Missing and Presumed Dead

Four Souls

Leia felt like she was a prize on display for the entire galaxy.

Because she was.

"Come look at what I captured!" the Emperor seemed to say by having her sit there on a hard backed chair beside his throne. They overlooked a ballroom full of courtiers from all over the galaxy--all human, of course. And sickeningly perfect. "The last Princess of Alderaan! Leader in the Rebellion, all mine!"

She even had the collar to match.

Did anyone notice? she wondered, as she watched courtier after courtier approach the throne and greet the Emperor. They were never close enough for her to try anything--and she checked every single time. She'd be stopped by the red guards flanking them before she reached anyone.

Though, in all likelihood, most of these people didn't have any weapons, stupidly trusting the Emperor and his troops stationed at every window and exit to protect them.

If she could get this collar off, they wouldn't need protection from outside forces...

She flinched as she felt a cold, wrinkled hand settle over hers.

"Good, good," the Emperor gave her a smile that made her want to vomit. "Use your anger, child. It will do you good."

She wrenched her hand away and wiped it off on her dress as though that would remove the stain of his touch from her skin.

The Emperor only chuckled and turned back to his court, watching his subjects like they were the most interesting specimens in the galaxy. She doubted he actually cared or paid attention. He no doubt was still watching her every move...and mood, through the Force.

Her hands clenched into the material of the blood red dress she'd been forced into. A dress that, though she had to admit did look good on her, made her feel...older. Revealed.

Sinister.

It was the same shade as Vader's blade. It hugged her curves and flared out at the calves. It would be difficult to run in, let alone fight, if she got the chance.

She wouldn't, though. She wasn't a fool. Even if she found an opening, she'd be overwhelmed. Without the Force, there was no chance...and if she was honest with herself, she wasn't trained enough in the Force to do much anyway. Not effectively.

Not against the Emperor.

Another couple approached. Royalty from a distant world, she realized.

"Your Imperial Majesty," they greeted, bowing before the Emperor, and when they straightened, they hesitated, looking at her.

"It is rude to not address a fellow royal," the Emperor crooned when they continued to stand there awkwardly. "Princess Leia is my guest. Treat her as such."

"A guest with a collar and rashes from handcuffs." Leia lifted her hands just enough to show her slender wrists, still raw from weeks of chafing.

"Now, now." The Emperor's answering smile was practically a snarl. A warning. "All is in the past. It's equally rude to bring up business that we've already moved past."

Leia scoffed, about to retort, but she was interrupted.

"My apologies, Your Majesty," one of the royals said, the male. He stiffly bowed, and his wife followed suit, both obviously uncomfortable. "We...welcome you back, Princess Leia."

Leia's entire body tensed with fury, but they were already scrambling away, not wishing to be privy to anymore awkward conversations between the Emperor and the apparent former Rebel.