Inhaling Stars

by FlightoftheStorm777

Obi-Wan Kenobi is no stranger to loss and the agony it brings with it. The Clone Wars have already taken so much from him, he can't imagine that he has much left to lose. He made the mistake of falling in love with Satine, but the Wars took her. So he swore not to love again. But that changed when Vespera was the gravity that held him steady when the galaxy burned and fell apart.

9. Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Vespera placed Padme's clothes, folded neatly, onto a shelf in the closet. Craning her neck, Vespera ran her fingers along a silver sleeve of one of the hanging gowns. Her footsteps came out muffled thanks to the plush carpet. As Vespera exited the massive closet, the carpeted floor switched to marble. She descended a set of steps and entered a sitting area that was open to Coruscant. The neon skyline glowed in the sunset. Padme sat upon one of the white sofas, arranged in a semicircle in the center of the massive room.

"The Senate set you up nicely," Vespera commented, taking a seat across from Padme.

Padme flushed. "Actually, it was Naboo who afforded this. Senators usually decorate their apartments based on their home worlds."

"I see." Vespera toyed with the hem of her sleeve.

"How's your arm?"

"Mostly healed, thanks to the bacta." Vespera beamed.

"I'm so sorry this all happened," Padme shook her head. "I should never have let you come along."

"You didn't know what was going to happen," Vespera replied. "And I've been shot at before."

"Right. I forget that you used to be a Jedi."

"I served on the frontlines during the Civil War on my planet, too," Vespera added. "It's always been expected of kings, and when they told me to hide in a bunker… I refused. I'm no stranger to getting shot at, nor do I shy away from danger."

"And yet you're a pacifist," said Padme.

"Naboo is pacifist, yet you're in a war."

"Yes, but we have to fight for what's right."

"I'm not disagreeing with you. I believe the same."

Padme scrunched her brow. "Vespera, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"If you dissolve the oligarchy, won't you be changing thousand-year-old traditions on your planet?"

Vespera tensed. "Just because traditions have been in place for a thousand years, doesn't make them right."

"Is it right to change your people's culture?"

"Tyranny is not Azyrion's culture," Vespera gritted out. "Misogyny is not our culture, either."

Padme widened her eyes. "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant. It seems part of your culture hinges on a monarchy. The fact that your ancestry can be traced back…"

"Dynasties rise and fall, as they have in the past," said Vespera. "Azyrion values family and bloodlines, yes, but more than that. When I was a Jedi, Master Plo encouraged me to understand the culture of my home planet, so I studied it. The bloodline of monarchs is important because monarchs are supposed to be seen as caretakers of our world. But this oligarchy isn't caring for my people. They care about themselves and upholding traditions, but some of these very traditions are hurting my people. Somewhere along the way, the monarchy changed, and the Stellavis line is no longer caring for Azyrion the way it should. That's why I want to dissolve the oligarchy. Naboo elects monarchs, doesn't it?"

"Yes, we do."

"I think the people of Azyrion would appreciate that style. Choosing their monarch should inspire patriotism, one would hope."

"One would hope," Padme agreed quietly.

Vespera narrowed her eyes. "Is something bothering you?"

Padme shifted. "I—When we were in that bunker, and the blue shadow virus nearly took our lives… When we were hunting down those droids… You never seemed to waver. You never insisted on your own importance. You're a queen, and you still accepted that it was best if we died with the virus if there was no other way out."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No, of course not." Padme looked at her hands for a moment. "You just acted like a Jedi down there."

Vespera squared her shoulders. "Oh."

"That's not a bad thing," said Padme quickly, "it just made me wonder if there was more to your decision about abdicating your throne."

Vespera widened her eyes. In truth, abdicating her throne would relieve a lot of weight from her shoulders. She had never heard of a Jedi returning to the Jedi Order, but perhaps… Her heart sank. There was no way that could happen. Jedi made vows to the Order, and if a Jedi chose to leave, they broke those vows. The Order couldn't just allow people back in and remake those vows. No, Vespera's destiny as a Jedi collapsed the day she chose to leave to help Azyrion.

But there was someone who still needed her, someone she could make a vow to and spend every day of her life loving: her daughter, Kenna.

The urge to tell Padme of Kenna's existence burned Vespera's tongue, but she bit down. No one should know of Kenna. The less who knew, the safer Kenna would be, as lonely as her poor life was.

"My time as a Jedi is over." Vespera's voice hitched in her throat. She swallowed. "I just want what's best for my people."

"I respect that. I'll do everything I can to help you." Padme's lips quirked. "But I think you're wrong about your time as a Jedi. I think that deep down, you're still a Jedi, and you always will be in many ways."

Vespera's heart tightened. "Albeit a very strange one, I suppose."

"Strange indeed." Padme straightened. "I have an idea about how we can help Azyrion."

"I'm listening."

Vespera walked through the tall grass of Tatum, her daughter's hand clenched tightly in her own. Kenna hummed an Azyrionian lullaby, one that Vespera used to sing to her before bed. They stopped at a large tree. Kenna released Vespera's grip to climb up the tree and perch upon one of its thick, lower branches. Vespera closed her eyes, sunlight dotting her face. The warmth soothed her.

"Look, Momma," said Kenna. Vespera opened her eyes. Kenna scrunched her face. Gods, she looked so much like Dorian as she held out a hand and concentrated. From one of the upper branches of the tree floated a pink fruit native to Tatum—a melrosea—until it plopped in Kenna's hand. "Uncle Abner doesn't like when I do this."

Vespera's stomach churned. She held out her hand and Kenna dropped the melrosea into her palm. "Did he tell you why you can do this?"

"The Force," said Kenna, dangling her feet from the branch. Her dark hair hung in two braids that draped over her narrow shoulders. "It surrounds us and binds us together."

"Good," said Vespera lightly, but her lungs constricted until her breath grew short. Kenna should be learning this at the Jedi Order, not here. And it was Vespera's fault. "You're nearly old enough to be a Padawan."

"What's that?"

"Remember how I told you that I used to live on Coruscant with the Jedi?"

"Yeah?"

"There are different stages to being a Jedi," said Vespera. "Padawan is one of those stages."

"Why doesn't Uncle Abner like it when I use the Force if he can do it, too?"

