Okay, *deep breathe* big chapter over, now there's just the rest of it.

Thank you to my beta, The Kinetic Violinist! Also, thank you to my readers for the favorites and follows! And thank you for the reviews Loyal Knight, Guest, Lord Lelouch, sodorland, Mike3207, and JACarter!

This chapter has become another favorite! Also, in this and the following chapters, things get political.


Chapter Eight

A Very Different Problem

Ruwee Naberrie had his elbows on the stone barrister. He expected to find his wife or perhaps one of his daughters as he turned to the opening of the Nubian oak door. While it was a woman of House Thule, it was actually his mother-in-law, Ryoo Thule.

She closed the door quietly and took a few more steps, nearly almost one or two meters away from him.

They stood there, staring out onto the never ending lake, for a long time.

Due to the time of year, it would be dark soon. The lake covered in a vast number of colors. From blues to yellows, and reds.

Ruwee always loved the view from and this time of year. In fact he planned to stay here the next several hours...maybe longer. He did not know. Ruwee did not know what he wanted. He just...he needed...he needed time...something.

Ryoo paused, "You're very quiet," Something that was very out of character for him. Her dark grey eyes studied him carefully. "I know you're upset." Ryoo understood. She could not imagine how she would have felt if he and Jobal done something like this. Many years ago, there were several times she and Winama feared their children were going to run off and elope. Especially when it was past midnight and they still had not come home yet. Several days ago, she thought she would be out here doing the very same thing he was doing or be in there preaching to them. Explaining that this was all well in holo dramas and novels, but reality was a very, very different story. But after her "watching" she had decided against it.

"Not upset...exactly." Ruwee struggled to find his words. "It's a, well... a very different problem." It'd be one thing he had just heard they had just eloped a few days ago.

But years- years ago!

Ruwee could still not believe what he had just heard! What were they thinking?! After only knowing each for only a handful of days they decide to up and elope! And going behind his back! Their backs?!

"A problem?" Ryoo's eyebrow lifted. "For whom? You? What are you going to do? Go back in there and tell there them how unhappy you are about them. Oh, yes, that will solve all your problems." He was already got on that track by walking out of the room.

"Ru," Ryoo decided to try a different path. "Since they will soon have a child, wouldn't it be better to just accept the situation...and Anakin?" She added.

Ruwee wore an even more irked look. What was he supposed to do?

Lie?

Lie like they had for the past three years? "Well, I can't just pretend to be happy about it." Ruwee had never been that good of a politician. Besides, what wonderful examples they were all setting for their impending grandchild.

He wore a brief apologetic look. "Even for you." Since he was a child he often thought of Ryoo as an aunt or a second mother. Granted they had their differences over their years. Especially since he and Jobal married, but he still cared for her.

And she him.

Ryoo quietly sighed. "And you can't learn to live with it?" She crossed her arms. "Even for Padmé's sake?"

No? Yes, perhaps. Maybe? Again, Ruwee did not know if he could do that. Besides, he had a hard time believing she was happy about this whole...mess. "You're not going to tell me you're happy about this," He still couldn't get wrap his mind around that word, "Marriage?"

Ryoo didn't answer for a moment. While it should be a happier day, "The marriage is not what upsets me." Her eyes did not leave him.

Ruwee knew exactly what she was saying, "Can you imagine for a standard second that I want to see her hurt?"

But hurt is what she was going to be if he did or said something not in a good light. Walking out of the room earlier was not a good sign.

"Honestly, what happens to some beings as they enter the next stages of life? Why do they fail to recall everything?" The love, the passion, and all those magical times when they were younger. "I believe...those two young beings need each other." Like they needed oxygen to breathe in.

"Any being can see that by just looking at them. But you, and had they been with us today, my beloved husband, my mum and papa," Ryoo knew them and that they wouldn't have reacted much differently. Actually, her mother probably would have reacted even worse than Ruwee had.

"Each of you might as well been blind," Said Ryoo. "All you can see when you look at them is the difficulties they will endure. But do you really know what's happened to them? How they feel about each other?" Had he not listened to what they said? Or had he stopped listening when he heard the word married? "I believe..." Ryoo continued, "that when many beings grow old, they forget it all. Forget what true passion is. If you ever felt for my daughter what Anakin feels for Padmé, and her for he, you've forgotten everything about it. If you have not, then... how could you behave the way you are?

