Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's part 6! Thanks for all the great reviews, as always. Gear up for another exciting installment!
The Trial of Prince Xizor: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 6/?
Aurico paced the holding room where they had placed Xizor during the recess.
"This is not going well at all. That little Nabooan tramp has the jury wrapped around her pinky," Aurico said.
"Yes, because our witnesses are idiots. But she won't get anything out of me on the stand," Xizor replied calmly.
"Why are you so calm? You're going to be convicted and possibly sentenced to death," Aurico exclaimed. But Xizor only scoffed.
"Relax father, I know they're going to convict me. But I have a plan," Xizor stated.
"I don't understand your cavalier attitude. Sifo-Dyas has a hit out on you, because you know too much," Aurico replied.
"Not yet he doesn't," Xizor replied.
"And how do you know that?" Aurico demanded.
"Because despite this trial going from bad to worse, I still have that foolish woman under my spell. The Chancellor has become so absorbed by me that she believes every word that comes out of my mouth, despite what contrary evidence is presented about me. For that reason, I am still very valuable to Sifo-Dyas, where he wants to admit it or not," Xizor stated.
"Perhaps son, but I still would like to know what you have planned," Aurico demanded.
"Sorry father, but not even you can know. All in good time though, you'll see. For now, we'll let Padme think she has won," Xizor replied.
"That brings me to another point. Why is that woman unaffected by our chemical charms?" Aurico demanded to know. Xizor chuckled.
"I don't know. I've been trying to figure that out since the day I met her. I guess that's why she fascinates me so," Xizor replied. Aurico sighed.
"You should have eliminated her long ago. That is your problem! You're too busy with your conquests and now you've let this little bitch walk all over you. And it's because she has a pretty face and a nice body," Aurico scolded. Xizor chuckled.
"Oh, she has more than a nice body. And I told you that I have a plan. Believe me, she is very much a part of it. She will be…handled so to speak," Xizor said cryptically. Aurico threw his hands up in surrender, knowing that his son was again thinking about his uncontrollable appetite when it came to beautiful women, rather than his predicament.
"Fine. There is no reasoning with you," Aurico spat in frustration.
"Relax father. Everything is going as planned," Xizor assured him, with a devious smirk.
~*~
Padme accepted another bite of the decadent dessert, as her husband gladly fed it to her. They sat in her office and lunch had been delivered by one of Dex's carrier droids.
"Mmm…I thought I would be too nervous to eat, but this is delicious," Padme mentioned.
"You were fantastic this morning. Xizor's probably shaking in his boots," Anakin replied.
"I don't know, he'll be harder to crack than his lackey was," Padme reminded him.
"Maybe. But there is a mountain of evidence against him. He's going to prison. I bet the jury will be back with a verdict in an hour," Anakin replied. She smirked.
"Feeling out the jurors emotions again, love?" she asked playfully.
"Perhaps," he replied.
"They don't like Xizor, I take it?" she asked, referring to the jury. He smirked.
"They think he's guilty as sin. He's far enough away that his pheromones aren't effecting the female jurors. They're disgusted by him. And for them men, well, let's just say you're much easier on the eyes," he said, as he caressed her face. She smiled.
"And it has nothing to do with the fact that Xizor is a sleamo and a danger to all women, including their own wives and girlfriends.
"Oh, well there's that too. But I certainly couldn't take my eyes off you. You are mesmerizing and have I mentioned I love your body?" he whispered huskily, as he held her close.
"Trying to charm me again, my Jedi?" she asked playfully.
"Is it working?" he asked.
"Always and forever, my handsome Jedi," she replied, as their lips met passionately.
~*~
Riley sighed, as they arrived at the palace. He was so proud of his little girl, yet sad that she was growing up so fast. Today, at age ten, she was entering the legislative youth program.
"Well, I guess I better go to class," Padme said, as she turned to her parents.
"Not without a hug for your old man," Riley replied. Padme smiled and threw her arms around him.
