-- URGENT TRANSMISSION --
This message illuminated Alara's chamber as the datapad resting on her end table lit up its screen. Alara fluttered her eyelashes tiredly and clumsily reached for the pad.
"What is it?" Jorm mumbled on the other side of the bed. Alara could feel her partner stirring in his sleep as his arm wrapped her hip in comfort. A small smile was crawling over her face, until the message she read stole it away.
** XEN'MORDIN PALPATINE HAS OFFICIALLY RESIGNED. CONSUL IS TO BE ANNOUNCED.**
A second message appeared on the screen:
**LETTER FROM BRAECEN KAETH**
Alara's curious fingertips clicked the screen speedily, and a gasp escaped her diaphragm as she read the next text:
"Due to unforeseen circumstances and changes in Leadership, you will be taking the position as Quaestor to Excidium effective immediately. Come see me in my office in the morning."
"Well, that's... bittersweet. Pretty hot that I'm sleeping with a Quaestor now." Jorm's lips were unsure whether to form themselves into a smile or a frown. Alara felt the same tension on her own face as she searched her inner self for what emotion she was experiencing at the present time. She sat up in bed, and zoned out in her imagination for a moment, saying nothing. Why did Xen leave? She knew something was up the last few weeks, but she didn't think it would be anything that would convince him to quit. And with the impending war on the rise, why would he abandon us now? It must have been pretty important. Alara bit her lip solemnly as she tried to piece the puzzle and solve the mystery in her mind. Braecen must have been moving up in the leadership ranks to have given Alara the Quaestor position so quickly. She knew since her starting the Aedile position she was the heiress to the house, but so quickly? Was she ready for such a strenuous task?
"The answer is yes, 'Lara." Jorm wrapped his arms around her waist with gentle precision. "You are ready for this. Don't doubt your tenacity."
Alara smiled and cuddled into his neck as her beloved began to wrap himself closer towards her. "You're just saying that because you want the title of dating the Quaestor."
"I think we are already more than just dating, aren't we love?" Jorm's lips finally formed into a smile against Alara's cheek. She turned over to kiss him in agreement and playfully pushed him further into the bed sheets.
"Heeyyy, pretty lady. You should probably be getting some rest. Big day tomorrow." Jorm winked at her.
With a pouting lip, Alara scoffed and turned over to lay beside him. "Fiiineee... But when I'm officially Quaestor you won't be able to resist me so easily."
"Goodnight, Empress 'Lara. It's just a matter of time before you take over for good, isn't it?" Jorm teased and kissed her forehead.
Alara rolled her eyes in reply, "Goodnight Jorm. I might need you to get a good night's rest too. We are going to have to stick together if Excidium is to thrive, rather than just survive Xen's loss."
"Aye. I believe you're right. I've got some plans that should help make that happen."