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Part Two

Sabé had only encountered Hugh Panaka two or three times when he served under Queen Leiandra. Now she wished it had just stayed that way. From her seat in a large stuffed chair she glared across the room at the new chief of security. "We keep Rabé," she said darkly.

"With all due respect, Your Highness, the handmaiden positions are not popularity contests. I am reluctant to retain this girl simply because she happens to be your friend."

Sabé's eyes flew open wide with anger. A lashing retort was forming in her head, but Padmé must have sensed trouble brewing, because she quickly intervened.

"Rabé Voss was chosen as handmaiden long before she became friends with Princess Sabé," she said calmly. "She has strong ties to the moor districts in the western hemisphere, and her input on that area has been useful to the Queen in the past. She also fulfills your physical requirements, Captain."

It is so much easier for her to act queen-like from up there, Sabé mused as she smirked at Panaka in triumph. At the moment, Padmé was perched atop a squat stool, her arms outstretched at her sides. The conference room they were gathered in seemed to have transformed into some kind of ancient jeweled forest. Bolts of bright cloth and fragments of trimming draped over almost every standing surface. Sabé had the feeling that so many frills were making Panaka feel like a whisperkit caught in the jaws of a coola clawfish.

As Sabé had predicted, the election had been little more than a formality. Sabé herself had actually taken five percent of the votes, but since the event had been a world-wide holiday, she suspected those votes must have been cast by people still hung-over from the previous night's pleasantries. She could think of no other plausible reason why someone would want her to be queen over Padmé.

Another ten percent of the votes had gone to Governor Bibble. It was evident from surveyed voters that many of those who had voted in favor of the Governor were concerned that Padmé was still too young for the job. Padmé was taking these concerns very much to heart.

"I need to create a very strong image to the people," she said to Sabé the morning after the election. "Something to keep their attention off my age and inexperience."

Padmé had therefore decided to model herself after the great Queen Celdari, who had been the first to rule after the time of the Great Suffering. This plan involved excessive face paint and an even more excessive wardrobe, which explained why Padmé was now to be found in the middle of a gown fitting while her sister and chief of security argued over handmaiden appointments. With coronation only two weeks away, both the gown and the handmaidens had become a top priority.

The Duchess Rothschild had recommended her cousin for the job of dressmaker. After a few minutes studying samples of the lady's work, both Sabé and Padmé had highly approved the choice. Her name was Danae Trillium, and she was nothing less than an artist. She was currently finishing the hem of Padmé's coronation gown, which would then be complete.

White or bright red were the colors typically worn by sovereigns for their coronations. However, given the special circumstances surrounding Padmé's own appointment, the new queen had requested something a bit more somber. Sabé paused a moment to admire the full effect.

The gown itself consisted of two basic components, the underdress and the overdress. The fabric of the outerdress was heavy brocade, tightly woven and very stiff, in a dark shade of forest green. It was shot through with silver threads that flashed in the sun as she walked. A very high and – in Sabé's opinion- garish collar came up around Padmé's head, trimmed along the edges by shining beads. The outerdress fit around Padmé almost like a long, tight coat, which was left open in the front to display the soft grey underdress beneath. Amidala's new official crest was embroidered on the bodice of the underdress in shining thread, and the skirt fell away in soft cascades like ripples all the way to the ground.

In all that get-up, Sabé could hardly recognize her sister at all. She seemed beautiful, distant, regal and imposing. But this was, of course, the desired affect. And many other such gowns were also being designed and constructed for the Queen's benefit.

"So, we now have two girls chosen," said Panaka curtly, drawing Sabé's attention reluctantly back to the task at hand. "Rabé Voss and Yané val Argon. We still could probably use a girl from Theed proper. I recommend the Lady Eirtaé Bakuro."

Sabé let out a small sarcastic laugh. "No," she said firmly, and continued scanning names from her list.

"And what, my I ask, is her Highness's objection?"

Sabé opened her mouth, and then closed it with a frown, trying desperately to think of a good reason. Curses on Panaka, why couldn't he just accept what she said? The fact of the matter was, she just didn't like Eirtaé Bakuro. Granted, the same could be said for pretty much half her peers in the noble circles. She wasn't very good at making friends.

Sabé was still pondering how to slip through Panaka's trap of a question when Padmé piped in again. "Add Lady Bakuro to your list, Captain," she said. "She knows more about Naboo etiquette than anyone else I've ever spoken to. And the social customs of several other worlds besides. I was going to suggest her myself."

Sabé shot a look of disgruntled venom at her sister. Padmé only stared above Sabé's head as if she did not see, and Sabé sighed inwardly. This queen thing was going to take a whole lot of getting used to. She gritted her teeth. "Fine," she said. "Eirtaé Bakuro."

"I beg your pardon, my lady," spoke up Danae Trillium quietly from the floor. All three heads turned in the direction of her voice.

"Yes, what is it Madame Trillium?" asked Padmé politely.