Vespera tilted her chin upward, squinting in the sunlight. "It's painful for us to remember the Jedi."

"Why?"

"Because we didn't want to leave."

"Why did you?"

"Well," Vespera sighed, bowing her head, "there were things outside of our control."

"Is that why you're queen?"

"Mhm," Vespera smiled up at her daughter. "And if I were still a Jedi, I wouldn't have you."

"Oh," Kenna furrowed her brow. "We couldn't be Jedi together?"

"I'm afraid not." Vespera's lips downturned. "But you shouldn't hide or ignore the Force, either. I'll speak to your uncle. Perhaps we are Jedi on a different path."

Kenna tilted her head and frowned. She resembled her father in appearance, but gods, when she did that, she reminded Vespera of herself. Her heart panged. One day, Vespera would give her daughter a better world to live in.

When Vespera returned to Azyrion, guards escorted her to Callan's quarters. Callan insisted that the king consort's chambers boast the colors of traditional Azyrionian royalty. So, deep crimson colored the velvet curtains, the bedspread, and the cushions of the sitting room attached to the main bedroom. The rest of the room matched Callan's aesthetic: dark and cold. The king's guard escorted Vespera into the sitting room, which shrouded in darkness thanks to the thick crimson curtains. Callan stood by the elegant hearth. A portrait of himself from his coronation day hung above the black stone hearth.

"Please enlighten me," Callan seethed with his back to Vespera, "why the queen of a neutral planet visited the heart of the Republic?"

"Just because Azyrion is neutral does not mean we do not have business with the Republic."

"And what business required you to leave for multiple days on such short notice?"

Vespera tensed. She hadn't given much thought to what she would tell Callan and her council when she returned to Azyrion. There had been a moment in the bunker on Naboo where Vespera figured she wouldn't leave alive. Still, she'd learned a bit about politics and being a politician. As much as she hated it, she'd become a skilled liar as queen. "I was ensuring the Republic did not suspect Count Dooku's visit here. I also wanted to find more information on our treaty with the Republic. If we do secede, I want to do so in a way that will not harm our people as much as possible."

"It took you nearly a week to figure all of this out?"

"Well, Coruscant is much smaller than I thought it'd be," Vespera joked. "I ran into Senator Amidala, and she wanted to know about our investigation into Valerius and the people who shot her down."

Callan turned. "And what did you tell her?"

"I told her we'd hit another dead end, but that justice was being served."

"And this took you nearly a week?" Callan inched toward Vespera with narrowed eyes.

"Well, all of what I told you did," Vespera replied. "The Senate is disorganized—"

"You're hiding something," seethed Callan, now close enough that their chests were pressed against one another.

"I'm not hiding anything."

Callan gripped Vespera's upper arms, his fingernails digging into her flesh through her sleeves. Her nearly-healed blaster wound smarted, and Vespera clenched her teeth to keep from flinching. "You are. I feel it."

Vespera jerked away from Callan's grasp, and her arm stung. "Alright, fine! Senator Amidala wasn't entirely convinced and plans to return to Azyrion to investigate further. I didn't see much of an alternative, so I told her she could."

"What?" hissed Callan. "Why would you allow such a thing?"

"Why would you allow Count Dooku to visit our planet?" Vespera shot back.

Callan rolled his eyes. "I already told you that I had nothing to do with that."

"You're the king consort! You could've told the council no! You're the head councilman, are you not?"

Callan curled his lip. "I actually wasn't privy to that decision of theirs."

Vespera folded her arms. "Then they're deceiving you, too."

"They wouldn't dare."

"Don't you see? They're using both of us to further their own power. Callan, if we're not careful, we could lose our thrones."

"You mean your throne," spat Callan. "You've made that abundantly clear."

Bowing her head, Vespera picked at her nails. "We might disagree, and we may not even like each other, but if our council is working to dispose of us, then we should work together."

"The best way to protect both of us is by providing Azyrion with an heir."

Teeth clenched, Vespera dropped her hands to her sides. She dug her nails into her palms until it hurt. "I am not a breeder."

"No, you're a queen with responsibilities." Callan flared his nostrils. "To continue your line."

"You mean start yours?"

Callan snorted. "I'm actually trying to help you, Vespera."

"By seeking a way to ensure my dynasty, as if you see no hope for me unless I'm dead?" Vespera's eyes pricked.

"I'm not the one who needs to worry about the council." Callan leaned closer to Vespera's ear. "Your only power here is your blood. I suggest that you use it."

Vespera lifted her chin and swept past her husband. "If that is all, I will retire to my chambers."

"That is all."

The click of her heels on the marble floors of the palace echoed across the halls. Whenever Vespera passed, guards stood at attention and maids bowed their heads. A tightness coiled in her chest and snaked up her throat. Her lungs screamed for air, as if the breaths she drew could not quite fill them. Once inside her quarters, Vespera leaned against the door, panting. When she closed her eyes, a tear dampened her lashes and slid down her cheek.

Callan only wanted to ensure that his line continued the royal bloodline. The Stellavis dynasty would die with Vespera. That was the curse of having daughters. He wanted Vespera gone—but only after she produced an heir—as did her council. The council, it seemed, wanted the monarchy eradicated entirely. But why conspire with the Separatists?

The air trembled. Slowly, Vespera opened her eyes. Tan boots standing before her sent a jolt down her spine. She lifted her head to meet Obi-Wan's gaze. His brow knitted.

"Are you alright?" His voice was surprisingly gentle.

Vespera wiped away her tear. "I'm fine. What are you doing here?"

"I felt your pain, and I meditated. You seemed upset."

Rubbing her arm where Callan dug into her still-healing wound, Vespera raised her chin. "So, what? You followed the tether just because I seemed upset?"

Obi-Wan lifted a brow. "Is that so hard to believe?"

Gods, Vespera wanted to believe him, but so far, every man she'd encountered lately just wanted something from her. "I assumed you did it because you wanted to pester me about asking the Jedi Council about this bond we have."

"You're especially prickly today."

Vespera laughed and sank into a chair. "Well, you have no qualms about it, so why don't you try reading my emotions and figure out why?"

Obi-Wan furrowed his brow. "I apologize if my doing that the other day crossed a line."