"I'm so proud of you, baby girl. You're going to be great," he told her.
"Thanks Daddy, but don't be sad. I'll see you tonight," she assured him.
"I know. Don't mind your old man. I'm just having a little trouble letting go of my little sweetness," Riley said.
"Daddy, I never want you to let me go. I'll always need you," Padme said, as she kissed his cheek.
"Bye Mom," she said, as she hugged Jobal and hurried off to class.
"Bye sweetie," Jobal called, as she turned her attention to her husband.
"Yeah, I guess. Just wish she didn't have to grow up," he replied.
"I know. Come on, let's go or you'll be late for your shift," Jobal said, as they spotted Governor Danae approaching with his son.
"Well, Mr. Zander, what a pleasant surprise," the Governor stated.
"Maybe for you," Riley retorted.
"My son is also entering the legislative youth program. He'll be joining Padme's class," the Governor announced. Palo smirked and Riley saw the same evil in the fourteen-year-old boy's eyes that his father possessed.
"Don't worry, Mr. Zander. I'm sure Padme and I will be good friends," Palo leered. Riley glared at the young man.
"And if you value your life, kid, then you'll stay away from my little girl," Riley growled, as his gaze seared through the father and son pair.
~*~
"All right, let's get started. The defense may call its next witness," the Judge ordered.
"Thank you, your honor. The defense calls its final witness to the stand, his Royal Highness Prince Xizor of the Falleen," Aurico announced. Xizor took a seat on the witness bench and was sworn in by the Bailiff.
"Your Highness, you've been accused of working for the Sith. But other than a fabricated recording, the prosecution really has no evidence, correct? Aurico asked. Xizor nodded.
"That is correct," Xizor replied.
"Objection. The recording was authenticated," Padme called.
"Sustained. The jury will disregard the witness' statement," the Judge ordered.
"Very well. Let me state it another way. Your highness, how difficult would it be for someone to refuse a request from a Sith Lord?" Aurico asked.
"To do so would mean to forfeit one's life," Xizor replied.
"So, you could say that you were forced to work for the Sith out of fear for your life," Aurico stated.
"That is exactly what happened. I am a man of character and would never willingly work for such evil. However, I would do anything to protect my people," Xizor stated.
"Thank you. No further questions," Aurico replied, as sat down. Padme rose from her seat and calmly approached the smirking Prince.
"Prince Xizor," Padme began.
"Senator," Xizor replied.
"You said that you were forced to work for the Sith out of fear for your life," Padme stated.
"Yes, that is what I said. I feared that his assassins would try to kill me if I refused. I'm sure you are well acquainted with the idea of people wanting you dead, seeing as you've been kidnapped several times and had people try to kill you on many occasions as well," Xizor said with a smirk.
"But this isn't about me. It's about you. And you've just admitted your involvement with the Sith to the jury, which negates previous claims of denial of your involvement with the Sith," Padme stated. Xizor frowned.
"Objection! Is there a question or is she just going make careless statements?" Aurico asked.
"I assure you that I have a question, your honor," Padme stated.
"Overruled. Please continue, Senator," the Judge said.
"Prince Xizor, are you admitting your involvement with the Sith, as your statements suggest?" Padme asked.
"It is as I said, I cooperated with them out of fear for my life, the lives of my people, and even the life of my beloved Mon," Xizor replied.
"An interesting claim. Is that why you tried to kill my son, Jayden Skywalker and little Natalie Organa? If you were in such trouble, you could have come to the Jedi for help. But you didn't, because I believe that you are willingly involved with Sifo-Dyas and his operation, isn't that right, your Highness?" Padme demanded.
"Objection! She is speculating and she has no proof!" Aurico called.
"I do have very questionable evidence that supports my claim," Padme stated.
"Overruled. Please present your evidence," the Judge ordered.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the financial records for the Falleen Royal Treasury," Padme stated, as she handed a copy to the Judge, before handing out copies to the jury.