The seamstress held three pins in her hand, which she seemed to have momentarily forgotten. "Would you be at all interested in any other local girls for the job?" Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant.

Panaka leaned forward. "You have someone in mind, madame?"

The woman nodded slowly. "She's not a noble, mind you. She's common, as I am. Saché Drianna is her name. She lives down the street from me. A very dependable young lady, she just turned thirteen. You won't find anyone so responsible nor level-headed. Very good at keeping things organized too. Sometimes she helps me in my shop. Other times she watches my son for me."

"How old is your son?"

"He's seven, my lady. And very active. He loves it when Saché comes to see him. I think he gets lonely sometimes. There aren't really any other children on our street his age."

"I take it then that he has no brothers or sisters?"

Danae paused, and swallowed. Somehow, Sabé realized, Padmé had unknowingly stumbled upon something sensitive. "He has one younger sister," the dressmaker finally said, very quietly. "She's on Coruscant. I haven't seen her since she was six months old."

"Is she with family?"

Danae shook her head quickly. "No, she's training to be a Jedi."

Sabé blinked in momentary shock and looked at Panaka. He too looked surprised. If Padmé experienced a similar reaction, she did not let it show. "That is very interesting, Madame Trillium. I take it she was tested as a baby?"

"Please, you can call me Danae. Yes, the Jedi said she had very strong potential. We refused them at first, but they kept insisting that it would be dangerous if she were not properly trained. A Jedi Master named Ki-Adi-Mundi even came all the way from the capital to tell us he had a prompting from the Force insisting that Helaine's training as a Jedi was crucial to the future of the galaxy. The way they talked…" suddenly Danae's voice was ragged, and she was obviously trying to hold back tears, "it frightened us, you know? We agreed to let her go, but there isn't a day goes by that I don't…" here she stopped and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

It was quiet for a moment before Padmé spoke up again. "No one has the right to judge your decision, Madame Trillium," she said in a very formal tone, "not until they themselves must endure it."

"Thank-you, my lady," whispered Danae softly.

Padmé looked over at Panaka. "Captain, I would like you to add this Saché to your list as well."

"Very well, Your Highness. That brings the list to four. Assuming they all accept, we still need one more. Preferably a choice for decoy."

Sabé opened her mouth to comment, but was interrupted by the door opening. In strode her father, looking remarkably better than he had in the last few weeks. "Good mor-," he began in greeting, but stopped short as he nearly tripped over a bolt of purple-printed cloth. He picked up a feather from a nearby end table and flourished it with a bemused smile. "This is still the east conference room, isn't it?"

Padmé laughed. "Yes, papa. Good morning."

Armand walked over and gazed up at his oldest daughter with a proud smile. "Padmé, my dear, you look incredible."

Sabé coughed significantly, and the Prince Regent turned his head. "Oh, good morning maati," he said. "You look just like yourself, as always." He winked.

Sabé sniffed. "I'm going to take that as a good thing." She turned back to Panaka. "Wouldn't Rabé be a good choice for decoy? In the make-up I'm sure she'd look very much like the Queen."

"Yes she would- until she opened her mouth. Not to say anything against Handmaiden Rabé's accent of course, it's very lovely. But it is also highly distinguishable, and difficult to disguise."

Sabé frowned and chewed on the end of her pointer, disgruntled. When the man was right, he was right.

"Decoy?" said Prince Armand in confusion. "What's this about a decoy?"

"A suggestion of Captain Panaka's, papa," said Padmé. "He has lingering concerns over the effectiveness of our security since…" she did not finish the thought, but continued past it. "As I am adopting the regalia of Queen Celdari for the duration of my reign, it will be very convenient for one of my handmaidens to act as decoy, should the need arise. I myself am firmly against the idea, but have agreed to at least hire a girl who could fill the part."

"Ah," said their father. "An interesting proposal."

As he spoke, Sabé had an amazing thought, something she was amazed she hadn't thought of before. She sat up suddenly very straight in her chair, a look of revelation on her face. "I've got it! Captain, it's perfect!" She turned to look at her father, her dark eyes very bright.

He must have been able to read her mind, because suddenly his face paled. "Sabé," he choked out, "no, I won't allow…"

But she refused to hear him. Instead she jumped off chair and stood beside Padmé. "I will be the decoy, Captain. I will be the fifth handmaiden. Who else could possibly look or sound more like Padmé? And I know all the political things she knows, too! Well, most of it anyway."

Panaka looked as if he wanted to reply, but he was quickly cut short.

"Absolutely not," said Armand fiercely, raising his voice with authority.

Sabé swallowed, and turned to glare at him. "Why not?" she demanded.

"I have little choice in Padmé being queen," he said stiffly. "But do you think I want both my daughters in danger? I lost your mother, and I'm expected to set the both of you open the pedestal that killed her?" He turned and stalked to the window.

