By Keya

     Her evening gown molded itself quite nicely to her figure, and was tight enough to seem like a second coating of skin. Made out of the purest shade of red imaginable, and of the finest silk ever created, the dress cleverly gave Loreena the impression of being the pride of the King's Court. In truth, she was just a dancer to her father's will. Her appearance was everything to him. After all, she was his daughter, and heir to the empire in which he created. It was his power that fed her, clothed her, and gave her every desire she has ever longed for, and hoped to possess. Nevertheless, in reality to the king, Loreena was just a puppet and nothing more.

     Standing beside her father, Loreena smiled, and grasped the hands given to her out of respect. One by one, the most highly regarded officials of the galaxy made themselves known. Briefly, Loreena wondered how many were really loyal to her father, and how many only wanted acknowledgment that could quickly turn into power at a breath's notice.

     The answer was probably in her father's favor. He was a good monarch at heart. Never asking too much of his subjects, and giving them peace where chaos once ruled. It was bad to say this, but deep in her heart, Loreena would rather have chaos than this insufferable existence. Her entire life was one big falsehood after another. It was almost unbearable, but Loreena knew her duty, and that was to play her father's game.

     A thin, bony hand came out of nowhere, and out of reflex, Loreena took it, but nearly screamed from the shock of power that cut deep into her mind. Oh, no, no this couldn't be, Loreena thought, desperately trying to break loose. Glancing up, Loreena's pale green eyes met equally startled blue ones. Oh, my gods! Loreena could see he was a senator, but from where, she had no clue. He was striking, his long royal blue robes giving him nobility, and strength. His dark hair touched with gray, and those eyes! Lovely pools of passion that held a hidden depth that Loreena felt could not be reached.

     "Senator Palpatine, how good of you to come," Her father's voice broke the spell that had bewitched them both. Pulling her hand to his lips, the senator graced it with a soft kiss, and finally, let go of it.

     "The pleasure's all mine, your Highness," His voice was thick, rich in intent and power. It made shivers flow down Loreena's back, and for once, Loreena defied her father's wishes. She muttered excuses, and left, feeling those blues eyes following her every move. Uncomfortable, Loreena hid in the kitchens, directing the service, and other niceties that went along with hosting a party.

     Senator Palpatine; even the name suggested authority. She had felt him, through the powers of force that she had inherited from her mother. It was unnerving to say the least. Never had her abilities showed such intensity before. Whomever this senator was, he was trouble, and dangerous. Very, very dangerous.

     "Loreena, dear, troubled, yes?" Nata, the servant, and head chef asked. From Devaron, his two horns gave him a sinister look, but truly Nata was one of the kindest souls Loreena has ever known, and her only friend.

     "Nata, I'm scared. Who is Senator Palpatine?"

     "From Naboo, I believe. Nothing more I know," The Devaronian looked sad, and forlorn that he could not give the information his mistress required.

     "No matter, my friend. Work you must do," This she said in his native tongue. Nata nodded, and set to work on arranging the dessert platter.

     Breathing evenly, Loreena once again emerged herself into the party, and felt, more than saw, Senator Palpatine. He was talking to Senator Kabe, a well-known supporter of her father's policies. Enjoying the discussion no less, Kabe could chatter for hours without stopping, and hopefully, keep Palpatine busy until she could reach safety. Nodding to those she knew, Loreena softly made her way towards the stairs, praying all the while that her father wouldn't see her, or worst, that Palpatine would excuse himself, and seek her out. Her fears proved to be groundless, and allowing herself to relax, she followed the many pathways to her room. Luckily, her room was farthest from the party, and would give her the solitude she yearned for. Letting her gown fall to the floor, Loreena fell on top of her bed, and closed her eyes tightly. She could still feel Palpatine's darkness looming over her, and the dull ache of a pounding vision waiting to blossom.

     The dream was different than the others. Darkness surrounded her from all sides, and she could see nothing, but a shape of a man sitting on a throne. He wore a black robe, his face concealed from prying eyes, but his presence was keen in her mind. She could feel his anger, but it wasn't directed at her. A flash of white caught her eye, and Loreena stood in shock as her father was led by guards and forced to kneel. He struggled hard, but it was useless. Already she could feel the power building, and suddenly, blue lightning brutally struck the king hard. His screams of annoy filled the air, and in horror, Loreena stared at the face of Senator Palpatine. He was the man behind the robes, and the cause of the blue lightning. Strangely, Loreena felt no fear of him. She knew deep within the force that he would not willingly harm her. The bond was too strong between them for it to be otherwise.

     Waking up with a start, Loreena stared at the ceiling above her uncomfortably. Allowing her mind to drift peacefully in the force, Loreena touched the minds of her family. Nata was active, completely focused on his work. Jenny, her handmaiden, was wondering where Loreena had gone, and her father, enjoying the fruits of his power. Briefly, Loreena could sense the sensation of Palpatine's closeness within the force, and it rocked the core of her being. Senator Palpatine had the force with him, but strangely, he wasn't a Jedi, and she was sure he held no knowledge of the force within her. Could it be that he was the one? The dark one her mother had envisioned before she died. Could it truly be him?

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