tinged with uncertainty. “ Thank you for your hospitality”.
He studied her for a moment, his expression hidden behind the cold eyes of a hunter. She was polite, careful in her words, yet there was a tension in her posture that spoke of unease. It was clear she wasn’t entirely comfortable in his palace—or in his presence.

As silence stretched between them, Boba found himself acutely aware of her. The delicate scent of her perfume lingered in the air, subtle but intoxicating, and despite his discipline, he couldn’t ignore the growing heat beneath his armour. He had spent years mastering control over his emotions, but something about her—her beauty, her vulnerability—had stirred something primal within him.
He leaned closer, his voice low but firm. “ Would you like to come up to my chambers?” Nivasa froze, her eyes widening slightly. For a moment, she seemed unsure of how to respond. But the title of Daimyo carried weight, and the unspoken authority in his words left little room for refusal. She swallowed hard, then nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “ If it pleases you, my lord”.
He stood, his movements deliberate, and gestured for her to follow. When she rose to her feet, he placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the door with a touch that was firm but not unkind. She moved hesitantly at first, but his presence at her side seemed to steady her steps.
Fennec watched from her perch against the wall, her gaze sharp as ever as a smile tugged at her mouth. She said nothing as they passed, though Boba could feel her eyes on him.
The halls were quiet as they walked, the distant hum of droids the only sound. His hand remained on her back, a silent reassurance—or a claim—guiding her toward the chambers that awaited.
 
The doors to Boba Fett’s bedchamber slid open with a faint hiss, revealing a space unlike anything Nivasa had ever seen.

The room was vast, yet surprisingly understated in its opulence. The centerpiece was a large, low-slung bed draped in airy, light material that swayed gently in the faint breeze from the open windows. The same gauzy fabric framed each window, filtering the warm light of Tatooine’s moons and softening the harsh desert atmosphere.

Nivasa hesitated in the doorway, her eyes wide as she took in the space. The cool tones of the room—sandy beiges and soft whites—felt calming, a stark contrast to the rough stone corridors she had walked through.

She couldn’t help but notice how out of place she felt here, her scant outfit and bare feet making her seem like an intruder in a palace she could barely comprehend.
Behind her, she heard the faint hiss of the door and clink of armour being removed. She froze. The sound was slow, deliberate, and unmistakable.
Turning her head slightly, she caught sight of Boba removing the last pieces of his Beskar plating. Each movement was practiced, almost ritualistic, until finally, he stood before her in only a pair of brown pants and a loose off-white top that hung comfortably over his broad shoulders. Without the imposing weight of his armour, he seemed… different. More human, somehow.

But it did little to ease her nerves.
Boba noticed her hesitation, the way her shoulders tensed and her gaze avoided his. He paused, studying her carefully, then gestured toward a cabinet near the wall. “ Drink?” he offered, his voice low and calm.Nivasa paused as if in thought, but then nodded robotically, the tension still in her frame. “ Yes, please, my lord ”.He poured two glasses of a dark amber liquid, handing one to her before leading her toward the open balcony.
The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the stars above scattered like grains of sand across an endless sky. Nivasa clutched her glass tightly, focusing on the view rather than the man beside her.

For a moment, they stood in silence, the only sound the faint breeze rustling the drapes behind them. Boba took a sip of his drink, his gaze fixed on the stars, before attempting to bridge the gap between them.
“ The nights here ” he began, his voice casual but edged with effort, “ they’re quieter than most places in the galaxy. Peaceful”.
Nivasa nodded politely but said nothing, her grip tightening on the glass, but not bringing it to her lips.
He tried again, his tone softer this time. “ Do you like it here? Tatooine’s not for everyone, but it has its charm”. Another polite nod. “ It’s… different” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Boba exhaled, his patience thinning but his tone remaining steady. He shifted closer, setting his drink down on the balcony’s edge.

Slowly, he reached out, his rough hand brushing lightly against her bare arm. Her skin was soft beneath his touch, and he found himself wanting more—aching to feel her fully naked skin against his, without barriers or hesitation.

But the moment his fingers lingered, Nivasa froze. Her entire body went rigid, and she stepped back slightly, her movements subtle but impossible to miss.

Boba cringed internally, his hand dropping back to his side as he turned his gaze away. He gripped the edge of the balcony, his jaw tightening as a wave of frustration washed over him.
He made a mental note, almost bitterly amused at himself: Losing your touch, old man.
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, noting the way she held herself—tense and unsure, her eyes avoiding his once more. Whatever charm he might have had in his youth, seemed to elude him now, and for the first time in years, Boba Fett found himself at a loss.

Boba leaned back against the balcony railing, the weight of the moment pressing on him as he regarded Nivasa.

She was still holding her untouched drink, her slender fingers trembling slightly against the glass. Her silence lingered longer than he expected, and something about her demeanour—her hesitation, her unease—gnawed at him.
Deciding on a different approach, he spoke, his tone softer but probing. “ Why would Lord Walkmaker offer you as a tribute if you’re his most beautiful jewel?” Nivasa stiffened, her knuckles whitening around the glass. For a moment, she didn’t respond, but then she cleared her throat, her voice quiet and tinged with shame. “ I… ran out of usefulness”. Boba raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. He gestured for her to continue. “ Go on”.
She shook her head, her lips pressed tightly together, unwilling to say more.

His gaze fell to her drink—still untouched—and as the pieces began to fit together, realisation dawned on him. He hesitated for a moment, uncertain how to ask, but his instincts urged him forward.
“ Are you… ” he paused, then carefully chose his words. “ Are you with child?”
The reaction was immediate. Nivasa jolted back, her breath catching as fear flashed in her wide eyes.
She set the glass down hastily, clasping her hands in front of her as she pleaded, “ Please, my lord—don’t harm me. Don’t harm my baby. I’ll do whatever you ask, just… please”. Boba held up his hands, palms outward in a gesture of reassurance. “ Calm down, little one. I’m not going to hurt you—or your child”. His voice was steady, yet there was a rare gentleness in his tone that surprised even him.Her trembling eased slightly, though the tension in her shoulders remained. He pressed further, his curiosity now mingled with concern. “ Is the child… ” he began, then hesitated before finishing, “ one of your clients’?” Nivasa’s cheeks flushed a deep violet, and she lowered her gaze, her lekku twitching nervously. “ No ” she admitted softly. “ It’s… it’s the man I love ”. She glanced up briefly, gauging his reaction before continuing. “ Lord Walkmaker used to turn a blind eye to our courtship. But when he found out about my condition…” Her voice wavered. “ He wanted me gone. Said I was no longer useful to him”.
Boba turned his gaze to the stars, his brow furrowing.

The situation had shifted entirely, and he felt a pang of guilt for his earlier intentions. This woman wasn’t some plaything for his desires—she was a person with a life, a future, and a baby she cared about deeply.
He exhaled slowly, his voice quieter now, almost reflective. “ I don’t want to keep you from the love of your life” he said, turning back to her. “ In the morning, you’re free to go. Take a camtono of gold with you—a gift from me to your unborn child”. Nivasa’s eyes widened, her lips parting in shock. “ I… I can’t possibly accept that, my lord… ” she stammered, her hands fluttering as though searching for something to cling to.Boba cut her off with a raised hand, his tone brooking no argument. “ I insist. You’ll need it more than I do. And take all the clothes you can carry from your closet in your bedchambers”. Tears welled in her eyes as she stepped closer, her hands trembling as she grasped his calloused hand in both of hers. “ Thank you” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “ Thank you, my lord. I’ll never forget your kindness”.
Boba inclined his head slightly, watching as she backed away toward the door. She lingered for a moment, as though unsure how to leave, but when he nodded again, she disappeared into the hall, leaving him alone on the balcony.

The stars seemed colder now, their light distant and unreachable. Boba sighed heavily, leaning against the railing as the weight of solitude settled over him once more.

He gazed at the endless expanse above, his thoughts drifting to Nivasa and the devotion she had for the man she loved. It was a kind of connection he had never known, one he had long believed he would never find.

Still, as the night stretched on, he couldn’t help but wish—quietly, almost desperately—that he might one day find someone like she had.

Unbeknownst to him, that solitude was about to be shattered.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 1

Every day was much the same for Boba Fett. His mornings began with the rhythmic crack and thud of his gaffi stick, slicing through the still air of his private training grounds. It was a ritual he had come to depend on, the familiar movements grounding him in a world that often felt as vast and untamable as the Dune Sea itself.
Afterward, he’d share breakfast with whoever was awake—usually Fennec Shand, sometimes one or two members of his ragtag group of allies.The mornings quickly gave way to duty. Meetings with Fennec and the droids regarding palace security came first, followed by an endless stream of appointments with the people of Mos Espa.Merchants, business owners, and locals seeking favours or rulings filled the rest of his morning. The work was tedious but necessary, his reputation as a fair and attentive Daimyo relying on his presence.
In the early afternoons, sometimes he allowed himself a brief reprieve, taking a stroll through the streets of Mos Espa. The vibrant chaos of the city was a strange comfort, a reminder of the life that pulsed beyond the walls of his palace.

Children darted between market stalls, vendors called out their wares, and the hum of speeders filled the air. It wasn’t peace, but it was life.

By mid-afternoon, he returned to the palace for more meetings and Daimyo duties, his evenings often blending into a blur of negotiations and planning. It was a life of structure and routine, and while he found some solace in the predictability, there were moments when the monotony pressed heavily on him.
 
One particular day, Boba sat in the city hall of Mos Espa, surrounded by the lords and ladies of both Mos Espa and Mos Eisley.

The lavish banquet hall buzzed with discussion, the clinking of glasses and low murmurs punctuated by the occasional raised voice. Boba, seated at the head of the gathering, listened absently to the ongoing debates about trade routes, tariffs, and territorial agreements.

His mind began to drift, the weight of the discussion fading into the background. He thought of nothing in particular at first—just the warmth of the sun on his armour and the distant sounds of the city.

But then, unbidden, his thoughts turned to Nivasa. It had been months since she had left the palace, her tearful thanks still fresh in his mind.
By now, she would be at least five months pregnant, based on the flatness of her stomach when she had come to him. He wondered how she was doing. Was she safe? Was she happy? Did her lover care for her the way she deserved?The thought lingered, and he found himself imagining her in some quiet corner of Tatooine, her hand resting on her swollen belly as she prepared for the life ahead. It was a strange feeling, a mixture of concern and wistfulness that he couldn’t quite shake.
“

Lord Fett

” a sharp voice interrupted, snapping him back to the present. He blinked, turning his helmeted gaze to Lady Zephyr, a shrewd noblewoman from Mos Eisley. “
Do you agree with the proposed spice trade route through the Outer Rim?”

Boba straightened slightly, his tone neutral as he replied, “

Yes, that will be fine

”. His response was absentminded, the details of the discussion barely registering. He wanted nothing more than to be done with the meeting.

The lords and ladies continued their debate, but Boba had already checked out. His patience wore thin as the minutes stretched on, and his thoughts shifted to the evening ahead.

What he really wanted was to retreat to the palace and spend time with his Rancor. The creature’s calm presence had become a surprising source of comfort, a reminder of the bonds he had formed even in a life as solitary as his own.

As the meeting dragged on, he silently resolved to excuse himself at the first opportunity. Daimyo or not, even Boba had his limits.
 
Fett stepped down from the ramp of
Slave I
, the ship’s hydraulics hissing softly as the engines powered down behind him. The twin suns had begun their decent of Tatooine’s sky, cast long shadows across the landing pad, but Boba barely noticed.

His body ached from the day’s exertions, his mind weighed down by the monotony of leadership. All he wanted now was to tend to his Rancor and get some much-needed rest.

The Gamorreans stationed at the palace’s entrance grunted in greeting as he approached. They bowed briefly, their tusked faces gleaming in the dim light, before resuming their post. Boba nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing, moving past them with a quiet determination.
 
Inside, the halls were silent save for the occasional hum of droids scuttling about their tasks. Boba made his way to the kitchens, where the scent of roasted meat still lingered from the evening’s banquet.

He opened a large cold storage unit, retrieving two hefty shaak legs. The meat was awkward to carry—larger than his arms could comfortably manage—but he adjusted his grip and made his way to the chamber below the banquet hall where his Rancor awaited.

The air grew warmer and more humid as he descended the steps, the faint, earthy scent of the beast filling his senses. When he reached the massive enclosure, he shifted the meat in his arms and opened the gate with a soft groan of effort.
The Rancor stirred from its resting place in the corner of the chamber, its massive frame shifting as it turned to face him. At the sight of Boba, the creature let out a deep, resonant rumble that echoed through the chamber walls. Its black, beady eyes gleamed with recognition, and it rose to its full height, its movements slow but deliberate.
Boba dropped the shaak legs onto the stone floor with a dull thud and stepped closer, his voice low and filled with affection. “

There you go, big guy. Dinner’s served”.

The Rancor moved forward, its heavy footsteps vibrating through the ground. But instead of lunging for the meat immediately, it leaned its massive head down toward Boba, its nostrils flaring as it rumbled again, this time softer—a sound of contentment.

Boba reached up, his gloved hand resting gently against the rough hide of the beast’s cheek. He rubbed in small circles, speaking to it in a tone usually reserved for old friends. “

You’ve been good today, haven’t you? Didn’t give the handlers trouble?”

The Rancor closed its eyes briefly, leaning into his touch like a loyal pet craving attention. Its massive head nudged against Boba’s armoured forearm, an affectionate gesture that made him chuckle under his breath.

“
You’ve grown soft on me”
he said quietly, though there was no real reprimand in his tone. “
…or I you”.

The bond between them was strong, a relationship built on mutual respect and trust. It wasn’t something Boba took lightly.

Satisfied, the Rancor finally turned its attention to the meal, tearing into the shaak legs with powerful jaws. Boba watched for a moment, a rare softness in his expression as he leaned against the enclosure wall.

Here, in the quiet of the Rancor’s chamber, he felt a fleeting sense of peace—something rare in the life of a Daimyo.

“
Sleep well, big guy”
he said after a moment, turning to leave. The Rancor let out one last low rumble, its eyes following him as he ascended the steps. For a creature so fierce, its gaze was surprisingly gentle when it looked at Boba. Their bond was undeniable, and in moments like this, it reminded Boba that loyalty could exist in even the most unlikely forms.
 
Boba skipped dinner, the weight of the day pressing too heavily on his shoulders to stomach the thought of sitting through another meal.

His body, though hardened by years of survival, was failing him in ways he could no longer ignore. The demands of being Daimyo, coupled with the lingering effects of his time in the Sarlacc pit, were an unrelenting burden. Every joint ached, every scar pulled painfully tight, and every step felt heavier than the last.
He trudged through the halls of his palace, his boots scuffing against the cool stone floor. By the time he reached his chambers, his legs felt like lead.
Once inside, he leaned against the door for a moment, letting out a long, exhausted breath. Slowly, he stripped off his clothes, the gritty sand of Tatooine spilling from every crevice and fold in his armour.

Piece by piece, he removed the layers of his gear until he stood bare, the pale, scarred skin of his body illuminated by the faint moonlight filtering through the thin curtains.

His fingers brushed against the raised, jagged scars on his torso and arms—the lasting marks of the Sarlacc’s acid burns. The tightness in his skin was a constant reminder of his near-death, a discomfort that never truly faded.

On most nights, he would dutifully apply the medicated cream prescribed by the medical droid, the thick ointment helping to ease the strain and stretch of his damaged flesh.

Twice a day, it had instructed him. Morning and night. But tonight, the thought of going through the motions was too much. The cream sat untouched on the bedside table as Boba collapsed onto the bed.

The soft, airy material of the canopy draped above him fluttered slightly in the breeze, but he didn’t notice. The cool sheets felt foreign against his skin, but he didn’t care. His head hit the pillow, and before he could even pull the blanket over himself, sleep claimed him.

For the first time in what felt like days, he let the world fall away, his body succumbing to the sheer exhaustion that had been gnawing at him.
 
Boba’s sleep was deep, the kind of rest his body had been craving for days. But as the night wore on, his peace turned restless. His brow furrowed, his breathing quickened, and faint murmurs escaped his lips. Somewhere in the recesses of his mind, he heard a voice—a female voice—calling out for help.

The wind outside his chambers picked up, rustling the fabric of the bed canopy, making it billow like ghostly tendrils around him. He stirred, clutching at the sheets, caught in the throes of a vivid dream.

In the dream, he found himself walking through the narrow, sand-worn streets of Mos Eisley. The familiar sights and smells surrounded him, but the atmosphere was wrong—heavy, oppressive, and dark. He could hear the voice again, echoing faintly between the alleyways.

“
Help! Please, someone help me!

” The voice was raw with fear and pain.

Boba’s heart ached, tightening in his chest as he followed the sound. He didn’t know how he knew it was a woman calling out—perhaps it could have been a young boy—but deep down, something told him it was a woman, and she was in desperate need.

The cry led him to an old, rundown building, its facade cracked and crumbling. The place had clearly been abandoned for years, its windows boarded up, its walls scrawled with faded graffiti. The cries for help echoed from somewhere deep inside, growing louder with each step.

He moved through the halls, the air growing colder and more oppressive the deeper he went. The walls seemed to close in around him, and the voice became more frantic.

“
Help me! Please, anyone!”

The anguish in her tone sent a chill through him. His steps quickened, boots echoing on the cracked concrete floor as he twisted and turned down narrow corridors. The faint sound of dripping water punctuated the cries, guiding him downward into what seemed like an underground level.

At last, he came to a cell. The door—a thick, rusted slab of metal—was slightly ajar. The sight inside made his breath catch.

A woman lay on the cold floor, her clothes ripped and barely covering her bruised and bloodied body. A gash on her forehead leaked crimson down her face, mixing with tears as she sobbed uncontrollably. Her arms and legs were covered in bruises, her form trembling with terror.

“

Help me

” she whispered, her voice breaking. “

Please… no more… just let me go”.

Boba stepped closer, his heart breaking for her pain. “

I’m here

” he tried to say, but the words came out muffled and warped, as if the dream itself was smothering his voice.

The woman looked up at him, her wide, tear-filled eyes locking onto his brown, almost black eyes. She recoiled in horror, scrambling back against the wall. “

No! Please don’t hurt me anymore! Please, just let me go!”

For a moment, Boba believed she was scared of him. Before he could move, a man appeared from the shadows behind him, dressed in black. Realisation dawned on Boba. It wasn’t

him

she was scared of, she couldn’t even

see

him. She was scared of the man who just entered.

The man’s face was hidden beneath the brim of an officer’s cap, but his uniform—trimmed with imperial insignias—was unmistakable.

Boba spun to confront him, but the man walked straight through him as if he were a ghost.

Frozen in place, Boba turned back to the cell, watching helplessly as the imperial leered at the woman. The man stepped inside, his tone calm and cold. “

Hold still

” he said, unbuckling his belt with a sinister smirk. “

It won’t hurt a bit”.

The woman screamed, thrashing against the wall as the man advanced. “

You’re so beautiful

” he grunted as he dropped his pants.

“
No!”

Boba roared, his voice finally breaking free. But it was too late.

The cell door slammed shut, cutting off his path. From the other side, all he could hear were her screams—raw, agonised, and pleading—as the man descended on her. Boba pounded against the door, shouting until his throat was raw. But the dream offered no mercy.

He shot upright in his bed, gasping for air. His hands clutched at the thin blanket, which had wrapped tightly around his sweat-drenched body as if trying to strangle him. His chest heaved, his heart pounding painfully in his ribcage.

The phantom echoes of the woman’s screams still rang in his ears as he choked out a breath, his mind racing. He rubbed a shaking hand over his face, feeling the slick sweat on his skin.

It was just a dream. A horrible, vivid dream. But it had felt so real. Too real. He could feel the woman’s fear, her pain as she was assaulted in the worst way a man could assault a woman.

For a long moment, he sat there in the dark, trying to calm his trembling hands. But the woman’s cries for help lingered, haunting him, as if the dream had been more than just a figment of his imagination.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 2

The mighty Daimyo sat at the long dining table, his head resting heavily against the cool surface.

The faint hum of the palace’s droids filled the air as they bustled about, preparing breakfast. The scent of steaming caf, freshly cooked eggs, and roasted meats filled the room, but none of it registered.

Boba’s eyes were closed, his body still, but his mind was far from at rest. He hadn’t slept properly since waking from the nightmare that night. It still clung to him like a weight that wouldn’t lift. Every time he closed his eyes, the woman’s screams came rushing back.

Fennec entered the room with a quiet grace, glancing at the scene before her. She smirked and slid into a chair to the right of Boba, noticing his hunched posture and the faint shadows under his eyes.

“

Rough night?

” she asked, her voice laced with amusement. “

Hungover? That’s what happens when you drink on an empty stomach”.

Boba grunted, not lifting his head. “

Had a nightmare.
”

Fennec raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her seat. “

The Sarlacc again?”

“

No

” he muttered. “

It was different this time

”. He sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as if trying to ease the headache that had formed. “

It felt…so real”.

Fennec watched him for a moment, considering his words. The droids continued moving around them, but the room had quieted in the wake of Boba’s admission. She didn’t press him further, instead taking a sip from her cup. She knew when he was ready to talk, he’d say more.

Boba finally looked up, his voice quieter now. “
I was in Mos Eisley. I followed this woman’s voice. She was begging for help, calling out in pain. I got to her, and…”
His words trailed off, the memory still raw.

“

She was… she was in a cell, beaten and bleeding. And then an Imperial officer appeared. I watched him…do things

”. He paused, his jaw tightening. “

It wasn’t just seeing it, Fennec. It felt like I was there with her. I could feel her fear, her pain…feel him…raping her”

his voice was low and his jaw was tensed.

Fennec’s expression faltered for just a split second, a shadow passing over her face. She leaned forward, her gaze steady on him now, but there was a hesitation in her eyes. “

It’s just a dream, Boba

” she said softly, trying to reassure him. “

You’ve been through a lot. It’s probably just… your exhaustion sticking with you”.

Boba’s stare didn’t waver. “

It felt too real. Like I was witnessing it, but also feeling it. Like I was her for a moment”.

The silence between them stretched, and Fennec’s eyes flickered down to her plate, her fork pausing halfway to her mouth. The faintest trace of a memory crossed her face, a momentary hardness in her features. She quickly masked it with a shrug and let the moment pass, lifting her cup again as if to dismiss it.

“

Maybe

” she said quietly, voice softening, but the edge of doubt lingered in her tone. “

But dreams can mess with your head, especially when you’ve been through… well, everything you have”.

Boba sat up a little straighter, his gaze fixed on the table now, his fingers tapping lightly against the wood. “

Maybe

”. His voice was distant, his thoughts swirling. He couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t just his mind playing tricks on him.

Fennec didn’t push him further. Instead, she settled back into her chair, the clink of dishes and the soft hum of the droids filling the space once again.

The days wore on and with every passing evening, Boba found himself trapped in the same nightmare.

Each night, the woman’s voice screamed at the top of her lungs, calling for help, her cries filled with desperation and agony. He would stumble through the streets of Mos Eisley in the dream, following her voice until he reached the dilapidated building.

Every time, it was the same. He would find her—beaten, bruised, bloodied. Her body was covered in fresh marks, welts from the various things that had been used to torment her.

By the fourth night, Boba had become familiar with the scene, though it never got any easier. The woman’s suffering gnawed at him.

He watched as her face became more and more battered. This time, there was blood—blood between her legs. He knew what that meant.

His chest tightened as he approached her in the cell, as he tried to comfort her, but his hands passed right through her, like he was still a ghost.

He tried over and over, growing frustrated, desperate to help her, but no matter how much he willed it, he was powerless.

One night, he approached the cell, his heart racing with the familiar anticipation of her cries. But when he reached the door, it was empty. No woman. A strange, chilling silence lingered.

His heart pounded in his chest, and then, in the distance, he heard it. A scream. A scream that ripped through the air, piercing the silence like a blade.

He followed the sound, his boots echoing through the dimly lit halls of the building. As he rounded a corner, he entered a large open space—a laboratory.

His eyes widened as he took in the horrific sight. The woman was there, but she wasn’t in the cell. She was strapped to a table, her arms and legs splayed wide, her barely clothed body exposed. The cold metallic scent of the lab hung in the air, but that was nothing compared to the sight before him.

The woman screamed again, her body writhing as a man dressed in an imperial uniform stepped forward. The leader of the group—his face round and cleanly shaved. His hair was gelled to the side, grey and neat.

He spoke with a chilling, calculated tone. “

Do as we say, or you and your family will die”.

Boba’s heart hammered in his chest. His eyes were wide with fury, but he couldn’t move. The woman’s screams tore at him, and he felt a sickening twist in his stomach.

She begged them to stop, her voice hoarse with exhaustion. “
Please… please, why are you doing this?”
Her words were desperate, pleading.

The men around her laughed, the sound cold and cruel. The lead man stepped forward, his boots clicking on the floor as he leaned in close to the woman. “

Because you’re scum. And you know what we do to

scum?

” He leaned closer, his breath foul as he grinned. “

We eradicate you”.

As they raised an electric weapon, the woman’s body jerked as the current hit her. Her screams filled the space, loud and agonising.

Boba’s chest tightened, his vision blurry as he watched in horror. He could feel it—her pain, her terror—it was as if he was living it with her. His eyes filled with tears, tears he didn’t understand. Why was he crying? It was as if her suffering was his own. As the electric shock turned higher, her body convulsed violently.

Boba couldn’t watch anymore. The overwhelming feeling of helplessness gripped him. He tried to move, to do something, but before he could act, the dream shattered.

Boba jerked awake with a strangled gasp, his body falling off the bed onto the cold stone floor with a thud. He was tangled in the drenched sheets, his breathing ragged, his heart pounding as the remnants of the nightmare clung to him. His face was wet with sweat, and the tears—his tears—had left streaks down his scarred face. The remnants of the woman’s scream echoed in his mind, refusing to fade.

A loud roar broke through the silence, and Boba froze. Krrsantan burst through the door, his massive form looming in the doorway. His fur was bristling, and his eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of threat. Upon seeing his boss on the floor, the Wookiee roared again, his confusion apparent.

Boba didn’t respond. He simply lay there, staring up at the ceiling, the weight of the dream pressing down on him. His mind was still in turmoil, the woman’s cries still ringing in his ears, her pain still coursing through his own body. He didn’t move, didn’t speak. He just stared at the ceiling, lost in the echoes of a nightmare he couldn’t shake.
 
The next morning, the palace felt unusually still as Boba Fett stood at the head of the dining table, his helmet firmly in place, concealing his face from the world. He sat there, shoulders tense, his posture rigid, feeling the weight of the past few days settle on him like a heavy cloak.

The nightmare still lingered in his thoughts, gnawing at him with each passing hour, but the helmet—his armour—shielded him. When he wore it, it protected him from the vulnerability he couldn’t afford to show. The last thing he wanted was for the rest of his family to see how shaken he truly was.

One by one, his misfit family trickled into the room. Fennec was the first to arrive, followed by Drash, Skad, and the others. They didn’t speak much, merely exchanging glances and settling into their seats. They all knew something was off. Boba could feel it—their unease hanging in the air, like they all sensed something was wrong but weren’t sure what.

The last to arrive was Krrsantan. As he lumbered into the room, his keen eyes quickly scanned Boba, lingering on him a fraction too long. He remembered what he had seen the night before—his boss on the floor, tangled in the sheets, looking like something had broken him. Krrsantan’s brow furrowed beneath his thick fur, but he said nothing. He simply took his seat, the air between him and Boba thick with unspoken questions.

Once everyone was gathered, Boba finally spoke, his voice muffled through the helmet. “

For the last week or so, I’ve been having a recurring nightmare…”

he stated, not beating around the bush. His tone was measured, yet the intensity was evident. “

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s more than just a nightmare”.

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

“
I don’t know why, but every night, I dream of a woman. She’s trapped in an abandoned building, held prisoner by Imperials. She’s beaten, tortured…raped”
.

He paused to gauge everyone’s reaction. The younger ones looked at each other in horror. Fennec remained stoic. And Krrsantan…well it was hard to interpret his expressions.

Boba continues “

I feel everything—her pain, her fear. I feel it like it’s happening to me. It’s… real

”. His voice hardened with a conviction that left no room for doubt. “

I’ve been to that building in the dream every night for over a week now. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, and I’ve seen her”.

There was a moment of silence before anyone spoke. Fennec, always the pragmatic one, opened her mouth to say something—likely to dismiss it as just another dark dream or the toll his past had taken on him—but Boba silenced her with a glance, his voice firm.

“

This isn’t just a dream. This is real. I can feel her. The pain… the suffering… it’s mine too

”. He leaned forward slightly, his voice low, raw. “

I can feel the electroshock they use on her. I feel her screams inside my head. She’s
real
, and I’m certain this isn’t just my mind playing tricks”.

Fennec hesitated, then looked at Boba more closely. Something in her expression shifted. She’d always been skeptical, but this time, even she couldn’t deny the conviction in his words. Her sharp eyes studied him, and for the first time in a long while, she saw him as vulnerable.

“
I agree with him

” she said quietly, her tone edged with an unspoken weight. “

This isn’t just a nightmare. There’s something more to it”.

Boba nodded, feeling the tension in the room thicken. Drash, usually the most impulsive of them all, broke the silence with a question that had been lingering in everyone’s mind.

“

What’s the plan, boss?

” she asked, leaning forward eagerly, her fingers drumming lightly on the table.

Boba stood up, his movements precise. His helmet never wavered. He turned towards the group, a quiet fire in his eyes. “

We suit up, and we go investigate this abandoned building. We find out exactly what’s happening, and we save that woman”.

There was a murmur of agreement, but Fennec, ever the strategist, raised a concern.

“

Sure, we may find something

” she said, her voice low but cautious. “

But what’s the plan when we do? You know how the Empire operates—they won’t just let us waltz in there and take whoever we want”.

Boba’s gaze hardened. “

When we find her, we’ll save her. And we’ll kill the Imps. Every last one of them”.

The room seemed to settle into a tense silence, everyone processing the gravity of what was about to happen. But in that silence, the resolve among them was clear. This was no longer just about a dream or a mission. This was personal.
Without another word, the family sprang into action. Krrsantan stood, his massive form towering as he moved to grab his gear. Drash, Skad, and the others filed out, preparing for the hunt. Fennec gave Boba a nod, her expression focused and serious as she moved to gather her weapons.
Boba stood by, watching them move with a practiced efficiency, his own thoughts simmering beneath the surface. He was ready. He’d been ready for this moment since the first nightmare, even if he hadn’t fully realised it until now.

This was no longer just about ruling Tatooine. This was about saving someone who didn’t deserve to be trapped in hell—someone who needed him, just as he needed to make this right. And, if the force of his will was enough, Boba Fett would make sure the Empire learned just how far he was willing to go to fix the wrongs of the galaxy.
 
It was time to move.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 3

The low hum of the ship’s engines faded as the
Slave I
landed in Mos Eisley, the harsh Tatooine sun barely cresting the horizon.

The city was still waking up, the vendors only just beginning to set up their stalls. A few creatures wandered the empty streets, some eyeing the group curiously as they disembarked, the weight of their heavy armour and weapons causing a stir among the few early risers. The group moved with purpose, their steps deliberate, though they attracted more than a few stares.

Fennec, her eyes scanning the surroundings, turned to Boba as the team gathered. “

Do you know where we’re going?

” she asked, her voice steady but sharp.

Boba, his helmet still firmly in place, glanced around the quiet streets. “

No

” he said, “

but I’ll recognise the street when I see it. I’ll know the area from the dream”.

The team followed Boba as he led them through the winding streets, their boots echoing softly on the dusty pavement. Every so often, they passed vendors and other early risers, who gave them curious, and occasionally wary, glances.
Boba’s presence alone demanded attention, the large figure of Krrsantan making even the most hardened of Mos Eisley’s inhabitants back away.
They walked for what seemed like hours, the morning sun rising higher and casting long shadows through the narrow alleyways.

Boba’s eyes narrowed as they turned a corner. His steps slowed. There, in the distance, a square—a familiar sight. A shiver ran down his spine, the exact one from his dreams. It was the same.

He nudged Fennec, who immediately gave a subtle signal to the others. Without a word, the team moved toward a narrow alley that led off the square. Fennec followed closely behind Boba, her hand on her blaster as she kept her senses sharp. The others trailed quietly, their eyes darting around in search of danger.
Boba led them through the alley, walking swiftly but cautiously, until they reached a corner. He rounded it first, stepping into the street beyond, and there it was—the abandoned building from his nightmares.
The dilapidated structure loomed in front of them, its windows boarded up and the door sagging off its hinges. The cold grip of dread tightened in Boba’s chest as he stood there, silently acknowledging the building’s presence.

He turned to the team, voice low but commanding. “

Stay alert. Stay quiet. We don’t know what’s waiting for us”.

His eyes flicked over each of them, meeting their gazes. “

Eyes peeled. If you see anything, say something”.

Fennec nodded sharply, and the team spread out. They approached the building, and as Boba kicked the rotting wooden door open, a heavy creak echoed through the silence.

The group moved inside, the smell of stale air and decay hitting them all at once. The floor creaked beneath their feet as they moved into the darkness.

Boba clicked on his helmet light, the faint beam illuminating the dismal surroundings. He switched his visor to heat vision, scanning the darkened space.

The room was empty, save for some scattered debris and old furniture. The walls were covered in grime, and the floor was littered with broken glass. The temperature in the room was cooler, but the suffocating sense of something wrong still clung to the air.

He turned back to check that the team was all set. Fennec was right behind him, her weapon drawn. Krrsantan, as always, was the rear guard, his hulking figure blocking the entry. They moved forward cautiously, the noise of their footsteps muffled by the thick dust on the ground.
 
After five standard minutes of walking through the crumbling corridors, one of the street gang, his voice shaking with uncertainty, spoke up. “

Are you sure this is the right place, boss?”

Boba was about to turn around, ready to snap back at him, when the unmistakable sound of marching footsteps echoed through the building.

His instincts kicked in, and he quickly gestured for the group to flatten against the wall. The team complied immediately, pressing their backs against the cold stone as a group of stormtroopers rushed past, their heavy boots thumping on the floor and their blasters held at the ready.

Boba’s eyes narrowed as he counted them under his breath. Six stormtroopers. The rest of the team remained absolutely still, the air thick with tension. They could hear the stormtroopers’ voices as they passed by, unaware of the danger lurking just around the corner.

As soon as the last stormtrooper passed, Boba raised his hand and made a sharp, quiet signal to the team. “

Now

” he muttered.
In an instant, they sprang into action. Boba darted out of cover, his blaster raised, taking down the first stormtrooper with a single shot to the chest.Krrsantan let out a loud roar, charging forward with his massive fists swinging, knocking one of the troopers to the ground with a crushing blow. The others opened fire, their blasters cracking in the air, taking out the remaining stormtroopers with deadly precision.
The room was filled with the sounds of blaster fire and the crackling of electric impacts as the stormtroopers fell one by one. In a matter of seconds, the stormtroopers were all down, their bodies littering the floor.

Boba surveyed the scene, his heart pounding in his chest. “

Clear

” he said, his voice cold. He looked at Fennec, who gave him a sharp nod.

“

We move on

” she replied, her eyes scanning the dark corridor.

Without another word, the team pressed forward, deeper into the building. The nightmare was just beginning.
 
Boba led the team deeper into the dilapidated building, his boots heavy on the steps as they descended into the bowels of the structure. The air grew thicker, the faint smell of decay and mildew mixing with the scent of metal. Boba’s visor illuminated the stairs ahead, casting long, sharp shadows.

He turned to the group, his voice low but carrying the weight of experience. “

The noise we made? They definitely heard it. Stay sharp, and expect an ambush”.

The group nodded silently, their faces hard and focused beneath their helmets. They moved cautiously, Boba leading the way.

Their footsteps echoed in the tight, dark space as they entered a narrow corridor, its walls chipped and cracked. The atmosphere was suffocating, the air thick with dust and tension.

Then, without warning, the sound of boots hitting the concrete floor echoed from ahead, and the distinct clanking of armour filled the narrow passage. Boba’s instincts screamed at him, and he barely had time to raise his blaster before the ambush hit.

Stormtroopers, emerging from side passages and alcoves, appeared like a wave crashing down on them.

Blasters fired from every direction, the sound of rapid gunfire ringing through the narrow hall. Boba immediately returned fire, his shots precise and calculated, each one finding its mark. A trooper crumpled to the floor as Boba moved with deadly efficiency, his years of combat experience coming to the forefront.

Fennec was a blur of motion beside him. She ducked and rolled, her rifle firing with pinpoint accuracy, dropping two stormtroopers with two quick shots. But it wasn’t enough. The stormtroopers just kept coming.

A trio of troopers broke from an adjacent room, and Fennec, her eyes narrowed, swiftly unsheathed her blade. With a fluid motion, she lunged forward, taking out the three troopers in quick succession, slashing through their armour like paper. The clang of metal echoed as their bodies hit the ground.

Krrsantan, roaring in fury, slammed into a group of four stormtroopers, his fists a blur of motion. He tossed one stormtrooper across the hall like a ragdoll, sending another flying into a wall with a crushing punch. The remaining two fired on him, but their blaster bolts deflected harmlessly off his thick fur and armour.

With a savage growl, Krrsantan tore through them with brutal efficiency, one trooper falling to the floor with a broken neck, the other with a crushing blow to the chest.

But they
still
kept coming, as if from every crack in the walls and shadowed alcove.

Boba’s helmet visor scanned the hall, marking new enemies as they appeared. He could hear more marching from the deeper recesses of the corridor, the sound growing louder, their numbers swelling.

“

We need to move!”

Boba barked, reloading his blaster as he turned to Fennec.

“

More incoming!

” she called, already anticipating his next move.

Boba wasted no time, grabbing Fennec’s arm and pulling her down another narrow passage. The rest of the group followed, and they pressed on, trying to push deeper into the building. The narrow corridor twisted, but it seemed to go on forever, like they were being herded into a trap.

More blaster shots cracked through the air, forcing the group to duck for cover.

Another round of stormtroopers appeared in front of them, their blasters trained on Boba. The moment he saw them, he dove into the nearest alcove and returned fire, his shots lighting up the corridor like fireworks.

“

Keep moving!

” Boba shouted, ducking behind a wall and signaling the others to follow. They kept moving as fast as they could, shooting, dodging, and retreating deeper into the structure as more troopers poured in, their numbers seeming endless.

As they moved forward, Boba’s heart raced, knowing the deeper they went, the closer they were to the source of the nightmare. But with each stormtrooper that fell, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were getting closer—not just to the woman in his nightmares, but to something far darker and more dangerous.
 
The group halted at the three-way split in the tunnel, the low hum of distant machinery echoing through the oppressive silence. Each path seemed to lead further into the unknown, but one thing was certain: the deeper they went, the closer they were to whatever horrors awaited them.

