Solaria slipped into the throne room like a wraith dressed in moonlight and watched the men fight. She let out a stuttering gasp when Ahsoka was almost killed. Tears ran silently down her face at seeing Ahsoka alive, leaving silvery tracks down her smooth cheeks. Solaria thought she had lost her back in the caves and Ahsoka's sudden appearance at her execution happened too fast for Solaria to react. Watching Obi Wan and Vader weave around each other in a deadly dance with the Emperor, Solaria assessed the situation. They wouldn't be able to keep this up forever. The Emperor was too good, he was fast, powerful, and vastly experienced. The old man darted out of the path of the sabers all the while mocking and laughing. Obi Wan and Anakin were keeping pace with Palpatine but she noticed the sheen of perspiration on Anakin's face and Obi Wan's heaving chest. What they needed was a distraction, she concluded. Silently she bent and unlaced her ballet slipper. Pausing, she studied the white satin. It was a ballet slipper that brought her this far and it was a ballet slipper that would change the course of the Empire.
The moment the Emperor's back was turned to her, Solaria shouted, "Emperor Palpatine! No more! I'm still alive!" She yelled and threw the shoe with all her strength, striking him on the back of his head. Reflexively, he turned and Vader immediately took the opportunity to cut his head off.
They were silent. That was it. The reign of Emperor Palpatine, Darth Sidious of the Sith, was over. The situation felt surreal; after years of living in total fear and resentment, Solaria was free and the first act of her newfound independence was to blink in disbelief. Vader stepped around the body of his former Master and ran to her. Shocked that Anakin would run at her and smile almost short circuited her mind. Solaria roused herself then ran to him meeting each other in a crushing embrace.
"You came back," he whispered. "Yes I did, I couldn't leave you, I can't live without you. Anakin, I'm staying." Solaria stroked his face and his face lit up, more handsome than ever. "I love you," she murmured. In response, Anakin kissed her. She squeaked when he picked her up and spun her around. Solaria peppered his face with sweet little kisses. Anakin placed her down gently and pulled a ring out from his pocket.
"Naarva said your people give rings to symbolize a life partnership. Will you be mine? Will you rule as my Empress?" He asked breathlessly, forcing all of his words out quickly. Solaria blinked. She never expected to be proposed to by a man who just committed patricide when wearing an execution gown covered in blood whilst wearing only one shoe but without hesitation, she exclaimed, "Yes, yes I will!" Solaria let him slip the golden ring on her finger before kissing him again.
"Hooray! My favorite people are together!" Ahsoka had recovered enough to sprint across the room and tackle Anakin and Solaria. She hugged them fiercely and Solaria began to cry.
"Don't cry," Anakin said in mild exasperation. "There's nothing to be sad about."
"Speak for yourself, I thought I was Ahsoka's favorite," Obi Wan pouted. He limped over, holding his arm but straightened and extended his hand. Vader let go of both women and looked at Solaria and at her nod, took it. "Congratulations, Emperor, Empress. I'd toast to your reign but seeing that we have no champagne, let's go back to the Senate."
The four returned to an anxious Senate. Anakin held up the Emperor's crown and saber. Applause both genuine and reluctant broke out like a crashing wave while Solaria basked in the glow of success. They have changed the course of the Empire. Finally there might be peace after all.
A week later, Solaria walked up the center of the throne room on the arm of General Airou. The meters long train of her dress swept the ground while the indigo of her veil hazed her vision in purple. The dress was comprised of layers of airy glimsilks in all the colors of the cosmos forming the illusion of Solaria floating in a cloud of dusk. She felt as if she was floating. The layers of silk and the satin of her heels felt as insubstantial as dust. Finally things were coming to a conclusion and the saga was over.
Peeking out from her veil, she saw her family and smiled to herself. At last they could come out of hiding and Solaria was excited to introduce Anakin to her family. Giving them a tiny wave, she continued walking down the aisle. Reflecting on all that happened in the past week, Solaria would be relieved once the coronation was over. The New Empire had brokered a treaty with the Rebels, cleaned up the corruption in the bureaucracy, and created new relations with the Outer Rim criminals. Most of the diplomacy fell to her while Anakin often went to enforce the new policies with his favored 501st Legion and the Jedi. They had to develop a new and tenuous relationship with the Jedi. They were too powerful to just leave unchecked. With Obi Wan on their council and the official diplomat, Solaria had faith that the relationship would work out to mutual benefits. Brushing aside the sudden twinge of discomfort, she caught Obi Wan's eye and inclined her head politely.
Reaching the head of the room, she nodded at Naarva and Ahsoka who were there with Anakin and Rex. Solaria caught her breath, Anakin looked like a king. Naarva had brushed his hair back until it gleamed like bronze but some curls rebelled at the nape of his neck, caressing his collar. The medals pinned to his dress uniform glittered with an intensity that rivaled Solaria's diamonds and the navy of the beautifully cut fabric brought out the sapphire in his eyes. Holding up her skirts delicately, Solaria climbed the few steps onto the dais. Bright lights shone down upon her and the costly diamonds interspersed in her veil and gown glittered like stars. Airou gave her hand to Anakin and took his place at the head of the ceremony. He waited a brief second as Naarva adjusted the train and the long veil. The veil by itself was worth a fortune. The silk was so sheer and so fine, it seemed like Solaria was glowing and the diamonds only enhanced the effect. Looking at him through the veil, Solaria studied Anakin. He was no longer the unsure warrior who found himself the head of an empire the week before. Anakin held himself with more ease, more confidence, and with authority. He was no longer playing king, he was the king.
After a speech, Anakin knelt and General Airou took the galactic crown from Ahsoka and placed the precious circlet upon Anakin's dark blond head. Solaria bit her lip, trying not to cry as he stood and saluted his uncle. They had paid dearly for the blood crown and at last, it was theirs. He looked completely suited for the role of Emperor in his dress uniform and the crown upon his brow. Solaria came forward when he extended his hand.
Anakin brought her hand to his lips for a quick kiss then lifted the veil carefully, revealing her golden eyes. He took a sharp breath, studying her as if he was meeting her for the very first time. Solaria gave him and encouraging smile and lifting the Empress' crown from the pillow Naarva held, Anakin placed it on her head, crowning her. The crowds cheered as they came together for a kiss.
"Is this what it feels like, a happy ending?" she murmured against his lips.
"No, it's a promise, a new hope." Anakin looked into her soul, his gaze filled with passion, intensity, and love. Solaria grinned at him in agreement and laced her fingers with his. They will weather the storms together, with friends and loved ones by their side, they will go into the unknown fearlessly.
"Come what may," Solaria purred.
Fin.