Chapter Four:

Darth Vader, Sith Master and Emperor stood outside his son's door; one hand poised as if to knock before he changed his mind and, in a display of who was in charge, the man simply opened the door with the Force and strode inside.

A first glance revealed his son to not be in the front room, but Vader could sense him in the apartment. Cold eyes roamed idly about the space, taking in the display case on one wall with model ships Luke had put together mostly by himself, ranging from the child-appropriate ones from when he'd been a small boy to the most advanced ones for adults.

There were all kinds of models, and Vader was pleased to see that at least the mechanic and piloting side of the father had rubbed off on the son. Luke's rooms were otherwise sparsely adorned, though each room had a potted plant or a small fountain of some sort.

Vader had already been in to see Leia, and his daughter had looked resplendent in her gown, his daughter's natural beauty only enhanced by the dress. Now it was time to see Luke, to wish him good tidings on this day as he'd done with the boy's sister.

Vader paused in the hallway when a holo in a simple frame stood out to him: one of Vader and Luke sitting side-by-side and working on the part of some ship, both of them covered in grime and dirt. But the happiness in the pair radiated even off the picture to remind Vader of when Luke and his father had been content with their relationship.

Then the boy had grown and matured... and begun to then question his life, his training and his work as one of Vader's Shadows. It'd also been when Luke had begun to disappoint the Emperor with each subsequent quest to upset the norm with moral questions.

But in truth, the decline in the father-son relationship had begun before Luke had reached the age of ten... and with what had seemed a perfectly innocent question. To Luke. But Vader had shown the boy just how wrong of a decision it had been to ask it.

Had he gone wrong somewhere alone the way? Vader had made certain to teach Luke and Leia both to hate the Jedi with every fiber of their beings... but Luke seemed to constantly refuse. Well, Vader supposed that as long as Luke didn't actively seek that lifestyle, it wouldn't be the end of things...

But no. Luke would be made to see the error of his ways... one way or another. It was for his own good.

"Father?" a surprised voice drew the elder Vader from his musings to see Luke half dressed in his attire for the evening's event.

"Luke," Vader inclined his head as he spoke softly.

Luke gazed at him for a moment, as if unsure what to say or do, so the Emperor decided to save him the trouble. "I merely wanted to see you before the ball, and to wish you a happy lifeday."

Luke's face didn't change save for a flicker of something in his gaze, but then the youth dipped his head. "Thank you, Father."

Vader stared at his son for a time, but decided not to ruin the special day with talk of Vader's true feelings for his son. He loved Luke, but he was tired of being embarrassed by his son's lack of gall, and of Luke's inability to set aside what Vader deemed Jedi-morals.

And all this despite Vader's best attempts to bring Luke up in the ways of Darkness.

The Emperor nodded once and began to retreat. "I will leave you to your preparations then. Good evening Luke."

"Thank you... Father." There was an undeniably sad longing to Luke's murmured words that Vader chose to ignore.

If Luke would step up more and simply do as he was told without all the fuss and trouble, things would not be tense between father and son right now. Vader closed the front door behind him and made his way to the ballroom, eager to see what ensemble his beautiful Angel had donned this time.

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Padmé stood proudly amidst her circle of friends, the center of attention amidst the gaggle of women. She eyed them all in a slight light of distrust, but overall the women around her were smart enough not to get themselves into trouble.

Padmé was resplendent in a gown that had a base color to match her exact skin tone, but was overlaid with black lace in a swirl pattern along the left side of her body. The right side started as a strapless breast-cover and went straight down in randomly-sized stripes with only some of the nude fabric showing between. The swirled pattern continued as true lace up her collarbone to wrap elegantly about her neck and shower lightly over the left shoulder. And to add to the exoticness of her gown, there was a slit on the right side that ran up to mid-thigh.

Her hair was done up beautifully and her entire look spoke of the Empress she was... and of how beautiful she was. Padmé knew she was a woman to behold, and she loved to tease others about it and flaunt it. Why not?

Her husband knew she was true to him and only him.

Speaking of her husband...

Padmé gazed openly at him from across the ballroom, which flowed with guests all decked out in their formal best. Her husband wore a suit she herself had helped him choose; a satiny thing made of a royal blue with silver accents to really spruce him up. He looked like a metallic statue in his elegant clothing, and she loved the small cape that only added to the entire look of a king. Vader even held a small cane that was purely for looks in his gloved hands, and his hair was combed and neat.

