Padmé Naberrie Skywalker stood with her hands resting on the stone railing to her bedroom's balcony, overlooking the lake and the mountains surrounding it. The air was still warm, yet a cool breeze drifted over from the water, making her shiver ever so slightly. It was peaceful tonight, with hardly a noise to break the silence. Jain and Jacen were in Theed, with their mother, and undoubtedly both Leia and Al'than'erudo were doing their best to make the twins experts on Bakura's history and current position in no time. Their week was running up fast. Amerie, her little granddaughter, was asleep in her grandparent's bedroom, and Anakin was in his own study, talking politics with Tomas Piett and Mith'raw'noruodo. The two councillors had arrived this afternoon, claiming to only have come for a courtesy visit, but Padmé knew better than to question their real motives. The Chiss in particular had made it clear that he would prefer to speak with her husband only, and the former senator suspected that the three men were talking about strategic matters. What for, she was wondering hard just now.

Al'than'erudo had informed her of Naas Deron's message, and she had drawn similar conclusions as the Council had. When he had confided in her that he had sent her son-in-law to summon Luke to be the guardian the Cor'dan had requested, Padmé had balked at the mere thought. She knew her son well enough to know that the innocence and compassion he had retained all through the years would confound him in a confrontation with the former Sith Lord. Naas Deron was cold, colder even than his predecessor had ever been. He thought nothing of sacrifing a life, she knew, contrary to Anakin, who at least had the dignity to feel guilty and ashamed about any such sacrifice he was forced to make. No more, luckily. But why had Tomas and Thrawn insisted on talking to him now? It could only mean that they anticipated another conflict, another confrontation. Knowing the three warriors, Padmé assumed that they would prefer to plot a non-violent response with a violent back-up plan, contrary to using full force from the beginning. All three were brilliant in their own way, with Tomas both a military man and politician, Thrawn the strategic genius and Anakin the former Cor'dan, who knew far more of what was going on even now than he ever let on. Officially the Council of Naboo would handle the execution of whatever plan that trio came up with, but Padmé wondered whether Al'than'erudo's move to involve the Skywalker family so deeply did not have motives other than their expertise.

To her credit, she did not put any blame on the Chiss. Yet. She simply assumed that he made the choices he believed necessary, trusting in her family to weather whatever crisis might be sparked from that decision. But what choices were those? Was her family in danger? Was that why Al'than'erudo was secretly moving a veteran choice of agents into position as some sort of safety netting? He had sent Han to summon Luke, and deemed Jaina and Jacen investigators in a crime that had not been committed yet, as far as she could tell. There had been no terrorist acts on Bakura, only rumours of seome being in planning. It was very strange, and Padmé had no clue how Luzaya Dan, Royal Heir of the Sith Empire and aspiring Cor'dan, fit into that picture at all. The princess would be arriving today, she knew, and Padmé had invited her to stay at Varykino, as her guest. As far as she knew, Luzaya had accepted. Did the princess realize the implication sof her choice, of her not staying in the Royal Palace in Theed, but instead visiting with the former Council Leader and former Cor'dan? Perhaps the princess' choice had been wholly innocent, since Padmé and Anakin were good friends of her parents, and Anakin was her godfather, even. And then Padmé thought of who was accompanying Luzaya. Over the past twenty years Andarack clan Rim'kai had done his best to become as accomplished a leader as his grand-uncle, Chi'in. Andarack was a warrior at heart, cunning and decisive. He was a politician with the wits to match his insight. And he was playing on two levels simultaneously, being part of the Council's network of agents as much as being a citizen of the Sith Empire.

There were not many Sith Lords left. Anakin had resigned his post as Dark Lord to Chi'in, when he had taken full responsibility as Cor'dan, and then, when he had stepped down in favour of his apprentice, Naas Deron, and Chi'in had abdicated as Dark Lord without naming a successor, only Deron had been left, and Andarack. Of course, the Empress herself was Sith too, but she was more politician that that, Padmé always thought. Gifted only with very little Force potential the daughter of Darth Sidious had grown powerful mostly due to the help and advise given by her husband, Franzis Sarreti. Most people, though, made the grave mistake of believing the former Imperial assassin to be the more dangerous and more powerful of the Royal Couple. Franzis was head administrator ad seemed to run the Empire, but Padmé knew, as did a few select friends and allies, that he would never go contrary to Yana's wishes. And Yana, despite her seeming to defer often to her husband, always made her own choices. It had been her who had decided to strengthen the Empire's ties with the Chiss, instead of building a deeper relationship with the New Republic. A union of strength, the Chiss Emperor Ja'han'mandana had called the treaty of alliance he had signed along with the Empress, and Padmé knew exactly what that meant.