Boba’s helmet scanned each of the paths in front of him, his thoughts far from tactical strategy. His mind was on the woman in his nightmares—the one whose suffering haunted him each night. The thought of leaving her here was unbearable.

Fennec was the first to break the silence. “

We should call it off. We’re pushing our luck, Fett. This could be a trap and we’re clearly outnumbered”.

Boba’s gloved hand slammed against the wall with a sharp crack, his voice low but filled with simmering rage. “

I’m not leaving her here to endure any more violence”.

Fennec didn’t argue, but she took a half step back, looking around warily. Her instincts told her they were walking into something dangerous, but Boba’s words cut deeper. It wasn’t just about the woman—he wasn’t the kind of man to walk away from anyone in pain, even if he’d only seen them through his nightmares.

Skad, his tone laced with skepticism, spoke up from behind. “

That’s even if there
is
a woman. You’re chasing ghosts, Boss. She might just be a figment of—”

Before Skad could finish, Boba whipped around, his gloved hand grabbing him by the collar and yanking him forward. Skad let out a strangled gasp, his feet lifting off the ground as Boba’s strength took hold.

“

You don’t get to question this

” Boba growled, his voice thick with anger. “

You follow orders, or I leave you here

”. His grip tightened for a moment, giving Skad no choice but to nod quickly. With a final shove, Boba pushed Skad toward the left tunnel.

“

Take the left

” Boba barked at Skad and the street gang. “

You’ll clear the area. Stay quiet, stay sharp. We’ll meet up at the rendezvous point. If anything goes sideways, you’re on your own”.

Skad adjusted his collar and shot Boba a wary look, his modified eye zeroing in on his boss, but he didn’t argue. With a muttered curse, he motioned for the rest of the gang to follow him as they moved down the left-hand path.

Boba turned back to the rest, his voice now quieter, but no less intense. “

Krrsantan, with me. We’ll take the middle”.

Krrsantan gave a rumbling growl of approval, his massive frame shifting as he prepared to follow. His eyes locked with Boba’s, a silent understanding between them. They would find this woman. Whatever it took.

Drash, ever the opportunist, didn’t hesitate. “

Right tunnel for me

” she muttered, checking her blaster one last time. “

Let’s get this over with”.

Boba turned away from her and looked back at Fennec, locking eyes. “

Go with Drash

” he ordered. “

We need to make sure nothing goes wrong”.

Fennec didn’t answer, but her slight nod was enough. She fell into step beside Drash as they moved down the right tunnel. Their movements were fluid and cautious, as the group split into three directions. The sound of footsteps faded as the team disappeared down their respective tunnels, leaving the air thick with tension and anticipation.

As Boba walked with Krrsantan toward the middle tunnel, he felt the weight of his decision settling deeper into his chest. There was no turning back now. Not when the woman’s cries still echoed in his mind, her pain threading through him like a living thing.

They
would
find her. And they
would
stop whoever was responsible for her suffering.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 4

The imprisoned woman lay motionless on the cold concrete floor of her cell, her body trembling with every breath.

Blood and grime coated her skin, the bruises on her arms and legs darker each day. Her private region ached with a deep, throbbing pain, a reminder of the unrelenting violation she had been subjected to by the men who held her captive. They didn’t care to remember her name—she was just another object to torment, to break.

Her top was barely intact, the scrap of fabric ripped and hanging loosely over her chest, offering little protection or modesty. Below, she was completely exposed. The blood down there had dried and stuck to her skin in sickening patterns, but she no longer cared. She couldn’t cry anymore. Crying only made things worse, made the men more vicious, more determined to hurt her. So, she stayed silent, her body a canvas of pain and humiliation.

She tried not to think about it. Instead, her mind wandered to the memory of her family, the faces of those she loved—the ones she had fought to protect by taking this constant torture.

Her mother’s warm embrace, her younger sister’s mischievous grin, her older brother, now the man of the house since their father’s death in the civil war.

Her Father had tried to shield the family from the horrors of their home planet, but they hadn’t been able to outrun the violence. And now she was here, far from them, broken, discarded. She wondered if they were even alive anymore.
She imagined the house they once lived in, the big meadow just outside their front door. Her family had always been safe there, happy. Her brother would run with her through the tall grass, their mother calling them in for dinner. But those days were long gone. The war, the invasion, and now this prison had taken everything from her.
Her mind wandered to the shots she would hear in the distance from her cell. They were never strange, not at first. A shot here, a shot there—it was just part of the chaos of the compound she was in, part of the struggle for survival. She would hear one or two every now and again when a trooper got out of line and was punished.

But today was different. It wasn’t a single shot anymore. It was an assault of gunfire, rapid and unyielding, followed by loud explosions that shook the ground beneath her.

She wanted to know what was happening outside, but the effort it would take to move, to lift her body onto tip toes and look out of the glass window in the door, was too much. The pain from her body, both physical and mental, had become a weight she could no longer carry. Nothing could be worse than what she had already endured. The Imps—their cruelty, their dominance—had broken her spirit.

She heard them now, marching outside the door, their boots clattering on the old stone floor. Shouting orders, cursing, and the sound of things crashing around them.

The walls of the building shook as more explosions went off, and for a moment, her eyes flicked toward the door, her pulse quickening. But still, she could not find the will to move. She had learned long ago that nothing beyond these walls could hurt her more than what the Imperial officers, and even some storm troopers had already done.

Then, a loud bang echoed down the corridor, followed by a crash. The cell door rattled and exploded half-off its hinges.

The woman immediately ducked, her arms covering her head instinctively as debris flew around the room. Dust and shattered metal scattered across the floor, but she didn’t dare open her eyes. She was waiting for the inevitable—another assault from the troopers, or worse.

But then she heard voices. Female voices, sharp and commanding.

“

Press forward!

” one of them shouted. “
Keep moving!”

The sound of their footsteps was different—urgent, focused, determined.

Panic flooded the woman’s chest, and adrenaline surged through her veins for the first time in what felt like an eternity. She knew she couldn’t stay on the ground any longer. The opportunity to escape—however slim—was right in front of her.

With a force she didn’t know she had left, the woman pushed herself up. Her legs shook with the effort, and she collapsed against the wall next to the destroyed door, trying to steady her breath, to make herself as small as possible.
She could hear one of the female’s voices close now—right outside her cell. Her heart pounding in her chest as the footsteps slowed.
“

Clear

” the female called softly. Then, the footsteps moved away, disappearing down the hallway.

The woman pressed herself harder against the wall, her breathing shallow. For the first time in weeks, she felt something more than pain—something that tasted like hope. A chance. A fleeting moment, but it was enough to keep her from crumbling. She was still alive. Still capable of escape.
The woman pressed her palm against the wall to steady herself, her legs trembling as she forced her bruised and battered body to move. Her heart thundered in her chest, her breathing shallow as she peeked out of the shattered cell door.
The dim corridor stretched left and right, littered with the lifeless bodies of stormtroopers, their once pure-white armour, now scorched and cracked, blasters lying useless beside them.

Her lips parted in disbelief as she scanned the carnage. Whoever had done this was no ordinary fighter. The precision of the strikes, the devastation—it was too calculated, too ruthless.

She thought back to the voices she’d heard a second ago, the females who sounded like soldiers. Fear clenched her chest. Soldiers had only ever brought ruin to her life, from the civil war on her planet to the nightmare of the Imperials who had taken her. She couldn’t trust them. She wouldn’t.
 
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself forward, every step more agonising than the last. Her limbs ached as she bent to pick up a small blaster from a fallen trooper, her trembling fingers barely able to grip the weapon.

She eyed a larger rifle nearby, but the idea of trying to lift it, let alone fire it, was laughable. With a grim nod, she clutched the blaster tightly and made her way down the corridor in the opposite direction from where the voices had gone.

The silence pressed against her ears as she moved cautiously, keeping her back to the wall and her eyes darting to every corner, ready to fire at the first sign of movement.

Her bare feet stepped gingerly over the scattered debris, her half-naked form chilled by the underground air. She didn’t have time to feel self-conscious; survival was the only thing on her mind.

As she rounded a corner, her muscles tensed with a jump and stomach flipped uncomfortably. Without hesitation, she fired a shot at a looming figure, slumped against the wall. The blaster bolt struck the stormtrooper square in the chest, but the lack of reaction made her blink in surprise.

He was already dead.

The trooper’s head lolled to the side, his armour cracked from an earlier attack.

She let out an exasperated huff, rolling her eyes at her own mistake.

‘

Great
,

wasting energy on a corpse’
she thought to herself.

Her fingers flexed around the blaster as she pressed forward, the weight of the weapon comforting in a way she hadn’t expected.
The woman’s heart pounded in her chest as she stumbled through the corridors, the echoes of blaster fire and distant explosions rattling her frayed nerves. Her breaths came in short, sharp gasps, and every step sent fresh waves of pain shooting through her battered body. She forced herself onward, driven by the singular goal of escape, even as the world around her crumbled.
She came to a sudden halt at a collapsed section of the corridor, debris and jagged chunks of duracrete blocking her path.

Panic gripped her chest like a vice, her trembling fingers clutching the blaster she’d taken from the trooper.

Turning quickly, she retraced her steps through the winding corridors, her bare feet slapping against the cold floor as she ran past her broken cell door without sparing it a glance. Her mind screamed at her to keep moving, to find another way out, even as every muscle in her body protested.
Her desperate flight came to an abrupt halt when she crashed headfirst into something solid and unyielding. The impact sent her sprawling to the ground, her blaster clattering against the floor. She scrambled back, heart racing, and looked up to see a figure clad in leather armour, their face obscured by a red-tinted helmet.
“

Kriff

” the figure muttered, spinning around with a rifle trained squarely on her. The voice was unmistakable—it was one of the females she’d heard earlier, giving orders outside her cell.

Fear seized her, and without thinking, she snatched up her blaster and fired a shot. The bolt ricocheted harmlessly off the female’s helmet, and the person stumbled back but didn’t retaliate.

Taking advantage of the moment, the woman pushed herself to her feet and bolted down another corridor, her vision blurred by tears of terror.
 
Her frantic escape ended in a large open chamber, the space scarred by caved-in walls and shattered machinery.
The air here was stale and cold, and recognition dawned on her with a sickening lurch in her stomach. This was the place. The room where they had tortured her. The place where her pain had been dissected, recorded, exploited.
Her knees buckled, and she clutched at her chest, the beginning of a panic attack clawing at her. But before she could spiral into the memories, the sound of boots against the floor drew her attention. The red-helmeted soldier burst through the archway, rifle raised, her movements deliberate yet cautious.

The woman froze, pressing herself back against the wall as the soldier stopped in her tracks. Another figure soon followed, a younger girl with short hair and a cybernetic arm. Both of them stared at her, their postures stiffening as they took in the sight of her battered and broken form.

Fennec lowered her rifle slightly, her sharp gaze scanning the woman’s bruises, the blood smeared from her nether region and down her legs, and the scrap of fabric barely clinging to her upper body. For a moment, her tough exterior softened, a flicker of pity crossing her features.

Drash stepped into the room, taking in the scene with wide eyes. “
Maker… what the hell did they do to her?”
she muttered.

The woman’s grip on the blaster tightened, and she raised it shakily, pointing it at Fennec. Fennec stopped immediately, her hands tightening around her rifle as she assessed the situation.

“
It’s okay”
Fennec said slowly, deciding to lowering her rifle to the floor. “

We’re not here to hurt you. We’re here to help

”. She stepped back and raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, her voice calm and measured. “

You’re safe now. No one’s going to hurt you anymore”.

Drash took a step forward, keeping her own blaster lowered. “

What’s your name?

” she asked gently, her tone lacking its usual brashness.

The girl’s eyes darted between the two women, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She didn’t respond, instead swiveling the blaster toward Drash, her hands trembling violently.

Fennec shot Drash a quick glance and signaled for her to put her weapon down. Drash hesitated but complied, setting her blaster on the ground and raising her hands as well.

Fennec took a cautious step closer, her voice softening further. “

We’re not here to hurt you. I promise. You’ve been through enough, haven’t you? Let us help you”.

The girl’s lips trembled, and for a moment, she seemed ready to collapse. But the blaster in her hands remained steady, a fragile shield against a world that had only ever shown her cruelty.
Drash stooped slightly, her hands still raised, her expression softer than usual. “

We just want to help you

” she said, her voice earnest.

The woman’s eyes flicked to look at Drash’s cybernetic arm for a beat, then back to her face. “

We’ve been hearing your cries for help for days now. We’re here because of you”

Drash continued.

The woman’s brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing her bruised face. But her green eyes darted to the door on her left, the panic in her gaze unmistakable. Her breathing quickened, her body tensing like a cornered animal desperate to escape.

The room began to shake slightly and both Fennec and Drash look at each other in alarm.

What was happening? An earthquake?

The girl’s face had contorted into a pained look, like she had finally been pushed over the egde of a ravine and into the swirling chaos that was her emotions.

She obviously couldn’t take it anymore. Her body starts to tremble violently, losing control of her inhibitions. Her eyes flicked once again to the door to the left.

Fennec didn’t miss the subtle glance toward the exit. The woman didn’t trust them, and Fennec saw it coming a second before it happened.
As the room began to shake more violently and the woman raised her blaster and aimed, Fennec acted swiftly. In a blur, Fennec pulled out her stim gun and fired. The sedative dart embedded itself in the woman’s neck with a soft thud.
The woman gasped silently, her hand instinctively yanking the dart away. Her wide eyes flicked to Fennec, filled with betrayal. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the cold concrete floor, unconscious.
The room stopped shaking and the woman’s body was still.
The sound of boots thundering down the hallway preceded the arrival of Skad and the rest of the street gang. They burst into the room, weapons raised, but stopped short when they saw the unconscious woman sprawled on the ground.

Skad tilted his head, taking in the half-naked girl with a mixture of surprise and guilt. “

Well, kriff me… She’s real. Guess I owe the boss an apology”.

Before anyone could reply, heavy footsteps signaled the arrival of Boba and Krrsantan. Boba pushed past the group, his helmet scanning the room.
When his visor landed on the girl, his steps faltered. She was there, just as she had been in his dreams—broken, bloody, and so very real.
Drash moved quickly, pulling off her jacket and draping it gently over the girl’s body to cover her modesty.

Krrsantan stepped closer, the sight of the girl’s battered form prompting a deep, mournful whine from the Wookiee. The sound reverberated through the room, a haunting lament that made everyone pause.

Boba slowly knelt beside the girl, his gloved hand reaching out to brush a damp lock of copper hair away from her sweat-soaked forehead.

He stared at her bruised face, emotion swirling beneath the impassive mask of his helmet. She was no longer just a figment of his imagination. She was real, and she had suffered more than anyone should ever endure.

“

Boba

” Fennec said sharply, pulling him from his thoughts. “

We need to move. Troopers will be on us any second”.

Boba didn’t respond at first, his gaze fixed on the woman’s unconscious face. Relief and guilt warred within him—relief that he had found her, and guilt for the pain she had endured before he arrived. “

She’s safe now

” he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. “

No one will hurt her again”.

Krrsantan stepped forward, placing a heavy, furred hand on Boba’s shoulder. The Wookiee’s dark eyes were solemn, a silent reassurance that they would protect her.

Boba nodded, rising to his feet as Krrsantan gently lifted the girl into his massive arms. The Wookiee cradled her carefully, ensuring Drash’s jacket stayed in place to preserve her dignity.

“

Let’s move

” Fennec said, her voice firm but her eyes lingering on the girl with uncharacteristic softness.

The group made their way back through the winding corridors. This time, the path was clear, the earlier chaos leaving the remaining stormtroopers scattered or retreating. They moved swiftly, every step bringing them closer to the exit and safety.

Boba stayed close to Krrsantan, his mind racing with plans for what would come next. She was out of that hell now, but her journey to recovery was just beginning. And Boba silently vowed that no one—not the Empire, nor anyone else—would ever harm her again.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 5

The
Slave I
glided through the arid skies, leaving Mos Eisley behind as it headed back toward the palace in Mos Espa.

Boba gripped the ship’s controls firmly, his helmeted gaze locked on the horizon.

Beside him, Fennec Shand sat in the copilot’s seat, her sharp eyes darting between Boba and the desert below.

In the rear of the cockpit, Krrsantan sat silently, cradling the unconscious woman in his massive arms. Despite his imposing frame, the Wookiee’s touch was careful, ensuring the makeshift covering stayed in place over her battered body.

Boba’s helmet turned just slightly, his visor catching Fennec in the corner of his gaze. He broke the silence, his gravelly voice low but curious. “

What happened? Why is she unconscious?”

Fennec exhaled, adjusting her position in the seat as she answered. “

She had a blaster. Aimed it at me and Drash. I could see the panic in her eyes, like she thought we were there to hurt her. I didn’t want to risk pushing her further… so I used a sedative stim dart. Seemed like the only option
”.

Boba grunted softly, turning his attention back to the controls. “

She’ll wake up soon enough

” he said.

But Fennec’s hesitation, her silence that stretched a second too long, caught his attention. He turned his head toward her fully, his visor unreadable, but the weight of his stare unmistakable. “

There’s more. What is it?”

Fennec hesitated again, her gaze flicking to the unconscious woman cradled in Krrsantan’s arms. Finally, she spoke. “

I think she’s Force-sensitive”.

The words hung in the air, the hum of the ship’s engines filling the silence. Boba tilted his head, his voice sharp with both curiosity and a touch of wariness. “

How do you know?”

Fennec met his visor. “

Apart from calling out to you in your dreams—which is strange enough—something happened back in that lab. Right before I hit her with the dart, the entire room shook. I’ve seen fear do a lot of things, but this… it wasn’t natural. It felt… different”.

Boba turned his head slowly back to the view ahead, his hands tightening on the controls. He didn’t respond immediately, his thoughts racing.

Force-sensitives. He’d spent most of his life resenting them. The Jedi—those who had murdered his father and taken so much from him—were burned into his memory as beings of treachery and danger. Even now, the thought of them stirred something dark and bitter in his chest.

But this woman… she wasn’t a Jedi. She wasn’t a threat. She was broken, terrified, and alone. Whatever powers she might possess hadn’t protected her from the horrors she had endured.

‘If anything, they had likely made her a target’

he thought.

“

She’s not a danger

” Boba said finally, his voice gruff but certain. “

And certainly not in this state. She needs rest. Safety”.

Fennec watched him closely, sensing the conflict beneath his words. She nodded, turning her attention back to the console. “

Agreed. We’ll figure out the rest later. One step at a time”.

Boba remained silent, the weight of Fennec’s revelation settling heavily on his shoulders. Force-sensitive or not, the woman was under his protection now.
Whatever enemies came for her—Imperials, bounty hunters, or worse—they would face the full wrath of Boba Fett. 
The group disbanded quickly upon returning to the palace, exhaustion and tension pulling them in different directions.
The street gang retreated to their quarters to socialise, muttering about the battle they’d fought. But Boba, Fennec, Drash, and Krrsantan stayed together, making their way up the winding stairs to the upper levels. Krrsantan carried the unconscious woman in his arms, his movements careful, as if afraid to cause her further harm.
They paused in the grand hallway outside Boba’s personal quarters, a debate still lingering in the air.

“

She needs the bacta pod

” Boba said firmly, his voice carrying that familiar note of command. “

She’s in no condition to wait”.

Fennec, standing beside him, folded her arms and shook her head. “

I understand, but think about it. She wakes up submerged in liquid, in a strange place? She’ll panic. I doubt she’ll understand we’re trying to help”.

Boba’s helmeted head tilted slightly, and though his face was hidden, his reluctance was clear. Finally, he gave a gruff nod. “

Fine. But if her condition gets worse—”

“
She’ll be fine”
Fennec interrupted. “

Trust me. We’ll settle her first, and then we’ll see”.

With that, Boba turned on his heel, his cape sweeping the stone floor as he walked toward his own chambers. “

Call me the moment she’s awake

” he said, not looking back.
Fennec exchanged a glance with Drash, and together, they led Krrsantan down the hall, into the room next to Boba’s—a spacious guest chamber with high ceilings and a large four poster canopy bed, draped in soft fabrics.
“

Put her there

” Fennec said, gesturing to the bed.

Krrsantan stepped forward, lowering the woman gently onto the plush mattress. Drash quickly moved to pull back the covers, and they tucked her in, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible despite her injuries.

The Wookiee let out a low rumble of concern, his gaze lingering on the woman’s pale, bruised face before he stepped back and took his leave.

Fennec and Drash remained seated by the bed, their weapons close at hand. The room was quiet now, save for the woman’s soft, uneven breaths.

Drash glanced at Fennec. “

Do you really think she’ll be okay? After all of that?”

Fennec leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. “

She’s alive. That’s a start. We’ll figure the rest out when she wakes up”.

They settled into a silent vigil, the woman’s frail form resting beneath the canopy’s shadows as the hours stretched on. 
The woman stirred, her brow furrowing as consciousness returned. Pain hit her immediately, a deep, all-encompassing ache that radiated through every inch of her body.
Her lower half throbbed the worst, a cruel reminder of the assaults she’d endured. Her closed eyes welled up with tears as the memories flooded back, her breath hitching.Then she noticed something different—the surface beneath her was soft, comfortable, nothing like the cold, hard concrete floor of her cell.
Confused, she forced her eyes open fully, her vision blurred at first before clearing to reveal pale pink fabric draped above her—a canopy?

Panic set in. Where was she? Her body tensed, and she tried to sit up but cried out loudly as a sharp pain tore through her ribs and limbs. She froze, panting as tears slipped down her cheeks.

Movement to her left startled her, and her head snapped toward it. A woman with black hair and sharp, oval-shaped eyes was seated nearby, leaning forward slightly. The woman—Fennec—placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

“

You’re safe

” Fennec said softly, her voice calm and measured.

The woman realised it was the solider from before, now without her helmet.

The woman recoiled violently, her body jerking away despite the pain. She nearly tumbled off the edge of the bed, saved only by the sheer agony that halted her. Her eyes darted wildly, her breaths shallow and rapid. She was desperate to escape but unable to move far.

Another hand rested on her other shoulder, and she flinched again, recoiling toward Fennec this time. A second woman stood nearby, younger, with a cybernetic arm gleaming under the room’s warm light. She recognised her as well from the lab. Drash raised her hands in a gesture of apology.

“
Hey, hey! I’m not going to hurt you!”
Drash said, her tone earnest but tinged with worry.

Fennec crouched slightly, keeping her hands visible and her voice calm. “

You’re in Boba Fett’s palace. We found you. You’re under his protection now. No one’s going to hurt you anymore. You’re safe”.

The woman stared at her, wide-eyed, tears streaming silently down her face. Her lips quivered, but no sound came out, and she made no further attempt to move.

Fennec softened her gaze, concern etched into her features. “
Are you in pain?”
she asked gently.

Still, there was no response. The woman simply stared, unblinking, as if Fennec were a predator ready to pounce.

Fennec sighed, glancing at Drash. “

Stay with her. I’m going to get the medical droid and inform Boba that she’s awake

”. Drash nodded, settling into a chair beside the bed as Fennec stepped out of the room.

Now alone, the woman’s wide eyes remained fixed on Drash, who shifted awkwardly in her seat under the intense scrutiny. “

You don’t have to look at me like that. I’m not going to hurt you…

” Drash muttered softly, half to herself.

A knock at the door startled both of them. Drash rose and opened it, revealing Skad, leaning casually against the doorframe.

“

Just wanted to check in

” Skad said, his cybernetic eye glinting as he glanced past Drash into the room. “

Fennec said she woke up?”

“

Yeah

” Drash said, stepping into the doorway to block his view. “

But she’s still freaked out. Don’t crowd her”.

As Drash and Skad spoke, the woman seized the opportunity. Her gaze darted around the room, scanning for anything she could use to defend herself—or escape. Her eyes locked on the open door that led to the balcony, the light drapes fluttering gently in the breeze.

Freedom.

Adrenaline surged through her, dulling the pain just enough for her to act.

She threw the covers off and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, biting back a cry as the movement sent fresh waves of agony through her body. She pushed herself upright, the long nightgown she now wore brushing against her battered skin.Someone had changed her clothes?

She glanced down and grimaced, seeing the dried blood still caked on her legs.

No time to dwell.

She hobbled toward the balcony, glancing over her shoulder to ensure the others hadn’t noticed. With a deep breath, she climbed over the ledge of the balcony and lowered herself down, her feet searching for the first platform below.

She dropped, landing hard on the uneven surface, her legs buckling beneath her. Pain shot up her left ankle, and she gasped, clutching it briefly before forcing herself to continue. Tears of pain blurred her vision, but she refused to stop.

Step by step, she climbed down the jagged surface of the palace wall, using exposed bricks and jagged rock for support.

Each movement sent fire through her body, but she grit her teeth and pressed on.

Finally, she reached a height low enough to jump. She pushed off, landing awkwardly in the sand below.

Her body rolled from the impact, sending fresh shocks of pain through her injuries. She lay there for a moment, chest heaving, before glancing around.

No one had followed. Yet.

Forcing herself to her feet, she limped toward the open desert, the vast expanse of dunes stretching endlessly before her.

She didn’t know where she was going, or how far she could make it in her condition. But she knew one thing: she had to get away.
 
The woman hadn’t made it far across the dunes before the shouts from the palace reached her ears. She stumbled, glancing over her shoulder in fear. Figures were moving rapidly, and the glint of speed bikes cutting through the sand made her panic.

Desperation coursed through her, and she pushed her battered body forward, but fatigue and pain were quickly catching up. Her legs wobbled, and her breath came in short gasps as the sedative’s lingering effects dulled her strength.

The roar of a speed bike grew closer, and within moments, a figure skidded to a stop in front of her. The bike kicked up a cloud of sand as the rider jumped off, landing with surprising grace.

It was a man—his armour gleamed under the harsh sunlight, but he wore no helmet. His weathered face was stern but not unkind as he stepped toward her. He firmly grabbed her arm, not enough to hurt, but enough to stop her from running.

Before he could speak, she panicked and swung wildly, her fist connecting with his jaw.

The impact sent him staggering back a step. Boba raised a hand to rub his jaw, blinking in surprise. “

You’ve got a mean right hook

” he muttered to himself, impressed despite the situation.
She backed away, her breath hitching as her gaze darted around the endless desert. There was nowhere to run.
“

Stop

” Boba said firmly but without aggression. He raised his hands, palms out. “

You’re safe. I promise. But you need to heal—you can’t keep going like this”.

Her body sagged under the weight of his words, her legs giving out as she crumpled to the sand. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, her shoulders shaking with the effort to keep her sobs quiet.

Boba took a step forward, his expression softening, but the moment she saw him move closer, she flinched and tried to scoot away.

Fennec arrived moments later, dismounting her bike with swift precision.

She noticed the woman’s reaction to Boba and stepped in front of him, kneeling down at a careful distance.

“

Hey

” Fennec said gently, her voice steady and calm. “

It’s okay. No one here will hurt you. Let’s get you back, alright? We can help you feel better—pain relief, bacta, everything. I promise”.

The woman’s tear-filled eyes locked with Fennec’s, searching her face for any hint of malice. Instead, she found sincerity.

Having no other choice, she slowly and hesitantly nodded.

Fennec smiled faintly and extended a hand, helping her to her feet. As they began making their way back, the woman flinched again when they passed Boba, shrinking closer to Fennec’s side. The small movement didn’t go unnoticed by either of them.
 
Inside the palace, they led the limping woman to Boba’s chambers, where the bacta pod stood waiting in the side medical room. Boba worked swiftly, adjusting the controls and preparing it for her. The woman stood motionless, avoiding everyone’s gaze, her arms wrapped around herself protectively.

Boba turned to her, his expression softening. “

Here

” he said, stepping closer and holding out his hand. “

It’ll help you heal—”

The woman jolted back violently, slamming into Fennec. She gasped in fear, trembling as her wide eyes darted between him and the door.

Realising the depth of her fear, Fennec placed a steadying hand on her shoulder and turned to Boba. “

You need to leave

” she said firmly.

Boba frowned. “
This is my room”.

“
And this is her healing process”
Fennec countered with a sharp look. “

Out. All of you”.

Boba hesitated but then sighed, backing away. With a nod to Krrsantan and the others, he led them out of the room, though his gaze lingered on the woman for a moment before disappearing through the doorway.

Only Fennec and Drash remained.

Fennec approached the woman cautiously, her tone soft. “

You’ll need to remove the gown before you get in—”

The woman shook her head violently, clutching the fabric as if her life depended on it.

“

It’s okay

” Fennec said quickly. “

You can keep it on. I’ll get you a fresh one for when you’re done. Don’t worry”.

The woman hesitated, her grip loosening slightly. Fennec explained gently, “

You’ll be in there for about two standard hours. It’ll take the pain away and help you heal. After that, you should try to sleep. Sound good?”

The woman nodded slightly but then reached out, grabbing Fennec’s arm with surprising urgency. Her gaze was pleading, her trembling hand clutching tightly.

“

What is it?

” Drash asked from nearby, tilting her head in confusion.

Fennec met the woman’s eyes and understood. “

She doesn’t want to be alone

” Fennec said softly. She turned to Drash. “

We’re staying”.

Drash nodded immediately. “
Of course”.

The woman’s fearful expression softened slightly, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile crossed her lips for a brief moment before fading. She allowed Fennec to guide her toward the pod.

Once inside, she placed the breathing apparatus over her face and gave Fennec a small nod. Fennec smiled reassuringly. “

Try to rest. We’ll be right here”.

As the bacta liquid began to fill the pod, the woman’s eyes drifted closed, her body finally beginning the long process of healing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 6

Boba paced outside his chambers, his armoured boots echoing against the polished stone floor. His hands were clasped behind his back, his usual composure cracking with frustration.

He had gone through so much trouble—risking resources, men, and time—to save this woman, yet now she couldn’t even stand to be near him. His mind churned as he tried to make sense of it. He hadn’t done anything to hurt her, so why did she recoil every time he came close?

After what felt like an eternity of pacing, his patience wore thin. He stopped abruptly, exhaled sharply, and opened the door to his chambers and entered the side room.

Inside, Fennec immediately noticed his presence and turned toward him, her expression shifting to irritation. “

Boba, not now

” she said firmly. “

She’s still in the bacta pod, and she needs peace”.

Ignoring her warning, Boba crossed his arms. “

I saved her and this is
my
palace…

” he said almost childishly. “

I have a right to know what’s going on”.

Fennec sighed and gestured to Drash, who was seated near the bacta pod. “

Stay with her

” she said quietly. Then, with a sharp glance at Boba, she motioned him to follow her back into the hallway. Once they were alone, she closed the door behind them.

“

You can’t be in there while she’s recovering

” Fennec said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

Boba frowned, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “

Why not?

” he demanded. “

Why does she keep flinching away from me? I haven’t done anything to her”.

Fennec hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as she placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. “

She’s been through trauma, Boba”

she began gently.

“

Obviously

” Boba replied, exasperation creeping into his voice. “

I can see that much”.

Fennec let out a soft sigh, her hand dropping from his shoulder. “

It’s not just any trauma

” she said quietly. “

It’s sexual trauma. By men”.

Boba’s brow furrowed as her words sank in, though his confusion didn’t entirely lift. “

What are you saying?”

he asked, still not fully understanding.

Fennec’s voice grew firmer, though her tone remained patient. “

You’re a man, Boba. That’s all it takes right now. She’s so traumatised, her mind can’t differentiate between you and the ones who hurt her. It’s not about you personally—it’s about what she’s been through”.

Boba stepped back slightly, his arms falling to his sides. “

But I’m not the one who did that to her

” he said, his voice low but tense.

“

It doesn’t matter

” Fennec replied gently. “

Her body and mind can’t cope with being near a man right now. It’s too much. She’s raw. These things don’t heal overnight”.

Boba’s shoulders slumped, and his gaze dropped to the floor. He felt connected to this woman. It was frustrating to him why he was feeling this way. He expected it was due to how she had reached into his mind and scrambled it with all her emotions and pain.

He just wanted to reach out to her but it was clear she wanted the exact opposite.

Boba’s gaze lifted back to Fennec. “

So what now?

” he asked. “

How do we fix this?”

“

We give her time

” Fennec said firmly. “

She’ll come around eventually. It’s not personal—she just needs space to process everything. And right now, that includes staying away from you and any other male. Her trauma has left her unable to speak. She wants to, but just can’t…She hasn’t even told us her name”.

Boba stared at her, studying her expression. A thought struck him, and his voice lowered. “

How do you know all of this?”

Fennec stiffened slightly, her arms crossing as she looked away. She hesitated before answering. “

Because I went through something similar

” she admitted quietly. “

When I was a teenager”.

Boba’s breath hitched, his eyes narrowing. “

Were you…?”

“

Yes

” Fennec interrupted quickly, not wanting him to finish the question. “

I was. And I didn’t speak for months afterward. I couldn’t. The trauma—it shuts you down. It’s not easy to come back from”.

For a moment, the silence between them was thick with unspoken words. Finally, Boba nodded, his expression softening. “

I didn’t know”.

“
It’s not something I talk about”
Fennec replied, her tone clipped. “

But I see the same signs in her. She needs patience, not pressure”.

Boba straightened, the frustration melting into resolve. “

Alright

” he said. “

She’s your responsibility for now. Let me know if there’s anything you need—or anything I can do”.

Fennec nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “

I’ll handle it. Thank you”.

With that, he turned and walked away, his steps slower and more measured. For now, he’d leave her in Fennec’s capable hands.
 
The woman stirred within the bacta pod, her eyes fluttering open as her senses slowly returned. Through the faintly tinted glass and the swirling liquid, she could make out Fennec standing nearby, watching her intently. The woman raised a trembling hand and pressed her palm against the glass.

Fennec noticed immediately and stepped closer, placing her own hand over the glass where the woman’s rested, a silent gesture of reassurance.

With a soft nod, Fennec reached for the controls and powered down the machine. The liquid began to drain, the warm fluid rushing away, leaving the woman seated upright as the pod’s lid hissed open.

“

You’re awake

” Fennec said gently.

“Do you feel better? We left you in for an extra hour. You were sleeping, we didn’t want to wake you…”

The woman nodded faintly but glanced down at her body, noticing the dried blood and dirt that still clung to her skin. Her expression tightened, a flicker of shame crossing her features.

“

We’ll get you cleaned up”

Fennec said with a reassuring smile.

With Fennec and Drash on either side of her, the woman was escorted from Boba’s chambers to the room that she had woken up in earlier.
She hadn’t had time to truly take in the sight of the room but now she was here, she noticed the vision of understated opulence, a blend of elegance and warmth.
The centerpiece of the room was the large four-poster bed, its dark wooden frame intricately carved with swirling designs.

The canopy was draped with layers of soft, pale pink gauzy material that flowed like liquid silk, cascading to the floor and surrounding the bed in an ethereal veil. It lent an almost regal quality to the space, making the bed feel like a sanctuary fit for royalty.

Along one wall stood towering bookcases, their dark wood polished to a mirror-like shine. They were packed with a collection of books from across the galaxy—tomes on galactic history, treatises on philosophy, poetry, and fiction from countless cultures. Some books were clearly well-loved, their spines creased and covers worn, while others gleamed as though they had never been touched.

In the far corner of the room sat a sturdy, elegant desk. Its surface was adorned with parchment and an ornate quill-like pen—a relic from a distant world. A holo-lamp cast a soft glow over the workspace.

Opposite the bed, a grand fireplace dominated the room, its mantle carved with intricate patterns that danced when the firelight played upon them. The hearth, made of gleaming black stone, seemed to absorb light of the sun shining through the windows.

Other unique touches dotted the chamber, adding to its opulent yet personal atmosphere.

Plush rugs covered the stone floor, their rich, jewel-toned patterns soft underfoot. A gilded full-length mirror stood near the walk in closet, its frame decorated with delicate engravings of flora and fauna. By the window, an inviting chaise lounge was piled with soft cushions, perfect for reading or simply gazing out at the desert landscape.

The walls were painted in warm, earthy tones, accented with shimmering gold details that caught the light. Subtle decorative elements, like handwoven tapestries depicting celestial scenes, and a few pieces of exotic pottery from far-off planets, added to the room’s unique charm.

The whole room made the woman feel so tiny, but it was the attached bathroom that really caught her attention.

Fennec stepped into the adjoining bathroom and began to fill the tub. The woman peeked inside, her eyes widening at the sight. The bath was enormous, more like a small indoor pool, with a lip that rose slightly above the floor. Steam began to curl from the surface of the filling water, carrying the faint scent of soothing oils.

The woman stared in awe. ‘

A palace indeed’

she thought.

Her family had lived comfortably enough back on her homeworld, but this—this was luxury on another level.

As the water rose, Drash approached her. “

You’ll need to get out of that gown

” she said gently. “

It’s soaked, and you’ll feel better once you’re clean”.

The woman froze, her body tensing at the suggestion. Her gaze darted between Drash and the bath, her mind racing with unease. Fennec appeared at her side, her voice soft but firm.

“

I know it’s uncomfortable

” Fennec said, “

but you need to take the gown off to get clean. Don’t worry—it’s just us. No one is going to hurt you”.

The woman hesitated before nodding timidly. She allowed Fennec to guide her into the bathroom.

Drash, noticing her lingering discomfort, suddenly brightened with an idea. “

How about bubbles?”

she suggested, grabbing a nearby vial of soap and pouring a generous amount into the water. Soon, a thick layer of bubbles covered the surface, rising higher and higher.

The woman watched with wide eyes, and a faint smile ghosted across her lips as the bubbles spread. She nodded in silent gratitude, and for a brief moment, her expression softened.

With gentle hands, Fennec helped her out of the soaking wet gown.
For the first time, both Fennec and Drash could clearly see the extent of her injuries. The bacta had worked wonders on the worst of the wounds, but bruises and scars still covered her fragile frame. Angry red marks traced across her skin where gashes had barely begun to heal. The sight made both women’s hearts ache.The woman stepped carefully into the tub, her movements slow and deliberate. She sank into the water and quickly submerged herself beneath the bubbles, sitting on the lowest step of the tub. Hugging her knees tightly to her chest, she stared straight ahead, her expression blank.
“

I’ll leave you to it

” Fennec said gently, sensing the woman’s need for space. She turned and left the room, heading downstairs to speak with Boba.

Drash stayed behind, seated just outside the bathroom door. After some time, she poked her head into the room to check on the woman.

She found her in the exact same position, her knees pulled tightly to her chest, her body half-hidden beneath the bubbles. She hadn’t moved, and it was clear she hadn’t begun to wash herself.

Drash approached cautiously, her steps slow and deliberate. “

Hey

” she said softly. “

Are you alright? Do you need help?”

The woman flinched violently at her approach, her arms tightening around her knees. Drash immediately stepped back, her hands raised in a gesture of retreat.

