Chapter 26: The Royal Court

Lady Aemiliaé Phoenia's POV

Sio Bibble's Villa, Theed outskirts, Naboo

"Court should have recess more often." The clattering of full-to-the-rim glasses let me know that my dear fianceé, Sio Bibble had made it back from the kitchen. I sighed happily as he handed me another fancy pink drink. The Nubian sun was shining a lot brighter than usual, and the villa's pool was reflecting on the side of the massive building. It was the closest thing to Paradise I had ever known.

"Coming here was quite a good idea of yours." I muttered lazily.

"I do tend to have good ideas sweetheart." So Modest. I refrained from reminding him about the hunger strike he had lead during the trade federation's invasion that nearly got him killed, and hid a smile instead as he relaxed on the deck-chair next to me, careful as to not spill his cocktail. "I'm glad you enjoy life away from court, we might have to think about staying here permanently." I knew that staying here was impossible, no matter how much we both wanted to. Naboo needed him more than ever and besides, we would have plenty of time to enjoy Naboo's beautiful countryside when he retired.

"Steady on," I smiled at his enthusiasm, " I've only been here a couple of weeks!"

"Yes, but you said that you enjoy being here. That's something."

"Hush now. You're ruining sunny time." I teased.

"I could kick you out of here if I wanted to." Sio informed me, pretending to be mad.

"I would like to see you try." I soon regretted my choice of words. Before I knew what was happening, he had picked me up and was dangling me over the pool. Though he was quite small in stature, the governor of Theed was strong and I was finding out the hard way. "You wouldn't dare! I'll sue you! You'll lose all repect in Theed!" He ignored my silly protests and threw me in. Now I had been laughing when I'd been disrespectfully shown no mercy, so I nearly choked on a mouthful of pool water. It was very dignified, I assure you.

My dear Bibble, thinking that he had truly upset me, was all set to help me out, bless him. He's one of Naboo's most important leaders yet he's not very good with common sense. I yanked him down with me, and we ended up laughing to the point where we were actually crying.

"Oh Aemiliaé, you do make me laugh sometimes." He embraced me and I clung to him, still laughing.

"It's good to let your emotions show every once in a while."

"I do love you, you know." What a big softie. I wasn't complaining though, I loved him exactly how we was.

"Yes, I am aware." I smiled. "You know that I love you more though." This of course started an argument that led to a splashing fight.

"I thought that the governor had to be dignified." I squealed.

"I thought that tutors had to behave themselves." The cheek!

More splashing ensued.

Sio, being the big chicken that he is, let me win in the end, so I stayed floating around the pool on my own while he observed me.

"One thing is for certain though."

"And what would that be my love?" Inquired Sio.

"This would have definitley not have happened at court."

###

One thing I hadn't missed about court was the formality of it all-Yes, it sounds bad coming from me, because I am a tutor and all- but it's the pure, naked truth. I was getting used to waking up in the morning and spending all day next to Sio, just the two of us. I was getting used to be Aemiliaé. Not having to have perfect posture all the time, and not having to remember everyone's title was better than I had thought it would be. Life in the country was peaceful. Stress-free. Tranquil. It was true. Everyone at court was fake, just interested in their own ambitions, in their personal gain. I had to remind myself of this whilst I strode through Theed's main hallways, the many politicians, musicians and noblemen bowing for me.

"Lady Phoenia."

"How are you milady?"

"It's good to see you back at court."

"I trust that you and the governor are well." I halted and turned to face Lord Edvard Menté, everyone's favourite person at court-Not. Usually I ignored their comments, but sometimes they were worse than the more radical journalists that slept outside the palace.

"My personal life is of no concern to you, my lord." I offered a small curtesy out of pure obligation.

"Of course milady." He bowed again, and I carried on towards the throne room for my meeting with her royal highness, Queen Amidala.

As soon as the large throne room doors closed behind me Padmé rose fom her throne.

"Aemiliaé! It's great to see you!"She tried to rush to me but obviously thought better of it when her elaborate headdress wobbled. After adjusting the headdress she walked elegantly towards me. Like a queen. Like I had taught her all those years ago when she was just princess.

"I'm so proud of you, you know." She halted and looked at me funny- she wasn't used to me praising her out of the blue. "You've turned out beautifully. You could only be more noble if you were born to a King."

"Aemiliaé, have you already been to the dining hall and had a massive serving of wine?" One of the handmaidens- Saché I believe- blurted out.

Padmé turned to her faster than lightning strikes. "Saché!" My suspicions were confirmed, "I thank you not to be so direct when addressing one of my royal court's most important members."

"Sorry milady." Saché actually shrank into her flame robe and the room went awfully quiet.