Padmé caught his eye from across the room and gave him a sultry look which he returned openly.

The music played and the people danced, though Padmé still had yet to see her children arrive, and the gala had begun half an hour ago. She didn't worry too much, however. Her children knew to obey, and they rarely, if ever, went against the wishes of their parents.

Padmé took note of the unusual number of people more Luke and Leia's age, though there were two individuals in particular Padmé had already singled out to have escort her son and daughter for the evening.

Padmé walked toward the young man first, and all the people in the hall parted to make a walkway for her. The youth in question saw her coming and stopped dancing with the current girl to bow low.

"Your Majesty."

Padmé smiled at him. "Lord Erol. I'm glad you could make it this evening."

The other smiled politely. "I wouldn't miss it. And I look forward to escorting your daughter this evening."

"You should be," Padmé returned, tapping his shoulder. "Leia is quite the beautiful lady."

"So I have heard, Majesty," Erol replied with a glint of desire in his gaze that Padmé didn't miss.

"Very well. When Leia arrives, you will meet her upon her descent of the stairs," Padmé instructed.

"As you wish."

Padmé left him then and traversed the room to the young woman she'd selected for Luke. "Lady Sevrina."

"Your Highness." The young woman curtseyed deeply, lifting her gown's hem perfectly. Padmé eyed the blonde in her strapless black gown that flowed into vibrant green chiffon after the waist.

"You look lovely, Lady Sevrina," Padmé commented, and the girl dipped her head some more. "Do take good care of my son this evening. When he comes down the steps, you will meet him."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Sevrina acknowledged, and once more Padmé caught the eagerness in the girl, and Padmé smiled to herself. Perhaps tonight she would see her children paired with worthy partners who would in turn give her beautiful grandchildren... in the future of course.

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Luke tugged slightly at his neck, and the satin fabric shifted only enough so it wouldn't be as tight and constricting. While he walked to the doors that would admit he and Leia into the ballroom, he couldn't help but feel slightly overdressed despite the occasion.

Yes, he was a prince, but did he have to wear such... garish clothing to show that fact off?

Luke's entire ensemble was Kuati satin; a shimmery fabric that shined like a well-groomed riding animal would glisten in the spotlight. It was all a rich black, and his frock coat was embroidered with silver floral along the lapel and down the front of the coat's edges to the waist. There was even a pair of silver-bejeweled brooches adorning the exact top of his waist. The only color on his ebony shirt was the silver collar. A circular, jeweled pendant held together a fancy onyx handkerchief that doubled as a ruffled tie. A silver, embroidered cummerbund set his shirt and coat apart, and the ends of the jacket sleeves were a slightly lace material that was also silver. There was a smaller, black handkerchief in his coat pocket, and Luke's pants and shoes were exactly tailored to fit him and this ensemble. There were even some embroidered designs in silver on the insteps of his shoes.

Luke sighed, wanting for nothing more than to wear something less... attention grabbing. He didn't like dressing up, but he did it for his mother. And for Leia.

He reached the doors and waited patiently for his twin. Idly, Luke wondered what sort of gown Padmé had forced his sister into this time. Hopefully it wasn't as... revealing as last year's dress had been. Luke had felt horrible on Leia's behalf when she'd shown up in a dress that clearly made her feel uncomfortable. And the many stares from potential suitors had only fueled Luke's protective urges. He'd infuriated their mother that evening when Luke finally went to his sister and wrapped his jacket about her shoulders and escorted her out.

He had paid dearly for that blatant disobedience, but in a rare and surprising display that he did actually still love his children, Vader had asked Padmé to tone it down some in regard to Leia's overall decency.

Speaking of Vader... his earlier appearance in Luke's room had unsettled the youth, and he wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. Had Vader been testing Luke as usual, or had it really been just to wish Luke a happy lifeday as Vader had claimed?

"Luke?"

His sister's voice drew Luke from his musings, and he looked right to see Leia approaching. He felt his eyebrows lift in surprise, and Luke smiled openly.

"Wow..." Luke came forward and embraced his sister. "Leia, you look amazing!"

"Much better than last year," Leia agreed. "But thanks."