“

It’s okay

” Drash murmured, her voice calm and steady.

She backed out of the room, leaving the woman alone with the water and the rising steam.
 
Fennec stood in the grand hall with Boba, giving him a brief update on the woman. “

She’s in the bath right now”

she said, her voice calm but measured.

Boba nodded, his gaze distant. “

Good

” he said gruffly. “
She needs to get cleaned up”.

Fennec studied him, noticing the tension in his shoulders and the way his jaw clenched. She softened her tone. “

She’ll be fine, Boba. It’s going to take time, but she’s safe now”.

He nodded again but said nothing more. His silence spoke volumes, his unease clear.

Moments later, Drash approached them, her expression uncertain. Fennec raised an eyebrow. “

Aren’t you supposed to be with her? What if she tries to run again?”

“

She’s fine

” Drash said quickly, glancing at Boba to reassure him. “

But I think you should come upstairs. She needs you”.

Boba’s concern spiked, and he shot to his feet. “

What’s wrong? Is she okay?”

“

She’s okay

” Drash said firmly. “

But I think we need Fennec…”.

Boba sat back down, his worry etched into his features as the two women made their way upstairs.

As they walked, Drash explained the situation. “

She hasn’t moved, not even to wash. She’s just sitting there like… like she’s not really there”.

Fennec nodded knowingly. “

She probably feels numb. It’s common for assault survivors. Sometimes they try to block it out, like it didn’t happen, as if avoiding it will make it disappear”.

Drash frowned. “

That makes sense… but it’s so hard to watch”.

When they reached the chamber, Fennec approached the bathroom carefully. She made a point to let her footsteps echo softly on the tiles, ensuring the woman knew she was there. The woman didn’t flinch but didn’t turn to look at her either.
“
We’re here to help”
Fennec said gently. “

Drash and I can help you get clean, if you’ll let us. We’ll get you out of here soon, into bed where you’ll be more comfortable”.

The woman’s face was streaked with silent tears. Fennec’s chest tightened at the sight, but she stayed composed. The woman gave a slight nod and shifted closer to the edge of the bath.

Fennec sat on the lip of the tub, rolling up her sleeves. She dipped a cloth into the water and began to gently wash the woman’s arms and shoulders. “

You’re doing great

” she murmured softly.

Drash hesitated before speaking. “

Would you like me to wash your hair?”

she asked tentatively.

Another small nod. Drash smiled faintly and knelt by the tub, carefully lathering soap into the woman’s long copper hair and rinsing it with warm water. Together, the two women worked in quiet, unspoken coordination.

When the visible dirt was gone, Fennec hesitated. Her tone was calm but laced with understanding as she said, “

We need to clean the rest of you, including down there”.

The woman’s face crumpled, and she burst into uncontrollable sobs.

Fennec’s heart clenched at the sound. Without hesitation, she leaned in and wrapped the woman in a tight, protective hug, not caring as her own clothes grew soaked.

Fennec whispered, “
I know. I know it hurts, and I know you’re scared. I know how you feel…the same thing happened to me…a long time ago”.
Her voice was steady, but the rawness in her words was unmistakable.

Drash looked shocked at Fennec’s words but didn’t comment.

The woman’s sobs gradually quieted. She pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face lifting to meet Fennec’s gaze. There was a glimmer of understanding there, a fragile connection formed between shared pain.

“

Can you do it yourself?

” Fennec asked softly.

The woman nodded shakily, and Fennec and Drash stepped out to give her privacy.

A few standard minutes passed before Fennec peeked back into the bathroom. She saw the woman trying to pull herself out of the tub, but her arms trembled with the effort, exhaustion weighing her down.

“

Let us help

” Fennec said gently. She and Drash moved to her side, carefully lifting her out of the tub. They wrapped her in a soft, oversized towel, patting her dry before helping her into a clean nightgown.

The woman said nothing, but her steps were heavier, her movements sluggish as they guided her back into the bedroom. She slipped into bed, and as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out, her breathing soft and steady.

Fennec stood by the bedside, her expression softening as she watched the woman sleep. The lines of fear and pain that had etched her face earlier were now smoothed out in peaceful slumber. “

She looks so young, so innocent like this

” Fennec murmured, almost to herself.

Drash nodded, her own expression pensive.

“

Come on

” Fennec said, turning toward the door. “

Let’s get something to eat. She’ll be out for a while”.

Together, the two women left the room, closing the door softly behind them.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 7

The rest of the day dragged on for Boba as he attended to his duties as Daimyo.

Seated on his throne, he signed documents, issued orders, and listened to the concerns of the people in his territory, but his focus was elsewhere. His thoughts continually drifted to the woman upstairs. Every hour, it seemed, Fennec or Drash would come by to give him updates. By the time dinner rolled around, he learned that she was still asleep.

At the long dining table, Boba barely touched his food. Fennec, seated at his side, was halfway through her plate when Drash entered the room and approached. “
She’s awake”
Drash said, her tone gentle but direct.

Fennec set down her utensils, wiped her mouth, and stood. “

I’ll take the medical droid with me

” she said to Boba, who gave her a short nod of acknowledgment but said nothing.
 
When Fennec entered the woman’s room, the sight before her made her pause. The woman was sitting up in bed, surrounded by an abundance of soft pillows and thin, luxurious blankets that seemed to swallow her small frame. Her hair, now dry, fanned out over the pillow behind her, and her bruised but clean face turned toward Fennec with cautious curiosity.

“
I brought the medical droid”
Fennec began, stepping closer to the bed. “

It’s going to assess your injuries. It shouldn’t be unpleasant”.

The woman’s eyes flicked to the medical droid as it rolled forward. Its smooth, round frame gleamed under the room’s dim lighting, and it stopped at the bedside with a soft hum. The woman watched it cautiously, her gaze wary but not fearful.

The droid’s voice, distinctly feminine and soothing, spoke. “

Good evening. I am here to perform a non-invasive scan to assess your condition. Please remain still and relax”.

The woman’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly at the sound of the droid’s voice. She nodded faintly and let the droid proceed.

The droid reached forward, pulling back the blankets with precise, mechanical hands before activating a scanning beam that swept across the woman’s body from head to toe. The hum of the device filled the room, and the woman sat still, her eyes fixed on the droid’s movements.

When the scanner reached her pelvis, it lingered for a moment longer than elsewhere. The woman shifted slightly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. Fennec, standing nearby, noticed but didn’t say anything, keeping her expression neutral.

Once the scan was complete, the droid turned to Fennec. “

The patient has sustained multiple injuries

” it began in its calm, monotone voice. “

Bruises to the torso and limbs, minor abrasions to the arms and back, and signs of recent lacerations along the thighs. All external wounds have begun the healing process, though some will leave minor scarring without further bacta treatment”.

Fennec nodded grimly. “

And internal injuries?

” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern.

“

There is no damage to the patient’s reproductive organs

” the droid said plainly.

Its voice lacked any trace of tact, but the information was delivered with precision.

The woman’s eyes widened slightly at the droid’s words, but the tension in her posture seemed to ease. Fennec caught the small, almost imperceptible shift and felt a measure of relief.

“

Thank you

” Fennec said, dismissing the droid with a wave of her hand. The machine gave a polite chirp and rolled out of the room, leaving the two women alone once again.

Fennec’s gaze returned to the woman, studying her expression. The bruises on her face were a harsh reminder of what she had endured, but in her eyes, Fennec saw a flicker of resilience.

“
You’re healing”
Fennec said softly, a rare note of reassurance in her voice. The woman said nothing, but the faintest nod passed between them.
 
It had been a long day and exhaustion weighed heavily on Boba as he stripped down to his underwear in the privacy of his chambers.

The cool air brushed against his scarred skin as he climbed into his large, cushioned bed, again not applying his cream.

His mind drifted to the woman in the room next to his. Fennec had reassured him earlier that the medical droid found no long-term complications with her physical health. That news had eased some of the tension he’d been carrying all day.

But even with that relief, he couldn’t shake the sound of her screams from his nightmares, or the pain he had witnessed etched on her face. Those thoughts lingered as he closed his eyes and let sleep take him.

Boba was jolted awake in the middle of the night by the room shaking violently. His eyes snapped open, and his ears were met with loud, blood-curdling screams.

Confusion and alarm gripped him as he sat up in bed, the dim light of the moons casting eerie shadows in his chambers. The screaming wasn’t coming from his room—it was from the one next door.

The woman.

He jumped out of bed, not bothering to grab any clothes, and rushed into the hallway. Barefoot and clad only in his black undergarments, he burst into the adjoining chamber.

Inside, the sight was chaos.

The woman was thrashing in the bed, her screams piercing the air. The entire room was trembling as if an unseen force was tearing it apart. Shelves rattled violently, ornaments and knick-knacks tumbling off and shattering onto the floor. The intensity of her agony was palpable, and Boba felt it as though it was his own.

Without hesitation, he ran to the bedside, ignoring Fennec’s warnings about the woman’s fear of men. He couldn’t just stand by while she was in such turmoil.

“

Wake up!

” Boba called, shaking her shoulders. “

You’re dreaming—wake up! It’s ok”.

The woman didn’t respond, her body convulsing as her screams grew louder. The room shook harder, the four poster bed frame groaning under the pressure.

Gritting his teeth, Boba shook her more firmly.
“
Wake up little one!”
he said, louder this time.

Her eyes snapped open, wide with panic, and in an instant, her hand flew out toward him.

Boba didn’t have time to react. An invisible force slammed into his chest, hurling him across the room. He hit the wall with a bone-rattling thud and crumpled to the floor, momentarily stunned.

Groaning, he rubbed the back of his bald head, muttering under his breath, “

Definitely Force-sensitive”.

Fennec and Skad were the first to burst into the room, weapons drawn, alarmed by the commotion. Drash followed closely behind in her night clothes. She rushed straight to the woman’s side, dropping to her knees on the bed.

The woman was sobbing uncontrollably, her eyes darting around the room before locking onto Boba, who was pushing himself up from the floor.
She froze, her trembling gaze sweeping over his nearly naked form. Her cries grew louder, and she shrank back into the bed, clutching the blankets to her chest.
Fennec was at Boba’s side in an instant, helping him to his feet. Her sharp eyes assessed him for any visible injuries. “

I told you to stay away from her

” she hissed under her breath.

“
I wasn’t going to just let her scream the place down!”

Boba snapped back, though he kept his voice low. “

She needed help”.

“

And look what your

help

did

” Fennec retorted, gesturing to the broken furniture and the woman’s panicked state. “

You’ve made it worse”.

Boba sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “

I didn’t know she would do

that

”.

“

She doesn’t trust men, Boba. I told you this

”. Fennec guided him firmly toward the door. “

Just stay out of her room until she’s ready. I’ll handle it”.

Boba glanced over his shoulder at the woman, who was still shaking. Drash had managed to calm her slightly, speaking in soothing tones, but she still flinched at every movement. As Boba stepped out, he heard Skad trying to introduce himself.
“

Hey, I’m Skad. I just want to—”

The woman stiffened, her breathing growing rapid again.

“

Skad

” Fennec snapped, “

Out!”

Skad held up his hands in surrender and retreated.

Boba, watching from the hallway, let out a dry huff. “

At least it’s not just me she can’t stand the sight of…”

Fennec shot him a warning look before shutting the door behind her.

Boba returned to his own chambers, but sleep didn’t come easily. He lay awake in the darkness, staring at the ceiling. The image of the woman’s terrified eyes and the sound of her screams played over and over in his mind. He couldn’t shake the memory of being thrown across the room, or the force that had accompanied it.

Force-sensitive or not, she was clearly broken—and he didn’t know how to fix it.
 
The next morning, Drash decided to spend time with the woman, wanting to help her feel more at ease. She sat on the edge of the bed with a gentle smile and began brushing the woman’s thick ginger hair.

The woman sat still, letting Drash’s hands work through the strands. Her gaze remained downward, her lips pressed into a neutral line, but her body didn’t seem as tense as it had been before.

Drash spoke softly, keeping her questions light and simple. “

Do you like having your hair brushed?

” she asked.

The woman hesitated before giving a small nod.

Drash grinned. “

Good. I’ll do a braid for you if you want later. How about that?”

Another small nod.

Drash thought for a moment, realising this wasn’t enough. She needed to give
the woman
, as they’d been calling her, an outlet to communicate.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. She set down the brush and got up. “

Wait right here. I’ll be back in a sec”.

When Drash returned, she held a datapad and a stylus. She handed them to the woman, sitting back on the edge of the bed. “

Can you read and write?”

she asked carefully.

The woman’s expression shifted, and a light entered her eyes as she nodded. Her fingers curled around the stylus, a flicker of hope crossing her face.

Drash grinned. “

Okay, let’s start easy. What’s your name?”

The woman hesitated briefly before lowering the stylus to the datapad.

With deliberate strokes, she wrote:

Nia Bashida

Drash read it aloud with a smile. “

Nia Bashida. That’s a pretty name

” She glanced at Nia, who smiled shyly in return, her face colouring slightly. “

It’s nice to finally know what to call you. ‘The woman’ just doesn’t cut it”.

Nia gave a small shrug, and Drash decided to ask another question. “

Are you in any pain right now?”

Nia wrote:

A little, but the bacta helped a lot

“

That’s good to hear

” Drash replied, genuinely relieved. “

Okay, next question—how old are you?”

Nia hesitated for a moment before writing:

28 standard years

Drash blinked, surprised. “

28? No way. You look a lot younger. I would’ve guessed early twenties”.

Nia just shrugged again, the corner of her lips lifting slightly in what might have been a smirk.

Fennec entered the room then, her sharp eyes taking in the scene. Nia was sitting up in bed, the datapad in her lap, and Drash looked entirely pleased with herself.

“

Morning

” Fennec said, approaching. She glanced between the two of them. “

What’s all this
?”

Drash beamed. “

Her name is Nia Bashida. And she’s 28”.

Fennec raised an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of amusement and mild disbelief. “

28, huh?

” She turned to Nia, studying her with an appraising eye. “

You don’t look a day over twenty”.

Nia’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she ducked her head.
Fennec smirked. “

Well, good to know. Nia it is

”. She folded her arms, glancing at Drash. “

Nice work, kid”.

Drash grinned, pleased with herself. “

She can write, so we’ve got a way to talk now
”.

Fennec nodded approvingly, looking back at Nia. “

That’s a start”.

Fennec leaned against the edge of the bed and gave Nia a kind, yet firm, look. “
Nia, would you like to join us for lunch? You must be starved?”
she suggested.

At those words, Nia froze, her body stiffening as if the very thought of being around others was too much to bear.

Fennec wasn’t surprised. She nodded, her voice calm and understanding. “

I know this feels impossible right now, but the sooner you face your fears, the sooner you can start to heal from the trauma. You’re stronger than you think, Nia”.

A tear slid down Nia’s cheek, but she didn’t move. Fennec reached out, her tone softening even further. “

Do you trust me?”

Nia hesitated, her eyes flickering to Drash, who gave her an encouraging nod. Slowly, Nia nodded back.
“

That’s good

” Fennec said with a faint smile. “

Because you need to trust me when I tell you that no one in this palace—

no one

—is going to hurt you. Especially not the boss”.

Nia’s shoulders trembled as she took a shuddering breath. Then, tentatively, she moved to stand.

Drash immediately went to the large walk-in closet, rummaging for something suitable. After a moment, she pulled out a delicate pink dress that looked about Nia’s size. “

How about this?”

she asked, holding it up.

Nia gave the faintest nod and took the dress.

Fennec stepped outside the room to give Nia some privacy while Drash ran ahead to the dining hall.

Drash skidded to a stop near the table, her hands on her hips. “
Listen up!”
she hissed, glaring at the group. “

Nia’s coming down for lunch
”.

“
Nia?”
Boba asked, his eyebrow raising.

“

That’s her name…the woman

” Drash said hurriedly.

“

She spoke?

” Boba asked, hope in his tone.

“

Err, no, not exactly, I gave her my datapad to write on. I’m just here to warn everyone not to do

anything

to freak her out. No staring, no sudden movements, and keep your voices down!”

The men exchanged glances but nodded in understanding. Boba, seated at the head of the table, gave Drash a steady look. “

We’ll behave

” he promised, though his jaw was tight with tension.
 
The door to Nia’s chamber hissed open, and she stepped out. The soft pink dress flowed around her knees, and she was barefoot. Fennec looked her over approvingly. “

You look nice. Do you want some shoes?”

Nia shook her head quickly.
Fennec smiled faintly and offered her arm. Nia hesitated before hooking her own arm through Fennec’s, seeking comfort in the contact. Together, they began the slow descent down the stairs toward the dining hall.
When they reached the entrance, Nia stopped dead in her tracks, her breath catching at the sight of everyone seated at the long table.

The clinking of utensils halted as Boba and the rest of the group looked up, their attention drawn to the newcomer. Nia’s face flushed, and her wide eyes darted between them all.

Drash, already seated, hissed, “

Stop staring!”

As if on cue, the men comically tilted their heads back down to their plates, suddenly very interested in their food.

Fennec suppressed a chuckle and gently urged Nia forward, practically having to drag her the last few steps.

When they reached the table, she guided Nia to the seat between herself and Drash. Nia lowered herself into the chair but kept her eyes firmly fixed on the floor, her hands clutching at her lap.

Across the table, Boba caught Fennec’s gaze. He raised an eyebrow, silently asking if he could try speaking to her. Fennec gave a small nod of encouragement.

Boba cleared his throat, and Nia flinched at the sound, her shoulders jerking as if she’d been startled. Her eyes remained downcast, though her breathing quickened slightly.

At the end of the table, Krrsantan let out a soft, almost musical whine, his large eyes focused on Nia.
Her gaze darted to the Wookiee, lingering there for a moment. Her hesitation softened, and a flicker of a smile appeared on her lips—small and fleeting, but there nonetheless.
Boba leaned forward slightly, his voice calm and low. “

Nia

” he said softly. Her name carried a warmth that surprised her, and she hesitated before glancing up at him.

Her gaze was cautious, as if still weighing her trust, but it wasn’t fearful. Progress.

“

I want to welcome you to my palace

” Boba continued. “

I hope you’ll feel comfortable here”.

She didn’t respond, but her eyes lingered on his features. The scars lining his bald head and the deep brown of his eyes held her attention for a moment longer than she intended. She quickly averted her gaze back to the table, feeling vulnerable.

“

Are you hungry?

” Boba asked gently.

Nia hesitated before giving a slight nod without looking up. He nodded back, a faint encouragement in his expression. “

Go ahead. Eat. There’s plenty”.

Her gaze darted around at the men at the table. They were all stealing glances at her, but the moment she looked their way, they quickly looked down at their plates, as though they’d been caught.

A small amount of tension eased from her shoulders as she hesitantly began to serve herself. She chose modest portions, as though wary of taking too much, and brought the food to her lips.

The flavours were vibrant—sweet, savory, rich—and she couldn’t suppress a small sigh of relief. She hadn’t tasted real food in over a month, not since the Imperials had imprisoned her. They’d given her ration bars occasionally, just enough to keep her alive, but she had lost so much weight.

As she ate, her thoughts flickered to her own appearance. Bruised. Broken. Frail. She felt self-conscious about how she must look in this moment and pushed the thought away with a bite of food.
Sensing her discomfort, Drash decided to take the attention off Nia. She struck up a lighthearted conversation with Skad, ribbing him about one of his latest repairs to the speeder. Skad rolled his eyes but played along, muttering about Drash never being satisfied. Their banter pulled the focus of the room, and Nia felt a wave of gratitude toward Drash for the reprieve.
Boba, however, couldn’t keep his eyes off Nia. Now that she was clean, her delicate features stood out. Her skin was pale, almost luminous, and her large green eyes seemed to take in everything around her with quiet observation. Her hair, long and thick, framed her face and flowed down her back in soft waves of a striking coppery auburn.

She ate timidly, as if afraid she’d be scolded for taking more than her share, but her movements were graceful, and Boba couldn’t deny that she was beautiful. Not in the bold, obvious way of the risqué women he’d been with before, but with a natural, understated beauty that held an innocent uniqueness.

He hummed softly to himself, lost in thought, and the sound carried to Nia. Her gaze flicked up, catching his once again.

Boba froze, caught in the act of observing her. For a moment, their eyes met, and neither of them looked away. Then Nia quickly lowered her gaze, her cheeks faintly colouring as she returned her focus to her plate.

Boba leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. Fennec, seated beside Nia, raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing. He ignored her, his mind already turning over the many mysteries this fragile, strong woman brought with her.
 
The remnants of the meal were cleared, but Nia stayed seated, her hands clasped in her lap. She didn’t make eye contact with anyone, instead letting her gaze wander around the extravagant dining room.

Her eyes flickered over the ornate decorations, the high ceiling, and the polished table, but they kept returning to Krrsantan. Boba noticed her curiosity, the way her eyes lingered on the massive Wookiee before darting away again.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle. “

Have you ever seen a Wookiee before?”

Nia glanced at him briefly, her lips twitching in the faintest huff of amusement. She nodded hesitantly.

Boba hummed, a low, amused sound. “

You’d never guess, the way you’re staring at him. I would’ve thought you hadn’t”.

Krrsantan let out a deep growl of acknowledgment, which startled Nia for a moment, though she quickly relaxed when she saw it wasn’t a threatening sound.

Skad leaned back in his chair with a grin. “

Well, if she can handle staring at

him

, nothing’s gonna scare her. She’s tougher than she looks”.

He gestured casually toward Krrsantan, who shot him a withering look.

Nia’s attention shifted to Skad, and her gaze zeroed in on his cybernetic eye. She tilted her head slightly, inspecting the glinting metal with curiosity.

Skad caught her staring and raised his eyebrow. “
What, do you like it?”
he asked.

She gave a small shrug, not entirely sure what to make of it. She couldn’t quite understand why someone would choose to replace an eye unless they had no other choice.

Skad grinned proudly, completely misinterpreting her reaction. “

Well, let me tell you, it’s my pride and joy. State-of-the-art tech. Best decision I ever made”.

At this, Fennec rolled her eyes, and Drash groaned audibly. “

Here we go again

” she muttered.

The rest of the group groaned in unison, clearly having heard this speech far too many times.

Nia’s lips twitched into a smile at everyone’s reaction, and she bit down on it, suppressing a silent laugh.

Her gaze shifted to Boba, who was already watching her with a faint smirk. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and her small smile blossomed into something fuller.

But then she froze. The weight of her trauma crashed back down on her, and panic flashed across her face.

Her smile faded as she abruptly stood, hesitantly fiddling with the hem of her dress as she avoided meeting anyone’s eyes.

She glanced toward Fennec, giving her a quick nod as if asking permission to leave. Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried out of the room, her bare feet barely making a sound as she disappeared down the corridor toward her chambers.

Boba’s eyes followed her retreat, his brow furrowing in thought. When she was gone, he leaned back in his chair and turned to Fennec, his voice thoughtful. “

She’s… very interesting”.

Fennec arched an eyebrow at him. “

That she is”.

Days turned into weeks, and Nia’s presence in the palace remained fleeting. She rarely left her chamber, and when she did, it was only after much coaxing from Fennec or Drash.

Even then, it was usually for a meal she barely touched before retreating back upstairs. Despite the care and efforts of the household, the trauma lingered like a storm cloud over her.

Boba’s memory flashed to a week after Nia’s arrival:

Fennec had approached Boba in his throne room, her face serious as she handed him a small holo-projector. “

We’ve got something

” she said, activating the device.

A faint blue image flickered to life, showing a missing poster from Talamh, Nia’s home planet. The hologram displayed her face, looking younger and healthier. Her name was listed boldly at the top with her last known location and the date of her disappearance—over a month ago.

Fennec explained, “

I was able to do a search for missing persons based on the name of her home planet that Drash got from her. This came up from the planetary database on Talamh”.

Boba studied the hologram carefully. His eyes lingered on the image of Nia, and he sighed heavily. “

So, she has people looking for her”.

“

She does

” Fennec replied. “

Her family’s been searching for her, and they’ve offered a reward for her safe return”.

Richie, one of the street gang members,  leaned forward eagerly, a grin spreading across his face. “

How much are we talking about?

” he asked.

Boba’s gaze snapped to the young man, his expression darkening with barely contained fury. “

It doesn’t matter how much it is

” he growled. “

We’re not taking it”.

The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air. Richie slumped back in his seat, suitably chastised, and muttered an apology.
Fennec cleared her throat, breaking the uneasy silence. “

There’s something else

” she said carefully. “

It’s not going to be easy getting her off-world. The Imperial leaders who ran that compound are still out there. While we were fighting their stormtroopers, the commanders slipped away”.

Boba nodded grimly. “

And they’ll be watching every ship that leaves Tatooine. They’ll scan for her DNA signature the second the ship ascends into the atmosphere”.

Fennec hesitated before continuing. “

I told her as much. That she’d have to stay here until we figured out a safe way to get her home”.

“

And?”

Boba prompted.

“

She didn’t take it well. The room shook, breaking some old pottery

” Fennec admitted. “

She’s locked herself in her room and hasn’t come out since”.

Boba leaned back in his throne, his expression heavy with thought. “

We’ll need to deal with those Imperial leaders

” he muttered. “

They’re a danger to her and anyone else they might take”.

Fennec nodded in agreement. “

In the meantime, we keep her safe. But this is going to take time, Boba. She’s not just a prisoner of circumstance. She’s a prisoner of her own mind right now”.

Boba’s jaw tightened. He hated feeling powerless, but he knew Fennec was right.

Drash had been standing by the doorway, listening quietly to the conversation. She stepped forward, crossing her arms. “

Can’t we at least contact her family? Just to let them know she’s alive and safe?”

Fennec sighed, turning toward Drash. “

I wish we could

” she said, her tone heavy. “

But Talamh is in the middle of a civil war. The government has blocked all communications in and out of the planet. No messages, no calls, nothing. They’ve also restricted travel, so no one can leave or enter the planet freely”.

Drash frowned, looking frustrated. “

So, even if we could get her off-world, she’d be walking straight into a war zone?”

“

Exactly

” Fennec confirmed.

Boba leaned forward in his throne, resting his hands on his knees. “
Then here with me is the best place for her”
he said firmly.
“I’m not going to send her off to a planet at war”.

Fennec’s sharp eyes flicked to Boba at his phrasing, her eyebrows raising slightly at the possessive

me

rather than
us.
But she kept her thoughts to herself, nodding once.

Skad, standing off to the side, raised a hand slightly. “

What about replying to the missing poster? Contacting the planet’s authorities? Maybe they could send someone to help her”.

Fennec shook her head again, more firmly this time. “

The authorities may have posted that notice, but the Empire is likely monitoring it. If we send a message, there’s a high chance the Imps will intercept it and track her down before her family or anyone from her planet can do anything”.

“

So we’re stuck?

” Drash asked, her voice carrying an edge of frustration.

Boba’s deep voice cut through the tension, steady and reassuring. “

It’s a waiting game

” he said. “

We’ll keep her safe here and do everything we can to figure out a way to get her home. But rushing could put her in more danger”.

Drash’s lips pressed into a thin line. She had grown close to Nia over the past week, acting as a friend and confidant, even when Nia had communicated via the pad.

As far as Boba was aware, Nia was still yet to speak aloud.

“

I just hate that she’s stuck in this situation

” she muttered, before turning and stalking out of the room.

Boba watched her leave, then glanced at Fennec. “

Make sure Drash understands we’re doing the right thing”.

“

She’ll come around

” Fennec said. “

She cares about Nia. We all do”.

Boba snapped out of the memory, his brow furrowing slightly. It had been three weeks since Fennec had explained how difficult it would be to contact Nia’s family or send her home.

Time had moved slowly since then, each day marked by brief updates and fleeting glimpses of Nia.

He leaned back in his throne, his mind wandering to the day Drash had burst into the throne room, excitement radiating from her:

“

She spoke!

” Drash had announced, nearly tripping over her boots in her haste to reach him. “

Boba, she actually

spoke!”

Boba had glanced up from the table where he sat with the city’s heads, discussing trade agreements and territorial disputes.

A rare, genuine smile had spread across his face at the news, but he’d had to temper his excitement. “

That’s good

” he’d said, nodding, his voice even.

Drash, noticing his company, bowed low and said “
Oops, sorry my Lord Fett”.
She had promptly rushed out, leaving Boba to deal with the confused nobles.

Boba didn’t mind his family calling him by his first name when they were alone, but formalities needed to stuck to when out or with others.

The conversation with the city leaders that day had dragged on for hours after that, leaving him with no chance to follow up.
Presently, he hadn’t seen Nia in days. At least not up close. Fennec and Drash kept him informed, reporting small milestones and improvements.
Apparently, Nia was speaking now—short, basic utterances, nothing elaborate, but still significant progress. And she was never the first to initiate the conversation.

Boba, however, hadn’t heard her voice. Not once.

The thought gnawed at him. He’d barely even seen her. A brief glimpse here and there when he passed her room or visited Fennec for updates, but Nia always seemed to retreat before he could say anything.

It was clear she still wasn’t comfortable around him, and though he respected her boundaries, it was frustrating.

Fennec and Drash got to hear her speak. They got to see her laugh—Drash had mentioned that with great pride—and witness her slow recovery firsthand. Meanwhile, Boba was left in the periphery, waiting for the day when she might trust him enough to speak to him directly.

He drummed his fingers against the armrest of his throne, his frustration simmering. It wasn’t just impatience; it was something else. A nagging jealousy he couldn’t quite name, knowing others had managed to break through the walls she had built, while he remained on the outside.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 8

The palace was quiet at night, the kind of stillness that made every creak of the walls and every rustle of the desert winds outside feel louder.
Nia sat curled up on the plush chair in her chambers, a thick book in her lap. She’d found it tucked away on one of the many shelves in her room—a collection of Tatooine folklore.
The stories were strange but engaging, a welcome distraction. Despite the company of Drash and Fennec, who had become her closest companions, the nights often stretched long and lonely.
Her stomach growled loudly, interrupting the story. She frowned and placed a hand over her belly. She had skipped dinner again, waving away Drash’s offer to bring her food earlier, feeling too nauseous to eat. But now, the hunger gnawed at her.
With a sigh, Nia closed the book and stood. She grabbed her datapad from the bedside table—it was always within reach, her lifeline for when words failed her.

The gesture reminded her of Drash, who had insisted Nia keep it. “

I’ve got another one

” Drash had said with a grin. Nia had beamed at her, grateful for the gift.

She hesitated at the door, then decided she could find the kitchen on her own. It was late; surely no one else would be up.

Slowly, she stepped into the corridor, the door hissing shut behind her. Her bare feet made almost no sound as she crept along, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting.

Reaching the stairs, she turned the corner—and walked straight into what felt like a solid wall of fur. Nia gasped, stepping back in terror, her heart pounding. Her eyes darted upward to find none other than Krrsantan towering above her.

The Wookiee tilted his head, letting out a curious sound that was somewhere between a growl and a hum. Nia froze, trembling. Was he angry?

After a moment, she realised he wasn’t. He was just looking at her, intrigued. His dark eyes were intense, but not menacing. Slowly, she gave him a small, hesitant smile, hoping to communicate her understanding.

Her stomach betrayed her again with a loud, furious growl.

Krrsantan let out a low, rumbling laugh, the sound vibrating through the corridor. Nia blushed furiously, embarrassed that he’d heard. The Wookiee pointed to her, then gestured behind him, indicating she should follow.

Her brows furrowed, but she nodded, hoping he meant to lead her to the kitchen.

As they walked, her curiosity got the better of her. She reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing the fur on his arm. When Krrsantan didn’t react, she grew bolder, tangling her fingers gently in the thick, dark fur.

He glanced down at her, his head jolting slightly at the contact, but he made no move to stop her. Nia’s lips curved into a small smile as she walked with her fingers in his fur.

When they reached the kitchen, Krrsantan stepped aside, letting her enter first. The room was dimly lit, but she could see enough to find a wooden stool near the counter. She climbed onto it as Krrsantan began rummaging through the fridge, his massive hands surprisingly nimble.

After a few minutes, he returned, setting a small feast in front of her. Leftover pasta, a crisp salad, and sandwiches with a filling she couldn’t quite identify. Her mouth watered at the sight, and she wasted no time digging in.

Krrsantan sat across from her, watching her eat with amusement. Feeling guilty for taking so much, Nia slid the plate of sandwiches toward him. He let out a pleased roar of thanks and grabbed one, tearing into it with gusto.

Together, they ate in companionable silence, the unlikely duo finding comfort in the shared moment.
 
Boba sat at his desk, the dim light of his chamber casting long shadows as he poured over the Tusken literature sprawled across the table. His eyes burned from hours of trying to translate the ancient script. He rubbed them with a sigh, leaning back in his chair.

The tale, so far, appeared to be a love story—unexpectedly tender for what most assumed of Tusken culture. He’d just finished translating the second chapter when a knock broke the silence.

He stood, stretching briefly, and crossed the room. The door hissed open, revealing Fennec standing there, data pad in hand.

“

Fennec

” he greeted, stepping aside to let her in. “

What brings you here this late?”

“

I have something interesting to show you

” she said, wasting no time. She held up her datapad, tapping a few commands before handing it to him.

Boba’s brow furrowed as he watched the live surveillance footage she had pulled up.

It showed the palace kitchen, where Nia and Krrsantan sat at the counter. Nia was eating, smiling softly as she scrawled something on her data pad before pushing it toward Krrsantan. The Wookiee leaned closer, studying it, then let out a roaring laugh that shook the room.

Boba raised an eyebrow, both curious and mildly shocked. “

That’s… unexpected”

he muttered, handing the data pad back to Fennec.

“

Seems like Krrsantan has joined the exclusive club

” Fennec teased, leaning against the wall. “

Drash, me, now him. But not you”.

Boba shot her a look. “

You think I haven’t noticed?

” He turned toward the door, determination in his stride.

“

Where are you going?

” Fennec asked, though her tone was more exasperated than curious.

“
To see what they’re doing”
Boba replied, already halfway out the door.

“

I’m not sure that’s a good idea

” she warned, her voice following him. “

You’ll scare her off again”.

Boba didn’t answer, letting the door hiss shut behind him.

Moving quietly, like the hunter he once was, Boba approached the kitchen.

The sounds of faint laughter reached his ears, and he paused just outside the doorway. Krrsantan’s deep, rumbling laugh was followed by something unexpected—a bright, genuine laugh from Nia.

Boba froze at the sound. It was the first time he’d heard it, and it was… heavenly.

Carefully, he poked his head around the corner to see what was happening.

Nia was sitting on a stool, her datapad in her hands. She scrawled something across it, a playful smile on her face, before pushing it toward Krrsantan. The Wookiee peered down at her drawing, and his loud laugh echoed through the room. He then grabbed the stylus from her and began drawing something of his own.

Nia leaned closer to watch, laughing again as Krrsantan finished and pushed the pad back to her.

The sight surprised Boba more than he cared to admit. She looked… relaxed. At ease, even.

Krrsantan suddenly shifted, his keen ears picking up on Boba’s presence. The Wookiee turned his head toward the doorway, his dark eyes locking onto him.
Nia froze. Her laughter died abruptly, and she stiffened on the stool. Slowly, her gaze followed Krrsantan’s, and her wide eyes met Boba’s.
For a moment, she didn’t move. She didn’t flee, but she also didn’t speak. Instead, she turned her attention back to her datapad, her face guarded once more. She began to draw again, deliberately ignoring Boba’s presence.

Boba stepped fully into the kitchen. He crossed behind Krrsantan, who was seated on a stool far too small for his massive frame. The Wookiee looked up at him, growling something low and pointing at the food scattered on the counter.

Boba rolled his eyes. “

You’re always hungry, aren’t you?

” he said dryly.

Krrsantan growled in defense, pointing toward Nia.

Boba’s brow lifted as he turned his gaze to her. “

Ah,

you

were hungry, Nia?”

Nia looked up at him, pausing her drawing. She nodded once, then went back to scrawling on her datapad.
Curious, Boba took a step closer. “

What are you drawing?

” he asked, his voice calm but direct.

Krrsantan started to rumble an explanation, but Boba raised a hand to stop him. “

I wasn’t asking you

” he said bluntly, cutting the Wookiee off.

The reaction was immediate. Nia froze, her stylus hovering above the pad. She cast him a nervous glance, her shoulders tightening. Boba cursed himself internally—he hadn’t meant for his tone to come across so sharp. He took a slow breath, trying to project calm.

To his surprise, Nia hesitated only a moment before pushing her datapad across the counter toward him. Boba picked it up and looked down at the screen. What he saw made him huff softly in amusement.

The screen was filled with small, silly drawings—trees with exaggerated leaves, oddly shaped houses, and a few crude Wookiees that were unmistakably meant to resemble Krrsantan. Some were Nia’s, identifiable by their fine lines and neat style. Others were bold and rough, clearly the work of Krrsantan’s heavy hand.

Boba chuckled, the sound low and genuine. “

I see why you two were laughing

” he said, glancing at the pair. “

Quite the artists, aren’t you?”

When he looked back at Nia, he caught her watching him intently. Her large, cautious eyes studied his reaction like she was bracing herself for disappointment. But when he smiled, her expression softened—and then, to his astonishment, she smiled back.

It wasn’t much, just a small curve of her lips, but it was enough to make his heart soar. He couldn’t recall the last time something as simple as a smile had meant so much to him.

For a brief moment, the tension in the room eased. Boba handed the datapad back to her and rested his hands on the counter. “

Not bad

” he said lightly, his voice warmer now.

Nia dipped her head, her cheeks faintly pink, and returned to her drawing. Krrsantan rumbled something smug, and Boba rolled his eyes again, though he couldn’t hide the slight smirk that lingered on his face.
 
Fennec lingered quietly outside the kitchen door, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. She had been watching the exchange on the datapad but decided to catch the live show.

As she listened, she heard Boba’s deep voice mingling with Krrsantan’s grunts and rumbles. What had caught her attention, though, was the unmistakable warmth in Boba’s tone as he spoke.
She peeked around the corner, just enough to catch a glimpse of him standing over Nia, watching her draw.Fennec smirked to herself. She knew how desperate Boba was to connect with Nia, though he’d never admit it outright. He had been surprisingly patient, but she could see how much it had been frustrating him to feel shut out.
Inside, Boba let out a soft laugh as he peered down at Nia’s pad. “

What’s this one?”

he asked, pointing to a new sketch. It was a rough, cartoonish depiction of something that looked like Krrsantan holding a plate of food.

Nia glanced up at him, then tapped her stylus against the pad, adding a final detail to the Wookiee’s figure. Boba huffed in amusement, his chuckle low and warm.

