Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Star Wars.

"Your Highness," Captain Panaka calls to me as I abruptly leave the throne room.

Picking up the skirts to my extravagant cloak, I sprint down the hall. Instead of replying, I ignore him. I walk swiftly down the palace's corridors, and search for my private chambers. It'd be the only good place for me now. To be alone in complete silence. Then I'd actually have time to cool down and think.

Right now I am angry. Furious.

I don't wish to converse with Panaka any more than I have to if it's going to involve yelling and constant objections.

Being Queen, I was instructed to have a meeting with Captain Panaka to discuss security matters. I didn't mind at first, but as the discussion progressed, I found myself getting more and more agitated.

He told me my handmaidens were not just chosen for their courage and intelligence, but were also chosen to be near my height and weight. When I asked him why, he said that if any danger should arise, one of them would take my place. An overwhelming anger rose inside of me. Did he really think I would do that? Run out on my people and worry only of my own safety? Did he think I wasn't brave enough to stand tall in the face of danger? Did he doubt my capability as Queen?

Those were the very questions plaguing my mind when I dashed out of the throne room.

The last question in my head didn't need to be asked. I already knew he doubted me. He had shown his displeasure when I was elected Queen a week ago. Although he never said anything to me personally, I did overhear him mention to the palace gaurds that he thought I was too young to be Queen. He ignored the fact that from an early age, I had been trained by the best teachers on Naboo. He ignored the fact that I had served as ruler of Theed, our capital city, for two years, and could best King Veruna in any debate.

He must not think of me as anything but a clueless young girl. I may be fourteen years old (fifteen in three more rotations), but I am intelligent beyond my years. I just wish he could comprehend that.

My thoughts pause when I reach my chamber doors. There are two gaurds in front of me, one on each side of the doors. They both straighten when they recognize me. I look at them expectantly, and they both pull open the doors. I instruct them not to let anyone disturb me unless it is an emergency, and have them close the doors behind me.

I sigh quietly.

I don't want the guards to hear me. I don't want them doubting my leadership too. I take in the room around me. I stare at the intricate designs on the walls and the ornate ceiling patterns. Even though I have lived in the palace for a week, I am still in awe at its incredible moldings and architecture. The furnishings lack nothing either. They are just as magnificent as the rest of the palace.

But I didn't become Queen to live extravagantly. I became Queen to make a difference. To maintain peace. To extinguish what was corrupt in the system. And at the moment, it doesn't seem like I'm doing a very good job of it. I've just walked out on a disagreement with my security guard. Perhaps I am more childish than I thought.

I shuffle out onto the balcony, hoping that a little fresh air will help me clear my thoughts. I rest both my hands on the railing surrounding the balcony, and breath in. I look below me. The waterfalls of Theed sparkle. Trees and plants surround the square in a thousand shades of living green. My planet is a jewel. From deep space, it looks like an emerald. It is a world that I love. I would die before I see my people hurt, my world destroyed. But am I choosing the right way to protect it? Maybe I should reconsider what Panaka had said.

Just then, I hear a light rapping on the door. I don't have to turn around to know who it is. He must've persuaded them somehow. They don't usually go against the Queen's command.

"Your Highness," Panaka says. "permission to speak with you?"

I whirl around to face the doors, the barrier between us, and take a deep breath before responding.

"Permission granted. Come in."

The guards open the doors, and Panaka steps in cautiously, looking at me like I might explode. I won't. I've managed to clear my head, so I'll try to agree with whatever he proposes. I turn myself back around, looking out over the balcony again.

"What do you propose we do with this matter?" I ask.

He stops beside me on the balcony and follows my gaze. We stare at the city below us.

"This is not a choice of yours," he says firmly.

I am shocked by his tone of voice and I have to stop myself from scoffing. Not a choice of mine? I am the Queen of Naboo, shouldn't I have a say in who will be putting their lives in danger in order to protect me?

"This is an established security procedure." He finishes. I nod once in understanding.

"I do not wish to argue with you Captain. If this is what must be done, so be it." I say flatly.

"Naboo has been at peace for years," he says matter-of-factly. "I doubt we'll need to resort to this procedure during your reign." I turn my head to look at him. I need to confirm that he believes that to be true.

"I hope not," is all I say.

He stares back at me sadly, then departs from my chambers and resumes doing his duty.

I stay on the balcony for hours.

Waiting for the light to fade, and darkness to claim the planet.

When night falls, I get the sudden feeling that I am being watched. My breath catches in my throat and I look all around me. There's no one to be seen. I want to call for one of my guards, but I don't want to seem cowardly. Whatever it is that I feel is watching me, it's certainly below me.

Trying to be brave, I cautiously bend over the ledge and peer down to the ground below.

Nothing.