Chapter 14: Luck

Padmé Naberrie's POV

Throne room, Royal Starship, Tatooine

It all happened so fast.

It shouldn't surprise me really. Most things do these days. I suppose that is to be expected when the trade federation has a sith chasing you around the Galaxy.

They were nearly at the ship when it attacked. Anakin made it on board okay and I wish I could say the same for Master Jinn. The creature had struck him with his blade as he jumped onto the starship. It's a nice big cut on his leg, and we were very lucky to have medical supplies on board. He'll be okay, as long as we get to Coruscant soon where he can have proper medical attention.

The incident has left everyone shaken. And the fact that I'm going to have to stand in front of the senate and plead our case is making me feel extremely uneasy.

It's not the senate with it's hundreds of senator's that's making me feel this way. It's the fear of failing Naboo.

I was standing behind Sabé, yet again. It's quite infurriating not being able to step up and say what I think. It's not that I don't trust Sabé, she's been great. Well, apart from you know, telling her whole life story to the good looking jedi. I understand that she was feeling low but she could have talked to Rabé or Eirtaé. I mean, it's lucky he seems too occupied with his master. I don't believe that he will tell anyone, I mean, he is on our side. It's just that I don't like him knowing that Sabé is just a decoy. The fewer people that know, the better.

I felt the familiar jolt as we jumped into hyperspace, and instantly relaxed. At least we were away from that planet. I promised myself I would do everything in my power to never return there again.

Panaka entered and bowed.

"Your highness,we have made the jump to hyperspace. We will be arriving in Coruscant in approximately 12:00 hours."

"Very Good Captain. I am to retire for the night." Sabé replied coolly, standing up.

We followed her and as soon as we entered the chambers she tore the headdress off.

"Hey be careful with that! Do you know how expensive this dress is?" Eirtaé exclaimed, as she helped her step out of it.

"I couldn't care less Eirtaé! The sooner we get to Coruscant the better."

"I couldn't agree with you more." I said, trying to ease the tension.

Sabé smiled at me and began apologising for the incident with the jedi all over again. I held my hands up to stop her and Eirtaé huffed.

"It's a wonder that the whole Galaxy doesn't know who she is. I'm sure the whole starship does now. I just can't believe you would put the whole plan in jeopardy like that! We've worked too hard for you to just tell a random jedi that you're not really the queen!"

"He's not just a random jedi!" Sabé seemed to be close to tears.

Eirtaé's eyes narrowed at that comment. "Oh please Sabé, you don't really think that he's into you do you? He's a Jedi for goodness sakes! He's just using you to get information on the queen!"

"Eirtaé that's enough." I said, my gaze focusing on Sabé who had a very wounded look on her face.

"I can't do this anymore." She stepped passed me and walked out the room.

"So what? You're just going to let her walk and tell the other jedi?"

"Eirtaé she has learnt her lesson and I trust her. She just needs some space and I don't blame her. These past few days have been hard on all of us."

Eirtaé didn't seem to agree with me but as I was Queen she let it go.

"Padmé, I think it would be best if we start on your speech and wardrobe for tomorrow. The senate is going to need to be very impressed." Lady Phoenia said, changing the subject.

"Yes you're right. Let's start."

###

"I knew I'd find you here." Sabé just shrugged as I sat next to her in the small wardrobe room. That was a lie. I hadn't known that she was going to be here. I had searched the whole ship, even bumping into Anakin who gave me a small wooden charm.

I peered around the tiny room. The dress that I was to wear tomorrow was hanging neatly in the ships wardrobe.

I wasn't sure about it, but Lady Phoenia said that it would hide my age perfectly while demonstrating my dedication to Naboo. I was going to ask Sabé what she thought but she had something else on her mind.

"What else has Eirtaé been saying about me?"

I let out a small sigh before answering. "She's not said anything Sabé. She's just upset about the jedi knowing."

"No she's not. It's clear that she hates all of us. If I were queen I would have gotten rid of her." She started fiddling with a complicated headdress.

"That's a little harsh. Look I know that she can be unbearable sometimes but she's a good handmaiden."

