Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.

AN: Here's part 4! Thanks for all the amazing reviews. Enjoy this next installment and let me know what you think!

Royal Conspiracy: A Forever Destined Vignette

Part 4/?

Adam sighed deeply, as the comm screen went dark. He had once again lied to his father convincingly that his relationship with the Queen was strictly professional, despite his attempts to woo her. Xalazar was extremely angry with his failure and he had been verbally raked over the coals so to speak. Had he been before his father in person, he would have received a good beating, courtesy of his brother and his goons. His father had told him that he had better make progress with the Queen during this trip and prey on her fragile emotional state during the family crisis. Landrey, of course, had informed his father of their current journey to Alderaan like a good soldier. His father was ready to replace him with another agent, but he would be damned if he let one of his father's cold hearted killers near his Pooja. He had to come clean to her before they left Alderaan and he could only hope that she would still love him, much less want him. He ran a hand over his face and stood up, before going back into the cabin.

He entered the dimly lit bedroom where his beloved slept peacefully. She was so beautiful and he felt another pang of guilt stab his heart. She deserved far better than him. Perhaps she would be better off without him.

"Hey…where did you go?" she asked sleepily, as she stirred. The last thing she remembered was being spooned tightly against him after a passionate session of lovemaking.

"I was just checking our position," he replied. That wasn't a lie. He really had gone to check their position when Landrey had patched his father through to the comm on the ship.

"We're about two hours out," Adam added. She smiled, as she covered her body with the sheet and sat up on her elbows.

"Then you should come back to bed," she suggested. He smirked, as he removed his shirt and sat down on the bed beside her. He caressed her face.

"I love you," she said, as her eyes sparkled with love.

"And I love you, more than you know," he replied. She smirked.

"Then get into bed and show me," she replied saucily. He smiled, as he lowered his lips to her. Pooja hummed sweetly into his kiss and pulled him into bed, as passion took hold once again.

~*~

Xalazar De'reux took a long drag on his death stick, as his beautiful and significantly younger wife entered his office with a tray. On it was a couple of shot glasses and an expensive bottle of Corellian scotch. Anya was his second wife and mother to Devan and Adam both. Devan was as cruel and evil as her husband and she would never dare to cross them. Xalazar's first wife, mother to his late daughter Kendra, had done so by running off. Xalazar's goons had tracked her down and slit her throat for it. Devan had started out an innocent child, but his father had quickly molded his first son into a heartless monster in his own image. Meanwhile, his youngest son Adam had grown up much of his childhood with her as his only caregiver. Xalazar was a ruthless business man and had often been gone months at a time for many years during Adam's young life. He and Devan had enacted terrible cruelties as the De'reux Empire expanded far beyond Corellia. And for that, she had been glad, for Adam had not grown up to be like her eldest son and his father. Unfortunately, Anya feared that one day, Xalazar would make her pay with her life for raising him as she had. Adam wasn't evil and it was plainly clear. It was only a matter of time before Xalazar started blaming her for it. And it scared Anya deeply. She put on a brave front all the time, but inside, she had always been terrified. She was a long way from the naïve young woman whom Xalazar had charmed into his bed by romancing her with fine wines, lavish gifts, and extravagant vacations. He had given her everything and she had married him in a heartbeat. And that's when the invisible chains had snapped around her and trapped her by his side for the rest of her life. She would not make it out of this family alive…no one did. After their marriage, Xalazar had shown his true colors. She was his wife and she obeyed him to the letter. He told her horror stories about his first wife and the things he had done to her for stepping out of line. He had beaten her, raped her, let his men beat and rape her, and terrorized her on a daily basis for being a strong, outspoken woman. So Anya had always been the dutiful wife, following her husband's every order. But even that was not always enough to escape his wrath, at least not in the last four years and she had the bruises to prove it. Adam had always stood up to his father for her, despite any lashings that would come his way. And it had been hell the last few years without her sweet baby boy. She loved her little Adam more than anything and was secretly proud of the good man that she knew he was. She just wished he trusted her enough to tell her what was really going on, for she was deeply frightened that Xalazar was plotting to kill him for failing to carry out his orders.

She set the tray down and watched her husband smoke his death stick, while Devan sat across from him, puffing on his own.

