My thanks to all of you who are reading and reviewing. Sorry about the delay in posts, but Darth RL has been vicious. Hope you all enjoy!
Emerald Green Queen: Although I will address the issue of why Sabe followed willfully Palpatine during the purges in subsequent chapters, I will say that she wasn't privy to the knowledge about him being a Sith. She believed she was remaining loyal to the legitamate government and was rewarded well. Thanks for noticing the spelling error. If you have noticed, I have gone back and fixed it in the previous chapters and this one as well. As for Vader, although Anakin was famous for his exploits during the Clone Wars, I would imagine that the Jedi would limit their visibility for both military and Order reasons. During that time, Sabe was quite busy as Naboo's Ambassador so she was busy with her duties. Glad you liked the Bail reference. We will be seeing him and young Leia soon. And yes, I am a big fan of PotC and love intermixing some of Elizabeth's speech patterns with Sabe's. Glad that you are enjoying. Thanks again for reading!
JennAnn: Yes, Vader is not in the black mask and suit. In later chapters I will explain how he escaped that fate. Thanks so much for reading.
Sweet Christabel: Thanks so much. Glad you are liking. Enjoy!
Breaking through the thick layers of clouds, the Naboo yacht carrying the Grand Inquisitor of the Empire and her party streaked over the skies of Theed in route to the main Palace hangar. Ordinarily, homecomings were joyous events; however, the presence of the Queen and her royal guard adorned in the onyx colored robes of mourning, which grimly reminded her of the true reason for her return. Once the ship completed its landing cycle, the main gangplank lowered and four ornately dressed members of Lady Kelaria's security detachment walked in perfect synchronicity as they carried Saché's coffin from the ship. Following closely behind was Sabé, also dressed in the traditional black and amethyst gowns while donning white facepaint.
In years past, all of the female members of the aristocracy wore white facepaint as a symbol of their office. This practice had been lost over the ages; but, it was during Padmé's ascension the throne that she called for a return of Naboo's ancient traditions by first reinstituting this custom. Although she deemed it mandatory for herself to always be seen wearing it, she had made it optional for all the other high offices: Naboo's Representative in the Senate, Princess of Theed, the Governors of the four major territories, the chief Parliamentarian and Naboo's Ambassador on Coruscant.
Ironically, as Senator, Padme Amidala opted out of wearing the facepaint, citing that she had worn it more than enough for a single lifetime. However, Sabé, upon her appointment as Ambassador, kept with the tradition, which she maintained when dubbed Grand Inquistor. After all the years she worn the makeup as the Queen's decoy, she had grown accustomed to it and felt it was an honor to don it at official events. However, unlike the Queen, she did not wear the scar of remembrance or the other decorative symbolic marks. That was reserved for Naboo's leader.
Queen Kylantha, along with her handmaidens, as well as the other dignitaries, respectfully bowed their heads as the procession halted its march in order to load the casket onto a specialized speeder for transport to the burial site. Upon passing the Naboo monarch, she and Sabé exchanged polite bows as they entered her official transport speeder that along with many others would form a caravan that would follow Saché's remains. Two of the young monarch's handmaidens joined them as they were taken quickly away from the Palace.
"It is good to see you once again, Milady. Although I do wish it was under better circumstance," the Queen remarked.
Queen Kylantha, or Keiaré Lantheren as she was known privately, was eighteen years old and had nearly completed her second year as Naboo's ruler. Unlike Queen Amidala, she was tall and lanky with long straight auburn hair and green eyes. Elected as the Princess of Theed at twelve years old, she served faithfully in that position until she ran for and successfully won the election to succeed the very popular Queen Apailana.
Politically, Kylantha seemed to be more concerned with maintaining the status quo rather than strongly affiliating with the Empire. Indeed, the planet was quickly returning to the isolationist tendencies that were kept for nearly a hundred years prior to the election of King Veruna. Personally, Sabé felt that this stance was insulting to the Emperor, given that this was his home planet. However, in their few discussions on the subject, Palpatine did not seem offended. Or if he was, he didn't share this fact with her. Rather, the mysterious leader of the galaxy appeared to fully support Naboo's growing isolationism. The Grand Inquisitor surmised that as long as their home planet didn't support the Rebellion, that was victory in of itself. Indeed, the fledgling Alliance was gaining in strength and numbers, as well as harboring sympathy on many neutral planets across the galaxy.