The New Republic was the only democracy of military significance among the nations were represented in the Council of Naboo. The Corporate Sector was lawless, and the Confederate Zone, though a democracy too, was too weak, and neutral besides, to count as a major military power. The Star Alliance, a loose formation of peoples residing in the Unknown Regions, rarely bothered with what went on beyond its borders, and the Hutts were similarily indifferent to the rest of the galaxy, as long as the trade lanes were working. This left exactly three nations, and of those only one ws a democracy. The New Republic also had signed treaties of allegiance with the Chiss Empire, but only concerning military matters, whereas the Sith Empire held the economical privilege with the Chiss. And money, Padmé knew, was sometimes the more important incentive. Most of the time, actually. All nations functioned, but among the three major powers the New Republic was the most difficult to deal with, exactly because its government had to accomodate so many interests on a democratic basis. Which meant that when it came down to making decisions among allies, the Chiss and the Sith Empire had the advantage over the New Republic. With two decisive leaders who ruled absolute, they could move virtually at a moment's notice. And that was exactly what the New Republic feared would happen soon.

Mon Mothma, as the Republic's representative, tried to wrap her government's views into diplomatic phrases whenever there was another complaint about trade opportunities in the Chiss Empire being cornered by the Sith Empire, but the gist was plain enough. Even twenty years after war's end the Sith and the Yuuzhan Vong had failed to earn the Republic's trust. The new Chief of State, a Bothan by the name of Borsk Fey'lya, and his Minister of State, former General Seelac, both were known for their hostile stance toward the daughter of the late Emperor Papatine. They would leap at any opportunity to paint Yana Dar a tyrant and see her deposed, and with the recent attack on her husband's life, the temperamental Empress would be hard-pressed to remain aloof.

There was the click of the balcony door opening behind her, and Padmé gave a start, her train of thought interrupted so unexpectedly. Turning around, she gave the woman standing in the doorway a questioning frown. "Yes, Anja, what is it?" she asked.

Anja Dumilor, who had been her secretary when she had still been member of the New Republic government, flashed a smile. "Jacen and Jaina have announced her impending arrival. They are bringing the princess with them."

For a moment Padmé was confused. "You are referring to my daughter, or to Luzaya Dan?"

"Luzaya Dan, of course. Leia, I believe, has urgent business to discuss with Mon Mothma and Al'than'erudo."

"Ah, of course," the older woman conceded, smiling in relief. "I remember now. Please let me know when they arrive. I will see if I can rouse my dear husband to take over his duties as the princess' host."

Anja nodded. "I believe he is waiting for you in the dining room."

"Then his guests have left already?"

"Yes."

"Oh." Padmé paused, uncertain. "Good," she ventured a last. "Thank you, Anja. Is Amerie still asleep?"

"Fast asleep."

"That's a blessing, at least," she sighed, then joined Anja by the door. There was a lot to prepare yet for their guest's arrival, and things would go far more easy without Amerie hanging on to her all the time.

Steering the small speeder, which belonged to his grandfather and was curiously painted silver, Jacen Solo felt slightly uncomfortable with the awkward silence that permeated the vehicle. Jaina had taken the back-seat together with Luzaya, and one would have expected the two girl to chat non-stop, after all the time the friends had not seen one another. But there had been only a few polite words exchanged, a few boring questions, and then they had settled quietly into their seats, seemingly at a loss of what to say. It made Jacen itch, frantically wracking his brain for something, a past adventure they had shared and that he could bring up, but Jaina had already exhausted that repertoire with one single question that had sounded less than half-hearted. And the young Jedi had to admit to himself that he found Luzaya Dan's presence highly distracting too. When he had first seen her, presented to the council in an informal meeting in the Palace of Theed, he had been awe-struck by how beautiful she had grown. Somehow he had never seemed to have noticed beforem, but in comparison to his sister, the princess truly was a grown woman. Dressed in a modestly cut dress of pale blue, Luzaya had appeared before the assembled counselors every inch a lady. And her almost fragile appearance had only been emphasized by the presence of her two companions.

