The crimson child -Male Sith Reader-

Echos of Betrayal

Despite the composed façade that Duchess Satine wore, Obi-Wan couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Her demeanour was colder than he remembered, her once warm and compassionate nature seemingly replaced by a steely resolve that sent a chill down his spine.

"Master Kenobi," she repeated, her tone devoid of warmth. "To what do we owe the honor of your visit?"

Obi-Wan straightened, maintaining his composure despite the unsettling atmosphere. "I've come on behalf of the Republic Senate," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "There are concerns about the recent developments on Mandalore, and they've sent me to assess the situation."

Satine's gaze narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion dancing in her eyes. "I assure you, Master Kenobi, Mandalore's affairs are well within our control," she stated, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

Obi-Wan's brow furrowed in concern. "I don't doubt Mandalore's capability to govern itself," he said diplomatically. "But there have been reports of increased militarization and political tensions. The Senate is concerned that Mandalore may be on the brink of conflict."

Satine's expression remained impassive, though there was a glimmer of something in her eyes that Obi-Wan couldn't quite place. "The people of Mandalore have chosen a new path," she replied cryptically. "One of strength and self-reliance. We will not allow ourselves to be dictated to by outside forces."

Obi-Wan sensed the underlying tension in Satine's words, a hint of defiance that belied her composed exterior. It was clear that she was hiding something, though he couldn't discern the true nature of her intentions.

"I understand your desire to protect your people," Obi-Wan said earnestly, his tone gentle but firm. "But I urge you to consider the consequences of your actions. I urge you to return to your Ideals you once represented so bravely."

Satine's gaze hardened, her jaw set in determination. "I appreciate your concern, Master Kenobi," she replied, her voice sharp and cold. "But Mandalore's sovereignty is non-negotiable. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and prosperity of our people, even if it means standing against the republic."

Obi-Wan's heart sank at Satine's words, a sense of disappointment washing over him. He had hoped that she would be more receptive to reason, more open to the possibility of finding a peaceful resolution. But it seemed that her resolve was unshakeable, her loyalty to Mandalore absolute.

As Obi-Wan listened to Duchess Satine's impassioned defence of Mandalore's sovereignty, a sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. Her words sounded more like accusations than assurances, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her stance than met the eye.

"Duchess Satine," he began, his voice steady but tinged with concern, "I understand the importance of sovereignty, but I fear that your recent actions may be leading Mandalore down a dangerous path."

"A dangerous path?" Duchess Satine repeats with anger dripping from every word, "You, of all individuals traversing this vast galaxy, have the audacity to set foot on my planet and attempt to castigate me for the path my people and I have chosen. Do you conveniently forget the plea for aid I once beseeched from you, which your esteemed republic callously disregarded? I implored, I begged, not merely for your support but for assistance born from the depths of my soul. Yet you betrayed me, just as you claim I betrayed my once cherished principles. The distinction between myself and your republic lies in the noble purpose behind my actions. Mine were undertaken for the greater good, for the welfare of my people, for the beloved citizens of Mandalore whom I hold dear. Your politicians, in stark contrast, are driven solely by personal greed, ensnared by the allure of power and riches. They cloak themselves in the guise of angels while employing the methods of devils, all under the guise of a republic steeped in corruption and avarice. You stand by and watch as innocent lives are sacrificed, beings bred for the sole purpose of meeting their demise. Label my change of heart as you wish, but before you condemn my deeds, take a moment to ponder your own."