Epilogue Jonny smiled as he watched his friends leave hand in hand, then stretched and yawned loudly. "Well, I think I'll turn in for the night. I never thought I'd say it, but all this excitement has finally caught up with me. G'night!" "Goodnight, son," said Dr. Quest, looking up from his book. "Goodnight," echoed Race absently, still staring out the window at the garden. "Goodnight, Jonny," said Neela, rising and nodding to the two men. "I believe I'll follow his example. Rest well, my friends." Race continued to look outside while the others left. After a moment he got up and went to the window, watching his daughter and the young sultan strolling through the garden. Soon Benton joined him and broke the uneasy silence. "They're growing up," he said quietly. Race tried with some success to speak with his old spark. "Heck, Benton, you don't have to be a phenomenologist to know that.'' He sighed. "But that doesn't make it any easier either." Oblivious to the rest of the world, Hadji and Jessie sat on a bench in the garden, looking up at the stars. Jessie's head lay on his shoulder, his arms around her waist. Hadji closed his eyes and let his head rest against hers. He still halfway believed that this was all a dream, but if it was he meant to make the best of it as long as it lasted. Jessie sighed, snuggling closer. "This is nice," she said softly. "Mmmmm…" his reply was muffled against her hair. After a moment she twisted to look up at him, and he opened his eyes. "What's wrong?" She sighed. "Nothing, it's just…. I'm scared, Hadji. I mean about us." She smiled suddenly. "We're an 'us'." His arm tightened around her. "Yes, we are. But that is what is worrying you?" Jessie nodded. "It's just that neither one of us has really had any experience with a relationship before, and I'm pretty sure I don't want to mess this one up." "I understand the feeling," agreed Hadji. He looked into her luminous eyes. "I don't want to lose you, Jessie, and I promise I will never do anything to ruin what we have." "Ditto," said Jessie, tilting her head up for his kiss. When they parted Hadji looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "Something else is worrying you, isn't it?" She smiled at how well he could read her thoughts. "I'm just a little concerned about how the others will feel about us. Jonny seemed pretty happy, but I'm not sure about Dr. Quest or your mom, and especially my dad." Hadji nodded. "I can see how Race might be upset by the change between us. I will talk to him tomorrow, if you like," he offered. "Get his permission, so to speak." Jessie sighed with relief. "Thanks Hadji, I think that would be best. And we should talk to the others too." "Of course." He pulled her closer into his arms. "Don't worry, Jessie, everything is going to be fine." Jessie's eyes sparkled mischievously in the moonlight as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Really? Why don't you convince me…." Back in the palace, Hadji and Jessie walked quietly down the hall and stopped at Jessie's room. She turned to him with a whispered question. "So we will talk to everyone tomorrow after breakfast?" He nodded. "After breakfast." She smiled. "Alright. Goodnight, Hadji." "Goodnight," he whispered back. She stepped naturally into his arms, as if they had been used to saying goodnight with a kiss. Hadji was pleasantly surprised by how easily they had made the transition from friends to, well, more than friends, without any of the awkwardness he had expected. It seemed that they were meant to be this way, and he could not imagine how they had gotten along before. They stood there for a long moment before finally breaking the kiss. "You should go," said Jessie softly. "Yes." But instead they both leaned forward again, closing their eyes as their lips met. Jessie leaned against Hadji, dizzy with gladness and grateful for his strong arms around her for support. She wondered briefly what the others would say if they saw them now, but decided that she didn't care. "You should…probably…really go now," she managed between kisses. "Right," breathed Hadji in reply. "This is me…leaving…I'm going…." At last they broke apart and smiled at each other. "Okay," whispered Jessie, trying to breathe normally. "I'll see you in the morning." And she turned quickly and disappeared into her room. Hadji knocked softly on Jessie's door the next morning. No answer. He knocked louder. "Jessie?" Still no answer. Suddenly apprehensive, he burst through the door, expecting to face a group of