Hugging herself, Vespera sighed. It was difficult to be prickly with someone so genuinely kind. "Truthfully, that doesn't entirely bother me."

"So, why did you seem so upset about my reading your emotions? I'm sure this bond works both ways and you can sense mine just as easily."

"I can, but I try not to." Obi-Wan lowered his gaze, which tugged at Vespera's heartstrings. With a sigh, she added, "I'm not used to being read so easily."

Obi-Wan's eyes lifted to meet Vespera's. "I get the sense you hide a lot of yourself."

"Out of necessity."

"Is that why you don't want to go to the Jedi Council? You're afraid of being read?" Obi-Wan tilted his head.

Vespera's stomach knotted. "Not exactly. I'm not ready to face them."

Obi-Wan frowned. His confusion muddled Vespera's own emotions. "You left on amicable terms. You're remembered fondly there—"

"Don't," Vespera said thickly. She closed her eyes and gulped, her fingers digging into the edges of her seat. "It's painful for me. You're free to question them about this bond all you like, but please, don't make me go with you."

Obi-Wan's desire to question further salted the tip of Vespera's tongue. But he seemed to swallow it, dipping his head respectfully instead. "As you wish."

His striking blue eyes crinkled at the corners with the beginnings of a smile. He was as handsome as he had been as a Padawan—maybe even more so, with his beard—and still just as kind. And charming. The Force nudged her again—to trust Obi-Wan, that this was a friend—but Vespera tensed. Part of her still churned and knotted with unease at the thought that it was her fault that this Force bond formed in the first place—she'd always had a proclivity for forming strong bonds—and felt that she should be ashamed of it. As if she did something wrong, if this was her doing in the first place. She could create strong bonds, but she had never done anything like this. Another part of her didn't want to solely rely on the Force. If she wanted to trust Obi-Wan, or vice versa, they each needed to earn that trust.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to prepare for Senator Amidala's arrival." Vespera stood and smoothed out the crinkles of her dress.

Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "What business does she have on Azyrion?"

"Oh, just to topple patriarchal regimes," Vespera mused.

"Naturally." Obi-Wan sounded just as amused.

Vespera held his gaze, taking a moment to admire the way his smile hid behind his beard and brightened his eyes. "Thank you for checking on me."

Obi-Wan's eyes softened. "Of course." He bowed his head. "Until next time, your majesty."

"Until next time," Vespera returned, smiling slightly. Obi-Wan disappeared.

Their training sabers clashed with a hot buzz. Obi-Wan's Padawan braid whipped as he twirled to slash at Vespera again, but she brought up her double-bladed training saber up to block. Her arms vibrated with the force of Obi-Wan's blow. He grinned.

"Tired, Stellavis? Ready to forfeit?"

"In your dreams, Kenobi," Vespera shot back. She twirled and delivered several fast-paced blows. With a double-bladed saber, Vespera's style depended on fast, and somewhat aggressive, attacks. However, whenever Obi-Wan backtracked a little, Vespera made sweeping, diagonal attacks, starting up from the right and then coming down on the left. She needed to keep Obi-Wan fighting frantically and away from her back. Her strategy seemed to work, until Obi-Wan flipped over her, kicked her in the back, and pulled her training saber from her hands. He leveled his training saber toward her as she rolled to face him.

"Ready to forfeit now?" His chest heaved and sweat sheened his forehead. Vespera kicked his feet out from under him and pinned her knee to his chest.

"Never, Kenobi."

Obi-Wan grinned. Their noses almost touched, and Vespera's Padawan braid dangled by Obi-Wan's face. The smile curving across Vespera's lips faltered. She was very close to Obi-Wan, very warm, and his eyes were very blue. She jumped off of him and held out a hand to help him to his feet. He accepted her hand, and stood with his chest close to Vespera's. She backtracked, her face heating.

She was his friend. Nothing more.

To greet Senator Padme Amidala, Vespera wore a golden silk gown with a high collar. The golden colors of friendship, warmth, and sunlight. Beside her, Callan wore his usual dark and crimson ensemble. Mistrust, grief, and royalty. He always needed to remind others of his royal status. Padme's Nubian cruiser reflected Azyrion's blue sky with such brilliance that it nearly seemed invisible.

"I don't like this," Callan gritted out, "inviting a Republic Senator here to investigate—"

"Yes, you've mentioned this once or twice," Vespera replied coolly. "Need I remind you that we must maintain amicable relations with the Republic?"

"No, I don't need any more reminders, thank you." Callan's lip curled.

The loading ramp lowered and Padme descended, dressed in an ankle-length purple gown. With a brownish-red headpiece banding the top of her head that secured Padme's hair in twists by her ears, before descending into a long braid down her back, the Nubian Senator looked far less formal than usual. Since Naboo and Azyrion shared some similarities, Vespera got the hint: Padme advocated for friendship between their worlds through her outfit choice, too.

"Your majesties," Padme greeted, bowing her head with a demure smile.

"Senator Amidala," Vespera returned, "it is good to see you again."

"Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to continue the investigation," Padme said.

Callan snorted under his breath. "It is strange that a senator is doing her own investigating."

"Senator Amidala and I thought it best that we keep the investigation between us instead of getting Senate Bureau of Intelligence involved," said Vespera.

"Though, depending on where our investigation leads us, we may have to," said Padme. She offered an apologetic smile. "I hope it doesn't come to that."

"Allow me to show you to your quarters," Vespera said lightly. "You must be exhausted."

With a dip of her head to Callan, Vespera led Padme down a corridor, up a set of stairs, and to Vespera's own quarters. Padme lifted a brow, taking a seat on one of the sofas. Slipping into the corridor, Vespera approached her two guards—well, really, they were Callan's guards assigned to her—and requested that they bring Padme Amidala's things to the guest chambers in the west wing. The two guards bowed their heads and marched off, while Vespera approached one of the maids.

"Gianna, do you mind bringing Senator Amidala and I some tea?"

The maid dipped her head. "Of course not, your majesty."

"Thank you." Vespera picked at her nails as Gianna scurried off. Something about ordering around maids never sat completely right with Vespera. It seemed being a Jedi—a servant of the people—never really left her after all. After a moment, she returned to the sitting area and sat across from Padme.

"This seems a little nice to be guest quarters," said Padme.