Silence like a thick fog filled the room for several long, tense moments. Danae's hands still clenched the hem of Padmé's dress, and she looked uncomfortable at being present for such a strained family moment. Panaka seemed to be discreetly studying the chemical structure of the varnish on his shoes, so intently was he staring at them. When none of the members of the Naberrie family showed any sign of breaking the silence, however, he at last spoke up.

"Madame Trillium," he said hesitantly, "how does this Saché look in appearance? Do you think she could possibly pass for the Queen?"

"I do not know, sir," said Danae, speaking very quietly, as if afraid of her own voice. "They are about the same size, but I'm not sure how her features would appear with the make-up."

"Well, she would have a Theed accent. That's a start. In the meantime, we can finish deciding on our fifth girl."

"No need," came the mournful sound of Armand's voice from where he still stood at the window. He turned, and his face was pained. "Sabé is right. She is the best choice. For Padmé's protection she is the best choice. For the good of Naboo, but not for the good of me." He walked across the room, heading for the door.

"Papa…" Sabé called after him, but he did not stop. She sighed, and Padmé reached down her hand to squeeze one of her shoulders comfortingly.

Panaka looked both uncomfortable and relieved, if that was possible. "Very well then. It is decided," he said. "Madame Trillium, I would ask that you repeat what you have learned here today to no one. The fact that her Highness even has a decoy is highly sensitive information."

Danae nodded. "Of course."

"Well I am going to contact these three young ladies about taking the handmaiden job. Princess Sabé, if you would be so kind as to inform Miss Voss that she will be remaining with us, should she so choose."

"Yes, Captain." When Panaka had gone, Sabé read the list over once more. "Rabé, Yané, Eirtaé, Saché, Sabé," she read off clearly. Then she laughed. "Anyone from outside reading this list would think the Naboo have no imagination."

Presently, Danae stood up and stepped back, a smile of triumph on her pretty features. "There!" she said brightly. "Finished."

The Princess and the dressmaker admired the Queen-elect on her small pedestal. Padmé looked amazing.

"All hail the Queen," whispered Sabé with a smile.

*~*~*~*~

They invaded Sabé's world like a vibrant whirlwind of energy and color: three additions to the palace, in the form of the three newest handmaidens. It was evident from the outset that Rabé took great pleasure in her sudden status as the most senior handmaiden. It really had been quite a change for her. Under Leiandra she had been the youngest and most inexperienced.

Sabé, on the other hand, felt a bit awkward in her new role. While many of the same skills were useful to both a princess and a handmaiden, the status was completely different. And it went without saying that if she was to fulfill her new duties to Padmé, she must on some levels detach herself from her role as Princess of Theed. She must be subservient, and blend in with her fellow handmaidens.

Blending in had never been Sabé's strong point.

But her stubbornness turned out to be an asset to her in this case. So determined was she to uplift her father's confidence that she found it much easier to quell certain habits of hers, such as her flaring temper, than might otherwise have been possible.

The handmaidens were stationed in chambers adjacent to the Queen's. After resigning with the highest of honors, Eullie, Carayen, and the remainder of Leiandra's handmaidens had moved to different apartments in Theed, or gone home to their respective areas of the planet. Since returning from a long-overdue visit with her parents, Rabé had been living there alone for awhile, amidst the flurry surrounding the election and the pre-coronation frenzy.

Now the other three girls had joined her, and though part of Sabé thought it might have been appropriate for her to join them also, she decided in the end to remain in her old apartments next to Padmé's until her sister was crowned. The two only had so much time remaining to be simply sisters. Today they would also become Queen and handmaiden, and then she would fully immerse herself in her duty.

For now they stood alone in Padmé's chambers, stealing a quiet moment. They were due to meet with the family, the other handmaidens, and the guards out in the hallway in just under ten minutes. From there, they would proceed to the Parliament hall where Padmé would be sworn in as Amidala, Queen of the Naboo.

The silence between the sisters was full, but not awkward. It seemed they were dwelling on both past memories the uncertain future. Padmé seemed especially reflective. She had not said a word as Sabé had helped her into her gown, nor while she applied the face paint, nor while she did the elaborate hairstyle. Sabé had insisted on being allowed to do all these jobs herself, the first time. Now the soon-to-be Queen stood in the middle of the room, gazing at a portrait of the family that hung beside her bed.

"Can I really do this, Sabé?" she whispered at last. "It wasn't supposed to have been this way. I should have finished school, I should have had more time…"

Standing at her sister's side, Sabé took Padmé's hand in her own and held it to her breast, meeting her eyes. "You were born for this," she said firmly. "That much I know. You must be strong for us all. Strong for Naboo. And I will help you, in any way I possibly can." Padmé nodded gravely, and squeezed Sabé's hand in return.

Both sisters turned their head at a small resounding knock on the door. "Who is it?" Sabé called.

"Your father," came a familiar voice. The sisters' eyes met and they both smiled.

"Come in," Sabé called back happily.