One, Andarack clan Rim'kai, had remained in Theed to give a report to Al'than'erudo, and Jacen was actually relieved at that. He loved Chi'in like family, but Andarack had always remained aloof from the Skywalker family. One never could be sure what was going on behind those black eyes of his either. He was secretive, and did not bother to hide that fact. Nevertheless, that left Luzaya's other bodyguard to sit beside Jacen, and, truth be told, he was making him almost as nervous as Luzaya and the sweet smell of her perfume, that filled the speeder almost completely. The bodyguard had been introduced as Mahel Sivaraya, a Yuuzhan Vong who towered over the Solo twins and everyone else present. Clad in his people's traditional armor, Mahel was a silent shadow at the princess' back, and so far he had not said one single word. Jacen briefly wondered whether perhaps he could not speak Basic at all. But, to the young man's great surprise, it appeared that the Yuuzhan Vong's tongue had been stilled by the same awkward feelings he himself was experiencing, for when they left the hill country to enter the mountains, Mahel turned his head carefully to look at Jacen and asked, "You do know that the princess is apprentice to the Cor'dan?"

Confused for a moment as to what the Yuuzhan Vong was aiming at, the younger Solo replied, "Of course I do. She told us herself, when she began, two years ago. She seemed pretty excited about it." He thought he saw Mahel smile at that. "Why are you asking?"

"Well, it might be an opportunity to discover what your friend has learned. She told me you three had been friends for a very long time. But a silence between friends does feel different from what I can gather here."

"Oh." Jacen was genuinely baffled by this sincere observation, and suppressed the impulse of looking into the rear-mirror to see whether the girls had heard the warrior. They had.

"Sometimes friends become estranged from one another," Luzaya explained gently, leaning forward between the two front seats, her right hand resting lightly on her bodyguard's shoulder. It was that gesture that drove an unexpected spike of disappointment through Jacen's heart. She was awfully friendly with Mahel, was she not? And her perfume, heavy around them, threatened to shut down the last of his working synapses. But then she looked at him, her pale blue eyes dazzling him as she smiled. "Yet I must ask your forgiveness too, for I was preoccupied by disturbing thoughts. My father – "

"Is he all right?" Jaina piped up, her face appearing alongside that of Luzaya Dan, her brown eyes worried. "Someone tried to kill him, didn't they?"

"Twice," Luzaya reported softly. "They failed both times, thanks to the Cor'dan's interference. But the first attack was hard on both my parents."

Jacen briefly wondered whether the sudden confidence she set in her old-time and ‚estranged' friends was a calculated move to put them at ease, and then realized that any such action only served to ptove the princess' maturity in comparison to the twins. Blushing at the thought, he concentrated on the road ahead again. "And," he began at length, "you get along well with your teacher"

There was a soft laugh from behind, and he heard Luzaya shake her head, her wavy hair brushing lightly over her shoulders. "Oh, we do have our differences," she told them lightly. "Sometimes more, sometimes less. As for getting along well, I suppose we do not have common feelings."

That last sentence had sounded somehow sad, full of regrets, and Jacen realized that there was more to her words than she had said. "Why?" he felt prompted to ask, feeling stubborn when Jaina tried to shush him into silence with an afronted expression on her face and a shake of her head. For a moment there was silence again, and Jacen stole a glance at Mahel, who was gazing at him blandly. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked miserably.

"No, no," Luzaya hurried to assure him. "We are still friends, and my friends can never ask the wrong questions. It is just – that matters of the heart are painful to speak about."

"You are in love with him, but he does not answer your feelings?" Jaina asked bluntly, and Jacen wanted to hit her for that comment. But, half-turned toward the back-seat, he had the opportunity to see Mahel's features close down suspiciously.

Then Luzaya answered, softly, "He does not deserve my love. I know that now." There was a thoughtful pause. "And we shall see whether he will continue to teach me at all, once I return home."

Somehow that last statement signalled the end of that particular strand of conversation, and Jain immediately took up a story about Varykino, and how it had come into her family's possession. And, once more, Jacen felt incredibly immature and clumsy.