"That's because we're in my quarters," Vespera replied. "We won't be overheard in here."

"Nice thinking."

"I set up a meeting with my allies tonight, but for now, we can catch up," Vespera said. Gianna entered with a tea tray. "Thank you, Gianna."

"Of course, your majesty," said Gianna, bowing slightly. She exited the room while Vespera and Padme sipped at their tea.

"Can I ask you something, Vespera?" Padme's brow crinkled and she lowered her teacup toward her lap.

"Yes."

"Your marriage with Callan was arranged, right?"

"By my parents," Vespera confirmed. "Before they died, they wanted me to have a strong reign. Callan's parents at the time were vying for the throne. They had no blood claim to it, but they had many supporters who believed that with my sister's death, it was time for a change. My parents and Callan's decided that they should form an alliance and secure what they both wanted."

"But you didn't marry until after your parents died," said Padme, her face still crumpled with a frown.

"I… resisted the idea of a political marriage," Vespera admitted. "But with the war with Raria, I needed political allies. I thought that by marrying Callan, and fulfilling my parents' wishes, I would secure that."

"But it didn't?"

"No," Vespera sighed. "It came with a council with real power instead of just advisors."

"I thought all queens had a council?" Padme placed her teacup on its saucer with a soft clatter.

"They do. But the council is typically meant to be a group of advisors. Mine is a bit more powerful."

"How'd that happen?"

"I was naïve and trusting," Vespera said heavily. She sipped from her tea to avoid continuing, but Padme continued to stare; her brow curved in askance and concern. With a small sigh, Vespera set her teacup on the table in between the two sofas. "Our marriage contract came with clauses. I needed the backing of powerful nobles that Callan had working relationships with. There was a war on the horizon, and my people were still learning to accept me as queen. Callan wanted to be head of the council, and I foolishly granted it to him. Gradually, he granted the council more and more powers, all under the guise of 'emergency' thanks to the war. I tied the noose around my neck by doing that."

Padme lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Vespera."

"For what? I'm the idiot who believed a Jedi could ever be a queen."

"You're not an idiot," said Padme. "Naïve, maybe, but an idiot? No. You're doing your best."

Vespera laughed dryly. "I'm afraid my best isn't enough."

"Well, that's why I'm here. What's our first step?"

"First, we need to find all records on past councils and their restrictions, as well as my current council. If there's a loophole somewhere, that would give us a head start."

"Okay. Where would we find that?"

"Same place where Anakin snooped last time," Vespera said with a small smirk, "the library."

Perhaps wishful thinking blinded Vespera, or perhaps she truly was a fool. All the records that could possibly help her did not exist anymore. In fact, most of the information on queen's councils and advisors had been wiped from the archives. The only bit of information that remained included Queen Amaia's reign, the mad queen who used the Force to instill fear in the people.

"Well, at least we know one thing," said Padme after an hour of searching, "they definitely don't want you finding any loopholes. They're hiding something."

Vespera rubbed her brow. "But there's no proof."

"They have to have documents somewhere," Padme insisted. She pursed her lips for a moment.

"What is it?"

"Something you said about your marriage contract," Padme muttered. "Where would that be?"

"Callan's study," Vespera replied with a narrow of her eyes. "But he spends a lot of time in there."

"Well, if we can get him out—"

"He usually keeps it either guarded or locked, though."

"Is there any way in?" Padme sounded desperate.

"Yes, but it's blocked off," said Vespera.

"Blocked off?"

Vespera stood. "Come on."

She led the way to the back of the library, to a curved selection of shelves and books. Sandwiching her fingers in the small space where the shelf ended and the wall began, Vespera pulled a hidden latch. A chunk of the shelf unhinged and sung inward like a door. Behind the shelf was a stone staircase leading downward.

"Obi-Wan mentioned a secret passage," Padme breathed as Vespera stepped inside the opening. Padme followed and Vespera shut the shelf door, plunging them into darkness.

"There's a rail on the right wall," Vespera instructed. They descended the stairs. Slowly adjusting to the darkness, Vespera's eyes identified the doorway leading into the tunnels underneath the palace. The deeper underground they went, the more the Force hummed with energy. Something about this place crackled with the Force's energy. Their passage merged with other passages, until they walked through a wide tunnel with lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Each lantern flickered on as they furthered their descent. "There are passages all over the palace. In case of an emergency, the people inside need to be able to get out easily. All of the important rooms have one, and some of the non-essential ones do, too. They all lead down here."

The passage yawned into a cavern. White pillars bore the weight of the ceiling, their adornments worn from age. Knee-deep water flooded the space below. On their side of the caver, different tunnel openings spanned the wall. Across the water were additional openings. Automatic lanterns flickered on, casting a dim glow in the cavern.

"Wow," Padme exhaled. "This is incredible."

"If we take that tunnel," Vespera gestured to an opening three tunnels to their right, "it'll lead back to the side of the palace where Callan's study is."

Vespera led the way along the stone walkway, trying to ignore the way her hair stood on end as the Force's energy called to her. The gaping, dark tunnel openings to her right resembled mouths. Vespera shivered.

"This place is kind of creepy," Padme muttered.

"This area is far older than the palace itself," Vespera replied. "I believe it was my great-grandfather who discovered it and had the passageways built in the palace."

"I wonder what this was used for," Padme said, her voice echoing off the pillars. The vast silence seemed to thrum with a heartbeat. Obi-Wan's Force signature flickered around Vespera, and his presence nudged hers gently. Gritting her teeth, Vespera blocked him out. Now was not the time.

Vespera and Padme entered the tunnel and climbed until the tunnel broke off into different passages. Vespera picked the middle right one and they ascended further. But, about halfway to their destination, a pile of rocks from an apparent cave-in blocked their path. Padme folded her arms.

"Well, it doesn't look like the cave depends on these rocks for support," she said. "I think we can safely move them without risking another collision or cave-in."

"Move them?" Vespera lifted a brow.

Padme cocked her head to the side. "You used to be a Jedi. You can move the rocks."

A knot twisted Vespera's stomach and her hands trembled. She hugged herself. "I haven't done something like that in a long time."

Placing her hand on Vespera's arm, Padme's brow curved in concern. "Vespera, it might be the only way to find out what your council's really up to."

