It had been months since Tarek had set foot in the throne room of the Fountain Palace. He had not been forgotten in his absence, however. Though he wore the dark tunic and robes of his faith, his lightsaber at his hip, time away from the Cluster, working alongside the Consortium’s allies within the First Order, had not changed him. The silver-haired commander of the Chume’doro gave him a grim nod of recognition and respect as he approached the huge, gilded doors.

“Tarix Protecteur,” said Major Lecavalier. “Ereneda awaits within.”

Two of her guardswomen drew the doors open, revealing the vast throne room, silent and empty but for the distant figure sitting upon the throne itself.

“Major,” was all he said in thanks, his white eyes never straying from the throne.

As he stepped into the hall, the doors closed with a heavy thud behind him. Sealed within the silence of the room, he felt his pulse quicken as he stalked towards the throne.