Chapter Seventeen
Jango

As I entered the ornate throne room of the royal palace, my gaze immediately fell upon the graceful figure of Queen Mira. It had been some time since our paths had last crossed, but the sight of her still caused my heart to skip a beat.

She was even more radiant than I remembered, resplendent in the flowing gown and intricate headdress befitting her high station. Yet, despite her regal bearing, there was a warmth in her eyes that I found deeply captivating.

My reverie was interrupted, however, as I noticed the imposing presence of Master Kenobi standing at her side. A twinge of unease passed through me - the Jedi Master's close proximity to the Queen did not sit well. I fought to suppress the surge of emotion, offering a respectful nod in their direction.

"Greetings, Master Jedi," I said, keeping my tone measured. "Queen Mira, it is an honor to see you again. What can I do for you and your esteemed companion today?"

Mira's lips curled into a small, enigmatic smile - the very same one I had witnessed her bestow upon Senator Amidala on previous occasions. That smile, so full of warmth and charm, threatened to undo my carefully maintained composure.

"Master Fett," she replied, her voice soft and melodic. "We were hoping to have the opportunity to get to know your clone troopers better. Their service to the Republic is most admirable, and we would be honored to learn more about them."

I swelled with pride at her words, my chest puffing out involuntarily. "It would be my privilege to introduce you to my men, Your Majesty," I said, barely containing the excitement in my voice. "They are the finest soldiers in the galaxy, and I have no doubt you will be most impressed."

I noticed Master Kenobi narrow his eyes and frown out of the corner of my eye. Good, he seemed to be jealous of me, I thought. You'll never understand what Mira and I have, Jedi. You never will.

The tension in the air was palpable as Kenobi's gaze bore into me. I could sense his discomfort, his unease at the attention Mira was showing me. As a Jedi, he likely struggled to comprehend the depth of the connection Mira and I shared - a bond that transcended the rigid confines of his Order.

Mira, however, seemed oblivious to the silent exchange between us. Her focus remained solely on me, her radiant smile and genuine interest in my clone troopers a testament to her compassionate nature.

In that moment, I felt a surge of triumph. Kenobi may have been the esteemed Jedi Master, but it was I, the humble clone commander, who held Mira's attention. She saw me, truly saw me, in a way the Jedi could never hope to.

Let Kenobi stew in his jealousy, I thought. Mira and I shared something special, something the Jedi could never hope to understand. This was my moment, and I intended to savor it, secure in the knowledge that I had something the great Obi-Wan Kenobi could never possess.

I quickly ushered Mira and Kenobi out of my personal quarters and into the training room where my clone troopers were gathered. It felt somewhat strange to see at least a hundred of them with the same face I had when I was younger. A few of them started at the sight of Mira and the two Jedi, but Mira simply smiled as one with black cropped hair came over, followed by another with short brown hair.

"Ma'am," they greeted her, not really acknowledging the Jedi Obi-Wan. I smirked, dipping my head slightly to the clones I had helped train.

Kenobi's eyes narrowed, and I could see the jealousy simmering beneath the surface. Good, let him be uncomfortable in the presence of my men - these were my brothers, my family, and I took great pride in them.

Mira, ever the gracious diplomat, moved seamlessly among the clones, engaging them in conversation and showing a genuine interest in their lives and duties. I watched, transfixed, as she effortlessly charmed them, her warm smile and kind words putting them at ease.

In contrast, Kenobi remained stiff and aloof, his gaze darting between Mira and myself. I could practically feel the Jedi Master's discomfort, and I reveled in it. This was my domain, my world, and Kenobi was the outsider, unable to truly comprehend the bond we shared.

As Mira continued to captivate my men, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and possessiveness. She was mine, in a way the Jedi could never understand. Let Kenobi stew in his jealousy - I had won this round, and I had no intention of letting him forget it.

"What do you think of them?" I asked Mira, my gaze soon landing upon her beautiful blue eyes. I felt my heart jump as I drank in her radiant features.

"They're good-looking, good too," she replied, a hint of amusement dancing in her expression.

I couldn't help but swell with pride at her words. My clone troopers, my brothers, were receiving the admiration and respect they deserved from this remarkable woman. It was a validation that meant more to me than I could express.

Mira's gaze held mine for a moment, and in that instant, I felt a deep connection, a understanding that transcended the boundaries between us. She saw me, not just as a clone commander, but as an individual worthy of her attention and regard.

The tension in the air was palpable, and I found myself acutely aware of Kenobi's presence nearby. The Jedi Master's disapproval was palpable, his displeasure at Mira's obvious interest in me barely concealed.

But in that moment, I cared little for Kenobi's jealousy or the Jedi's rigid protocols. All that mattered was the connection I shared with Mira, a bond that defied explanation and refused to be constrained by the limitations of our respective roles.

I opened my mouth, ready to respond, to perhaps even confess the depth of my feelings for this remarkable woman. But before I could, Mira's attention was drawn elsewhere, and the spell was broken.

I felt a pang of disappointment as Kenobi interrupted our moment, his words cutting through the charged atmosphere like a vibroblade.

"Mira, we must return and tell the Council of our findings," he said, casting me a sly glance.

Mira sighed, giving me an apologetic smile, before turning to the two clones named Rex and Cody.

"It was a nice day meeting you two. Thank you," she said, bowing at the waist, her hand over her heart. "May we see each other in the stars and the moons."

She then turned and walked off with Obi-Wan, leaving me feeling bereft. I turned to Rex and Cody, my frustration evident.

"Keep an eye on her," I commanded.

The two clones cocked their heads, their expressions uncertain.

"Sir, we can't. We have training to attend to," Rex replied, his tone apologetic.

I felt my jaw tighten, my frustration mounting. Of course, my men had their duties, their obligations to the Republic. I couldn't expect them to drop everything to follow Mira and Kenobi.

With a reluctant nod, I dismissed them, my gaze lingering on the retreating figures of the Queen and the Jedi Master. I had been so close, so tantalizingly close, to reconnecting with Mira, to perhaps even confessing the depth of my feelings.

But now, as I watched them disappear, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and longing. The moment had slipped through my fingers, and I was left with the bitter aftertaste of what could have been.