Chapter Text
Had her father known, when he went to save Luke, that he would not be returning?
That was the question that was itching at Leia now. It should have been dwarfed by all the million matters of state that were threatening to suffocate her.
No matter how she reached out in the Force, no dreams or visions came to her. Darth Vader, her father, was gone. She was Empress, now.
Had Vader known the tremendous weight he was placing on her shoulders? He must have. She wished he hadn’t left. She wished…
But it was pointless to think about such things now. She would try to make peace with Luke, even though he was a Jedi and a traitor…
As to Vader’s suggestion that she hear the Alliance out… That was complicated by the fact that right now all she wanted was to hear their screams. If they had engineered all this, to force Vader to trade himself for his son… But she didn’t know that, not for sure.
She should have let Bridger live. He could be in a Force-cell right now, but she hadn’t, in the moment, thought that far in to the future. She’d needed to punish him for her father’s death.
It all hurt so much, to have lost two men that she… loved.
The Emperor’s remains were being brought back to Imperial Center. She’d been in Holo contact with both Thrawn and Piett, her Grand Admirals. By nightfall they would be in the throne room with her to inaugurate the future of the Empire.
Luke, too, would be back. Leia really wasn’t sure what to feel about that.
Make peace with your brother. It had been her father’s last wish.
Mara was there at her side, her Chancellor now. Leia got to her feet reluctantly. “Is it time?”
“The ladies are ready for you in the sitting room, just let them do their jobs.”
Leia sighed. Vader, as Emperor, had never had to look beautiful. Leia, apparently, did not enjoy that privilege. For now she was letting Mara make decisions about the little things, like presentation.
She let her gaze sweep over the four matronly court women as they bowed to her. There was a stool, which she stood on, and they got to work.
It was much like being a preteen princess on Alderaan, having her aunties dress her up like a doll, except that, in addition to the pointless pomp and ceremony, she also had decisions to make, powerful sentients to intimidate, and a war to win.
She put up with the ministrations of the ladies, even as they scrubbed her face, shaped her eyebrows and strapped her into the dress. She didn’t even want to think about how ridiculous she must look. It was a crimson mash-up of both gown and armor, meant to send a message about the new empress even as she gave the news that her accession to power was now permanent, that her father was gone.
“That’s not bad.” Mara commented, struggling to hide her amusement. “The ISD Chimaera is in orbit. They’re coming down. You will receive Grand Admiral Thrawn in the throne room where he will officially inform you. Then you will address the Holonews.”
“What about Luke and Ahsoka… and Father?”
“After the Holocast you will be able to meet with them privately, and view the remains.”
Leia nodded, “Okay.”
Mara gave her a small, sad smile. “I won’t bother asking how you are doing. Just get through the next couple of hours.”
Leia sighed, “Are we done? Thank you ladies, I am sure my appearance will set the galaxy at ease, thanks to your ministrations.”
The court ladies blushed and bowed. Leia exited the room with Mara at her side
“On the Holo feed,” Her friend whispered, “We can change your eyes back to their natural brown.”
Leia blinked, “Whose idea was that?”
“It’s something we used to do for Palpatine.” Mara answered easily. “It’s your call, of course.”
“Fine, do it.” Leia sighed. “Thank you.”
They were somehow already at the long gallery which led to the throne room.
“Just get through this.” Mara whispered, then stepped off to the side, disappearing into the lines of nervous courtiers who had been assembled.
Leia walked past familiar and unfamiliar faces, not only military men and women, but senators and planetary governors as well. She saw Puja Naberrie who gave her a glowing smile, then bowed her head as she sank into a curtsy.
In the throne room itself Thrawn, Piett and several other military leaders stood at crisp attention.
She sat on the throne, willing her face to be without expression, glad for the makeup which was hiding how deathly tired she felt.
Thrawn knelt. “Imperial Majesty. It is my solemn duty to inform you that your father, the Emperor, has passed. “
“Admiral Thrawn, it is with a heavy heart I acknowledge this news.”
“Imperial Majesty,” Thrawn continued crisply. “As representatives of your entire navy and military, allow us to be the first to pledge our absolute subservience to your will. You are our Empress.”
Everyone in the throne room knelt. The doors to the gallery were thrown wide, and the assembled courtiers and officials likewise knelt.
The Holo cams floated overhead, as unobtrusive as possible while taking in the whole spectacle.
“As your Empress I accept your service.” She said looking at Thrawn, then she focused on the Holo transmitter that hovered a meter in front of her face.
“Sentients of the galaxy. The Emperor has died, but our Empire continues. You may rest assured that the ongoing safety and stability of this Empire is my primary objective. In recognition of my father, who so loyally served this Empire for so many years, I ask you to observe a one year period of mourning. During this time Imperial unity is paramount, as such I ask you to stand together for the peace and well-being of all. Any attempts to destabilize our peace will, as has long been the case, be met with conclusive Imperial justice. “
That was it. She gazed at the Holo cam until it stopped filming and sped away. She felt hollow. She rose, the lone person standing amount a crowd of sentients who bowed at her feet. She walked out.
Suddenly the bodice of her gown felt far too tight. She wanted to rip it off, and claw at the makeup which was suffocating her face.
Mara was there at her side. “Follow me. That was good.”
“Thanks.” Leia said dryly, once they were out of the gallery. “Nice speech. Hey sentients, welcome to the new Empire, same as the old Empire, don’t breathe out of line or we’ll arrest you.”
Mara snorted out of her nose, “Its all yours now, Leia. If you don’t like it, change it.”
Leia stayed silent. She had no idea where to even begin.
Mara led her past bowing Imperial Guards to a secluded chamber.
“Stay with me, Mara.” Leia whispered.
Mara palmed open the door and Leia went in.
Luke and Ahsoka turned, both looking at her with wide, worried eyes. Then they did something which made her catch her breath, they both bowed.
Beyond them she could see the shape of the medical capsule which must be holding her father’s remains.
You must make peace with your brother. Vader had told her.
“Luke, Ahsoka, thank you for bringing Father home.” She said softly. Then, not because she wanted it, but because she knew they were desperate for the reassurance, she held her arms open to them.
Luke was hugging her in an instant. “Leia, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. This was all my fault.” He was crying on her dress. That was fine. She was never wearing this monstrosity again.
Ahsoka approached, tall and strong. She put a hand on Leia’s back and the other on Luke’s, meeting Leia’s eyes and giving her an approving look.
They approached the capsule together. Beyond the transparasteel shell was the form of her father’s armor, black and shining. Within it, she could sense his physical remains, inert and forceless, like clay.
She sighed. “It wasn’t your fault, Luke. Ezra Bridger made Father to turn off his respirator in exchange for the code to deactivate that chip in your spine.”
Luke looked up, “You spoke with Ezra?”
“Yeah, for a bit.” Leia said softly, a smile coming to her lips at the memory. “Then I killed him. His body is in the West tower medbay if you want to see for yourself.”
Luke let out a low sigh, “I trusted him.”
She ran a hand over Luke’s sand colored hair, they were still the same height. “Yeah, and I underestimated him.”
“Are we okay, Leia? You and I?” Luke asked hesitantly, pulling back from their embrace.
“Father’s last wish was that I make peace with you, Luke.” Leia whispered, “Will you make peace with me?”
***
Luke Skywalker looked up into his sister’s eyes. They were brown striated with amber. That was… progress. Maybe there was hope for her yet? She said wanted to make peace… That was what he wanted more than anything.
He remembered Master Yoda’s words.
When the time comes, know you will.
Luke understood now, what the Force wanted him to do. He dismissed his hesitation and smiled at his sister. “Let’s make peace.”
THE END