"It's okay actually." Everyone turned to look at me, and I even surprised myself when I added, "It's what you're all thinking." A guilty smile appeared on Padmé's face while the handmaidens relaxed. "I just wanted to let you know that you are doing great. Naboo is really getting back on it's feet."

She nodded knowingly and touched my arm. "Now let's drop the formal chit-chat. Tell me some gossip."

I broke out into a big grin, Padmé never ceased to amaze me. " It's good to see you well."

"I trust that you're well too, though I was expecting something juicier."

We all laughed, then I answered her query."Very well, your highness." I bowed, not letting myself go completely.

"I thought I told you that I'd put you to death if you acted formal behind closed doors." It was nice to see that she hadn't lost her spirit.

I chuckled before answering her."You'll have to forgive me Padmé, the formality here at court is catchy."

"Shall we take a walk around outside? I've re-organised a few gardens and I need your opinion."

"It would be my pleasure." I bowed, not being able to help myself. She shook her head at me, but she had a big grin on her face.

"Rabé." The brunette handmaiden came to stand in front of Padmé and bowed.

"Yes, your highness?" Padmé was obviously not pleased by her handmaiden's disrespect towards her 'no formal behaviour behind closed doors rule'.

"Rabé, I have told you not to 'your highness' me when we're alone!"

"I'm sorry, it's just that Lady Phoenia's here."

Padmé glanced at me and winked. "Never mind her. Now, please go and tell captain Panaka where we're going before he has a fit."

"Of course." Rabé bowed absentmindedly. "Where shall I meet you?"

Padmé looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think we'll be a while in the circular garden. Rejoin us there."

The small handmaiden left and Saché and Yané got into formation behind their queen. It was odd not to see Sabé fooling around but I didn't want to upset Padmé even more by mentioning it- I knew she was puting her brave face on. When you've known someone for so long it's easy to know what's on their mind, especially if you're the one that taught said person to act indifferent when really they're dying inside. Eirtaé's absence also caught my attention.

"Where's Eirtaé?" I inquired as we stepped out into the queen's private gardens.

"She has the day off. Some family emergency or something." Padmé shrugged.

I frowned. What were the Anidale's up to now? Would it kill them to just lay low once in a while? Did they always have to be the centre of attention at court?

I alked through te gardens, telling Padmé what I tought. I approved of most changes- she was a lot more concerned about the state the gardens were in than the late Veruna ever was. I frowned again as I thought about the dead King. What if he had been King when the trade federation invaded? Would Naboo have survived? What would have happened to Padmé? To Ian? To Sio? To me? Padmé saw my frown and asked what was bothering me. I lied and said that I missed Sabé- I did miss her, but not enough to cause me unhappiness or discomfort. Padmé simply nodded and told me that she understood quietly.

We finally reached the circular garden and Padmé happily chatted to me about the new species of flower they'd dicovered in a remote mountain village, similar to the one she'd grown up in. I was busy smelling the blue flower when Rabé came running into the garden, followed by captain Panaka and ten or so royal guards.

"Your highness! Eirtaé's missing! I-, Captain Panaka told me, and her mother, you know her, Emé, she-" Padmé interrupted Rabé's unitelligble mumbling by firmly placing her hands on her shoulders.

"It's okay, Rabé." She soothed. "Captain, tell me more about Eirtaé's disapearance." Her eyes were full of concern, but she remained calm.

"Handmaiden Anidale had the day off to visit her family, but now her mother tells me that she never made it to their townhouse in Theed, and we have tried" He winced. "-and failed- to locate her. She is not answering her comm either."

It was hard to take in. Why would anyone want to take Eirtaé? I looked over at Padmé who was struggling to keep it together. I mentally encouraged her, even as Panaka was telling her to expect the worse. He was right. A person so close to the queen would be very useful to her enemies. Padmé ordered her guards to start a search immediately and the all bowed and left. Panaka told her that security at court would be tripled. An argument ensued about her safety. As they were discussing the matter I had a brainwave. Yes! Of course!

I rushed to Padmé. "Your highness, you must forgive my absence at this most distressing time, but there is something I must do." I leaned in close and told her to stay strong. She just looked at me quizically as I made my exit out of the gardens.

My destination? The Anidale household.

Author's note: I honestly don't know when the next update will be, as in a few days time I'm going to my grandma's house for a couple of weeks, where I won't have internet connection. I'm still deciding who's POV I'll use for the next chapter but I will update as soon as I can, I promise! :') As always, thanks for reading, and if you have any thoughts or doubts or whatever feel free to PM me or review or whatever. Have a very healthy and happy easter everyone! GroovyGrape Xx