While her mouth chatted about meaningless, polite things, Jaina tried to discern Luzaya's words more closely. She could sense that the princess was in distress over her mentor's rejection of her feelings, and yet there was also something, a warm spot that Luzaya had reserved for Naas Deron. She was in love, unhappily so, and somehow Jaina found this fact very touching indeed. It reminded her of all the cheesy holo-novels she had watched almost nonstop at age sixteen, in her most romantic phase, as she referred to that period. Of course she hoped to fall in love some day too, and hoped for someone to fall in love with her, but she was less excited about the prospect now than two years ago. Her childish infatuation with the handsome Chiss Al'than'erudo was more annoyance to her than a real opportunity, not only because of their difference in age. He was someone to dream about, but nothing serious. And yet, here was a girl, barely two years older than her, who seemingly had thought nothing of falling in love with a man twenty years her senior. Naas Deron was in his late fifties now, and though Jaina knew he did not look his age, she was still conscious of it. How could Luzaya make such a choice? Was it the relationship between them, as teacher and student? She wished she could ask more, but somehow she thought that the princess would not appreciate more questions on the subject.

"My mother claims your parents sent you to Naboo for security reasons," she suggested, keeping a careful eye on the woman beside her. "Do they fear that someone will try to assassinate you too?"

"I suppose so," Luzaya shrugged, but Jaina caught the uncertain flick of her eyes toward Mahel, and mentally punched her fist into the air. So there was more to this visit after all! "The situation within the Empire is somewhat tense," the princess reported. "But my father will deal with that once he is sufficiently recovered."

When Jaina opened her mouth to ask about what Luzaya's mother was planning to do Jacen, never someone to let go easily of a topic, asked Mahel, "And what about you? Do you have someone too?" Jaina closed her eyes, embarrassed, and yet acutely aware of the tone of voice her brother had used, and that betrayed his own feelings on the matter, feelings he shared with his sister. She almost feared that Mahel woudl be offended, but was pleasantly surprised.

Again the Yuuzhan Vong proved extraordinary insight when he replied, "It is hard to find someone when everyone around you wants to protect you." Luzaya, beside Jaina, gave a thoughtful nod in response. "Of course, it is also hard to find someone when one is not trusted," Mahel added, a mirthless smile flashing across his alien features.

"Mahel!" the princess chided her bodyguard playfully. "I do trust you, you know that."

"Yes, Highness, I know," he replied, resigned, then gazed out of the window, signalling the end of his part in the conversaiton.

Jaina threw Luzaya a questioning glance, and the other woman shrugged, before she leaned closer to explain, "Mahel was cast out by his domain when he chose to adopt the Cor'dan's teachings of balance. It pains him, though he does not say so, to be rejected by his own family and people."

"Oh. Is that why his face is not – why he does not wear honorary scars?" Jaina asked.

"Yes. He says he has chosen a different path. But he does honor his ancestors' way of life too. He is a good bodyguard and companion," she added fondly.

"But not Deron?" Jaina mouthed at her, brows arched meaningfully. She was certain neither Mahel nor Jacen had heard her words, but nevertheless Luzaya trhew a quick glance up front, before she leaned closer still, until her mouth was almost touching Jaina's ear.

"It is more complicated than that," the princess confided in her. "Deron is my lover, and Mahel hopes to take his place, I know. He loves me. But - " She let the word hang, and Jaina understood her dilemma. Setting aside her shock over hearing that Luzaya was actually the Cor'dan's mate, she gathered that Luzaya was unhappy over Deron's lack of feelings toward her, and that at the same time she was taken in by Mahel's devotion, though she could not answer his feelings. To have two men, one you loved but who did not love you back, and one who adored you, but who you could find no feelings for – it had to be strange, and thrilling.

Jaina wished she were in Luzaya's place.

"Of course we are aware of the graveness of the situation." Leia Organa Solo's voice was measured and calm, a diplomat's voice, as Al'than'erudo knew very well. And he knew enough not to fall for her seeming understanding of his own situation. She was representative of the New Republic, just as the other woman in the room, Mon Mothma. The princess looked beautiful, as always, and the years had been kind to her too. "Ambassador Beryd has assured us that the Imperial government is doing everything it can to discover who tried to kill Franzis Sarreti. She also mentioned that there seems to be a growing rift between the Cor'dan and the traditional Yuuzhan Vong sects. I wonder if there might be a conflict in the makings there?"