With a sigh, the tension in Vespera's shoulders collapsed. She held out her hands toward the rocks and closed her eyes. Breathing in, the Force filled her veins. She felt illuminated and alive as she allowed her walls to crumble, and allowed herself to fully connect with the Force's energy. The rocks levitated and spread around Vespera and Padme until none blocked the path. Vespera placed the rocks gently on the ground, lining both walls in neat rows.

Opening her eyes, Vespera frowned. No damage from the tunnel marred the ceiling. This cave-in wasn't a real cave-in. The rocks had been placed to block the path. Anger flared in Vespera's chest. Callan had wanted to keep people out of his study.

Padme beamed. "You did it!"

Vespera's lips twitched, but she did not return Padme's smile fully. Her hands still trembled, and the Force still flooded through her, strong and vibrant. Her walls usually kept it subdued or hazy, but now, it thrummed in her like a heartbeat more powerful than her own. She led the way further through the passage to make sure the doorway wasn't locked, too. Scrunching her nose, Vespera reached out with the Force, past the doorway and into the room, sensing for Callan's presence. His study was empty, though the presence of two guards by the front door flared. Vespera checked the lock and slid the door open. A panel slid open, revealing Callan's empty study. Vespera and Padme peeked inside.

Callan decorated his study similarly to his quarters, except his study bore some of the adornments from kings' past. The walls were white, as were the columns in the corners of the room. A silver chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling. Crimson curtains framed the floor-to-ceiling windows. A matching crimson rug sat in the center of the room. Books and shelves lined the wall across from Vespera and Padme's hiding spot. Callan's desk sat to their left, at the end of the room facing the double doors that led outside of the study.

"Anything Callan has is likely to be at his desk," Vespera breathed. She slipped out of the passage and, remaining in a crouch, snuck over to the desk. Padme slinked right behind her. Lying on top of the desk sat a datapad. Vespera tried to open the thick drawers, but they were locked. "Oh, he is so paranoid."

"Here," Padme said, withdrawing a pin from her hair. She fiddled with the locks, and after a few moments, they clicked open.

Vespera grinned. "I knew I liked you for a reason."

Padme returned Vespera's mirth, and then widened her eyes. "He uses paper files?"

Vespera thumbed through some of the labels: Council, Raria Prison Reform, D.H.K., and V.N.S. "Lucky for us he's organized."

"Do you have any guesses at which one will be most helpful?" Padme queried.

But Vespera stopped at the one labeled D.H.K. Dorian Hansol Kang. Dorian. Why would Callan have a file on Dorian?

Before Vespera could reach for the file, the Force flared with a sense of danger. Callan was returning to his study. Vespera slammed the drawer shut. "We have to go."

Jumping to their feet, Vespera and Padme slipped back into the secret passage and shut the door. Vespera did not stop moving quickly until they were back in the main cavern. The Force vibrated with energy once more, and Obi-Wan's presence lingered in the corner of Vespera's eye. She felt his curiosity, but shut him out once more.

"Vespera? What is it?" Padme panted as Vespera leaned against the cavern wall.

"Callan was coming back," Vespera replied.

"I figured, but you saw something back there. What was it?"

Tensing, Vespera folded her arms. "Nothing. I'm guessing the file we need is V.N.S. Those are my initials."

"What about the datapad? It needs a password."

"I'm afraid I won't be much help with that. I don't know what Callan would choose. We'd need an astromech to help us break in."

"Anything else?"

"The one labeled Council, and…" Vespera dragged her teeth across her lip. "And D.H.K."

"So, how are we going to do this?"

"I'll keep Callan and the council distracted somehow," said Vespera. "You'll sneak in and copy the information. I'll make sure no guards bother you, too."

"Are you sure you don't have any guesses as to what the password might be?" Padme pressed. "There could be vital information on it."

Vespera frowned. Callan was egotistical, paranoid, and cared more about his title as king than anything else.

No. That was what Vespera perceived of him, because that was all Callan showed her. But there had been a time where Callan revealed a vulnerability, one that he tried to hide but never quite managed to succeed.

"Try 'Zerlina,'" Vespera muttered. She sensed Padme's curiosity, but did not elaborate. Instead, she led Padme toward the flooded floor of the cavern. "We need to meet with my allies, and this is the quickest way. I hope that dress isn't too important to you."

"I don't mind," said Padme. Vespera jumped into the water, and Padme followed with a gentle splash. They waded through the water, passing many of the tunnel openings on either side. One opening sat with its mouth halfway in the water.

"That one opens up to one of the canals," said Vespera, gesturing toward it.

"So, who are your allies, exactly?"

"Mostly normal people," Vespera replied. "We can only afford to meet a couple at a time. If all of us met at the same time, it would raise suspicions. We'll be meeting Dione of Avellanos, Osheen of Cogitat, Hannelore of Raria—"

"Raria? Isn't that the place where you said you have fewer friends?"

"I said have very few friends, I didn't say I had none," Vespera smirked.

"Oh, of course," said Padme, sounding abashed. "Continue."

"We'll also be meeting my uncle, Abner."

"Your uncle?"

Vespera's stomach twisted. "Yes."

"Is he your father's brother, or your mother's?"

"Father's."

"Then wouldn't he be king?"

"No one really knows he exists," said Vespera. "He was a Jedi, too."

Padme stopped. "What?"

"He left the Order when I did," said Vespera. "He didn't want me to be alone, and thought I would need a guide."

"Where is he?"

"He lives on Tatum."

"But then… That leaves you alone, doesn't it?"

The water grew shallower as the ground inclined. The cavern was a massive bowl, and they had reached the edge. Tunnel openings lined it. Vespera slowed to a stop before the tunnel they needed to enter, waiting for Padme to catch up.

"For a necessary reason," Vespera said. She relaxed when Padme did not press further, though the Nubian senator's curiosity spiked around her like static-stricken hair. Vespera led the way through the tunnel, which opened up onto the beach. The palace perched upon the cliff behind them. "This is where we'll meet them later tonight."

Padme's brow crinkled. "Why are we here now?"

"If anyone asks where we've been, we've been at the beach, playing in the water. We've got the water stains to prove it." Vespera gestured to her wet dress.

