gala night;
Imperial Balls were thrown at least annually by the newly self-proclaimed Emperor Palpatine; and whilst the good lady trusted she would be hopelessly forgotten after retiring from the Senate, her old mentor and friend proved himself to be more attentive and polished than she ever expected. And Amidala was not even a little bit cheerful about it. Her attendance at the Imperial Palace for the Ball was purely in fear of retaliation on her and on the Naboo; the latter being her ultimate preoccupation, naturally, and to bring harm upon them was something she most certainly would not allow. The return to Coruscant was also nothing pleasant. However, being the realistic woman she was, Amidala refused to dwell on such thoughts and swallowed hard her angst as she had been taught to do since her most tender age. She paced elegantly down the Grand Corridor of the Palace while the clicking of her delicate shoes against the marble-covered floor echoed through the immensity of the chamber.
She signaled for her guards to stay outside the ballroom and made her entrance after being properly announced. Padmé exhibited her most genuine regal grin as people turned their heads over to glance at her and descended the monumental staircase with great daintiness; only to blend in the multitude of nobles and diplomats awaiting for her. The lady patiently made her way through false smiles, empty conversations and unbearably egocentric life forms until she finally found her most dear acquaintances which included old colleagues from the Senate and members of Royal Houses she had the pleasure to have befriended during her terms as monarch of Naboo. Although many of them would just compliment her supposedly exquisite appearance and proceed to small talk, Padmé was relieved to, at least, be apt to give herself the luxury of frivolity amongst trustworthy individuals. Their company was something sufficient, even if for little time, to sweeten the bitter taste of her hard work be laid to waste and the resentment of being practically obliged to celebrate it at a Ball. Feeling she had just ruined her night, Padmé quickly withdrew such thoughts and displayed a gentle smile while excused herself from the group to walk calmly towards the veranda; to breathe.