assassins. He sank against the doorframe in relief as he saw Jessie undisturbed and still asleep in her bed. She lay on her side, arms folded over her waist, a slight smile curving her lips. The morning sunlight streamed in through the windows and gleamed on the bright hair spilling across the pillows. Hadji's breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. For a long time he stood at the foot of the bed, just listening to Jessie's quiet, steady breathing and watching her peaceful face. He reached out to touch her, but she looked so beautiful, so serene, that he didn't want to disturb her. He let his hand drop and walked quietly from the room, turning to look at her one last time before closing the door behind him. Hadji was still smiling a few minutes later when he entered the dining room, where the rest of the family was already seated at breakfast. "Good morning, everyone," he said brightly, stooping to kiss his mother's cheek as he took his place beside her at the table. "Please excuse my tardiness. I hope you were not waiting for me." Jonny swallowed his sip of tea and grinned. "Not technically. But where's Jessie?" "She is still in bed. I decided it was best to let her rest. We were up late and didn't get much sleep last night…." Hadji's voice trailed off as he noticed everyone staring at him strangely. There was an inarticulate gurgle from Race's end of the table. Hadji stared at his family, perplexed. Neela's face was carefully neutral, but her eyes seemed a little wider than usual. Dr. Quest's expression wavered between surprise and confusion and finally settled on embarrassment. Race had flushed an interesting shade of purple and seemed to be struggling with an invisible noose. Jonny kept his eyes fixed on his plate, but the corners of his mouth twitched suspiciously. Hadji blinked, frowning. "Is something wrong?" Dr. Quest cleared his throat awkwardly. "Er…Hadji, where exactly did you say Jessie was?" "She is asleep in her room, or at least she was when I left a few moments ago," replied Hadji slowly. "Why?" Race made another choking sound as Dr. Quest ignored Hadji's last question and asked another of his own. "You were in Jessie's room, then?" Hadji nodded. "I went to see if she was awake yet, because we had gone to bed late last night." Dr. Quest was having difficulty speaking. "And you went to bed late because…?" "We went for a walk in the garden, and we talked for a long time." Dr. Quest sat back with a relieved sigh. "So you didn't…that is, you and Jessie…never…uh…." He fumbled for the right words. "We thought that you two had--" Jonny blurted, then thought better of it. "Um, well, that you might have…you know…" his voice trailed off lamely. "Ohhh," breathed Hadji softly as realization dawned. Then, "Oh." His dark skin seemed to deepen. He looked around the table. "No, we did not…I would never…." "Never what?" came Jessie's cheerful voice from the doorway. She smiled at them expectantly. Hadji immediately relaxed when he saw her face, still flushed with sleep, and he smiled back. "I would never want to make anyone wait to eat this delicious meal," he finished smoothly. Jessie laughed and sat down next to Race, who seemed to be recovering. "Me neither. I'm starving!" Good call, Hadj! thought Jonny, impressed, watching the others resume their meal. Neela deftly led the conversation in a new direction, and soon the uncomfortable exchange was apparently forgotten. But as the dishes were being cleared Hadji and Jessie exchanged a glance, and Hadji looked around the table. "So what does everyone have planned for today?" Jessie spoke up first. "I was hoping that Neela might show me those old saris she was telling me about." She looked at Hadji's mom. "That is, if you have time." Neela smiled. "Of course, Jessie. We can see them now, if you like." "Great! Bye guys," said Jessie, following Neela out of the room. 