'Knowing the Court' was crucial for day-to-day dealings within the Palace, and Luke came to realise the value of watching and listening, employing his own recruits to remain always informed. Networks and alliances, both obvious and subtle, constantly shifted here, their influence rippling out beyond it like stones in a pond. In an environment where nothing was obtained without pulling strings, such information was vital both to aid intentions and offset losses.
And even this was a game within a game; kept close to the Emperor whenever he was at the Palace, Luke soon came to realise that Palpatine not only encouraged these trysts but often instigated them, showing favour to those who played the games by the rules, distinguishing Courtiers who did so with acknowledgements and permissions to pass from the Attendant's Hall into the Throne Room,
Strict rules and ceremony covered everything, decreeing anything from who had access to the Emperor, to the titles employed in Court, to the right to sit in an armchair, a highback chair, a stool, or whether one could sit at all whilst 'En Court'.
In the Emperor's presence of course, no-one sat.
The endless rules had seemed petty, pointless and elitist when Luke had first arrived, but forced to accompany the Emperor through countless days, he'd slowly come to recognise that they had been put in place as much for the Emperor's benefit as any insular discrimination; Courtiers arguing amongst themselves and bickering about who had and had not adhered to the insignificant trivia of countless Court customs had neither the time to mount any real organised opposition, nor access to enough of the other Royal Houses to form a solid front without infighting breaking out or being subtly instigated by Palpatine. Those few who did rise above it often found themselves the object of attacks by other Houses based on the slightest of asides from the Emperor, always eager to incite and encourage infighting. The pack mentality was paramount here - anyone who showed any weakness was singled out, the pack attacking at the first smell of blood. Divide and conquer.
His father had no time for any of it, Luke knew, but for himself, he'd learned that it had its place. No matter how under duress, he was at the Palace far more than is father; ignoring it was not an option, since as Heir he had found himself more and more caught up in its influence, and hard experience had taught him that he would be a fool to dismiss something without understanding the dangers it represented. If he chose not to do something - not to adhere to rules or expectations - he should know what the repercussions would be, and for those times when he chose to play the game, he needed to know all the rules - if only to bend and break them. He'd long since learned to run with the pack.
The tall double-doors glided open as he approached, the four Royal Guard who stood to constant attention there whether Court was in session or not stepping smartly to the side.
Luke walked on without hesitation, keeping his eyes forward as he strode into the thick gloom of the massive, imposing expanse of the Throne Room, the myriad of cut rock-crystal lights which hung from the lofty vaulted and reeded ceilings making the gilded walls glow with diffuse shards of soft, reflected light. He walked forward to the rustle of heavy cloth as the multitude of Courtiers within bowed in a rolling wave at his passing, their faces lost in the shadows, Luke's complete attention on his Master - and the shields necessary to protect his own thoughts against him.
"My Jedi returns!" Palpatine stated, tone dryly amused as Luke walked the long aisle to the Dais.
He set his head on one side as Luke reached the pale inset semi-circle of stone on the floor before the Sunburst Throne and stepped smoothly into a kneeling bow before his Master with a minimal dip of his head, one knee to the floor.
"You seem to be missing something, my friend..." Palpatine continued, pausing theatrically, "Ah! A Star Destroyer!"
Though it was routine in the vast Rim Regions where the Rebellion was more entrenched, this was the first time that Luke had ever lost a Destroyer in battle, so he'd expected his Master to take this opportunity to crow. He rose, unperturbed, noting that Palpatine had neglected to mention the 'loss' of General Veers. "I think it bought you something far more valuable, Excellency." he said levelly.
Palpatine leered, indulgent, "Indeed? And what did the Fury buy me?"
"One ship for two heads, Master."
"Two?"
"I understand the Executor visited Degobah recently."
The Emperor's expression changed not a whit at his Jedi's unexpected knowledge of the Executors' mission, but his sense cooled several degrees. "Indeed. It found very little, however."
Luke forced himself not to blink before that searching gaze, "Perhaps Lord Vader searches in the wrong place?"
"He searched where you advised, Jedi."
He loved doing this, Luke knew; holding a private conversation in open Court which only the people involved would understand. Knowledge was power, and his Master treasured any opportunity to illustrate this.
"If you command, I'll return to Degobah and aid in the search. I very much doubt that his quarry has left."
Perhaps he shouldn't have said that; it hinted too closely that he knew the truth. Palpatine watched his Jedi in silence for long seconds, yellow-flecked eyes narrowed in consideration, but Luke had long since learned not only to mask his thoughts, but to conceal the fact that they were being hidden, so he had only to brazen this out - though beneath his Masters razor-sharp scrutiny, that was no small thing. He had been caught before by the smallest of slips and any hesitation was as good as an admission of guilt.
The Emperor remained silent and Luke arranged the slightest shade of confusion on his face; nothing too indignant or offended, just simple lack of perception as to his Master's suspicion.
"No." the Emperor said at last, "Lord Vader found nothing because there was nothing left to find. Only lifeless ruins."
"Lifeless?" Luke feigned realisation.
"It seems my enemies will resort to any means to escape my wrath." The Emperor said, loud enough for all to hear, his mood lightening again.
Luke knew better than to allow this matter to drop too quickly though; it would be out of character, "He's sure? How long?"
"Long enough," Palpatine said, and Luke knew that his Master didn't know; was made certain of the fact by Palpatine's moving on of the conversation, though not too obviously. "And what else did you bring me in exchange for the Fury?"
Luke looked to his Master, not missing the cue. He had of course informed Palpatine of the missions' success before entering hyperspace for the journey back - knew that Mara would have done so even before that, passing on a full breakdown of the events and his own actions... those she knew of - but this was clearly to be the official announcement of Mothma's capture.
"I bring the leader of the Rebellion against you, Master." He announced loudly enough for his voice to carry, "Mon Mothma is in your possession now- the fate of any who challenge the Empire."
It was a subtle distinction - Luke's defence of the Empire rather than the Emperor - but it was meant only for the ears of the few, its relevance lost beneath the greater revelation for the majority.
The susurration travelled through the crowd in a wave of astonishment, igniting a burst of emotion in the Force strong enough to make Luke flinch slightly, his head jerking back, though he never took his eyes from the Emperor.
Palpatine smiled, settling back, "You have done well, my friend. Very well." He feigned careful consideration, making Luke narrow his eyes in cautious suspicion. "Two of my greatest enemies, delivered at my feet. Yes - the cost was small indeed."
The Emperor leaned forward, tone indulgent, "And what would my Wolf like as his reward?"