She did not know, of course, what message the Cor'dan had sent to the Council, and Al'than'erudo was certain that her father would not tell her either. No one must know that the former Dark Lord and Cor'dan still had a hand in the Naboo Council's decisions. Not even his own children. They suspected, of course, but as long as he did not admit to anything, they would not mention this particular issue either. The Head of the Council nodded solemnly at the two human females sitting across from him before he said, "Naas Deron is capable of looking after himself, and he would not dare upset the sects too much. What we should be discussing, though, is the New Republic's stance toward the princess' presence on Naboo. Andarack told me there was an incident on a Republic world? Certainly not the best way to make a prospective ally feel welcome." The Chiss shot the Noghri seated a bit apart from the women a warning glance. If Andarack dared say anything now .... Or Mon Mothma, for that matter.

"As far as I know the princess has chosen a path different from her mother's. She does not wish to rule," Leia replied coolly.

"Neverthless, the Cor'dan is powerful. I do happen to know that the New Republic never made any overtures of approaching Naas Deron because of his past as Sith warrior. Luzaya Dan carries no such burdens."

"She is Deron's student," the princess reminded him then.

Al'than'erudo smiled his best smile. "And her own woman. I believe she is much the same you were at her age, though she has begun her training much later than you did, of course. Her willingness to come here as her mother's representative is certainly promising."

"Really?" Leia arched her brows doubtfully. "Are you so sure it was the princess' own decision? I would rather suspect that Yana sent her here for protection."

A clever woman, no doubt. But Al'than'erudo was prepared for that answer, thanks to Andarack. "I think that port incident on one of your backwater worlds proves that the princess is far from safe away from Byss. She and her mother both are taking a great risk, and you know it. Perhaps you should consider meeting with her?"

"And just what are you hoping to accomplish by setting up such a meeting?" the princess asked, sounding angry all of a sudden. "I find this all a bit too coincidental. You lure me here by informing me that you are sending my children on a mission to Bakura. Once I am safely arrived you tell me that – didn't I know – Her Royal Highness Luzaya Dan is visiting too. Supposedly to refresh her ties to old friends. Am I to believe this? Do you truly expect that of me? I know you, Al'than'erudo, forgive me for being so blunt. What is it you really want of the New Republic?"

"Well." Clearing his throat, Al'than'erudo was uncomfortably aware of how much the princess reminded him of her father just then. Her mother, he knew, never was this direct. "Of course I do not mean to deceive you. All I have told you is the truth. I would not lie to you, I hope you know that." Strictly speaking, it really was the truth. From a certain point of view. "Fact is, though, that we must think beyond immediate problems. The attacks on the Royal Consort may well precede attacks on the Empress herself. Yana Dar is a far-sighted woman, who certainly had her reasons when she made her daughter her ambassador on this mission. And the Cor'dan must be in agreement with the empress. Remember that he knows Luzaya's future. This may well mean that she will end up ruling the Empire after all. I remember that your mother herself approached Yana Dar once it became clear that she might become an ally, even though at that time it appeared that she would be no more than a puppet-empress."

"Then you are telling met that you are already planning for the eventuality of Yana Dar's demise? Is that it?" Leia was outraged. "You should be assisting the Empire in uncovering whoever is responsible for these threats! That is your duty!"

Al'than'erudo permitted hismelf a tiny smile, but kept his features unchanged, apart from that. No need to let her know that now he had her exactly where he wanted her. He shrugged. "Princess, we both know that the New Republic would not look kindly upon any interference on our part – "

"You have enough resources to keep your hand hidden," the princess interrupted him, her amber eyes narrowing. "I will personally assure Luzaya Dan of my support, should it be necessary, but I cannot tell her that the New Republic will aid her mother, if it comes to that."

"I could not ask for more," Al'than'erudo replied graciously. "Perhaps, though, you could use your formidable diplomatic skills and reputation to garner support for Luzaya Dan in the New Republic government?"

Organa Solo was silent for a long time, staring at him as she worked through just what he was saying. Her eyes flicked over to look at Andarack, then shifted to Mon Mothma. "I see," she announced at last. "You are already trying to draw out whoever is repsonsible for the attacks on Franzis' life. And now you wnat me to encourage them by approving of Luzaya as Yana's successor? What's in it for you? And her, for that matter. President Fey'lya is no friend of the empire and certainly no admirer of Yana Dar. My words will fall on deaf ears."

