Chapter 6
After being complimented on her skill with Parliament, the Duchess' advisors informed her that she would be meeting with the Cerean representative on trade, Shea Mundi, and Queen Padme Amidala to discuss the trade deals.
"The Queen of Naboo herself, I've heard, is quite looking forward to meeting Your Grace." the Prime Minister added.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Well," Satine smiled, "I've only heard wonderful things about her."
The summit was to be held on Naboo, and for the next three days, and Satine had an arsenal of women to help her prepare.
"On the first day, Your Grace," Parna suggested, "you should wear something grand, but not flamboyant."
"I agree," the Duchess said, grabbing colored pencils, "it should be in my house colors as well, like an introduction to Mandalore."
"Perhaps a flowing gown with draped sleeves," Khaami suggested, "they are very fond of those on Naboo."
"Yes." Satine agreed, sketching out a dress.
"And you must wear a headdress," Fesma added, "hair is a symbol of power on Naboo."
On the first day of the summit, the Duchess would wear an ombre gown beginning with ebony at the hem, morphing into royal purple above that, and finally ending at Kryze blue on her upper bust and shoulders.
"We could embroider the Mandalorian star system on your gown." suggested the head seamstress.
"Oh," Satine gasped, "that would be glorious."
"I think silver jewels would be best for that gown, Your Grace." suggested the royal jeweler.
"Yes," Satine nodded, "I agree."
Ripping the page from the notebook, the Duchess handed the page to a seamstress, who ran off to begin preparations.
On the second day of the summit, the day of negotiations, the Duchess would wear a golden gown cut in the Mandalorian style with an open back and soft pink accents.
"Definitely golden jewelry to complement this outfit." Khaami suggested.
"Lily flowers," Parna suggested, "your emblem."
"Yes," Fesma agreed, "we shall have them in your hair instead of a headdress."
Satine ripped out the sheet and handed it to a second seamstress.
"How about white for the final day," suggested the head seamstress, "one can never go wrong in white."
"With green accents," Khaami added, clapping, "so it can match Naboo's natural habitat on your excursions."
"Emeralds then?" Parna asked.
"Emeralds." Satine agreed.
Once the three dresses were off, Satine made talking points and practiced curtseying. As a Duchess there were few nobility in the galaxy she showed respect to, but a monarch was always one.
On the day of the journey to Naboo, Satine was excited, except for her stomach which was a flutter of nerves. Besides Khaami and Fesma, Parna and a seamstress, Waldie, accompanied her. The Duchess was thrilled when they landed, taking in all the sights along with her entourage.
"Never been to Naboo before, have you?" remarked a guard.
"No, sir," Parna gawked, "the trees are so tall."
The Theed Royal Palace was spectacularly extravagant, and Satine felt a kindred spirit already with Queen Amidala.
"Welcome, Your Grace," bowed an advisor, "the Queen shall receive you in the audience chamber."
He led the way.
"Her Grace, Satine Kryze, Duchess of Mandalore," announced the advisor, "Second of Her Name and Lady Kalevala."
Satine stepped forward and curtsied, "Your most Serene Majesty, it is an honor to make your acquaintance."
When she stood, Satine noticed Queen Amidala was smiling, "Your Grace, we are more than thrilled to have you on Naboo."
"I am glad to be here," Satine replied smoothly, "my ladies and I couldn't help but admire the natural beauty of the place."
"I too often find myself astounded by such grandeur," Queen Amidala agreed, "please let Randor, my aid, show you around the palace and to your rooms, you must need rest after such a taxing journey."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Satine nodded, backing up slowly.
The next time the Duchess saw the Queen was that evening, at a garden pavilion where horderves were served. Khaami, Waldie, Fesma, and Parna were dressed in navy gowns which matched Satine's dress perfectly. The Duchess got many appraising and interested looks as she made her way to her seat next to the Queen.
"What a lovely dress, Your Grace." the Queen of Naboo commented.
Satine smiled warmly, "Well, knowing my destination, I thought it necessary to come prepared."
Queen Amidala gave a wide grin and blushed slightly. Satine realized that Padme Obi-Wan had told her about was likely only 15, then again, she herself was twenty.
"Your Grace is very kind." the Queen managed.
There was a show and then dinner, the discussions would not begin until tomorrow, but Satine wasn't anxious. Instead, she felt calm, albeit a little sad thinking about Obi-Wan, because of course, the play Satine and the Queen were watching was about lovers, but she would manage. Satine always managed.
Dinner went long into the night, and Satine was impressed with the young Queen's stamina, and that of her own ladies.