Padme glanced down at herself. Then, she tugged some of her hair free of its braid. "You should make your hair look more windswept, too."

"Good idea." Vespera messed with her hair until it looked as if she'd been running around. Padme took her shoes off and dug her toes into the sand, smiling at the horizon. Vespera followed suit, but closed her eyes as the sun warmed her face. Wind caressed her hair with soft fingers.

"Can I ask you something?"

Vespera withdrew from her meditative state. "Of course."

"Were you and Obi-Wan friends during your time at the Order?"

Immediately, Vespera's stomach curled with that familiar tension whenever someone mentioned the Jedi. No one was around, so she forced herself to relax a little. "Yes. Why?"

"The two of you seemed to share a history," said Padme, though her tone came out an octave higher than usual.

Lifting a brow, Vespera turned to Padme. "What do you mean, 'a history'?"

"Oh, you know," said Padme, fervently avoiding Vespera's gaze, "I've picked up on a little bit of tension between you two. As if things ended badly, or… I don't know."

Vespera bowed her head. "I haven't been the kindest to Obi-Wan, have I?"

"What? That's not what I meant—"

"I've been harsh to him," said Vespera, flexing her toes as a wave washed the sand between them. The sand beneath her feet slipped back with the wave. "Speaking of the Jedi—and being around them—is not easy for me."

"It must be difficult," said Padme. "I didn't even realize it was possible to leave the Jedi Order."

A tremendous wave of sadness swept off of Padme. Vespera's heart clenched, and she furrowed her brow. Whatever Padme carried, it felt as heavy as the burden upon Vespera's shoulders. Vespera placed a hand on Padme's arm.

"Forgive me for prying," Padme said. "I've never met anyone who left, and I thought…"

Lips quirking, Vespera said, "That maybe I left for other reasons?"

Padme looked away. "It was silly to ask."

"It wasn't. I developed a crush on Obi-Wan when we were Padawans," Vespera admitted. Padme's eyes crinkled at the corners. Vespera returned the smile as she turned back toward the horizon. "He never returned my feelings, of course. And it was just a silly infatuation. A rebound, if you will."

"Rebound?"

"Being a Jedi wasn't always easy." Vespera kicked a seashell over. "I fell in love with someone I was protecting."

"Who?"

"A Twi'lek girl named Hirani," said Vespera, smiling sadly. "I wasn't good at hiding it, and eventually, Master Plo figured out what was going on. He was understanding, and told me it was natural, but that I had a duty to the Order. I needed to make a choice. In the end, I chose the Order over Hirani."

Padme lowered her head. "How'd you make that choice?"

"I think I might've rationalized it as young love, and therefore not as serious. Besides, I loved being a Jedi, and they were my family. In the end, my love for them was stronger than my love for Hirani. It didn't make leaving her any less painful, though." Vespera's voice caught, and she swallowed the lump in her throat.

A whorl of emotions seeped off of Padme: sorrow, frustration, anxiety, loneliness, and guilt. Furrowing her brow, Vespera reached out with the Force and sent a wave of comfort her friend's way. Padme lifted her chin.

"Are you doing that?"

"Sorry," said Vespera, the corners of her mouth twitching, "I know not many appreciate being manipulated by the Force."

Padme frowned. "Ana—I mean, I was told once that Jedi mind tricks only work on the weak-minded."

"Emotions are different than the mind," said Vespera. "I've actually never been that great at mind tricks. My abilities were usually more empathetic in nature."

"I thought all Jedi had the same abilities?"

"The same basic ones, but just as in anything, some Jedi are more talented in areas than others."

Padme remained quiet for several seconds. "Thank you for telling me all of this, Vespera."

"To be honest, I think I needed to," Vespera managed a half-smile. "I haven't talked about this with anyone… Well, in a very long time. I haven't really told anyone about Hirani, and I've never told anyone about my crush on Obi-Wan. But that was years ago, so keep that to yourself, will you?"

"Don't worry. I'm good at keeping secrets."

Later that night, Vespera and Padme returned to the beach. Vespera hugged Abner. He patted her back and chuckled softly.

"Hello to you too, child," he greeted. "Don't worry about Kenna; she's being watched over by Jenaro."

Vespera relaxed. "Thank you." She turned to Dione, Hannelore, and Osheen. "And thank you all for coming. You've taken a great risk in meeting me here."

Dione, a beautiful woman with dark hair and dark eyes, bowed her head. "We are honored to be of service to Azyrion."

"This is Senator Amidala," Vespera stepped aside to allow Padme room to speak. "She's going to educate us so that we may help educate our people. The best way to cripple the council's power is to filter power to the people. If we can rally enough people demanding change, we can stop the council's tyranny."

Padme smiled at Dione, Hannelore, and Osheen. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."

For the next hour, Padme discussed Nubian politics and democratic systems. She made sure that they understood enough to be able to educate other people before allowing Vespera to take over the meeting once more.

Osheen folded his strong arms and peered down at Vespera. "So, what exactly is our plan?"

"First, we need to educate people in order to change the system," said Vespera.

"Changing the system will cause an uproar," said Dione.

"Not to mention a power vacuum," added Hannelore.

"Not if there are political leaders among the people," said Vespera. But her allies wore mirrored expressions of doubt. She sighed. "The council wants to drag us into a war. They want to join the Separatists."

"That will close off trade routes that are vital to our system," said Osheen. "People could starve!"

"And that would break a treaty," muttered Dione.

"Yes," Vespera replied. "This is not an ideal situation. I promise you; I will not abandon my people. I may have to abdicate my throne, but I will not abandon any of you. That council wants to control me and Azyrion for their own political and monetary gain, and I cannot let that happen. Azyrion will not fall to traitors."

Osheen smirked and placed a hand over his heart. "You are fondly remembered among the people in Cogitat. The woman-king who fought for the North Shore will always be honored."

Vespera placed a hand over Osheen's. "You fought by my side that day. Fight with me now."

Hannelore bright eyes caught the moonlight as she stood from her crouch. "The Force has guided you this far. I will trust it and you."

Dione dipped her head. "You can count on me."

"Thank you," said Vespera, touching each of her allies lightly. "Thank you all for your courage and loyalty."

Abner tilted his head. "So, what now?"

"Now," Vespera huffed, turning to share a knowing glance with Padme, "we stir some trouble with the council."