Her black gown was one-sleeved, semi-sheer in the waist and flowed into a bulky amount of dress at the hem. Red lace floral encircled Leia's neck, flowed down her right shoulder and ended in a capped sleeve on the left. That same lace covered the right side of her bodice and angled down her waist artistically until it flowed in nice sections for a few inches past her hips. In the back was a sheer fabric lined in red accents. And at the end of her one sleeve was a laced, decorative sleeve embellishment.

Luke kissed her cheek gently and then offered his arm as they had been taught to do. Leia smiled softly and took the arm, and once they were before the doors, Leia glanced to her brother.

"You ready for this?"

"As I'll ever be..." Luke muttered back. "Let's get this over with."

They nodded to the guards flanking the door and it was opened for them, a fanfare announcing their entrance as their father's majordomo called their names to the audience below. "Presenting Prince Luke Vader and Princess Leia Vader!"

Luke escorted Leia slowly down the stairs, taking his time and withholding a groan as he spotted a young woman approach the stairs in obvious expectant anticipation. He saw a similar thing from Leia's apparent escort, and once the twins reached the base of the staircase, Luke threw the other boy a warning look before he let Leia go.

"Prince Luke, it's an honor to be your date this evening," the young lady by Luke said as she curtseyed. "My name is Lady Sevrina Lefex."

Luke thinned his lips but bowed politely, deciding to give this young woman a chance before he judged her. "Thank you. Shall we dance?"

Her eyes lit up excitedly and she stood, taking his arm eagerly. Luke led her onward and overheard Leia's date making a similar speech. Luke and his escort reached the center of the dance floor— a space had opened up so the guests of honor could dance upon their arrival— and took her hand and waist in the proper dancer's hold. He waited for Leia and her date to also ready for the required dance before he nodded to the maestro.

Music filled the air, and Luke took his partner into a waltz to match. Luke had to hand it to Sevrina: she could dance rather well, and she was a pretty girl. But he was waiting for the other shoe to drop as it always did.

"You are a fine dancer, My Prince," Sevrina commented as they twirled about the floor in concert with the musicians.

"Thank you," Luke replied softly. He caught sight of Leia and her partner moving in the same direction as them, but on the opposite side of the floor, and then they were gone again as Luke and Sevrina turned.

"The music is beautiful also," Sevrina went on, bringing Luke's attention back to her. "You must get to experience the finest things like that every day. What a wonderful way to live!"

Luke lifted a brow. "It's not too bad," he said noncommittally, noticing how her countenance shifted slightly.

"Do you not enjoy being Prince?" Sevrina almost sounded offended.

"I never said that," Luke countered easily. "Please do not put words in my mouth."

Sevrina's lips thinned just-so, and she pulled away only slightly once the music finally ended, indicating an end to the dance. She took his arm and they wandered slowly through the now-crowded space as bystanders resumed their conversation circles.

"So what do you like to do in your free time?" Sevrina asked.

"I enjoy some sports, racing, and piloting." Luke eyed the crowd out of sheer habit, though his attention was on their conversation. "Though I also like a good novel."

Sevrina frowned at him. "You play sports and race, or just watch them?"

"I have been known to play shockball," Luke smiled slightly. "It's rather fun."

Sevrina's distaste was evident in the way her nose wrinkled. "Why would anyone want to be knocked around and hurt like that just to get a ball into a net?"

"I could ask similar questions about why anyone would do things they like that I don't, and the answer would essentially be the same," Luke replied calmly. "People enjoy different things for their own reasons. It's what makes the galaxy so diverse, so beautiful."

"Not all of it," Sevrina countered haughtily as they came across an alien member of the serving staff. As the man offered the two a drink, Sevrina barely paid him any mind.

Luke felt a flash of annoyance and took his own glass, smiling kindly at the green-skinned Twi'lek.

"Thank you, Kortive," he said, nodding politely to the other. "I hope you are enjoying your evening."

"Thank you My Prince," Kortive replied with a small grin and a bow while Sevrina rolled her eyes with a sniff.

"You shouldn't have wasted your time with him," Sevrina remarked unabashedly, and Luke stopped listening to her at that point.

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Across the floor, Leia was doing her best to hide her disgust at the obvious snob that had been chosen as her date.

"...and I am second in line to run our father's company. You must appreciate a high position, having one yourself. Imagine the places we could go, the things we could accomplish if we got together," Lord Erol Svungwas saying. The fool hadn't stopped talking since she'd taken his arm, and it was clear to Leia that he could care less about her personally.