Ruwee paused. "He isn't...good enough for her." Secretly he knew he was grasping at straws. He just...

Oh, good grief, Ryoo wanted to say. She wasn't so certain he had heard or really wanted to hear her. "Who is good enough for Padmé? You didn't like Palo until they parted ways. You didn't like Darred at first," or any boy Sola brought home for that matter. Perhaps it's time you thought about what she wants"

And Ryoo turned to go back inside.


Meanwhile, back inside the walls of the beautiful estate, Darred went out to check on the Teckla and the girls, leaving Anakin alone with the Naberrie women.

Padmé Amidala-Skywalker felt something she had not felt in a long time. Perhaps never. What she felt was astonishment,"That's it?" Padmé looked at her mother in disbelief. "That's all you have to say?" While her sense of smell and other senses had been slightly off since she became pregnant, and now her hearing was off?

Across the room, Anakin rolled his eyes. Wasn't this a good thing? Isn't this what she wanted? What they wanted?

Jobal Naberrie had just finished saying that she loved her daughter. Both daughters no matter what. That she would support them no matter. While Jobal was not happy with all the secrecy, she knew this was not the time for anger. She wished she had simply told her- them sooner. Hearing it sooner might have things easier on Ruwee.

Again, Padmé could not believe what she had just heard.

"For now, yes." There was more Jobal wanted to discuss with her daughter, but they could wait until another time. But she wasn't angry or feeling any of the emotions one, such as her daughter, might think.

"I'm not sure I believe you." Padmé was still waiting for the speech. How angry she felt. Betrayed. The secrets, the lies, and everything else she imagined in her head over the years. "Mom," She turned to her sister and grandmother,"The three should be yelling at me." Or at least be having her father's reaction.

Jobal poured a cup of tea as she said, "Believe it or not I don't want to yell." Maybe she would have months earlier, but after barely speaking with her daughter for months, she was tired of living like this and would not allow it to continue. Not anymore. Nevermind what her husband decided to do or not do. As she Jobal said days earlier, "I will not be kept away from one of my grandchildren." Nor her daughter. Besides, "What will yelling accomplish? What good is it going to do?" Jobal just hoped her husband realized this.

"Exactly," Said Sola with a slight nod of her head. She rested her head on her right hand. "And to think I used to say how boring your life was..." Sola smiled at both Anakin and Padmé. "For once, I think I'm happy to be wrong." She looked around real quick making sure her husband and daughters did not hear that.

Anakin quickly gathered Sola was looking for her family. He mouthed, "You're safe," to his sister-in-law.

"Thank you, Sola," Padmé smiled. She then turned to the third woman in the chamber, "Grandma?"

The other three turned to the matriarch of the family.

"It's not the way I would have handled it." None of it really, but as she told Ruwee earlier she could tell Padmé loved Anakin and that they needed one another. Also Anakin and Padmé being married wasn't entirely bad thing. Yes, Ryoo hated lies and deception. Also this three year secret came with an entirely new set of challenges. Along with her earlier "watching" as she said, the news of the marriage also put things in a different perspective. It explained so many things. Plus her new great-grandchild would be legitimate. While many in today did not view that as important anymore, but in her day it was important and so it was important to her. And who knows, unlike the Jedi Order, perhaps the public would even take the news of a marriage easier than an affair.

Before the Senator could say anymore she heard a familiar protocol droid.

"Miss Padmé."

"Yes, Threepio?" Padmé closed her eyes and then opened them. She almost asked where his companion, Artoo was, but figured he was probably playing with her nieces and the other children. She knew how much Pooja and Ryoo missed the little astromech since he had been off with Anakin since he became a knight.

"You have an incoming message from Theed."

Padmé took a deep breathe. She had enough on her plate. She had a bad feeling about this.


"Have you seen today's headlines?" Asked a bluish figure on the communications device. It was a very grim looking Governor Sio Bibble of Naboo. Standing with his arms crossed.

Off the holo screen, Padmé fingers ran through a few of the holo papers. "A few," She replied.

The headlines and various other articles said:

SECRET ROMANCE!

AND BABY MAKES THREE?

MIA: WHERE IS AMIDALA?!

LOVE STORY OF THE MILLENNIUM!

WHERE IS SHE?

And then there were the ones that really concerned her.

DOES SHE STILL HAVE A VOICE?!

SPEAK TO US!

