Between wary, curious, and mock full gazes, Imperial senator Riyo Chuchi strolled through to corridors of the Super Star Destroyer, headed to her chamber, reflecting. Harsh gazes and cruel words didn't hurt by themselves, but they had the power of slowly and surely wear down the recipient.
Arm candy.
That was the most common. Safe enough to not be a harsh insult, even praise, in the mind of some of the older and more deranged members of the senate, who believed that it was a compliment on her beauty.
Traitor.
That one hurt because it usually came from old friends. Bail, Mon, even Apailana. Muttered in her presence, cowardly spoken in private. Threatening. Heart-breaking
Toy.
That one she heard it in the ship. Officers, Moths. Even common soldiers. Snickers and puns every time she entered her quarters.
Slut.
That one had hurt. Deeply. After trying to fill Padme's place as role model with the elegant Mon Mothma, hearing the insult on her lips felt like a punch in the gut.
Riyo bit her lip, trying to stop the tears. It wouldn't do to arrive to her chamber with puffy eyes, as her partner would be indubitably worried. She had fought her entire life to destroy stereotypes, and now it seemed like her entire legacy would be reduced to embrace one. A tear escaped as she thought about her younger self. The girl who endured the criticism. About her age. About her gender.
Riyo closed her fists. Fools. Fools all of them. She had more influence than half the senate combined nowadays. Every lead on corruption she had was investigated. Any abuse that reached her ears was punished. Any abuser disappeared. Pantora thrived under Riyos watchful eyes, as she protected her people as best as she could. Leave the delusions and hopes to fools like Mothma and Organa, who still believed in heroic rebellions and miraculous unnamed heroes. She would not die for her people; she will live for them.
Democracy was dead, it was time to do damage control. Riyo Chuchi would protect her people, even if that meant to be considered by history and the public eye as the pretty little doll of Lady Jaeger, the right hand of the Emperor.
Riyo entered her rooms, Ahsoka's playful gaze receiving her. Protecting her people and spending time with the beautiful Togruta? Ideal scenario. Not even Ahsoka's weird golden eyes could convince her otherwise.
AN1: Can you tell that I have a new obsession? Your eyes didn't deceive you; this is not a Harry Potter fic. Ahsoka will be making more frequent appearances over here, not always with Senator Chuchi at her side.
AN2: May the fourth be with you, always.