Chapter Twelve

Five years.

It didn't really show in her face, Padmé thought as she gazed into her dressing mirror, although she hoped that she appeared more mature now.

Being a senator meant that she didn't have the advantage of the heavy make-up to age her appearance, make her appear more mature, like she had when she was the Queen of Naboo. Although, apparently the people of her home planet didn't seem to mind her youthful appearance, having requested her to reign another term, but Supreme Chancellor Valorum on Coruscant had made another request, and one that Padmé could not refuse.

Sola had been a great help to Padmé during their move and career shift. Setting up residence in a luxury upper level Galactic City apartment, her older sister was her assistant, her advisor, and her friend. And with the improvement in the income that came with Padmé's position, Sola no longer was required to work outside their home, allowing her time to spend with her children when they weren't away at boarding school.

But one thing that Sola was not, and that was a bodyguard. Padmé had never had the need of one before becoming a Senator, but here, her passion for democracy and her stubborn pursuit of what was right and good had created numerous enemies, many of which were not hesitant in making bold threats upon her life.

It was the latest threat that was the cause for her nervousness today. A bomb had been discovered hidden on her personal star cruiser, and although thankfully, it had not been detonated, the danger was real enough to warrant protection. And what better protection could be found but through the Jedi?

It had been Chancellor Valorum's idea, and Padmé nearly argued against fate when he commed her with the news that a pair of Jedi would be assigned to her until the danger had passed.

Especially when he informed her of which Jedi.

Padmé hadn't seen Obi-Wan since that horrible day when he had shown up at her Theed apartment a few hours after his Master had left – after her refusal of his engagement.

As usual, Sola had intervened and wouldn't allow Padmé to see him, but Padmé stood behind the door anyway, unable to bring herself to look at his face, but able to hear the heartbreak in his voice.

"Are you mad?" Her sister had asked him. "You barely know each other! And what do you have to offer her?"

"Everything I am." Was Obi-Wan's quiet response.

"Obviously, that's not enough, Padawan Kenobi. Padmé has made her decision and you need to leave."

And to the young woman's dismay, he did.

The polls closed the following day and both Jedi left without even saying goodbye to the new Queen of Naboo.

It was a departure of double meaning. It had been the last time she had seen Obi-Wan, but also the last time she had seen Master Qui-Gon. And although the chance of seeing one of them now that she was on Coruscant was good, Padmé would never be seeing the other again.

Word had reached her in Theed of Master Qui-Gon's death following their leave from Naboo. Apparently, the Jedi's ship had malfunctioned during the trip and they were forced to land upon Tatooine, a planet outside of the influence of the Republic and known for its slave franchise.

There, they had discovered a young man so powerful in the Force that he was bartered for and fought for, by not only the Jedi, but by the Sith as well, who were also present on the planet to fight for the possession of such a talented youth.

A fight ensued and the Jedi Master was killed, but Obi-Wan escaped with his future apprentice.

Who were both on their way to her residence right now.