"Good for who Padmé? That is just so typical of you seeing the good in people. It's what you've always done. But I'm family and I'm telling you that she's bad news."

"Oh come on Sab, you're just-"

"No I'm not anything. She was involved with Veruna! You know that! She is just tagging along for the ride waiting for the perfect opportunity to steal the power."

I couldn't help but laugh at her, and she scowled at me furiously.

"Sabé, admit that you're just a little annoyed because of what she said about the jedi."

"Maybe. But she still shouldn't be so bossy and stuck up. Her family are only just surviving. A new scandal and they're finished."

"What are you on about? Eirtaé can't help that her mother had an affair with King Veruna."

"I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that being stuck on a ship in the middle of nowhere gives you a lot of time to think."

"Sabé you might want to go a little easier on the headdress." She was holding it so hard her knuckles were going white.

She let go and looked at me. "Have you sorted the speech out?"

"Yes."

"What about the dress?"

"It's right behind you."

"Is everyone else asleep?"

"Yes."

"Do you hate me?

"Sometimes." I smiled as I stood up.

"Well the feelings mutual." She informed me, a smile present on her face.

"What do you think about getting some sleep? You have a big day tomorrow."

"So do you." She replied as I helped her up.

"Sabé I will never forget what you've done for Naboo."

"Padmé, now is not a time to be getting emotional."

"You never let me thank you properly."

"You can thank me when I give you your amulet back." She gestured to the small black and gold circle hanging around her neck.

"It's a deal. Though I don't need it back. The small boy gave me this." I showed her the japor snippet. "He said it was a good luck charm or something"

"Ooh Padmé I think he likes you! What's his name? Anakin? Ani and Paddy sitting in a tree-"

"Sabé you're being ridiculous."

"Nah mate. I think you're on to something."

I nudged her and she nudged me back as we left the room.

We made small talk on our way back to the royal chambers, ready for a much deserved sleep.

###

"You'll have to tell me the theory you have about Eirtaé one day Sabé."

"Will you be quiet? She might hear you!"

I chuckled as Sabé began fretting about messing the decoy plan up, yet again.

"There, you look just like Queen Amidala." I finished applying the royal make up.

"Ew, who would want to look like you?" Rabé chirped as she entered the room with Eirtaé.

"Careful Rab, she can have you beheaded." Sabé laughed. I feigned outrage then laughed with my handmaidens as Lady Phoenia entered the room.

"We have entered the atmosphere. You need to get into the throne room. Now." She seemed very irritated, but I didn't have time to quiz her about it.

"Yes Lady Phoenia." Replied Sabé, before turning to us. "Let's go ladies."

We entered the throne room and Sabé arranged the landing with the rest. Qui gon was to be taken to a medical facility first, and Obi Wan was to accompany him, leaving the Gungan and Anakin with us.

I wasn't really bothered as long as they didn't get in the way.

###

Watching Sabé talking to the supreme chancellor was the most nerve wracking thing ever.

She did it extremely well though, and I was soon in Senator Palpatine's apartment with the rest of the handmaidens fussing over me.

"Why does the queen have so many clothes?" I had completely forgotten about Anakin. Luckily I already had the make up on, so he didn't recognise me.

"Anakin, please wait in the social area with Jar Jar." Lady Phoenia said gently. He looked disappointed but didn't protest.

"That was close."

"Yeah it's lucky Sabé's in the other room sorting your senate dress out. I think she's still dressed as decoy."

"Tell her to leave the wardrobe and to change into her handmaiden robes. We can't afford for someone else to see her dressed as Queen."

Eirtaé swept into a bow before going to find her.

"This headdress is tricky Padmé." Rabé laughed.

"I know. But it's Shiraya's headdress. I need her help and I'm sure she will provide it."

Rabé smiled but said no more. She didn't understand why I was so religious.

"Your highness you must leave shortly, the senator is expecting you." Lady Phoenia gave me the delicate heels that came with the dress.

"Rabé how's it going?"

"I'm nearly done."

When she was finished I stepped into the shoes and left to meet with senator Palpatine wih Rabé and Eirtaé.