“Captain Firmus Piett,” her sister began, her bearing and voice at its most elegant. “You are before us today because you are charged with two capital crimes. The first is aiding and abetting the kidnapping of Princess Sola Naberrie. The second is willingly taking part in her forced marriage. Is this clear?”
Firmus lifted his jaw a little in that way he had.
“It is, Your Majesty.”
Rex and Cody stepped away, leaving her Captain alone before Padme’s throne.
“How do you plead to the first charge?” Padme’ asked. Sola put her hands behind her back lest they betray her anxious energy.
“I plead not guilty, Your Majesty,” Firmus said clearly.
Padme’ nodded the delicate gold chains on her headpiece swinging gently.
“And to the second, Captain?”
Firmus paused very slightly then looked Padme’ straight in the eye. “I am guilty of that, ma’am.”
