Anakin sat in his new room. It was as big as his entire house
back on Tattooine. He couldn't believe his mother had grown up in a
place like this. He wished she could have come back.

Her death still hurt. It had been a year since he and his
grandparents had returned to Tattooine to free her, only to find out
she'd been caught in a sandstorm and died.

He was getting used to life on Naboo. He'd made some friends
and Alotar and Ghita doted on him.

Today was a special day. Today Padme was going to announce
her choice for consort and for some reason she had told Alotar to
bring Anakin with him.

He'd taken special care with his clothes. He always did when
he knew he was going to see Padme. His trousers were pressed and his
tunic was new, and his boots were actually clean. He had to admit he
didn't look half bad. Dark colors looked good on him.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by a knock on his door. It
was his grandmother.

"Ani, it's time to go." Anakin grabbed his cloak from were it
was laying on the bed.

"I'm ready."


Anakin had never seen the throne room filled with so many
people. Nearly every important person on Theed was there. There were
a couple of news crews. He'd seen some Gungans too. He wondered if
Jar Jar would be there.

Padme was breathtaking. Her gown was simple and black. Her
hair cascaded down her back in waves. The handmaidens surrounded her.

The room was silent. All waited for Amidala to speak.

"Citizens of Naboo, representatives of Boss Nass, you have come
hear today to hear Our decision regarding Our future consort.

"In two years time We will be seventeen years of age. As you
all know that is the age when a girl of Naboo becomes eligible for
marriage. It is well known that when We reach the age of twenty-five
We must be married or We shall be forced to abdicate Our throne and
another shall become the Minhara.

"We have chosen Our consort. We remind you that citizens of
Naboo who are dissatisfied with Our decision have exactly one year to
veto Our decision. If no one has disagreed within that year then Our
decision shall be final, and We shall not break it except in the
event of either Ours or Our consort's death.

"We have chosen. Our royal consort will be Anakin Skywalker."