Chapter 25: From Queen to Senator
A/N: Guest: This story is not yet done. But if you really want a sequel, after this chapter, see s/9975279/1/The-Hope-s-Chance. This is one of the last chapters in which the above story is the sequel. After, it becomes its own story plotline. Also, Padmé is emotionally and mentally not quite herself anymore, although at this point, she's doing a little better. She feels guilty about having to leave the twins behind and she'd given the world over to be able to bring them with her. She is in pain and she is trying to fake everything is alright when it is not. In her eyes, she would trade everything she has now for a chance to have her children back. And those who are still alive and know the truth are doing what they can to help her.
In addition, the amount of pain I am putting her through is nothing compared to what happens in Healing: Saving the White Sorceress chapter 4.
Twenty-one year old, Padmé entered the apartment that she shared with Sabé and Eirtaé. It was close to her family, but still far enough that she was on her own. She had decided to have a place at the palace, but chose to live with Eirtaé and Sabé instead of in the palace. The three women had lived together in the apartment since Padmé had been able to resign from office. "There was a call from Queen Jamilla," Eirtaé reported. "She was looking for you."
"Well, I might as well see what she wants," Padmé said.
"Padmé," Queen Jamilla greeted the prior queen with a smile.
"Your Highness," Padmé bowed.
Then Queen Jamilla murmured, "Padmé, Naboo needs a new Senator. Our previous Senator has been caught in a bit of a scandal and was recently removed from office. I ask you to replace him."
"I will, when do I leave for Coruscant?" She asked.
"First, we will need to update your staff," Queen Jamilla said.
"OK, Eirtaé and Sabé will stay with me," Padmé said.
Captain Panaka, who was still in charge of security on Naboo, added, "My nephew Gregor Typho will join your staff as well, Padmé."
"Very well, Captain Panaka," she agreed.
"Who else should join us?" Padmé questioned.
"Well, do you remember those five other girls who were supposed on your staff, but were only assistants to your handmaidens?" Captain Panaka asked.
"Yes, but I rarely, if ever, saw them," Padmé replied.
"Well, I was thinking perhaps we could make them your new handmaidens," Captain Panaka continued.
"What are their names?" Padmé asked.
"Dormé, Cordé, Versé, Moteé, and Ellé," Captain Panaka said.
"I'll inform Sabé and Eirtaé," Padmé said.
"What about regular staff?" Queen Jamilla asked.
"Teckla Minnau, Nandi, Miré, and Umé," Padmé replied.
"Just out of curiosity, how will we address you, Senator?" Queen Jamilla asked.
"I'll be Senator Padmé Amidala," Padmé replied, grinning. She knew what this meant—soon she'd be seeing Anakin again.
Queen Jamilla nodded and Padmé returned to the apartment. "Pack up, girls, we're moving out," Padmé said cheerfully.
"What did you do?" Sabé demanded.
"Nothing, but I'm the new Senator from Naboo and I want the two of you to continue working for me," Padmé said.
"And you're excited about going to Coruscant because why?" Eirtaé asked.
"Look, at some point, during my time as Senator, I will be reunited with Anakin and three years after that, the twins will be part of my life," Padmé replied. "And since the Jedi Temple is on Coruscant…"
"The likelihood of a reunion is that much greater," the other two women grinned. "And you and he can go on that date."
"He is NOT my boyfriend," Padmé screeched.