Chapter Text
Din Djarin couldn't say he knew much about the Empire, or the Galaxy for that matter. All he knew was that the Empire followed the Old Republic and that people complained before and complained even know, but even he couldn't be ignorant enough not to hear about the change in power when the old Emperor died. People didn't know much about the old Emperor, of that Din was certain, otherwise, they would not have whispered about outlandish things, like the Emperor knowing things in advance and having an enforcer who could choke people just by looking at them... but he would not have believed these things possible at all if he did not see a fifty-year-old alien baby do similar stuff, his fifty-year-old alien baby to make things even weirder. So yeah...maybe some of those rumors were true. The new Emperor on the other hand... He was a lot more public. His first act as Emperor almost five years ago was to declare that slavery of any form was illegal. He enforced this by personally visiting planets most well known for their slave businesses, like Tatooine and Kashyyyk and freeing the slaves there, claiming it was in his father's memory that he did this, which did not make a lot of sense to Din, wasn't the old Emperor his father? Didn't he allow slavery? Politics was complicated. Anyway, even despite the new Emperor's more public and hands-on approach to the Galaxy all Din knew about him was that he was young, he radiated power and that he shined like the twin suns of Tatooine combined whatever that meant, to the Mandalorian it all sounded like a lot of bullshit. So, it was kind of unexpected (understatement of the century) that Din found himself walking down a corridor of the Imperial Palace on Coruscant, flanked by two guards in red, with the door to the Emperor's throne room getting ever closer. A few months ago, hell even a few hours ago this seemed impossible and if anyone told him it would happen, he would have laughed in their faces. But here he was, rescued from Gideon's men who almost captured the Child on Tython by Imperial forces which caused a lot of confusion, wasn't Gideon Imperial? Din had to admit he was hesitant but the previous fight proved to him that at least Gideon and the Emperor weren't on the same side, besides it wasn't like Din had a ship that he could flee from Tython on. So here he was still walking towards the throne room. He glanced behind him to make sure the child was alright even though he couldn't exactly see him, as he closed the crib...stroller, whatever it was to make sure no one could harm the kid. Not like it would stop the Imperials, but still, it was a comfort. He turned back just in time to not bump into the spears of the royal guards in front of the throne room. They stood there without a word and Din wondered if he was supposed to say something when suddenly one of the guards who accompanied him spoke up:
-The Emperor requested to see him...and his child.
The guards at the door regarded him for a few seconds and then the closed stroller behind him.
-Are you sure he isn't hiding weapons in there? - one of them asked, motioning at the stroller with his spear and protectiveness swelled up inside Din. He wanted to tell them off for even pointing the weapon at the kid but suddenly the door to the throne room opened from the inside. The guards instantly stood at attention and out of instinct Din straightened his back too but there was no one at the door. Suddenly, a gentle voice drifted out of the room:
-Allow the Mandalorian to enter, please. - the voice said, smooth as silk and honey.
The guards glanced at each other seemingly unsure whether they should protest but the voice spoke up again.
-I'm in no danger from him. - bold statement, Din thought, he must have at least a dozen guards in there too.
The guards at the door separated their spears and motioned for him to step inside. So, Din did.
He was surprised to find the room devoid of people, except for a lone figure standing close to one of the huge windows providing a spectacular view of the Imperial District. He stood with his back to Din next to an arrangement of exotic flowers, in a white cape with his hood covering his head. Din flinched when the door closed behind him and he scolded himself, he's a Mandalorian and a bounty hunter, he shouldn't lower his guard so readily just because the threat wasn't apparent. He had to remember; he was in enemy territory.
-Come closer, please. - the smooth voice came again this time clearly from the hooded man. - Despite what the Galaxy would have you believe I don't eat endangered species for dinner.
