The orchestra played their light tune, enough to keep the mood within the ballroom as serene as possible, going unnoticed for the most part by the guests. Waiters and waitresses skated across the marble floor, offering a variety of delicacies to all those who desired them, returning to the kitchens once their silver platter trays were depleted. Tasteful streamers and banners were strung from the domed ceiling, baring the oppressive seal of the Galactic Empire.
For all those taking part, it was yet another grand display of the Alderaanian royal family's loyalty to the Emperor, an opulent celebration of Empire Day. It brought together the most influential figures from the Core Worlds, along with the regional governors and fleet admirals, all united to commemorate the rise of Emperor Palpatine and his new order. The celebration on Alderaan without a doubt paled in comparison to the annual celebrations that took place on Coruscant -- which typically featured a full military parade, complete with the march of endless battalions of armour clad stormtroopers, finishing off with a fly past of the Imperial fleet -- but there could be no doubting the amount of time and effort that had been spent on the occasion.
Leia stood close to the outskirts of the ballroom, trying in vain to avoid being dragged into any unwanted conversations with the attendees. She looked up at the red and black banners, concealing a sneer that threatened to appear, taking a heavy sip of blossom wine to dull her dark feelings. It was an event that Leia despised more than any other, a celebration of a regime that had spent almost two full decades subjugating and suppressing the galaxy, bringing every system under its ever growing boot. Those feelings were only made worse by the fact that the celebration was being held within the once sacred walls of the royal palace.
It sickened her, but she understood the motivation of her parents, needing to project an appearance of sycophantic loyalty to the despotic Empire to hide their true beliefs. In a galaxy where suspicion and paranoia had practically become an everyday part of life, it was vital to toe the line. In the new galactic order, there were no friends, only associates. Regardless of how much Leia trusted someone, there could be no guarantees that they wouldn't sell her out for speaking her mind, just to earn themselves favour with the ISB. Fortunately, Leia had become well versed with the art of holding her tongue when situation required it.
Such events also had a habit of making her feel terribly isolated, it was hardly the most interesting environment for the eighteen year old princess who much preferred rugged exploration over extravagant banquets. The few guests who were close to her age were either too pompous or absorbed with their own self importance, always taking the opportunity to show off in front of Leia. It became far too grating for her to endure their presence for any longer than a few minutes at a time, with Leia always looking out for a quick escape from a conversation with them. The rest consisted of people who were closer to, or exceeded her parents age, many of whom would only interact with each other if they deemed it beneficial to their standing within the galaxy, always focused on furthering their own profile
"You look about as bored as I feel," a voice gave Leia a fright.
"Do I?" Leia raised an eyebrow, turning around, finding an older man leaning against the wall next to her, somewhere in his fifties if Leia's estimate was right. His salt and pepper hair was cropped into a neat, formal style, complimented by the dark blue Aeien silk suit he had selected for the occasion.
"I don't blame you, I can't stand all the pomp and circumstance. It just feels like an excuse for a group of self-important people to dress up," he explained, giving Leia an apologetic smile, "you and your family being the exception, your highness."
"Well, you aren't entirely wrong," Leia glanced down, looking at the ivory gown that flowed across her slender body, accentuating her narrow waist with the aid of a traditional silver belt. Just like the majority of the clothes that occupied her expansive wardrobe, the gown had been designed by the renowned Delva Racine. It stopped just short of her feet, giving a direct view of the uncomfortable silver heels she had worn, adding a few extra inches to her shorter height. As always, her luxuriant brunette hair had been twisted and pinned into an elaborate style. "It does seem to be a lot of work for little reward."
"I wouldn't say that, I certainly appreciate the sight," the man gazed suggestively at Leia, before extending his hand towards her. "Tolm Pirinda, investment specialist."
"Leia Organa, Crown Princess of Aldedaan," Leia recited the title she had uttered more times than she could ever remember, reaching her own hand out, which was promptly enveloped by Tolm's. "Might I ask what it is you specialise in? I've met many bankers over the years, but never an investor."
"I like to keep my specialties diverse, you can't leave yourself exposed by having all your eggs in one basket. I tend to stick with construction projects, especially ones taking place on Coruscant," Tolm shrugged, "nothing too extravagant."
"One would assume that there simply wasn't any space left on Coruscant to build anything else," Leia replied, with a flicker of humour in her voice, just happy to have a discussion that didn't immediately turn towards voting intentions within the Senate.
She couldn't quite explain why she found herself becoming enamoured with the man who was over three times her age, why she felt a sudden sense of ease that she always lacked at any gatherings of high society of the Core systems. His mischievous grin drew her towards him, with a natural charisma that didn't feel projected in the way it did with the other influential guests. He was a mature man who didn't immediately decide to talk down to her like the others did, something she always appreciated.
"Oh, there's always space, if you know where to look," Tolm winked, swishing his own glass of Pludris gin around, "Coruscant is always undergoing some form of widespread development. I just happen to be very good at being amongst the first to acquire the building permits. But I imagine it sounds terribly boring to you, your highness, numbers and contract procurements."
"I'm always happy to expand my knowledge of galactic financial institutions. After all, I will one take my mother's place as Queen, I need to know the ins and outs," Leia informed him. "And please, call me Leia."
"Well then, Leia," Tolm smiled warmly when a rosy tint bloomed across Leia's pale cheeks, "I'm at your service. What would you like to know?"
Leia and Tolm fell into a quiet conversation, discussing the details of Tolm's various business ventures, with Leia showing a deep interest in how someone who started off as little more than the son of a miner could reach such illustrious heights. It was refreshing for the princess to converse with someone who had made a success of themselves without the aid of well established family connections. He provided her with an insight into the operations of the planning councils that controlled every district and level covering the ecumenopolis, during both the reign of the Republic and the rise of the Empire.
Despite being cognizant of the need to keep her personal thoughts to herself, Leia felt herself relaxing around Tolm, enjoying his company in a way she rarely could, with her parents and Winter being the notable exceptions. To her pleasant surprise, Tolm reciprocated her interest, inquiring about her role and responsibilities within the Apprentice Legislature programme, exploring the various responsibilities that came with the role.
But despite their best efforts to keep their conversation private, it didn't stop unwanted individuals from intruding, fighting to get the attention of the future ruler of Alderaan. Every time they managed to get their discussion back on track, a snobbish aristocrat always found a way to cut through it, intent on whisking Leia away to try and convince her to adopt their intolerable agenda. By the time a dignitary from Vardos had attempted to sequester her for a discussion regarding support over a blockade against trade rivals, Leia felt her patience wearing thin, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by Tolm.