Vespera waited until the next morning to call a meeting with her council after she'd directed Padme to the correct tunnel. Her council took their seats, some of them wearing rather smug expressions. Ignoring the tightness coiling in her chest, Vespera stood to address her council. "I want reports on my cities. There is unrest stirring amongst the people."

Her council members exchanged glances. Gan leaned forward; his eyes narrowed. "You want them now?"

"Of course not," Vespera said sharply. "You haven't had time to observe."

"That would require us to return to our home cities," said Deion.

"For a time, yes," said Vespera. Her lips twisted with a cold smirk. "Why, gentlemen, it seems you are unwilling to return to your home cities. Is this out of fear of the people, or an unwillingness to leave the palace?"

"With respect, your majesty, the people of Leviglade are none too pleased with the crown as of late," said Soren.

"And why is that?"

"To pay for the repairs caused by the Republic's damage, we raised taxes there."

"You raised taxes in Leviglade," Vespera said dully. The council nodded. Vespera's heart plummeted into the pit of her stomach. "Why, in the name of the gods, would you choose to raise taxes in Leviglade? They're the poorest city and can't possibly afford an increase!"

The council shifted. Callan cleared his throat. He remained seated, staring up at Vespera with his cold eyes. "The other cities have already suffered a tax increase. Azolos's taxes pay for our security measures, while the others are reinforcing the Rarian prison refortification."

Vespera curled her fingers into her palms until her nails dug crescents. Obi-Wan's presence nudged hers through the Force. With a clench of her teeth, she shut him out with a wall as strong as a Venator's hull.

"Count Dooku promised that the Separatists would provide for our planet," said Torin.

Jiang straightened. "Yes, he assured us that were we to join the Separatist cause, our planet would be provided with protection so we wouldn't have to tax our own people to protect us from the war."

"If we join the Separatists, we would be joining the war regardless," snapped Vespera. "We would be breaking a century-old treaty with the Republic, and our treaty with the Council of Neutral Systems."

"The Republic has already shown their blatant disregard of our treaty," scoffed Cathal. "They came here and had my son arrested."

"Your son shot their ship down," argued Vespera. "They were not invading, they were here peacefully—"

"Everywhere the Jedi go, peace does not follow!" A shrill silence met Cathal's words. He breathed heavily for a moment. "They swing their laser-swords on the frontlines of this war, all under the guise of peacekeeping." Cathal spat the last word.

"Someone attempted to kill Senator Amidala, and their investigation led them here. Your son did not help the matter by shooting their kriffing ship down!" The chandelier above trembled slightly with Vespera's yell.

"Your majesty, you shouldn't curse," said Gan.

Vespera bared her teeth. "And all of you shouldn't be causing the suffering of our people, yet here you are, raising taxes on Leviglade and our other cities without my input. You may be my council, but I am your queen. I have Stellavis blood in my veins. I am the protector of Azyrion, and you should be helping me do so. But you are making my job harder."

Jiang leaned forward. "Your majesty, you seem upset. Perhaps you should lie down. We can take a recess on this meeting."

"No," Vespera snarled. Obi-Wan's presence pushed on her walls, his askance bending the iron of her will. Digging her fingers deeper into her palms, Vespera forced him out again. "I want full reports on the taxes, now."

Soren chuckled. "Your majesty, you needn't worry your pretty head about matters such as these."

"It was not a request," Vespera gritted out. "And I want to see what bills you've been working on for the past few months."

Everyone looked to Callan, who shrugged. "The queen has every right to request these."

With a grumble, the council pulled up their datapads to show Vespera their ideas. She held her hands in her lap, flexing her fingers only to curl them back to her palms. Pain smarted in the crescents carved by her fingernails. Obi-Wan's presence lingered, but Vespera managed to keep him out. She did not want him to see her anger, or her humiliation. Her council believed they could get away with raising taxes behind her back. The longer she sat in the meeting, the more her chest burned with fury.

"Before we adjourn this meeting, there is a matter that needs to be discussed," said Callan once the council members finished their reports on their respective cities. "There have been reports of Force-users on this planet."

A chill gripped Vespera's heart and feathered down her back. "Where?"

"Arcanym and Aeterna," said Callan. He stood and faced the council. "As we are all aware, maleficas are forbidden on Azyrion."

"Are we really going to adhere to an ancient ruling because of one queen?" Vespera challenged.

The council and Callan scowled at her. Callan cleared his throat. "That one queen nearly caused the complete genocide of Tatum, and allowed the rise of maleficas until she thought they would overpower her. That war nearly destroyed Azyrion."

"Force-wielders are not inherently evil," Vespera said. "What do you propose we do with them?"

"Execute them," said Cathal.

"We are not executing them," said Vespera firmly.

"Send them to the Jedi," shrugged Jiang.

"So that they can return with a vengeance? No!"

Vespera's brow puckered as her council broke out into an argument. Her shoulders slumped. It seemed that no matter what she did, her council wanted to send Azyrion back to the stone age.

"I say we exile them," said Callan. "Our pacifist queen will be happy with that, right?"

Vespera clenched her teeth for a moment. "No. We will observe them. If they prove a threat, then we will take action."

"So you would have us wait for the apocalypse instead of fight it?" sneered Torin.

Vespera glowered at him. "That's a little drastic, don't you think? You men are all so hysterical over this. Let's take a recess from this issue and come back to it with cooler heads, yes?"

With that, Vespera stood and adjourned the meeting. She sent a quick message to Padme to get out of Callan's study and hurried to a secret passage, still fuming from the meeting.

When Vespera entered the cavern, the Force hummed in her veins more powerfully than before. Obi-Wan's presence flickered into view.

"You know, you can't shut me out forever," he said, folding his arms.

"I can try," Vespera snapped. She blocked him out, and his figure vanished. She found Padme in the tunnel that led to Callan's study. Vespera shakily put the rocks back to block the path.

"Don't want to leave a trail behind, smart," Padme approved. "What's wrong? What happened with your council?"

"They're going to turn the people against me," Vespera muttered. "Raising taxes unfairly on the working class, alleviating taxes on the wealthy, wanting to execute Force-users—"

"What?"

