Daughter of the Empire: Dancing with Sin [Complete]

[Miranda Tarkin]

Imperial Palace, Imperial center

The Grand Corridor had changed little since the reign of Palpatine. His favored Ch'hala trees still lined either side, changing colors with each minute vibration of sound that passed over its sensitive leaves. Normally the corridor was opened to the public with fresh cafes and exotic beverage stands, while admiring the view of Coruscant through red stain glass windows four stories high. A row of chandeliers hung above, barely swaying for not much stirred below.

The corridor had been transformed to seat several hundred. Polished handcrafted benches cut from ancient wroshyr trees seated honored guests representing the Imperial military, local and galactic governors, and of course trusted friends and family. They were to lay witness to another historic event - the wedding of Empress Miranda Tarkin and Baron Gallus Tagge.

Flowers and streamers wove together, connecting the benches along the outside, with red carpet lying in between. The Grand Doorway was carved out of the same material as the palace itself, mirror crystals and polish green rock that shimmered within the candle light that softened the mood of this blessed occasion. Especially with the dozens of Stormtroopers and ceremonial clad Inquisitors present for security. Standing before the ornate doors and upon the last step stood Governor Adlein Endolmir, Moff of Coruscant. The Clone Wars had taken its toll upon Endolmir. He had lost the sight from his left eye and his hand had been scarred so badly that bacta couldn't heal it completely. Black leather gloved his deformity, but he was a man that accepted his duty and the sacrifices it would entail. He fought for order and stability under Palpatine, and would now do so under Tarkin's granddaughter. She would be able to keep the systems in line through fear and respect. He only hoped she would not make the same mistakes as the Grand Moff, thinking that she was untouchable ...

His aged features lined with genuine compassion as he regarded the two young adults kneeling before him. Today was a day of celebration. Not of worries.

To his right knelt Miranda, her hair braided in the traditional Coruscanti way, a long white ribbon intricately woven throughout her hair. It was the only thing keeping her tied up and would remain as such until Gallus would remove it, as was his right as husband.

All eyes were mainly fixated upon their new Empress, who was stunning in her wedding dress. Shoulders bare, the snow white dress cupped her bosom snugly as two folds of cloth overlapped one another across her abdomen almost like a half robe. The rest of the dress billowed out along her hips to the long train of cloth in back. It was simple, yet elegant. Her face was veiled in translucent white, humbly bowed as Endolmir recited the Doctrine of Marriage.

"Marriage is a scared commitment. One that these two honored citizens of our great Empire are willing to make before you this day. They pledge themselves in devotion to one another in mind, flesh and spirit. I beseech you now."

On cue, Miranda and Gallus reached out and laced their fingers together at arms length. It was a symbol that their union had yet to be approved and their love for one another was just barely within arms reach in the eyes of the Imperium.

To Miranda's left stood Lise Tarkin, her mother, blinking away tears of pride at her daughter's marriage and ascension. But there was a touch of sadness that haunted her eyes. A sadness that only Miranda and the woman standing next to her were aware of. Sorsha brought an arm around Lise for comfort, squeezing her gently so their heads could meet.

"Baron Gallus Tagge, repeat after me ..." It was his signal to look upon Miranda. "I Gallus Tagge offer you myself in marriage as written in the Doctrines. I pledge my life, loyalty, honesty, and love in all the days of our lives. Only in death, shall our ties be broken."