Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars!
AN: Here's chapter 2! Thanks for the great response! I'm so glad you're all enjoying this final installment!
Fifteen years have passed since Never Gone II, so here's an age check:
Anakin-40
Padme-45
Obi-Wan-55
Lea-50
Luke and Leia-20
Han-30
Anna Skywalker-15
Jeena Kenobi-17
Jayden Jinn Kenobi-14
Kira Organa-19
Never Gone III
Chapter 2: The Coronation
The procession began and Chancellor Amidala-Skywalker entered on her husband's arm. He was dressed in his finest formal black robes and she wore an elaborate royal blue gown. Her hair was up high in a wrapped headband and her long curls flowed down her back. Luke and Leia followed them. Luke was also dressed in his finest robes and Leia wore a deep maroon gown with her hair in a similar style as her mother's. Luke smiled at Kira, as they passed by her. Luke and Leia stood on either side of their father, while they all stood behind Padme, who stepped to the podium.
"Greetings, fellow Nabooan citizens and friends from other worlds. I come before you this evening with great pleasure to introduce Naboo's newly elected Queen. Though I have introduced Naboo's three previous Queens to you, this coronation holds a special meaning for me, my husband, and our family. Tonight, we present your new Queen to you, who also happens to be our youngest daughter. We know that she will serve Naboo well. We are very proud to present to you, Queen Erilana, Naboo's next Queen," Padme announced. Anna entered in an elaborate black gown with silver trim and designs and full makeup. Her sandy blonde hair was tucked into a glittering silver headdress. Her handmaidens surrounded her, as she walked to the front of the large room and carefully stepped up to the podium. Padme smiled at her and stepped back next to Anakin.
"Fellow citizens, I am honored that you have elected me to be your Queen. I take an oath tonight to serve you, my people and establish a benevolent rule that my predecessors have upheld. You, the people, have put me on this throne with your trust that I can uphold the honor of this post. I shall not betray that trust and I thank you for your faith. I also must take a moment to thank my family and especially my parents. Their love and support is the reason I stand before you tonight. My mother was once your Queen and she remains the most loved and effective Queen in Nabooan history. I will follow her example and use all she has taught me to serve you, as well as she did," Anna concluded. There was applause, as Padme picked up a medal with the Nabooan crest pendant attached.
"Each Queen keeps this crest in her possession during her term. It represents peace and prosperity. Tonight, you shall wear it in honor of your ascension to this sacred throne," Padme said formally, as she put it around her neck. There was more applause and Padme hugged her daughter.
"Daddy and I are so proud of you," Padme said, as she stepped back to let Anakin hug her. Luke and Leia followed suit.
"We're really proud of you too, baby sister," Luke said.
"Thanks Luke," Anna replied.
"So, can a father get a dance with his baby girl, even though she is now Queen?" Anakin asked.
"You know I always have a dance for you, daddy," Anna replied, as her father led her onto the dance floor. Luke smiled at Kira, as he approached her.
"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked.
"You may," she replied with a smile, as he led her to the dance floor. Anna's dance with her father ended and she accepted a dance with her Uncle Obi-Wan. Anakin gladly accepted his wife's invitation to dance and took her in his arms, as they swayed to the rhythm of the music. Prince Isolder stood in the corner, sipping at his wine, as he watched Leia dance with Bail Organa.
"Isolder, what are you waiting for?" a woman asked. Her face was aged and wrinkles adorned the skin around her eyes and mouth. She had long black hair that was streaked heavily with silver and she wore a long black gown.
"Patience mother, things must be handled delicately. We do not want to tip them off to any of our ulterior motives or should I say your ulterior motives," Isolder snapped.
"I will not have you messing this up! We need this union," his mother lectured.
"Yes...to fix your mistakes! You've almost bankrupt us with all your business ventures and expenditures," Isolder replied.
"You are not without fault in this situation, my son!" she yelled.
"I know mother! But if we are not careful, they will see right through us! Believe it or not, I do not want anyone to get hurt. I will romance Leia in hopes that she will accept my marriage proposal. I will not coerce her," Isolder replied.
"And if she rejects you?" his mother asked.
"Then we will find an alternative course of action," Isolder replied.
"You are a naive fool then. There is no alternative," his mother scolded.
"Thank you for your confidence, mother. She will be swayed to me, you'll see," Isolder replied, as he slowly approached her.
Kira and Leia smiled, as they watched Luke dance with his youngest sister.
"She looks so grown up," Kira mentioned.
"I know. I can scarcely believe that she's actually as old as she is. Even though Jayden is a little younger, everyone is always going to consider her the baby," Leia said.
