Ch 18

Rey

There weren't a lot of people on the estate from what I had seen, it was very quiet, it was disturbing.

Eventually, Saige told me they had very few people working the grounds on Leia's orders. They valued discretion above everything else, but there wasn't anyone living there permanently either so extra staff wasn't really a necessity. What I also noticed was how, even though they were servants, they were dressed exceptionally well. I had never worried about what I looked like or what I wore, but being here, it seemed that looks were a constant reminder to other of who you were.

"Miss Rey, the master bedroom is prepared for your stay, we make sure it stays that way in case of unexpected arrivals. I'm sure you've had a long journey, I can bring dinner to your room if you'd like?"

"Um... sure yes that's fine Saige... I don't want to be a bother for any of you. Thank you" she nodded and left me in front of a massive red and gold door. I could face the Emperor, I could fight a dozen squadrons of droids and stormtroopers, I could help Ben be redeemed. Being considered some form of royalty was... not anywhere near my comfort zone. I felt like an intruder, why did I think being a Skywalker was a smart choice?

"Okay BB, let's get this over with," I sighed. Bb beeped at me and I pushed the door open. The room was massive, probably bigger than the entire Lars homestead. It held a canopy bed with white and gold bed sheets and a mountain of pillows. There was a fireplace and sitting area for tea. There was a set of French doors that led out to a balcony and I could see a glimpse of the lake past that. There were two other doors on either side of where the bed stood.

The first led to a fresher with a white alabaster bathtub and golden faucet. The sink matched it and behind the tub was another massive window that also faced the lake.

I walked towards out and went back towards the second door, terrified of what was behind it, but I might as well get it all over with now.

This room was the most shocking of all. It was a walk in closet with mirrors that covered one wall from top to bottom. There were 2 endless racks of clothing and one wall dedicated to shoes.

"Those belonged to Mistress Leia, and some to her mother, Queen Amidala." I heard Saige say behind me, her voice had startled me, something not easily done, but I had been quite distracted.

"Saige this is very overwhelming... how do you manage this place?"

She smiled at my praise

"The estate doesn't ask for much management, some of the rooms are only cleaned once every other week. We don't get very many visitors like you would expect. I can show later or uh... tomorrow perhaps may be best". Exhaustion must have clearly shown on my face because I nodded and she understood.

"I can draw your bath for you while you eat dinner and set out some clothes to sleep in. I uh... don't assume you brought much with you..." she wasn't entirely wrong, I had only brought one extra change of clothes and the chest with Padmé's clothing. I was still wearing my pants and white tunic, I wasn't ashamed of it but perhaps it would be best if I tried to fit in for the time I was here.

"Saige, you don't have to do everything for me... I don't mean to offend but well... you see as I mentioned I was adopted. I was left to fend for myself at a very young age on Jakku. I'm not used to being waited on..."

"Miss Rey... I understand but this is the way here. We were all brought up to serve your family, not just because it's our job, but because we all love the family you've come from. I understand being here will take some time getting acquainted with and I'll help you. Naboo is known as the best of what's left of the Old Republic" I smiled and nodded at her and she went back outside. Soon I heard the water start to run in the bathroom and I let out a sigh.

I had officially bitten off more than I could chew, I didn't even know why I was supposed to be here.

I became rather frustrated and annoyed at having come here. I ate my dinner in silence and Saige soon informed me my bath was ready and that she would be back to gather my plate and leave a nightgown for me to wear. I thanked her and told her I would probably try to sleep early, claiming I was tired from my trip. BB8 was out exploring, I had told the little droid to just be careful and not get into trouble.

I sat in the bathtub until my fingers started pruning. I was trying hard to relax but I still felt frustrated.

Why was I here? Just because the Force said so?

"There is most certainly a reason for you to be here Rey, why don't you try to enjoy your stay while you're at it?" Said a woman's voice. It had definitely startled me since I'd been lost in thought, but soon realized it was Padme again.

She was wearing a blue dress with gold trim and her hair was down. White flowers were pinned through her cascading curls.

"It doesn't really seem that way... this place is massive. I'm not used to living with luxury."

She giggled and sat on the ground next to the tub before continuing.

"Ani was the same way... but he became more accustomed to my way of life as our marriage progressed. Maybe once you get past all the grandeur you'll see why I chose to have this as my safe haven when I was a senator. It's truly beautiful, just give yourself some time Rey. I'll come check in on you soon" and with that she got up and walked out of the room, leaving me more frustrated than before she arrived.