"The little puss worm obviously can't handle the job. He should have had the pretty little Queen eating out of his hand a long time ago. Let me go. I'll teach him a lesson he'll never forget and I'll show him how a real man operates when I put the little Queen in her place, before I kill her, of course," Devan said.

"He's not telling us everything. He's hiding something and he will be punished severally for his failure and deception," Xalazar stated, as he put his death stick out and poured a drink. Anya was horrified to hear this.

"Darling, I'm sure Adam is doing his best. He wouldn't deceive us," Anya tried to reason. And she would pay for it. He violently knocked the tray off his desk and shoved her into the wall.

"He is weak and it is your fault! If he has disobeyed my orders, then you'll both pay!" Xalazar screamed. She yelped in pain, as he backhanded her, before shoving her toward the door.

"I'll deal with you more later," he promised, before stepping away and looking at them both.

"Pack your things, both of you. We're going to Alderaan," Xalazar announced.

~*~

Breha stirred from her sleep and weakly opened her eyes. Someone was holding her hand, but it was not Bail. By the texture of the person's hand, she could tell it was a woman. She meekly turned her head and her eyes focused on the face of her dearest friend. She managed a weak smile. She loved her wonderful friend. From the day they had met, when Padme was just a young aide to Senator Palpatine, fresh off a double term as Naboo's Queen, Breha had become fast friends with her. Never had she met a young woman with so much strength and conviction to fight for what was right. Never had she met someone so brave, even in the face of the harshest ridicule and the strongest threats. And she had soon learned of the place that Padme had come from and by knowing Padme, Breha herself had become a stronger woman. But sadly, it didn't seem that she would be strong enough to beat this illness. She had accepted it and now she would console her sad best friend.

"Hi," Padme said softly, as she squeezed her hand.

"Padme," Breha said weakly, as she tried in vain to sit up. But Padme stopped her.

"Just rest. I just wanted to come see how you were doing. We didn't mean to disturb you," Padme replied. Breha noticed Anakin behind her.

"The two of you could never disturb me. You know I love seeing you both. And I haven't had the change to properly say goodbye to you yet," Breha choked. Padme felt her heart breaking.

"Breha…you can't give up. Anakin and I are almost certain we can find a cure. We just need a little more time. You just have to hang on for a little longer," Padme pleaded.

"I…I don't know if I can, Padme. But it's okay. I've…I've had a good life. And I know Jayden will take good care of my little Natalie. But I need the two of you to watch after Bail for me," Breha rasped.

"You're going to do that yourself. Anakin and I believe we can find who or what has made you sick all these years and we believe we can find a cure. You just have to hang on a little longer," Padme pleaded.

"You all…must let me go and move on with your lives. Please…I've accepted my fate," Breha insisted.

"Breha…please…we suspect foul play and we can bring those responsible to justice. Anakin and I just need a little more time. Hold on just a little longer…for Bail and Natalie. They don't deserve to lose you if we can prevent it. Please…I know you're so very tired, but hold on just a while longer," Padme pleaded. Breha managed a weak smile, as she coughed hoarsely.

"You always have been very convincing. I will try," Breha promised. Padme smiled and Bail squeezed his wife's hand.

"Thank you," he said gratefully. Padme smiled in response.

"Being able to do whatever I can for you and Natalie is all the thanks I need," Padme replied, as she rose.

"The Queen needs her rest," the med droid chirped.

"We should be landing soon," Anakin informed. Bail nodded, as Anakin led Padme out.

"How is she?" Riley asked, as he waited outside.

"She's weak, but she's hanging on. We don't have a lot of time, I fear," Padme fretted.

"Don't worry sweetness, the Alleman family's dirty laundry is about to be aired as soon as we get a crack at them. And if there's a guilty party to be had, we'll find them," Riley promised.

"Your Dad is right. If our suspects so much as sneeze, we'll know about it once we begin investigating," Anakin added. Padme nodded.

"We better get ready then. We'll be landing soon," Padme suggested, as they headed back to their quarters.