"This food is marvelous." Parna whispered to Waldie.
"I know," the seamstress agreed, "how lucky are we?"
By the end of the night, the Queen had asked the Duchess to call her Padme.
Satine took Padme's hands in hers, "Then you must call me Satine."
"It's a lovely name." Padme commented.
"Thank you," Satine tilted her head slightly, "I happen to be partial to it."
Padme snorted.
Satine stood, "Good night, Your Majesty."
"Padme." the Queen corrected.
"Good night, Padme."
The Young Queen smiled, "Good night Satine."
Khaami had too much champagne that night. The Duchess came to this observation when they got back to their rooms and her lady started throwing up.
"Oh, Khaami." the Duchess frowned.
"I'll care for her, Satine," Fesma said, jerking her head towards the bathroom, "Parna and Waldie will help you undress."
"Alright," Satine agreed, "just make sure her head's okay."
Fesma nodded and Parna and Waldie set to work. Once her jewels were stored, her hair and headdress carefully undone, and her dress draped over the toilette chair, Satine dismissed her two newest ladies and took Fesma's place by Khaami.
"It was so, bubbly." Khaami said sincerely.
She had stopped throwing up now, and was cleaning up the bathroom.
"I know, my father used to train me on how to drink," Satine confessed, "he used to say: a Duchess can never be drunk."
"Wow."
"Yeah," the Duchess helped Khaami out of her dirty dress, "we can launder this, right?"
"Yes, Satine," Khaami grinned, "that's how laundry works."
The room was set up so Khaami and Fesma would sleep in the same quarters as Satine, with Parna and Waldie in the room next door. They even had their own receiving room.
"Tomorrow will be a day," Fesma said, arriving at the door with Khaami's nightdress, "so much diplomacy."
"Yes," Satine agreed, joining Fesma at the door, "sleep well, ladies."
The next morning, Satine slept a little later than she'd hoped.
"Why didn't you wake me?" the Duchess asked Fesma.
"Parna and Waldie went to get breakfast," The lady explained, "they were up early, so I got dressed and prepared your clothes."
"But what about-"
Khaami snored.
"Ah."
"I'll wake her," Fesma said, pinning up her hair, "you should start getting ready."
After performing her essential tasks, Satine began brushing her hair. Parna and Waldie returned with breakfast and the Duchess ate some toast before changing.
"Once I spilled jam on my court gown," Satine explained to Parna, "so now I eat before getting dressed."
"I remember that day." Waldie sighed.
Khaami got dressed while Fesma and Parna did the Duchess' hair in an old style braid down her back with lily flowers woven in.
"Oh, it's gorgeous." Satine gasped.
"You'll look stunning in the gown, your Grace." Waldie added.
Draped in gold, with her four ladies in tow, Satine made her way to the negotiation chamber. Where a group of people she hadn't met where gathered amongst themselves.
"The Duchess of Mandalore." called the announcer.
Descending into the foyer, Satine realized that the group present were all wearing Cerean colors and standing by pale seats. To their right was a throne for Queen Padme and on her right were seats in the colors of House Kryze.
A woman stepped forward from the pack and curtsied, "Your Grace, I am Shea Mundi of Cerea, Ambassador of Trade, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Satine greeted the Ambassador warmly, "It's wonderful that we can sort through these troubles we seem to be having."
"Most certainly," agreed Ambassador Mundi, "Queen Amidala has been most kind to host this meeting."
As if on cue, trumpets blared and Padme entered the negotiation room in her regalia.
"Please," she spread her hands, "let us begin."
The room shifted, Satine sat on her cushioned, elevated seat with her ladies around her and their personal guard scattered around them. On Satine's right, Ambassador Mundi sat atop a similar seat with her aids around her, and at the head of their circle, sat Queen Amidala.
"The issue at hand is the trade tariffs recently imposed on Naboo and Cerea by Mandalore," the announcer began, "the Queen has requested to speak first."
"Dear friends, ambassadors and representatives of Mandalore and Cerea," began Queen Amidala, "Naboo's manufacturers are quite upset with such an action, as we have been long time trading partners."
"Cerea is also not pleased," Ambassador Mundi agreed, "we are a traditional people in many ways, yet foreign goods are very valuable in our culture."
All heads turned to Satine.
"After discussing this issue with my Parliament and Prime Minister," the Duchess began, "we have reached a proposal we confer on."
Fesma handed two documents to the announcer, one for Cerea and one for Naboo.
"Mandalore would like to suggest a compromise," the Duchess continued, "we shall lower the taxes on the tariffs, and offer special trading benefits to Naboo and Cerea, in return, we would like to ask for a loan to help boost our economy."