"That I dispute," Mon Mothma said then, her voice quiet. "Leia, there is a chance that whoever is conspiring against Yana may have allies within the New Republic. Those allies certainly will listen. Luzaya is young and a novice to politics. Should she gain the throne she will need much guidance. It is a matter of who she chooses as mentor, a matter of how the New Republic wants the Sith Empire to be ruled in the future. Do they want it to remain independent, or do they want to bind it closer to the Republic itself?"

"Or destroy it. Is that what you are saying?" Leia asked. "Then Yana has sent her daughter to Naboo to choose her mentors here, and to learn from the best. I admit the choice is excellent. And there are so many reasons she could have been sent here for, it will certainly confuse her enemies. A masterpiece. And yet," she added, looking at Andarack again, "I have a feeling you have not told me everything. For instance, why you sent my husband on a mission, and where to?"

"That is Council business, and does not affect the New Republic," Al'than'erudo countered. She really did not need to know what Naas Deron had told them, it would only distress her. Not to mention President Fey'lya. He glanced toward the viewport and rose, signalling the end of the conversation. "It is getting late, and you will be wanting to see your family, I suppose. If you wish, we can continue tomorrow."

"I will inform you of my wishes in due time," Leia replied, and smiled. "And I indeed wish to see my family. I will see you all tomorrow, I presume. Have a good night, all of you." Nodding her good-byes at Mon Mothma and Andarack she left, and the door closed behind her noiselessly.

"She is suspecting more than she should," Andarack observed correctly, his tone very dry.

"Of course she does. I would not expect anything less," Mon Motham replied.

Al'than'erudo shook his head. "We have done all we could for now. Let's see what our three strategists have cooked up tomorrow, then we can continue. Good night."

Once he was alone, the Chiss turned toward the viewport, hands clasped behind his back. There was so much at stake, more than the future of the Sith Empire. And yet he felt confident that he had entrusted the right people with his confidence. They had achieved so much already, and they certainly would manage this upcoming crisis too. The only unpredictable element in this scheme was, as always the Cor'dan. But with Luke Skywalker hopefully keeping an eye on the headstrong Naas Deron, all would be well. Hopefully.

Padmé Naberrie Skywalker threw one last critical glance at her image in the mirror. She looked more regal, she thought, but also softer than she had while being the reigning queen or the senator of Naboo. She had grown older, of course, yet her own vanity had refused to let her hair grow white over the years. She dyed it regularly now, to retain the lush dark brown of her youth. Smiling at this little indulgence of her own pride, Padmé raised a hand to pat the long tresses curling down over her shoulders. She wore a blue dress, sensibly simple, but elegant enough to please her own eye. After all, she would be receiving a royal princess tonight, and a friend's daughter at that. Luzaya, she suspected, would be just as nervous about this reunion as she herself felt right now. All right. Everything was as good as it ever would be. Time to prepare the welcome for her guest. Leaving her dressing room, Padmé frowned when she did not find Anakin in their bedroom. He had been there only a few moments ago.

"Anakin?" There was no answer. A bit disturbed by his sudden disappearance, Padmé walked out onto the terrasse, where she indeed found her husband looking off across the lake. "What are you doing out here?" she asked, noting with some relief that he had changed already and now wore a dark blue shirt and trousers instead of the coverall she had seen him wear before his meeting with Mith'raw'noruodo and Tomas Piett earlier today. "Is something wong?"

He turned to look at her, and a smile appeared on his face. "No, I am quite all right," he explained. "I just needed some fresh air – to think."

"What about?"

"Naming Day," he replied ruefully. "I believe Luzaya will want to know something of her future."

Padmé smiled. "And I would very much like to know what you have had to discuss with Thrawn and Tomas. But I suppose I will not be granted that wish. So, what are you going to tell her?"

He gazed at her, seemingly surprised. "Are you angry with me for my keeping secrets, then?"

"No secrets between us, you promised," she replied then, stepping closer to wrap her arms around his waist. "Do you remember? When we were returning from Korriban aboard the Wilde Karrde ..."

"I remember." His voice was low, thoughtful. "And I will tell you. Just not now."

"Oh, you!" Her fist connceted with his chest heavily. "Liar!" He had the gall to laugh at her!

"Ah, but you know me, my love, I am a man of many secrets."