And those were only a few of the papers! The papers the estate received here. Padmé could only imagine what the local papers said throughout the planet and Galaxy...really she shouldn't. Such stress was not good for her.

She supposed a few of the articles did have a point. She had not stepped out in public

"My lady," Governor Bibble signed. He silently swore under his breathe. Why was she kriffing stubborn? Bibble was about to say "I feel", but no, he did not feel it was time for a statement. It was a time for a statement.

Now.

In fact, "The time for a statement...has passed." She should have made one as soon as the footage went viral. Instead she disappeared for days and had remained silent. Really she had been silent for months. Padmé had not stepped out in public in months. Not since she discovered her pregnancy. More recently, she had not addressed the end of Count Dooku. The Battle of Coruscant. Palpatine's death. It was not good for her or the Queen. Not to mention his own career.

Bibble put on his best pleading face, "I think you should come down to the palace immediately and-"

"No," Padmé cut off him. She knew that wasn't professional, but she couldn't help it. Perhaps it was hormones that were in overdrive. Though she sighed. The Senator of Naboo was beginning to think the Governor might be right. "This has nothing do with the people. This is a private matter...a family matter," Padmé added. "Good day to you, Governor." She said as politely as possible and switched off the communications transmitter.

This was perhaps the first time- well, second- the first time she put herself before the people was when Padmé married Anakin. It always been the people first. Self second. She wasn't thinking them or what the scandal such marriage would bring to Naboo when it came to light. No, then Padmé could not have cared less.

While deciding what her next move would be, Padmé walked towards the dining area, from down the hall she could see her sister, mother, and grandmother who had surrounded her husband.

A now worried Padmé began to walk faster. On top of her father earlier, every single one of her worst fears were becoming a reality.

But then she stopped.

Padmé then watched as Sola gave Anakin a hug. Whispering something in Anakin's ear.

Followed by her mother who gave also gave Anakin a small motherly kiss on his cheek.

This was...more than Padmé ever could have hoped for.

And finally Grandmamma who simply said something and simply squeezed his arm.

Padmé smiled as she shook her head. How typical of Grandmamma.

She then realized she was smiling. Maybe everything was going to be okay.


"There you are," Jobal said. They were about to go and search for her.

Anakin gave a silent nod. Telling her it was alright and even, dare she say, a smile?

Padmé had not seen her husband smile in days? Possibly weeks? Well before Palpatine and his nightmares. Since...she told him of her pregnancy.

"Who was it?" said Sola while trying to make some tea. She tried not to smile while watching her sister. At least, not to much. She had a slight waddle though Sola knew better than to tease her sister. Maybe if things were under different circumstances, but perhaps next time. If she and Anakin had a second child someday...

"The palace," Padmé replied. "The media is becoming more," she searched for the precise word. "Persistent." She paused, "The Governor wants me to go down there and...make a statement." She hated to leave her Queen hanging like this, but her family came first. Padmé turned to her sister, "How does a normal being handle this situation?"

Really there were absolutely no past records or stories whatsoever of a politician revealing their marriage. A very scandalous marriage to boot. Yes, they had revealed shady political and sexual affairs. The latter topic being the favorite of the media. Gossip was always more fascinating than politics anyway. Marriage on the other hand, that was a whole other issue or was it? Again, Padmé had no idea how Naboo was going to handle that detail. There was no book or anything on this. Even her lawyer did not have much advice. She supposed she could have spoken with Governor Bibble more, but then again if she was planning to talk about it she preferred to tell everyone at once. Really, Padmé was even considering hanging up a sign somewhere.

"Well," Sola hesitated. "For starters, a normal being," Whatever that meant, "A normal being would not be in this situation." Really when had Padmé ever been normal? When did she even care about such a thing? Then again, she was pregnant and probably thinking about the future.

"Look my dear," Grandmamma Ryoo lovingly took hold of her granddaughter's hand. "You must show your strength, reassert your authority. You are one of the most powerful women," Nevermind gender, "One of the most powerful beings on all of Naboo. Do you really think that any of your predecessors," Horace Vancil or the late Palpatine to name a few. "That they would've dropped everything and gone up to Theed because a bunch of hysterics want to know more about their representatives personal business? And as for that...stubborn Mr. Bibble and his Tusk Cat grin, you must pay no attention to him." He was just looking out for himself. After all he was surely planning to retire in a few short years. Bibble was without a doubt, looking out for his legacy, and his legacy alone.