"Well, I don't think she minds that title too much, being that she comes from such a loving family," Kira replied.
"Hey, your probably going to be a part of this family someday too," Leia replied, with a smile. Kira smiled and blushed, as she gazed out at Luke.
"I hope so," she replied.
"Excuse me, Senator Skywalker, may I have this dance?" Leia looked up to see a handsome man with long ash blonde hair bowing respectfully before her. He was indeed attractive, but not at all her type.
"Um...you may," Leia replied, not wanting to be rude. She was led to the dance floor, just as Luke approached.
"Who is that?" he asked, referring to the man dancing with his twin.
"I don't know. Do you have another dance for me though?" Kira asked, with a smile.
"Of course," he replied, as he led her onto the dance floor.
Anakin and Padme stood near the front of the room, enduring the most boring part of their evening. Greeting diplomats and accepting their well wishes. Anakin had to resist the urge to yawn, as some Senator carried on an inane conversation with his wife, who was also bored to tears. His attention was perked when he noticed a man he did not recognize, dancing with Leia.
"Thank you Senator Manx, I will take your proposal into consideration," Padme humored the man.
"Angel, do you know who that man is? The one dancing with Leia?" Anakin asked. Padme looked out onto the dance floor and vaguely recognized the young man.
"I think that's Prince Isolder of the Hapes Consortium," Padme answered.
"What is he doing all the way here from Hapes?" Anakin wondered.
"Chancellor Amidala, it's been too long!" a woman exclaimed, as she approached them.
"Queen Mother, Ta'a Chume, how lovely to see you," Padme lied.
"Darling, you haven't changed hardly at all! No one would ever believe that your in your mid forties! What is your secret?" she asked. Padme blanched at her forwardness.
"Ah, no secret really. Love has kept me young, I suppose you could say," Padme replied.
"Oh yes...I'll bet he does keep you young. You must introduce me," the Queen replied, as she looked Anakin up and down. What Padme really wanted to do was claw her eyes out, but as always, she remained professional.
"Queen Chume, this is my husband, Anakin Skywalker," Padme introduced.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness," Anakin replied politely.
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Master Skywalker. You are even more handsome in person than on the Holonet. You are a very lucky woman, Chancellor and the envy of just about every woman in the galaxy," the Queen said. Padme suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and changed the subject.
"I see your son has accompanied you. I must say I did not expect you both to make such a long journey for this night," Padme replied.
"Oh darling, when I heard your own little girl was being crowned Queen, we just had to come congratulate you in person. And it seems my son is quite taken with your eldest daughter, Leia," Ta'a replied.
"Quite," Padme replied neutrally.
"I do hope we may catch up during my time here. The last time I saw you, you were just a new Senator and as single as one woman can get. I would love to hear how you managed to capture the heart of a man like Master Skywalker," the Queen commented. Her comment was meant to sound innocent enough, but Padme caught the thinly veiled insult within her words. And so did Anakin.
"Your majesty, believe me when I say that I am the lucky one who managed to capture her heart," Anakin replied, as he raised his wife's hand to his lips. Padme had to resist the urge to blush. Even after twenty-one wonderful years of marriage, he could still make her knees weak. He still romanced her and made it known that she was the only woman for him.
"It was her that captured my heart when I was just a little boy and by some stroke of good fortune, this angel returned my love. Now, if you'll excuse us, I would very much love to dance with my beautiful wife," Anakin said, as he led her onto the dance floor. Padme giggled, as he twirled her and pulled her into his arms.
"The look on her face was priceless," Padme laughed.
"Well, if she's going to insult you right in front of me, then she deserves everything she gets. What I don't understand is why she came all the way from Hapes for Anna's coronation," he replied.
"Well, if know her, there's ulterior motives for sure," Padme replied.
"What do you know about her?" he asked.
"When I first came to the Senate, she was being charged with fraud and extortion," Padme said. Anakin raised an eyebrow.
"She was cooking the books?" he asked. Padme nodded.
"Yes and she refuted the Senate's claims, telling them that she had been framed by a few conspirators in her cabinet. The Senate convicted her and sent her to prison on a fifteen year sentence. But the Chancellor overturned the ruling, saying he had been given proof of her innocence. Her entire cabinet was arrested and she was pardoned, thus reinstating her as Queen Mother," Padme replied.
"But you think she really was guilty?" he asked.
"She has a strong sway over her people and was a long time supporter of Palpatine. I think they even had a relationship for a while, as gruesome as that is to think about," Padme said.
"Well, I'll keep an eye on them both, especially her son," he replied, as he eyed his daughter still dancing with the prince.
"Now Ani, you can't scare off every potential suitor that our daughters have," Padme lightly scolded.