Prince Armand poked his head in the room with a smile before entering completely. "I have something for you," he said, addressing his oldest daughter. As he spoke, he reached into his vest and pulled out a long gray box. Padmé extended her hand to receive it, a curious expression on her now porcelain features. She pulled out an amulet consisting of a blood-red stone on a long golden chain. While not exactly beautiful, it was nonetheless striking.

"That's a karatine," commented Sabé curiously. "You find those all over the place down south." She wondered why her father was making a gift of it in this manner. Karatines were hardly worth much compared to other stones.

"Exactly. As queen, Padmé will have many expensive jewels and such. This is a remembrance. The karatine is simple and beautiful. And also common. It will bring you good fortune. I dug this one up myself as a boy on the Maloine lands years ago. Do not forget your heritage."

Sabé felt a small pang. The conversation was eerily reminiscent of the one she'd had with her mother the night before she'd left for Oxon as they'd studied the tapestry of Alwé and the Snow Star.

"I will not forget, papa," said Padmé assuredly.

"What did you get me?" Sabé asked brightly.

Her father raised his eyebrows. "When you become Queen, maati, then you can wear the karatine too," he said, eyes twinkling.

Sabé sniffed. "Fine," she said. "I see how it is."

Armand laughed, and put his arm around her shoulders. "This is your sister's day," he said. "We're going to be paying lots of attention to her all day. Do you think you can handle that?"

Sabé cocked her head, as if gravely considering the implications of his question. Finally, she nodded slowly. "I think I can," she said.

Both Padmé and Armand laughed, but the moment was all too soon interrupted by another knock on the door. This time it was Richard who peeked his head in.

"So Padmé, do you want to be crowned today or tomorrow? Let's go already."

*~*~*~*~*~*~

Claria's presentation to society was the first official social function of Amidala's reign. Though the family still deeply mourned the loss of their beloved mother, they were at last beginning to feel the reemergence of anticipation in their lives.

Sabé was watching the galactic news in the bedroom that she shared with Saché, when the door burst open on her.

"Hey Sabé," greeted Yané val Argon. With wisps of light brown hair flying loosely about her face, the youngest handmaiden seemed slightly disoriented. Her eyes darted around the bedroom quickly for a moment. "Blast," she said.

"What's wrong?" Sabé asked. Her attention was still half-captured by the news broadcast. She was on the watch for something in particular.

"I was hoping Saché would be here," said Yané. She walked over to the bed across from Sabé and sat down with an exaggerated sigh. "I can't find Amidala's green slippers for the Coming Out tonight, and Saché always knows where everything is."

Sabé replied with a knowing nod. It was true, her roommate was the absolute neatest person that she'd ever met in her life. "She went to pick up the gift that Amidala bought for Princess Claria." It still felt strange to call Padmé by her Royal name, but she'd been constantly practicing since the coronation. "She should be back soon."

"Oh, okay. I'll just go finish getting the rest of the things together. Do you know what…?"

"Shhh!" Sabé suddenly urged her chatty companion. She held up a hand, and Yané's lips closed quickly and obediently together. Sabé narrowed her eyes at the holocast, determined not to miss a word.

"The Chancellor refused to comment on the Act's passing. Not surprising, given that his negative opinion towards the proposal has been well-documented over the course of its legislation," said the Bothan anchor. "One of his supporters, however, - Senator Palpatine of Naboo- answered questions after the session had adjourned."

Sabé smiled in satisfaction, as the newsreel flipped to a scene on the steps outside the Galactic Senate Hall. Padmé had been in contact with Senator Palpatine the previous evening and he had expressed his concerns over the proposed bill being set forth before the Senate. Sabé had been following events very closely.

"Senator, what do you feel will be the outcome of this new Act?"

"My position on this matter is well-known. Any benefits to be garnered through these trade taxes will be short-term only, and ultimately a detriment to the Republic." As always, Senator Palpatine radiated cool professionalism and a cultured, intelligent air. "These taxes will slowly choke the life out of commerce within our borders. Anyone who cannot see that is blinded by some selfish motive, and unlike some of my colleagues, I'm not afraid to say it."

A flurry of astonished questions rose up to meet him at these words, but he waved them away as he continued down the stairs, accompanied by his entourage.

"Palpatine's comment has bristled the fur of many opposing Senators, several of whom were able to speak with us…" Rolling her eyes, Sabé flipped off the holo with a small groan. She put her head in her hand, and closed her eyes.

"I take it this is bad?" Yané asked her quietly.

Sabé nodded. "Palpatine is right. It's foolish to place taxes on trade within the borders of an entity like the Republic. It benefits no one in the long run. The tax money will boost the Republic economy for a short while, but eventually everyone will be forced to raise prices, and things just slide back down again. And to make it worse…" she shook her head in frustration. "To make it worse, this isn't some little surface-skimming tax we're talking about. The percentages are absolutely ridiculous. I don't doubt we'll be hearing a lot of upheaval from the Trade Federation and its cronies in the news here shortly."