Jobal nodded and sighed, "I agree with Mom, you must show your strength and reassert your authority." She paused.

"Which is why you must go." Sola added.

"What?" A shocked Ryoo turned to look at her daughter and granddaughters. She was not used to beings not listening to her.

Padmé silently exclaimed the same word. Weren't these the same two beings who had been trying to talk her into retirement from service. Besides, "No," Padmé insisted. "No, it can wait."

"Agreed," said Ryoo. She did not feel Padmé should go. What if her father wished to speak with her shortly? Or what if she went into labor?

While Anakin silently agreed with his wife's grandmother. Not to mention what his wife's physician said about staying off her feet. Regardless, Anakin sensed he wouldn't win this one. As Anakin said to Padmé before they married, "Don't worry, I've given up trying to argue with you."

"Excuse me, miladies," Anakin made a small bow to hi in-laws. Going to get the speeder and contact Captain Typho about security.

"No, it can't," said Jobal.

Sola shook her head, "Go."

"You're sure?" Padmé asked one last time.

"We'll still be here when you get back"

"And what about Dad?" Padmé did not know if she felt comfortable leaving him like this.

"Oh," I know your father," He needed time. Out of all of them this was the hardest on him. She knew it was going to be. "And you'll be here when we get get back."

"Back from where?" Ruwee said from the doorway to the grand balcony.

Every single head turned to look at him.

"You're going to the palace?"Ruwee felt his heart speed up, "And do what?" Go back to work? Now?

"No, I'm going to take Governor Bibble's advice and..." Padmé wasn't certain how this was going to make him feel. "Finally speak to the public."

"Speak?" Ruwee suddenly felt very ill. "Publicly? About this?" The marriage? Everything?

"Yes," How Padmé wished she had gotten out of the door a few seconds faster.

"No." Ruwee ran his finger through his dark, but greying hair. "No, you can't, I won't allow it." He would cash in all his favors at the Palace. It would be a stretch, but he had dealings with many beings there over the years.

"How?" Padmé looked her father in the eyes. "Don't you see, your threats are as empty now as they were all those months ago. How do I make you see that I couldn't care less?"

That she could very likely lose her Senate seat or that she might never again be received at the Palace. That she, her child, and now her husband would be hounded by the media. Her legacy could be now and forever tarnished. Granted, Padmé did care about those things and wished it could be different. She didn't know what would happen, but as long as she had Anakin by her side, she felt like she could make it through anything.

Padmé then thought back to all those months ago.

"You will be hounded by the media and labeled an unwed mother!" Ruwee spat. "The Queen will force you to give up your seat."

Padmé finally stood up. "Is that all you care about?" She fired back.

Padmé looked back up at her father, "Sadly I wish I could say the same about you."

Ruwee's eyes narrowed, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Why do you think I couldn't tell you, or feel like I could?" Granted there were many reasons why she didn't tell her family or anyone for that matter. She feared for the safety of anyone who knew. Since she had many enemies, if they got wind of her secret and found out it could endanger her loved ones. Also the more beings who knew, the harder it would be to keep the secret.

Ruwee could not believe what he was hearing. Where was this coming from? "That's not true, and you know it." She knew he loved her. He was her father.

"Do I?" Padmé asked.

Jobal could tell her husband was getting ready to say something else.

"No, no, don't! No!" Jobal stepped in between them. "Don't- don't say anything you'll have to retract." She looked at her youngest, "Either of you."

"Know this- one you do this," Ruwee turned and looked at his daughter one last time. "Your life will be very different," And then he went back outside to sulk.


What do you think of Ryoo and Ruwee? Do like her speech? And is Ruwee fine? I often worry about making him a jerk in this story. I want people to see where he's coming from and that he has a point. I mean I'd think all this would be pretty hard me if I were in his shoes. What about Jobal? She is acting normal? Not letting Padmé off the hook too easily.

Trivia: Horace Vancil was the Senator before Padmé. The flashback with Padmé and Ruwee is also in chapter two. This chapter was also originally two chapters, but I decided to combine them. Strangely I felt more comfortable putting these two together. Though it might be because this chapter has also really grown on me.

Inspiration for this story came from the movies, The Queen and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Also from the TV show, Downton Abbey.

What do you think? Don't forget to review please!