Senator Padme Naberrie Amidala Skywalker was going over the latest war reports when she heard the sound of muffled sobs. Looking out into the otherwise empty hallway she saw the shaking figure of Senator Keara L'Genyia of the planet Hiros.
"Senator," she called out. "You look like you need someone to talk to. Here, come inside." Padme knew very little about the other senator, but she did know that she was one of the few senators to have continued their work after childbirth, a path Padme wished to follow herself. Also, she knew when a person needed someone to talk to.
After boiling a pot of water for tea, Padme seated herself in a chair across from her fellow senator. "So, Senator L'Genyia, what's wrong? I know we don't know each other very well, but I'd be glad to help in any way I can."
Keara hesitated, but only for a second. She had heard how kind and compassionate the other Senator was, and she also felt an urge to talk to someone.
"Can you keep a secret?" She felt she had to ask. She didn't want her love to be thought of by the other Jedi as one who broke their sacred code.
"Of course," said Padme firmly. "Whatever it is, I won't tell a soul. "I- It's my husband," she said. "He was killed in the war."
Padme's breath caught in her throat. Few people, if any outside of her family knew the identity of Senator L'Genyia's lover, and of course Padme was among the larger group. "Oh my," she breathed. "Senator, I offer you my most sincere condolences, and again if there is any way I could assist you, please don't hesitate to let me know. However, one thing still bothers me. Why must I keep that a secret? If that question is too personal, you don't have to answer, and I assure you that I will keep-"
"No, Senator Amidala, you're right. I guess I should tell you the truth. My husband was a Jedi. I am not proud of our love, but I cannot deny it. I wish he was not a Jedi, as few even live to retirement age, but he loved his work, so I couldn't ask him to resign. There's more though, Senator. Our daughter is, although not as powerful as the average Jedi, Force-sensitive. I couldn't bear to part with her for Jedi training, and so my husband, Knight Villois was teaching her to control and understand the Force. Many go crazy when they don't understand the Force, and I fear for her safety. But I cannot give her to the Jedi, as she is too old, and it would shame my late husband's name."
With that, she stood up, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you for your kindness Senator, but I really must leave." She walk quickly to the door.
After she left, the tears Padme had been holding in poured out. Most were tears of sympathy, as one day she might have to go through something similar herself. But some were, as ashamed as she was to admit it, tears of relief. After all, it could have been Anakin.