Whispers went up among the groups, questions filled the air.
"Please indulge us more, Duchess Kryze." asked a Cerean aid.
"The tariff tax shall be lowered from twenty-five percent to fifteen," Satine announced, "Parliament agrees that you shall find this much more manageable."
"We do," answered Queen Amidala, "tell us about these special benefits."
Satine held out her hand to Khaami, who passed her a sheet of paper.
"Discounts for pilots carrying valid IDs," the Duchess read, "and we'll wave the atmosphere entering fees."
"This sounds pleasant." Ambassador Mundi commented.
"How much are you asking for?" asked an old Naboo emissary.
Satine swallowed, "Ten thousand credits, from each of our trading partners."
The room went silent. Then the Cerean Ambassador leaned over to speak with her aids.
"Your Grace," she said after a moment, "is this the number your Parliament has asked for?"
"Yes." Satine nodded.
"My dear Duchess," Queen Amidala began, "do tell us what you plan to use this money for."
Straightening, Satine answered, "We have exhausted much of our national funds on rebuilding the economy through civilian programs, yet much of our infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and government institutions, have fallen into disarray."
The aids whispered among themselves and to the women representing them. Even the announcer, who was also acting as the meeting's scribe, looked thoughtful.
"Perhaps we could lower the amount of credits." suggested a Cerean aid.
All eyes turned to Satine.
"I would hate to disappoint a Parliament that has put such faith in me." the Duchess replied.
More silence.
"I suggest a recess so all parties may discuss in private," Queen Amidala spoke, "perhaps half an hour would serve us well?"
"Yes," Ambassador Mundi agreed after a minute, "that would be beneficial."
Fesma offered Satine her arm and the Duchess stood, but as was decorum, Queen Amidala left the room first. Then the Duchess, and then the Ambassador. Satine and her entourage retreated to their rooms to relax. After using the fresher, the Duchess and her ladies stretched and nibbled on some fruit that had been left in their room.
"God," Parna sighed, "politics is so hard."
"I agree," Waldie huffed, "so much push and pull."
"The bartering hasn't even begun," Satine frowned, "and this is my first foreign visit."
"Nothing can shake you, Satine," Fesma said, taking her hands, "did you see how you conducted yourself in there?"
"Yeah," Khaami agreed, "and everyone seems very respectful."
"Besides," Waldie added, "you have every right to be in that room just as everyone else does."
"You're the Duchess of Mandalore," Parna stated, "you have powers according to our constitution."
Satine forced a smile, "Thank you, ladies, your confidence is reassuring."
When it came time to resume, Fesma helped Satine onto her seat and smoothed her dress around her.
"The Queen of Naboo has requested to speak first." stated the announcer.
Turning to address Satine, Queen Padme began, "Naboo has decided to loan you your requested ten thousand credits, but we would like to raise the average interest rate from seven to ten percent."
"Cerea has also considered this proposal," Ambassador Shea announced, "but we will offer eight thousand credits with an interest rate of four precent."
Satine was silent for a long time, calculating the math in her head.
"Ambassador Mundi," the Duchess spoke, "would you accept an interest rate of zero if you only offered seven thousand credits?"
The ambassador turned to her aids.
"And Queen Amidala," Satine turned, "would your nation be willing to loan us ten thousand credits with an interest rate of eight percent?"
Padme leaned over to her advisors, whispering in quiet tones.
"Cerea agrees to this proposal." the Ambassador decreed.
The scribe went crazy.
"Naboo agrees to this proposal as well." Queen Amidala smiled.
Satine clasped her hands, "Then let us draw up an agreement."
Once all the paperwork was written up and signed, the Ambassador of Cerea and Queen of Naboo held a joint press conference with the Duchess of Mandalore, where the decision was announced. Reporters had a chance to ask questions, but none heard Satine's view, as she excused herself to call Prime Minister Djarin.
"Parliament is for the most part pleased," Satine could hear her smile over the phone, "well done, Duchess."
"Thank you."
Ambassador Mundi and her entourage left later that afternoon, and after a formal goodbye, Satine and her ladies joined Queen Amidala and her ladies for a "casual" dinner. The next day, the Duchess and her ladies explored palace exhibits as their rooms were prepared for departure.
"Thank you for coming, Your Grace." the Queen said as she and the Duchess made their way to the landing pad.
"It was a pleasure, Your Majesty." Satine replied.
"I hope I shall see you again." Padme confessed.
"So do I," the Duchess smiled, "you don't make for bad company."
