A/N: This is what happens when I spend too much time of Wookieepedia. There is a lot of affairs going on. I wanted to just write a shorter piece around this. One thing which I verified has never been answered in profic- Daala and Lady Tarkin… how much they knew of each other and their thoughts on it… or if they ever met. I can't find an official age for Daala, but based on the facts I assume her fairly young, probably early 20's, since she was only recently graduated from the Academy at the time she met Tarkin. This fic kinda goes a bit into all the women of Imperial Court, but a good bit is Tarkin/Daala.
Daala had never quite intended for things to go the way they had… to end up the other woman… but the strength of what she felt could not be denied. His strength of passion could not be denied either- he certainly made that clear during their trysts. She knew he was married, but also understood it was a marriage of convince. He held no real love for his wife, and she imagined she didn't love her husband either. A simple political alliance, and thus Daala felt no ethical concerns about her role. A part of her wished he would leave his wife, but Tarkin was a practical man… it was why she loved him after all… and she knew it would not happen. That was not how the Imperial Elite functioned. Tarkin had attempted to keep the affair a secret at first, but on a star destroyer rumours quickly spread about the amount of time they spent together, and her frequent after hours visits to his quarters… not to mention her promotion. He has put a quick stop to that by sending a man out the airlock in a suit with 24 hours of air and his comm on, broadcast to the ship. She didn't doubt the rumours still flowed, but the men were much more careful about who they expressed them to. Still, though people's doubt as to the legitimacy of her promotion vexed her, the whole debacle had some merits. With the nexu out of the bag, they made no further attempt to conceal their affections. Crossing the bridge to stand by the object of her affection, she smiled as he slipped his arm around her waist. "You wished to speak with me?" she asked. Tarkin nodded.
"A ball is being held soon on Coruscant. The Emperor wishes to meet the famed tactician who beat so many officers in sim battles and helped shape Imperial strategy." he said "I have been asked to extend the invitation to you." Daala wondered why his tone sounded like he hoped she would refuse? She had heard of course the Emperor was a man to be feared… perhaps he worried for her safety? Then again refusing the Emperor was not something which was done.
"I would be honoured to attend." she said at last. A slight frown twitched at the corner of Tarkin's mouth for a moment before he forced himself to smile at her.
"I thought as much. It is after all a rare thing the Emperor requests a personal audience with anyone these days." he said.
"These days?" Daala asked.
"He was once a very personable man… back when he was a senator or chancellor. That was before the Jedi attacked and scarred him. Since then he has retreated more and more from the world." Tarkin responded.
"I see." Daala said.
"I will make sure we arrive on Coruscant in time to have you fitted for a gown." Tarkin said. It was Daala's turn to frown at that.
"A gown? I assumed I would wear my uniform like the rest of the officers." she said. "After all I am military, not some Imperial Ellite."
"True, but the Emperor is a man of tradition. Outside of his bedroom I believe the ballroom is the only place you'll find the Director of Imperial Intelligence out of her uniform. Perhaps you two can commiserate that fact together." Tarkin said lightly, cupping her face in his hand.
"His bedroom?" Daala asked. "I thought he was badly scarred and disfigured from the Jedi attempt on his life?" she said confused. Stroking her hair back, Tarkin gave a small laugh at his mistress's naivety towards court life.
"He was, but it never seemed to deter Ysanne Isard. She pursued him from the moment she came of age. There are other women of course, but she is the closest to his equal, and the only one there of her own free will and not as her job." Tarkin explained. Daala took that in, feeling comforted in a sense she was not the Empire's only ranked mistress.
"She knew him before then?" Daala asked. Tarkin gave a nod.
"She grew up in Imperial Court. Her father frequently brought her to work with him, against all protests a child should not be around such dangerous men as he worked with. From conversations I had with Armand I understand her idolatry of His Majesty started even back then." he said.
"What ever happened to her father? You sound as though you speak of him in past tense." Daala commented, and Tarkin gave a grim smile.
"He was executed on charges of conspiring with the Rebellion. It's rumoured his daughter was the one to fire the shot the eve she took over his position as Director, though I can not confirm this." he explained.
"She shot her own father?" Daala asked startled. Tarkin shrugged.