Lady Kelaria nodded curtly as she answered, "I've been to too many of these for my tastes."
Despite the heavy white makeup, Kylantha noticeably frowned. "I'm sorry that you lost another friend, Milady."
Sabé slightly grimaced. "Your Highness, with all due respect, would it be a terrible insult if we weren't so formal today? I get enough preening and bowing on Coruscant"
The Queen's expression suddenly shifted from her normal stoic countenance into the gleeful smile of a young woman. "I would very much like that, Sabé. Despite being in this position for two years now, I still have not become accustomed to the formality."
Sabé smiled knowingly. "Believe me, Keiaré. It does take some getting used to. I still remember the first day when we had to dress up Padmé in her formal gowns so she could meet the members of Parliament." The former handmaiden chuckled softly before continuing. "Everytime somebody called her Majesty or her Royal Highness, I and the others could see her face twitch behind the caked on facepaint Rabé plastered on her."
Keiaré, along with the others chuckled as they tried to imagine the reputed stoic Queen, losing her composure. She then said, "I wish I had the opportunity to know her as an adult. I only met her once when I was still a young child when she visited the Theed Academy as Senator." Kylantha smiled in spite of herself as she became lost in her nostalgic memories. "I also recall nearly getting into a fight with one of my friends when I said that she was Queen Amidala, but she didn't believe me because she wasn't wearing the facepaint."
The Grand Inquisitor smiled as she remembered how her closest friend enjoyed speaking with children. Sabé's face noticeably fell as the image of Padmé's dead form flashed in her mind along with Sola's request to discover the truth. Ever since that night's discussion, she had tried everything to block it out of her waking thoughts. There was nothing good that could come from knowing, she mused. It would not change anything. Padmé would still be dead –her child with her – and nothing could ever lessen the pain of that deep wound. But, what if it had been one of her sisters that died mysteriously? Or spirits forbid, Thomas? Would she just simply sit and accept the empty words of a bureaucrat? Wouldn't she do everything humanly possible to uncover the truth?
"She was a remarkable woman. And it is interesting that you mention her because I spoke with her sister on my way back to Naboo." Kylantha motioned silently for her to continue. "The Naberrie family has requested for me to investigate the circumstances surrounding Senator Amidala's death."
The Queen suddenly stiffened as her light expression dissolved. "In what capacity would you be acting upon that appeal?"
"That depends."
"On?"
The Grand Inquisitor released a slight smile before she added, "If you are willing to grant me access to Queen Apailana's private files concerning the return of Padmé's body from where she died."
Kylantha frowned. "You are well aware that it is against my policy to let the Empire undermine the fabric of our sovereignty."
"I don't come to you with this request on behalf of the Emperor. Rather, I ask you as a friend and for a family that has suffered for years over the loss of someone so remarkable. Please, Keiaré. I beg you not to force me to use my power as the Inquisitor, but grant me this request as a child of Naboo."
The Queen leaned back in the speeder, obviously ignoring the stunned glances of her two handmaidens. She then mischievously grinned as she leaned over to close the distance between herself and Sabé. "I'll tell you what I will do. I shall grant you access to all the sensitive materials in the Palace's archives." Kylantha then turned to the handmaiden on her right side, "Tarai here will give you the mainframe's code key," she returned her attention to Lady Kelaria while continuing, "but, you will have to do this during off hours because I cannot officially sanction this. Plus, whatever you find can only be relayed to the Naberrie family."
Unable to hold back her mirth, Sabé beamed as she nodded in affirmation, realizing that despite her youthful naivety, the Queen had already learned how to side step potential trouble; the mark of a skillful elected official. "My deepest appreciation for your kindness, your Majesty."
Kylantha slightly dipped her head. "Padmé Amidala was and still is a hero of our people. We at least owe her family some kind of answer since she devoted her entire life for our sake."
Sabé smiled outwardly, but her inner conflict of emotions still raged. Ever since Sola Naberrie uttered her woeful request, the former decoy experienced a deep sense of foreboding if she were to walk down that path. Sabé normally feared very little, especially when her sense of honor and duty were involved. Despite any misgivings though, she would continue on this course until she was satisfied she obtained all the answers. Perhaps then she too would find a measure in peace in knowing what happened to her closest friend.
Naboo funerals were often, by tradition, a silent affair. The holy man who presided over the ceremony would usually read from the book of the prophets and offer words of comfort to the departed one's family. After which, nothing else was said until the body was committed to the earth. The procession to the burial site always occurred with the strictest silence as it was a time dedicated to the memory of the lost loved one.