'Good luck,' she mouthed at Hadji as she left. "Well," said Jonny, "I think I'll take Bandit for a walk. It's such a nice day." "Good idea, son," said Dr. Quest. "Mind if I join you?" "Sure, Pop." Jonny looked at Race and Hadji. "What about you guys?" Race shook his head, grinning. "Nah, I wouldn't wanna interrupt your quality time." They laughed. "You two go ahead," agreed Hadji. "Okay. C'mon Pop, I'll race you!" They made a dash for the door, leaving Race and Hadji alone. Hadji swallowed, feeling ridiculous. "Race, I was wondering if we could…talk." Here we go, thought Race. He shrugged. "You're the sultan." "Perhaps we should go someplace more private," suggested Hadji, indicating the palace guards standing silently outside the door. Race raised an eyebrow, but nodded, and they headed for his room. Meanwhile Jessie was admiring Neela's traditional dresses. "Neela, these are beautiful," she exclaimed, holding up a length of delicate fabric covered with intricate designs. "Thank you," replied Neela with a smile. "Here, let me show you how it goes." She took the material and draped it around Jessie's body, turning her to look into the mirror on the wall. "It suits you well." Jessie blushed. "Thanks." "I have an idea," said Neela. "Why don't you pick the ones you like best, and you can have them." "Oh, no, I couldn't --- " protested Jessie. "I insist," said Neela firmly. "I never wear these anymore, and they look better on you anyway." Jessie relented, smiling. "If you insist. Thank you, Neela." "You're welcome. Now you must take this one," she said, raising a swath of silky fabric decorated with deep greens and blues. "It will bring out the color of your eyes." Her own eyes glinted mischievously. "And besides, Hadji always liked it." Jessie burst out laughing. "I should have known I could never hide anything from you, Neela. You knew about Hadji and me even before we did, admit it." "Well, I did have my suspicions, yes," she acknowledged. "But I was beginning to fear I had been mistaken until the day Hadji asked you to leave." Jessie flushed scarlet. "I can't believe you all saw us!" she groaned, mortified. Neela hid a smile. "Don't worry, Jessie, you have nothing to be ashamed of. No one was upset, and I was very happy to see that you two had finally realized your feelings for each other. I was afraid you might wait until it was too late, and I know how important it is to appreciate what you have for as long as possible." She sighed, remembering Haresh, and saw Jessie's eyes fill with sympathetic tears. "I want you and Hadji to enjoy each other," she continued earnestly. "I'm sure you will be very happy." "Thank you, Neela," said Jessie, hugging the older woman. "I already am." She stepped away and held up the sari again, grinning. "So you think Hadji will like this one?" Neela laughed. Race and Hadji stood in Race's room, facing each other warily. Hadji cleared his throat nervously. "I think you must know what I wanted to talk to you about," he began. "I have an idea," Race said dryly. I've got a bad feeling about this… "Then let me speak plainly," continued Hadji. He took a deep breath. "I'm in love with Jessie, and I—we—would like to know that you do not object to our being together." Race crossed his arms over his chest. "Don't you think you're both a little young for a serious relationship?" "Perhaps," answered Hadji. "But you know that Jessie is remarkably mature, and seventeen is not really so young. As for myself, I hope that the responsibilities of governing a state have given me the wisdom to make mature decisions both for myself and about others. I understand your concern, but believe me, I would never want to push Jessie into a relationship that neither of us was ready for." "I had a feeling that argument wouldn't work." Race sighed. "Look, Hadji, I appreciate your being honest with me, but I still don't feel comfortable with the situation. It's nothin' personal—if this had to happen I guess I'd rather it be with you than anyone else. But I just don't see why it had to happen so soon." "It wasn't exactly a matter of choice," said Hadji, smiling slightly. "But neither Jessie nor I regrets the change between us, and we certainly can not go back to the way we were before. We only want to make sure that we do not cause anyone pain, especially you." "Thanks," said Race, and sighed again. "Much as I hate to admit it, it looks like I don't have much of a choice either. You seem to make Jessie happy, and I can't object to that." "Does that mean you approve?" asked Hadji hopefully. Race nodded. "But let me make one thing clear." He looked the young sultan squarely in the eye. "If you break her heart you will live to regret it." Hadji didn't blink. "Believe me, Race, that is the last thing in the world I would ever want to do, and I swear I will do everything in my power to make sure that no one else does either." Race saw the sincerity and determination in Hadji's eyes. He really does love her, he thought, recalling a sudden vivid memory of Hadji fighting Jessie's kidnappers. Despite all his protests, Race knew that Hadji was the only person who would ever come close to being good