"I stopped them," Vespera replied wearily, "but not for long. I've only bought time. They don't think I'm smart enough to understand what's happening to the taxes, but I think they're embezzling money from the crown, too."

"Well, I scanned and copied just about every file I could," said Padme. "Maybe there'll be something in there."

They hurried to the beach, where Padme withdrew her datapad with Callan's scanned documents saved on it. They picked Vespera's file first and found their marriage contract. Vespera and Padme read through it in silence. Most of it was fairly standard and nothing out of the ordinary. Then, Vespera's heart plummeted at a page entitled Crown Matrimonial.

In the event of the Queen's death (gods rest her soul), and in the absence of a male heir, the King (gods save him) shall receive the full authority of the Crown, and the line of succession shall shift from Stellavis to Acheron.

Signed: Vespera Nuelle Stellavis, Queen of Azyrion

Heart hammering in her throat, Vespera read through the entire Crown Matrimonial three times. Not only did it allow Callan full authority of the crown, it also allowed him to wed another and pass to descendants he had. If Vespera were to die unexpectedly without a male heir, the throne would not go to her uncle, or Lorelei, or even any daughters she might have with Callan. Nausea curled in her stomach. She swallowed a mouthful of bile. Her hands trembled.

"Vespera?"

"I didn't sign this," Vespera stated.

"But your signature—"

"I know, but I didn't sign this."

"Maybe you just don't remember—"

"Padme, I'm telling you, I never signed this. This is forged. It looks exactly like my handwriting, but I swear to you, I never signed this." Vespera's eyes smarted with tears. She paced the beach, breathing heavily. The Force flared around her. If she wanted to, she could force the waves back or shove a boulder into the air. She could keep a ship from launching. Instead, she dug her fingernails into her palms again. "That gives them a reason to kill me, Padme. If Callan wants to get rid of me, all he needs is a tragic accident and then he will be sovereign king! No wonder he isn't worried about the power-hungry council! That Crown Matrimonial grants him the right to dissolve them completely and rule Azyrion however he sees fit!"

"Vespera? You might want to calm down," said Padme, looking around with wide eyes.

Seashells and small rocks levitated around Vespera. With a gasp, she let the fall to the ground. She sat down heavily. "I'm a fool. I was naïve when I entered the marriage with Callan. It was the act of a desperate, new queen. Now I'm paying the price. My people will pay the price."

Padme placed her hands upon Vespera's shoulders. "You were a Jedi, not a politician. There was no way you could've known about this."

Vespera shook her head. "I should've known better. I should've trusted the Force, but I didn't. I knew something felt wrong before I married Callan, but I… I've been a fool to ever think I could be a queen."

"You're not a fool. Perhaps you were naïve, but I can tell you that I've made plenty of mistakes. We live and we learn. So, let's find a way to fix this."

"How?"

"Let me return to Coruscant with this," said Padme, lifting the datapad. "I have a friend who could help me go through them, and maybe we could find a way to prove that your signature is forged."

Vespera frowned. "What friend?"

"Another senator," said Padme. "Bail Organa. He's the best speaker, and a bit of a mentor to me. He can help."

"I don't know about involving another senator."

"How about you come to Coruscant with me to meet him? You'd like him."

"I can't just go to Coruscant," Vespera said. "Not with you, at least."

"Give it a few days. And Vespera, if you're in danger, maybe you should go to the Jedi."

"No. I'm not going to the Jedi for this."

"Do they think of ill of you for leaving?" Padme frowned.

"I don't think so," Vespera replied. "But we don't know that my life is in danger just yet."

Padme sighed and lowered her gaze. "You're right, but I think the sooner we look through this, we'll know for sure. I'll return to Coruscant immediately."

"I'll be right behind you."

After Padme left for Coruscant, things on Azyrion seemed eerily quiet for just a few days. But Vespera never relaxed. She sensed the darkness brewing in her own palace, like storm clouds rumbling with thunder in the distance. Any moment, the sky would break open with a torrent. Vespera prayed that she could withstand it.

On the third day, it almost seemed as if the sky really had broken open. A few Separatist ships landed on Azyrionian soil, and droids poured out of the ships. A bald woman with tattoos exited the ship. She was tall and very thin, with brilliant blue eyes. Two curved lightsabers crisscrossed on the back of her belt.

"King Callan and Queen Vespera," said the woman, "I am Asajj Ventress. I am here on behalf of Count Dooku, who wished to provide a demonstration for you. These droids are here to demonstrate the Separatists' ability to protect your system."

Vespera narrowed her eyes. "I wasn't aware that we'd be given such a generous demonstration of power."

Ventress's eyes flicked over Vespera, and her dark lips curved with a smile. "Count Dooku is most interested in an alliance, as are many on your own planet, your majesty."

"And is this a permanent or temporary demonstration?" Vespera queried.

Ventress placed a slender hand over her chest. "Oh, we would not want to overstay our welcome, of course."

"Vespera, may I speak with you?" said Callan coolly. He and Vespera stepped out of earshot of Ventress. Then, he grabbed Vespera roughly by the arms. "You need to go to Coruscant."

"Why?" Vespera hissed. "So you can let the Separatists take over while I'm gone?"

"No," said Callan. "We need the Republic. I didn't invite them here. Someone on the council did."

Vespera narrowed her eyes. "I don't trust you."

Callan snorted. "And I don't trust you. But you were right: The council wants to get rid of us both. Go to Coruscant and appeal for aid. The Separatists have invaded our planet."

"That will lead to a Republic invasion," Vespera said, her brow puckering.

"Yes. But you and I will survive and keep our crowns."

Vespera reached with the Force. Normally, Callan's signature flickered with a muddled haze—oily and greasy with self-preservation—but a hazy dust of light peeked through the darkness around him. Vespera still did not trust Callan, but she trusted his instinct to save himself. He did not invite the Separatists here. Someone on their council—if not all the members—wanted to drag Azyrion into a war and see its king and queen dead.

Wooo! Really long chapter, guys! I've been thinking about starting a tumblr for this story, with like aesthetics, face-claims, music, etc. What do you think? Idk if anyone would be interested.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter. I'm loving the friendship bw Padme and Vespera, and the (very slowly) blossoming relationship bw Vespera and Obi-Wan.

What was your favorite part? Let me know by leaving a comment!