Queen Kylantha and Sabé followed Cayla and Benden Tralivn who walked slowly behind the carriage containing the body of their only child. She had wanted to offer them her sympathies before the ceremony, but her discussion with the Queen delayed her arrival to the ceremony. And while she felt sad for the loss of her friend, Sabé's thoughts drifted towards her own mortality, as well as what truly was important to her.
Sienna and Thomas.
How can I continue to be away from them? Haven't I done enough for the Empire already? She sighed as she allowed those thoughts resonated throughout her essence. Duty and service were virtues that were instilled on her from her earliest memories. Even though the hereditary monarchy had faded millennia ago on Naboo, her family's prominence remained strong; this pushed her to pursue the very best for herself. But when would that ever be enough? When can I finally just live in peace? Tears fell down the sides of her face as she looked over to watch Saché's casket being lowered in the ground. Yet another tie to the past, struck down before her time.
It had been an extremely arduous day as Sabé along with the Queen and her other attendants retreated to her quarters. The day marked the seventh anniversary of the liberation from the Trade Federation and the entire planet was filled with celebration. Dignitaries from throughout the Republic arrived by the hundreds to join the people of Naboo in their rejoicing. However, for the Queen and her handmaidens, the week was filled with endless balls, dinners and speeches. After much ado, they were finally going to get several days off to relax before returning to their normal routine.
Sabé sighed deeply as she draped her hooded cloak over a nearby chair, which she collapsed into it from exhaustion. "I swear, if I had to smile and make chit-chat with one more politician, I was going to scream." Padmé flashed a mock scowl at her, causing the handmaiden to say, "Sorry, your Highness."
The Queen rolled her eyes as she laughed playfully. "Quite alright. And yes, I too was growing weary of the idle chatter. Some people really love talking about themselves."
Sabé groaned painfully as she felt her cloak being pulled out from under her. She turned around to see Rabé attempting to yank it free. "You need to hang this up and not sit on it. You know this cloak is expensive."
The decoy merely scoffed while she lazily sat forward so her friend could recover the robe. After Rabé triumphantly secured the garment and headed into the closet, Sabé slumped into her chair. She then released a deep sigh when she noticed Saché was ready to help Padmé undress and both women were waiting for her to help them. She hurriedly stood up to assist her friend in removing the cumbersome outfit from the Queen.
"Ah! It's nice to be able to breathe again," Padmé declared as Sabé dutifully took the dress to the closet where Rabé was waiting to hang it up. Meanwhile, the young Queen grimaced as she pulled at the large mound of hair sitting atop of her head.
"Something wrong, your Highness?" Eirtaé asked while helping to remove Yané's braids.
"These hairstyles that Rabé concocts can be really painful," admitted Padmé. When the handmaiden in question popped out of the closet, frowning, the young monarch added, "But they are very beautiful, Rabé, just hard on my scalp."
"Let me help you undo your hair, your Majesty," Saché declared.
Padmé smiled thankfully as she sat in front of her mirror to let her friend and handmaiden work. A few moments later, Saché removed all the pins that were holding up the Queen's cumbersome hairstyle, releasing her chestnut curls onto her shoulders. The handmaiden then ran her hands through Padmé's hair in order to massage her aching scalp. She hummed in delight, closing her eyes as she felt all her stress being released from her body. With a large grin, Padmé declared, "Remind me to give you a raise, Saché. This is wonderful."
"I'm glad it makes you feel better, your Highness." A moments silence followed until Saché observed, "You know throughout the entire celebration, I did not see any Jedi in attendance." Looking up into the mirror at Padmé she asked,"I thought we sent an invitation to both Master Kenobi and to little Anakin."
The Queen noticeably frowned. "We did. However, the Council decreed that this was not a good time to break Anakin away from his training." She paused slightly before continuing in a more sarcastic tone, "but they would be happy to inform both him and his Master of the invitation as they extend their best wishes for our planet."
Sabé rolled her eyes as she muttered, "I will never understand those people. Surely a little celebration wouldn't bring any harm to him."
From across the room, Yané asked, "Have you heard from either of them since the liberation, your Majesty?"
A large, mischievous grin filled the youthful face of the Naboo's monarch, catching the attention of all the other handmaidens. Sabé chortled slightly as she asked, "What are you up to, Padmé?"