enough for his daughter. "Alright," said Race, softening, and held out his hand. Hadji shook it warmly. "Thank you, Race." "You're welcome, I think," he said gruffly. "Now get outta here before I change my mind." Race managed a smile. "Besides, Jessie's waiting." Jessie was waiting for him when he left Race. "Well?" she asked breathlessly. Hadji grinned. "He approved!" cried Jessie, laughing with relief as he twirled her around. "Thank you, Hadji. I know Dad probably didn't make it easy for you." Hadji smiled. "Actually, I think it went rather well. He never even threatened me with physical violence." Jessie giggled. "Well I'd better make sure he doesn't change his mind." He nodded. "And I'll go find Dr. Quest and Jonny." He bent to kiss her quickly. "For luck," he said, winking, then turned and walked away in search of the others. Jessie watched him go, waiting for her heart to return to its normal pace. Then she took a deep breath and knocked on her father's door. "Dad? It's me." "Come in," Race called, standing to greet his daughter. She was practically glowing with happiness, and he couldn't help smiling back. "Hey, Ponchita." "Oh, Dad!" cried Jessie, running to hug him like she used to when she was a little girl. But now he could no longer pretend that she was still that same girl. Race sighed. Jessie looked up at him with shining eyes. "I'm so happy!" she said earnestly. "But I need to know that you aren't upset about Hadji and me. I mean, I wanted to make sure that you really approve." Race smiled ruefully. "I doubt there's anything I could do to keep you two apart if I didn't." Jessie frowned. "No, there isn't, but we'd be much happier if we had your blessing." Race looked at her seriously. "You do have my blessing, Jessie. Even I can see that you and Hadji have something very special." Jessie nodded, eyes sparkling. "Hadji makes me feel…whole," she said, then blushed at how silly that sounded. "I've been there," said Race softly, thinking of Estella. "But Jessie, please promise me one thing." "Anything." "Promise me that you will be careful. I don't want either of you getting hurt." "I will, Dad," Jessie assured him. "Hadji and I promised each other that we would take it slow. We want to make sure that our relationship doesn't change things too much." "Well then," said Race, only half jokingly, "I hope that means you won't start ignoring your fuddy-duddy old dad." Jessie giggled at the idea of her father being a fuddy-duddy, but answered him seriously. "Of course not. I love you, Dad." She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "I love you too, Ponchita." Race held her tightly, his eyes growing suspiciously moist. "Thank you for understanding," Jessie whispered, hugging him back. Hadji found Jonny in the garden, attempting to climb a tree to retrieve Bandit's ball. I don't even want to know how that got up there, thought Hadji, smiling at his friend's uncanny ability to get into difficult situations. "Can I help you, Jonny?" he offered. "Hey Hadj," Jonny grinned sheepishly. "Could you give me a boost?" Ten minutes and only a few minor bruises later, both Jonny and the ball were safely back on the ground. "Thanks, Hadji," said Jonny, watching Bandit run off with the rescued toy before he and Hadji began walking back toward the palace. "So what have you been up to this morning? Or should I say, you and Jessie?" He winked. Hadji feigned innocence. "Excuse me?" "C'mon, Hadj, you know what I'm talking about. You, Jess, big smoochies…." Hadji laughed. "Thank you for putting it so elegantly, Jonny. You seem to be adjusting well to the change between Jessie and me." "Why shouldn't I be?" asked Jonny. "You two were made for each other." "Well…" Hadji hesitated. "I thought there was a time when you seemed to like Jessie as…more than a friend." Jonny was surprised. "You knew about that?" Hadji nodded. "I am more observant than I might seem. But I thought that your feelings for Jessie had returned to just friendship. I hope I was not wrong." "No way," Jonny shook his head. "I did have a crush on Jess for a little while, but that was a long time ago. I think I was going through a phase, and she was the only girl I really knew." Hadji was relieved. "So you don't still like her?" Jonny laughed. "Not like that. Besides, I wouldn't want a girlfriend who could kick my butt in Questworld." Hadji grinned, unable to resist the opportunity. "Then it seems you are destined for eternal bachelorhood, my friend." Jonny laughed in spite of himself. "I should