"Watch me," Anakin mumbled. Padme giggled.
"Now, who knows? Prince Isolder might be very nice. We certainly cannot hold his mother's action against him until we have met him," Padme said.
"Fine, but if his hand moves any lower on my daughter's back, then I'm going to personally break Prince Eyesore in half," Anakin said. Padme burst out laughing, not caring that it disrupted those around her.
"My love, I do believe his name is Isolder," Padme corrected.
"Uh huh," Anakin replied, fully intending to refrain from correcting himself.
"I must tell you that I've been an admirer of yours for some time now. Your dedication to your work in the Senate is truly admirable. It seems you inherited more than just your beauty from your mother," Isolder complimented smoothly.
"Thank you, your majesty," Leia accepted his compliment.
"Oh please milady, call me Isolder," he replied.
"If you insist," Leia replied.
"I would like very much to meet your parents. Would you be so kind as to introduce me after our dance?" he asked.
"You want to meet them?" she asked.
"Why of course. I mean, your father is a legend, as is your mother, at least in the political area," he replied.
"You're interested in politics?" she asked.
"Oh yes, the political arena is where I find my strengths. I also love piloting. I believe I have that in common with your father," Isolder replied, as the song ended.
"It looks as though my mother is speaking to them again. This would be the perfect opportunity for me to introduce you to my mother as well," Isolder replied. Leia really wasn't interested in him, but allowed him to lead her over to them.
"Mister Solo, it's good to see you again. Or is it Captain now?" Typho asked, as he shook Han's hand.
"Yeah, it's Captain now. Sort of got my own business. This is Chewy, my partner," Han introduced. Typho nodded politely to the Wookie and Chewy rawled.
"If your partner is okay with staying here for the moment, I can take you up to the festivities to see Anakin and Padme," Typho said.
"Uh...I ain't exactly dressed for a party," Han replied. Typho smiled.
"Nonsense, they'll be thrilled to see you," Typho replied.
"Well, okay. I'll be back soon, Chewy," Han said, as he left the palace hanger with Typho.
"So, what's the celebration for?" Han asked. Typho smiled.
"Our little Anna has just been crowned Queen. Tonight is her coronation," Typho replied. Han's eyes widened.
"Anna? But she was just a baby the last time I saw her," Han replied.
"It's been fifteen years, Solo. The kids are not so little anymore. Luke is preparing for the trials, Leia is a Senator now, and Anna has also followed in her mother's footsteps by becoming Queen," Typho replied.
"Sounds like I've missed a lot," Han answered.
"Yes, but you'll fit right back in, I'm sure," Typho replied, as they neared the ball room.
"Chancellor Amidala-Skywalker, it is a great honor to finally meet you. It is easy to see where Leia has inherited her incredible beauty from," Isolder said, as he kissed Padme's hand.
"Thank you, Prince Isolder. That is very kind of you to say," Padme replied.
"And Master Skywalker, it is great honor to meet the savior of the galaxy as well. I grew up on stories of your adventures," Isolder said.
"Nice to meet you too," Anakin lied.
"Leia, this is my mother, Queen Mother Ta'a Chume," Isolder introduced.
"It is lovely to meet you, your majesty," Leia replied.
"Likewise, darling," she replied.
"I haven't got to dance with my oldest daughter tonight. How about it, princess?" Anakin asked Leia.
"Sure daddy," Leia replied, as they walked onto the dance floor.
"I must tell you, Chancellor, that I am quite taken your daughter," Isolder said. Padme was silent and he continued.
"Her beauty, intellect, and prowess in the political arena have astounded me like no other woman ever has. I would like permission to court your daughter," Isolder asked formally. Padme had seen it coming a mile away, but it still did not erase the eery and foreboding feeling in her. The Queen, as poor an actress as she was, pretended to be delightfully surprised.
"Oh my son! What a wonderful beginning this could be for our families!" The Queen exclaimed.
"Prince Isolder, I do not make decisions for my daughter. If you wish to ask her on a date, then you must ask her yourself. Her father and I shall never force one of our children into a union. They will all choose the people they wish to be with and there will be no political marriages of any kind in this family. If your intentions for her are pure, then you may ask her if she is interested in dating you. If she is not, then you will not press the issue," Padme said sternly. Isolder's heart sank. The Chancellor had indeed looked right through them. But it was possible he could still salvage his image. He really did like Leia and found her incredibly attractive.
"Forgive me, Chancellor, but I assure you that my intentions are pure. I promise I would never do anything to harm her," Isolder replied.
"See that you don't. My husband is not a man you want to anger and he is very protective of his family. Hurt one of our babies and your life will be forfeit. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other delegates I must greet," Padme excused herself and Isolder gulped nervously.
