CORUSCANT
APRIL YEAR 1053
Jaina zoned out, as yet another Moff droned on in a never-ending speech about the might of the Empire. She affected a mask of polite interest, knowing the holonet would have a field day otherwise, but her ankles were killing her and she just wished the man would speed it up. She might now officially be an Empress, but she was also six months pregnant.
Jaina stole a glance at the man next to her, the reason she was prepared to suffer through pompous dignitaries and holonet reporters. Jag was even less happy about these ceremonies, insisting it was a waste of time he could better spend elsewhere. But Jaina noted that he seemed to be hiding his previous shared sentiments well, looking the proper mix of serious but interested as the Moff continued to ramble.
Suddenly their eyes caught and seconds later he was leaning over to whisper in her ear.
"If I shoot him, do you think it would be considered inappropriate use of my power or mercy for everyone here?" Jag murmured.
Jaina resisted a smile before whispering back, "I would be okay with it. But If you make a habit of killing pompous Moffs, there won't be any left on your Council."
"That sounds like an excellent plan," Jag murmured. "At least these ceremonies would be much shorter. With fewer people who simply love to hear the sound of their own voice."
"Emperor Fel," Jaina answered in a hushed tone, feigning surprise. "Are you implying that you are not enjoying this grand celebration in your honor?"
Jag paused before leaning closer, his voice low and husky, causing Jaina to shiver involuntarily, "I can think of much better ways to celebrate, sweetheart. I am confident we would both find them infinitely more…pleasurable."
Jaina blushed and hoped nobody noticed the sudden flush to her cheeks. She loved that he could still make her feel desirable even when her pregnancy sometimes made her feel anything but.
"Perhaps we should put your theory to the test once the speeches are done," Jaina murmured.
The corner of Jag's lip twitched in a small smile, disappearing just as quickly.
"I'm yours to command, Empress," Jag whispered, his warm breath tickling her neck, before he pulled away, the image of propriety.
Jaina tried to school her expression into neutrality, now even more impatient for the ceremony to be over. Trying to focus her thoughts on the speech, she almost sighed in relief when the garrulous man started to show signs of winding down.
"And now it's with great pleasure, that I invite the new leader of our great and mighty Empire to say a few words. I am proud to present Emperor Jagged Fel," the man finished pretentiously.
The crowd roared wildly, the people of Coruscant having come out in droves for the event, all eager to get a glimpse of their new leader.
The hero of the Vong War. Their savior.
The Empire's hope.
Jag squeezed Jaina's hand, turning to wink at her surreptitiously before walking up to the podium and graciously shaking the hands of the Moffs and politicians. Jaina was impressed by his considerable acting ability, almost unable to discern the disdain she knew that he felt for them.
Jag waited until the cheers of the crowd died down and then addressed his people for the first time as Emperor.
"As some of you may know, I am a soldier, not a politician. So I'll keep this brief. Years ago, my father fought and died to bring peace and prosperity back to the Empire. To keep all Imperial citizens safe from internal and external threats. In memory of my father, I swear to you all that I will continue that fight. And do my best to protect the good citizens of The Empire from any threats, with my very life if need be. Thank you so much to everyone who believed in his dream. Believed in me. And who I know will help me continue to make that dream a reality every day. Long live the Empire."
Jaina smiled as the crowd roared in approval, feeling a surge of enormous pride in her husband. Jaina stood clapping, before moving towards her husband, taking his outreached hand in hers. Jag looked down at her as the crowd celebrated around him, his eyes holding so many unspoken emotions, giving her access into his very soul. Jaina forgot all about protocol and dignity and pulling her husband down to her height, she kissed him fiercely.
She was pleasantly surprised when she felt his arms around her waist, deepening the kiss instead of pulling away, despite the very public setting. She knew how uncomfortable he was with public displays of affection but she sensed no discomfort from him now.
Jaina couldn't help but smile, and somehow, the crowd's cheers grew even louder as Jag pulled her closer.
There was one person in the crowd, a deep hood concealing her face, who did not cheer. She had taken a huge risk coming to the celebration today but she had needed to see the new Emperor crowned in person. Alongside his new Empress.
As she watched Empress Jaina Solo Fel pull her husband down for a kiss, her face broke into a scowl. That should have been her up there.
Serena Vondercoff bitterly turned and pushed her way through the crowd, having no desire to see anymore. She would leave Coruscant for now, had a man waiting to smuggle her off the planet. She had secured the means to hide safely for as long as needed, deep in the Outer Rim. Until the time was right.
There were still plenty of surviving Moffs, old allies of her father, who did not like their new Emperor one bit. She could work with that.
Placing one hand on her growing belly, she swore that one day soon, Jagged Fel would regret spurning Serena Vondercoff. And Jaina Solo would pay for stealing what was supposed to be hers.