Yané bit her lip, her hazel eyes filled with sudden worry and doubt. "I guess I should pay attention more," she finally said.

Sabé put on her best diplomatic smile. She liked Yané well enough, but sometimes her cheerful naiveté could be a little trying. She sometimes half-suspected the girl had gotten the handmaiden job chiefly to be a purely optimistic influence on the Queen. Nothing seemed to phase her for long. Yané seemed to live in her own little world, but then in Sabé's experience, computer people were often that way. Her technical expertise was actually the real reason Yané had been hired.

"Well," Sabé said finally, "I doubt we'll feel any direct effects here for awhile yet." This seemed to immediately cheer the girl, who smiled and quickly stood up.

"That pesky ball gown needs pressing," she said brightly, smiling. "Guess I'd better get to it." Then she breezed out of the room as suddenly as she had arrived, leaving Sabé feeling slightly overwhelmed. How could someone be so totally positive all the time? The closest person she could think of was Claria, but Claria did not let her optimism carry her to a point of blind excess.

The thought of Claria made all trade taxation worries evaporate speedily from Sabé's head. Tonight was her younger sister's coming out, and in honor of the occasion, Sabé was off duty and would be attending as Princess of Theed. She planned to dance and laugh, and do her best face the fact that her mother would not be there to laugh with them.

With a luxurious sigh, she stood and walked over to the vanity, pulling her hair out of its long braid as she walked. The day off, her first since Padmé's appointment, had been delicious thus far. She had slept in, and sat watching the holo in her nightdress all morning. But now it was finally time to get moving.

When she was about halfway done brushing out her long, shining hair, she was met with yet another interruption, this time in the form of her roommate, accompanied by Rabé.

"You mean you've never seen a Gungan?" Rabé was asking Saché incredulously. "I admit I've never spoken with one, but we see them all the time in the moors." Both girls were carrying several small bundles. Saché had clearly just returned from her shopping expedition.

Saché shrugged as she set her bundles carefully down on her bed, one at a time. "I don't get outside the city very much. And the Gungans like to hide in their swamps. It's their way, I suppose. Good afternoon, Sabé."

"Good afternoon. Yané was looking for you just now."

Saché let out a small smile and nodded. "Yes, she already found me." She lifted her handbag from her shoulders and set it on the bed next to the packages. "I'll go get those slippers for her."

Rabé had already made herself comfortable on Sabé's bed by the time Saché was gone. She lay on her stomach, and let her legs in the air behind her. "So what are you up to this afternoon, Princess?"

"Being lazy. And watching the holo news. They passed the tax bill."

Rabé's pert nose wrinkled. "Yeah, I heard."

"So how come you were talking about Gungans?" So distant and imposing were the neighbors of the Naboo, that Sabé sometimes went a very long time without even thinking of their existence. She was naturally and deeply wary of a species that wanted to keep itself so secluded. It seemed an odd conversation for two Royal handmaidens to be having.

Rabé shrugged. "There was a Gungan that showed up in the market today. I was asking Saché if she heard people talking about it while she was there."

"A Gungan, really?" Sabé was very surprised. It had been several years since any of the reclusive amphibians had been seen in around the capital, let alone in the city proper. "Why?"

"I have no idea. The rumors are sketchy. He didn't buy anything, apparently."

"Still… a Gungan in Theed. Amidala will be highly interested to hear this."

"Oh, she was very interested to hear it. I told her hours ago." Rabé laughed at the frown that crossed Sabé's face at these words. "You've been asleep half the day. I didn't say it was fresh news."

Amused by the fact that her friend seriously considered half-a-day-old news to be truly old, Sabé smiled. "Well," she said, setting her brush on the vanity, "I guess I'm just out of it then. How did you hear about the trade tax? I only just finally heard the results on the holo."

"Mmmn. Senator Palpatine contacted Her Majesty first thing this morning when I was on duty. I was there for their conversation."

"What did they say?"

Rabé exhaled loudly, and leaned a little straighter on her arms, wrinkling her nose again. While not particularly fond of political conversation, she was nonetheless capable with it, and Sabé could always depend on her to keep things straight. While her gossiping tendencies tended to be wearying, they also meant that Rabé had a keep sense of detail. She noticed everything. This was another trait that made her very valuable to the Queen.

"Not much. Palpatine told her the results of the voting, obviously. The proponents won by about seventy-five percent, of which he was very disappointed. A small margin, he said, might have been able to be countered through new laws, but now the situation is all the more difficult."

"Did he give the Queen any advice?"

"Nothing much." Rabé shrugged. "What can she do, really?"

"Encourage more internal trading…" said Sabé slowly, in concentration. "But I'm not sure how well that will fly with the Naboo. We have an unusually high export market here."

"Which is why the Queen is particularly worried about how this will effect us," Rabé commented, and Sabé nodded in agreement.