"Rumoured anyways. It would not surprise me. Ysanne Isard has been called Iceheart for a reason. She can prove a very dangerous woman to cross." he said and Daala shuddered.
"Anyone else I should exercise caution around?" Daala asked, taking in as much about Imperial court as she could. It was such a strange world to her.
"I'd be careful not to ruffle his dancers. He often inserts his spies and assassins among them. Mara Jade has been his favourite lately. Though I regret I can not tell you more about her as the Emperor swore me to secrecy regarding certain projects… know she is far more dangerous than the benign dancing girl she seems." he said and Daala nodded, mentally filing the information to try avoid making a fool of herself at the ball. Battle tactics were one thing… court politics were something else entirely. Handing Daala a credit transfer card and a scrap of flimsy with an address on it Tarkin continued speaking "A gift from His Highness. The shop at that address will take care of getting you dressed for the ball to the Emperor's liking." Daala frowned at the card and flimsy scrap in her hand for a moment before tucking them securely away in a pocket.
"As his Majesty wishes." she said finally, hoping they might at least somewhat respect her role as a tactician and not dress her in anything too frilly.
"I'll see you tonight my dear." Tarkin said, kissing her lightly before releasing her to return to duty.
"I look forward to it." Daala responded smiling.
Lady Tarkin frowned deeply when she received news she would be there. However much her husband thought her blind to such matters, she knew he was not loyal to her. She had heard of course whispers of the young woman he had spirited away from Carida, under the guise of mentoring the skilled young tactician. Mentoring in more ways than one she thought grimly to herself. Still, perhaps it was a man's prerogative. Their marriage had never been a passionate one, and so he had strayed. She could keep a front and tolerate such dalliances… but to face the woman here? On her turf? It was too much. She wondered if the girl even knew herself to be a mistress to a married man. She certainly seemed smart enough to realize it by all accounts of her skills. Was she so uncultured and uncouth she would bed a married man knowingly? The idea of it made Lady Tarkin distain her even more. Spying her husband trying to make his way quietly in, and presumably out of their apartment she cornered him. "Avoiding me?" she asked sharply.
"The Emperor requests my immediate presence." Tarkin answered, ignoring her question.
"Then why bother to come here at all?" she asked tersely. "It's clear you don't want to see me." she sniffed. Tarkin sighed.
"I will be seeing you at the ball. It's not so long from now. I needed to quickly make myself presentable for my audience with His Majesty. Space travel does not do much for one's appearance." he said, trying to placate her. She scoffed.
"That's not what I have been hearing." she said. He froze for a fraction of a second, but long enough for her to know the rumours were true about her husband.
"And just what have you been hearing my dear wife?" Tarkin asked. "I'd not took you as the type to follow foolish court gossip."
"It's not gossip exactly when it's true. Don't deny it." she said angrily. Tarkin moved to gather her in his arms and play the loving husband, but she pushed him away.
"Deny what?" he asked. Giving an exasperated sigh, Lady Tarkin spelled it out for him.
"Your little protégée from Carida… she's been learning more than military tactics from you." she snapped, raising her hand to silence her husband as he made to protest. He would hear her out fully before he spoke. "I could have tolerated it,- you are a man after all, and I suppose it's to be expected- had you kept it to whatever backwater world you have her stationed on… but bringing her here to wave under my nose is a step too far dear husband." Tarkin gave a sigh and sunk into one of the plush nerf leather couches.
"As much sway as I hold, I can not deny a request made by the Emperor himself." he said resigned. So his wife knew of his affair. He wasn't exactly ashamed. She knew as well as he such things were common place in Imperial court. The fire gone from her his wife settled down next to him, content at least while he did not acknowledge the affair exactly, he made no attempt to deny it either.
"No, I suppose you can not." she sighed.
"I can not keep the Emperor waiting." Tarkin said "But we shall speak more tonight… and my dear… try not to be too hard on the girl should you cross paths at the ball. She is new to Imperial court and struggling enough to find her way."
"I can offer no promises husband." Lady Tarkin responded, and Tarkin bowed his head in resignation.
