Upon hearing the news of Anakin Skywalker's and Obi-Wan Kenobi's departure, Breha began to fret. She was hoping to find a match for Padme Amidala. She wanted happiness for her goddaughters, but sadly, the girls were eitehr disinterested, or incapable of of finding someone to marry. But they were few of the most beautiful girls in the Republic. What had gone wrong? Perhaps they were too smart, too accomplished which frightened potential husbands away.
Or perhaps... there weren't enough prominent men to choose from in Naboo. Breha decided the girls would visit her relatives, where they will meet an potential husband. A change of scenary would do them some good.
Coruscant was the perfect place. Home of the Republic and senate. After all, that's where she met her prince, Senator Bail Organa. Anakin was also there. Perhaps he and Padme might cross paths. There would be nothing Obi-Wan Kenobi could do to separate them then... the wretched man!
He only split the young couple apart out of malice, and jealousy because he couldn't find a woman as accomplished as Padme Amidala. Not even in someone like Christa, who he looked down his nose upon. Christa had come from a prominent middle class family with many connections, but had little political power of her own to speak of.
Of course she was accomplished in that, she played the pianoforte, was a beautiful singer, and pleasing to the eye. She was also terribly bright. An avid reader who understood politics and the Republic as well as anyone else.
In fact, Christa seemed to prefer reading to other beings, the foremost reason why she had no husband to begin with.
Breha called her sister Bremma who came to Longhourne three days later to offer Padme solace at her private retreat on Coruscant. Some time away might cheer her up. Of course, Padme had feigned indifference, even wore her "politician" face to ward off pitying stares. But truthfully, she was more than happy to get away. Perhaps hopeful of seeing Anakin there.
Padme bade them all goodbye, waving to Christa, Breha, Charlotte, Kitty, Lydia, and Mary. All of Breha's goddaughters.
As the ship rose to the sky, a solemn Charlotte, who stood next to Christa turned to her god sister, a grim look upon her face.
"What is it?" Christa asked.
"Well..." Charlotte answered. "You must first promise not to be angry with me."
"Why should I ever be angry with you?" Christa asked.
"I'm getting married," Charlotte answered.
Christa tried to hide her dismay but could not. Charlotte, as Breha claimed, was not the most attractive young woman. But she was a kind soul with a good heart, why should any man not want to marry her?
"I'm marrying Mr. Binks," Charlotte blurted.
"Mr. Binks!?" Christa wailed. "How could you? He's... he's... ridiculous!" she exclaimed.
"Don't laugh at him Christa, he's a good man."
Charlotte stared, a defensive look in her eye and stance. Immediately, Christa could not help but resent the union, for Charlotte would inherit her family's wealth as wife to Mr. Jar Jar Binks. Where would she go now that her fortune was gone forever? What will she do while Charlotte is living in her parent's house and spending her squandering her family's fortune?
Christa scoffed.
" I can't believe you," she cried.
"Please, understand my sister. I am 27 seven years old and still living with my parents. I'm not as beautiful or as smart as you or Padme... Yes, I know I am not the prettiest girl... and, let's face it, they're not exactly standing in line for me."
Immediately, Christa withdrew her anger and began to feel sympathy for the young woman, hearing her confession. Unlike the other girls, Charlotte was the only one in desperate need of getting married. Unlike the others, her fortune had not been entailed to a male relative, but withheld from her until she found a husband.
"I shall hold my tongue. You must do what is best for you, and we are still friends."
Charlotte gave her a dim smile, turned and hurried off. Breha, who was just behind them, having overheard the conversation was angered by Charlotte's betrayal. Moreso than Christa could ever be. Breha had promised the parents of her goddaughters that she would look out for them, get them married, and secure their futures, and now, thanks to Charlotte... Christa's fortune has been lost forever.
Breha could not bear to even look at Charlotte that evening. Instead of securing her own fortune by marrying someone, she managed to get both hers and Christa's too. But now that her work was done with Charlotte, as she would soon be married, there was little reason for the girl to stay at Longhourne and little reason for Breha to stand her.
The following day, Charlotte was sent away from her god sisters, all the way home.
In trying to figure out a way to find a husband for Christa, Breha realised, that there was not a man in all of Naboo who capable of winning Christa's heart. She was a tough nut to crack indeed, and the man to persevere would need to be an intellectual equal, someone good, kind, and worthy of her respect.
Like Padme, Christa was in need of being sent away. So, the very next day, Breha sent her to Alderaan. The men were prominent, intelligent, and handsome there. A new pool of potential husbands for Christa to choose from.