When Satine arrived back at the palace, her council was waiting for her, and as the Duchess stepped forward to greet them, they began to clap.
"Well done, Satine." congratulated Jaru Djarin.
"Thank you," the Duchess smiled, "I hope Parliament understands."
"You've made us proud, Satine," the Prime Minister nodded, "I'm sure they'll be fine."
Jaru's words rang in Satine's head all day, and it boosted her pride. She'd represented her country nobly, and she couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, that high didn't last.
"Satine? Satine!"
As the Duchess spewed the soupy contents of her stomach into the toilet bowl, she began to cry. What could she possibly have eaten? Trying to keep her hair clean from vomit, Satine reflected on everything that had happened in the last month and a half, but she couldn't think of anything.
Footsteps got louder as they approached, and soon Fesma and Khaami were standing over her.
"Satine!"
"Should I call for the doctor?"
"No." Fesma answered darkly.
"Why not?" Khaami's nose wrinkled.
"Because," Satine straightened, "it could've just happened again."
"What happened again?"
"The medical droid," the Duchess turned to her senior lady, "where did you leave it last?"
"Still in the basement," Fesma answered, "Khaami will help me fetch it."
Satine spent the next few minutes cleaning herself off and creating a makeshift examination table on her bed.
"Nice to meet you," beeped the machine, "I am Oiyo, the medical droid."
"Oiyo," Satine pulled her nightdress up to her knees, "I need you to determine if I am carrying a child."
The droid seemed to understand, and asked its patient to bend her knees.
"Human female, correct?"
"Yes."
The droid took out a scanner and began his work.
"When did you bleed last?" Oiyo asked after finishing.
Satine grimaced, "Not since my boyfriend left."
Khaami gasped.
"I have determined that you are very likely pregnant, if you do not bleed in the next two weeks, it is one hundred percent certain."
Fesma turned Oiyo off and wiped his memory.
"I'm sorry ladies," Satine was suddenly overcome with emotion, "I let it happen again."
Khaami sat down next to Satine, "You couldn't have known."
"But she could've tried to prevent it." Fesma huffed.
"It was all so sudden," the Duchess gestured, "I didn't even think, I didn't have time to think!"
"Satine, it's going to be alright." Khaami whispered.
There was no question of what the Duchess' choice would be.
"We've done it once," Fesma stated, "and we can do it again."
By nature, the Duchess of Mandalore was very skinny, so she was constantly worried about the hiding of her new baby. Unfortunately, so much happened in her first trimester that Satine could hardly think about her new pregnancy. Bo-Katan, her own sister, had gone on video saying that the ways of Old Mandalore could not be forgotten, and had called Satine a shame to their parents. The Duchess cried and wondered if she knew. Within three hours of the video's release, Bo-Katan Kryze was banned from all palaces where the Duchess held court, and her status was degraded from Countess to Lady.
"Satine, did you hear me?"
Releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding, Satine answered, "No."
"Waldie has agreed to make them," Fesma stated, "the girdles."
"Thank you," the Duchess sighed, "I hope my research turns out to be useful."
"It will," Khaami assured, "although, these ancient figure slimming devices can't be good for the baby."
"No," Satine shook her head, "but I have to take these risks."
When the Duchess was seventeen weeks pregnant, nearing the end of her fourth month, she started wearing the girdles. They were worn in ancient times by women to make them appear slimmer, and as far as Satine could tell, it was working. The Duchess had asked Fesma to tell Waldie that she had an obsession with historical fashion, and for the most part, the head seamstress seemed to believe it.
"Good morning." Satine said, gliding into the council chamber.
"Good morning, Your Grace." responded many advisors.
"We have a serious problem, Satine," the Prime Minister said as she sat down, "it relates to your sister."
"Oh?" The Duchess raised an eyebrow.
"She has caused a ruckus with her opposition," a male advisor explained, "there is talk that those who dislike your policies will join her."
Satine frowned, "Should we summon the clan leaders to swear fealty again?"
"With respect, Your Grace," began a female advisor, "it is likely that oaths will not help the situation, but if we show the clan leaders that you are more capable than your sister-"
"Then they will not stray." Satine finished.
"I suggest we host a dialogue panel," Prime Minister Djarin began, "summon the clan leaders and ask them to bring their problems to us, show that we can be of more use than Lady Bo-Katan."
Satine's fingers curled at the mention of her sister's name.
"Is four days enough time to prepare?" questioned the Duchess.
"I should think so." an advisor concluded.
"Then it's settled," Satine straightened, "we must outperform my sister."