"No I suppose you can not any more than I can refuse the Emperor." he sighed ruefully as he made his way to the fresher to quickly clean himself up before his audience with the Emperor.
Tugging self consciously at the dress she wore, Daala frowned at her reflection. To the shop's credit, she looked lovely. They had picked an earthy green toned dress with a black shoulder wrap, pinned in place by an Imperial crest which contrasted in a stunning fashion with her long copper hair, and accented her green eyes perfectly. It just wasn't her though. She would much rather be wearing her Admiral's uniform. She would feel a bit better if Tarkin were at lest accompanying her, but he had informed her she would be on her own tonight. Sighing, she composed herself and made her way towards the ball room. It was a lavish affair. Crystal and fine art surrounded her. Dancers elegantly danced on a stage area, and mingled in the crowd when they were not performing. She had to admire their relaxed nature among the ogling stares of the officers present, not to mention the occasional inappropriately placed hand or request for a private dance. As she paid closer attention she noticed a couple of the dancers kept their stance relaxed enough the drinking men would not notice… but they were definitely alert, paying intense attention to certain conversations. Spies perhaps? Noticing a red haired dancer apply some subtle but highly painful pressure to a man who was rather intoxicated already and overly friendly with her she remembered Tarkin's warning assassins were intermingled with the dancers as well. Apparently alert to the fact she was being observed, the red haired dancer made her way over to Daala. "Do you need something?" she asked in a formal Coruscanti accent. "You seem a bit lost or like you are looking for someone."
"I uh… the Emperor requested I attend, but I've never been to Imperial court before. I'm a bit lost as to what exactly I should be doing here. I'm used to planning manoeuvres, not… partying… at least not this sort of party" Daala said. Though there was a hint of amusement in the other woman's expression, there was something in the woman's sharp green eyes that warned her being honest would be in her best interest.
"You must be Daala." the woman observed.
"Guess you see and hear everything with your position don't you?" Daala responded. The woman smirked.
"Very astute. How much exactly do you know?" she asked.
"Tarkin wouldn't tell me much… just to mind my manners as there were spies and assassins hidden in with the dancers. I figured out you are at least one of those watching you. You're more alert than the others." Daala explained. Suddenly catching herself, the other woman cleared her throat.
"Forgive me.. where are my manners. I know your name but I never introduced myself. I'm Mara Jade… and you are quite observant." she said.
"I'm hoping that's a good thing." Daala said, not quite sure of protocol. Though usually very sure of herself, the strange world of Imperial court was throwing her slightly.
"It's interesting in any case." Mara said. "His Majesty should be by to speak with you shortly… whenever the Director finishes her complaints to him about…" she said pausing slightly and her eyes glazed over for a second "me." she finished, amusement in her voice. Daala was tempted to ask how the woman could be so sure with the conversation taking place across the room, but decided against it. "Wise choice." she thought she heard Mara say softly as she made her way back into the crowd. Glancing around the crowd she caught sight of Tarkin and started to make her way towards him when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Turning to face the person who had halted her progress across the room, she stood face to face with a stately woman with greying hair, dressed in an elegant gown.
"So you're her." the woman said, looking Daala up and down.
"The tactician who developed the-" Daala started, searching for a context when the other woman interrupted her.
"My husband's mistress." she said tersely, and the pieces fell into place for Daala.
"I suppose I am." she sighed.
"So you knew he was married then?" the woman inquired, distain evident in her voice.
"Not at first… I learned fairly quickly though." Daala said, and the woman nodded, considering that.
"And when you learned, you chose to continue the affair… why?" she asked.
"He didn't seem to be much in love with you… I assumed the same applied to yourself." Daala said. She could see Tarkin shooting fervent glances at his wife and a concerned look towards herself. She gave him a slight nod and waved her hand in dismissal, letting him know she was ok.
"I love him." Lady Tarkin said "And in that love I understand his needs as a man to seek out novelty… but that is all you are my dear. You must know he will never leave me for you. Did he tell you we have a son?" she asked. Daala shook her head, and Lady Tarkin frowned. "I see." she said plainly. "I can tolerate the fact he will do what he needs… even if it's with some upstart young tramp like you. What I can not abide by is having it shoved in my face on my turf. When you are on Coruscant… if you must be here at all… remember he is mine and stay away from him. Do you understand?" she asked sharply. Daala nodded. Now Tarkin's reluctance for her to attend the ball made sense.