Just then Saché walked briskly back through the door. "What a day!" she exclaimed in a breathy voice. "The market was absolutely insane, with that Gungan showing up this morning. I picked up the Queen's gift, and yours, Princess," she said, addressing Padmé.

Rabé shifted her head to one hand and tilted it to look at Sabé with an amused smile. "She made you go pick up her present too?" she asked in a teasing voice, and a wink at Sabé.

"She was going out anyway," Sabé commented, rolling her eyes.

"Don't you let her push you around, Saché," Rabé said, ignoring Sabé and speaking to the younger handmaiden. "She's just lazy."

Saché only smiled as she picked up the largest package from the stack on her bed. "That's okay. It was very convenient for me. I got a chance to chat with Madame Trillium." She handed the package to Sabé, who accepted it eagerly.

"Well," Sabé commented when she'd retrieved its contents, "Claria can't complain about me opening this, because I need to open it to get it ready."

The gift was a small, delicately decorated blue box, inlaid with small strips of shiny, swirl-patterned marble. Inside the box was a place for holo-slides, and Sabé went quickly to her top desk drawer, for a data chip she'd made that contained a carefully compiled collection of family holos. She placed it in the slot with a box, and waited for it to upload with a satisfied smile.

She had seen the box at the dressmaker's shop a week before the coronation and had determined that such a beautiful keepsake would be perfect for Claria. The collection of holos was, of course, a large part of the gift's value as well.

"Danae said there's no charge for the holo-box," continued Saché as she retrieved her yellow handmaiden gown from the closet. "She said consider it a professional courtesy for all the business the Queen has brought her."

"That was very kind."

"What is Padmé… I mean Amidala's gift for Claria?" asked Rabé curiously, causing Sabé to smile fiendishly at her friend's slip. Rabé stuck out her tongue.

"Oooh, it's so beautiful!" exclaimed Saché with a happy sigh. "It's already wrapped though, so I can't open it to show you, but you'll see soon enough. It's a valadrett."

"A valadrett?" Rabé asked, clearly confused.

"A instrument," said Sabé. "A little reed flute. Native to this region, mostly. The storytellers like to use it a lot. I think Claria got frustrated that she couldn't take the clavaria with her wherever she went."

"Oh great," said Rabé, rolling her eyes, and turning over on her back to look up at the other two handmaidens standing over her. "So now she can show us up on the valadrett as well as the clavaria."

Saché laughed and Sabé smiled. "Well, she doesn't know how to play it yet. The lessons are going to be just as much part of the gift as the instrument."

Saché pulled her hair out of its band and shook out her thick, dark hair. "I've got to get dressed," she sighed. "I'm on duty tonight. Eirtaé's probably wondering where I've gotten to. I told her I'd take over a little early for her so she could have extra time to get ready."

Inwardly, Sabé scowled, wishing that Eirtaé had been on duty for the party itself, and either Saché or Rabé were not. Though she supposed it would make little difference. She would have avoided the blond either way. "Tell Eirtaé Bakuro she can just hold her tusk-cats," Sabé said loftily. "It's not as if an extra hour curling her hair will make her sour face look any better."

Saché gave her an odd look and continued getting dressed with no reply.

"Give Eirtaé a break," said Rabé, sitting up and swinging her legs over the bed. "If you were in her shoes, you would have asked for the same favor, and you know it. Honestly, I've never seen two people so determined to dislike each other as you two."

"Why do you always take her side?" Sabé asked, slightly miffed. "It's not as if– "

Rabé cut her off with a hand. "Princess, please. I really don't feel like doing this right now. I'm gonna go get dressed too. See you later, Saché."

"Bye," called Saché uncertainly, her eyes darting to Sabé as she spoke.

Sabé exhaled sharply, and did her best to let her annoyance bleed out with the sigh. She suddenly felt very embarrassed. Eyeing Saché, she walked over to the closet and flung it open, doing her best to create a distraction from the suddenly awkward mood. "So, what do you think I should wear tonight?"

~*~*~*~*~

"Do you dance, Princess Sabé?"

With a smile, Sabé turned her head at the sound of a warm baritone voice whispering conspiratorially in her ear. "You know I do, Jon Bakuro," she answered pertly.

"Well then?" prompted the tall, handsome boy leaning over her. He took her hand and raised her off her chair, where she'd been sitting watching Claria open birthday gifts.

"I'm supposed to stay and watch," she protested, but not too insistently. Claria was nearly finished with gifts now, and she'd long finished with the family offerings. Sabé had been very pleased with her reaction to the holo-box.

"If you really wanted to stay," said Jon with a knowing smile, "you wouldn't have let me get this far away." Sabé laughed. Indeed, he was already taking her hands into position for beginning the dance. As the music began, the older boy began guiding her expertly across the floor.

"I think you're going to make your cousin angry with me."

