All of the Senate Building seemed to be abuzz with the festivities that were taking place within it. People were crowded into its huge lobby and on every floor. The air was a seemingly endless stream of conversations. Most of the attendees were there of their own free will, by some degree or another. Some – however – were not. But they didn't dare disrupt the overall jovial mood of the celebration.
The only one that did not appear to be enjoying himself was the only one that was really allowed to. Seated on his massive throne, the Emperor oversaw the ongoings with a deep frown. Everyone was present, save for one very important guest. And while the Emperor had no reason to assume that this said guest wouldn't show up, punctuality was something to be appreciated. Grumbling a sigh and shifting slightly in his seat, Palpatine looked over the crowd once again. He recognized most of the faces, though a few were new. Regardless, he knew that each and every one was the leader or government chief of their planet.
They had all been invited – and strongly encouraged – to attend the Annual Reception.
For the Emperor : This particular event was the opportunity to familiarize himself with new leaders, as well as renegotiate commercial and military agreements.
For the planetary leaders : It was the opportunity to try and curry favor with Palpatine. Or, at the very least : Ingratiate themselves into his good graces.
Such attempts were rather amusing for the Emperor.
His apprentice – Darth Vader – had been standing by his side since the festivities had begun an hour ago. However : The crowds, conversations and frequent stares had finally worn down what little patience Lord Vader had and he had taken his leave.
The Emperor hadn't given it too much thought.
As soon as he stepped into the empty penthouse of the Senate Building : Darth Vader felt markedly better. He immediately began to pace around the room, taking advantage of the space and the lack of occupants.
There was only one person that had remained with him. His attendant, Vanee. He remained a respectful ten meters away from his master. He knew better than to bother Lord Vader, especially when he was in the sort of mood he was in now.
As if the crowds hadn't been bad enough, Darth Vader had learned he was to be married off to the last guest that had decided to be fashionably late. Apparently, the Emperor hadn't seen necessary to communicate him this piece of incredibly important information until right before the festivities started. Compounding the issue, was the fact that the Emperor was expecting an heir to be produced from the union within five years. To say that Darth Vader had been completely taken aback would have been quite the understatement. If he had been still capable of feeling such an emotion, horrified would have been a better descriptor. However, as had most everything else : Things had changed. So, what would have once stunned him into silence now manifested as a brooding and frustrated anger. One that gnawed at the tatters of his patience and fueled his incessant pacing. His thoughts raced madly as he tried to comprehend what was being ordered of him.
The Emperor had made it very clear – in no uncertain terms – that the only choice Darth Vader had in the matter was if he was going to enjoy the union or not.
And, as the memories of Padme and their child began to creep up on him : He could feel his anger beginning to rise once again. Occasionally : Such fury would physically manifest when an object would go telekinetically flying across the room. Fortunately, Vader still had the wherewithal to avoid striking Vanee.
And, of course : He never flinched. Not even when a vase shattered or a plate went whizzing through the air to crash against the wall.
« How could he even think I would tolerate this ? » Darth Vader hissed to himself. « That I would… with... with anybody else?! » The demand was punctuated by another plate being flung across the room by an invisible force. Vader – however – continued to pace back and forth. Frustratingly enough : The more he dwelled on the subject that had been sprung on him with no warning, the more irritated he became.
Then again, it wasn't like he could not think about it. Such a union – arranged or not – was life-changing.
It was only the sound of the crowds suddenly going very quiet, that pulled Vader from his thoughts. He snapped his gaze up to Vanee, who was peeking over the railing of the penthouse balcony. « What is it ? » Darth Vader demanded.
« It seems that the last guest has finally arrived, Sir. »
Despite his previous upset, Darth Vader couldn't help his curiosity. He immediately strode over to the balcony, resting his hands against the railing and leaning forward.
Vanee shuffled back a few paces to give his master space, but he was inquisitive enough to keep peeking over the balcony railing.
Below them, the massive crowd had miraculously managed to part and make way for the incoming procession.