"I understand perfectly." she said, annoyance creeping into her tone at the other woman's insults. It was true the other was in the right, and Daala was on her turf… but there was no need to be so rude about it. She was about to give the woman a piece of her mind when Mara suddenly slipped from the crowd and caught her arm pulling her away from Lady Tarkin. Strange. Last she'd seen Mara she had been across the room seemingly caught up in a conversation with a Moff. Daala wondered if perhaps fights among members of the court were common and she was just well versed in watching for the signs of trouble brewing or if there was more at work. Mara seemed very keenly tuned into the emotions of the room, smoothly dispersing any potential quarrels.
"His Majesty will see you now." Mara told her, guiding her across the room towards a raised dias where the Emperor presently sat. Tilting her head to regard Daala a thought struck Mara which she voiced, "You do know proper protocol right?". When Daala didn't answer immediately Mara gave a quick running instruction as they walked, slowing her pace to give herself time to explain. "If you approach him in the throne room a full bow is required until you are told to rise. Here a half bow will do. Do not speak until you are spoken to… and above all do not try lie to him about anything. He will know." Mara said hurriedly in a low voice. As they reached the dias Mara dropped into a low curtsy, and nudged Daala slightly into a bow.
"Leave us, Mara." the Emperor said. Mara gave a slight nod then slipped silently back into the crowd, seeming to vanish into the sea of faces. Something about her movement unnerved Daala… it was almost like watching a nexu stalk it's prey.
Lady Tarkin watched with a detached sort of interest as Daala, the woman who so fascinated her husband spoke with the Emperor, observing her protocol breeches and improper form. She might be a woman, but a lady this Daala was not. Speaking of not a lady… she eyed the Director of Intelligence also watching Daala closely, innately distrustful of the young woman. Isard was holding a tense stance, clearly displeased at seeing another woman talking with her Emperor as the Director saw things. It surprised her the Emperor tolerated Isard's very… reek like personality and temper. She'd heard of the woman having the nerve to correct the Emperor… Lady Tarkin had witnessed it herself early this evening. Isard had spent the early part of the evening grumbling to the Emperor something about needing more screening for his dancers. Of all the things! It was obvious her issues stemmed from jealousy not true worry for the Emperor's safety as was her job. After watching Daala discuss her ideas with the Emperor for a few minutes she watched as Isard stalked her way over to one of the dancers, murderous intent in her eyes. Ah yes, the red haired girl… from what she'd heard the young dancer was quite popular with the Emperor these days. It was clear the temperamental Director saw the young dancer as a threat, but whatever she was saying to her seemed to make no impact on the girl. It was hardly surprising. Who knew where these girls had come from, or what they had experienced to lead them to such a… questionable position. Though the dancers were clad in flowing, if form fitting gowns right now, it was common knowledge they far more often wore less… proper outfits when they performed… particularly when it came to private dances. The red haired dancer's apparent casual dismissal of Isard seemed to only infuriate her more, and Lady Tarkin was sure she caught a smirk on the face of the dancer as she walked away from a fuming Director of Intelligence. Ah Imperial balls brought out the most interesting disputes. Making her way to stand beside her husband she spoke. "I don't understand what you see in her." she said. "If that's how your tastes run, I'm surprised you've never propositioned Ysanne Isard."
"Who said I haven't?" Tarkin said lightly, giving a throaty chuckle.
"All your appendages are still attached." Lady Tarkin responded smirking.
"Valid point my dear wife, though I can be quite charming." he said giving her a bow and extending his hand "Care to dance my dear?" he asked playfully and she accepted, allowing him to pull her to the dance floor. As he waltzed her around the room she considered perhaps this affair had it's merits for her. It had been years since she had seen him so light hearted and romantic with her. Though she found the idea of it distasteful, she could not deny since it had started he had been a much better husband. She'd often questioned why ladies of the court stood by their unfaithful husbands, but if it brought such renewed passion into their marriages as well, she now understood it. Yes, she would support her husband in even this. Noticing Daala had finished her address with the Emperor and was now being stalked by the Director of Intelligence, who was still clearly on the hunt for a fight she nodded to her husband.