"Eirtaé?" he said laughing. "Why should she care? The quarrel is between you two. It's not a family feud. Besides, I have a much different bone to pick with you."

"Oh?" asked Sabé as he spun her around. "And what's that?"

Jon's features took on a look of mock hurt and disappointment. "Why were you smashing datapads with Baird Nenshall? I thought I was the only one you smashed datapads for." He stuck out his bottom lip in a pout, and his eyes looked mournful.

Sabé punched him lightly with the hand resting on his shoulder. "Even after I've been away for three months and been wrapped up in an election and a new job, even after everything that's happened since then, you just had to bring that up, didn't you?"

He laughed. "I'm just hurt, Princess. I never wanted anyone else to share your heart."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, brother. I'd hate to see how you handle competition over a girl you were actually serious about."

Sabé's relationship with Jon Bakuro was one of endless lighthearted teasing. There had always been a flirtatious edge to it all. They were both masters at that art. Sabé was pretty sure that Jon could lay claim to half the young female hearts in this ballroom, and surprisingly she was not among them. While she found him very handsome and charming, she'd never had any serious attachment to him in that way.

"When I ever find someone worthy of my, um…seriousness, I'll be sure to let you know first," said Jon with another wink.

"You'd better get on the roll. You're almost eighteen. Practically an old man."

"I know, I know. High time I settled down and started making more little Bakuros."

"As long as none of the rest of them are like Eirtaé, that's fine by me."

Jon laughed again. "Aw, she's not so bad once you get used to her. Just like you."

Sabé glared at him. "So why are you here anyway? Where's your father?"

"Oh, he couldn't come. Sent me to do his dirty work for him. Pay respects to the nobles, you know. Including his own family," he added with a wry chuckle. "And if I can hook up a few more connections for off world sales while I'm in Theed, I'm sure he won't complain."

Despite considerable wealth and a connection to the House Bakuro, Jon's immediate family actually had no formal title of their own. His father was a prominent merchant in Kaserta. He'd become a good friend to the three Naberrie princesses when visiting court with his cousin many years ago. Since then, his father had made many business ties in Theed, and he'd been seen in the noble circles more and more frequently.

"If you want to make inquiries about off world dealings, I'd recommend an interview with Governer Bibble, if you can catch him. It looks like he's getting ready to make an exit."

Jon craned his neck to the edge of the ballroom. "Ah, I see," he said. "Well, I hate to cut the dance short, but would you favor me with your company while I try to catch him?"

Sabé gave a clipped, haughty laugh. "Oh, I see where your priorities really lie, Jon Bakuro. Okay, fine then." Jon led her off the dance floor by the hand, but dropped it as soon as they'd once again mingled with the standing crowd.

He seemed suddenly awkward, and he put his hands in his pockets as they walked. Sabé looked at him curiously. "Is something wrong?"

He frowned. "I just wanted to say how sorry I was about your mother, Sabé. And please tell Padmé – I mean Amidala- I said so too. I already got to talk to Claria earlier tonight, but I wanted to tell you in person."

Sabé nodded without saying anything. She'd been accepting many such apologies lately, and thought she'd gotten used to it. But coming from an old, trusted friend like Jon, it was much harder.

They reached the corridor outside, still in silence. Once outside, they looked up and down, but Governer Bibble was nowhere to be seen. Jon sighed, and then laughed. "Well, I'd pretend to be disappointed, but I really didn't feel like mixing business with pleasure tonight anyway. I'll visit him in his office tomorrow."

"Anyway, don't family duties take precedence over corporate?" Sabé added with a nod down the corridor to their right. Eirtaé and Saché were walking steadily towards them. When they got close enough, Eirtaé put a hand on Saché's arm to pause their conversation, and smiled. Then she broke forward and rushed to her cousin.

"Jon! I didn't get a chance to talk to you earlier," said the blond girl, breaking off a warm embrace to gaze at her cousin fondly.

"Heya 'Taé," he said. "I didn't want to pester you. Quite the socialite, aren't you, little cousin?"

Eirtaé glanced at Sabé, put on a strained smile, and nodded. Sabé reluctantly returned it. Jon glanced between the two of them with an exasperated expression, and Sabé searched frantically for some way to alleviate the tension.

"Saché, aren't you on duty?"

The quiet handmaiden pushed back the hood of her maroon cloak slightly and nodded. "Her Majesty asked me to show Lord Bamelick to the guest quarters. He was tired and he wished to retire early."

"Jon, this is Saché Drianna. Saché, this is my cousin Jon Bakuro." said Eirtaé politely. Sabé fought back a slight frustration at herself for neglecting the duty of introductions. It rankled her that Eirtaé had remembered before she had.

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," said Jon cordially, with a perfect bow.

"Oh, I'm not a lady," said Saché quickly, with a slight blush. "I live here in Theed. In Larben Street." She studied Jon a minute, then took a breath as if she wanted to say something, but quickly stopped herself. Then she smiled and averted her eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked her curiously.