Despite his rather sour mood, Vader himself couldn't help but noted how intricate, beautiful and almost ethereal the procession appeared.
It seemed to gradually light up the whole building as it moved forward.
And yet…
And yet there was something more about the newest guest.
For when Darth Vader reached out a little further with the Force, he could tell that the guest was no stranger to the Force. However, frustratingly enough : A thick, luxurious, velvet coat concealed the guest's appearance from his view.
But, judging by the the murmurs and stares from the crowd : This person was of great importance. As the guest stepped forward, the crowd parted without a word or being ordered to move. The proverbial path that was created led straight to the Emperor.
That fact only furthered Lord Vader's curiosity about that hooded person. It was only when they continued to walk forward that he noticed the fact there were other people accompanying the guest.
There were guards. But there had been guards that accompanied plenty of the guests that were present tonight. However, other than the guards : There was only one other man. An officer, from the looks of it.
Vader was fairly certain he would be learning more about the older looking man soon enough. He then walked away from the railing, and left for the outdoor balcony.
Back down on the ground floor, the Emperor was watching this precise guest approach with a scrutinizing – but neutral appearing – gaze.
Once she had stopped at a respectable distance and slightly bowed, the Emperor nodded in return to her. Casting a quick smirk to the crowds, which were still watching the newest guest with rapt interest : The Emperor then focused his attention on the young woman before him. « Your arrival is most appreciated, your Majesty. » The Emperor crooned, his smirk still remaining somewhat. « I trust that your journey here was safe. And I do hope that your planet is continuing to do well. »
The young woman simply nodded in response.
« While I would gladly entertain any question you may have in regards to the agreement between the Empire and your planet… » The Emperor continued : « There are far more important matters to be discussed about at the present time. »
That statement made the hooded guest lift her head a little, in a silent inquiry.
« I intend for you to formally meet my apprentice and future husband… Darth Vader. It is the reason why you have been summoned here tonight. However… » The Emperor trailed off and sighed in mild irritation. He then waved a hand upwards, to where the penthouse was located. « He seems to have wandered off for the time being. Most likely wandering around the upper floors. But fret not, you two will be properly introduced soon enough. »
For a moment : The young woman – standing before the Emperor – paused, as though considering what she had been told. Her gaze then drifted upwards, to the upper floors of the building. As she did so : The young woman reached up and, with a delicate touch, removed her hood.
Immediately the room was filled with a chorus of gasps and murmurs at the sight they now beheld.
The young woman was Princess Loralyn of Lunealia.
And while there had been rumors of her incredible beauty and grace, they paled in comparison to the radiant young woman that now stood before them.
Inhabitants of the planet of Lunealia were rarely ever seen. The planet itself was rich in resources and as such, very self-sufficient. Furthermore : There was an impenetrable barrier that enveloped the entire planet. There was only one entrance and exit, and it was heavily guarded. As such, seeing a simple civilian of Lunealia was a surprise for most.
So, to see the Princess of Lunealia herself was like seeing a myth come to life. As beautiful and graceful as she seemed, Loralyn still seemed like some sort of otherworldly being. Despite being enraptured by the sight of her, none of the crowd dared move forward. All they could do was gaze in awe. Her slender – but curved – body was of a moderate height. She was dressed in a silk dress that shimmered and moved as though made of water. Long golden blonde hair – as lustrous as any star – cascaded down Loralyn's back and framed her pristine face. The light seemed to catch on the gleaming strands, giving the appearance of a halo-like glow atop the Princess's head. The soft radiance emphasized Loralyn's pale, flawless skin with freckles lightly dotting across the bridge of her nose and at the top of both cheeks. The pink hue of her eyes was matched only by her full, luscious lips which were only a couple of shades darker. Such enrapturing magnificence and noble grace had never been seen before.
Despite all the stares and whispers that surrounded her, Loralyn was completely unfettered by them. In fact : She paid them no heed, with her countenance remaining calm and focused. Her attentions were solely on the Emperor and where he had indicated his apprentice had gone.