The Empress and I

[Sorsha Kasajian]

(MIRANDA'S CONDO CORUSCANT)

:: It was late evening, and Sorsha waited for her lover's arrival dressed in formal kimono. She paced, breathlessly, then turned as Miranda entered the room. There was a wistful look in her eye, and she did her best to hide it. Tonight, everything was going to change ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Before the door closed, Miranda ordered one of her two guards to stay outside and allowed the other to enter. He was an Inquisitor by his uniform, devoid of any rank or commendations. But he wasn't just any Inquisitor, this man was a member of the Crimson Guard. Being out of uniform was usually unheard of, but because Miranda's status as the new Empress had not been officially announced, they had to be more subtle in their protection.

The political and military advisers all knew that several key people were being guarded by the Inquisitors because of the assassination attempt on Anar. This would not look out of the ordinary.

Miranda looked tired. Her body was stiff from the meeting with the rest of the Moffs after her business with the Grand Inquisitor had concluded. But there was a sparkle in her eye and even Sorsha could tell that her lover's head was held higher. Something had happened.

She smiled, never taking her eyes off of Sorsha's. "Leave us."

The Inquisitor bowed and took a position outside on the balcony, his back to the couple. "You look beautiful," she commented and took Sorsha's hands in hers, massaging the fingers softly. Something struck a cord inside Miranda. It was the way Sorsha was looking at her. "What's up with you? You look like a child hiding a big secret."

She laughed. Miranda was hiding one too.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She blinked, unable to truly hide any secrets from her life-long friend, now lover. Except for the small box hidden in her other hand ::

"I have something for you, my sweet."

[Miranda Tarkin]

A brow popped up. "Really? How ironic."

She chuckled. "I have some news for you. But, you first."

Miranda didn't want to be arrogant, but whatever Sorsha had for her couldn't top the title that the Inquisitors had bestowed upon her.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha smiled. Nothing could top the surprise she had for Miranda. She would save the best for last ::

"No, you first. If you please."

:: Graciously, she bowed and kissed Miranda's hand ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Tongue in cheek, she figured she just had to comply with her lover's wishes. Miranda's lips grew into an grandiose smile. "Excellent. I'm very pleased that you know how to pay homage to your new Emperor."

She couldn't help it. Sorsha's actions had given her the best retort!

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha's eyes grew wide, and the box fell from her hand at Miranda's feet. She knelt down to retrieve it, but her astonishment allowed Miranda to get it first. She stayed on her knees, looking up speechless ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda laughed and snatched the box up. "You don't have to grovel either."

She was being horrible, making fun of Sorsha but how could she not be in such a glorious mood! Miranda Tarkin was going to be the leader of the Empire! Poor Sorsha was stunned into silence. "It is not publicly known yet."

With a toss, the box flipped over in the air and was caught before offering her free hand to assist Sorsha to her feet and winked. "I tried to warn you that you couldn't top my news."

It was unknown as to what was in the box, but was going to be hard to top receiving the seal of the Empire.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Her astonishment gradually became a glowing smile, and her eyes were wet with the beginning of tears ::

"It's for you, my Empress."

:: Sorsha looked like she would faint if Miranda didn't open it soon ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda looked at Sorsha quizzically. Her attitude and demeanor were all off. The tears of joy were not unexpected but there was something going on and looked at the box once more. It was of soft black velvet and probably was hiding a ring or a pair of earrings. There was only one way to find out.

She rested the box on top of her left palm and kept it steady with her fingers. If it were jewelry it was going to be quite expensive, and the last thing she wanted was to drop her gift. With her other hand, she pulled the box opened ...

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"We have known each other all our lives. We have been closer than Sisters."

:: A tear finally broke, and ran down her cheek ::

"I want to be your wife, Mira."

:: Inside the box was a ring, with a tumanian diamond in the center ::

"Will you take me?"

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda paled and snapped the box closed. She was stunned, angered and overjoyed at the gesture. Her mind was in conflict with her heart. Sorsha's proposal wasn't an easy yes or no answer.

"You realize I can't say yes!" The tone in her voice was louder then she wanted it to be, but her emotions tended to remained unchecked in Sorsha's presence. "There's no way we can do this. It was a fleeting idea at best when I was Moff, but there's no way that it can be done now."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha looked like she had just received a sword to the chest, and her mouth fell agape in a choking sob as she fought to swallow it back. Her hair spilled over her face as she sunk down onto her hands. She was trembling ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda sighed and fought back tears of her own, crushed by Sorsha's reaction. She fell into the nearest chair, weighted down by the heaviness of her heart and could no longer fight back the tears. "I'm sorry."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha raised her head to gaze at Miranda with blurred vision. Her cheeks burned brightly and she swallowed again so she could speak ::

"Finally ... all the power we have ever dreamed of, and you are sorry??? We are not slaves, Mira!!!" :cry

[Miranda Tarkin]

Sorsha's outburst had touch the wrong cord with Miranda. Her nose curled in anger. "What would you have me do? Proclaim my love for you in front of the entire Galaxy so my enemies can tear me a part?!"