"Oh, nothing, it's just…um…" Then, to the surprise of all, she reached up and pulled his lapel straight, which had gotten rumpled when Eirtaé had hugged him. "Your vest is… crooked."

Jon blinked for a moment, and then he, Sabé, and Eirtaé burst out laughing at the same time. Saché faced turned a shade comparable with her cloak. Sabé and Eirtaé met each other eyes, and abruptly stopped laughing, both suddenly awkward about actually sharing an almost friendly moment together. But Jon kept laughing heartily.

"Well, you certainly have a noble lady's sense of style."

Though obviously still mortified, Saché seemed to find some courage somewhere because she looked up and met his gaze squarely. "Forgive my boldness, my Lord. It's just that it would have pestered me the rest of the evening."

"Well, I'm afraid I must return your sentiments and tell you most emphatically that I am not a lord."

Saché looked confused. "But, Eirtaé…" she began, glancing quickly at her fellow handmaiden.

"We don't talk about his side of the family much," said Eirtaé, sticking her nose in the air. "They live in Kaserta, for crying out loud." Her eyes glittered mischievously.

"I'm not worthy to stand in your presence, cousin," said Jon in a bland monotone. Then he addressed Saché again. "No, I'm afraid the Bakuro title does not extend as far as me. But don't worry," he added with a wink, "I don't lose sleep over it."

"Come on, Jon," Eirtaé said, rolling her eyes and taking him bye the elbow, "I'll introduce you to the queen."

"Eirtaé, I already know the queen."

"No, you know Padmé. I'd be very much surprised if you know anyone like Amidala," she replied, causing Saché to giggle.

"Oh, very well. That is if Miss Saché approves of my appearance."

Saché nodded. "Yes, very much so." Then realizing the double meaning of what she'd just said, her eyes flew open wide and she flushed with renewed embarrassment.

It was Sabé's turn to roll her eyes. She reached for Saché's arm and began leading her away. "Come on, I'm taking you away before he makes you burst a blood vessel." She glared at Jon when Saché couldn't see, and he grinned.

"Bye!" he called to their retreating backs.

Saché's face was in her hands. "I am so embarrassed," she said, her voice muffled.

"Jon Bakuro needs a leash sometimes. Don't worry about it. You just walk with me until he's done talking to the Queen, and then you can get back to attending her. I worry about her being left with Yané too long sometimes. She might forget where the Queen is sitting."

This remark caused Saché to emerge from behind her hands with a knowing smile. "Let's go talk to Princess Claria. I haven't gotten a chance to really say hello all day."

"I think that's a good idea," agreed Sabé knowingly, relieved that her friend was already recovering.

They found Claria chatting pleasantly with Duchess Rothschild. The crowd gathered around her for opening gifts had dispersed, and the table was deserted. Her face brightened when she spotted the two girls, and she beckoned.

"Good evening, Princess, Miss Drianna," greeted the Duchess with respectful nods.

"Good evening, Duchess," returned Sabé politely. "I wanted to thank you for recommending Madame Trillium as the Queen's dressmaker. As you can see by the results, she was a highly excellent choice."

"You're perfectly welcome, Your Highness," said the Duchess with a smile. "I knew Danae was just what the Queen would need. But if you'll excuse me, I should find my husband and get him home. He has early business tomorrow, and if I don't monitor him, he'd stay up all night."

"Goodnight Duchess," said Claria, speaking for all three girls. "Thank-you for attending."

"You're welcome, Princess Claria. Happy birthday."

"So what gift did you like best?" Sabé asked her sister after the Duchess had gone. "Apart from the valadrett lessons, of course."

Claria smiled sheepishly. "I liked your gift best after that. Though I haven't looked at the holos yet. I have a feeling that would be better in private." Her voice was quiet, and Sabé nodded.

"Probably," she added. "What did Saché get you?" she asked, turning to look at Saché. To her surprise, the younger girl's attention was not on the conversation, but rather up next to the throne where Jon and Eirtaé were talking quite seriously with the Queen.

Oh great, thought Sabé irritably, she likes him. She frowned, making a mental note to have a talk with Jon. It was all well and good if he wanted to go around charming young ladies, but she had a feeling he didn't know how innocent Saché was. She wouldn't be used to the court mannerisms as Sabé was. She wouldn't know not to take him seriously.

The conversation was presently interrupted when a young nobleman, undoubtedly at the behest of some prodding mother, came asking Claria to dance, leaving Saché and Sabé alone once more. Sabé idly noticed that much of the crowd was beginning disperse. Doubtless this dance would be among the last. Not one to be left standing for the last dance, Sabé pursed her lips and studied the room expertly. She spotted a group of her young gentleman friends trying to hide in a secluded corner, and dragged Saché determinedly in their direction.

"Come on," she said. "Let's finish this night up with some real fun." Tomorrow would be back to work. Another uneventful day on the job…

*~*~*~*~*~