"...my parents sent me to the finest schools, and I was top in my class in athletics and business upon graduation." Erol snatched an hors-d'oeuvre from a passing serving tray."And you should be happy to hear that I will be attending Coruscant University and am to major in business and ship designs..."

Did this young man talk about anything but himself?

Deciding to throw a wrench into his ramblings, Leia spoke up. "Have you heard of the charity event to take place next month?"

The young man stuttered to a halt amidst his self-centered speech, and gave her a befuddled look. Behind the polite mask he quickly donned Leia could see his irritation at the interruption, and Leia secretly gave herself a point.

"The Senators from Alderaan have decided to help in the rehabilitation and rescue of some recovered slaves from the recent massacre on Zygerria." Leia went on. "Two of the settlements there got into a fight over whether or not to allow slavery, and those slaves left alive have been allowed to go free by the rest of the population because they see them as bad luck charms now."

Erol's lips worked for a second. "Yes, that is... most fascinating," he said unconvincingly. "But who would want to bring up such a thing now?"

"I would," Leia replied sharply, and she silently dared him to object.

"Of course, Princess," Erol murmured, dipping his head, but Leia still caught his annoyance.

Leia scanned the crowd discreetly, and felt warmth spread through her when she caught sight of a familiar face near the back.

Much to Erol's further frustration, she promptly stepped away from her partner, curtseyed and made her way through the crowd. It was amusing to hear Erol scramble to follow, but Leia managed to keep a smirk off her face.

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Luke deftly cut in on Sevrina's ramblings when they neared the table that held this evening's refreshments. "Are you hungry at all?"

It took the girl a moment to figure out what he meant, and then quickly regrouped.

"Yes, I could go for something to eat." Sevrina remained on his elbow and Luke led her through the gathered people. One thing he appreciated about his status in the Empire was that he rarely had to jostle for position among a crowd. If they recognized him, the people usually moved for him.

Once they reached the table, Luke offered Sevrina a plate and then gestured for her to go first. She took a few things, and Luke helped himself to a satisfying amount, uncaring what his escort thought. Then the pair of them retreated to an empty floor space near a balcony doorway.

"So, where are you from, Lady Sevrina?" Luke asked to make conversation, hoping to steer away from the previous talk of humans being superior to all other races. Luke supposed that so far the girl hadn't been all that bad, but nor was he about to let his guard down.

"I am from Fondor. My father is a wealthy business owner there." Sevrina took a bite of one of her snacks, and then went on. "I am going to school for interior design, and I am hoping to open my own business. But that means I'd have to get my father's approval... and that won't happen without a miracle."

Luke caught her subtle glance his way, and the manner in which her emotions had flickered just so upon that declaration and Luke sighed inwardly. There it was: the clincher. She wanted him to be her ticket to her own happiness. Well, that wasn't going to happen.

"I'm sure he will see reason one day," Luke remarked as if he hadn't noticed her double meaning. "Just don't give up on your dream."

Sevrina's disappointment leaked through her mask a hair, and Luke used his training to maintain a calm face. "Yes... I'm sure he will, but it would be nice to have him not be so... well, controlling."

Luke didn't quite know if she was trying to underhand him a second time, but his heart did pang some at her wording. He knew all about controlling parents.

"He does love you, I'm sure, and he means well," Luke said quietly. "Maybe he just doesn't want to let his little girl go."

Sevrina looked down. "Perhaps."

Her gaze came up some to eye him askance. "You understand the pressure of living in wealth, though, being a prince and all. How do you cope with it?"

Luke shrugged noncommittally. "It's nice to not have to worry about some things, like traffic, getting through a crowd, stuff like that. And I can't complain about an ace education." He took a bite of another treat. "But overall I can't really complain much, because there are others who have nothing to their name. So really I'm doing fine."

"That's... good to hear," Sevrina returned, and she motioned to another servant to take her now-empty plate. "Why don't we retire to the balcony?"

Luke's stomach dropped some. He wanted to avoid the possibility of her trying to throw herself upon him. "I'd rather not, thank you. I'm content here."

Sevrina didn't give up, though. "I would really like some fresh air, please, My Lord."

Luke ground his teeth, but withheld a sigh. "Very well, let's go."

He steadfastly kept his plate as he led her outside, and once they were alone, Luke allowed her to sit but remained standing, taking his time in finishing his snacks.