Exasperated, she set the box down and got up. "When this goes public, I only have the Inquisitors and the public at my side. The military governors will come around with Anar's help, but the last thing I need is my character challenged. This will open the flood gates, and my enemies will use that to turn the people against me."

She stopped in front of the balcony window. The Crimson Guard took notice of his Empress' presence and turned to open the door. Miranda waved him away. He bowed and turned facing front once more.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"No." she said. "Proclaim it to me in secret or slay me if you will not."

:: She wiped the hair from her face so she could see Miranda clearly ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

A breath of air exhaled out of her nose in humor. Sometimes the extremes that Sorsha went bordered on insanity, but Miranda knew that her love was pure and she meant every word that was said. "Valten has given me his best guards and have sword loyalty to me. I can trust them. But who can we trust to oversee our union?"

She stared long and hard at her reflection. The lines of anger were still digging into her face. Her cheeks relaxed as a calming deep breath was taken. "And as much as I am already married to you in my heart, being legitimately wed together is something I would want without recourse."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Then say yes." she beckoned, still on her knees. "There will no doubt be suitors seeking your hand, as it will be expected of you to produce an heir. I would rather die now then suffer losing you to another. We can go anywhere, and our union will be the one that is true."

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda's eyes fell to her lap and sighed with heavy burden. "I need an heir, Sorsha. The throne must be solidified in case something happens to me and I don't want it splintering a part any further then it has done so now."

She raised her head and enveloped her lover's hands inside her own. "You see that don't you? Surely your love for me hasn't blinded you to what is right for the Empire."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Yes."

:: Sorsha pulled Miranda's hands to her breast, so she could feel her heartbeat. It fluttered madly inside her chest ::

"I offer you my undying love and loyalty, Mira, as my best and dearest friend. As my blood Sister. As my Empress, and as my Wife. I live to serve you, and I will die for you if you command it."

:: Another tear fell as she closed her eyes and kissed Miranda's hand in reverence ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda could feel her bottom lip quiver with bottled up emotion. She felt like a monster to be so brutally honest with Sorsha, but the proposal was unforeseen, a cog in the wheel of her ascension. She should have known better and realized much sooner they there had to be a way to work around this new arrangement and get married.

"I'm very sorry." Sorsha was one of the blessed few that would get a Tarkin to apologize. And why shouldn't she marry Sorsha? Even if it were in secret. A Tarkin gets what she wants and does not drown in despair. A Tarkin uses whatever means at her disposal to get what they desire, as long as it does not interfere with serving the Empire! Sorsha's words were a wake up call; a slap to the face to shock Miranda out of her resignation.

She cupped Sorsha's cheek and pulled her into a rough kiss, full of regret and devotion. When they pulled away, she was breathless and fought each breath to speak. "And I accept. But we must be cautious and plan carefully."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha dizzied with passion, licking her lips to calm the tingling before she spoke ::

"Yes."

:: She fought hard to tame her smile, but Miranda knew very well that it was impossible ::

"I can call upon any number of individuals to perform the ceremony."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Pick one carefully because they are going to have to be killed after the ceremony." Miranda sat back and took the jewelry box to open it. The diamond sparkled so brightly under the lamp, causing a ray of colors to flash now and again. "It's the only way we can be sure this stays a secret."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha shivered as she sucked in a breath, and looked at Miranda with sincerity ::

"As you wish, my sweet."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Also," she plucked the ring out carefully and pushed it down her slim finger. "If I am to wear this and produce and heir, we need to find someone to play husband and find an appropriate ... donor. Whether or not they are the same matters not to me."

Miranda's only desire in having a child were to secure the throne and have someone carry on the Tarkin name. The line of succession ended on her twice fold and it needed to be rectified.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha rose as she took Miranda's hand, admiring the ring on her finger ::

"Let's talk about that in the morning." :p

:: She tugged on her hand, with delight in her eyes ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

A smile lit up her face for the first time since Sorsha had proposed. "Yes."

Miranda went to her feet and captured her betrothed into her arms, "Let's."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: The night was filled with screams of passion. Sorsha paid the guards no mind, she'd been attending orgies for several cycles, and held no inhibitions about being seen in their presence. Miranda, for the first time, seemed to lose herself fully as well. The sunlight from the balcony kissed her good morning, and she pet Miranda's hair to wake her ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda lazily nuzzled her cheek into Sorsha's arm without opening her eyes. She was still exhausted from last night, which was amazing. Miranda could not remember the last time she felt so care free and relaxed. "Good morning."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Good Morning, my Empress." she purred, stroking her tummy in affection. She glanced at the guards with mischief on her face as she nibbled her fingertips. They remained, surprisingly, impassive.

[Miranda Tarkin]

Her eyes finally peeled opened and following the line of sight of her love. A smile came and she chuckled at Sorsha's antics. "Don't worry. I'm sure they've heard and seen worse when our dear Palpatine was still alive."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Really???"