Christa arrived by Class 1 flight midday, then traveled by ground cruiser to the home of Breha's uncle. Along the way, there in the streets a wedding was in mid-celebration. The wedding was beautiful, as golden rays of sunlight streamed into the city from the sky, and flower petals were thrown about in a flurry like falling snow.
Christa raised her umbrella, to save her hair from frizz and watched the procession with the crowd. There, she saw Charlotte and Mr. Jar Jar Binks waving to the crowds, both smiling, and happy with their new union.
Charlotte spotted Christa almost immediately, and left the line to converse with her.
"You're here!"
"Yes, I am," Christa smiled. "Congratulations."
"Well... little congratulations are in order," she answered modestly. "I assure you, it is not all that it seems. Our union will never be a real one, with someone I might love or who will love me in return. It is a matter of finances and politics."
"Well, Mr. Binks surely stands to benefit from it."
"Christa, I need you more than ever now. If you are truly my friend, you will comfort me."
"How shall I?" Christa answered.
"Travel with Mr. Binks and I to our new estate. We live one of Chancellor Palpatine's houses on one of his many estates here on Alderaan."
"I suppose he's here to keep an eye on the conflict, and politics of Mr. Organa."
"Undoubtedly," Charlotte replied.
"Fine. I will join you, Christa said. I will alert my uncle to my whereabouts."
"Mr. Binks and I will escort you."
Soon, things were like old again, like nothing had ever happened. The ladies giggled and laughed, talked of many things. It was clear to Christa that Charlotte was nervous about the union, but happy to keep her own house. In a strange way, Mr. Binks and Charlotte seemed perfect for each other.
The following day, Christa and Charlotte took a walk in a field where they talked of many other things. Including, the situation with Padme, Anakin Skywalker, and even his oft loathe "master" Obi Wan Kenobi.
"Strange, even on the night in which you were offended by him, I often found his eyes lingering upon you from afar...when no one is looking. What do you make of that?"
"Perhaps he was thinking of other ways to slight me," Christa replied.
"Tonight, we are joining Chancellor Palpatine at his estate for dinner. You should wear your finest dress."
Christa could hardly believe that she would be dining with the high chancellor of the Republic! This made her wonder what life would be like if she had married Mr. Binks instead of Charlotte.
She then admitted that Mr. Binks would not have made her happy. Christa longed for true love, as unreasonable and unconventional as it sounded. Would she ever find it? She lamented...
Christa had worn a beautiful brown dress with lace trimming and her finest pearls. They were small, and not too much of a distraction and she was certain she didn't look as though she were trying too hard. She wore her hair in a bun, allowing soft curly tendrils to fall wherever they may.
They arrived to Rosings by ground cruiser, and passed through its brass majestic gates across the court yard to the door.
The Manor was as ancient as Alderaan itself, and grand. She imagined the opulent lifestyle the Chancellor had been accustomed to living, then thought about her future, and how frugal she might be forced to live one day.
As they entered behind Mr. Binks, who walked tall and clumsily before them, the first person they saw was Chancellor Palpatine, who stood as they entered the room.
"Meesta Palpatine," Jar Jar said. "You know my wife. Meesa pleased to introduce to our guest, her god sister Miss Christa Xha."
The ladies bowed in the custom of the Alderaan people. The Chancellor smiled.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," the chancellor said in a coarse voice. Strangely, he didn't sound as benevolent in person as he did on News Holovoid.
"Thank you, sir," Christa answered.
As she spoke, a figure appeared from a shadow near the corner of the room. Christa's eyes were instantly drawn to it, and to the man whose face had been revealed by the light.
"Master Kenobi!" Christa exclaimed, then bowed.
Obi Wan Kenobi lowered his head, in a gesture to return her formal greeting.
"What are you doing here?" she blurted.
"I am a guest of Chancellor Palpatine," he answered. "You are already acquainted with Master Windu?"
"Yes, yes I am Christa said, as his figure appeared from where the piano stood. "We last saw each other at the ball," she smiled.
Mace Windu grinned. Neither of them bowed or adhered to any formalities, a familiarity between them.
"It is good to see you," Mace replied.
"You know Master Kenobi?" the chancellor asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, I've met Mr. Kenobi before," Christa answered. "At Longhourne and Netherfield ball, on Naboo."
The Chancellor seemed like a man who thought so highly of himself, that he needed to be privy to everything. How they met, whether she knew Anakin, her upbringing, her family, whether she was married. These were all the questions he asked following her admitting to meeting Master Kenobi.