have seen that one coming." He paused at the palace door, eyes gleaming wickedly. "Well, I'm going to wash up. See you later, Romeo." "Jonny, I'm warning you--" said Hadji, following him inside. Jonny backed away down the hall towards his room. "Okay, okay, I won't tease you…Loverboy." "I mean it Jonny," said Hadji in a threatening tone, but the corners of his mouth were twitching. "Give Jessie a kiss for me!" laughed Jonny, ducking into his room in time to avoid Hadji's playful swat. "Well, Hadji, it looks like you've just discovered the downside to being in love." Dr. Quest stepped out of the hall where he had been observing his sons with amusement. "You can now expect to become the official target for the wits of your nearest and dearest." "Dr. Quest!" Hadji was a little embarrassed. "I hope that you will be one of my nearest and dearest who refrains from such liberties," he said with a smile. Benton laughed. "I promise not to tease you and Jessie, no matter how sorely I might be tempted." "Thank you," said Hadji. "But all joking aside, do you object at all to my being with Jessie?" "My only objection would have been that Race might object, but since you have apparently worked things out with him already, I can think of no reason to be upset about the situation. On the contrary, I am very proud of the mature way you and Jessie have chosen to handle your relationship." "Thank you," said Hadji modestly. "I'm glad to find that my family is as happy about the change as I am." That evening the family went out to enjoy a night on the town, which they hadn't been able to appreciate while Valsad was still a threat. Hadji thought Jessie looked stunning in the green sari Neela had given her, and told her so, much to Jonny's amusement. She thanked him for his compliment with a kiss, but not even Race seemed to mind. Soon they were all talking and laughing like they always had, as if nothing had changed, or at least as if things had only changed for the better. When they returned to the palace they all relaxed in the parlor, enjoying each other's company. Jessie challenged Race to a game of chess, on the condition that he wouldn't whine if she won. Dr. Quest sat down with his book, while Jonny worked on a program for his laptop, occasionally asking Jessie or his dad for pointers. Hadji settled down to meditate, and Neela worked on her sewing. "Checkmate!" Jessie's voice brought Hadji back to reality, and he opened his eyes to see the rest of the family laughing at Race and his daughter. "Shootfire!" Race exclaimed, but his eyes gleamed with pride in his brilliant daughter. "What can I say?" Jessie grinned. "I learned from the best." She leaned forward to give her dad a kiss. Race smiled. "Apparently the best is extremely out of practice. How 'bout a rematch tomorrow?" Dr. Quest looked at his friend and bodyguard. "You must be a glutton for punishment," he joked. "Thanks for you vote of confidence, Doc," said Race. "What do you say, Jess?" "Sure, Dad. I'd be happy to beat you again tomorrow," she quipped. Race snorted. "We'll see about that." Despite this humiliating loss, Race found himself in a surprisingly good mood by the time everyone went to bed. His fear of losing Jessie had been dispelled by her and Hadji's efforts to keep things as normal as possible. And even though he wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of his little girl kissing a boy, he knew that Hadji could be trusted. So when Hadji left with Jessie to walk her to her room, Race felt nothing but happiness for his daughter. "Well, I would say this has been a successful day," said Hadji, smiling at Jessie as she walked by his side. "Definitely," she agreed. "We must be getting good at this whole relationship thing." They came to a stop in front of her door. "And they say it only gets better," he said softly. Jessie giggled, looking up at him through her lashes. "They also say 'practice makes perfect'." Hadji raised an eyebrow. "So I've heard." He pulled her into his arms. "Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight?" "Once or twice. Did I thank you?" "I don't remember. You should probably thank me again," he said, grinning, "for practice…." His voice trailed off as their lips met. After a moment Jessie's muffled laughter echoed through the hallway. "I could definitely get used to this." FIN Hope you enjoyed this fic…it should clear up some things from "Besieged…." And don't forget to check out the illustration at Wendy's fantastic Eraser Dust JQ Art Gallery! (c) IRIS 1998