Fennec watched for a moment longer, hearing Boba continue speaking to Nia in his calm, measured way.
Though Nia remained silent, she was responding on her pad and even showing him her work without hesitation. It was progress, and Fennec couldn’t deny the small flicker of pride she felt for her friend.
Deciding it was time to intervene, she stepped into the room. “

Alright

” she said, her voice cutting through the quiet.

All three heads turned to her—Boba with a slight frown, Krrsantan with a growl of acknowledgment, and Nia with wide, startled eyes.

Fennec gestured toward Nia. “

You’ve had some food, and it’s late. Time to get back to bed”.

Nia frowned and crossed her arms.

‘

Oh she’s sassy

’ Boba thought.

“

Don’t give me that look. It’s late

” Fennec says amused.

Nia hesitated, her gaze flicking to Boba. He gave her a small nod, and she hopped down from the stool, clutching her pad tightly to her chest.

Without a word, she made her way out of the kitchen, her bare feet padding softly against the floor. Fennec stood aside to let her pass, watching as she disappeared down the corridor.

Once Nia was gone, Fennec turned back to the two males, her eyebrows raised knowingly. “

Boys

” she said dryly, her tone full of unspoken meaning.

Krrsantan let out a gruff chuckle, and Boba sighed, shaking his head. “

She’s making progress

” he said defensively, his tone a mixture of pride and determination.

Fennec smirked and didn’t bother to hide it. “
Goodnight, Boba”
she said, leaving the room with an amused shake of her head.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 9

As the days went by, Nia began to emerge more often from her self-imposed isolation, coming down for dinner most evenings.

Though she still seemed shy and careful, the visible tension she carried before had started to ease. Boba noted the progress silently, though a small part of him couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy every time he saw her laughing with others.

One evening, after dinner, the family lounged in the throne room, chatting and unwinding. Nia was sitting on a couch next to Skad, her head tilted curiously as she poked at his cybernetic eye. Skad chuckled but batted her hand away.

“

Alright, alright, stop it

” he said through his laughter. “

You’re fogging up the lens”.

Nia smirked and quickly scribbled something on her data pad, turning it for him to read.

Skad squinted, then read
aloud: “‘

Shouldn’t have removed your real eye then’”.

The room burst into laughter, even Krrsantan rumbling a deep chuckle. Skad groaned in mock offense.

Nia leaned back, looking smug as she soaked in their amusement. From across the room, her eyes caught Boba’s. She smiled softly at him, and for a fleeting moment, his stern demeanour broke into a small, pleased smile in return.

The moment was interrupted by a loud, rumbling roar from below the throne room. Nia froze, her fingers tightening around Skad’s arm in alarm. Her wide eyes darted toward Boba.

“

It’s just the rancor

” Boba called over, his tone calm. He gestured to the metal grate on the floor. “

He’s beneath us”.

Nia’s initial alarm quickly gave way to curiosity. Her brow furrowed as she looked down at the grate, then slowly got up and approached it. She bent down and pressed her face against the grate, trying to peer into the darkness below.

“
Nia, don’t do that”
Drash warned, stepping forward quickly. “

It’s not safe”.

Boba waved off Drash’s concern. “

The rancor is fine

” he said, a trace of amusement in his voice. “

Just hungry”.

“
That’s what I’m worried about”
Drash muttered under her breath, but Nia wasn’t listening.

Determined, Nia stood and ran up the dais to Boba’s throne, reaching for the side table where a plate of leftovers sat. Boba raised an eyebrow in surprise but didn’t stop her as she grabbed a large leg of roasted meat and dashed back to the grate.

She crouched down and carefully lowered the meat through the bars. For a moment, there was nothing, but then a sudden, powerful tug snatched it from her hands.

She gasped silently as the sound of the rancor devouring the offering rumbled up through the floor.

A wide, delighted grin spread across her face, and she turned to beam at Boba.

“

Do you want to see him?

” he asked, intrigued by her reaction.

Nia nodded enthusiastically. Boba pressed a button on the armrest of his throne, and a holoscreen flickered to life, displaying the image of the rancor finishing off the meat below. Nia hurried to the screen, pressing as close as she could, her eyes wide with fascination.

Across the room, Skad leaned into Drash. “

She’s scared of Boba but not the rancor?

” he whispered, smirking.

Drash rolled her eyes and punched his arm. “

Shut up

” she hissed. Skad yelped and rubbed his arm, grinning anyway.

Nia suddenly turned and sprinted back to Boba. She pointed at the screen, her eyes bright with excitement.

“
What?”
Boba asked, unsure of her meaning.

She pointed again, then tugged gently at his sleeve.

“

You want to go see him?

” he guessed.

She nodded eagerly.

Boba hesitated, his mind racing. This was the first time she seemed willing to go anywhere alone with him, let alone to see the rancor. After a moment’s thought, he stood and gestured for her to follow.

“

Alright

” he said, his voice low but inviting. “

Let’s go”.

Nia’s face lit up, and she hurried to his side as he led the way toward the rancor’s pen.
 
Boba led Nia deeper into the palace, the halls growing quieter and darker as they approached the rancor’s enclosure. The air carried a faint scent of damp stone and the distinct musk of the beast. Eventually, they stopped in front of a large, ornate gate etched with an image of a rancor mid-roar.

Nia stepped forward, tracing her fingers along the lines of the carving. Her expression was one of awe, and she turned back to find Boba watching her, his expression unreadable but his gaze intent.

She smiled shyly and stepped back, her fingers falling away from the door.

Boba chuckled softly as he stepped forward to unlock the door. Then, pulling the heavy door open with ease, he said “

Come on”,

stepping inside.

Nia hesitated but followed a few steps behind, lingering near the entrance. Inside, the massive enclosure was dimly lit, and a low rumble filled the air as the rancor stirred in the shadows. Boba called to the beast, his voice firm but warm.

The rancor’s hulking form lumbered into the light, its beady eyes narrowing before it groaned in happiness and walked straight to Boba. He rubbed the creature’s cheek affectionately, murmuring to it in a language Nia didn’t understand.

She watched the interaction, her feet rooted to the spot but her hands clutched tightly to the hem of her shirt. In her haste, she had left her datapad upstairs.

Boba glanced back at her and gestured with his head. “

It’s alright

” he said, his tone encouraging. “

Come closer”.

Nia swallowed her nerves but obeyed, stepping forward cautiously with one hand outstretched. The rancor tilted its head and sniffed the air, huffing loudly as it caught her scent.

“

Be a good boy

” Boba warned the rancor with a playful edge to his voice. “

I’ve brought someone special to see you”.

At his words, Nia’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and she glanced at him briefly before her attention returned to the towering creature in front of her. As she drew closer, the rancor’s enormous eyes focused on her.

Boba stood back, observing her carefully. “

You really aren’t scared of him, are you?

” he asked, the faintest hint of curiosity in his voice.

Nia shook her head quickly, her lips twitching in a small, nervous smile.

“

Most people are…”

he said trailing off.

She reached out with both hands and placed them on the rancor’s leathery skin, stroking its cheek as if it were an oversized pet.

The beast groaned again, this time in contentment, and Nia’s face lit up in a wide, joyful grin. She seemed entirely in her element, a far cry from the shy, withdrawn figure Boba was used to.

He stepped closer, running his hand along the rancor’s side. For a long moment, they stood in companionable silence, both stroking the creature.

Then, without warning, a voice—soft, quiet, yet melodic and confident—broke the quiet.

“

What’s his name?”

Boba froze, his hand pausing mid-motion. He turned his head sharply toward Nia, his eyes wide with disbelief. If he hadn’t seen her lips move, he wouldn’t have believed she had spoken.

The rancor shifted slightly under their hands, but Boba’s attention was fixed on her. Her voice echoed faintly in his ears, feminine and clear. He blinked, momentarily stunned before finding his words.

“
His name is…”
He hesitated, still processing what had just happened, before finally answering. “

He doesn’t have one”.

Nia nodded, her expression thoughtful. She turned her attention back to the rancor, stroking him with an easy confidence.

Meanwhile, Boba couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. Hearing her voice after so long felt like a breakthrough, and the soft music of it lingered in his mind, giving him a strange, inexplicable sense of hope.

Nia tilted her head thoughtfully as she gazed up at the rancor, her fingers lightly tracing his leathery skin. “

He looks like a Jasper

” she said softly, her voice tentative but clear.

Boba’s heart soared at the sound of her voice again, and for a moment, he just stared at her, his chest swelling with pride and hope.

He wanted to ask her a dozen questions, just to keep her speaking, but he held back, worried about pushing too far and startling her.

“
Jasper, huh?”
he said instead, glancing up at the creature. He raised a brow and gestured toward the rancor’s massive head. “

What do you think of that, big guy?”

The rancor let out a deep huff, almost like a sigh, and Boba chuckled. “

I think he likes it

” he said.

Nia’s face lit up, and she grinned at Boba.

Before she could say another word, Jasper reached out with one massive hand and gently grabbed her around the middle.

Boba’s eyes widened in alarm as the rancor lifted Nia up to his eye level, tilting his head from side to side as he studied her curiously. Nia gasped audibly, but it quickly turned into laughter as she saw Jasper’s inquisitive expression.

“

Put her down!”

Boba barked, stepping forward. “
Bad rancor!”

Nia giggled, waving a hand at Boba. “

His name is Jasper!

” she corrected between laughs.

Boba rolled his eyes but sighed. “

Fine. Jasper

” he said pointedly, “

put her down. It’s impolite to pick up guests without permission”.

The rancor groaned softly and, to Boba’s surprise, didn’t put Nia down on the ground. Instead, he lifted her higher and plopped her gently onto his broad, leathery back.

“
Hey!”
Boba said, tensing instinctively.

Nia, however, was all smiles as she scrambled to find her footing, her hands gripping Jasper’s rough hide for balance. She beamed down at Boba, her cheeks glowing with exhilaration.

Boba crossed his arms and looked up at her. “

For the record”

he said, his voice even, “

he’s only ever let

me

ride him”.

Hearing this, Nia practically jumped up and down in excitement, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “

You ride him?! Can I ride him too?

” she asked eagerly, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Boba rubbed his chin, thinking it over, though he already knew his answer.

Spending time with her—and seeing her come out of her shell like this—was worth the risk. “

Fine

” he said. “

But not tonight, it’s too dark. Tomorrow morning. We’ll make sure everything’s prepared first”.

Nia giggled happily, leaning down to pat Jasper’s side in gratitude. The rancor, apparently pleased, reached up and gently picked her off his back.

Instead of setting her down carefully, he deposited her directly onto Boba.
Caught off guard, Nia toppled into Boba’s chest with an audible

oof

.

Boba stumbled but managed to steady them both, his arms instinctively wrapping around her to keep her from falling further.

Nia scrambled to her feet, her face as red as a Tatooine sunset. “

Sorry!

” she stammered, her hands hovering nervously in front of her.

Boba straightened, brushing himself off, but his expression was clearly amused. “

It’s fine

” he said with a chuckle. “

Jasper might need a few lessons in manners”.

Nia, still blushing furiously, glanced at Jasper, who let out another huff of amusement. She bit her lip to stifle a laugh before looking back at Boba, her embarrassment giving way to another shy smile.

Boba’s gaze drifted upwards briefly, and a knowing smile tugged at his lips as he realised the rest of the family were likely watching this spectacle on the monitor. He could almost hear their amused murmurs, imagining their collective reaction to the sight of Nia, so at ease with Jasper, and the unexpected turn of events.

Nia’s soft voice broke his thoughts. “

He’s happy

” she said, gently rubbing Jasper’s leathery skin. Her voice had a musical quality to it that seemed to add to the moment’s warmth.

Boba raised an eyebrow, glancing at her curiously. “

How can you tell?”

Nia hesitated for a moment, then shrugged slightly, her eyes focused on the rancor. “

I can feel it

”. She glanced at Boba, her voice soft. “

He’s not scary, he’s happy”.

Boba’s expression softened, intrigued. “
Is it because of your force sensitivity?”
he asked, testing the waters.

Nia blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “

What do you mean?

” she asked, clearly not understanding.

Boba hesitated, then spoke carefully. “

Your abilities. The way you threw me across the room that night… the way the room shakes when you’re upset…”

Nia’s eyes widened in realisation, and her lips parted as she processed his words.

“

Oh

” she said slowly, “

I didn’t know it had a name”

. She glanced back at Jasper, her fingers still tracing over his skin. “

I just… I feel things. I can sense emotions, the energy of people and creatures”.

She paused, then looked at Boba, her voice quiet but sincere. “

Sorry… if I hurt you when I threw you across the room. I just saw a figure and… pushed out”.

Boba smiled softly, though there was a hint of teasing in his tone. “

It’s okay. It wasn’t the worst thing that’s happened to me”.

Nia shifted slightly, her gaze drifting over Boba’s faint scars on his head and bare arms. She looked down as if gathering her thoughts.

She hesitated before speaking again. “

I don’t like when people’s emotions are too loud, including my own…”

she said, her voice distant for a moment as if she was explaining something deep within herself. “

People’s energy… it’s chaotic. Complex

”. She looked at Boba then, eyes searching his face. “

But animal and creature energy? It’s simple. It’s easy to understand. They are so innocent”.

Boba nodded, understanding in his own way.

“
That’s why I like creatures so much”
she says softly. Nia smiled shyly, glancing at Jasper. “

They’re easier to connect with”.

Boba’s lips twitched with amusement, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “

Is that why you like Krrsantan so much? The big, fluffy Wookiee?”

Nia laughed as well, the sound light and airy. “

He

is

fluffy”

she agreed with a grin.

Boba shook his head, feigning a stern look. “

Krrsantan’s not a pet, Nia

” he joked. “
Even if he is fluffy”.
Just then, they heard a deep, growling roar from above. Both of them froze for a moment before they burst into laughter, Nia covering her mouth in surprise at the Wookiee’s disapproving growl.
Boba chuckled, offering Nia his arm. “

Come on, let’s head back up. The family is probably watching this whole thing unfold anyway”.

Nia nodded and hesitantly hooked her arm through his, her smile still bright.

As they walked back toward the door of the rancor’s enclosure, she glanced up at Boba, her face alight with an energy that made his heart feel lighter than it had in a long time.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 10

Nia tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find a comfortable position.

Her mind was racing with excitement, the thought of riding Jasper filling her with anticipation.

She couldn’t remember the last time she had looked forward to something so much, and she couldn’t deny the fluttering feeling in her stomach when she thought about spending time alone with Boba.

It was a strange, unfamiliar sensation—one that made her heart race and her thoughts tangle.

She had spent sooo much time avoiding Boba, trying to keep her distance. His energy was overwhelming, his presence intimidating in that armour of his. It reminded her of soldiers and Imps from her past, and the memories of them haunted her.

But the night in the kitchen with Krrsantan had shown her a different side of him. She had seen his interest in her, his gentleness, his care for those around him, and it had shattered her preconceptions.

He wasn’t the hardened figure she had imagined…he

could

be, if he wanted to…but not around her.

And then today, when he had introduced her to Jasper, let her see the creature up close and even

name

him, something had shifted.

She had noticed the way his demeanour softened when she spoke. The way he seemed to come alive hearing her voice. It stirred something deep inside her.

For the first time in a long while, Nia felt like she was healing. She hadn’t been able to speak to him before, nor had she

wanted

to, but now she couldn’t stop. She was excited, hopeful.

As her mind wandered through the events of the day, sleep finally claimed her, and for the first night since arriving at the palace, she didn’t have a nightmare. The weight on her chest eased as she drifted into a dreamless, peaceful slumber.
 
The sound of the door hissing open the next morning stirred her from her sleep. Nia groaned, burrowing deeper under the warm blankets as the sunlight streamed through the open windows.

The desert air had cooled considerably in the night, and though the absence of glass in the windows was a constant reminder of Tatooine’s harsh environment, the blankets were a welcome comfort.

“

Nia, time to get up”

Fennec’s voice called from the doorway, accompanied by the soft rustle of fabric as she pushed the airy drapes aside, letting in the bright, harsh light of the morning. The sunlight hit Nia’s face, and she groaned, pulling the blanket over her head.

“

Or did you forget you’re meeting Boba and

Jasper

today…”
Fennec added, her tone amused.

That immediately snapped Nia to attention. Her heart gave a little leap, and before she knew it, she was sitting up, wide-eyed and suddenly awake.

Fennec’s laugh was light and teasing. “

Seems like someone’s looking forward to it”

she quipped, her smirk evident even in her voice. “

So…you’re coming around to our Daimyo now are you? Seems like you were getting along well last night…”

Nia’s cheeks flushed bright red at the suggestion. “
W-what?”
she stammered, her gaze dropping to her lap in embarrassment. “

No! I mean—”

She fumbled for words, then sighed in exasperation. “

Just… get out so I can change!

” she said, clearly flustered.

Fennec chuckled softly, clearly enjoying teasing her. “

Sure thing, kid. Just don’t keep Boba waiting too long

”. She gave Nia a wink before turning to leave the room.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, Nia let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.

Her heart was racing again, but this time it wasn’t from fear. It was from anticipation.

With a quiet, determined smile, she scrambled to get dressed, the thought of seeing Boba and Jasper making her pulse quicken. Today, things were going to be different.
 
Boba stood just outside the palace, with Jasper on a chain beside him.

The massive creature snorted and shifted on its feet, its large eyes scanning the horizon. Boba’s fingers gently brushed along the rancor’s thick hide, though his mind was on other things—specifically, the quiet excitement of the day ahead.

He was still somewhat in disbelief that Nia had asked to join him and Jasper for a ride. There was a part of him that felt like he was walking on thin ice, unsure of where they stood, but he hoped this time together would bring them closer.

From behind him, he heard the familiar sound of Fennec’s footsteps approaching. He turned and nodded in acknowledgment as she drew near.

“

Nia’s getting dressed

” Fennec said casually, crossing her arms over her chest.

“

Thanks

” Boba replied, his eyes briefly flicking back to the giant creature at his side.

Fennec stood there for a moment, seeming hesitant to leave. Boba, ever perceptive, glanced at her, noticing her quiet stance.

“
What’s on your mind?”
he asked, tilting his head slightly.

Fennec hesitated but then spoke, her tone serious. “

Don’t push too hard with her, Boba. Nia seems open to spending time with you alone, but just… don’t push your luck”.

Boba nodded slowly, understanding the advice. He knew that he had to tread carefully with Nia. It wasn’t like with the others—she had her own pace, and he had to respect that.

“

I hear you

” he said, his voice calm but laced with determination. “

I won’t push her”.

Fennec gave a small, almost knowing smile, but then her expression turned teasing.
“It’s very romantic, you know”
she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. “

Taking a young woman like Nia out…for a ride on your rancor”.

The sexual implication hit Boba like a blaster shot. His face flushed instantly, and he quickly looked away, a rare moment of fluster overtaking him. Fennec’s amused chuckle only added to his discomfort, and he shot her a glare, which only made her laugh harder.

“

It’s not like that

” Boba muttered, gritting his teeth slightly as he tried to brush off her comment.

Fennec only hummed in amusement, clearly not convinced. “

Sure, Boss”

she said, her tone full of playful disbelief. “

Whatever you say”.

Before she could continue teasing, the sound of quick footsteps drew their attention.
Boba turned, his heart skipping slightly as Nia came into view. She walked with a quiet confidence, her eyes catching Boba’s as she approached. The shy smile she gave him made his chest tighten in a way he couldn’t fully explain.

He took in the sight of her. She was wearing a white flowing dress. The neckline was halter-style, showcasing her shoulders and collarbone. A thin silver chain wrapped around her dainty neck to hold the material up over her chest.

Her sleeves were attached with matching silver armbands that adorned her upper arms, sitting just above her elbows. The material underneath flowed from the cuffs, downwards, becoming more layered as they attached to the bottom of the dress.

“
Is it still okay if I come along?”
Nia asked softly, her voice carrying just enough uncertainty to reveal her nerves.

She stopped next to Jasper, her hand reaching out to pet the rancor’s hide, her fingers grazing gently over his warm skin.

Her hair was in a long braid that hung down to her waist and it allowed Boba to catch sight of the back of her neck.

The rear of the gown was just as dainty as the front, detailing in the same slight sheen and texture while revealing a low, open back. The same long, flowing sleeves attached at the forearms by the metal bands, were also present here as well.
Boba could see a bow detail just below the open section of her back, adding a touch of elegance.
Boba stood quietly for a moment, his eyes drawn to Nia as she stood next to Jasper, gently petting the rancor’s large, textured hide.

The sight of her in that delicate white gown was striking, the soft fabric almost ethereal against her pale skin. She moved with a grace that seemed at odds with the tough surroundings of the palace, as if the gown were made for a world far removed from this one. The gown hugged her frame gently, the flowing fabric catching the light in a way that made her appear almost heavenly.

He noted she was wearing sandals. This almost seemed an odd sight as she had a habit of being barefoot. He had realised it was almost like her trademark. She probably didn’t want to burn the skin off her feet from the scorching sand.

As he observed her, Boba’s gaze drifted to her back again, noticing the faint but unmistakable scars that marred her skin.

He knew where they came from—brutal reminders of her recent past with the Empire. They were not prominent, but they were there, subtle yet haunting.

Despite the scars, her skin appeared soft, unmarred by the heavy bruising that had once been so prevalent. Time had healed those wounds, but there were still traces of the pain she had endured.

He couldn’t
stop
staring. There was something about her quiet strength, her vulnerability wrapped in that beautiful, fragile exterior, that left him mesmerised.

For all the battles he’d fought, the wars he’d waged, the scars he carried, there was something raw and real about Nia that pulled him in like nothing else. He had been able to see her as a survivor, but now, in this moment, she felt like something to be protected—a delicate flower in the storm of their world.

Then, he caught her looking back at him. Her gaze met his, and for the briefest moment, their eyes locked.

There was a hint of surprise in her expression, as if she hadn’t expected him to be staring so intently. She quickly glanced at Fennec, and Boba realised that she might have felt self-conscious, unsure of his attention.

Fennec, ever observant, cleared her throat with a knowing smirk. It was enough to break the tension, and Boba’s gaze quickly flickered away.

He shifted slightly, a subtle reminder that his gaze couldn’t afford to linger too long. His cheeks flushed slightly, a rare crack in his otherwise stoic demeanour. He wasn’t used to being caught off guard like that, especially not by someone like Nia.

Fennec’s knowing glance told him she was aware of the effect Nia had on him, but Boba said nothing, his attention returning to the moment at hand.

“

Of course it is”

he replied to her earlier question, his voice steady but warm. “

You’re more than welcome”.

She smiled at him and continued to pet Jasper. Boba watched her closely, his expression softening. She was still so cautious, but there was a spark in her eyes, something he hadn’t seen before—a flicker of trust. His heart swelled slightly.

Nia turned her gaze back to him and smiled again shyly, and Boba couldn’t help but return her smile, his usual guarded manner slipping away in her presence.

Fennec, seeing the exchange, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her gaze shifting between them before she slowly backed away, giving them space.

As Nia continued to pet Jasper, her eyes flickered to Boba, searching his face for some kind of reassurance. He gave a subtle nod, his expression open and patient. And as he watched her—this young woman who had been through so much and yet, was slowly allowing him in—he felt a deep sense of gratitude.

Today would be a new step forward, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like it might be the right one.

Nia’s voice was soft, almost hesitant as she asked, “

How do we get up onto Jasper?

”

She stood near the rancor, her fingers still brushing his large hide, but her gaze now flickered between Boba and the massive creature, uncertainty creeping in.

Boba, already fully clad in his armour, glanced over at her and gave a small nod. “

I’ll jet pack us both up

” he said, his voice calm and steady. He picked his helmet up from the sand, sliding it into place with a practiced motion, and readied the jetpack on his back.

As the helmet settled over his head, Nia’s expression changed. Her eyes widened slightly, and she recoiled just enough for Boba to notice.

The clunk of the armour, the imposing presence it gave him, reminded her of the stormtroopers—the cold, faceless soldiers who had once hurt her.

Boba paused, immediately sensing the shift in her behaviour. His brows furrowed in concern. He slowly removed his helmet, the weight of it momentarily hanging in his hand as he looked at her, his eyes soft beneath the visor.

“

Did I scare you?

” he asked gently, his tone full of genuine care.

Nia faltered, caught off guard by his reaction. She felt her face flush with embarrassment.

Mentally, she reminded herself that Boba wouldn’t hurt her—that he was different from the soldiers who had done so much damage. The thought was there, but the memories were still fresh, and the instinctual fear was difficult to shake.

She took a deep breath, then offered a small, reassuring smile and held out her hand. “

I’m fine

” she said, her voice quieter now, but steady.

Boba hesitated, his gaze searching her face. He could tell how hard this was for her. He reached out and took her hand.

When she didn’t pull away, he nodded, understanding. Slowly, he placed his helmet back on, sealing the moment of uncertainty between them.

“
Alright, let’s go”
Boba murmured, stepping toward her and pulling her close.

Nia froze when he wrapped his arms around her, her body stiffening with the proximity, the anxiety of being held so closely by him. But before she could pull away or say anything, Boba spoke again, his tone firm but reassuring. “

Hold on to me
”.

Without another word, he pressed a button on his vambrace, and suddenly, they shot upward into the air.

Nia let out a surprised squeak as the world around them blurred for a brief moment, her body pressed against his, but the jolt was quick, and before she could even process it, they landed lightly on the back of Jasper.

Boba eased them both into the saddle, adjusting their positions so they were secure.

He released his hold on her, his hands brushing against her arms for just a moment as he moved to sit in front of her.

“

You okay?

” he asked softly.

Nia took a moment to catch her breath, the adrenaline still coursing through her. She nodded quickly, a small but genuine smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “

Yeah, I’m fine”.

Boba nodded, his own relief barely noticeable under the helmet. “
Good”.

But then he gave her a more serious look, one she wouldn’t even be able to see under the helmet. “

Now, hold on to me
”.

Nia hesitated for a second, unsure, but hearing the quiet assurance in his voice, she gently wrapped her arms around his waist. It was a tentative move, as if she were still testing her boundaries, but it was enough for Boba to sense her growing trust in him.

With a final glance behind him, Boba gave the command to Jasper. The rancor surged forward at a fast pace, his large body effortlessly thundering through the desert.

The wind whipped through Nia’s braided hair, and for the first time since coming to the palace, she felt something else—something she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in so long. Pure exhilaration.

The rush of the ride, the way the landscape stretched out around them, made her feel alive in a way that was both thrilling and liberating.

She tightened her grip around Boba’s waist, a mixture of excitement and fear still swirling within her, but the fear was softer now, easier to breathe through. With every second, she was learning to trust, learning to let go of the past.

And for Boba, the feeling was indescribable—his heart beating just a little faster as they raced across the desert, their fates intertwined in a way neither of them could deny.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 11

Jasper let out a loud, enthusiastic roar as he thundered through the desert, his deep voice echoing off the dunes.

Nia couldn’t contain her laughter at the sound, her joy rippling through the air. “
He feels so free!”
She said, her voice louder than normal, trying to compete with the wind.

The sound of her laughter felt like music to Boba’s ears, and he tilted his helmet slightly to the side, though he couldn’t see her from behind. All he could see was wisps of her copper hair whipping around, caught by the wind.
For a moment, Boba simply rode, letting Jasper stretch his legs, his own mind drifting as he felt the energy of the ride.
After a while, though, Boba slowed Jasper down to a more moderate pace, the thundering speed replaced with a more leisurely stroll through the sand.

“

You okay?

” Boba asked, his voice gentle under the weight of the helmet.

Nia’s smile was wide, though her hold on him tightened slightly, the contact enough that it almost felt like a hug.

For a moment, Boba wasn’t sure, but then he heard her respond, her voice light and clear, “

I’m fine”.

Boba chuckled softly, his tone quiet and warm beneath his helmet. “

You sure? You don’t have to hold on that tight”.

She didn’t reply immediately, but the smile still lingered in her voice. “

I want to…”

she said. His stomach flipped at her honesty. The wind continued to blow, and Boba felt a peaceful sense of connection between them.

“

So… where are we going?

” Nia asked after a moment, her curiosity piqued.

Boba’s voice was steady, like he had been waiting for this question. “

I know a nice spot. A quiet place for a picnic”.

Nia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “

A picnic?”

Boba’s voice took on a teasing note as he glanced over his shoulder toward her, though all he could still see was her bright hair and the hint of her expression. “

Are you hungry?”

“

I am

” Nia responded, her voice light with anticipation, and Boba felt a small warmth spread in his chest at her eagerness.

As they continued their ride, the desert stretched on, the endless dunes giving way to a small, shaded oasis. In the distance, a lone desert tree stood tall with thick branches, casting a welcome shadow over the sand. Its shade was cool and inviting, offering respite from the scorching sun.

Boba steered Jasper toward the tree, pulling him to a gentle stop underneath its boughs. Dismounting swiftly, Boba turned and held his arms out to Nia, a steady, strong presence beneath his gestures.

Nia hesitated for a heartbeat, unsure. Noticing her hesitation, he removed his helmet, revealing his soft expression, his eyes gentle and open—free of the intimidating weight of his armour.

The sight softened her tension, and she slowly slid off of Jasper, moving toward him.

Boba’s arms wrapped around her waist, steady and strong, catching her easily. She was light in his grip, and he adjusted his hold so she could regain her footing. The moment was brief but intimate, and Nia felt a fleeting sense of warmth in his touch.

His gloved fingers lingered just a bit too long at her waist, and Nia couldn’t help but feel a small flutter in her chest.

She gently pulled away, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, just… real. Boba cleared his throat, his gaze shifting as if to give her space.

He looked toward Jasper, who was quietly observing them from the side, his massive eyes focused intently on Boba.

For a split second, Boba almost swore he saw amusement in the rancor’s gaze. If he didn’t know any better, he would think Jasper was giving him a humorous disapproving look. Boba chuckled under his breath, shaking off the moment, and turned to grab the picnic basket attached to the saddle.

Boba pulled out a soft blanket made of bantha fur, the fibers plush and comforting against the harsh desert environment. He spread the blanket carefully on the ground beneath the tree, and Nia lowered herself onto it, sitting with her legs beneath her, a smile of contentment as she looked up at the sky.

Boba sat down beside her, his armour creaking lightly as he settled. He was quieter now, more at ease than he had been before, and the gentle breeze through the trees seemed to settle the air between them. For once, the tension that had built up between them felt like it had dissipated, replaced with something lighter, something more natural.

As they both sat in the shade, the desert sun no longer seemed so oppressive, and the silence between them felt comfortable, a kind of peace settling over both of them.

Boba couldn’t help but steal glances at Nia every so often, still a little amazed at how much she had opened up.

“

It’s so hot”

Nia mumbled, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face.

“

You do not like the heat?

” He asked as he starts to remove pieces of his armour.

“

No…I much prefer a cold climate. My body temperature is always so warm, so it’s nice to counter that with the cold. I long for the winter on my home planet”

she says.

Boba’s gaze flicked over her, noticing the beginning signs of sunburn on her face and shoulders. The heat had been relentless during the ride, and the pinkish tint on her skin was a clear sign she hadn’t been used to the desert sun. Her normal freckles now were darker and dotted her face and the exposed parts of her arms where the sun had beaten down on them.

He cursed himself quietly. He should have warned her, made sure she covered up before they left.

‘

She must not be used to this kind of heat

’ he thought.

“

You’re starting to get some sunburn

” he said gently, his voice apologetic. “

This heat can be unforgiving”.

She glanced down at her shoulders, where the skin had already begun to redden. “

I didn’t realise how hot it could be here

” she confessed. “

On my planet, we only have one sun. It’s not like this

”. She looked up at him and offered a small, appreciative smile. “

But it’s my fault… I should have been more careful”.

Boba nodded, his voice soft with concern. “

I should’ve warned you. You can use my cape to cover your shoulders on the way back. I’m sure it’ll help”.

Nia smiled at him again, the warmth of gratitude in her expression. “

Thank you, Boba. That would be nice”.

He smiled back at hearing his name on her tongue. He began to open the picnic basket with a practiced ease, pulling out an assortment of local finger foods—small, colourful treats that were native to Tatooine. They were each unique in shape, texture, and smell, and he noticed Nia looking at them with curiosity.

“
These are some of the local delicacies”
he explained as he arranged them on a small plate. “

This one’s made from a desert fruit, and this is a kind of flatbread. These…

” he said, holding up a few small, fried bites, “

are stuffed with spiced meat. They’re a favourite around here”.

Nia hummed in interest, leaning forward a little to take a better look at the spread. The slight smile on her face made Boba feel oddly pleased.

“

Do
you
like them?

” She asks, nodding to the fried meat.

He noted how well spoken she was. She was clearly educated and very well mannered, especially since he was the planet’s Daimyo. He was basically royalty.

“I do. I think you may too
” he says as he plated the food.

He decided to ask her something that had been on his mind. “

Have you ever been to another planet?”

Nia’s hands paused, her fingers brushing the edges of the plate. She looked down at the food before her, her voice soft and thoughtful. “

No

” she answered quietly. “

My parents… they kept me sheltered in our hometown my whole life. Because of my gifts. They were too scared to let me venture further than the town centre”.

Boba frowned slightly “

What do you mean they kept you sheltered?”

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze turning inward as she thought about it. “

I showed sighs of “force sensitivity” as you called it, when I was little”

She paused. “

I don’t remember much of my life back then, I was very young”.

She paused to place a piece of fried meat into her mouth. She chewed and swallowed, savouring the taste.

“But I do remember my parents being scared. My older brother once told me that a man came to my parents and offered to take me away to teach me how to control them. But my parents said no and sent him away. When I asked them about it, they got mad and told my brother off for telling me. They never spoke of it again after that”.

She contemplates as she pops another piece of meat in her mouth.
“They took me to a special doctor though. He told them that if I did not learn to control my abilities, they would eventually fade…but they didn’t”
.

She stops and her bottom lips begins to tremble. The sand around the blanket begins to shift with her mood.

Boba hesitantly brushes her shoulder in comfort hoping not to upset her even more.

She looks at him and smiles appreciatively. He relaxes.

She continues “

After realising my gifts wouldn’t fade, my parents would drum it into me that I had to hide my gifts. Hold it all in. And it would work most of the time. But when I got upset or emotional, I couldn’t control it…like you saw in my chambers when I was having a nightmare. I can’t hold them in when I’m emotional…it hurts too much”.

Her words left a heaviness in the air, but she seemed to let the silence settle naturally.

He shifted on the blanket. The power she wielded was rare, and it wasn’t something easily understood by others. The Force. It wasn’t something he had lots of experience with, but he had seen enough to recognise the signs. Especially when it came to the Jedi.

The thought of it made him uneasy, the memory of the Mace Windu, Jedi who murdered his father, but he was careful not to show it.

He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for her—growing up on a planet where her abilities were feared and hidden. People feared what they didn’t understand, and he could only guess how much isolation that had caused her.

After a moment, she continued, her voice wistful, “

I always wanted to travel the stars, though. See other places. But… I never could”.

Boba’s eyes softened as he listened. The weight of her words settled in him, and for a moment, he almost regretted the past life he had lived—one filled with danger and darkness, leaving him no room to dream of such things.
Nia sat back taking in the sight of the tranquil setting.

“Everything is so foreign to me here. Even all the different species I’ve seen on this planet so far”.

She continued, her voice quieter this time, tinged with the weight of the truth.
“My planet… it’s primarily just humans. I’m not used to seeing so many different species”.
She paused and Boba nodded in understanding.

She continues:
“We have a declaration that protects the authenticity and purity of the human species. It’s written into our laws. Certain species are allowed to visit for work, like a sort of…visa, but mostly, it’s just humans, and that’s it. There’s this whole system of exclusion, a belief that the presence of other life forms threatens the ‘purity’ of the planet”.

The words hung in the air between them, her heart heavy with the shame of them. She had never truly agreed with the policies of her home world, but it was the world she was raised in. It was all she knew.

Boba said nothing for a long moment, his gaze distant, perhaps understanding more than she realised. She couldn’t be sure if he was judging her or just absorbing what she said. Eventually, she took a deep breath and continued.

“That’s one of the main reasons for the civil war. That, and the greed for the planet’s resources. Half of the planet’s population doesn’t agree with the discrimination. They want the planet to grow, to expand, to accept others. The other half… they want to keep it closed off, to maintain the status quo”.
There was sadness in her voice as she spoke about the divide, the hopelessness she felt. The war had torn families apart, including hers.
“What do you believe?” He asks softly.

She smiles. “

Everyone should be welcome. I hate the discrimination”.

Boba nodded in approval but said no more.

Nia, wanting to change the subject, said: “

Fennec told me you’ve traveled all over the galaxy

” she added, her voice a little more curious now.

Boba gave a slight nod. “

That’s right. I’ve been to a lot of places”.

She looked at him, intrigued, then asked quietly, “

What did you do? Where did you go?”

Boba hesitated for a moment, the question pulling him back to a past he wasn’t sure he wanted to revisit. But he saw the curiosity in her eyes and decided to answer.

“

I was a bounty hunter

” he said simply, his tone neutral, though his chest tightened a little at the memories.

Her response was soft, without judgment, and she gave him a nod. “

Oh

” she said, her voice almost quiet. “
I see”.

There was a brief pause as they both processed the exchange. Nia didn’t seem put off by his past at all; she simply accepted it. But Boba could tell she was trying to understand, and that understanding was something he hadn’t often experienced.

“

I’m not judging you

” she added after a beat, her voice sincere. “

I just… wanted to know more about you”.

Boba met her gaze, his heart unexpectedly warming at her words. He smiled softly, the tension in his body easing slightly.
“

I appreciate that

” he said, his voice low but warm. “

It’s just… a different life now. I’m glad it’s not my life anymore”.

For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence, eating and basking in the peace.

As they sat together under the shade of the desert tree, Nia glanced at Boba, her brow furrowing slightly in curiosity. “

Is that why you wear the armour? Because you were a bounty hunter?

” she asked softly, her gaze flicking over the worn beskar plates, now discarded on the blanket.

Boba’s heart clenched at her question, the weight of memory pressing down on him.

He exhaled slowly, his expression hardening for a moment before softening as he looked at her. “
No, although it helped”
he said after a moment. “

It was my father’s armour. He was a Mandalorian foundling. It was a gift to him from their people”.

Nia’s eyes widened, and she tilted her head slightly in awe. “

Your father was a Mandalorian? That’s incredible”.

Her admiration was genuine, and for a moment, it soothed the ache in Boba’s chest. “

My father used to tell me bedtime stories about them. How brave they are, how noble”

she beamed at him.

He found himself getting lost in her smile.

But then she asked the question he had dreaded. “

Where is your father now?”

Boba’s gaze dropped to the ground, his fingers tightening slightly around the edge of the blanket. “

He was murdered. By a Jedi”.

Nia blinked in surprise. “

A Jedi?

” she repeated, unfamiliar with the word. “

What’s that?”

