Queen Amidala sat quietly in the courtyard and observed her subjects go about their day. It was frankly days like this in which she hated wearing her queenly attire. The robes were heavy and the headdress felt like a massive lead weight on top of her skull, she never quite understood why it wasn't possible to have attire that was functional as well as elegant, but to the people of Naboo tradition mattered, and if it mattered to them, then it was going to matter to her.

Still every bit of her was tempted to summon one of her handmaidens and have them take point while she went off and practiced spared with the others. The handmaidens were never seemed to get the kind of credit and respect that Padme believed they had deserved. The Handmaidens despite being not much older than Padme herself, were some of the Sith's best and most dedicated Assassins, skilled with both the lightsaber and art of disguise the group of female assassins had learned to master the art of Metamorphosis or using the force to alter their own biology to make themselves into near perfect duplicate of Padme that would physically changed as she had changed. In truth such ability was not commonly used even among the ancient sith, but it was a trick that the Chommell Sith had learned thanks to the guidance of the Nightsisters of Dathomir.

Thinking upon this Padme concluded that in a way the Chommell Sith were still forced to evolve in some manner of speaking. Though they believed their own belief was not outright heresy like The Rule of Two, it was still clear that the Chommell Sith were more removed from their ancestors than they probably cared to admit. Aside from studying primitive magiks, the Chommell Sith also differed in terms of Behavior and philosophy. Less Focus was put on crushing the weak and more focused on strengthening the individual. The Sith Code while remaining the same in word became less about the domination others and more about perseverance and determination of self. Honorable feats were to be celebrated. competition was to be encouraged. It had taken the intentions of Skere Kaan and tampered with the ambition of the old empire. The result was a new Sith order that was made from proud warriors, students, craftsmen and philosophers. it resulted in Sith that while not viewing themselves as equals in the absolute sense, (stars forbid such an atrocious teaching be brought up again) were also careful not to be overconfident in their own power. Both philosophies had major differences that evolved from what came before. Only time would tell which would be considered the heretic and which would be considered the natural evolution.

"Heresy comes from a point of view." Padme mumbled to herself.

"What was that my lady?"

Padme jumped and turned her head to see Sabé standing over her. Though the queen initially tried to hide it she felt herself become a bit red faced.

"Oh Sabé, forgive me I was just in deep thought."

"To be perfectly honest my lady, you look bored."

"To be perfectly honest I am."

"Would you like me to take watch for you?"

"As much as I want to say yes, it would be irresponsible to shirk off my duties so soon. The last thing I need is to make myself look weak." the princess began to dig at her garments. That being said, I would greatly appreciate it if the seamstress droids could make this robe a bit more...comfortable. My body seems to have gone up a few dress sizes, my robes however have not."

It had been six months since she was official crowned queen of Naboo and the feasting customs had already began to make their mark on her figure and sadly the robes were not exacly roomy enough to compensate, Still having met the gungans herself after becoming queen she grew to deeply respect them and had no issue with honoring one of their symbol of power and beauty even if she did find it a bit odd.

What she could not stand however was dealing with bureaucratic red tape. Though she mostly followed the advice of the council, it took every bit of restraint she had not to strangle most of the bureaucrats that came through her palace. Of the thousands of senate she could only think of about two dozen that she actually had any kind of respect for. Senator King Bail Organa of Alderaan actually understood the importance of putting the interest of your own planet above all else, Finis Valorum despite being Chancellor was ironically one of the biggest supporters of Naboo Independence, Then there was Orn Free Taa of Ryloth. She might have had respect for the obese twi'lek had he bothered to show any kind of spine when faced with conflict. That could some up her problem with the republic as a whole.

She would not fault them for the pursuit of wealth, or for having to make "behind the scenes deals" as she would put it. But she would fault them for their own inability to confront a conflict or take credit for their own actions.

"I will make the request that your robes get retailored immediately. I have also been told to send you a message reminding you that Senator Palpatine is coming to the palace tonight for a dinner, something about discussing the upcoming Eriadu Trade Summit."

Padme visibly gritted her teeth, the irony was not lost on her that perhaps the one senator she grew to despise the most was problem the one at their own front door. On the surface, nothing appeared to be wrong with the Palpatine in question. He seemed like a kindly sophisticated gent who if not a bit naive did have Naboo's best interest at heart. That problem however was that it was all just that, surface level. Something was wrong under that grandfatherly like mask, but she could not put her finger as to what it was. According to the Force nothing was wrong, but sometimes even the force was no substitute for raw gut instinct.

"Are you sure you don't want me to take your place in this my lady?"

"No, if anyone needs to deal with the senator it should be me. Tell the PKN droids to go into cosmetic mode and prepare for my arrival. I will be there shortly."

Padme crossed her arms as the Royal PKN droids fashioned a robe more befitting for her. Looking at the finished product she put her hands through the gold feathered collar admiring the sophistication of the clothing. Gold and purple seemed to be the universal symbols of wealth and royalty and looking at how it complemented the robe she could see how. Overall she doubted she'd be yet to find a robe of finer quality anywhere

"It's perfect. Save the blueprints and keep them backlogged. I think I will have this as my go too design for all future endeavors. "

The lead PKN droids gave a series of chirps in affirmation.

"Well here goes."

Senator Palpatine and the rest of the sith council (Disguised in normal Noble attire) and governor Sio Bibble were already sitting at their places in the dining hall when Padme had arrived and taken her place. Surrounding the table were both Padme's handmaidens and an elite group of Royal Guards led by Captain Panaka. Padme's official excuse for their presence was in case of an external political attack. The reality however was they were here in case Padme or the Dark council had decided to dispose of Palpatine should they grow permanently tired of his presence.