~*~

As their large cruiser docked in the palace's main hanger, the ramp dropped and several medics boarded the ship. Breha was transferred to a gurney and was slowly wheeled down the ramp by the palace medical staff, with Bail and Natalie close behind. To no one's surprise, the Alleman family waited nearby. Shefan Alleman looked and dressed the part of his official title, which was Duke of Aldera. He stood at six feet one inch tall and wore formal attire, including a high collar tunic, buttoned down the side with golden buttons, a gold waist sash, black slacks, and boots, complete with a black and gold cape. It was as flashy and gaudy as anything Padme had ever seen. His hair was slicked back neatly, but thanks to an overabundance of hair oil, it looked greasy and highlighted what otherwise would be subtle streaks of gray. He had dark eyes, a pointed nose, and very thin face that founded out at his chin, which had a dimple in the center. And Padme could see a glint of victory in his eyes, as Breha was wheeled to the palace infirmary. Next to him stood his wife, whom made no attempt to hide her delight in seeing Breha so gravely ill. She was about fifteen years younger than her sixty-year-old husband, making her around Padme's age. She had a sophisticated beauty that was not youthful and alluring like Padme's, but she was very attractive none the less. She had raven hair and very ivory skin, which made for a very stark contrast. She was also very tall and painfully thin, only about two inches shorter than her husband, with raven colored eyes that were as cold as the darkest black hole. She wore a maroon colored dress with flashy, gaudy jewelry and accessories. She even had the gall to wear a golden, jewel encrusted tiara atop her head and Padme couldn't wait for the opportunity to knock the Duchess down a peg. Finally, next to his mother, stood 19-year-old Shane Alleman. He was tall, like his parents, and had a mop of raven hair like his parents, and his mother's cold abyss like eyes. His facial features were a mixture of traits from his parents. He wore formal attire similar to his father's with gold and green accents and detail. He was handsome enough, but Padme could see disaster in Alderaan's future if he was allowed to sit on the throne with his parents as his council.

"Prince Organa, you have our family's deepest condolences," Shefan said with fake pleasantry. Natalie responded, before Bail could.

"My Mother isn't dead yet." Natalie snapped. Bail put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's all right sweetheart. Go be with your Mother and I'll join you soon," Bail promised. Natalie glared at the Duke and Duchess, before stalking off toward the medical wing. Jayden saw her go, as he came down the ramp with his siblings and was unnerved to see Shane Alleman follow her.

"Dad," he started, intending to tell his Father that he needed to go after her. But Anakin already knew.

"Go," he prodded with a smirk. And as usual, Jenna followed her twin, wanting in on any possible action. Anakin looked to Shefan and could already sense his nervousness, as they and their extended family disembarked from the ship. He hadn't been expecting Jedi, but he also sensed nervousness from him concerning Padme. He wasn't really surprised. Padme was a formidable woman, both in person and in the political arena. Shefan knew she could see right through him and his wife and he also knew how highly respected she was to Alderaan's parliament. Still, he faked a brave front, as they approached.

"Senator Amidala…what an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise. I didn't know you or your family was coming. It's been years," Shefan said smoothly.

"Breha is a dear friend to our family and it's Senator Skywalker now and has been for many years," Padme responded.

"Of course, forgive my blunder. It's been so long since I last saw you. I must say, you haven't changed at all. Time has been very kind to you. It is an honor to host you and your family," Shefan said with more fake pleasantry. But his wife made no attempt to hide her dislike for Padme. She was used to being the center of attention and she didn't appreciate someone of Padme's stature and beauty soaking up that attention, which was usually directed toward her.

"You remember my wife Elsa," he added. Padme smirked at the other woman, further unnerving her. She remembered how obnoxious and conniving Elsa usually was, according to Breha.

"Of course. This is my husband, Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker," Padme replied.

"Yes…Master Jedi, your reputation precedes you. It is an honor," Shefan lied. Elsa smirked back at Padme, as her eyes traveled appreciatively over Anakin.

"Quite and you're even more handsome in person than on the Holonet. I've always been an admirer from afar, Master Jedi. I am delighted to finally meet such an amazing man," Elsa purred, as she raised her hand, expecting him to kiss the back of it. Luke wrinkled his nose and looked at his sisters, who had equal looks of disgust. Anakin raised an eyebrow.

"That's kind of you to say, Duchess, but I assure you that I am a person, just like anyone else," Anakin replied.