"Me?" The Queen asked innocently. "Why nothing, Lady Kelaria. I have no idea what you are insinuating."
"Out with it, Lady Naberrie," Sabé playfully threatened, "or else none of us are going to give you a moments rest until you spill it."
Casting her gaze through the mirror, Padmé tried, but failed to suppress her giggling. She finally said, "Alright, I will come clean." She then slightly looked up at Saché and said, "Little Anakin, as you call him, isn't so little any more."
"And how do you know this, your Majesty?" Sabé slowly asked.
"Because…I spoke with him earlier today."
Saché grinned as she commented, "You waited all this time to tell us?"
"Call it Queen's privilege," Padmé teased.
"So how is he?" Rabé asked as she was gathering more of the other girls' cloaks.
"He's well, but was saddened when he learned about the Council's declaration. So he said he just had to sneak away and comm me to extend his best wishes personally."
"How sweet of him," Eirtaé declare.
"What does he look like now?" Saché blurted out.
"Saché!" Sabé chastised.
"Oh, it was on everyone's minds. I just had the gumption to ask."
Padmé smile grew as she answered, "He's definitely much taller now. That cute little boy is long gone."
"But is he handsome, your Highness?" Eirtaé asked
The Queen didn't answer immediately. Rather, she reached under her shirt to rub the pendent that a lonely former slave had given her what seemed like another lifetime ago. She then looked up and grinned. "Yes, Eirtaé. He is quite handsome."
Saché beamed as she said, "Perhaps one day, you will actually get to see him in person."
"Perhaps," Padmé muttered.
Sabé remained sitting, grinning at both Saché's abruptness and Padmé's aloofness. Despite all the trails they had been through these many years, they could always come back to this place where they could shed the heavy mantle of duty that had been thrust upon them at such early ages. In here, they all were just like any other group of close friends on Naboo and no matter how far they would be separated after the end of the Queen's reign, they would always have each other.
Somehow, Sabé had moved from where she stood, over to the edge of Saché's gravesite. The burial ground was located several kilometers outside of Theed on a rolling hill that overlooked the entire city. It was peaceful here, as one could hear the silent whisper of the wind shaking the trees and causing the meadow flowers to sway. Sabé's eyes remained fixed upon the box that contained her friend and would be her companion in the cold ground forever. No warmth or light would ever be reflected upon the two again. Unconsciously, she dropped the two long stemmed Naboo lilies that she had been given by one of the Queen's handmaidens into the grave. She then moved towards where Saché's parents stood. She had no idea what to say. What could she possibly tell them that would make everything alight? Still, she had to say something.
"Mister and Madam Tralivn…I am so sorry…"
Saché's mother, Cayla, nodded vaguely as she remained transfixed upon the burial site. Noticing that his wife was unable to speak, Benden Tralivn replied, "Thank you, Milady. We both are so thankful for all that you've done. Saché… Saché always spoke of you with the most glowing of praises."
Tears, once again, fell down the sides of Sabé's narrow face as she softly replied, "She spoke the same of you as well… I only wish…"
Saché's father, while trying to hold back the flood of sorrow, muttered, "I know, Milady. Her lot was not a kind one."
The Grand Inquisitor sighed as she placed a hand of comfort on his shoulder. "We can only hope that she can now find peace."
"The spirits willing, I hope so," Benden said.
"You have my utmost sympathies," Sabé declared. "Please don't ever hesitate to contact me if you require anything."
"You are most kind, Milady. Thank you." The gray haired man said as he squeezed his mournful wife tighter.
With that, Sabé moved towards the distant rear of the assembled group. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a solitary figure, wrapped within a black, hooded cloak standing slightly behind the rest of the mourners. The woman did not have the hood completely pulled over her face, revealing the features of one of Senator Amidala's last handmaidens, Moteé Calliden.
The Grand Inquisitor had instantly recognized her. She had recommended the younger woman to
Padmé when she learned of Versé and Cordé's deaths after the failed assassination attempts just prior to the outbreak of the Clone Wars. Moteé and her cousin, Ellé, had both served briefly as junior handmaidens to Sabé during her appointment as Ambassador. They had both been competent attendants, but it would have taken years for them to be elevated since Sabé already had several older and much more experienced handmaidens in her charge. They relished the opportunity to serve the former Queen and Padmé immediately accepted them into her service.