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Leia caught the man's eye from a few meters away and smiled broadly at him. The other grinned openly and excused himself from his group to meet her partway.

"Princess Leia, it's so good to see you this evening," Bail Organa said happily, extending a palm to take her hand in his and bring it to his lips.

"Senator Organa!" she greeted him warmly, accepting his kiss to her knuckles. "How are you enjoying the ball?"

"It's lovely, as always," Bail replied, nodding politely to Erol, who managed to remain polite himself.

Leia gestured between them while stepping to Bail's side. "Lord Erol, do you know Senator Organa of Alderaan?"

Erol extended a hand. "Of course, who doesn't?"

Bail blushed somewhat and shook the young man's hand firmly. "Lord Erol, how is your father doing? Last I heard he was struggling to bring the two sides of his corporation together more. I do hope all is going well."

Erol straightened noticeably. "There are actually no problems, Senator. Those facts are outdated, I'm afraid. Things are very well in hand."

Bail inclined his head, professional and experienced enough to keep his head. "Of course, that is good news. Please bid him hello from an old acquaintance for me."

Erol tried to take Leia's hand and lead her off. "I will of course do that."

"Senator, I was actually hoping to talk with you further," Leia said as she pointedly removed her hand from Erol's grasp.

"Of course," Bail gestured and Leia began walking off with him, feeling Erol's mood darken.

Bail glanced over his shoulder only briefly. "Things aren't going so well I take it?" he asked softly as they drew apart from the others.

Leia sighed. "Not at all. I don't think that fool has any interest in anything that doesn't revolve around him. I wouldn't be surprised if his room was full of mirrors."

Bail laughed gently, but refrained from agreeing verbally. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Actually, anything that keeps me away from Erol," Leia whispered, her eyes pleading.

Bail dipped his head minutely and took her arm to walk her slowly, leisurely around the perimeter of the congregation. "I've missed seeing you, My Dear."

"And I you," Leia replied evenly, relaxing in his company and reveling in how he made her feel comfortable and at home. She didn't understand why that was, but Leia loved how Bail treated her as an equal, and she more and more saw him as a fatherly figure over Vader.

Leia looked around discreetly, and then spoke in a softer voice. "Have you heard the rumors of the Rebellion gaining strength?"

"I have," Bail answered, not looking her way, but knowing her meaning nonetheless. Talking openly of his role in the Rebel Alliance would be most unwise in this setting. "I hear they are trying to get more ships, but that's going to prove difficult with the Emperor's forces patrolling all shipyards."

Leia made a show of shaking her head. "One would think they'd just take to the scrap yards and junkyards. But in any case, that rag-tag bunch doesn't stand a chance against my father's superior forces."

Bail pursed his lips. "And if they even did get ships, how would they fuel them? They really don't seem to think things through, do they?"

"No..." Leia murmured, torn as always on whether or not to actually help Bail. She was interested in the Rebel Alliance, and their efforts to restore true freedom and peace to the galaxy, but Leia didn't dare side with anyone other than her parents for fear of what they'd do to her upon finding out. "Makes me wonder why they even try. What's the point of their work? All they do is destabilize peaceful systems. Not to mention they are bringing more and more innocents under the crosshairs when battled ensue."

"I'm sure they believe their efforts are worthwhile. After all, some can't stand not trying to make the galaxy into their own version of free." Bail nodded to another senator who greeted him.

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At the front of the room, Vader's eyes followed his daughter and the senator, noting how the young woman conversed easily with Bail.

Perhaps too easily.

Vader pondered breaking the pair up for his own amusement, not liking how... close the two seemed to always be despite their efforts to be discreet. Vader wasn't a fool: he knew Leia liked Bail as a mentor and maybe more.

But what to do about it?

Movement caught his eye and the Emperor realized he needn't have worried, because at that moment his wife making her way to the pair.

With a smirk, Vader sat back and waited to see how things played out.

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Sevrina eyed her date with mixed emotions, watching as he finally finished his food. Who could eat so much at such an occasion as this? But she wasn't ready to give up hope of swaying the prince.

There was still time, and she finally had him alone. Now to try... wooing him.

She felt the breeze and had a thought. Wrapping her arms about herself, Sevrina shivered, and not all of it was an act.