There was a touch of amusement in the figure's voice and Din found himself smiling without intending to. He felt like he was being pulled in, goaded by an invisible force so he slowly approached the other man, trying to stay vary of any incoming attacks. When he reached the other man, he wondered whether he should bow or kneel or something, he was in front of the Emperor after all. But was this really the Emperor? He seemed so small? Short? Nonthreatening? The Mandalorian was suddenly startled out of his thoughts again by the figure turning towards him. He was chiding himself for losing focus again when the other man reached up to his hood, removed it and looked Din straight in the eyes despite the helmet. Din felt naked, looking into the amber eyes of the figure before him, they looked golden and like they were glowing, and combined with the halo of dirty blonde hair on the other's head and the small smile on his lips...he suddenly understood what people meant with the whole "shined like the twin suns of Tatooine" business.
-Welcome to Coruscant! - the Emperor nodded as a greeting - I am sorry they took most of your weapons, I'll have them safely returned to you as soon as you leave this room, you have my word.
"Most" Din noted to himself, "he knows I'm armed.
-I am Emperor Skywalker and I can assure you that you and the child in your care- the Emperor glanced at the stroller - will be safe from Ex-Moff Gideon and his men as long as you are on Coruscant.
"Ex-Moff? That made a bit more sense."
-Thank you ...-Din, said, his voice sounding way too hoarse to his ears.
-Of course. - the Emperor smiled - I heard the Child call out through the Force. You were lucky we were so close on Gideon's trail otherwise my forces could not have arrived on time.
-You know about the Force? -Din asked, sounding way too eager - ...your Highness. - he added lamely.
The Emperor chuckled and Din was surprised at how much he wanted to hear that sound again.
-You could say I know a bit about it. - he said as he turned back towards the flowers and waved a hand in front of some dying leaves only to leave them vibrant in his wake.
-So, you are a Jedi? If you are, the child belongs to you your highness.
Pain flashed through the Emperor's face at the mention of the word Jedi but he quickly schooled his features.
-I am not a Jedi, though I possess the abilities and knowledge of one. - he started - But the child belongs to no one but you. He thinks of you as his father.
Din's heart swelled at the thought.
-Your highness, I was tasked with bringing him to his kind, to be trained. Do you know of any who would take and train him?
-I do know someone who would be willing to but we have to ask the child’s opinion on the matter, don't you think?
The Emperor walked closer to the stroller as he spoke and once in front of it, he glanced up at Din with amusement twinkling in his eyes. The Mandalorian reached for the controls cautiously and stepped closer before pressing the button to open the stroller. Din released a breath he didn't know he was holding at the sight of Grogu staring up at him with his huge, dark eyes. Both of their attentions were suddenly directed at the Emperor who started laughing in a startled, breathless way.
-Of course, you would look like him. - he said to no one in particular as he quieted down to a chuckle - May I? - he asked, looking up at Din with his hands stretched out towards Grogu. Din nodded.
The Emperor carefully lifted the child and they stared at each other for a time, the Emperor's lips twitching sometimes as if he was holding back a laugh. "Jedi shit" Din thought.
Finally, the Emperor handed Grogu over to Din:
-He tells me you've had quite some adventures since you've met.
-Yes...-Din started- so did he agree to be trained? - he asked trying not to sound too nervous.
-He did. - the Emperor smiled- and I would be glad to train him.
-You?! -Din cleared his throat - Your highness I'm sure you have better things to do than train a child.
-On the contrary, it is my duty to have an apprentice. I would be honored to train him... he reminds me of someone.
Din looked down at the child unsure of what to say.
-I would also be honored to have you staying at the Palace. You could come and go in the Galaxy as you wish of course but I would prefer not to separate the child from his only parent.
The Mandalorian was speechless. Him, living in the Imperial Palace? Even the idea sounded laughable but before he could voice his opinion the Emperor spoke again.
-I will not force you to choose right now. I know this must be a lot. I will instruct the guards to take you to the guest quarters.
Din nodded, too dazed to answer. The Emperor walked to his throne, sat down and pressed a few buttons on the arm of the chair. He exchanged a few quiet words with someone through the comms and finally addressed Din again.
-You may go now, rest. I will call for you later.
Din nodded deeply as thanks and turned around with the child clutched close to his chest.
-Oh, and please remember - the Emperor called after him as he was about to exit - Whether you choose to take the child with you if you leave is up to you.
Din nodded once again and he left quickly to escape the Emperor's golden gaze. He only relaxed when he heard the door close behind him.