Prologue
I surveyed the courtyard from our perch on the balcony, waiting for Master Qui-Gon's orders. From where I was, I could see most of the city. Vegetation seemed to be everywhere, from the neatly arranged flowers to the vines that spread across the stone walls.
Theed was as green as I expected it to be, even despite its regal appearance.
The Gungan beside me, who somehow ended up coming along with us, looked anxiously at Qui-Gon.
"When are weesa goin' down derr? I'ma sick of waitin'!" He whined, stomping his feet.
I let out a sigh. Why Qui-Gon chose to bring this brainless life form along was beyond me. I suppose he was a bit useful on our journey through the planet's core, but his presence was starting to feel like I was taking care of a child. And not a very bright child at that.
Qui-Gon simply responded, "Soon", and dropped his hand to his holster. I shifted my gaze back to the empty expanse below, hearing the sound of distant footsteps. I also grabbed the hilt of my lightsaber.
Coming from around the corner was the source of the footsteps, a group of captives flanked by battle droids. They were the kind of droids we saw on the Trade Federation's blockade ship, produced by the thousands, but fortunately for us, they weren't the smartest of machines. Simultaneously, Qui-Gon and I leaped off the balcony, our lightsabers ignited. I could hear the shriek of the Gungan as he too tried to pull of the same stunt.
We got rid of the small band of droids easily, deflecting but a couple blasts and slashing them apart. That was when I finally got a good look at the captives, as Qui-Gon began to explain and give directions to the former hostages.
A few guards, who Qui-Gon told to take the weapons of the fallen droids as we left the enclosure.
An older man, who I later learned was the governor.
The Queen, who was dressed in flamboyant royal attire.
And a couple of women wearing orange hooded gowns.
Handmaidens. The queen's servants. They all looked almost identical to one another, as I observed them while Master Qui-Gon conversed with the Queen and the governor.
One of them, who was closest to the Queen's side, turned her head and instantly caught my wandering gaze. She had dark brown eyes that seemed to sparkle when they met mine. Her gaze looked alert. Worried. And yet there was a softness in her stare, one that I couldn't quite understand.
I felt embarrassed, quickly looking away to where Qui-Gon was leading us, the entrance to the main hangar room.
Somehow, I knew that her expression meant more than just the observing gaze of a Queen's simple handmaiden. Somehow, I knew she was special.
Author's Note: Next chapter will be set during the beginning of Episode II, and continue on from there. If you liked it so far, please subscribe, because I will be writing more as soon as possible. Thanks!