Luke caught sight of the young woman and set his plate aside. Taking note of her posture, Luke removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders, but remained on his feet.

"There you go," Luke said quietly, turning back to the view and moving closer to the balcony.

Sevrina stood behind him and Luke tensed slightly. "Thank you for your coat, Prince Luke."

Her hand touched his shoulder and Luke remained tense. "Is something wrong?" she asked, and Luke closed his eyes before he gently but firmly removed her hand before it could wander. He could feel the lust and desire radiating from Sevrina.

"I know what you're trying to do, so don't," Luke told her flat-out.

At her half-confused, half-affronted expression, Luke cut her off before she could try to persuade him otherwise. "I am not looking to be with anyone, and not to be rude, but I'm not interested in you personally. I'm sorry."

Sevrina gaped at his audacity before anger took hold and she jerked her hand free of his. "Why you selfish oaf!"

Luke rolled his eyes and turned away. "So I hear. There are plenty of suitors in that room who want what you do, so stop wasting both our time and go meet them."

Sevrina fumed for a moment and then threw his jacket into his head. "Fine! Good riddance!"

Luke wasn't offended, and as soon as she was gone he breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't rejoin the party, however, closing his eyes and relishing the newfound silence of his solitude. He knew Padmé would probably be upset with him, but Luke couldn't take anymore of his mother's attempts to pair him with someone.

Why couldn't she let him meet his own girl? Was that too much to ask?

With a sigh, Luke let his mind blessedly clear of all thoughts.

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"Leia, you know you could do anything to make a difference," Bail was saying, trying yet again to convince her that she had something worthwhile to offer to the Rebellion, something he knew she wanted to be part of, "you don't have to be up front about anything. I understand your predicament..."

Leia felt something and she whirled in time to cut Bail off before Padmé could overhear. Bail wisely shut his mouth and bowed deeply to the Empress.

"Your Highness."

"Bail, good evening." Padmé returned indifferently, giving him a look that clearly conveyed how she felt about him taking any of her daughter's time tonight. "I hate to interrupt, but my daughter is needed elsewhere now."

"Of course." Bail bowed deeper, feeling many eyes on him while Leia flushed and refused to meet Padmé's eyes. "My apologies, Majesty."

Padmé took Leia's arm and led her daughter off. The younger woman managed to not look back, but oh, how she wanted to avoid Erol, whom she knew Padmé was returning her to.

"Mother, we were only talking," Leia said softly.

"Is that all you were doing?" Padmé returned shortly.

"Yes." Leia returned mildly, risking Padmé's indignation. "Senator Organa has been a good help in the Senate aside from you. Can I not have more than one mentor? You wanted me to be a politician, and I enjoy it, but I'm allowed to have friends outside of Luke."

Padmé whirled and Leia instantly froze as the woman's finger was jabbed into Leia's face.

"You may be friends with those that I pick out for you." Padmé hissed, and Leia swallowed fearfully at the sudden anger being directed her way, but held her ground. Padmé saw this in Leia and sighed softly, though she was pleased that Leia was strong like that.

Seeing that they had an audience, Padmé straightened as if nothing untoward had occurred. "However, you are correct in it being necessary to have more than one mentor. So I will allow you two to continue to work together, but nothing more."

Padmé motioned and Erol appeared out of nowhere. "Now, this is a lifeday celebration, so please enjoy your evening."

Leia lifted her chin. "Yes, Mother."

Leia glared at Erol once Padmé's back was turned, and refused to take the young man's arm. "I can walk myself, thank you."

His face reddened and Leia turned away.

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To her chagrin, the rest of the night passed slower than a granite slug slinking across a street, and by the time it was over, Leia was more than ready to disappear into her room.

Luke materialized out of nowhere when it was time to retire, and he offered his arm, which she took without hesitation. Once they were out of public view, Leia allowed her shoulders to sag.

Concerned, Luke wrapped an arm about her. "Are you alright?"

"No."

Luke sighed softly. "I heard from rumors that something happened between you and Mother... I'm sorry Leia."

"How can she be so selfish all the time?" Leia hissed fiercely, her heart aching, even as she fought to keep tears at bay. "She can't deny me a friend!"

Luke bit his lip. "I think... maybe Mother doesn't want anyone taking you away from her."

"It's too late for her to worry about that," Leia remarked bitterly. "Many years too late."

Luke couldn't argue with that.