:: Sorsha took the statement as a dare, and walked over to one of the guards. Lacing her arms around his neck from behind, she snurfled his ear in curiosity, and rested her chin on his shoulder to look at Mira ::

"It must be torture for them."

:: She nuzzled the back of his neck, wondering if Mira could see a reaction ::

"Maybe we should give them a pity frell." ;)

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Sorsha stop it!" Miranda tried to sound authoritarian but a part of her was trying to not smirk at the audacity of it all. "These men are here to protect me and you. Playing with them while on duty is very inappropriate."

The Inquisitor was stone faced and professional, though at first he stiffened to stand up straighter. He was the picture of control.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha leaned on him lazily a moment, rubbing his shoulder ::

"I'm going too far, aren't I?"

:: She turned to stand naked in front of him to apologize ::

"I'm sorry."

:: Bowing to the guard respectfully, she slipped on a silk kimono and sat down in a chair ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda rolled her eyes as she draped a sheet her naked body. Noticing the time, she began to prepare some coffee and spoke crisply. "I ask that you show them the same courtesy as you do me. You had your fun. No more."

The last thing she needed was showing favoritism to Sorsha. Miranda respected her guards deeply and would ensure that her future wife would treat them accordingly.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha nodded seriously, and folded her hands to look inscrutable ::

"I Promise."

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda came back with two mugs of piping how coffee and handed one towards her. "Thank you."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Thank you." she grinned back. "You know, you should have servants for this."

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda rolled her eyes. "I can do these things on my own."

She liked her independence, even growing up in such a rich household. Perhaps it was a complex with her, but having someone do everything for her was an irritation.

But perhaps Sorsha was correct to an extent. Why should the Empress of the Empire be making coffee. "Besides, it's not official yet."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha smiled in understanding, reaching for the cinnamon and stirring some in ::

"This is a suprise. Dare I ask again, who did you kill?" :D

[Miranda Tarkin]

She laughed while falling into the couch. "No one. The Inquisitors chose me for what I have done and what I believe. I earned this."

Miranda picked up her mug and took a sip of coffee, black as always. "Helghast spoke to High Inquisitor Valten. We met at the Cathedral and little did I know that I was being interviewed for the position."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha remained serious, her mind racing ::

"Neverless, you are now in a position I was in not too long ago. There are those within the fold you prepare for."

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda nodded. "I'm well aware of that fact. We're going to be pulling in resources, the Inquisitors mainly, to help keep the peace. The Grand Moffs should side with me, as well as Anar. Valten and I will be talking with him soon. If he gives me his blessing, it will mean a lot amongst those that are wavering."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"I suggest you take nothing for granted. There are those who would conceal a dagger with a smile. You should set about getting rid of them."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"You don't have faith in me do you?" A calculating grin simmered above the lip of the cup. "It's already in motion. Valten has the list of my non-supporters and those that are loyal to Sevon. They will be dealt with one way or another. It deals mainly with the Moffs, but we have to start somewhere."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha grinned back in approval ::

"I suppose I worry needlessly then."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Well, no," she said matter-of-factly. "There will always be those aspiring to the position I hold. I will always have to be cautious. Other loose ends like the Hands and guards are being dealt with too. I worry more about them then anyone else really."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She raised a brow at that ::

"Palpatine did recruit from within the Guild. My services are at your disposal, of course."

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda brightened. "Yes they are and I informed Valten of that. He had his ... concerns about me working so close with you but I convinced him otherwise. He's quite loyal."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Her eyes narrowed, but she nodded and sipped her coffee ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda could read her mind as plain as day. She knew Sorsha all too well and answered the unspoken question. "He has his suspicions, but it doesn't matter to him or the rest of the Inquisitors."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She blinked away the annoyance, but said nothing ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

Miranda frowned and set down her coffee. "Since when do you not speak your mind around me?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Since never. Valten and I seem to have a mutual distaste of eachother. Nothing more.

[Miranda Tarkin]

She narrowed her eyes, confused at that comment. "Valten wanted to make sure that you would not influence me. A fair question. He does not dislike you, however I am confused as to why you distrust him."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

"Perhaps I'm being prejudice." she shrugged. "No one has your best interests at heart more than me."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Perhaps, and I do need you to keep a watchful eye and ear open in case something is amiss. I'm not optimistic enough to know that this will go smoothly, but I'm trying my damnedest to make sure the Empire suffers little when the announcement is made."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: She fell silent again, mind still racing. Miranda knew she was brainworking several things at once ::

[Miranda Tarkin]

She tilted her head to the side like a curious cat and smiled viciously, "A credit for your thoughts?"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

Sorsha took a moment to respond, still in deep thought.

A grin grew on Sorsha's face, one that rivaled Miranda's.

"We will do great things together."

[Miranda Tarkin]

"Indeed we will." Miranda stood up and kissed Sorsha sweetly. "Valten will be contacting you. When is anyone's guess."