Yet, despite their ties to her, both girls revealed very little after Padmé's untimely death. Indeed, Sabé had spoken to them both privately, but they would only tell her that their mistress kept her personal life extremely private and had made arrangements for them to live in separate quarters throughout their entire service to her. When the Queen's former decoy broached the subject of the pregnancy, Moteé and Ellé claimed ignorance of the fact. However, Sabé knew this to be a lie since handmaidens are at least, on occasion, required to help their mistress dress.
Their obstinate terseness had frustrated the Grand Inquisitor immensely. But after she allowed the shock of what had happened to dissipate, she recalled what it was like to serve as one's handmaiden – to perform such a task required the utmost loyalty, even after they no longer served that person. They were bound by an unwritten bond—to never divulge anything that could potentially bring shame or dishonor to their mistress. Remembering this more clearly, Sabé had in time, let the matter drop and had not seen either of the two women since.
Until now.
As Sabé slowly approached the former handmaiden, she was taken aback at how much she had aged. Moteé was nearly a decade younger than Sabé, but if she didn't know her, the former decoy could have sworn that she was at least that much older. Her face appeared haggard and drawn with her one time stately manner seemed withered as if the weight of the entire core systems were resting upon her shoulders. The Grand Inquisitor continued to stand silently next to Senator Amidala's last handmaiden as they watched the interment's final moments. Strangely, Sabé could hear Moteé muttering the ancient chant of forgiveness as she was contemplating what to say.
"It's been a long time, Moteé." Sabé finally whispered.
Appearing to come out of a trance, the younger woman nearly jolted when she quickly recognized who was standing next to her. "Lady Kelaria. Forgive me for not noticing you…I was…lost in thought."
"Understandable," Sabé voiced. "Funerals tend to invoke that."
"That they do," Moteé answered mournfully. "Death appears to be encroaching all of us who once served…the Senator," she said bitterly.
Sabé looked upon her sadly as she mumbled, "First Padmé, now Saché…It does seem to be hitting close."
"And not to mention Dormé."
The Grand Inquisitor stiffened as she turned to face the former handmaiden. "Dormé?"
"Yes…Didn't you hear? She was killed on Coruscant a few days ago."
Sabé gasped as she asked, "How?"
"Supposedly her airspeeder malfunctioned."
"Why do you say 'supposedly?'" The former decoy asked while raising her eyebrows suspiciously.
Moteé had a look of fear as it appeared that she just comprehended what she told Lady Kelaria. She then shook her head as she folded her arms, as if she were attempting to bring herself some comfort. Ignoring Sabé's question she moved closer, ensuring that only the Grand Inquisitor could hear her. "Something…something is happening….Don't trust anyone." She said forcefully. "If nothing else, remember that, Milady. Don't take anything for granted as nothing is as it seems."
"What are you getting at, Moteé?"
The younger woman nervously looked about before finally answering, "I am leaving Naboo today. Probably for a long time. Maybe forever….I…I can no longer stay here…It is not safe."
"Safe from what?"
Moteé leaned ever closer so that her face was mere centimeters from Sabé's. A wickedly, wry grin eclipsed her face, causing her once sparkling blue eyes to appear to be clouded over in a raging tempest. "Give it time, Milady. Even you will find out."
Before the former chief handmaiden could query the younger woman further, she felt a slight tap on her shoulder as she heard, "Milady?"
Sabé turned to see her handmaiden Elermaé staring at her in apparent confusion. "Not now, Elermaé. I'm busy talking."
The handmaiden perplexity grew as she nervously asked, "With whom, your Honor?"
"With Moteé," Sabé said as she turned her head around. However, the former handmaiden was no longer there. She cast a quick glance among the dispersing crowd; however, Moteé was nowhere to be seen. Releasing a low groan in confusion, Elermaé placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright, Milady?"
"I am," Sabé said reluctantly, while she was still trying to comprehend what the former handmaiden was trying to tell her. "Perhaps it is everything finally catching up with me." She paused briefly before questioning, "Have the arrangements been made for my speeder?"
"Yes, Milady. One will be waiting for you at Theed Palace."
Sabé sighed deeply as the last of the mourners had departed. She shot a quick glance over at the gravediggers who emerged to cover Saché's tomb. She unconsciously muttered, "Spirits of the land, behold one of your children is coming to rest in your peaceful abode. Be merciful to her and to all those who wait to guide her." The Grand Inquisitor then turned to her attendant. "I'm ready to go home."