Her ignorance startled him, and he tilted his head, searching her face for any sign she was joking. But she wasn’t.

“

The Jedi”

he began slowly, “

were a race of Force-sensitive beings. Warriors, peacekeepers… or so they claimed. They wielded lightsabers and followed their code of honour. But they weren’t as noble as they liked to believe”.

Nia’s lips parted in awe. “

The man who came to my parents… he wanted to take me away and train me. Do you think he was a Jedi?”

Boba nodded grimly. “

Without a doubt. If he recognised your abilities, he likely wanted to make you one of them”.

She hesitated, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her gown. “

So… I could have been a Jedi?”

Boba let out a low chuckle, though there was bitterness in it. “

Maybe

” he said.

But then, noticing her sharp gaze, he saw she had caught the disdain in his voice.

‘

Maybe even from his energy?

’ He thinks.

“

You don’t like them

” she stated softly, tilting her head as she studied him. She was far too perceptive than he was comfortable with.

Boba’s jaw clenched slightly. “

No. Jedi are the reason for all my misfortunes

” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “

They took my father from me. They think they’re better than everyone else, but they leave chaos and suffering in their wake”.

Nia grew quiet, her thoughts swirling. Then, almost nervously, she asked, “

Do I… remind you of them?”

Boba frowned and quickly shook his head. “

No

” he said firmly. “

You’re not a Jedi. Jedi… it’s a religion, a way of life. You may share some of their abilities, but you’re nothing like them”.

Her posture eased at his reassurance, and she offered him a tentative smile. “

Good

” she murmured. “

I don’t want to remind you of them”.

For a moment, there was silence between them, but then she perked up slightly. “
If I’m not a Jedi, does that mean you can train me?”
she asked hopefully, her gaze lighting up.

Boba smirked faintly, shaking his head. “

No

” he said. “

I’m not Force-sensitive. I wouldn’t know where to begin”.

Nia’s smile faded slightly, but her curiosity remained. “

So… where are all the Jedi now? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone else who can do what I do”.

“
They were slaughtered. Which is why I find it unusual a Jedi would come so openly to ask your parents to train you. They are all but extinct. I expect that’s why the Imperials took you”
Boba said bluntly.

She flinched at the memory.

“

Sorry

” he mutters at seeing her unease

She grew silent for a bit. “

Who slaughtered them?”

She was worried that bounty hunters slaughtered them and that meant it could have been Boba.

“

They were hunted down by Vader and his Empire. Only a few survived”.

At the mention of Vader, Nia shivered visibly, her eyes darting away. Boba noticed the reaction immediately, his brows drawing together. “

You’ve heard of him, then”.

She nodded, her voice low. “

Only in school

” she admitted. “

When we learned the history of the Empire. I’m glad he’s gone now…he did terrible things”.

Boba nodded slowly, watching her closely. He didn’t press her further, but he noted the unease in her posture. Vader’s shadow had loomed large over the galaxy, and it seemed even the mere mention of his name carried weight.

As Nia’s gaze flicked between the remnants of the meal and the open desert around them, her voice broke the comfortable silence. “

If my parents had sent me away with that Jedi… would I have been slaughtered like the others?”

Boba stilled at her question, his mind briefly flashing back to his own encounters with the Jedi and the horrors of Order 66.

He looked at her thoughtfully before asking, “

How old are you?”

“

Twenty-eight standard years

” she replied softly, her fingers absently brushing a stray crumb from her gown.

Boba couldn’t stop the realisation from sinking in—she was over fifteen years younger than him. It left him feeling a strange discomfort, a quiet unease at the way he’d begun to notice her more. He pushed the thought aside quickly, focusing on her question.

“

You wouldn’t have been born yet

” he explained. “

Order 66 happened decades ago, before the fall of the Republic. The Jedi were wiped out long before you came into the galaxy”.

“

Order 66?

” Nia asked, her head tilting slightly. “
What’s that?”

Boba laughed, a deep and gravelly sound, surprising her with the rare display of humour. “

Your school taught you about Vader but not Order 66 and the Jedi?”

She blinked, her face flushed slightly from embarrassment. “

They didn’t go into much detail about anything before the Empire. It was all about the New Republic and Imperial rule

” she admitted. Then, her curiosity peaked again. “

Wait… was Vader a Jedi?”

Boba leaned back, smirking faintly at her relentless curiosity. “

He was. Once. But he turned Sith”.

“

What’s a Sith?

” she asked immediately, leaning forward slightly.

His smirk grew into a chuckle. “

You’re full of questions, aren’t you Princess?”

Nia’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red at the nickname he gave her. Warmth spread through her as he smiled at her and she realised how persistent her questions were.

She leaned back, brushing her hair behind her ear. “

Sorry

” she mumbled shyly.

He shook his head, his expression softening. “

No need to apologise. But that’s a lesson for another time

” he teased lightly, standing and offering her his hand to help her up.

Nia glanced at him, still clearly full of questions, but nodded and took his hand.

As he pulled her to her feet, he noticed the deep dusting of freckles across her sunburned cheeks and couldn’t help but smile faintly.

For now, her questions could wait.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 12
As they made their way back to the palace atop Jasper, Boba deliberately kept their pace slow. The lumbering gait of the rancor stretched the journey out, allowing the stillness of the desert to envelop them.
He told himself it was because she seemed to enjoy the vast openness of the dunes, the way the golden sand shimmered under the twin suns. But deep down, he knew the truth—he didn’t want to let her go just yet.

Nia had draped his cape over her head and shoulders like a shawl, shielding her from the relentless sun. She adjusted it carefully, noting the faint scent clinging to the fabric. It was subtle but distinct—a mix of spice and musky wood. It was comforting in a way she hadn’t expected.

She liked it.

She found herself holding him a little tighter around the waist, even though Jasper’s current pace didn’t warrant such a firm grip.
Boba noticed the shift and tilted his helmeted head slightly. His modulated voice cut through the desert air. “ Are you still afraid of me?” “ No ” she said softly, her voice barely audible over the crunch of Jasper’s heavy steps on the sand.He hesitated before asking, “ Why were you afraid of me before?” Nia faltered, her arms loosening slightly. “ You…reminded me of the bad men who hurt me ” she admitted, her tone tentative, as though she feared his reaction. “ Your armour… it made it worse ”. She paused, then quickly added, “ But I know now you won’t hurt me. I feel safe with you”. Boba’s jaw tightened beneath his helmet, but he kept his voice steady. “ I won’t let anyone hurt you” he said firmly.Moved by his words, she rested her cheek gently against his jet pack and hugged him tighter. The cool metal soothed her sunburnt skin as she whispered, “ Thank you ”. After a long moment of silence, Nia spoke again, her voice quiet but filled with curiosity. “ Drash told me you saw me in your dreams”.
Boba stiffened at the memory. The haunting visions that had plagued his nights returned vividly to his mind.
For a moment, he considered dismissing her question, but he answered anyway, his voice carefully measured. “ I saw what they were doing to you ” he admitted. “ At first, I thought it was just a nightmare. But it kept happening, and I realised it had to be real. I felt your pain, your fear…” Nia froze behind him, her breath hitching. “ What did you see? ” she asked, her voice trembling.
Boba’s grip on the reins tightened. He didn’t want to elaborate—it wasn’t something he ever wanted to relive, and he couldn’t bear the thought of her revisiting it either.
“ All of it ” he finally said, his voice low and heavy with meaning.
The weight of his words seemed to crush her, and he could feel her breathing become uneven.

A sob escaped her, and soon another followed. Boba reached a hand down to hold hers around his waist instinctively, offering what comfort he could. She grasped his hand tightly, her fingers curling around his gloved ones, her silent gratitude speaking volumes.

Her sobs eventually quieted as they neared the palace gates. The twin suns had begun their descent, casting the desert in hues of orange and pink.

Boba dismounted smoothly, his movements practiced and fluid. He removed his helmet and turned. He held his arms out to her.

She hesitated briefly, then slid off Jasper’s back, allowing herself to fall into his strong grip.

Her feet touched the ground, but Boba’s hands lingered briefly on her waist to steady her. She glanced up at him, noting the concern in his expression even through the exhaustion lining his features. It wasn’t until she turned to take in the setting suns that she realised how long they’d been out.

Time had slipped away.

Boba gestured for his Gamorrean guards to take Jasper back to his enclosure, and the massive rancor obediently followed with a contented rumble.

Turning his attention to Nia, he noticed her shifting uncomfortably, her movements betraying the sting of her sunburn. He hesitated, unsure if he should speak, but her pained expression pushed him to ask.
“ You’re burned” he said, his voice softer than usual. “ I… I have some cream that might help”. She looked at him, considering the offer. “ Really?” she asked.He nodded. “ It’s in my chambers ”. He hesitated again, worried she might misinterpret his intentions. “ We can go grab it… if you want?” Nia appeared unsure, her hands fidgeting with his cape still draped over her shoulders. After a moment, she nodded. “ Okay. Thank you”.
Relieved, Boba turned and led her through the corridors to his chambers.
 
As they stepped inside, she glanced around curiously, taking in the space. The room was similar to hers in its opulence—thick, luxurious drapes, polished stone walls, and a massive bed fit for royalty. Fit for a king, she thought. And he was one.
Boba moved to the bedside table and retrieved a jar of cream, handing it to her. “ Here. I’m supposed to use it for my scars—morning and night—but…I’ve been neglecting it”. She gently removed his cape and handed it to him. She took the jar, her brow furrowing in disapproval. “ You should take care of yourself ” she said softly.
Opening the jar, she dipped her fingers in, the rich scent wafting up as she began to apply it to her sunburned skin. She smoothed the cream over her arms, her fingers working with delicate precision. Then she moved to her shoulders, face, and neck, rubbing it in gently.
Boba found himself rooted to the spot, watching her every movement. Her hands glided over her soft skin, leaving a faint sheen behind. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.
Something about the simplicity of the moment—her focus, her movements, her soft hum of approval at the cream’s cooling effect—stirred arousal.
‘Pull yourself together’ he scolded himself. ‘ Dirty old man’.
She finished and handed the jar back to him, blissfully unaware of his internal struggle. He placed it back in the drawer with more force than necessary, desperate to focus on something else.
Clearing his throat, he said, “ Do you want to go down to the throne room? See where everyone else is?” She smiled faintly. “ Sure ”.Boba nodded and led her back through the halls, his thoughts racing as he reminded himself to keep his distance—for now. *********************************
It had just been over 3 months since Nia had come to Boba’s palace, and every day he marveled at her progress. The fragile, broken girl they had rescued was no more.

Now, she was strong, confident, and had developed a sharp wit that could rival Fennec’s. And Boba loved it.

She was endlessly curious, always asking questions, and—much to his delight—she seemed to trail after him wherever he went, like a shadow. He found himself looking forward to her presence, her voice, her endless energy.

Today, he sat on his throne, absentmindedly listening to a report from Fennec. The room was quiet, the usual hum of activity muted in the midday heat.

Then she entered, her presence lighting up the space. No longer hesitant around him, Nia smiled and crossed the room, perching on the arm of his throne.

Boba paused, feeling her warmth so close to him. His instinct was to pull her into his lap, to hold her there as naturally as if she had always belonged by his side.

But he fought the urge. As much as she had grown comfortable with him, he wasn’t sure how she would react to something so bold. She might not like it.

She turned to face him, her expression contemplative, as if a question was brewing.
He smirked, rolling his eyes slightly. “ Out with it ” he said. “ What is it you want to say?” She grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. “ Can I go into town with Drash? I want to see the city”. The smile faded from his face. “ No ” he said firmly.Her shoulders slumped, disappointment written all over her face. “ Why not?” He leaned forward, his voice gentle but unwavering. “ The Imperials are still out there, Nia. They haven’t stopped looking for you”. She pouted, crossing her arms like a petulant child. “ But I’ve been stuck in the palace for ages! I’ll stay with Drash, and I won’t draw attention to myself, I promise”.Boba’s lips twitched, torn between frustration and amusement. He rubbed his temple before finally relenting. “ Fine. But Krrsantan goes with you”.
The squeal she let out startled him, and before he could react, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, her weight settling against him as she practically sat in his lap.

His arms moved instinctively, returning the embrace. For a moment, everything else faded away—her warmth, her joy, the way she trusted him completely.

He caught sight of Fennec watching from across the room, her eyebrows raised in amusement.
Nia pulled away just too soon for his liking, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “ Thank you, Boba! ” she exclaimed, dashing off to find Drash.
He leaned back in his throne, shaking his head with a faint smile as he watched her disappear through the door.
Fennec approached, her stride casual but her smirk anything but. “ She seems quite taken with you ” she said.Boba waved her off, trying to appear indifferent. “ She’s young. She doesn’t know better”. “ Hmm ” Fennec mused, folding her arms. “ And yet, you let her trail after you everywhere. Almost like you’re… taken with her too”. Boba stiffened slightly but quickly composed himself. “ She’s under my protection ” he said. “ That’s all”. Fennec tilted her head, unconvinced. “ Is that why you allowed her to sit in your lap just now?” He frowned, brushing her off again, though the faintest hint of a blush tinged his cheeks. “I didn’t allow anything. It just… happened”. Fennec laughed softly, crossing her arms. “ Careful, Fett. She’s a lot younger than you”. “ So? She’s an adult ” he said, his tone defensive but hesitant.Fennec raised an eyebrow, her smile turning knowing. “ I’m just saying—tread carefully. Let it play out. You don’t want to rush something like this”.
Boba leaned back in his throne, his brow furrowed in thought. As much as he wanted to dismiss her words, he couldn’t deny their weight. Maybe Fennec was right. Maybe he needed to be patient, even if it was becoming increasingly difficult.
 
Nia returned to the throne room with Drash, both of them chatting animatedly as they waited for Krrsantan to join them.

Boba leaned back on his throne, arms crossed, watching the pair with quiet amusement. He caught snippets of their conversation as Drash brought up Boonta Eve.
“ You know” Drash said, smirking at Boba, “ the Daimyo here always throws the most amazing parties for Boonta Eve. You should see it, Nia. It’s a big deal”.
Nia’s curiosity was piqued, her eyes lighting up briefly before a shadow of worry crossed her face.
“ I don’t have anything to wear to something like that. All the clothes in my closet are amazing but I’m not sure they are right for a party… ” she mumbled, glancing down at her simple clothes.
Boba straightened, her words sparking an idea.

Rising from his throne, he walked over to the two women, holding out a credit stick. Nia looked up at him, confused.
“ What’s this for? ” she asked, tentatively taking it.He tilted his head, his voice firm but kind. “ Take it and buy whatever you like. As much as you like, Princess”. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly shook her head, holding the stick back to him. “ I can’t let you pay for my things, Boba. You’ve already done so much for me”. Boba chuckled, crossing his arms. “ Nia, I already pay for your things. Food, clothes, everything here. Just consider it part of that. And…I want to spoil you”. Her eyes narrowed, not convinced. “ Why?”
Boba hesitated, caught off guard by the question. His mouth opened, but no words came out for a moment.
Finally, he cleared his throat and defaulted to his authority. “ Because I’m the Daimyo ” he said, his tone serious. “ And I can do whatever I want”. Nia laughed, her giggles warm and soft. “ That’s not an answer”.Drash grinned, grabbing her friend’s arm. “ Don’t question it. Come on, Krrsantan’s waiting”. Before following Drash, Nia turned back to Boba, curiosity shining in her eyes. “ Thank you ” she said, stepping closer to him.
She wrapped her arms around him in another hug, this one lingering a moment longer than the last.

Boba’s hands hovered briefly before he returned the hug, his heart doing an odd little twist. As soon as she pulled away, Drash tugged her along, and Boba watched her disappear through the doorway.
Fennec, who had been standing nearby, tutted softly. “ You’ve got it bad ” she said with a smirk.Boba waved her off. “ Go away, Fennec”. She chuckled, moving closer instead of leaving. “ What are you hoping to accomplish, handing her your credit stick? Hm? Trying to buy her heart?” He glanced at her mischievously, his tone lighter than usual. “ The way to a woman’s heart is spoiling her with all the things she’s ever dreamt of buying”. Fennec snorted, folding her arms. “ That’s very narrow-minded of you, Daimyo. But I’ll admit, I’m a little jealous”. Boba let out a rare laugh, shaking his head. “ It’ll work. Just wait and see”. “You really think Nia can be bought with something as shallow as pretty things?” She asks in disbelief.“No…but it’ll get me on her radar…” he admitted.“You already are” Fennec said softly before walking away.
The thought of Nia’s excited smile made his stomach flip and he wondered what she might choose for herself. He found himself already eager for her return, his mind filled with the possibilities of how radiant she would look in whatever she picked.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 13

Krrsantan climbed off his speeder bike at the edge of Mos Espa town centre with his usual gruff demeanor, the ground crunching beneath his massive feet as he adjusted the strap of his blaster.

Behind him, Drash and Nia dismounted their shared speeder. Nia stumbled slightly as she landed, the loose sand shifting under her boots, but Drash steadied her with a hand on her arm.

Nia adjusted the lilac shawl wrapped securely around her shoulders and torso. The fabric protected her fair skin from the sun’s unrelenting heat and served as a makeshift disguise, concealing her figure and features in case Imperial eyes were lurking.

Despite the practicality of the shawl, its soft hue gave her an almost ethereal look against the harsh backdrop of the desert.

As she brushed sand from her boots, Nia turned to Drash with an eager smile. “

On the way back, can I drive?”

Drash arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “

Can you even drive a speeder?”

Nia hesitated, her lips pressing together as she avoided the other woman’s gaze. “

…No”.

Krrsantan, standing nearby, let out a low snort that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

Nia shot him a playful glare, narrowing her eyes. “

You can teach me. Both of you”.

Drash exchanged a glance with the towering Wookiee. Krrsantan tilted his head, growling something low and undecipherable to Nia, but Drash seemed to understand. She shrugged and nodded. “

Fine
”.

Nia beamed at their agreement, clasping her hands together in excitement. “

Thank you! I promise I’ll be careful”.

Krrsantan let out another grunt, clearly skeptical, but he didn’t object.

The group set off, with Nia walking between her two companions.
 
The bustling market square of Mos Espa sprawled out before Nia, alive with noise, colour, and motion.

For the first time since arriving on Tatooine, she was seeing an alien market in all its glory, and she was in awe.

Exotic scents wafted from food stalls, merchants called out their wares in various languages, and vibrant fabrics fluttered in the desert breeze.

Her lilac shawl offered her some anonymity, but the rich weave of it, along with her soft features, drew curious glances.
She wondered if all the clothes Boba had in his guest chambers were this extravagant. But she wasn’t complaining.

Krrsantan followed her like a shadow, his towering frame and menacing presence ensuring that no one got too close. His sharp eyes scanned the crowds, while Drash hung back slightly, more relaxed but still keeping a watchful eye on Nia.

Nia paused at a stall selling glistening jewellery, her fingers hovering over a delicate chain adorned with a bright turquoise stone.

The vendor, a green-skinned Rodian, greeted her warmly in a language she didn’t understand. She looked up, startled, fumbling for a response before glancing at Drash for help.

“

She’s shy”

Drash explained, stepping in smoothly and nodding at the vendor. The Rodian smiled and bowed slightly in understanding before turning back to his other customers.

Nia offered Drash an embarrassed smile. “

Thank you. I don’t even know where to start”.

“

Just follow your gut

” Drash replied, smirking. “

They all know me anyway, so they’ll cut you some slack”.

As they moved along, a display of flowing gowns caught Nia’s eye, and she wandered over, drawn by the vibrant fabrics.
A kindly old woman, her wrinkled face framed by a patterned scarf, stepped forward to greet her. The vendor’s sharp eyes seemed to take in Nia’s fair skin and delicate features instantly.
“
My lady”
the vendor began, gesturing toward a rack of flowing gowns, “

you would look radiant in these colours. Perhaps this soft gold? Or a deep crimson to bring out your lovely hair?”

Nia’s cheeks flushed as she giggled softly. “

My lady?

” she repeated, amused.

The vendor chuckled. “

Surely, you must be a noblewoman to wear such fine clothes

” she said, motioning to the lilac shawl wrapped around Nia. “And

only someone of great importance comes with a Wookiee guard”.

Drash smirked at the comment, while Krrsantan huffed quietly behind them.

Nia smiled shyly, running her fingers over the smooth fabric of a deep sapphire gown. Though the notion of being called “

my lady

” felt foreign, she couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy at the vendor’s flattery.

The vendor tilted her head and smiled knowingly. “

So, are you looking for something for a special occasion, or perhaps… a special someone?”

she asked, her tone full of implication.

Nia’s eyes widened, and she stuttered, “

Oh, no, it’s not—”

Drash smirked and cut in smoothly. “

She’s looking for something unique for the Daimyo’s Boonta Eve extravaganza”.

The vendor’s face lit up with delight. “

Ah, the Daimyo! Such a powerful man. Are the two of you courting?”

she asked, leaning closer with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Nia’s mouth fell open, and she quickly shook her head. “

No, we’re not—”

“

It’s still early

” Drash interrupted, her voice teasing as she raised an eyebrow at Nia.

The vendor clapped her hands excitedly and turned to gather armfuls of fabrics in vibrant colours.

As she bustled about, Nia grabbed Drash’s arm and pulled her to the side, her cheeks flushed.

“

What was

that

all about?

” Nia hissed under her breath.

Drash shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a sly grin on her face. Krrsantan, standing nearby, snorted in amusement, but Nia pointedly ignored him.

“

Seriously…

” Drash said, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “

It’s obvious how the boss looks at you. Haven’t you noticed?”

Nia’s blush deepened. She crossed her arms, suddenly unsure. “

I don’t know. I’m not… sure”.

Drash rolled her eyes. “

Oh, come on. I’ve seen the way

you

look at

him

too”.

Nia’s expression turned defensive, her voice a little higher than she meant it to be. “

I do

not

look at him like any way!
”

Before Drash could respond, the vendor swooped back in, her arms brimming with fabrics. “

Come, my lady! We must try these on!

” she exclaimed, pulling Nia toward a small changing stall draped in rich curtains.

Nia glared over her shoulder at Drash as she was dragged away. Drash smirked, raising her hands in mock innocence, while Krrsantan let out another low snort of laughter.
 
The vendor’s stall was a kaleidoscope of colours and textures. Nia found herself overwhelmed yet fascinated as the woman brought her an array of gowns to try.

She stepped into the small changing stall, pulling the curtain shut behind her, and began slipping into the first dress.

The first dress was a rich green hue, its fabric shimmering like water as it caught the light. The neckline was a soft scoop, and the silhouette was loose and flowing, cinched delicately at the waist with a thin golden cord.

Nia stepped out and twirled lightly, the hem billowing like a gentle wave.

Drash grinned. “
Very royal”
she said approvingly.

Krrsantan crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed.

Nia laughed and shook her head. “

It’s beautiful, but…not quite me”.

The next gown was a bold choice, deep crimson velvet with a plunging V-neckline and long, fitted sleeves.

It hugged her figure closely before flaring out at her knees in dramatic pleats.

Nia hesitated as she stepped out, unsure if the bold neckline was a good choice. She didn’t want to attract the wrong type of attention. Not so soon after her trauma.

Drash whistled. “

If you want to make the Daimyo

really

notice you, this is the one”.

Nia flushed. “
Too much”
she muttered, retreating back into the stall.

The third gown was soft and delicate, made of layers of cream sheer chiffon that gave it a dreamy, ethereal quality.

The high neckline was adorned with tiny pearl embellishments, and the empire waist gave the dress a flowing, angelic silhouette.

Nia spun gracefully, and the hem floated like a cloud around her ankles.

Drash clasped her hands. “

You look like a Princess!”

Nia smiled softly. “

It’s lovely, but… still not right”.

The next dress was elegant, with a high halter neckline and an open back that felt daring compared to the others. The black satin fabric clung to her body in a sleek, column-like silhouette.

As she walked out, Drash’s eyes widened. “

Now this… this is sophisticated”.

Nia felt powerful in the dress, but something still didn’t click. “

It’s close, but not quite what I’m looking for”.

The final gown was extravagant, made of shimmering layers of golden tulle that glistened under the sun. The sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice sparkled with tiny gemstones, and the full skirt was something out of a fairytale.

As Nia stepped out and twirled, the sunlight made her look like she was glowing.

“

That’s stunning

” Drash said, clearly enamored.

Nia smiled “

I know, I think this is the one!”

She grinned.
 
After trying on the gowns, Nia returned to her simple lilac shawl, the vendor bustling around packing away her chosen dress.

Nia found herself drawn to a set of delicate silver bangles displayed at the stall. The vendor wrapped them carefully as Nia handed over Boba’s credit stick.

Krrsantan gave a low grunt of relief that the fashion show was over.

With their purchase complete, they wished the vendor a good afternoon and headed further into the bustling market.
 
Nia let out a soft laugh as she sampled the juicy, sweet fruit offered by a vendor, its tangy taste a refreshing reprieve from the desert heat.

As she reached for another piece, Drash suddenly grabbed her arm, her mischievous grin wide enough to make Nia suspicious.

“
Come on”
Drash said, pulling her toward a narrow alleyway between two sandstone buildings.

“

What? Where are we going?

” Nia asked, stumbling to keep up.

“

You’ll see

” Drash said cryptically.

Krrsantan noticed the abrupt detour and growled low in warning, stepping forward to block their path.

“

Stay here and stand guard

” Drash said, waving him off. “

We’ll be fine”.

The Wookiee’s deep growl was full of doubt, but he complied, taking up position at the mouth of the alley as the girls disappeared into a low-lit shop.

The moment they entered, Nia’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of a boutique unlike anything she had seen before.

Lush fabrics in vivid colours were draped across displays, while shelves were lined with intricate lingerie, shimmering gowns, and an assortment of provocative items she didn’t recognise but could guess the use of.

Her face turned crimson. “

What… what is this place?”

she stammered.

Drash smirked and nudged her toward a rack of delicate lace bralettes. “

This, my friend, is where you get the real fun stuff. You need some sexy lingerie to go under that dress you’re going to wear to Boonta Eve”.

Nia froze, her cheeks burning even hotter. “

That is

not

going to happen”
she said firmly.

Drash raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “

Come on, you’re telling me you don’t want the boss to invite you up to his chambers after the party and wreck you in the best possible way?”

Nia’s breath caught in her throat, and she sputtered incoherently. “

I—I wouldn’t… I mean, I’m not—Drash!”

she finally managed, her voice rising with indignation.

Nia wasn’t a prude. Before she was abducted, she had a relationship with a man that lasted a few years and one that lasted just one year. She had slept with both of them, no problem.

But since the abduction, the thought of someone as handsome and strong as Boba “

wrecking her in the best way

”, made her uncomfortable.

Drash’s teasing grin faltered as she realised her mis-step.

She took a step closer and lowered her voice. “

Sorry, Nia. I forgot for a second there what you went through…”

Nia bit her lip, looking away. “

It’s just… what the Imperials did to me… I don’t think I’ll ever be able to… do that kind of thing again

”. Her voice was quiet, and there was a fragile edge to it that made Drash instantly regret her teasing.

“

Hey

” Drash said gently. “

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you”.

Nia shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “

It’s fine. Not like I’d want to… sleep with him anyway”.

Drash smirked knowingly. “

Sure, sure”.

As they browsed the lingerie, the girls turned their attention to a rack of lacy bodysuits, and Nia’s fingers hesitantly brushed over the delicate fabric.

“

Why are we even here?

” she asked, trying to steer the conversation away from her growing discomfort.

Drash grinned and leaned in conspiratorially. “

Because I’ve seen how he looks at you, Nia. It’s only a matter of time. And trust me, you won’t always associate intimacy with trauma. It gets better. I’ve seen it”.

Nia frowned, skeptical. “

How can you be so sure?”

Drash shrugged. “You

know Fennec went through the same thing, right? What the Hutts did to her? But now, she’s out there bringing women back to her chambers after Boba’s parties. And let me tell you, it gets

wild

”.

Nia blinked, stunned. She had never thought of Fennec as someone who would throw herself into relationships—or casual encounters—so freely. The revelation left her both confused and hopeful.

As she browsed, she couldn’t help but think about Boba.

What did it mean that he had given her his credit stick? Did he expect…more?

The thought made her stomach flip, equal parts panic and something she couldn’t quite name.

Drash seemed to sense her spiraling thoughts and bumped her shoulder. “

Relax

” she said. “

Let’s get some lingerie anyway. Not for any man. For you. To feel good. No one even has to see it”.

Nia hesitated but felt her spirits lift at the idea. “

Okay

” she said with a shy smile.

“

That’s the spirit”

Drash said, grinning.
 
They spent the next hour exploring the boutique, Nia gradually relaxing as she found herself giggling at some of the racier options.

She ended up choosing some lacey pieces that were purely for herself.

As Drash meandered through the boutique, she gravitated toward a shelf filled with curious, brightly coloured objects that made Nia blush just looking at them.

Unable to resist her friend’s enthusiasm, Nia followed, her eyes scanning the array of items.

She picked up an odd, wand-shaped object with a bulbous, ridged end and tilted her head, turning it over in her hands.

She was familiar with sex toys, even owning some back on her home planet, but this item alluded her.

“
What…what is this?”
she asked, her voice laced with both curiosity and embarrassment.

Drash glanced at the item and immediately burst into giggles. “

That

” she said, barely containing her amusement, “

is for beings with appendages not like ours”.

Nia stared at it in confusion before catching on, her face heating up as she giggled nervously. “

Oh…oh!

” She quickly set the item back on the shelf, shaking her head in disbelief.

Drash smirked and opened her mouth to make another teasing comment when Nia turned, and her gaze caught on something across the room. Her breath hitched as she spotted the most stunning gown she had ever seen, displayed elegantly on a mannequin.

The dress was a deep, royal purple with a silky sheen that caught the dim light of the boutique, making it shimmer like liquid. The gown was floor-length but dramatically cut out at the sides, revealing almost the entire length of the mannequin’s thighs. Its neckline was a sweetheart cut—low enough to push up and highlight the bust without being too revealing—and it was adorned with black lace trim around the neckline and hem.

Nia moved toward it as if drawn by a magnetic pull, her fingers brushing over the smooth fabric. It felt as luxurious as it looked, and she could already imagine how it would feel against her skin.

The vendor, a lively Rodian woman, noticed Nia’s interest and came over, her wide eyes glowing with excitement.

“
Ah, you have excellent taste my Lady”
she said in the basic tongue, her melodic voice. “

This gown is one of a kind, made from the finest fabrics imported from Naboo. It would look exquisite on you”.

Drash turned at the sound of the vendor’s voice and gasped when she saw the dress. “

Oh, Nia! You

have

to try it on”.

Nia hesitated, her fingers still lingering on the fabric. “
I don’t know”
she said shyly. “
I’ve already found a dress for the party”.

Drash waved her off. “

That other dress is nice, but this? This is a showstopper. Trust me, you’ll regret not trying it on”.

Nia glanced at the vendor, who was already gathering the gown with a knowing smile. With a deep breath, she nodded and let herself be ushered into the changing area.

When she stepped out, the room seemed to hold its breath.

The dress fit her perfectly, clinging to her curves in all the right places. The deep purple fabric contrasted beautifully against her bright copper hair, and the cutouts on the sides showed off her toned thighs without feeling too scandalous.

Although, the thought did occur to her that this looked like something that could also be worn in the bedroom.

The sweetheart neckline framed her collarbones and shoulders elegantly, while the lacy black trim added just the right amount of sophistication.

Nia stood awkwardly, tugging at the dress as she glanced at Drash. “

Is it too much? It feels like… a lot…I don’t look like an escort do I?”

Drash grinned from ear to ear. “

Are you kidding? It’s sexy

and

classy. You look like you belong on a throne next to Boba himself”.

“Oh”
was all she could say to that.

Nia turned to the mirror and inspected herself, her fingers brushing over the soft fabric. Despite her initial discomfort, she found herself smiling. The dress
was
beautiful—and it made her feel beautiful too.

She imagined sitting on Boba’s throne, the Queen of Tatooine. Her day dream shifted to Boba on the throne, and she sat sideways on his lap as he fed her fruit. Her eyes went wide and she couldn’t hide the blush creeping across her skin.

“

How much is it?

” Nia asked, still admiring her reflection.

The vendor rattled off a price that made Nia’s stomach drop. It was steep—steeper than anything she had ever spent on clothing before.

Drash nudged her. “

Boba

did

tell you to get whatever you wanted. And this dress? It’s worth it. Trust me, you’ll turn every head at the party. Including his”.

Nia took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the fabric. For once, she decided to listen to her heart. She turned to the vendor with a nod. “

I’ll take it”.

The vendor’s delighted expression matched Drash’s grin as they finalised the purchase, and Nia left the boutique feeling both nervous and excited about the choice she had made.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 14

Drash and Nia stepped out of the boutique, the royal purple gown safely nestled in a large, ornate dress box, along with several other bags containing their purchases.

Drash’s bags, however, included more than just lingerie—her newly acquired collection of sex toys clinked lightly as they walked.

With a mischievous grin, Drash thrust the entire load of bags and the dress box at Krrsantan.

The towering Wookiee growled in annoyance, his red eyes narrowing. “

Oh, don’t be such a baby

” Drash teased, patting his arm before spinning away.

Nia glanced at him apologetically. “

Sorry, Krrsantan

” she said softly, but the Wookiee only grumbled under his breath, his furry arms now laden with their haul.

Drash hooked an arm around Nia and tugged her toward the speeder bikes parked nearby.

At the bikes, Drash gave Nia a quick rundown on how to control one.

“

Okay

” she explained, gesturing at the handlebars, “

this lever here is your accelerator. Push it forward to go, pull it back to slow down and stop. Easy enough, yeah?”

Nia nodded eagerly, her excitement building.

“

Good. Now—”

Before Drash could finish her sentence, Nia revved the bike’s engine and shoved the lever forward far too hard. The bike jolted forward with a roar, shooting out into the desert like a blaster bolt.

“

Nia!”

Drash screamed, barely managing to grab onto Nia’s waist as the bike sped away.

Behind them, Krrsantan let out a thunderous roar of concern, his calls fading into the distance as the bike picked up speed.

“

Slow down!

” Drash shouted, clutching Nia tightly.

But Nia only laughed hysterically, exhilarated by the rush of speed and the wind whipping through her hair. “

This is amazing!

” she yelled over the roar of the engine.

Drash groaned, her grip tightening. “

You’re going the wrong way! The palace is

that

way!”
She pointed to the left, her voice rising with panic.

Nia, caught up in her excitement, turned the bike sharply to the left, making the bike nearly skid out.

Drash shrieked. “

Are you

crazy?!”

“
Maybe!”
Nia yelled back with a wide grin, her laughter ringing out across the dunes.

In the distance, the palace came into view, its familiar silhouette rising against the setting suns.

Drash spotted it first and, with renewed panic, shouted, “

Okay, seriously, slow down! We’re almost there!”

But Nia ignored her. The bike hurtled toward the palace gates at an alarming speed, the wind whipping past them in a frenzy. Drash braced herself for the inevitable crash, her heart pounding in her chest.

At the last possible moment, Nia yanked the lever back sharply. The bike screeched to a halt, kicking up a cloud of sand and dust as it skidded to a stop just short of the gates.

The palace’s Gamorrean guards came rushing out in alarm, their weapons at the ready. But when they saw it was only the girls, they exchanged exasperated looks and grunted in annoyance.

Nia jumped off the bike with a wide grin, her cheeks flushed with happiness. “

That was incredible!”

she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Drash, on the other hand, staggered off the bike, her face pale and her knees wobbling. She pointed a trembling finger at Nia. “

Never. Again”.

Moments later, Krrsantan arrived on his own bike, skidding to a halt with a cloud of sand.

The towering Wookiee leapt off, his furious roar echoing through the courtyard.

Nia froze, her smile fading as her bottom lip trembled from Krrsantan’s anger. She took a step back, looking up at the enraged Wookiee with wide, watery eyes.

Krrsantan sighed heavily, rolling his eyes before reaching out and patting her gently on the head.

Nia blinked, then smiled shyly. “

Thank you, Krrsantan”.

Drash snorted as she stumbled toward the palace. “

Better you than me, big guy”.

Nia gathered her things with a sheepish smile, avoiding Krrsantan’s glare as they made their way inside.
 
Nia skipped into the throne room, her energy infectious as Drash trailed behind her, smirking at her friend’s enthusiasm.

Boba looked up from his throne, his helmet resting on one knee, and tilted his head slightly.

“

Ah, the girls are back

” he said, his deep voice calm but tinged with amusement.

His gaze shifted to Krrsantan, who was lumbering into the room behind them, lugging the large dress box and several other bags. The Wookiee growled softly, clearly unimpressed with his new role as a porter.

Boba’s lips quirked into a smirk.

Nia skipped up to the throne and perched herself on its armrest, her movements light and carefree.

Boba looked up at her, a hint of warmth softening his usual stoic expression. “

Did you get everything you wanted?”

Nia blushed faintly and nodded. “

Yes, thank you”.

She tries to hand his credit stick back but he tells her to keep it as she may need it and he has a spare. She hesitates but nods and puts the stick in her pocket.

Boba studied her for a moment, his tone light but curious. “

Can I see what you got?”

Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, and she stammered. “

No! It’s, um…private stuff”.

Boba raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing more pronounced. “
Private, huh?”
he said knowingly.

Nia rolled her eyes, then playfully shoved him on the shoulder. “

Don’t be cheeky”.

Boba laughed, a rare and deep sound that echoed through the room. “

Shoving the Daimyo, are we? You know I could have you

punished

for that

” he said, feigning sternness.

Nia grinned, a feeling shooting through her groin at how sexual it sounded. She flushed. “

You’re not the Daimyo to me. You’re just Boba”.

His laughter softened into a fond chuckle, and he shook his head. “

Fair enough. Did you find a dress for the party?”

Her face lit up. “

I found two, actually! But I don’t know which one to wear yet”.

Before Boba could respond, Drash chimed in, leaning against a nearby pillar. “

The second one, for sure

” she said, nodding confidently.

Boba arched a curious brow. “

Can I see these dresses?”

Nia shook her head, wagging a finger at him. “

Nope. You’ll have to wait till the party”.

As Boba chuckled in defeat, Nia hopped off the arm of his throne and skipped over to help Krrsantan with the bags. She flashed Boba a quick smile before disappearing down the corridor toward her chambers.

Drash stayed behind for a moment, watching Nia leave before turning back to Boba. “

She’s gonna break hearts at the party

” she said with a knowing grin.

Boba’s gaze lingered on the empty doorway, his smirk softening into something more thoughtful.

“

I can’t wait

” he muttered, more to himself than to Drash.
 
Nia carefully hung up both of her dresses in her walk-in closet, taking a moment to admire how the golden gown shimmered next to the deep, regal purple one. The two dresses contrasted beautifully, but she still couldn’t decide which to wear.

