DISCLAIMER: Lets keep it simple, k? All the Star Wars characters mentioned here on out belong to George Lucas. There are a few people, rather minor characters, who come in later who belong to me but I don't care if you use them - just let me know. Thanks!

So," Panaka said. "What exactly has interested you in the position of Queen Amidala's handmaiden?" "Actually," Sabe said. "My friends at the orphanage say I have a knack for diplomacy. I'll admit that it has always interested me so when the announcement for potential handmaidens came around, the headmistress signed me up for the tests." "What experience do you have in diplomacy?" "Its really very silly. I would always be known as the 'President' around the Orphanage of the council. I was involved with a group of people who would sometimes go watch government proceedings with King Veruna. Um....I would supervise events like fundraisers, basically a lot of events around the Orphanage to both have fun and support my home." Panaka scribbled down some notes into a pad. Sabe, curious on what he was writing, tried to see what was being written about her. His pad was up too far, though. Padme cleared her throat, getting Sabe's attention. The girl could see a mischievous look in her royal friend's eyes. She made a face at her friend and Sabe was just about to shoot one back, but Panaka began to speak again. "If you do get a position of handmaiden, you would have to come live at the castle immediately. Would you be willing to do it?" "Yes, sir," she said not missing a heartbeat. She had always dreamed of having a family whom she could relate to - this would be perfect!

Before I knew it, I was done with the interview. Padme was so sweet about it - she reassured me after it that I had done a good job and she would put in a good word for me. I went back to the Orphanage, halfway expecting not to get a position. Days went by, just like any others. About a week later, there was a commotion out at the front gates . . .

Another lazy spring day... Sabe propped her feet up on a bench and got out her favorite book in order to get lost in another world. Everything was quiet . . . aside from the sudden shouts coming from the courtyard. Wondering what was going on, Sabe put down her book and went over to the window. Two guards from the palace... TWO GUARDS FROM THE PALACE?!?!? She quickly took off running through the halls heading quickly down to the ground levels.

Arriving there, she almost ran into the headmistress. With a smile as beaming as the Nubian sunshine, she motioned for her to go outside and meet up with the new arrivals. She stepped out and noticed that the guards turned almost immediately to her. The one whom she recognized as Captain Panaka stepped forward and beckoned to her. "Hello again, Miss Krigare." "Hello, sir," she said slightly bowing her head. "I'm sure you're wondering why I am here with my comrade today." "You can say that, sir . . ." "Well, I have come to tell you that, as of right now, you are a handmaiden to Queen Amidala. Your official duties will begin in two weeks, beginning with the coronation ceremony." Remembering what was said in the meeting, she started backing up. "I'll be down with my things, Captain." "Quickly! The other four handmaidens are at the castle as we speak!"

I ran as fast as I could - I felt like my feet were flying! I had gotten a position as an almost-equal servant to the thirteen-year-old soon-to-be Queen herself!

~*~*~*~*~

"Our mother was thirteen when she was involved in politics?" "Actually, she was fourteen, Luke. See here . . . ?" Leia turned the next page of the thick book and read the first line. "Padme turned fourteen approximately one week before she was due to be crowned Queen of the Naboo." "Leia, what made you discover that our mother was Padme Skywalker? In here she is referred to as Queen Amidala or Padme Naberrie . . . " "When you told me that Ben Kenobi said our father was Anakin Skywalker, I figured he was a Jedi of the Old Republic, as he was. I found his name and learned from there that he married an important political figure - Padme Naberrie." Nodding, Luke turned back to where they were in the journal. He continued reading . . .

~*~*~*~*~

I met the other four handmaidens later that day. Yane got one of the positions - which I was really glad of. Her sister, Eirtae got another of the positions. She was really quiet - not to mention a tad bit stuck up. I just attributed that to her shyness. I had dealt with people like that almost all my life. There was also a girl from a remote river village - Rabe was her name. She spoke with the strongest accent, but she was also the sweetest girl. The last handmaiden was Sache, another girl from Theed. However, she had lived with her brother before she got the position, which is where she had learned the great leader skills she had.

Padme turned fourteen approximately one week before she was due to be crowned Queen of the Naboo. We four handmaidens were trained like mad the week before for the duties which were to befall us, and were officially 'sworn in' as her faithful servants. All throughout the ceremony, I saw Captain Panaka looking back and forth between me and Padme, who was next to him. At that time, I didn't know what he was doing, but I later found out.

The ceremony was breathtaking . . . spectacular . . . whatever you want to call it. The new queen was wearing a red dress - not as outlandish as some of her later ones, might I add. The castle was decorated, people were cheering, and we were wearing matching white dresses and veils. I couldn't believe it - I had finally begun my position in an office . . . one of the Queen's handmaidens, not to mention. People would know our word was equivalent to Padme's. One of the perks . . .

The next day, I was called into Panaka's office. Padme was there, but not the other handmaidens. I wondered what was going on as I sat down . . .

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