"This was a bad idea, mother," Isolder replied.
"You are such a coward," Ta'a scolded.
"You heard her mother! If they knew why we really need Leia, we'd both be on our way to the palace dungeon!" Isolder exclaimed quietly.
"Not if we are careful. Go on, ask the little Senator to accompany you to some social outing. We are not finished yet," Ta'a said. Isolder sighed, worked up his courage, and walked onto the dance floor.
"So, this Prince Eyesore, what is he up to?" Anakin asked.
"Daddy, his name is Isolder and he was very nice to me. He's not really my type, but I humored him. He is a guest, after all," Leia replied.
"Just be careful, princess. I think he's up to something. Or at least, his mother is," Anakin replied.
"Daddy, I'm not a baby anymore and you taught me how to take care of myself," Leia said.
"You're always going to be my little girl, Leia. And...I know I need to let go, but it's hard for me," Anakin replied. Leia hugged him.
"I'll always need you, daddy," Leia promised.
"Excuse me, Master Skywalker, but may I cut in?" Isolder asked. Anakin glared at him.
"It's okay daddy," Leia replied. Anakin let Isolder cut in, but fixated a glare on him, as he walked way. Isolder knew Anakin would be watching him.
"Your father carries a formidable presence," Isolder said.
"Daddy is very protective, but he's about the best dad any kid could ever ask for," Leia replied.
"It is wonderful that you have so many people that love you. Many envy that," he said.
"Yes, I am very lucky," she answered.
"Leia, I would like to ask you if you'd like to accompany me to dinner and perhaps a showing of the Nabooan symphony tomorrow night," Isolder asked.
"Prince Isolder, you are very nice, but I do not really feel anything between us," Leia replied.
"One date Leia, that is all I ask. I am quite taken with you," Isolder replied. Leia contemplated for a moment and decided that there was no harm in one date.
"All right...one date," Leia relented.
"You will not regret this milady. I promise you will have a wonderful time," he replied. Leia sighed and looked over to her family. They were gathering around a very familiar looking brown-haired man.
"Oh my goodness...it's Han," Leia said.
"Excuse me Isolder, but an old family friend has just arrived," Leia said, as she left him behind on the dance floor.
"Milady, I found this old friend wandering in the palace hanger," Typho said. Padme gasped and hugged the young man before her.
"Han! Oh, it's been so long!" Padme exclaimed.
"Hello Miss Padme," Han replied.
"Look at you. You've grown up to be so handsome," Padme replied. Han blushed.
"Nah, you look great though. Haven't changed at all," Han replied.
"Han, is that really you?" Anakin asked.
"Sure is," Han replied, as he extended his hand. Anakin took his hand and pulled the young man into a hug.
"We've missed you! What kept you away for so long?" Anakin asked.
"Ah, you know, lots of stuff I guess. Thought I'd drop in and catch up," Han replied.
"Wow, it really is you!" Han heard a young male voice say. He turned and swore he was looking at a younger copy of Anakin.
"Luke? Boy, someone sprouted nicely. How ya been, kid?" he asked.
"Great! And you?"
"Oh you know me, I'm always hanging in there. So, you gonna introduce me?" Han asked, noticing the girl next to him.
"Oh yeah, Han, this is my girlfriend Kira. Kira, this is Han Solo," Luke said. Kira shook his hand.
"It's nice to meet you Han. I've heard a lot about you from Luke's parents," Kira replied.
"So, I hear the little one is Queen now," Han replied.
"Yeah, she's out there on the dance floor somewhere. I'll go get her," Luke said.
"Hello Han," a female voice drew his attention and he looked up to find the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.
"Well, look at you princess. You're all grown up now," Han replied.
"So are you. It's been a long time," Leia replied, as she hugged him timidly.
"Yeah, it has," Han replied, as he stared at her. Padme smiled knowingly, as she watched them interact.
"Leia, why don't you and Han dance," Padme suggested.
"Would you like to?" Leia asked.
"Ah, I'm not really dressed for this kind of thing," Han replied.
"Oh come on, it will be fun!" Leia replied, as she pulled him onto the dance floor.
"Who is that scruffy looking urchin that she's dancing with?" Ta'a snapped.
"I don't know mother. Leia said he was an old family friend," Isolder replied, as he watched her.
"You better see that he does not spoil our plans," she said.
"Don't worry mother. I am the one she is accompany on an outing tomorrow night," Isolder replied. Ta'a smiled evilly.
"My plans are working...and everything will fall into place. Amidala will be dethroned and the only true ruler this galaxy has ever had will rise...again..." the Queen hissed silently to herself...