"Objection! She has no legal right to these records!" Aurico exclaimed.
"Again, your honor, my subpoena went through the necessary channels," Padme stated, as she handed the Judge her order.
"The evidence stands," the Judge said, as he examined it.
"I would like to draw the jury's attention to several large amounts of funds that have been deposited into the Fallen Royal Treasury's accounts in the past two years, all by an unknown funding source. A source I believe to be connected to the Imperial Underground," Padme stated.
"Objection! She has no proof!" Aurico screamed.
"I don't need to identify this source. I believe the jury can make its own conclusions. Withdrawn. No further questions for this witness," Padme said confidently, as she stared Xizor down. He glared back, his jaw clenching in anger, as Padme retreated to the prosecution's bench.
"Please call your next witness," the Judge stated.
"The defense rests," Aurico stated.
"Very well. This court will take a fifteen minute recess. We will hear closing arguments when we return and then the jury will be dismissed to deliberate until they come to agreeable verdict," the Judge ordered, as he dismissed them.
~*~
If Riley could have, he would have stopped time so Padme would stay little forever. But he knew he couldn't do that. And he knew Padme would experience so much joy in her life as she grew up. Today was an extremely proud day for their family. Today, his little sweetness was going to be crowned Queen of Naboo at age fourteen. He could scarcely believe it. His little girl was Queen. Since entering the legislative program just four short years ago, Padme was immediately recognized as a prodigy. She quickly climbed to the top of her class and had been crowned Princess of Theed at twelve, before the people elected his beautiful daughter as their Queen. Riley was so proud that he thought his chest was going to burst open with pride pouring out. His little sweetness…Queen of Naboo. Padme's rise to Queen had also come with a promotion for him as well since each Queen was allowed to pick the Captain of the Guard. Another officer Riley worked with, Panaka, had come highly recommended by Senator Palpatine, but Padme had chosen her father for the position. After all, there was no one she felt more safe with. And Riley was very good at his job, lethal in fact, to anyone who had any ideas about getting too close to any of Naboo's officials or monarchs.
He fondly remembered the day Padme was crowned Princess and he also remembered how Palo's interest in Padme had doubled that day as well. Fortunately, Padme wasn't interested, for she knew exactly what he was. But that hadn't stopped the sixteen-year-old boy, who had anything but pure intentions, from trying to get entirely too friendly with his little girl...
~*~
Padme sat in the palace gardens by the fountain. It was one of her very favorite places.
"Hello Padme," Palo said, as he approached.
"Oh, hello Palo," Padme replied, as she put her book down.
"I wanted to congratulate you on your election as Princess of Theed," Palo stated.
"Thank you. It's still a little surreal," she replied. Palo put his hand on her shoulder.
"Well, I think they've picked the perfect person for the job," Palo leered. His grip on her shoulder made her very uncomfortable. Her father had told her that Palo Danae was dangerous, but she had always thought he was a harmless admirer. He was four years older, after all. Why would he be interested in her?
"Um...thank you Palo. I should be going," Padme said, as she closed her book. But he grabbed her arm, as she tried to leave.
"I think you should stay. You're a beautiful girl Padme and I'd very much like to get...better acquainted," Palo said.
" I don't think that's a good idea. Now let go," Padme said, as panic started to creep into her voice. Palo chuckled.
"Sorry, but I always get what I want," Palo growled, as he pulled her against him and kissed her roughly.
"No...let me go..." Padme cried. Palo squeezed her arms tightly.
"Please...you're hurting me!" Padme whimpered.
"You need to learn your place, Padme. You will be mine and I'm going to teach you how to behave properly in my presence in my presence," Palo growled, as he started dragging her toward a more secluded place in the gardens. Padme screamed in terror.
"No...help me!" Padme cried, as Palo put his hand over her mouth.