"So humble too. You must have to beat all kinds of women off him with a stick, Senator. I know if I wasn't a married woman myself, I'd certainly make a play for him. How does a woman like you keep such a desirable man like him all to yourself?" Elsa asked, glaring at Padme smugly, proud that she had just thoroughly insulted the beautiful, revered Padme Skywalker. Elsa's smugness quickly melted though, thanks to Anakin. He had never nor ever would let such a blatant insult against his wife go and he still ignored Elsa's hand, as she held it up to him.

"She doesn't have to worry about me wanting any others, for the angel next to me is the only woman I have eyes for," Anakin said, gazing icily at the woman, as he raised Padme's hand to his lips instead. Elsa frowned and lowered her hand in embarrassment, as Luke, Leia, and Kimberly snickered in amusement.

"How lovely," Elsa said quickly, as she turned to her staff.

"I've wasted enough time here. There's work to be done," Elsa said, storming off, with her staff following closely behind the high maintenance Duchess.

"I apologize for my wife's antics. She is eccentric and a bit spoiled, but I love her anyway," Shefan said, also embarrassed.

"Please allow my staff to escort you all to the guest wing and then perhaps we can share more introductions at dinner in the banquet hall this evening," he suggested. Anakin smirked. A group dinner was perfect. They would have access to everyone of prominence in the palace, the entire staff, and ample opportunity for any of them to slip off and investigate without being noticed. Shefan Alleman was either a fool or overconfident that they would find nothing and Anakin guessed it was the latter.

"Dinner sounds perfect," Padme responded.

"Excellent. I shall see all of you in the banquet hall in two hours," Shefan announced, as they were led to the guest wing of the palace.

~*~

"Princess Natalie…wait!" Shane called. Natalie turned and glared at the older boy.

"Come to gloat about how you'll soon be King?" Natalie snapped.

"Princess…I've never clamored for the crown. It's my parents that have advocated for my placement on the Throne to parliament. I only hope you accept my apologies on behalf of my family," Shane said smoothly. Natalie scoffed.

"Yeah, your parents seem really torn up about my Mother's failing health," Natalie said sarcastically. Shane chuckled and she glared at him.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

"Nothing…you've just grown up so much since I saw you a couple years ago. When I first saw you again, I couldn't believe how beautiful you've grown," he replied. She shook her head.

"Nice try, but even if I didn't have a wonderful boyfriend already, your attempt to charm me wouldn't work," Natalie replied.

"Your boyfriend is a very lucky boy," Shane mentioned.

"Yes…yes I am," Jayden said, as he and Jenna arrived. Jayden slid his arm around Natalie's waist and gave Shane the trademark Skywalker smirk.

"It's wonderful to meet the lucky young man that has captured Princess Natalie's heart. I am Shane Alleman, son of the Duke and Duchess of Aldera," Shane announced, clearly trying to make himself sound superior.

"Jayden…Jayden Skywalker, son of Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker and Senator Padme Skywalker of the Naboo. I'm sure you've heard of my parents too," Jayden retorted. Shane nodded.

"Of course. Your parents' names are infamous here on Alderaan for all they've done for the galaxy," Shane replied.

"So, if your Dad is the Duke, does that make you the Duke Junior?" Jenna asked. Natalie coughed suspiciously to cover a giggle.

"Or are you Duke the Second? Duke number two? Or Duke in Training? Oh, or are you half a Duke?" Jenna asked. Shane glared at her.

"You're ecstatic, but who exactly are you?" he questioning with disdain.

"Jenna Skywalker, twin sister to Jay and best friend to Nat," Jenna answered, giving him a look that clearly told him that he had better watch himself around Natalie.

"Yes, well, I'll leave you to visit your Mother. I'll see all of you at dinner," Shane said quickly, excusing himself.

"Half a Duke?" Natalie asked with amusement. Jenna shrugged.

"Half a man, half a Duke, I thought it was appropriate and funny," Jenna replied.

"It was funny. Rude and inappropriate, but funny," Natalie replied.

"Would you expect anything less from me?" Jenna joked.

"No, I wouldn't know what to do with you if you behaved," Natalie replied. Jayden snorted.

"We'd all die of shock if she behaved for a whole day," Jayden retorted.

"Ha, you just wish you were as fun as me," Jenna retorted back, as they continued on to the medical ward so Natalie could see her Mother before what promised to be a very interesting dinner…