With a soft sigh, she pushed them to the back of the closet, hiding them behind her other clothes. She didn’t want anyone catching a glimpse and spoiling the surprise before the Boonta Eve party.
 
The afternoon passed peacefully as Nia settled into her chambers with her datapad, engrossed in a story that whisked her away from the desert heat. As the twin suns began to set, she stretched and decided it was time to head down to the dining hall. Her stomach growled softly in anticipation of the evening meal.

When she entered the dining hall, she noticed the seats were mostly empty except for Boba, who was already seated at the head of the table.

Without thinking much about it, she walked over and slid into the chair to his right—where Fennec usually sat.

Boba raised an eyebrow as she settled in, but he didn’t say anything, a flicker of amusement crossing his face.

Moments later, Fennec strode in, her sharp eyes immediately spotting Nia in her chair.

She stopped, tilted her head, and smirked. “

What are you doing in my seat?”

Nia giggled and leaned back in the chair as if it were a throne. “

It’s my seat now”.

Fennec crossed her arms, raising an amused brow. “

Move it, kid”.

Nia pouted dramatically, then turned to Boba, batting her lashes at him with exaggerated innocence. “

Boba

” she said sweetly, drawing out his name like a plea.

Boba hesitated, clearly trying not to laugh, then cleared his throat. “

Fennec, maybe you can sit to my left from now on

” he said casually.

Fennec’s eyebrows shot up, and she gave him a pointed look before rolling her eyes.

“

Oh, she’s got you wrapped around her finger

” she muttered as she passed behind him to take the seat on his left. “

And she knows

exactly

what she’s doing”.

Boba chuckled lowly but said nothing, his gaze flicking briefly to Nia, who looked triumphant as she adjusted in her new seat.

The meal began, the table filling with dishes of roasted meats, fresh fruits, and hearty grains.

The waiter droid rolled forward to pour wine into each guest’s glass.

Nia watched the ruby liquid fill her cup, hesitating for a moment. It had been a long time since she’d had a drink—since before Tatooine, before everything had gone wrong.

Feeling brave and curious, she leaned toward Boba and whispered, “

Is there any white wine? I’m not too keen on red
”.

Boba nodded once and gestured to the droid. “

Bring a bottle of white wine for her

” he ordered.

The droid chirped in response and rolled off.

Nia smiled warmly at Boba, her face lighting up with gratitude. “

Thank you”

she said softly.

Boba gave her a slight nod, the corner of his mouth lifting just enough to hint at a smile.

As they returned to their meals, Fennec watched the exchange from across the table, her smirk never fading.
 
As the meal wound down, Skad leaned back in his chair and smirked at Krrsantan.

“
So, how was it being the girls’ bag holder today, big guy?”
he teased, nodding toward the mountain of bags still sitting near the entrance.

Krrsantan growled lowly, narrowing his eyes at Skad, but didn’t respond.
The table chuckled, and Boba’s lips twitched with amusement before he turned his attention to Nia, who was swirling the last of her white wine in her glass.

“

How did you find your first shopping trip on Tatooine?

” Boba asked, his tone quiet but curious.

Nia brightened instantly. “

It was amazing! I’ve never been to an alien market before, and there were so many new things to see. There were vendors selling foods I’d never even heard of, and the fabrics were so colourful! Oh, and the jewellery—”

Boba let her speak, his eyes soft as he listened to her excitement.

Then, after a pause, he hesitated but couldn’t resist teasing her. “

I checked my credit stick account

” he said with a cheeky tilt of his head. “

Seems you made a few purchases at an

interesting

boutique”.

Nia froze mid-sentence, her face turning a bright shade of red. “

You

what?

”

she stammered, her voice just above a whisper.

Fennec, who had been listening to the exchange, scolded him immediately. “

Boba! That’s an invasion of privacy”.

Boba shrugged, unrepentant. “

It’s my account

” he replied coolly. “

I have every right to see what’s being spent
”.

Nia’s eyes widened in hurt, and her voice wavered as she snapped, “

Then you shouldn’t have offered it to me if you were going to judge how I spent your money”.

The table went quiet. Everyone exchanged glances, unsure whether to intervene.

Nia pushed her chair back abruptly, the legs scraping against the floor. “

Excuse me”

she muttered before walking briskly out of the dining hall.

Richie, one of the street gang, watched her leave and shrugged. “

She’s a bit sensitive today”.

Drash shot him a sharp look and smacked his arm. “

She’s not being sensitive. She’s probably just overstimulated. She’s been through a lot today—new places, new people, new energies”.

Richie leant back casually in his chair, scoffed. “

She’s not a kid, Drash. You don’t have to coddle her”.

Drash’s expression turned icy, and she hissed, “

Her Force sensitivity isn’t something to laugh about. You don’t get it”.

“What and you do? It’s weird! She’s weird!”
Richie shot at her.

“

I understand it better than you! I swear to the maker Richie, if you don’t stop putting her down I’m gunna electrocute you with this!”

She spat, pointing at her cybernetic arm.
The young man blinked in surprise and turned his focus back to Boba, who was staring daggers at him. He lowered his gaze to his drink in shame.
Boba’s frown deepened, and he stood slowly from his seat, his gaze fixed on the doorway Nia had left through. “

I’ll handle it

” he said, his voice low but commanding.

Fennec crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him as he passed. “

Good luck

” she said dryly.

Boba ignored her and strode out of the hall, determined to make things right.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 15

Nia lay curled on her bed, her body trembling with quiet sobs. Her head throbbed painfully, a migraine pounding in time with the torrent of emotions she had been holding back all day.

The excitement and stimulation from the market had left her overwhelmed, her Force abilities teetering on the edge of control. The speeder bike ride had helped her release some of that energy, but it hadn’t been enough. Now, all it had taken was one misunderstood comment from Boba to tip her over the edge.

The bed beneath her quivered, vibrating slightly as her emotions surged and the Force spilled from her, untamed. The objects on her bedside table rattled ominously, and the walls seemed to hum in response to her anguish. She pressed her hands over her ears, trying to block out the sound of her own sobs.

A knock came at her door. She ignored it, burying her face deeper into the pillow.

“

Nia

” Boba’s soft, gravelly voice called through the door. “

Can I come in?”

“

No!”

she shouted, her voice muffled by the blankets.

He laughed gently, the sound low and warm. “

You know, I could punch in the override code and come in anyway
”.

The corridor shook slightly as her anger flared, the vibration reaching him through the thick durasteel walls.

He quickly backtracked. “

Alright, alright, I won’t do that

” he assured her. “
You locked the door for a reason, and I’ll respect that”.

The silence stretched, save for the occasional shudder of the bed. “
I just want to explain myself
” he said after a moment, his voice quieter. “

But I can’t do it through the door”.

For a moment, there was no response. Then, softly, he heard the faint patter of her feet approaching the door.

The lock clicked open, but Nia didn’t pause. She stormed back to her bed and threw herself onto it, pulling the blankets over her head like a shield.

Boba stepped into the room cautiously, glancing around at the faintly trembling walls and the scattered objects on her nightstand. He closed the door behind him with a soft
hiss
and approached her bed slowly.

“

Nia

” he said gently, lowering his voice as he sat down in the chair near her bed. “

Talk to me”.

Her only response was a muffled sniffle from beneath the covers.

Boba sighed, “

I’m sorry I upset you

” he began, his voice trying to be gentle. He wasn’t used to comforting women…especially not ones like Nia. “

I didn’t mean to”.

From under the blanket, her muffled, angry voice replied, “

Why are you spying on me?”

He chuckled softly, moving from the chair to sit on the edge of her bed. His weight shifted the mattress slightly, and he laid a hand gently on the lump where her shoulder was hidden beneath the blanket.

“I wasn’t spying
” he explained. “

I always check my accounts to sort through what’s coming in and going out. It’s just habit

”. He hesitated, then added with a smirk, “

I happened to notice the boutique you went to. That’s all”.

Her blanket shifted slightly as she sniffed. “

Then why did you say to Fennec that you have a right to know?

” she asked, her tone still sharp but less fiery.

“

I was teasing. I didn’t mean anything by it

” he reassured her. “

I didn’t think you’d take it to heart. I’ll admit I was joking with Fennec, but I promise you, I want you to feel comfortable here Nia and not think I’m checking up on you”.

There was silence for a moment before she mumbled, “

I have a headache”.

Boba nodded knowingly. “
Was the market too much for you?”
he asked softly.

“

Yes

” she admitted after a pause. “

But I wouldn’t change it. I loved it”.

He smiled faintly. “

I’m glad you did. If you want to go again, you can

”. He hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. “

We could go together, if you’d like”.

There was a long pause. Nia thought back on how the vendors thought the Daimyo was courting her. Showing up alone with him would surely cause gossip.

‘

Would that be so bad though?

’ She thought.

The blanket shifted slightly, and a single eye peeked out at him. “

Just us?

” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

He nodded.
She was quiet for a moment, then the blanket shifted further as her face emerged, a bright smile breaking through. He could see her cheeks lift, even in the dim light, and it was infectious—he found himself smiling back at her.
The tremors in the room faded entirely, leaving a calm stillness between them.

She sat up fully, pushing the blanket away from her shoulders. “

I’m sorry

” she said quietly. “

For having a tantrum and making a fuss”.

Boba laughed softly and shook his head. “

You’re a little Princess

” he teased.

Her face flushed a deep red, and she ducked her head, hiding her smile. “

I’m not

” she mumbled, but he could tell she wasn’t upset anymore.

Boba smirked slightly as he leaned back on the bed, watching her. “

You are

” he said with teasing certainty.

Nia let out a small laugh and playfully slapped his arm.

He hesitated for a moment, dropping his gaze, as if choosing his next words carefully. When he looked back at her, his tone softened. “

You’re

my

Princess”.

Her laughter caught in her throat as her eyes widened. The words took her completely off guard, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. A warmth crept up her neck and spread to her cheeks.

Boba noticed immediately and grinned. He loved it when she blushed. She seemed to do it a lot around him. He leant forward slightly. “

What’s this?

” he teased. “

Are you blushing?”

Her blush deepened, and she ducked her head in embarrassment. “

I’m not

” she mumbled, even though her face said otherwise.

His grin widened. “

Oh, you definitely are”.

Nia tried to hide her face, but her thoughts began to drift. Drash’s earlier teasing came to mind—about how she was dressing up for Boba, about how he looked at her. And then there was the credit stick. Her smile faltered as a new wave of uncertainty washed over her.

Boba noticed the change in her demeanour instantly. His teasing expression softened into concern. “
What’s wrong?”
he asked gently.

She clutched the edge of the blanket tightly, her fingers digging into the fabric as she hesitated. Finally, she looked up at him and asked, “

Why did you give me the credit stick?”

He blinked, caught off guard by the question. “

So you could go shopping

” he said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the galaxy.

“

Yeah

” she said, her voice growing quieter, “

but…why? Because Drash said—

Boba tilted his head slightly. “

Don’t listen to Drash—”

She hypocritically cut him off, frustrated. “

Don’t interrupt me!”

He held up his hands in mock surrender, pulling a funny face. “

Alright, alright. My apologies, Princess”.

She sighed heavily, shifting uncomfortably in the bed. “
Tell me the truth…do you…do you expect something from me?”
she asked quietly.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she kept her gaze fixed on the blanket in her hands
. “In return for all the nice things, I mean?”

Boba’s expression changed immediately. Shock flickered across his face, and he was momentarily at a loss for words. He knew he had told Fennec that he was offering Nia the credit stick to win her over, but he never in a million light years expected her to give anything back in return.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and serious. “

Nia

” he began carefully, “

I didn’t give you the credit stick because I expect anything from you. I just wanted to make you happy”.

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, but her cheeks flushed again as she hesitated. “

Drash said something…”

Boba raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

“

She said I should dress up nice

” Nia mumbled, her voice growing quieter with each word, “

in case you…invited me to your chambers

”. Her face turned bright red as she finally blurted it out.

Boba hummed in thought before a chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. Her blush only worsened as she avoided his gaze.

“

You’ve been listening to Drash too much”

he said with a grin. “

I’d never expect you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. And I’d never ‘invite you to my chambers

’”. He paused, then added with a mischievous smirk, “

Unless, of course, you wanted to”.

Her lashes fluttered as she lowered her gaze, suddenly very focused on the blanket in her hands. She felt her heart race at his words, and despite her embarrassment, a small smile tugged at her lips.

The air between them grew thick with unspoken emotion, a silent charge crackling in the quiet room.

Nia hesitated for only a moment before she reached out and gently placed her hand over Boba’s. His heart skipped a beat, and the usually composed Daimyo felt his pulse quicken.

She lifted her gaze, her flushed face a mixture of vulnerability and curiosity.

Boba took a slow breath, steadying himself as he turned his hand and laced his fingers with hers. He watched her closely, his dark eyes scanning her features, and then he made a decision.

Gently, he lifted his other hand to her cheek, his rough fingers brushing against her soft, warm skin.

Nia leaned into his touch instinctively, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment. She felt her breath hitch as her heart pounded in her chest. Her emotions were a swirl of uncertainty, curiosity, and a growing yearning that she couldn’t quite name.

When her gaze lifted back to his face, she truly saw him. The lines around his eyes spoke of a life lived, of battles fought and won, and of wisdom gained.

His features were ruggedly handsome, each scar adding to his allure, telling stories she could only imagine. Her eyes trailed lower, taking in his muscled form. He was wearing a short-sleeved tunic, and the strength of his arms was evident, the scars there just as compelling as the ones on his face.

Her pulse raced as she took him in. He was older, yes, but what was age when they were both adults, shaped by their own trials and triumphs?

Her thoughts grew hazy, her focus narrowing to the moment. An unexpected urge built within her—an ache to close the distance between them, to press her lips to his.

But doubt lingered. Did he want this, too?

Boba, meanwhile, was struggling to maintain control. He watched her study him, her gaze lingering on his face and then sliding down his body. The way her eyes softened as they trailed over him made his blood stir. His mind filled with unbidden thoughts, the image of her naked beneath him flashing vividly.

He felt himself twitch and harden at the thought, a sharp, primal desire coursing through him. She was stunning—not just in her physical beauty, though that was undeniable, but in the way her spirit shone through. The purity of her kindness, her strength, her curiosity about the galaxy—it all made her irresistible.

Her eyes met his again, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. His thumb brushed against her cheek, lingering as his breathing grew slower and heavier. He wanted to kiss her, to pull her close, to claim her. But he forced himself to wait, to give her the space to decide.

“

You’re beautiful”

he murmured softly, his voice low and rough with restrained longing.

“

So are you

” Nia said softly, her voice carrying a delicate nervousness.

Boba scoffed, shaking his head slightly. “
I’m all scars”
he replied gruffly. “

And I’ve done bad things in my past. Things I’m not proud of”.

Nia paused at his words, her brows furrowing as she absorbed what he’d said. Yet there was no judgment in her eyes, only curiosity and compassion.

Slowly, she moved closer, her heart hammering in her chest as she knelt in front of him, resting back on the balls of her feet. Their faces were now at the same height.

Taking both of his hands in hers, she held them firmly, grounding them both in the moment. Boba blinked, startled by her boldness, but he didn’t pull away.

“

I think”

she began, her voice soft yet steady, “

that you are the

most

beautiful man I’ve ever met. Not just on the outside, but on the inside too”.

He stared at her, dumbfounded. Her sincerity was like a balm to wounds he had long buried, but never truly healed.
“

You’re kind”

she continued, her eyes locking onto his. “

You’re caring, and you’re a protector. You could crush anyone in an instant…but not unjustly

”. She hesitated for a moment, her cheeks warming, but she pressed on. “

And I like that. I like

you

”.

Boba felt something inside him break and reform in the span of a heartbeat.

Without a word, he released her hands and wound his arms around her waist, quickly pulling her flush against him. Her breath hitched as her hands shot out to steady herself on the tops of his shoulders and her thighs straddled his lap.

Nia’s heart hammered in her chest in anticipation as their noses nearly touched, their foreheads brushing.

He was so close to kissing her, the desire almost unbearable. But he forced himself to pause, his voice low and hoarse as he said, “

Nia… you need to understand. I’ve done terrible things. The worst kind”.

Her wide eyes searched his face, and she hesitated before asking quietly, “

Like what the Imps did to me?”

His arms stiffened slightly, and he immediately pulled back to look her in the eye, his expression serious and resolute. “

Never

” he said firmly. “

I’ve never done

that

. I never would. I promise you that, little one”.

Her lips curved into a small, relieved smile and he felt her hands fist themselves tightly into the fabric of his top.
She nodded. “

Then I don’t care what you’ve done in the past”.

He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, she leaned in and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his lips. It was tentative, barely a whisper of a kiss, but it made his head spin.
As quickly as it had begun, she pulled away, her cheeks aflame as she darted back to the bed and ducked under the blanket, hiding herself completely.

Boba blinked, the ghost of her lips still lingering on his, and then a deep, rumbling laugh escaped him. “

Oh, you little tease

” he said with amusement, reaching over to gently poke at the lump in the blanket.

He felt her squirm beneath the covers, and her muffled voice replied, “

I’m not a tease!”

“
No?”
he asked with a smirk, poking her again.

“

Stop it!

” she giggled, her voice laced with shy laughter.

But all Boba could think about was the taste of her lips, and how badly he wanted more.

Boba leaned back on the bed slightly, his gaze drifting around Nia’s chambers.

His eyes settled on the piles of books scattered on the floor and the bedside table, their pages marked with small scraps of fabric or folded corners. He smirked slightly, realising how immersed she must have been in them.

His attention then flickered to the open doorway of her walk-in closet. The curiosity he’d managed to suppress at dinner returned with a vengeance—he
really
wanted to see the dresses she’d picked for the Boonta Eve party.

“

Since you’re being a tease

” he said casually, glancing back at her, “

can I at least see the dress you picked for the party?”

From under the blanket, Nia groaned, her face still a deep shade of red as she peeked out at him. “

No

” she replied firmly, though a hint of amusement coloured her tone.

Boba tilted his head, raising an eyebrow.

She sighed, clearly relenting a little. “

But

” she added, “

you can see the one I

won’t

be wearing”.

That caught his attention, and he sat up straighter. “

Oh?

”

“
During dinner, I made up my mind”
Nia explained, sitting up fully now, though her cheeks were still pink. “

So… if you really want to see one, it’ll be the one I’m not wearing to the party”.

“
Fair enough”
Boba replied with a nod.

Nia looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to leave so she could change. But instead of taking the hint, Boba remained seated, his arms crossed over his chest.

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “

I need to get dressed

” she said pointedly. “

You can’t be here for that”.

He chuckled, finally pushing himself to his feet. “

Alright, alright

” he said, his eyes briefly flicking to the books again as he walked to the door. “

So, you like to read?”

“

I do

” she admitted, her tone softening as she spoke. “

It’s…like escaping the real world. You can lose yourself in stories, or learn something new. It helps me forget everything else for a little while”.

Boba nodded in understanding, leaning a hand against the doorway. “

I get that”

he said. After a moment’s pause, he added, “

If you’re up for it, you could join me in my chambers for a drink later. I’ve been working on translating some Tusken texts, and I’d like to show you”.

Nia hesitated, chewing on her lip.

Sensing her apprehension, Boba raised a hand in mock surrender. “

Strictly for reading

” he reassured her with a small grin. “

No other ‘activities’. Promise”.

Her lips curved into a smile, and she nodded. “

Alright. That sounds…nice”.

“

Good

” he said, stepping back into the hallway. “

Take your time. I’ll see you later”.

As the door shut behind him, Nia exhaled deeply and got out of bed, smoothing her hair as she walked to her closet.

Her heart still fluttered from her kissing him, but she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips as she prepared to try on the dress.

Boba paced his chambers, his brow furrowed as he moved back and forth.

He didn’t know why he was so restless. Maybe it was the kiss—brief as it had been, it lingered in his mind, teasing him with its sweetness and promise.

He sighed, running a hand over his head and glancing around the room. Tidying up seemed the only thing to do, and he busied himself with straightening his desk, aligning the Tusken scrolls he’d been working on.

But his gaze kept flicking to his bed, large and inviting, its dark sheets neatly arranged.

His mind wandered, and before he could stop himself, an image of Nia came to him: lying on those very sheets, her skin bare, her eyes sultry and beckoning him to her.

The thought sent a surge of heat through him, and he groaned softly, dragging a hand down his face. He couldn’t have Nia showing up with him fully taut in his pants.

Get a grip, Fett.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and he welcomed the distraction. He cleared his throat and called out, “

Come in”.

The door creaked open, and Nia stepped inside. Boba froze, his breath catching at the sight of her.
She was dressed in an extravagant gown made of shimmering layers of golden tulle, each one glistening like sunlight dancing on water.
The bodice was adorned with tiny gemstones that sparkled with every move she made, and the gown hugged her figure in a way that left little to his imagination. His eyes couldn’t help but drift to her cleavage, framed beautifully by the sweetheart neckline.

He realised this was the first time he’d seen her in anything so revealing—so regal. She looked like a true princess.

Nia shifted on her feet, her cheeks pink as she toyed with the edge of the gown. “

Well?

” she asked shyly. “

What do you think?”

Boba cleared his throat, suddenly aware of how dry it felt. “

You look…”

He paused, searching for the right words. “

…incredible”.

Her lips curved into a shy smile, and she glanced down at herself. “

Do you really think so?”

“

Twirl for me

” he commanded, his eyes dark but a smirk tugging at his lips.

She giggled nervously at his demand, but obeyed, spinning on her toes. The tulle flared out in a shimmering golden arc, catching the light beautifully. He noticed she was barefoot again, and the sight made him smile.

“

You really

are

a Princess

” he said warmly.

Nia stopped twirling and padded over to him, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. “

Your

Princess

” she teased, reminding him of what he had said earlier.

Boba huffed out a laugh, though the faint blush creeping up his neck betrayed him. “

Yeah

” he admitted quietly.

Her grin widened. “

Are

you

blushing, Boba Fett?”

He scoffed, trying to deflect. “
It’s the lighting”
he muttered, stepping back toward his alcohol cart. “

Do you want a drink or not?”

She laughed, following him. “

What do you have?”

Boba gestured to the assortment of bottles on the cart, and Nia scanned them curiously before her eyes landed on a clear bottle filled with a vibrant blue liquid.

“

Spotchka!

” she said, picking it up with an excited smile.

“

Good choice

” he said, grabbing two glasses.

He poured a generous amount for each of them and handed her one, their fingers brushing briefly. Nia smiled shyly at the contact, and Boba couldn’t help but smile back.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 16

Nia wandered around Boba’s chambers, her gaze drifting to every detail, every artifact and memory that decorated the space.

As her eyes flickered to the doorway off to the side, she was reminded of the bacta pod she had spent time in, healing from her injuries. She shivered slightly at the thought but pushed it away, continuing to examine the room.

Boba leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, watching her intently. She moved gracefully, brushing her hands over the items on the mantelpiece, her touch light and reverent.

His gaze darkened as she reached his bed. He pushed away the same thoughts as earlier.
Her fingers paused over a pendant resting on the side table—a metal emblem of an odd-looking creature hanging on a black cord.
“

What’s this?

” she asked, picking it up carefully.

Boba stiffened slightly, stepping closer. “

It’s a mythosaur

” he said after a moment.

Her face lit up with recognitio
n. “The great beasts of Mandalore? My father used to tell me stories about them. He said the Mandalorians rode them into battle”.

Boba nodded, his voice lower now. “

It was my father’s”.

Nia’s smile softened as she ran her fingers over the smooth metal. “

It’s beautiful

” she murmured before gently placing it back where she had found it. Her expression turned sympathetic as she padded back to him.

“
I’m sorry about your father”
she said quietly.

Boba’s jaw tightened, but he nodded in acknowledgment.

“

My father died too

” she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. “

In the civil war”.

Her gaze turned distant, and she walked toward the doorway that led to the balcony.

Boba followed her as she stepped outside, placing her glass of spotchka on the ledge. She looked up at the stars, her face illuminated by their soft light.

“
I’m sorry for your loss”
Boba said gently. “

How long has it been?”

“

Ten years. It’s been a long war…

” Nia replied, her voice steady but laced with sorrow. “

He was drafted when the war began, but he always came home every three months. Without fail. Until the day he didn’t

”.

Boba watched as she exhaled shakily.

“

I remember that day so clearly. My brother and I were arguing about something silly, as siblings do. And then we heard our mother wail and when we rushed in, there were 2 officials in the living room with her. We didn’t need to ask what had happened”.

Boba’s sharp eyes caught the way the drapes on the windows billowed without wind and her glass of spotchka trembled slightly on the ledge, the liquid inside rippling with her emotions.

Without a word, he stepped closer and gently pulled her into his arms. She stiffened at first, but after a moment, she relaxed into his embrace, her head resting against his chest.

“

I’m sorry”

he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. “

War is…cruel and unforgiving”.

A tear slipped down her cheek, and he caught it with his thumb, his touch gentle.

She glanced up at him and managed a small smile as she composed herself and stepped back to the ledge. The tremor in the glass ceased, the spotchka settling as her emotions steadied. The drapes settled down and hung motionless.

“

Our mother fell into a deep depression after that

” Nia continued. “

I had to step up—help raise my infant sister, do the cooking, the cleaning. My brother became the man of the house. He even canceled his engagement to his sweetheart to put all his focus on us, to support us”.

Boba tilted his head slightly, his voice curious but kind. “

How old was your brother?”

“

He’s only eighteen standard months older than me

” she said. “

He was nearly twenty when our father passed”.

“

And your younger sister?”

“

She’s ten now

” Nia said, her expression softening. “

She was only a few months old when it happened. My parents were happy with just my brother and me—one of each, a boy and a girl. But Amber was…”

She paused, a small laugh escaping her lips.

“
A happy accident, as my mother always called her”.

Boba’s lips twitched into a faint smile at her laugh. “

Your family must be proud of you

” he said quietly.

Nia turned to him, her smile tinged with bittersweet warmth. “

I hope so

” she murmured.

Nia gazed at the stars, her voice a whisper as she admitted, “

I miss my family. Every day”.

Boba’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “

I won’t lie to you and say you’ll see them soon…because I don’t know…

” he said, his tone steady and sincere. “

But once the travel blockade is lifted, I’ll make it my priority to reunite you with them. That’s a promise”.

She turned to him, her eyes glistening with gratitude. “

See? I knew you were a good man

”. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, holding him close.

Boba allowed himself a rare smile that he had just for her, as he embraced her. He pressed a kiss to her head, inhaling the light, flowery scent of her hair.

His grip on her tightened ever so slightly as a thought struck him.

“I hope…”
he began, his voice quieter, almost hesitant, “…

that when you’re back with them, you’ll still come to Tatooine to visit me”.

Nia tilted her head back to look up at him, her cheeks warming at his words. “

As long as you’ll have me

” she replied earnestly.

His lips quirked into a smile, his dark eyes locking with hers. “

If I can help it…

” he said, his voice taking on a deeper timbre, “…

I wouldn’t let you go
at all.
I’d have you stay here—with me”.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she blinked up at him, the intensity of his gaze making her pulse race. “

Stay…with you?

” she echoed softly.

He hesitated, searching her face for any hint of hesitation. “
Would you like that?”
he asked, his tone uncertain but hopeful.

A pause hung between them before Nia gave a shy but firm nod. “

Yes

” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Boba’s smile widened, and he reached out hesitantly, his rough hand cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed lightly over her bottom lip, and he asked quietly, “

Would you…would you let me kiss you?”

Nia’s cheeks flushed crimson as she considered his question. After a moment, she nodded again, her blush deepening.

Boba leaned in, closing the space between them slowly. Their lips were just about to meet when a loud voice rang through the chambers.

“
BOBA!”
Fennec shouted as she barged in. “

There’s been a break-in at the spice warehouse, and they need backup!”

Nia jumped back from Boba, startled, her face burning with embarrassment. Boba turned, his expression darkening as he glared at Fennec.

Fennec stepped further onto the balcony, her sharp gaze flickering between them. She raised an eyebrow at their flustered faces but wisely said nothing about it.

Instead, she smirked and nodded at Nia’s gown. “

Nice dress

” she remarked dryly before turning back to Boba. “

We need to go now”.

Boba exhaled through his nose, trying to shake off the tension. He turned to Nia, his voice firm. “

Lock yourself in your chambers as a precaution. The tusken scrolls will have to wait”.

Nia nodded, though her reluctance was clear as she shifted on her feet. “

Be careful”

she said softly, her worry evident.

Boba nodded, his tone softening. “

I will. Go, now, little one!”

Nia hesitated for a moment longer before finally retreating, giving him one last glance over her shoulder before disappearing down the hallway.

Fennec watched her leave, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “
Nice save”
she teased, raising an eyebrow at Boba.

He shot her a hard glare, his voice a low growl. “

Not.A.Word”.

She chuckled, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “

Fine, fine. Let’s go

”.

Without another word, the two rushed off to investigate the break-in.
***
Nia returned to her chambers, slipping out of the extravagant golden dress and carefully hanging it back up in her closet.

Dressed in a light nightgown, she climbed into bed, but sleep didn’t come easily. She tossed and turned, her mind plagued by shadows of the past.

Her dreams dragged her back to the laboratory. The cold, sterile walls loomed around her, the flicker of harsh lights casting sharp shadows. The imperials stood in a circle, their faces obscured by their helmets, their voices taunting her.

“Use your abilities”
one barked, shoving her forward.

“No”
she spat back, her voice defiant, her parents’ warnings echoing in her mind.

Never use them.

The punishment was swift and brutal. Electricity crackled through her body, pain searing her nerves. They struck her, jeered at her, violated her, tearing at her spirit, but still, she held out.

Another shock. Another violation. She concentrated so hard to keep the abilities in, not wanting to shake the room and confirm their suspicions.

“Use them!”
they snarled.

But she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. She didn’t have control over them like that — She had never learnt to control them. But, if it was the last thing she did, she would make sure she didn’t lose control and give them the satisfaction.

The sound of shattering glass startled her awake, her heart hammering in her chest. The room was dark, but her breath caught as she realised it was shaking slightly, her force abilities spilling out again. The quaking subsided as she gained control of her thoughts.

Peering into the darkness, she whispered, “

Boba?

” But there was no answer.

With a sigh, she got out of bed and made her way to his chambers. She knocked on the heavy door, but no response came. Gathering her courage, she pressed the button, and the door hissed open. The room was empty, and she huffed in disappointment.

Her eyes drifted to his massive bed. Slowly, she padded over to it, noticing the mythosaur pendant on the bedside table. She picked it up, her fingers running over the cool, smooth metal.

Climbing into his bed, she clutched the pendant close to her chest. The lingering scent of Boba on the sheets wrapped around her like a protective cocoon, and for the first time that night, she felt a sense of calm. Sleep soon claimed her again.

But the same nightmare found her. The voices, the pain, the unbearable memories—she woke up screaming.

Drash was by her side in an instant, shaking her gently. “

Nia! Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe!”

Sweat slicked Nia’s brow, and her breathing came in ragged gasps. She clutched the pendant tightly, trying to ground herself.

Drash looked around, then smirked. “

Uh, why are you in the boss’s bed?”

Nia blushed furiously, ducking her head. “

I had a nightmare

” she admitted, her voice small. “

I just…I wanted to be close to him”.

Drash’s knowing smile widened. “
I see”.
Her eyes flicked to the pendant in Nia’s hand. “

You planning on holding that all night?”

Realising she was still gripping the mythosaur pendant, Nia loosened her fingers slightly but didn’t let go.
“

Come on

” Drash said gently. “

Why don’t you come sleep in my room? I’ll keep the nightmares away”.

Nia hesitated before nodding.
Together, they walked to Drash’s chambers.Nia slipped under the covers, the pendant still clutched in her hand. Drash settled in beside her, turning to face her.
After a moment of quiet, Nia hesitantly said, “

Boba asked to kiss me earlier”.

Drash immediately perked up, turning fully toward her. “

I

knew

it was only a matter of time!”

Nia blushed deeper, her fingers fidgeting with the cord of the pendant. “

It…didn’t happen

” she admitted. “

Fennec barged in about a warehouse break-in”.

Drash groaned, throwing an arm over her eyes. “

Fennec is such a cock block

” she muttered.

Nia couldn’t help but laugh at that. But her amusement faded as she turned to Drash, her curiosity piqued. “

Why does Boba have a spice warehouse anyway?”

Drash blinked at her, surprised. “

You don’t know?”

Nia shook her head.

Drash smirked. “

Boba’s a crime lord. Spice is one of our main distributions—and income sources”.

Nia’s eyes widened slightly. “

Oh

” she murmured. After a moment, she added, “
I’ve taken spice before. It’s pretty good…”
she smiled at Drash.

Drash raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “

Well, then. You’re more of a Tatooine girl than I thought”.

At the sound of being called a ‘
Tatooine girl’
Nia turned her head toward Drash, her cheeks pink. “

He…he asked me to stay here

” she said softly. “

With him. Instead of going back to live with my family”.

Drash’s eyes widened, and she propped herself up on one elbow to look at Nia more clearly. “

What?

” she exclaimed. “

The boss asked you to stay with
him?
Like, on Tatooine? For good?”

Nia nodded shyly.

“
What did you say? Did you say yes?”
Drash asks curiously but a hint of excitement.

Nia nodded again, avoiding Drash’s astonished gaze. “

That’s when he asked to kiss me”.

Drash flopped back onto her bed, staring at the ceiling in disbelief. “

Wow

” she muttered, her voice laced with awe. “

That’s…that’s a big deal”.

Nia buried her face in her hands, feeling the mythosaur pendant cool against her skin, her blush deepening. “

Stop

” she mumbled.

Drash peeked over at her, grinning. “
You blushing like that? It’s adorable”.
She grew serious after a moment. “

But really, do you…love him?”

Nia stiffened at the question, then hesitated. “

I’m not sure

” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “

I mean, I care about him. I…I feel safe with him. But I don’t want to say that I do if he doesn’t feel the same. That would be awful”.

Drash studied her friend’s worried expression and gave her a reassuring smile. “

Well

” she said confidently, “

you don’t have to figure it out right this second. But I’ll help you find out how he feels”.

Nia smiled, her heart feeling a little lighter. “

Thanks, Drash

” she said softly.

“

Anytime

” Drash replied, pulling the blankets up around them.
The two settled down for the night, Nia still clutching the mythosaur pendant in her hand, its cool weight a strange comfort in the darkness.She drifted off to sleep, the sound of Drash’s even breathing and the warmth of her friendship keeping her safe. The darkness brought no nightmares.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 17

Boba and Fennec trudged into the palace in the early hours of the morning, exhaustion etched across their faces.

The break-in at the spice warehouse had taken its toll, not only physically but mentally. Half of their supply was gone, stolen by the audacious thieves who dared to challenge Boba Fett’s authority.

As much as his body ached for rest, his mind was alight with rage.

Nobody stole from Boba Fett and lived to boast about it. The coming weeks would be consumed by investigations, interrogations, and retribution.

At the main hallway, Boba turned to Fennec. “

Get some rest. We’ll regroup in a few hours”.

Fennec gave him a curt nod. “

You too”

she said before disappearing into her quarters.
Boba entered his chambers and immediately noticed something was off.His sharp gaze swept over the room. His bed, normally pristine, had been disturbed. The covers were askew, and the faintest indentation suggested someone had been lying there. Removing his helmet, Boba’s brow furrowed in suspicion.
He silently scanned the room for any threats, moving toward the side room with the bacta pod. It was empty. Returning to the bed, he removed his gloves and placed a hand on the sheets. They were cold, meaning whoever had been there was long gone.

That was when he noticed something else—his father’s mythosaur pendant was missing from its place on the nightstand.

A pang of panic shot through him.

Had someone broken in and taken just that? His mind immediately went to Nia. Was she in trouble?

Acting on instinct, Boba strode to her chambers and keyed open the door. The sight of her empty, unmade bed made his stomach drop.

He clenched his fists and marched to Fennec’s room, rapping firmly on the door. She opened it quickly, sensing his urgency.

“

Nia’s gone”

he said, his voice tight with worry.

Fennec frowned. “

Gone? Are you sure? Maybe she’s with Drash”.

“At this hour?”
He asked in disbelief.

Without hesitation, Boba turned on his heel and made his way to Drash’s quarters.

Quietly, he keyed the door open and stepped inside. The faint light from the corridor cast shadows over the room.

Drash stirred and bolted upright, her wide eyes reflecting alarm. Boba raised a hand to calm her.

“

Relax

” he said in a low tone. His gaze shifted to the bed and softened when he saw Nia curled up next to Drash, clutching something tightly to her chest.

Drash followed his gaze and leaned toward Boba, whispering, “

She had nightmares. I found her in your bed, holding that

”. She motioned to the pendant clutched in Nia’s hands.

Boba’s stomach tightened as he looked at the delicate girl in Drash’s bed, her fingers curled protectively around his father’s pendant.

He exhaled deeply, his anger melting into something gentler. Nia was the only person he had ever allowed to touch that piece of his past, and here she was, seeking comfort from it as she slept.

“
Why was she in my bed?”
he asked quietly.

Drash shrugged. “

She said she wanted to feel close to you. But the nightmares still came, so I brought her here”.

Boba’s heart swelled at the thought of Nia reaching for the pendant, for him, to ease her fears. The unease that had gripped him since returning from the warehouse lifted slightly.

“
Let her sleep”
he said softly, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Drash nodded and settled back down, pulling the blanket over Nia as Boba quietly left the room.

Returning to his chambers, he sank into his mattress, his mind swirling with thoughts of Nia.

She had taken his pendant for comfort—and it had been enough to soothe her, at least for a little while.

Smiling faintly, Boba stretched out on his bed, closing his eyes and letting sleep claim him.
***
Nia stirred at the sound of Drash bustling around the room, getting ready for her duties. Groggy, she propped herself up on her elbow and watched as Drash strapped on her blaster and adjusted her jacket.

“

You just rest

” Drash said with a smile. “

I’ve got guard duty in Mos Espa today. Long day ahead”.

Nia nodded sleepily, realising she was still clutching Boba’s pendant tightly in her hand. Its smooth, cool surface was a comfort, but it also brought a flush to her cheeks as she remembered why she had taken it and how she had been found in Boba’s bed.

She laid there a moment longer, collecting her thoughts, before finally getting up.

Quietly, she made her way back to her chambers to take a long, soothing bath and dress for the day.

By midday, Nia descended into the throne room. It was bustling with the usual mix of guards, aides, and messengers, but Boba’s familiar figure was absent. She approached Fennec, who was going over some reports on a holopad.

“

What happened at the warehouse?

” Nia asked.

Fennec glanced up. “

A mess

” she said bluntly. “

Half the spice was stolen. Boss isn’t happy, as you can imagine. He spent the night morning sorting things out, and now he’s getting some rest”.