"Speaking of the Director you may wish to rescue your little pet from her jaws, before the nexu swallows her whole." she said calmly and Tarkin met her gaze confused.
"I thought you'd requested I stay away from her while on Coruscant." he said She shrugged her shoulders delicately.
"I would prefer not to see or know what goes on between you… but I can't deny this dalliance seems to have some benefits for me." Lady Tarkin explained. Tarkin nodded and kissed her cheek before making his way through the crowd to separate his mistress and the Director. As he did he caught the Emperor's Hand watching closely, ready no doubt to intervene if needed. Recalling what Palpatine had told him of her abilities he formed a plan in mind and thought hard about it, hoping to project it somehow, blind to the Force though he was. Catching his eye she gave a subtle nod, indicating she understood and changed her course to move towards the Emperor and draw Isard's wrath, while he slipped Daala out of harms way.
The Emperor regarded Mara curiously for a moment as she brushed against him and slipped into his arms. Seeing the fuming Director hot on her tail and Tarkin hastily spiriting the his young protégée away from Isard's line of sight at a slight mental nudge from his Hand, he understood why she acted so strange. Ah the petty squabbles of court could provide such amusement at times. It was a struggle not to let his amusement show as Isard came storming up, her face flushed. He could feel the amusement rolling off Mara as well, clearly enjoying a chance to bait the Director a little in vengeance for Isard's own barbs towards her.
"You Highness, might I speak with you in private?" Isard asked slightly breathlessly, glaring vibroblades at Mara.
"I will speak with you tonight Ysanne, after the ball." Palpatine responded cooly. "I'm busy at the moment." he said, fighting the smile that threatened the corners of his mouth. He could feel Mara shaking with a silent laughter, her lithe form pressed to his side as she were. Isard for her part was quivering with impotent rage at the indignity of the situation.
"My apologies my Lord." Isard said through gritted teeth, fighting not to lose her temper further. Her growing irritation only served to amuse him further. Ignoring Isard as a firm lesson of her place, Palpatine stroked Mara's cheek.
"You danced well tonight my dear. I should like you to dance for me privately sometime." he said. Isard's expression told him she had not missed his deliberate choice of words or intonation, an intentional mockery of her earlier comment.
"I would be most honoured to my Lord." Mara responded sweetly, her eyes glinting with mischief as she met his gaze. Seeing Isard still standing near him, Palpatine tilted his head towards her.
"Was there something else you wished to discuss that can not wait until tonight Ysanne?" he asked, an edge of warning in his tone. Bowing her head and conceding defeat, Isard blew out a calming breath before she spoke.
"No my Lord, I will see you tonight." she said before stalking off towards where the harder liquors were being served. Once Isard was out of earshot, Palpatine turned to Mara, loosening his hold on her slightly.
"You play a dangerous game child." he chided her gently, though she knew he was as amused as her.
"The idea wasn't entirely mine." Mara responded, keeping her voice low enough and positioning her body suit seemed to any onlookers she was whispering sweet nothings in his ear as he held sent him a mental image of Tarkin to clarify her point. "Anyways it worked didn't it?" Mara inquired.
"So it did." Palpatine agreed "And served to teach my Director her place. However, I would request you try refrain from starting any further trouble." he said. Mara gave a slight frown at that.
"I didn't start anything. She's the one who-" he cut off her protest with a gentle finger to her lips.
"You didn't start this… but you were baiting her earlier my dear." Palpatine said. Mara bowed her head subdued. Few would dare argue with her Master the way she did, but Mara Jade was not most people. She was special in his eyes, and he allowed her to express her thoughts freely. It would be pointless to do so otherwise, their mental link allowing him to know her thoughts anyways.
"I'm sorry Master." she said "I'll try not to provoke her further."
"Good girl." he said, stroking her hair back "Now return to your duty. There will be a mission waiting for you in your rooms at the end of this evening." he told her as he released her fully from his arms. Mara bowed her head.
"Thank you Master." she said as she wove her way back into the crowd, alert for traitorous plots and disputes alike