Padme could not help but be unnerved seeing the dark council wearing normal noble garments and crowns as opposed to the dark robes and face concealing hoods that the council normally wore. Thinking on it, this was the first time in which she had seen the Council's face. and could only recognize them by the secret signet rings they wore.

Darth Nimmod was the Lord over the Jafan system. He was a tall man with powerfully built shoulders, jet black hair and a thick goatee. Padme had remembered her mother telling her that he looked like the spitting image of Skere Kaan and now, seeing him unconcealed, she now understood why.

Darth Adephagia ruled over Karlinus system her skin was of golden brown with deep blue eyes and black hair that went down to about her waist. She was probably the 2nd wealthiest Council Member next to Queen Jobal. To the greater galaxy at large she was Kelma though many would nickname her Kelma the Hutt due to both her very excessive girth and appetite. Though oddly enough even with her girth, many in the galaxy thought her to be an attractive woman. The name was given more out of an affectionate sense of teasing as opposed to genuine malice. Jobal always said that she was always quick with a joke or a witty remark, and her lightsaber skills, reflexes and force abilities were as sharp as her tongue, given that she admired all of these qualities, If Padme wanted to be like anyone it'd probably be her.

Darth Qarr was the lord over the Kreeling system and the majority shareholder of the mining facilities on the planet of Kreeling. Those who spoke of her claimed she had the beauty of an angel and a voice of a siren with hair that gave an unnatural crimson glow. Those among the council referred to her as Darth Qarr the Seer due to her ability of Foresight. It was her in fact who discovered that the Banites had infiltrated the republic. She was not one to use lightsabers, but she had more than made up for it in terms of her force abilities.

In Contrast there was Darth Skeer "The Mountain" of The Chommell Minor system. The man was about the only one on the council that didn't wear any kind of noble garments, but instead war Mandalorian armor. Skeer was called the mountain due to the fact that he was nearly 7 feet tall and had the physique of a circus strong man. While he hardly had any hair on his head, he more than made up for it in his beard. While he was probably the weakest of the council in terms of force ability Few if anyone could match him in terms of skills with the lightsaber. Padme's Handmaidens would gossip that Skeer would go into battle using two saber staffs. There was a part of her that longed to see that...so long as she wasn't the opponent.

The young queen had only been half paying attention to what the senator had to Say as with most of the council saved for Darth Qarr.

"I'm hoping that with this Trade summit we maybe one step closer to a more solid relationship with the trade federation."

"How can we expect the Trade Federation not to stab us in the back? We already have reason to believe that they've already interfered with our sovereignty once, resulting in the death of my own father."

Palpatine's face turned to a slight frown before reverting back to its default smiling position. "yes King Veruna's death was most unfortunate. But I have it on good authority that the Trade Federation will be going through a cooperate restructuring. This probably goes without saying, but I do believe it would be in Naboo's best interest to go to the summit."

"If Naboo goes to the summit it will only be as a favor for Chancellor Valorum. But remember this Senator; Naboo's primary concerns will always be Naboo."

"Of course. I understand."

"My Primary concern is if The Federation is willing to trust us." Kelma said softly

"and why should we be concerned about that?" Skeer said (Or Dopal as he was known to the greater galaxy). " As the queen said was it not the trade Federation who murdered Ruwee using poison?"

"So Republic investigations said but certain things about the circumstances make no sense to. Ruwee was in the process of renegotiating Theed's contracts with the Trade Federation and even supported voting against new taxation. Likewise Nute Gunray was willing to renegotiate to allow the Chornorall system more financial independence. Why would the Trade Federation so willingly burn such a valuable ally and asset? The Trade Federation is greedy yes, but they are not stupid."

"You must remember that Corruption runs rampant in the Republic. It is possible that Someone gave the federation a better offer and one of the terms was to get Ruwee out of the picture."

"Well let's just say, I won't by that for a Dollar."

Jobal and Padme looked at each other with concerned looks before gazing back at the council. "Perhaps it would be best not to trouble the senator with conspiracy theories. Tensions are already high enough as it is. The Sooner we can clear them the better."

She then looked over to Palpatine. "If you believe the Eriadu Trade Summit will ease tensions then know you have me and my daughter's support."

"Excellent. I know politics can be a dirty and dreadful game sometimes, but if we play our cards right I believe we will win out in the end."

"Indeed, in the meantime if you are in need of boarding my hospitality is open to you."

"Oh, while I thank you for the offer Lady Jobal, I must head back to Coruscant. In fact I probably should probably get going. I am happy to have your support on this one."

As Palpatine got out of earshot the council murmured to themselves.

"I was just saying what was on everyone's mind."

"No one here condemns you Adephagia" Darth Nimmod quickly comforted his sister in arms. "But if we speak too much of what we believe to be true to outsiders we risk exposing ourselves. I do not trust Palpatine. For all we know Bane's eyes could be watching."

"Do you believe Palpatine is a Banite?" Jobal asked. "I sensed no strong force aura within him.

"Remember though mother, even if Palpatine is not a false Sith or a force sensitive, he still a politician. and politicians lie. the council chose him as Naboo's representative as a form of exile because he has no place within our order."

"zaja." a couple of the Lords spoke.

"For all we know the Banites are aware of our existence and Every senator is a spy so that they can discover which planet we are on. If Palpatine proves to know too much or proves to be more trouble than he is worth, then we will dispose of him."

Padme looked to the greater council. "in the meantime, what is our next move?

"You will go to this Trade Summit on Eriadu to maintain appearances." Nimmod announced

A couple of handmaidens will accompany and serve as your guards and our spies. For now we can only handle as it comes. For now above all else we must remain in the shadows."

"zaja." Everyone said in unison.

"Remember, peace is a lie."