Nia nodded thoughtfully. “

He’s in his chambers?”

“

Yeah

” Fennec replied, eyeing her curiously. “

Let him sleep. He’s had a long night”.

Ignoring Fennec’s advice, Nia turned and made her way toward the kitchen to get some food for herself and for Boba. She then made her way to his chambers.

She hesitated outside the door, one hand holding a plate of food and her other hand hovering over the panel.

She wanted to see him, especially after the nightmares that had plagued her last night. His presence always made her feel safe, grounded. But the last thing she wanted was to disturb his much-needed rest.

Instead of knocking, she decided to slip in quietly. The door hissed open, and she stepped inside, the room dimly lit by the afternoon sun streaming through the windows.

Boba was lying on his back in the center of his massive bed, the blankets only loosely covering his waist and legs.

She approached, stopping by his side and gently placed the plate of food on his bedside table.

His chest rose and fell steadily with his breaths, his face peaceful for once.

Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes wandered to his bare torso.

His body was broad and powerful, with muscles that spoke of years of hard battles and relentless training. His chest and arms were deeply tanned, and even in rest, the muscles of his shoulders and abdomen were defined and strong.

But it was the scars that caught her attention—the countless marks crisscrossing his skin. Each one told a story, a tale of a fight survived, of a man who refused to be beaten.

Despite the ruggedness of his body, there was a quiet vulnerability in the way he slept, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of affection as she watched him.

Then her gaze fell on a series of scars on his torso and arms left by the Sarlacc acid. They appeared to be cracked and irritated. The edges of the marks looked red and inflamed.

Her brow furrowed in concern. They looked painful, and she wondered if he had been tending to them properly with that cream—or if he had ignored them entirely, as he so often seemed to do with his own well-being.

Nia’s gaze flicked briefly up to Boba’s face, her heart pounding in her chest.

He still appeared to be soundly asleep, his features relaxed and unguarded. She glanced back down at a large red scar running across his torso, irritated and angry-looking. Her fingers itched with the urge to check if it was as painful as it seemed.
Hesitantly, she stepped closer, her bare feet making no sound on the floor. Her hand hovered over the scar, trembling slightly.Then, with a featherlight touch, she let her fingers graze the rough, inflamed skin.
A deep groan rumbled from Boba’s throat, and his hand shot out, gently but firmly grabbing her wrist. Nia gasped, trying to pull back, but his grip held her in place.

“
I—”
she stammered, her voice shaky, “

I brought you some food”.

Boba cracked one eye open, his lips quirking into a lazy smirk. “

Does that include touching me?”

Her face instantly flushed a deep red, her copper hair seeming to intensify the colour.

She struggled to find words, tripping over her own thoughts. “
I-I was worried when I saw your scars. They…they look inflamed”.

He chuckled softly, the sound low and gravelly, and it sent a shiver through her. “

Not complaining

” he murmured, his tone teasing. “
You can touch me all you want”.

Nia narrowed her eyes, her embarrassment momentarily replaced with suspicion. “

You were awake the whole time, weren’t you?”

Boba laughed, a rich, chesty sound that made her stomach flutter and her knees feel weak.

“

Maybe

” he admitted, his voice still thick with sleep. “
I heard you enter right away…Ears of a hunter”
he grinned.
“And I wanted to see what you’d do”.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, her lips parting in outrage, but before she could retort, he released her wrist and stretched, his muscles flexing as he pushed himself upright.

“

I’m sorry”

she said quickly, her cheeks still burning. “

I know you need to sleep. I’ll leave you be

”.

She turned on her heel, ready to retreat, but his voice stopped her.

“

Stay

”.

The word was soft but commanding, and it froze her in place. Slowly, she turned back toward him, her heart hammering as she met his dark eyes.

Nia hesitated, her fingers fidgeting at her sides, but eventually, she nodded and perched on the edge of Boba’s bed.

He reached for the tray of food she had brought and, without hesitation, let her have half. He had noticed it was far too much for him anyway and assumed it was for both of them.

Her cheeks were still bright red as she took some fruit, her fingers brushing his briefly. Boba smirked, pleased that he could still provoke that kind of reaction from a woman.

He bit into a slice of the fruit and chewed thoughtfully, his dark eyes watching her.

“

You know…

” he started casually, “…

when I got back this morning, my bed was unmade. Would you happen to know anything about that?”

Her breath caught in her throat, and she froze mid-bite. “

No

” she said quickly, her voice an octave higher than normal, avoiding his gaze.

He hummed, the sound thick with amusement. “

Funny…

” he said, leaning back slightly against the headboard, “…

because Drash told me you were in my bed last night”.

Nia’s stomach dropped, and her face turned as red as the fruit in her hand. She breathed heavily, mortified that he knew.

Before she could come up with an excuse, he leaned forward slightly, his dark gaze filled with teasing intent.

“

You know…if you’re going to be in my bed…

” he said, his voice low and flirtatious, “…

I’d prefer it if

I

were there too”.

Her mouth fell open, and she choked on the bite of food she had just taken.

Boba chuckled, his laughter warm and sleepy, and she glared at him, narrowing her eyes.

“
I think you say things like that just to make me blush”
she snapped, still red-faced.

He laughed again, his gaze softening as he studied her. “

Maybe

” he admitted, his lips quirking into a grin. “

But I like the way it looks on you”.

Nia hesitated, feeling her pulse quicken at the way he was looking at her.

“
I…”
She trailed off and looked down at her hands, twisting them nervously. “

I had nightmares

” she admitted softly. “

I wanted to be with you, but you weren’t there, so…I slept in your bed because it…smelt like you”.

She winced inwardly at how ridiculous she sounded and immediately wished she hadn’t said it. Her fingers tightened on the fruit as she avoided his gaze, bracing herself for his response.

When he didn’t respond right away, Nia hesitated for a moment, then reached into her pocket and pulled out the pendant. She extended it toward him, her fingers trembling slightly.

Boba took it, his large hand brushing hers in the process.

He studied her face as he held the pendant, his expression curious and amused. “

Why’d you take it?

” he asked, his deep voice gentle but teasing.

Her cheeks flared red again, and she avoided his gaze. “

It…it made me feel safe

” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He studied her with fascination, the corner of his mouth lifting in a knowing smile.

He turned the pendant over in his hands for a moment before setting it carefully on the side table next to the plate of food.

Then, without warning, he reached for her. His strong arms wrapped around her waist, and he yanked her onto his lap, positioning her so that she was straddling him, her knees tucked around his hips.

She squeaked in surprise, her hands instinctively going to his shoulders to steady herself. Her face was laced with panic as her breath hitched.

He held her firmly but gently, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “
Is this too much?”
he asked, his voice low and gravelly, though there was a hint of genuine concern behind the teasing.

Nia’s breath was shallow, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she considered his question.

Her face burned with embarrassment. She wanted the wind to cause a sandstorm just so it could blow in from the window and swallow her whole.

She couldn’t look him in the eye. It was too intense.

“

Look at me

” he commanded.

‘

Great

’ she thinks. Although, she couldn’t lie that the way he ordered her like that…it made her insides turn to jelly.

Hesitantly, she looked at him. She studied his face—his strong jawline, the faint smirk playing on his lips, and the glimmer of affection in his eyes. Slowly, she began to breathe more easily.

“

Is this too much?

” He repeated.

“

No

” she murmured at last, shaking her head slightly.

Boba studied her reaction carefully, noting the way her breathing steadied and the tension in her shoulders began to ease. He knew he was being forward—more so than he usually allowed himself to be with her.

But after the moment they’d shared the night before, her whispered ‘

yes’

when he’d asked to kiss her, it gave him hope. Even though the kiss had been interrupted, it had emboldened him.

He felt he could test the waters a little more, see how far their connection would go.

There was something about Nia—her fiery spirit, her vulnerability, the way she looked at him like he was more than just a scarred man with a violent past—that made him want to push past his usual restraint.

Still, he tread carefully. While his actions were bold, his touch remained gentle. He could see how her cheeks flushed, the way her lips parted slightly, and how her wide eyes searched his for reassurance. She was nervous, sure, but she hadn’t pulled away. That was encouraging.

Nia hesitated at first, but the way Boba held her close, his hands warm and firm on her waist, emboldened her.

Tentatively, she let her fingers drift to the back of his neck, trailing light caresses against his skin. It was a simple touch, but the intimacy of it made Boba’s breath hitch.

“
Have you been using the cream for your scars?”
she asked softly.

He huffed, his tone almost playful. “

Yes

”.

She narrowed her eyes at him, seeing through the lie immediately. “

Liar

”.

Before he could respond, she felt his fingertips trailing lazily up and down her spine, over her top.

Her entire body shivered at the sensation, and she gasped.

“

You like that?

” he murmured, his voice deep and low.

Still trembling, she nodded silently.

His eyebrows rose “

If I ask you a question, I expect you to

speak

the answer

” he commanded, a smirk playing on his lips as he squeezes her sides.

Her cheeks flamed as she squeaked out a flustered, “
Y-yes!”

He chuckled, the sound feeling like it was vibrating from his chest and straight into her.

He leaned in as if to kiss her…

Nia panicked and jumped up, her heart pounding, and hurried around the bed to his bedside table.

Grabbing the jar of cream, she thrust it toward him. “

You can’t stop using this

” she stammered, desperate to change the subject.

He leaned back, his expression unbothered and amused. “

Then you do it”.

It wasn’t a request—it was a

command

, the deep rumble of his voice sending heat pooling through her and wetness in her panties.

She swallowed hard, unable to refuse, and timidly unscrewed the jar. Dipping her fingers into the cool cream, she moved closer to him.

Starting with his arms, she spread the cream over his scars, her hands shaking slightly.

She could feel the firmness of his muscles beneath her fingers, every ridge and line of his body reminding her how powerful he was.

Her blush deepened as she worked, stealing quick glances at his face. His pupils were wide, his dark eyes hooded as he watched and
felt
her every movement with quiet intensity.

“

You’re a timid little thing, aren’t you?

” he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

Her lashes fluttered, and she smiled shyly but didn’t answer.

Moving to his chest, she focused on the scars there, her fingers brushing over the hard planes of his muscles.

Her touch lingered as she worked, unable to help herself from marveling at his strength. He was scarred and rugged, but also beautiful in his own way—a man forged in fire and battles.

“

Lean forward

” she said softly, finding her courage. “

So I can do your back”.

He shifted forward, his movements unhurried, and Nia slid behind him.

Leaning back on the balls of her feet in front of his pillows, she dipped her fingers into the cream again and started applying it to his broad shoulders. Her hands moved over the expanse of his back, smoothing the cream over his scars with gentle care.

Her heart pounded as she worked, her fingers brushing over the powerful muscles beneath his skin.

She couldn’t deny how much she enjoyed this moment, how much she wanted to keep touching him. Every movement felt intimate, and her blush only deepened as the realisation sank in.

Boba sat still under her hands, his breathing slow and measured, but the way his shoulders tensed and relaxed told her he was

far

from unaffected.

Nia had long since finished applying the cream to Boba’s back, but she couldn’t bring herself to stop. Her hands, now steady, began to knead the tight muscles in his shoulders. She pressed her thumbs gently into the knots, working them out with careful attention.

A low, deep moan of pleasure escaped him, and she smiled, her chest swelling with a quiet sense of accomplishment.

“

Does that feel good?

” she asked softly, her voice teasing but warm.

Boba let out a strangled gasp, his head dipping forward as her hands worked magic on his tense muscles. “
Too good”
he murmured, his eyes sliding shut. “

I could get used to this”.

Her cheeks pinked at the compliment, but she quickly masked it by clearing her throat. “

You need to make sure you’re using the cream properly

” she scolded gently. “

The medical droid gave you specific instructions for a reason”.

He huffed, amusement in his tone. “

Okay, mum”.

Nia blinked in surprise before breaking into laughter. She leaned back slightly, grinning at his teasing.

But her laugh faltered, and her smile dimmed as a thought crossed her mind.

She tilted her head, her voice quieter now. “

You’ve never mentioned your mother before…Where is she?”

Boba froze, his body going still beneath her touch. She noticed the tension in his shoulders return, the air between them thickening.

When he didn’t answer, she worried she had pushed too far. Determined to get a response, she moved to sit in front of him, crossing her legs and looking up into his face.

His dark eyes met hers briefly, and he knew she wasn’t going to drop the subject.

He sighed, raking a hand over his face before answering in a low voice, “

I don’t have one”.

It wasn’t a lie, but it was all he was willing to offer.

Nia’s brows furrowed, her lips parting in surprise. “

Your mother passed away too?”

she asked hesitantly, her tone gentle.

Boba exhaled heavily, his frustration tempered by the softness in her gaze.

She wasn’t prying maliciously—she was just too curious, too kindhearted for her own good.

“

No

” he finally said, his voice rough. “

I never had one”.

Nia tilted her head, her green eyes glimmering with curiosity. “

So…your mother was never around?”

Boba felt the air shift. Her question was innocent, but he knew how close she was to a truth he rarely shared.

His shoulders tensed. He wasn’t ashamed of what he was, but the thought of her learning the full story unsettled him. The galaxy held too many ghosts that bore his face, and the weight of it all sometimes felt unbearable.

He sighed deeply, rubbing a hand over his stubbled jaw. He was going to have to spill the beans wasn’t he?

“

No

” he admitted, his voice low and careful. “

I never had a mother…because I wasn’t born like other people. I’m a clone”.

Boba kept his gaze fixed over her head, unwilling to meet her eyes. He didn’t want to see disgust or rejection, the reactions he always feared but never allowed himself to dwell on.

For a moment, the room was quiet. Then he heard her murmur, “

You don’t look like a clone”.

That startled him, and his eyes darted down to find her scrutinising him. Her brows furrowed as her gaze swept him up and down.

“

You have a belly button

” she added matter-of-factly, tilting her head in puzzlement.

He blinked, utterly baffled, until she elaborated. “

My brother told me about clones once—he learned about them at university. He said clones don’t have belly buttons because they’re not…born…no umbilical cord…”

Boba’s wide-eyed shock only lasted a second before he erupted into deep, booming laughter.

It started low in his chest but quickly grew into something uncontrollable. He doubled over, clutching his ribs, his laughter echoing through the room.

Nia’s cheeks flushed, and she shifted uncomfortably. “

Why are you laughing?

” she asked, defensive and embarrassed. “

I’m being serious!”

His laughter subsided to chuckles as he wiped his eyes, his lips still curled into a grin. “

I…I wasn’t expecting

that

reaction

” he admitted, the mirth still lingering in his voice.

She frowned, crossing her arms. “

What reaction

were

you expecting?”

His expression sobered slightly, and he shifted nervously, his shoulders rising in a small shrug. “

Aversion

” he said quietly.

Nia hesitated at the word, her frown softening. “

Is that what others do?”

He nodded slowly. “

Not many people know

” he said. “

Just Fennec—and now you—in the palace. But…a lot of older people, they recognise me. They know my face because my father’s DNA was used to create me and the clone army”.

Her eyes widened, the weight of his words settling in. She studied him carefully, the gravity of his admission making her heart ache.

“
So there are…others like you?

” she asked, her voice hesitant.

“

There were

” he corrected, a trace of melancholy slipping into his tone. “

Most of them were modified to age faster. They weren’t meant to live long”.

Her gaze lingered on him, her chest tightening with sympathy.

Boba felt her eyes on him and finally looked up, surprised to see not judgment, but something else entirely—understanding, perhaps, or even admiration.

Nia tilted her head, her curiosity burning brighter. “

Were you modified?”

Boba shook his head. “

No

” he said simply, gesturing toward himself. “
That’s why I have a belly button. My makers constructed one. I’m an exact replica of my father—an unaltered clone. That was the deal he made when his DNA was used to create the clone army. He asked for one clone that wasn’t modified to age faster or follow orders without question. That’s me”.

Her eyes widened as she processed his words. “

So…your father looked like you? Or rather, you look like your father?”

He nodded, a faint, wistful smile touching his lips. “
Yeah, he did. Or…he would’ve, if he’d lived long enough to reach my age”.

His tone grew lighter, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. “

Though I’d wager he wouldn’t have as many scars”.

Nia smiled softly, her heart aching for him. “
How old are you?”
she asked gently.

“

Forty-five standard years

” he answered, his deep voice steady.

She nodded, doing the math in her head. “

You’re quite a bit older than me

”. She chuckled lightly, her attempt to keep the mood light.

Boba raised a brow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “

Is that a problem?”

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly shook her head. “

No

” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He watched her, the teasing glint in his dark eyes warming as her blush deepened.

“

Good

” he said, his tone light but firm, before leaning back slightly and regarding her with a quiet amusement.

Boba chuckled softly, the sound low and rich. “

You’re a curious thing, aren’t you? Always so full of questions”.

Nia grinned, tilting her head to the side. “

Is that a problem?”

she asked, echoing his earlier question about their age difference.

He smirked and shook his head. “

No, I like it. I like that you’re interested

”.

He patted the bed beside him, his tone turning playful. “

Come here”.

She hesitated, her nerves getting the better of her, and he rolled his eyes in mock impatience.

“

I said,

come here

” he commanded softly, his voice carrying a gentle authority.

Her breath caught at the sound of his voice, and without thinking, she moved to obey, sitting down next to him on the expansive bed.

He made a mental note of how naturally she responded to his orders when he used his stern tone.

A flicker of arousal shot through him. He pushed the thought aside, though the idea of exploring her submissiveness in the bedroom simmered at the back of his mind. If she ever opened up to the idea of being intimate.

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her and gently pulled her down beside him.

She rested her head on his broad chest, and he began stroking her hair, the motion soothing. Her copper strands felt like silk against his fingertips, and he let out a contented sigh.

Nia began trailing her fingertips down his chest and around his naval in attentiveness.

“

I’ve never met a clone before

” she murmured after a moment, her voice quiet but curious.

Boba chuckled again, and she felt the deep vibration in his chest beneath her cheek.

“

Hopefully, you won’t

” he said. “

Most of them aren’t happy people”.

She paused, lifting her head to meet his gaze, her brow furrowed. “

Are you unhappy?

” she asked softly.

His eyes softened as he looked at her. “

No

” he said simply, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “

Not now that you’re here”.

Her lips curled into a shy smile, and she laid her head back on his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calming her. She felt safe—safer than she’d felt in years.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 18

The afternoon sun filtered softly through the windows as Nia and Boba lay there, sharing stories and talking in a way neither of them had in a long time.

It was easy, comforting, to open up to each other. Boba had never imagined he could be this honest with someone—especially about his past.

For so long, he’d carried the weight of his identity as a clone, hiding it from others, bracing for rejection whenever he had to reveal it. Even with his past bounty hunting, he usually didn’t talk about it because people tended to sneer at the bounty hunting profession.

But Nia hadn’t reacted the way he expected. She hadn’t recoiled or showed disgust. Instead, she’d been fascinated, curious.

It felt freeing, almost liberating, to be able to talk about his father, about his creation, without fear of judgment. He found himself telling her more than he had intended, sharing pieces of his life he had long kept hidden.

They spoke of her father, and he listened intently as she described him—how kind and strong he was, a man who shaped her into who she was today.

And then, Boba shared stories of his travels as a bounty hunter.

She seemed especially excited about Naboo. He told her how beautiful it was—the green hills, the shimmering lakes and waterfalls, and the gentle cities. It was one of the few places he had truly felt at peace.

As he described it, he saw the excitement in Nia’s eyes.

“

I want to go there”

she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “

It sounds incredible. Like paradise”.

Boba smiled, his heart lifting. “

When the Imps are dealt with, I’ll take you there. You’ll see it for yourself”.

Her smile softened, and she looked at him, her gaze full of admiration. She noted how brave and strong he was. She had never met anyone like him.

Nia’s admiration wasn’t for the bounty hunter, the feared mercenary. It was for him, the man. Something stirred inside her.

Her voice faltered slightly, and she shyly added, “

You know…we never did get to have that kiss”.

At her boldness, Boba’s gaze shot down to her. The raw desire in his eyes flickered—she was being so forward, so open, and it thrilled him.

He could feel his pulse quicken as he leaned closer to her.

“

I can fix that”

he said with a smirk, rolling on top of her.

Her squeak of surprise only fueled the fire within him, and he lowered his head, about to kiss her—

—The door slammed open. Fennec walked in.

“
For kriff sake Fennec!”
Boba groaned in frustration, pushing himself off Nia in one fluid motion, his expression darkening. “

Don’t you ever knock?”

Fennec stood in the doorway, arms crossed, looking as unbothered as ever, though her sharp eyes flickered toward the two of them on the bed.

She cleared her throat. “

Apologies for interrupting…whatever this is…But we have a lead on the spice thieves”.

Boba sighed, frustration and lust still battling in his chest.

“

I’ll be right there

” he said, turning back to Nia, who was lying there, mortified, hiding her face in her arm.

Fennec smirked and then left.

Boba’s heart softened at the sight of Nia hiding, a small chuckle escaping him as he moved to gently lift her arm away from her face. “

Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it looks”.

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she pouted, her embarrassment radiating off her in waves. “

Promise me you won’t be long”.

He sighed, knowing he had no choice.
“I promise, Nia. Stay here and relax”.

With a deep breath, he added, “

I have some holofilms on my datapad if you want to watch something. I’ll be quick”.

She gave him a small, grateful smile as he handed her the device, watching as she settled back onto the bed, clearly trying to calm her racing heart.

As Boba gathered his armour, she began scrolling through the films, her attention caught by one of the selections.

Boba, now fully dressed in his armour, paused to look back at her for a brief moment.

His gaze softened, and a small, unreadable expression passed over his face before he turned away.

“

I won’t be long

” he promised again, the words a reassurance for both of them.

She nodded, but her smile lingered. As Boba made his way to the door, he gave her one last glance—a silent promise that, despite the interruption, he hadn’t forgotten the kiss.

Then, he left.

***

Nia watched through two holofilms, both more forgettable than the other, her mind wandering as she found herself glancing toward the door every few minutes, waiting for Boba to return.

It had been far longer than he’d promised, and the rest of the films weren’t holding her attention. After starting the third one, she sighed heavily, shutting off the datapad and placing it down on the bed beside her.

Stretching, her body aching from being still for so long, she stood up and made her way across the room.

Her eyes fell on Boba’s bed, the spot where they had shared such an intimate moment not long ago. Her heart ached with frustration, her emotions swirling in a mix of disappointment and longing.

She had expected more time with him, especially after everything they had shared earlier—his vulnerability, his stories, the closeness they had started to build.

She had even thought that maybe—just maybe—there might be

more

to explore. But now, here she was, alone again. She couldn’t help but feel a bit huffy about it.

Boba had responsibilities, she knew that. But it didn’t stop the frustration from bubbling up inside her.

Why was it always someone interrupting when things were getting good?

She crossed her arms, letting out a disgruntled huff as she glared at the bed. It wasn’t that she resented his duty—it was just, at that moment, she wanted him all to herself.

Selfish? Yup. Did she care, right in this moment? Definitely not.

With one last look at the bed, she turned on her heel and headed for her own room. She could feel a stubborn pout forming on her lips as she stormed down the hall, her mind whirling with the unfairness of it all.

She wasn’t used to feeling like this—frustrated over something she couldn’t control—but there was no denying it. Nia was in a huff, and she wasn’t about to let go of the feeling just yet.

***

Boba sat at the table with Fennec, Krrsantan, and most of the security team, the weight of the upcoming operation hanging heavily on his mind. The plan of attack had been discussed, refined, and nearly finalised, but something gnawed at him in the back of his mind. Fennec leaned forward, her arms crossed, her usual steely gaze not missing anything.

“
We leave tomorrow morning”
Boba said, his voice carrying the decision.

Fennec’s eyes flickered to him, a flicker of concern passing over her features. “

We can’t leave Nia unprotected”.

The words hit him harder than he expected.
Right.
He had been so consumed with the need for vengeance that he’d let his personal responsibilities slip from his mind.

Nia was still at risk, and despite the fact that he had hoped to have more time with her, the threat loomed just as it always had.

Guilt shot through him as he glanced at the time on his vambrace.

Six hours.

It had been nearly half a day. He had promised her he wouldn’t be long, and now he felt stupid.

With a frustrated sigh, Boba ran his hand over his face. “

I’ll stay here with Nia”.

Fennec raised an eyebrow. “

You’ll need to crack the whip on the thieves. We’ll need you there. I’ll need to go too”.

Boba hesitated but nodded, knowing that both of their presence would be crucial in dealing with the aftermath of the theft.

“

I know

” he muttered, though the thought of leaving Nia again still weighed on him. “

Alright, we’ll leave Krrsantan to guard her. He’s the best for the job”.

Krrsantan roared in protest at being the baby sitter again.

“

I know you would rather be where the action is, but Nia is special to me

” he glanced around “

to us

” he corrected. “

She will need protecting if the Imps show up. I’m surprised after our ambush that they haven’t tried yet”.

Krrsantan let out a groan but nodded.

The rest of the team nodded in agreement, and they broke up, each preparing for the evening ahead.

Boba made his way to his chambers, his mind already racing through the apology he knew he owed her.

He expected to find her in his room, waiting, maybe upset, but he was ready to make amends. When he opened the door, however, he was greeted with an empty chamber. His brow furrowed.

Where had she gone?

He knocked lightly on her door, but when there was no answer, he didn’t hesitate.
She knows I’ll just let myself in.
With that thought in mind, he entered, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of her.
There she was—sitting in her armchair, pretending to read. Her eyes were fixed on the page, the room was still, with no tremors. But he didn’t need that to know how she felt. Her body language said it all. She was angry, and he could feel it in the atmosphere.
“

I’m sorry for being so long

” Boba said, his voice softened by genuine regret.

Still, Nia didn’t look up. She didn’t acknowledge him, not even a glance.

Amused by her silent treatment, Boba couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. “

Really? The silent treatment? You’re going to make me work for it, huh?”

Nia turned the page of her book forcefully, as if it were the most important thing in the world. Her stiff posture didn’t betray her feelings, but Boba could see right through it.

“

Come on, cyar’ika

” he teased, stepping closer and standing in front of her.

He used the Mandalorian endearment. He knew she wouldn’t understand the word and it would hopefully prompt her curiosity and end the silence.

But Nia remained completely unmoved, still staring intently at the page, her brow furrowing at the unfamiliar word he uttered.

He leaned in closer, trying to soften the mood, but Nia remained silent, her eyes never straying from the book.

Finally, unable to hold back a chuckle, he sighed dramatically.

Unexpectedly, she stood abruptly, forcing him to step back as she moved around him and out of the room, without a word.

Boba blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden shift in her behaviour.

She had been quiet before, but this was different. He stared after her, bewildered, muttering to himself, “

Women…”

Following her down the hall, Boba quickly caught up and found her taking a seat at the dining table, with the rest of the family.

He took his normal seat next to her, hoping for some sign of warmth, but Nia didn’t so much as glance at him.

She was eating in silence, her attention fixed on her plate as if it was the only thing in the world that mattered.

Nia knew she was being petty. He had apologised. But she was in her huffy mood and it would take more than an apology.

What exactly? She didn’t know. He could figure it out.

Boba looked at her sideways, the frustration from earlier still lingering in the air between them. He gave her one more look, a silent plea for her to acknowledge him, but she wouldn’t.

She sat with her back straight, perfectly poised, her silence deafening as they ate together, the tension between them palpable.

As the meal progressed, the tension in the air was undeniable. The rest of the family couldn’t help but notice the frosty atmosphere that seemed to radiate from Nia.

Her silence was different this time. Not like it was when she was traumatised. Now, there was a sharpness in her demeanour, and the way she focused on her food without sparing Boba a glance was noticeable.

Fennec, ever perceptive, leaned toward Boba, her voice quiet but laced with curiosity. “

What did you do?”

Boba opened his mouth to respond, but before he could answer, Fennec’s sharp eyes narrowed with realisation. “

You’ve pushed her too hard, haven’t you?”

Boba, annoyed, kicked his leg out to hit Fennec, but misjudged the distance and ended up slamming his foot into the leg of the table.

He let out a grunt of pain, and the sudden noise caused everyone to look up.

The moment Boba met Nia’s gaze, he saw the way her eyes narrowed at him, but then—unexpectedly—he caught the ghost of a smirk.

He couldn’t help but grin in return, knowing he had earned that little reaction out of her.

He teased her without hesitation, leaning back in his seat with a playful smirk. “

I saw that smile”.

Nia’s smirk faltered as she tried to suppress it, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her, forming a grin that she quickly wiped away, still remembering her earlier huff.

Boba chuckled under his breath, relishing the fact that she couldn’t fully resist his presence.

Fennec raised an eyebrow, an amused expression crossing her face as she encouraged Boba, “

Go on, then. Keep it going”.

With Fennec’s urging, Boba leaned in just a little closer to Nia.

His tone softened, though he was still enjoying the playful back-and-forth between them.

He extended his hand toward hers, hesitating for only a moment before gently taking her hand in his.

Nia paused, her gaze flickering to his hand and then up to his face. She was still frowning, but there was something in her eyes that said she wasn’t entirely opposed.

After a brief moment, she let him hold her hand, though she didn’t smile.

They ate in relative silence after that, his hand still in hers. The rest of the group finishing their meals quickly.

***

Soon, it was just Nia and Boba left at the table. Boba shifted in his seat, closing the distance between them just a little more.

“
I really am sorry

” he said quietly, his voice sincere. “

Please…don’t stay mad at me

”. He looked at her with genuine regret, his expression softening as he held her hand more firmly.

Nia met his gaze, and the pout she was wearing only deepened. She didn’t answer immediately, but there was something about the way he was looking at her that made it hard to stay angry for long.

With a small sigh, Boba smiled and, in a lighthearted attempt to cheer her up, called her “

Princess

” in a teasing tone.

Her lips twitched, but she still wasn’t ready to relent.

That’s when an idea sparked in Boba’s mind, and he stood, offering his hand. “

Come on

” he said, his voice full of playfulness, “

Follow me”.

Nia raised an eyebrow but took his hand and stood anyway, intrigued by his sudden change in demeanour.

As she followed him out of the dining room, her mind raced, curiosity building despite her earlier frustration. What did he have planned this time?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 19

Nia and Boba walked hand in hand into the throne room, their steps echoing on the cold stone floor.

The space felt larger than usual, the high ceilings and intricate carvings casting shadows in the dim light.

Boba, with a glint of amusement in his eyes, led her to the dais where his throne sat.

“

Every Princess needs a throne

” Boba said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips as he gestured toward the imposing chair.

Nia raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking from the throne to him. “

This is
your
throne

” she said, her voice a mixture of skepticism and curiosity.

Boba smiled, the satisfaction of getting her to speak again evident in the way he stood taller. “

It’s mine, yes. But I don’t mind sharing it…with just you.”

He gestured towards the throne, urging her to sit. “

Come on, sit on it, be a real Princess”.

Nia crossed her arms, her expression unamused. “

I wanted to spend the day with you

” she said, the words carrying a hint of disappointment.

Boba’s face softened as he gave a small sigh. “
I know”
he said, his voice sincere. “

But I have responsibilities.”

Nia sighed, the weight of his duties settling over her. “

I know”

she murmured, but her disappointment lingered. “

I just thought we could have one day together.”

She turned to him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “

Can you spend the day with me tomorrow?”

Boba hesitated, his mind already drifting back to the task at hand. “

I can’t

” he said reluctantly. “

We’re going after the thieves tomorrow.”

Nia’s frown deepened at the news, but Boba was quick to tease her, his lips curling into a playful grin.

“

I didn’t know you liked being around me so much

” he said, his voice light and teasing.

Nia, refusing to back down, put her hands on her hips. “

You know full well I do

” she shot back, her voice firm.

Boba chuckled at her response, the amusement in his eyes clear. “

Go on then

” he said, gesturing toward the throne again, “

Sit on it.”

Nia paused for a moment before a cheeky grin appeared on her face. “

I’ll sit on it

” she said, “

if you sit on it too.”

Boba’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but the mischievous glint in her eyes made it hard for him to resist.

“

Alright

” he said, his voice low with amusement.

With a laugh, he sat down on the throne, patting his knee as he looked at her.

Nia, despite it being her idea, suddenly became hesitant. She looked at him for a moment, a nervous blush creeping up her neck as the situation became more intimate than she had planned.

She wanted to sit on his lap, sure, but it was one thing to suggest it and another thing to
actually
do it…

Boba, noticing her timidity, laughed softly. “

Come on, cyar’ika”

he coaxed, his tone warm and inviting. “

Sit!”

Before Nia could protest, he reached for her, grabbing her arms and pulling her toward him. She squeaked in surprise, but it was too late. In one swift motion, she stumbled and landed in his lap.

Nia let out a small yelp as she found herself seated sideways on him, her body pressed against his. He shifted her, his hands steady as he cradled her in his lap, her legs swung over the side of the throne.

Nia was still reeling from the unexpected turn of events when she asked, her voice small, “

Why do you keep calling me that? What does it mean?”

Boba smirked, his hand gently resting on her waist. “

I’m not telling you

” he teased, his voice low and playful.

Frustrated, Nia wriggled in his lap, trying to free herself from his grip.

“

Stop squirming

” Boba grunted, the tension in his voice rising as he adjusted her again. “

You’ll get
even more
mad at me if you keep that up.”

Nia froze, her eyes widening as she realised what he meant. She was sat right on top of his member and she could feel it poking into her behind as it grew. She blushed deeply, trying to pull away, but Boba’s hold on her was firm.

“

No, no

” he said, his voice filled with satisfaction. “

You can stay right here.”

Nia’s breath caught as she stayed still in his lap, her face burning with a mixture of embarrassment and reluctant desire. She knew he was pushing her boundaries, but a small part of her wanted to stay, to let him continue to push and command her.

She wondered if he knew that she liked it.

Boba’s gaze softened as he held her, feeling a rush of satisfaction that she wasn’t pulling away completely. He knew that if she truly didn’t want to stay, she wouldn’t have. The realisation thrilled him—this game between them, this push and pull, was more exciting than anything he had experienced in a long time.

Nia blinked up at Boba. His hand gently caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing over the soft skin as he stared down at her with a mix of affection and something deeper.

“

I really do love the colour of your blush

” he said with a teasing smile, his voice low and velvety.

Her face flushed even more, the heat creeping up her neck. She could feel her pulse quicken as he laughed softly at her reaction, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.

Boba leaned in slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “

Will your party dress be that colour too?

” he asked, his voice light.

Nia immediately shook her head. “

No

” she answered quickly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Before she could say anything else, Boba leaned closer, clearly intrigued. “

Can I see it?

” he asked, his tone playful.

But Nia was quick to cut him off, raising her hand to stop him. “

I already said no. It’s a surprise”

she said firmly, her voice a little breathless but determined.

Boba let out a hearty laugh, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. “

Alright, compromise

” he said with a grin, “

What’s the colour?”

Nia hesitated for a moment, then, seeing the challenge in his eyes, she relented.

“

It’s purple

” she admitted, her voice soft but clear.

Boba hummed, clearly pleased. “

I do like purple”

he mused, the thought lingering in the air between them.

With a teasing glint in her eyes, she said, “

Now I’ve told you that, you need to tell me what cyar’ika means.”

Nia’s lips curled into a playful grin as she tried to pronounce the unfamiliar word.

It came out a little off, and Boba couldn’t help but chuckle, his amusement making her blush even harder. He corrected her, and she repeated the word, making sure she got it right this time.

Boba’s smile softened as he watched her, a fondness growing in his chest. He liked the sound of Mando’a coming from her mouth.

But then his expression shifted as he looked around the throne room, scanning the space to make sure no one would interrupt them this time. Satisfied that they were alone, he turned his attention back to her.

“

I’ll compromise

” he said, his voice low and teasing. “

I’ll tell you what cyar’ika means…but
only
if you kiss me.”

Nia’s breath caught at the proposition. A thrill ran through her, her heart beating a little faster at the idea.

They had been interrupted twice already, and the thought of not being disturbed again made her want to follow through. There was something intoxicating about the tension between them—something that made her want to test the waters, to see where this would go.

She hesitated for just a second, feeling the weight of the moment. But then the pull between them became undeniable. Boba’s dark eyes locked onto hers, and in that instant, Nia knew she couldn’t resist. The idea of a kiss—a real kiss, uninterrupted—was too tempting to pass up.

Nia glanced around the room, her heart beating faster as she felt the weight of the moment.

Boba’s voice was low and reassuring when he said, “

No one will interrupt this time.”

She nodded, but the words still lingered in her mind as she leaned in closer, her lips tingling with anticipation.

“

They better not

” she murmured, her voice breathless, before finally closing the gap between them.

The kiss started slow—hesitant on her part as she tested the waters. Her mind raced with uncertainty, but as soon as she felt the warmth of his lips, that hesitation melted away. Their lips moved together and a bolt of desire shot through Nia’s body.

She was acutely aware of the way his hands rested gently on her back and inner thigh, how his presence made everything feel more real and intense.

Her heart fluttered in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears as her body seemed to melt into his. She could feel the flutter of her breath against him and the way his scent enveloped her, making her pulse race.

Boba, on the other hand, was already aware of the tension between them, and yet, he took his time, savouring the softness of her lips against his.

The slow burn of her shy touch had him wanting more, wanting to deepen the connection they shared. He could feel the delicate uncertainty in her, but there was something in the way she responded, the subtle shift as she gave in, that made him want to take control.

A surge of heat raced through him as he tangled his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss.

He needed more!

Nia responded eagerly, her initial hesitation vanishing as her lips became more insistent and parted slightly.

The room began to shake slightly with Nia’s reaction to the kiss. The chandelier began to shake, it’s beads clinking together like it was playing a tune. Neither Boba nor Nia noticed, too caught up in the moment.

Boba hesitantly pushed his tongue into her mouth and she responded positively, doing the same to him.

The room shook harder, the chandelier swung violently to and fro as the kiss became incredibly heated.
The soft moan that escaped her mouth made his pulse quicken.
She lightly scratched her nails along the back of his neck, and the sensation shot through him like lightning. The growl he let out was primal, filled with raw desire. Nia’s breath hitched at the sound of it, the vibrations of his chest against hers sending shivers down her spine.
Noticing the movement of the room, she self-consciously pulls away. The room stops shaking, the chandelier slowing as it gently swayed to a stop.
She stares at him with wide eyes, her chest rising and falling quickly. Boba grinned at her, his eyes dark with desire.

She buried her face in his neck, shy and seeking comfort in the intimacy of the moment. She could hear the erratic beat of his heart, the evidence of his longing, and a small, smug smile tugged at her lips.

He was just as affected by the kiss as she was. It was comforting, and for once, she felt that all the worries, all the tension, could fall away.

Boba chuckled softly, amused by her shyness as he stroked the back of her head.