"You will tell me after tonight," she told him haughtily, before she whirled around to leave. Luzaya and the twins would be arriving any moment now. She had to remember her duties as host, even if her husband would not. Storming into the hallway outside her chambers she almost collided with Anja. "Oh!" Padmé exclaimed. "Are they here already?"

"Yes. I went to fetch you. Amerie is currently entertaining our guests," Anja added, smiling. "Of course, she is embarrassing her cousins immensely, and Jacen is too shy to take the initiative."

"What about Jaina, then?" Padmé asked, amused.

"She is sulking. Don't ask me why. Oh, and Leia will be joining us too. She's on her way."

Rolling her eyes in fake exasperation, Padmé made her way to the living-room, Anja on her heels. Indeed, her little grand-daughter was in her element, dancing and humming under her breath in front of a rapt audience. The twins, Padmé noticed, shared embarrassed smiles now and then, while Luzaya sat in her chair as if she were attending a concert on Coruscant. Her companion, by contrast, was staring wide-eyed at the little girl, his jaw hanging open. Padmé studied the Yuuzhan Vong warrior for a moment longer, before she entered the room and swept toward Luzaya, her face beaming.

"Child, you look beautiful!" she declared, bearing down on the princess swiftly. Luzaya rose politely and returned Padmé's hug a little rigidly.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Padmé," she answered calmly, her voice so very mature. A bit bewildered she looked over her host's shoulder. "And my dear god-father? Is he here?"

"He is. He'll be along shortly. I believe he wasn't yet finished dressing when I left."

Luzaya smiled. "Then I will have to introduce my companion to you first. This is Mahel Sivaraya, my bodyguard," she explained, indicating the Yuuzhan Vong warrior. "Mahel, this is Padmé Naberrie Skywalker, a good friend of my family, my god-father's wife."

"I am honored," Sivaraya murmured softly and inclined his head.

He was very tall, Padmé thought, and looked almost haggard, but then, as far as she knew that was pretty normal for a Yuuzhan Vong. For some reason a certain portrait that hung in the hallway flashed in her mind and she remembered Roj Kell's contempt for these aliens most vividly. Ju Vong, little slaves, he had called them. They were still something of second-class citizens in the new Sith Empire, as far as Padmé knew. And yet, when Mahel straightened again to look her in the eye, she found that he was fairly brimming with confidence. Anakin chose exactly that moment to enter, his vibrant presence banishing all awkwardness as he spread his arms and grinned at Luzaya Dan.

"Luzaya! It is so good to have you here!"

The princess rushed over to embrace him, her face beaming. "Very good, yes," she conceded, smiling, and squeezed Anakin tightly before she let go again to give him an appraising look. "You and Padmé have barely aged a day since I last saw you," she announced then, to Jacen and Jaina's obvious amusement. Padmé simply stood by, one hand put on Amerie's head. "I want to know everything you've been up to these past two years," Luzaya continued, whirling around gracefully to include the rest of the family in her smiling countenance. "I feel I've missed so much!"

As it was, she ended up telling nore of her own life on Byss than she had anticipated. Anakin practically squeezed her memory dry, asking question after question, about her parents, about the sects, about Deron and about her studies. Padmé saw Jacen's jaw drop and Jain shake her head in disbelief when Luzaya explained the Nargana Dey ritual that she had used to gain Deron's attention. Anakin merely grinned at the details. A little later Leia joined them, and the topic shifted to new Republic policies and general gossip from Coruscant, which seemed to interest Luzaya immensely. And then, as dinner was prepared and Padmé went to put Amerie to bed, Luzaya asked her god-fatehr for a private talk. Just as he had anticipated. Leaving her bodyguard behind with the Solo twins and their mother, the Sith princess left in a somber mood, Padmé thought.

"Is Luzaya sad?" Amerie asked, when the two of them made their way down the hallway.

Padmé, long used to the little girl's perception, shrugged. "I do not know, darling. Perhaps she is a little uneasy about the future."

For some reason, Amerie then scuttled closer to her, as if afraid of something, and Padmé remembered what her husband had told her of their youngest grand-daughter's nightmare. Amerie was afraid for her brother for some reason, and Padmé felt the girl's worries seeping into her consciousness too. Not a comfortable thought. But Khameir was safe with Raisa. Bending down she wrapped Amerie in her arms and carried her the rest of the way. The girl was asleep before they even reached her bedroom.

TBC