"If you don't want to leave this garden in a body bag, then you better get your hands off my baby girl right now, you little bastard," Riley growled. There was a murderous glint in the former scoundrel's eyes that immediately made Palo unwillingly loosen his grip on the young girl
"Daddy!" Padme cried, as she ran to him. He put his arm around her and hugged her close, before slowly approaching Palo, who was now the one that was terrified.
"You know, you're lucky I'm not like I used to be, cause if I was, you would no longer be breathing!" Riley growled, as he jerked Palo by the collar of his shirt.
"But if you EVER come near my little girl again, I promise that I'll put you in an early grave. I used to eat punks like you for breakfast and no jury would convict me for protecting Theed's Princess. You're done, you little sleamo. You'll never get near her again," Riley growled, as he threw him down.
"My father will make you pay for this, Zander," Palo growled, as he started off. But two Officers, Riley's friends, blocked his way.
"Take him to a holding cell. He's not getting away with trying to hurt my little girl," Riley told them. The two Officers glared at Palo. They were Riley's best friends and had known Padme since she was a baby. And Palo realized they were going to take this seriously.
"We have a security breach. Attempted assault on the Princess. We're bringing the perpetrator in," one Officer said, as the other Officer cuffed Palo.
~*~
Riley and the rest of Padme's family pursued charges against Palo for attempted assault. Not only was Palo expelled from the legislative youth program, but he was sentenced to serve two years in Juvenile prison. Riley had wanted him tried as an adult, but Senator Palpatine, a good friend to the Danae family, convinced parliament to try him as a Juvenile. Governor Danae vowed to seek revenge on their family, but now that Padme was Queen, she fully intended to launch a full investigation into the Governor's affairs. If the Zander family had their way, the Governor would be going to prison soon too, even though his son would soon be released. But if Palo came near Padme, he would go straight back to prison, for there was an order of protection against him that was valid as long as Padme was serving in office as an official or monarch of Naboo. Riley knocked on the door to the Queen's suite and one of the handmaidens answered.
"I'm here to see her Majesty," he stated.
"I'm sorry Sir, but the Queen is very busy readying for this evening's coronation," Sache replied.
"Sache, it's okay. He's my father," Padme called.
"I'm sorry Sir. Please come in," Sache apologized.
"That's okay. We don't want just anyone coming in here, so you're doing a fine job," Riley said, as he entered the Queen's chambers.
"Hi Daddy," Padme said, as she stood before him in full Queen garb, including a stunning white gown and the traditional face paint. But Riley could see his little girl under it, as she smiled and her beauty shined through.
"Wow...look at you sweetness. You look beautiful," Riley said, as they hugged.
"Are you ready?" he asked. She nodded, as she took his arm and he escorted her to the ballroom, where the coronation festivities would commence...
~*~
"We will begin closing arguments. Prosecution, you may make your argument," the Judge ordered.
"Thank you, your honor," Padme said, as she approached the jury.
"I will be brief, because I believe that each of you is an intelligent individual. The fact is that the evidence against Xizor is insurmountable and undeniable. Prince Xizor is guilty of murdering his own people, guilty of attempting to murder two children, and guilty of plotting against the Republic with the Sith; an act of Capital Treason. And I implore the jury to find him guilty on all counts, because each of you knows that he is a dangerous man. But each of you can be responsible for protecting those you love by sending him to prison for the rest of his life," Padme concluded, as she took her seat. Aurico approached the jury next.
"I too believe that you are all intelligent people. And I believe you can all detect the conspiracy going on here. Senator Skywalker and her family want my son done away with and they are trying to use you to do it. Not guilty is the only viable verdict in this case and I implore you to see past the prosecution's deceit," Aurico concluded, as he took his seat. The jury will now be in recluse for deliberation. We will reconvene when they have reached a decision. We are adjourned until then," the Judge ordered. Anakin quickly whisked Padme away, as they fought their way through the angry Falleen crowd and mob of Holonet. They would return the Temple and would remain there until the jury returned with their chosen verdict...