“
You’re adorable when you’re shy”
he said, his voice warm and affectionate.

But Nia wasn’t content with staying silent any longer.

She pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes narrowing playfully.

“

Now, tell me what cyar’ika means

” she demanded, her tone teasing but firm.

Boba let out a small tsk, grinning at her insistence. “

You’re so demanding

” he said, but there was no denying the amusement in his voice.

She raised an eyebrow, not backing down. “

Yes

” she said bluntly, “

Now tell!”

He smirked, clearly enjoying the banter between them. “
It’s Mando’a”
he began, his voice laced with pride. “

The language of the Mandalorians. It translates to something like sweetheart or darling.”

Nia felt a wave of warmth wash over her, and she flushed crimson at the meaning of the word.

“

I like it

” she whispered, her voice soft, a small smile forming on her lips as she looked up at him.

“

Good

” Boba said, his tone deepening. He leaned in, closing the space between them once more, and captured her lips in a kiss that was even more intense than the last.

This time, there was no hesitation—no second-guessing. Just the pure, undeniable connection between them.

The room began the same tremor as before. She knew if they continued, someone was bound to come and investigate the sudden earth quake in the palace.

‘

Probably Fennec’

she thinks. But somehow, Nia couldn’t find the heart to care.

***

Fennec stood in the small security room, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched the surveillance feed.

The corner of her mouth curled into a rare, satisfied smirk as she observed Boba and Nia finally giving in to the tension that had been simmering between them for weeks.

“

About time”

she muttered under her breath. She hadn’t meant to interrupt them during the previous two moments—they’d just been unlucky with the timing of her necessary interventions.

But now, seeing them so wrapped up in each other, she felt a rare sense of happiness for her stoic employer and his endearing companion.

Her contentment was short-lived, however, as the palace began to rumble beneath her feet. Fennec instinctively straightened, her eyes narrowing as she braced herself against the console.

It wasn’t like the subtle disturbances caused by Nia’s nightmares, those creeping shadows of fear that cast an oppressive feeling over the palace.

This was something different—something
more
powerful.

The air felt heavy, but instead of the dread and unease Nia’s nightmares had brought, this sensation was strangely warm, almost comforting.

Longing and contentment swirled in the atmosphere like an invisible tide, and while that emotional energy was better than the fear that typically plagued Nia, the shaking was far
more
intense this time.

Fennec could feel the vibrations deep in the stone foundations of the palace, rattling fixtures and even causing the lights to flicker.

She frowned, leaning closer to the feed of the throne room, where Boba and Nia were still kissing, utterly oblivious to the growing phenomenon.

“

This is new

” Fennec muttered, her concern sharpening her usually calm demeanour.

She couldn’t deny that the shift in energy was bittersweet. On one hand, it was a relief to feel something positive emanating from Nia—this sense of longing, fulfilment and blooming love, was a marked improvement over her usual terror.

But
the intensity of it, the sheer magnitude of the effect, was worrying.
If this was what happened when Nia was content and at peace, Fennec shuddered to think what might occur if her emotions ever tipped too far into the extremes, whether it be love or anger.
Still, she allowed herself a moment to smile again as she watched them. Whatever this connection between them was, it was strong, and it was real. And for now, that was enough.

“

Let’s just hope the palace holds up

” she muttered to herself before turning her attention to the diagnostics, already planning a way to monitor and mitigate these disturbances moving forward.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 20

Nia stirred as she felt gentle fingers running through her hair. Her eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep, to find Boba sitting on the side of her bed.

The soft light of early morning outlined his figure, casting a warm glow over his features. His expression was calm, almost tender, and the memory of the night before came rushing back to her.

Her cheeks heated at the thought of their stolen moments last night on the throne, kissing and talking until he’d finally walked her back to her chambers. He’d left her with a sweet, lingering kiss that had stayed with her even in her dreams.

“

It’s early”

Boba said softly, his voice low and steady, “

but I need to head out for the mission

”. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “

Krrsantan will be looking after you until I get back”.

Nia sat up, her heart clenching with worry. “

When will you be back?

” she asked, her voice still thick with sleep but tinged with concern.

Boba hesitated for a moment, his eyes meeting hers. “

I don’t know

” he admitted, “

but hopefully, it won’t take too long”.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the mythosaur pendant, holding it out to her.

Nia blinked at it and then shook her head. “

You should take it

” she said earnestly. “

For good luck”.

Boba’s lips curved into a faint smile. “

You’ll need it more

” he said, his voice laced with a teasing warmth. “

To keep you safe”.

Her blush deepened at his words, remembering how she’d confessed to him the night before that the pendant had made her feel secure.

She pulled the cord over her head and let the pendant rest against her chest.

He chuckled at her blush, leaning in to press a firm but tender kiss to her lips.

“

Go back to sleep

” he murmured against her skin. “

Krrsantan’s outside the door. You’ll be fine”.

Nia nodded, clutching the pendant as Boba stood. She watched him walk toward the doorway, his armour glinting softly in the dim light. Just as he reached the threshold, he turned back to her.

“

If anything scares you

” he said, his tone serious but gentle, “

shout for Krrsantan. He’ll take care of it”.

She managed a small smile, her chest tight with worry for him. Boba gave her one last look before disappearing down the hallway, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the faint echo of his footsteps.
 
***

Boba strode onto the landing platform where Fennec, Skad, Richie, and the rest of the biker gang were gathered.

Drash had opted to stay behind with the Gamorreans and the rest of the palace security squad to ensure Nia’s safety. The stolen spice was important, but protecting the palace and its occupants came first.

The crew looked up as Boba approached, his commanding presence immediately drawing their attention. Without a word, he walked up the ramp of the
Slave I
and turned to face the group. His helmet was tucked under his arm, revealing his stoic expression.

“
Listen up”
he began, his gravelly voice resonating across the metallic hold. “

This isn’t just about the spice. This is about sending a message—no one steals from me or my people and gets away with it. We go in, we get what’s ours, and we make sure they regret ever trying. Stay sharp, stay disciplined. Fennec and I will guide you. Follow orders, and we’ll all make it back in one piece”.

A collective murmur of agreement swept through the group. Boba gave them a curt nod, signaling the end of his short speech, and then turned to head for the cockpit with Fennec close behind.

As they settled into their seats, Fennec glanced at him with a knowing smirk.

“

You know…

” she began casually, “

I saw something interesting on the security feed in the throne room last night”.

Boba’s hands moved deftly over the controls, his face a mask of indifference. “

Did you?”

Fennec chuckled. “

Don’t play coy, Boba. I saw you and Nia getting…comfortable”.

Boba kept his focus on the dashboard, feigning indifference. “
It was just a kiss or two”
he said gruffly.

Fennec laughed outright this time. “

Really? Because from where I was sitting, a lot happened. Including some…unusual force activity”.

That caught his attention. His hands paused momentarily before resuming their work. “

I noticed

” he admitted.

“

Oh,

did you

?”

Fennec teased, her tone dripping with amusement. “

Because it didn’t look like you noticed much while you were kissing her”.

“

I was preoccupied

” Boba replied bluntly, though the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

The
Slave I
roared to life, lifting off the platform with a smooth ascent. Boba guided the ship through Tatooine’s atmosphere and into space, its engines humming with power as they prepared for the jump to lightspeed.

Fennec leaned back in her seat, her arms crossed, the teasing glint in her eyes still present. “

If a kiss almost brought down the throne room

” she mused, “

I wonder what…

more

could do to the palace”.

Boba hesitated, her words hitting uncomfortably close to a thought that had crossed his mind earlier.

He was already acutely aware of the effects Nia’s latent abilities had on the palace—and if she were to truly lose herself in a moment of heightened emotion, like passion or

pleasure

…the chaos could be catastrophic.

Shaking the thought from his head, he waved her comment off. “

It’s nothing to worry about”.

Fennec let out a short laugh, clearly amused by his dismissal. “

If you say so, boss”.

With that, Boba pushed the lever forward, and the
Slave I
shot into hyperspace, streaks of light enveloping the ship as they sped toward the location of the thieves.

But his thoughts lingered on Fennec’s words, the echoes of last night, and the challenges that lay ahead—not just with the mission, but with Nia.
 
***

The night had stretched on endlessly, and Nia had grown tired of pacing her chambers and staring out into the desert beyond the palace walls.
The silence felt oppressive, and worry about Boba’s safety gnawed at her. She sighed and invited Krrsantan into her chambers, desperate for some company.The two of them ended up playing a fast-paced card game, the rules of which Nia barely understood, but the giant Wookiee seemed to find her frantic attempts amusing. She giggled as she slapped down cards in a chaotic frenzy, and Krrsantan let out a deep laugh that shook the room.
Her stomach rumbled, and she pressed a hand to it sheepishly. “

I didn’t eat much dinner

” she explained. “

I was too busy worrying about Boba and the others”.

Krrsantan gave her a knowing look but didn’t press the issue. Instead, they moved on to another game, one where they had to toss a small ball into a vase across the room. The ball bounced off the walls with loud thuds, the vase wobbling dangerously but never quite toppling.

Nia laughed as she threw the ball again, watching it ricochet wildly. But her amusement was cut short when Krrsantan suddenly stiffened, his ears twitching at a sound from the hallway. He turned his head sharply, growling low in his throat.

Nia froze, holding the ball in her hand. “

Is it Boba? Is he back?”

she asked excitedly, hope lighting up her face.

Krrsantan shook his head, and her smile faded. “

What is it?

” she whispered, her voice trembling.

He gestured firmly for her to stay where she was before disappearing into the hallway.

Nia sat frozen in the silence that followed. Her chest tightened as the seconds dragged on, her mind racing.

Then, she felt it—a strange disturbance, like a ripple of unease through her entire body. Her head snapped toward the door as the sound of a violent crash shattered the quiet, followed by Krrsantan’s fierce roar.

Panic surged through her. She ran through the doorway just in time to see Krrsantan locked in a ferocious struggle with two figures dressed in black armour, the imperial crest gleaming on their arms. Her heart skipped a beat as she gasped, realising who they were. The Empire.
She stood frozen in her spot, terror shooting through her.
Krrsantan roared again, his claws swiping dangerously close to one of the intruders.

Though she couldn’t understand his words, his intent was clear as if spoken directly to her mind:

Run
.

Terror gripped her, but she obeyed without hesitation. Barefoot and clad only in her nightgown, she darted down the corridor, her feet slapping against the cold stone floor. She didn’t know where to go, only that she had to hide, to get away before they could find her. Behind her, the sounds of combat echoed—growls, shouts, and the sickening clang of metal against flesh.

Her breath came in quick gasps as she turned down another hallway, her thoughts only on survival.
 
***

The Slave I soared through hyperspace, the streaking stars outside the cockpit blending into a calm, mesmerising pattern.
Boba sat in the pilot’s chair, his helmet resting beside him. His grip on the controls was relaxed for the first time all day. The mission had gone smoothly—almost too smoothly.
In the co-pilot’s seat, Fennec was sharpening her vibroblades with a whetstone, the steady scrape filling the quiet cockpit.

Down below, Boba trusted that Skad, Richie, and the rest of the crew would keep the two prisoners in line. The thieves were subdued, disarmed, and locked up. Half the stolen spice had even been recovered.

All in all, it was a productive mission.

And yet, Boba felt…unsatisfied. The thieves had been nothing more than low-level addicts, desperate and clumsy. They’d surrendered almost immediately when cornered. There was no real fight, no challenge, no sign of whoever had orchestrated the heist.

He leaned back in his chair, frowning. “

Low-hanging fruit

” he muttered.

Fennec glanced up briefly, smirking. “

What’s the matter? You disappointed we didn’t blow up half the city chasing them down?”

Boba huffed a quiet laugh but didn’t reply. He’d hoped the thieves’ employer—or at least someone higher up in the chain—would’ve been waiting. But no. Still, the two prisoners were alive, which meant they could be interrogated. He’d pry the information out of them soon enough.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden buzz of Fennec’s vambrace. Her head snapped down to look at it, her expression turning sharp with alarm.

“

What?

” Boba demanded, his body tensing as he leaned toward her.

Fennec’s eyes narrowed as she read the alert. “

Drash sounded the alarm. There’s been a break-in at the palace”.

Boba’s heart seized in his chest, and his stomach plummeted before a wave of pure, unfiltered rage surged through him.

The Empire.
It had to be. They’d waited for him to leave, the cowards.

He gritted his teeth, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the controls. “

Those fucking bastards

” he growled. But under the anger, there was something colder.

Fear. Nia. Was she safe?

“

Don’t panic

” Fennec said, though there was a tension in her voice that betrayed her own concern. She could clearly see right through his thoughts as she says “

Krrsantan’s there. He’ll protect her”.

Boba clenched his jaw, trying to latch onto her words. Krrsantan was formidable, more than capable of holding his own against a squad of attackers. But the thought of Nia in danger—the thought of her being hurt or worse—made his blood run cold.

“

There’s nothing we can do until we’re out of hyperspace

” Fennec reminded him, her voice level but edged with unease. “

We’ll get there as fast as we can”.

“

That won’t be for hours!”

Boba snapped, his fury barely contained.

Fennec let out a slow breath, glancing at him sidelong. “

And panicking won’t make us arrive any faster”.

He didn’t respond, his mind spinning. Every second felt like an eternity, every thought of what might be happening back at the palace tightening the knot in his chest.

“
I’m sure she’s fine”
Fennec said softly.
Boba didn’t answer. He couldn’t, not until he saw Nia with his own eyes.
Until then, the fury and fear churned inside him, propelling him toward the palace at light speed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 21

Nia’s bare feet slapped against the cold stone floor as she fled down the corridor, her breath ragged with panic. She rounded a corner and collided with a man in black Imperial armour.

She shrieked as his gloved hand seized her arm in a vice-like grip. “

Got you, little girl

” he sneered, his Imperial crest gleaming under the dim palace lights.

“

No! Get..off..me!

” she yelled, twisting and thrashing with every ounce of strength she had. She threw her head back sharply, feeling the crunch of cartilage as the back of her skull connected with his nose.

The man howled in pain, blood streaming down his face. “

You kriffing—!”

But Nia didn’t wait to hear what he had to say. She broke free and sprinted away, her heart pounding. She spotted the entrance to the throne room and dashed inside, desperately searching for a place to hide.

Her wide eyes scanned the room. The dias. The throne. The shadows beneath it seemed like her only chance. Her breathing shallow, she darted behind the massive chair, pressing herself against the cold stone and willing herself to stay silent.

She heard the heavy sound of boots entering the throne room—multiple pairs. Her stomach clenched in fear.

“

Well, well

” one of the men drawled, his voice mocking and lazy. “

We know you’re in here, sweetheart. No point hiding. The boss has been waiting months for a chance to snatch you back”.

Another voice joined in, colder, crueler. “

Patiently, too. We’ve been waiting for Fett to leave. Lucky for us, tonight’s the night”.

Nia clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from making a sound, her body trembling. She heard their footsteps spreading out, boots scraping against the stone floor as they approached the throne.

“

Come on, little girl”

the first voice teased, his tone dripping with malice. “

Make it easy for yourself. You wouldn’t want to end up like your bodyguard out there, would you?”

Her heart raced as she heard one of them approach the dias. The heavy thud of boots grew louder, closer.

Then came a low, guttural roar from beneath the throne room floor—Jasper.

The violent sound gave her an idea. She peeked out from behind the throne, her eyes darting toward the grate in the floor. But the men saw her.

“
There you are!”
One man barked, lunging toward her.

Nia’s instincts took over. She thrust her hand out, her fear igniting the Force within her. Both men flew backward as if struck by an invisible wave, slamming into a column with a sickening crack.

She didn’t wait to see if they got back up. She scrambled to her feet and bolted out of the throne room, her nightgown billowing behind her.

Racing down the corridor, she crashed straight into Drash.

“

Nia!

” Drash exclaimed, steadying her. Nia noticed Drash’s eyebrow was bleeding. “

There you are! Are you okay?”

Nia’s eyes were wild as she grabbed Drash’s arm. “

Follow me!

” she panted.

Drash hesitated only for a moment before nodding, and together they ran down the steps.

“
Krrsantan fought the Imperials off but I think he’s hurt”
Nia gasped as they descended. “

He told me to run”.

Drash cursed under her breath, her hand moving to the blaster on her hip. “

We need to get you somewhere safe”.

“

I have an idea

” Nia said, her voice trembling but determined. “

Jasper. If we can get to his enclosure, maybe he can protect us, or at least scare them enough not to try and get us”.

Drash gave her a sharp look but didn’t argue. “

Lead the way”.

Nia clutched the banister as they hurried down the spiraling staircase, her mind racing. Jasper’s enclosure wasn’t far now. He was their best chance.

Nia and Drash skidded to a stop in front of Jasper’s enclosure, the heavy metal gate looming before them. Nia grabbed the door and yanked on it desperately. It rattled but didn’t budge.

She cursed, realising the lock was still in place. “

Boba has the keys!”

Drash stepped forward, pulling out her blaster. “

Stand back”.

Nia moved aside, and with two precise shots, Drash shattered the lock. The gate swung open, and they rushed inside.

Jasper, the massive rancor, was already standing tall, his hulking form casting shadows over the enclosure. His black eyes glinted with a mix of fear and anger as he roared, the sound reverberating in the stone chamber.

“

It’s okay, Jasper

” Nia said softly, holding her hands out as she slowly approached him.

The rancor whined low in his throat, his massive body trembling slightly as he crouched low. Nia stepped closer, her voice soothing. “

It’s just me, big guy. It’s okay. I’m here

”. She placed a gentle hand on his cheek, feeling the tension in his muscles ease slightly.

Her moment of calm was shattered by the echo of boots pounding down the stairs outside.

“
They’re coming”
Drash whispered, her voice tight with urgency.

Nia grabbed Drash’s arm, pulling her behind Jasper. The two women stood waiting as a group of Imperials stormed into the enclosure.

The men skidded to a halt, bumping into one another as they caught sight of the rancor.

“
What the—”
one of them stammered, his voice trembling.

“
That’s a kriffing rancor!”
another yelled.

“

There’s no way in hell I’m going near that thing

” another hissed, his face pale.

“

Agreed

” someone else muttered, already taking a step back. “

We need to abort the mission. This isn’t worth it”.

“

The boss will kill us if we go back empty-handed!

” the leader barked, his tone sharp despite the obvious fear in his eyes.

Jasper turned his gaze to the intruders, sensing Nia’s fear. A low growl rumbled from deep within him before it erupted into a ferocious roar. The Imperials froze, their blasters trembling in their hands.

Most of the group broke ranks, fleeing back up the stairs. Only two remained, their faces set with grim determination.

“
Take it down!”
one of them yelled.
The Imperials opened fire, blaster bolts slamming into Jasper’s hide. The rancor flinched, his thick skin deflecting most of the shots, but a few hit harder, leaving small burns. He let out a furious roar, his rage building.
One of the Imperials, desperate, drew a blade and lunged forward, stabbing it into Jasper’s massive foot. The rancor let out a deafening bellow of pain, staggering back.

The other soldier fired a high-powered rifle, the bolts searing Jasper’s shoulder. This time, the shots pierced deeper, and blood dripped down his side.

Nia could feel Jasper’s pain radiating through her like a tidal wave. His sorrow, his confusion, his agony—all of it flooded her mind.

Tears streamed down her face as she screamed, “

Stop it! Stop hurting him!”

They didn’t. In fact, from the smirks on their faces, it looked like her desperate pleads were amusing them.

Sadistic wankers

It was too much inside her mind! Too much energy, too much emotion!

Love, grief, pain, anxiety, anger, confusion, fear.

Her anguish turned to pure, burning

fury

, a

hatred

that consumed her entirely.

The Force exploded from her, unrestrained. The room trembled violently, the walls cracking under the pressure. Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling.

Jasper reacted to the chaos, his rage mirroring Nia’s. He swung a massive arm, swiping one of the Imperials into the wall with bone-shattering force. The man crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

“

Nia, stop!”

Drash yelled, trying to grab her.

But the violent shaking caused a section of the ceiling to collapse, cutting Drash off from reaching her. She stumbled back, coughing through the dust as chunks of rock fell between them.

Nia ignored everything but Jasper. She darted to his side, her hand pressing against his injured body as he let out a pained whimper.

The remaining Imperial aimed his rifle at Jasper, determined to finish the job. Meanwhile, the other soldier, battered but alive, staggered to his feet and turned his focus on Nia.
Her breathing hitched as she realised she was caught between them. Desperation surged through her, but she refused to leave Jasper’s side.
The tremors in the room only grew stronger, the walls groaning under the unrelenting power of the Force. Dust and chunks of debris rained down, and the ground cracked beneath Nia’s bare feet.

The Imperial soldier who had been thrown into the wall was now staggering toward her, his helmet cracked and blood trickling down his face.

Nia turned her attention to him, and all she felt was that white-hot rage which drowned out everything else.

Her trembling fingers steadied as the Force surged within her, dark and bloodthirsty.

She instinctively raised her hand calmly, her mind laser-focused on the man’s throat. She imagined her fingers tightening around it, and suddenly, he gasped, clutching at his neck.

“

Stop! Stupid bitch!

” he croaked, his voice choking off as his air supply vanished.

Nia’s tears streamed freely, but they weren’t tears of fear or sorrow. They were born of pure fury. She squeezed harder, her hand trembling with the effort. The man’s eyes bulged, his lips turning blue as he clawed uselessly at the air.

She squeezed a little harder.

A sickening crunch echoed through the room as his windpipe collapsed. He crumpled to the floor, lifeless.

Nia stared at his body for only a moment before turning away. She didn’t allow herself to feel remorse. He had hurt Jasper. He had tried to kill them.

The blaster fire still rang out. She turned to see the other Imperial shooting at Jasper.

Jasper roared, backing away, his massive body battered and bleeding. With a desperate burst of energy, the rancor bolted toward the large gates that led to the desert.

“

Jasper, wait!

” Nia cried, running after him.

Jasper paused at the doors, noticing her. With surprising gentleness, he reached down and scooped her up in his massive hand, setting her on his back.

Nia clung to his coarse hide, her hands gripping tightly as she turned her gaze toward the remaining Imperial.

The man froze. His blaster clattered to the ground as his eyes locked with hers. He looked utterly terrified at the sight of her, his lips trembling as he backed away.

A violent gale erupted in the room, stirring up the debris and dust into a storm of chaos. Rocks and chunks of the ceiling flew through the air, swirling around Nia and Jasper in an almost protective vortex.

Nia was unaffected by the storm, her nightgown and hair whipping around her body as she stared down the Imperial. Her pupils had expanded, inhumanly turning her eyes almost fully black, and her expression was unreadable—cold.

The Force guided her now, its overwhelming presence flooding her senses and taking control. She felt like a puppet to its power, yet she didn’t resist.

Her hand stretched out, and the man gasped as he was yanked into the air, suspended by the Force.

The winds howled louder as she brought him closer, pulling him level with her on Jasper’s back. His legs flailed uselessly as he stared at her in abject terror.

Nia’s voice was cold, devoid of the warmth it usually held. “

Nobody hurts the ones I love

” she said, her tone dripping with venom.

She tightened her hand around him with the force, and the man screamed as his body contorted unnaturally.

Then, with one final motion, she clenched her hand into a fist.

The Imperial’s body exploded in a grotesque spray of blood and viscera, splattering across the enclosure.

Crimson droplets painted Nia’s face and Jasper’s hide, but she didn’t flinch. She barely blinked, her focus still sharp and unyielding.

Jasper roared in triumph and turned his attention to the massive gate. With a powerful charge, he smashed through it, the doors splintering apart as he burst into the open desert.

Jasper ran with an almighty speed with Nia still on his back.

The bitter, freezing wind immediately hit Nia, stinging her exposed skin and blowing grains of sand into her eyes.

She clung to Jasper’s back, burying her face into his shoulder to shield herself from the harsh environment.

The palace shrank in the distance, its glowing lights dimming as Jasper carried her further and further into the endless dunes. Nia’s breath came in shallow gasps as her mind began to clear.

The Force’s grip on her lessened, and she slowly came back to herself. Trembling, she tried to calm her racing heart.

Jasper let out a low rumble, his pace steady as he continued into the cold, dark desert. Nia leaned against him, her body shaking from exhaustion and the biting wind.

Behind them, the palace disappeared completely, swallowed by the horizon.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 22

The twin suns of Tatooine were just beginning to rise over the dunes, casting long shadows across the sand as Boba Fett landed
Slave I
outside the palace. From the air, the damage had looked bad enough, but seeing it up close was devastating.

The grand gates hung ajar, one door barely attached to its hinges, and scorch marks marred the stone walls.

It looked like most of the palace was intact but the smell of smoke still lingered in the air. Boba’s heart hammered in his chest as he and the crew rushed inside, their boots crunching over broken stone and shattered glass.

They found Krrsantan in the throne room, leaning heavily against the arm of the throne. His fur was matted with blood, and he growled softly, nursing several wounds.

Boba stormed toward him, his fury barely contained. “

What happened here?

” he barked, his voice echoing through the room. “

Where’s

Nia?”

Krrsantan met his gaze but didn’t speak, his expression a mix of frustration and regret.

The 8D8 droid shuffled forward hesitantly. “

Sir…we do not know. Lady Nia is not within the palace”.

The words hit Boba like a physical blow. His fists clenched at his sides, and rage surged through him.

He whirled back to Krrsantan, his voice booming. “

You were supposed to protect her!”

Krrsantan let out a defensive growl, but before the situation could escalate further, Fennec stepped between them.

“

Enough!”

she snapped, her voice sharp and commanding. She turned to the droid. “
Where’s Drash? Maybe she’s with Nia?”

8D8 hesitated before answering, “

We…we are uncertain, ma’am”.

Before anyone could respond, faint cries for help echoed through the chamber, muffled but unmistakable. Fennec turned sharply, scanning the room. Her eyes landed on a grate in the floor and she knelt, peering through.

“

Drash!

” she called, her voice ringing clear.

“

Down here!

” Drash’s voice was hoarse, her words laced with dust and exhaustion. “

I’m trapped in Jasper’s enclosure!”

Boba didn’t wait. He turned and sprinted down the stairs to the rancor’s enclosure, his heart pounding with dread.

What he saw when he reached the enclosure stopped him in his tracks.
The once-grand space was in ruins. Rocks and chunks of wall and ceiling littered the floor, forming jagged piles of debris. Scorch marks streaked across the walls, and deep gouges in the stone hinted at a violent struggle.
The metal gate that led to the desert had been smashed outward, twisted and broken, and the faint light of dawn spilled into the room.

Blood and viscera were spattered across the enclosure, painting the walls and floor with horrifying detail. Boba’s breath hitched as he stared at the carnage.

Did Nia do this?

Fennec hurried past him to the pile of debris trapping Drash. She knelt, calling through the gaps, “

Drash! Are you hurt?”

Drash coughed weakly from behind the rubble. “

I’m okay…but I don’t know where Nia and Jasper are. Nia…”

Her voice cracked. “

She lost control. The Imps were hurting Jasper, and she just…she snapped. The room started shaking, and everything fell apart”.

Fennec looks upwards. “

Lucky the palace structure is thick enough that the whole throne room didn’t fall through”.

Boba’s stomach sank as he processed and pondered Drash’s words. His eyes lingered on the bloodstains, the smashed gate, and the destruction surrounding him.

If Nia had done this, it meant she was far more powerful than he had ever imagined.

He approached the gate, stepping through the rubble to the open desert beyond. The suns were fully above the horizon now, their light bathing the sands in gold and orange hues. Large Rancor footprints lead into the vast wasteland.
His heart ached as he stared into the distance, imagining Nia and Jasper out there, vulnerable and alone.
Fennec joined him, her sharp gaze scanning the wreckage. “

She did all this?”

she murmured, awe and concern mingling in her tone.
Boba didn’t respond immediately. His mind churned with conflicting emotions. The raw power Nia possessed was alarming, but all he could focus on was how much pain she must have been in to unleash such destruction.
“

She must be terrified

” he said softly, his voice heavy with anguish.

Fennec glanced at him, then nodded toward the horizon. “

We’ll find her, Boba. She’s strong—stronger than we realised—but she needs you
”.

Boba clenched his jaw, determination hardening his expression. He turned to the crew.

“

I’m going to scout the desert from the skies

” he said firmly. “

Get Drash out and secure the palace. Then run through the security feeds so we can find out exactly what happened here tonight. And most importantly, stay on high alert”.

Without waiting for a response, he strode toward
Slave I
, the ache in his chest sharpening with every step. All he could think about was finding Nia before it was too late.

***

As the twin suns of Tatooine began their steady ascent over the horizon, Jasper’s frantic pace slowed. His terror seemed to ebb as the dunes stretched endlessly around them, far from the chaos of the palace.

Eventually, his massive form came to a halt, his breaths heavy and laboured.

Nia, her hands frozen stiff from the bitter night wind, struggled to hold on. When Jasper finally stopped, she lost her grip and tumbled off his back into the cool sand.

“

Jasper

” she mumbled, pushing herself up slightly, but her voice was weak.

Jasper turned his massive head to look at her, his body trembling. He whined softly and, with great effort, lowered himself to the ground. His battered and bloodied form curled protectively around her as he lay down.

She crawled closer to him, seeking warmth from his enormous body, despite his own coldness.

She noticed how he was bleeding and decided to try and help him. She ripped the bottom of her long nightgown and took the fabric and pressed it to one of his more open wounds. He whined in pain but understood what she was trying to do.

Once she was certain the bleeding had slowed, she discarded it on the sand, turning back to snuggle closer to Jasper.

The wind still howled across the desert, but nestled against Jasper, Nia found some semblance of shelter. She curled up, her cheek pressed to the sandy hide of the rancor, and stared at nothing, her mind swirling with dark thoughts.

The destruction she had caused back at the palace replayed in her head like a haunting vision. She hadn’t meant to do it. She

never

would

mean

to do it, even as a kid.

But when she had felt Jasper’s pain—his sorrow and fear—it was as if something had snapped inside her.

Her rage had been too much, washing over her in a red mist that blurred all sense of control. She thought of the men she had killed. The one whose throat she had crushed. The other, whose body she had ripped apart with the Force.

Tears began to flow down her cheeks. Not because she mourned them. She didn’t care about those men—they were bad people, hurting Jasper, trying to hurt her.

That wasn’t what broke her. What truly terrified her, deep in the quiet of her mind, was that she felt

nothing

. No guilt. No remorse.

That emptiness inside her was more frightening than the violence itself.

The suns continued their rise, casting golden light over the dunes. The icy wind of night turned into a growing heat, and the warmth became almost unbearable as it beat down on her. Nia stirred, blinking away tears, and looked down at herself.

Her ripped white nightgown, once pristine, was filthy with sand and blood. Stains from the Imperial’s insides were smeared across the fabric, dark and crusted. She swallowed hard, feeling her stomach churn, but she couldn’t bring herself to cry anymore.

She didn’t know how long they lay there in the sand, but the endless quiet of the desert began to lull her into a hollow calm. Jasper’s low, rumbling breaths kept her grounded, though she knew he was in pain.

Suddenly, Jasper’s head shot up, his nostrils flaring. He let out a deep, guttural roar that echoed across the dunes.

Nia’s heart raced. “

Jasper?

” she whispered, scrambling to sit up.

The rancor growled again, the sound filled with warning. Following his gaze, Nia’s blood ran cold.
A group of figures stood in the distance, their forms silhouetted against the blazing suns. There were many of them—at least a dozen—and they stood still, staring back at her and Jasper.
Nia’s breath caught in her throat as fear tightened its grip on her. She didn’t know who they were or what they wanted, but she knew they weren’t here to help.

***

The sun’s rays reflected off of Boba’s ship as he flew across the endless dunes of Tatooine. Hours stretched into eternity as he scoured the desert, his sharp eyes scanning every ridge and shadow. The more time that passed, the heavier his dread grew, like an anchor dragging him down.

‘

If he had any hair left

’ he thought grimly, ‘

he would have torn it out by now’.

His hands tightened around the ship’s controls as the vast emptiness mocked him. The desert stretched on, as if swallowing any trace of Nia and Jasper.
He was starting to consider turning back, hoping against hope that maybe they had returned to the palace, when his radar emitted a faint blip.

His pulse quickened. Adjusting the ship’s trajectory, he zeroed in on the signal. As he got closer, his heart sank. Against the golden sands, he saw a massive black form sprawled across the ground. Jasper.
Boba set the ship down quickly, the hiss of its landing gear muffled by the winds. He descended the ramp swiftly, his boots sinking into the sand as he approached the fallen rancor.

“
Jasper? Nia?

” he called, his modulated voice steady, though his heart was anything but.

The rancor didn’t stir. Boba’s steps slowed as he noticed the heavy rise and fall of Jasper’s chest. He wasn’t asleep—he was unconscious.

Boba knelt beside him, his hand brushing over the creature’s hide. He spotted numerous wounds, some fresh and still bleeding. His helmet’s visor scanned the creature’s body, and that’s when he saw it—a dart embedded in Jasper’s side.

Frowning, Boba plucked the dart out and held it up, letting his helmet’s systems analyse it.

A moment later, the analysis came back:

Sedative compound. Primarily used by: Tusken Raiders.

Boba’s stomach churned. Tuskens.

His gaze swept over Jasper’s prone form until something caught his eye. A scrap of white fabric, half-buried in the sand. He picked it up and turned it over in his gloved hands. It was torn, dirtied, and stained with blood.

Nia’s nightgown.

He clenched the fabric tightly, rising to his feet as his helmet scanned the area. Sand was disturbed all around, marked with dozens of indentations—footprints.
Panic clawed at him. He didn’t want to believe it, but the evidence was clear.
The Tuskens had taken Nia.

Boba’s mind raced as dread and anger threatened to consume him.
He had spent time with the Tuskens before, learned their ways and could communicate with them to an extent.
But Nia couldn’t. She would have no idea how to navigate their culture, their rituals, or their tempers. And worse—what if she had lashed out in her fear?

He cursed under his breath. He didn’t know if they would hurt her—or if she would hurt them—but he couldn’t waste another second. Jasper was incapacitated, and Nia was out there, alone.

Pulling himself together, Boba activated his vambrace and opened a line to Fennec.

“

I found them

” he said, his voice gruff but urgent.

Fennec’s voice crackled through. “

Are they alright?”

“
Jasper’s here, unconscious. Sedated. There’s a dart—it’s Tusken. Nia’s gone”.
He hesitated, swallowing his frustration. “

The Tuskens took her. I’m certain of it”.

Fennec cursed softly on the other end. “
What’s your plan?”

“

I need you to come and collect Jasper

” Boba said as he pinged her his coordinates.

He glanced at the rancor and the tracks leading away. “

I’ll track her from here. I can follow the footprints into their territory”.

“

Understood. I’ll be there as fast as I can

” Fennec replied.

Boba cut the line and looked out at the vast dunes, the torn fabric still clenched in his hand. Nia was out there somewhere, and no matter what, he was going to bring her back.

***

Nia’s eyes fluttered open, her head pounding as if a drum was being beaten inside her skull. Her vision was blurry at first, but as she blinked away the grogginess, she became painfully aware of her position. Her arms were tied tightly around a wooden post, forcing her into a kneeling position. The coarse ropes chafed against her wrists as she instinctively tried to pull against them.

It was dark inside the small tent, the walls made of tattered cloth that barely filtered the sunlight outside. Shadows moved beyond the thin material, and faint murmurs in a strange, guttural language reached her ears.

The events that led her here began to replay in her mind.

Jasper’s growl. She had looked up, and a group of figures had emerged from the desert like ghosts, their faces hidden behind cloaks and masks. Tusken Raiders. She remembered now—they looked just like the drawings she had once seen in Boba’s chambers.

The Tuskens had stared at her, their strange, emotionless masks betraying nothing. One of them stepped forward, their movements slow and deliberate.

Jasper had roared, the sound filled with pain and defiance, but he hadn’t been able to muster the strength to stand.

The Tuskens had turned to each other, their language filled with harsh grunts and guttural clicks. Nia had no idea what they were saying, and her fear spiked as the group turned their attention back to her.

A dart flew through the air, fired from a tube one of the Tuskens held. It struck Jasper.

“

No!”

Nia had cried, whipping her head around to glare at them.

Jasper whimpered, his massive body sinking to the ground as the sedative took hold.

Nia was furious. The sand started to shift around her and the Tuskens stepped back in alarm before another dart found her neck. The world had gone dark after that.
Now, she sighed heavily, testing the bonds again in frustration. Her arms ached, and her muscles burned from the awkward position. She gave up struggling after a while, leaning her head against the rough post behind her.
The sound of shuffling fabric caught her attention, and she looked up as one of the Tuskens entered the tent. It was impossible to tell them apart, but this one’s smaller frame and softer adornments gave her the impression it might be female.

The Tusken crouched before her, grunting something unintelligible.

“
I don’t understand you”
Nia said shakily, her voice hoarse.

The Tusken tilted her head and pointed to the blood smeared on Nia’s nightgown.

Nia glanced down and grimaced at the stains. “

It’s not mine

” she said quickly, her voice trembling.

The Tusken seemed to understand, nodding before standing and leaving the tent.

Nia blinked in confusion but stayed still, her heart pounding in her chest. After a moment, the Tusken returned, carrying a small bowl of murky water and a rough cloth.

The Tusken gestured toward the tent door, and Nia followed her gaze. Two more Tuskens stood just outside, clearly acting as guards.

The message was clear:

Don’t try anything foolish.

Without a word, the female Tusken pulled a small blade from her belt and cut the ropes binding Nia’s hands.

Nia immediately rubbed her sore wrists, her heart racing as she wondered if this was her chance to escape. But the guards outside loomed large in her mind, and she stayed put.

The Tusken hesitated, then dipped the cloth into the water. Slowly, she reached out and began to clean Nia’s face, wiping away the dirt and dried blood.

Nia flinched at first, uncomfortable with the closeness. The feeling brought her back to when Fennec and Drash had bathed her after she was traumatised, their care more intimate than she was used to. She felt awkward now, just as she had then, but she forced herself to stay still.

The Tusken worked quietly, methodically wiping her skin clean. The Tusken began to wash her copper hair, making an effort to wash the dried clumps of blood away.

Her movements were careful, almost gentle, and Nia began to relax slightly, though the tension in her shoulders never fully left.

When the Tusken finished, she stood and retrieved a folded bundle from the corner of the tent. She handed it to Nia—a simple tunic and robes, similar to the ones the Tuskens wore.

Nia hesitated, looking down at the blood-stained remains of her nightgown.

Slowly, she accepted the clothes, whispering, “

Thank you

” even though she doubted the Tusken could understand her.

The Tusken stepped back, watching her with an unreadable gaze. Nia clutched the robes in her hands, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of what was happening and what the Tuskens intended to do with her.