After some polite chatter the party commenced to the dining room where they sat at the table. There, the chancellor barked at Mr. Binks for sitting in the wrong seat. He and Christa immediately changed sides, placing her right next to Obi-Wan Kenobi, whose eyes were at all times, drawn to her face.
They began to eat, and suddenly, Obi Wan Kenobi, who had been pleasant and open for most of the evening, spoke.
"I trust you are well," he said.
"Yes I am."
"And Breha?"
"She is well."
"And Senator Amidala?"
"She is well... despite the present circumstances. And you, sir?"
"I am well."
"What brings you to Alderaan?" Christa asked.
"Jedi business," he answered politely. Perhaps something too secret to share with her.
Chancellor Palpatine watched the pair with curious eyes, and when the conversation lapsed between them, he immediately began to interrogate Christa.
"So..." the chancellor drawled. "Have you married yet?"
"No sir."
"At your age? You must be at least 20 summers or more."
"That I am , sir."
"Very unusual... did your parents not arrange a husband for you?"
Christa laid her spoon on the table and met his gaze. "No they did not."
"Unheard of. You have likely lost your fortune by now, have you?"
"Aye, sir. But it matters not. I am sure, the tides will change in my favor someday. Besides, it isn't good to arrange your children's marriages. They should be allowed to follow their own path, whatever that might lead to. Entailing the family fortune to a male heir seems a bit unfair, I must add, as punishment for a daughter who refuses to take the subservient role of wife."
At this, Chancellor Palpatine was shocked. "My word, your opinion is very decided for someone so young," he replied. "Exactly how old are you dear?"
"Well, with two decades under my belt, you certainly cannot expect me to own to it," Christa cleverly replied.
Miffed, the chancellor had taken up his spoon and commenced to finishing his meal. When they were done, the party walked to the den where aggressive conversation ensued, of which, Master Kenobi seemed more animated than usual. At the end of the discussion, Kenobi proclaimed that he was not a politician and that he shouldn't entertain such discussions... to which the chancellor replied, that politics were essential to life, and when we deliberate on matters as mundane as breakfast, or who we love, or whether we love at all, it is all a matter of politics.
When he was done with his speech, the chancellor then turned to Christa and asked her to play his piano. "There cannot be a greater lover of music in all of the Republic, than I," the chancellor said.
"Oh sir, I cannot oblige, I am of sorry talent," Christa answered.
"I love nothing better than music, young lady, you must perform."
"Please, I am not afflicted with false modesty," she objected.
Just then, Mr. Binks interrupted. "Plees, you must oblige, he is the chancellor.
Christa rose from her seat and reluctantly traveled to the piano and began to play. For most of the performance, she played beautifully, but inadvertently every now and then, struck the wrong key.
But as she reached the middle of her song, Obi-Wan Kenobi traveled from the sofa where the Chancellor and Mace had become engaged in conversation, to Christa at the piano... standing in such a way that he blocked the other guests from her view. He stood proud and tall, lightsaber situated in his belt.
Christa, realizing what he was trying to do ignored him at first, then finally she said...
"If you mean to frighten me, coming here in all your state, it will not work."
To this, Obi-Wan gave a sly smile. "I know, even should I wish it I could not frighten you, Miss Xha."
Christa continued to play, eyes on the piano keys in deep concentration. Obi-Wan stood over her, feet rooted firmly into the ground, his eyes gazing her slender neck, arms, and even her fingers. Just then, Master Windu approached and laid a hand on his Obi-Wan's arm.
"Do tell me, Christa... how was my comrade at the ball? I've heard so many accounts of this evening."
Suddenly, Christa stopped playing, then turned to the gentlemen beside her. She looked from Mace Windu to Obi Wan Kenobi, a teasing smile on her face.
"What was he like? Well, be prepared for something very dreadful..." she answered, looking at Obi-Wan again, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"Even though there were fewer gentlemen than ladies, he refused to dance. Refused to speak to anyone, including me. It was a horrible mess. Do tell us, why is that Mr. Kenobi?" she teased.
"I do not have the talent, of conversing easily with strangers."
"Oh, pish posh. Certainly you could be introduced at a ball!" she retorted.
Again, she directed her attention to the piano, as Master Windu trailed away, to the chancellor who had called him back.
Charlotte who had sat on the sofa quietly for most of their time in the den, watched Obi-Wan as he watched Christa.
Feeling the heat of Charlotte's gaze upon him, he drifted away, quietly cursing himself. He had shown too much, and perhaps, he sensed, Charlotte had recognized the attraction he had worked so hard to keep hidden.
