My thanks to all who reviewed and who are lurking. Your comments have been really helpful and inspiring as I've been trying to make the story as interesting as possible. So keep up those reviews; they are most appreciated.
Natalie-Corr: As always, I am humbled by your kind comments. I am thrilled to know that you like the development of Ani's and Padme's friendship. That will be very key to my series of stories as to what will be their eventual fates.
Pokey1984: I am happy to know that you are still enjoying. A happy beta is always a good thing. While the Anakin/Padme relationship is central to this story, we will begin to see their interaction with other characters soon. As far as Obi-Wan, he'll be making an appearance very soon. :)
Gionaerth: Glad you like. Update is coming :)/
PhantomAngel: Happy to know that you are loving this. Next chapter coming soon:)
Opal: Thanks for your comment. As far as money, Anakin is about to come into a lot of it upon his induction as a Naboo Knight, but keep tuning in.
NothingfeelsGood: I appreciate your thoughtful comments. One of the things I was bothered with in the movies was how I saw Anakin's and Padme's relationship. I felt it could have been portrayed as much deeper, but then again there is only so much one can do in two hours. So my hope is with my stories is to give another angle how their relationship and fates will differ if they had a chance to have a deeper friendship before the galaxy falls apart.
Padawan Sydney Bristow: Glad you liked. Ani is definitely full of surprises. I can't wait either for Ep III. ;).
A/N: As always my thanks and praises goes out to my dedicated beta, Pokey1984. Now everybody sit back and enjoy the show!
Patience was essential to the survival of the Sith Order. For over a millennium, knowledge passed between master and apprentice would ultimately lead to their revenge against the Jedi. Darth Sidious, Dark Lord of the Sith, or Supreme Chancellor Palpatine as he was known in his other life, strode down the hallways of Theed Palace without agenda. Wanting to be left to his own ruminations, he had dismissed his personal guard along with the detachment sent by the Queen's chief of security that she had insisted upon.
He laughed at the irony of that thought as he felt the hilt of his lightsaber hidden under his elegant robes. The Trade Federation blockade and the subsequent battle for Naboo's freedom had been a costly one for all involved parties. Sidious had been enraged to learn that his servant, Darth Maul had been lost; all due to a Jedi Padawan nonetheless. Years of training had been lost; however, the Sith had endured far worse while maintaining progress toward its ultimate goal. Furthermore, he had gravely underestimated the resolve and courage of the child Queen. Amidala would one day pay dearly for her transgression. Perhaps sooner rather than later.
One thing Palpatine learned from the many years of political life was to always devise contingencies. And he would have to once again show that imperturbable patience as his new plans began to take shape. Already there were opportunities that he had never considered. The simple fact that the Jedi were foolish enough not to take the Skywalker boy to train had opened unlimited possibilities. Now, all the Dark Lord had to do was wait. In time, everything would belong to only him. He would bring the galaxy to its knees.
He would have been dressed sooner if not for all the Queen's handmaidens checking on his progress every few minutes. The outfit Anakin wore was a simple cream colored tunic with a light brown belt and he draped himself with a dark brown cloak that Sabé had found for him. He stood in the mirror, not sure he was the same person that had only recently been a slave. How he wished that his mother could see him now. He smiled to himself as he thought that soon they would be reunited and she would love living in this place where anything was possible..
Anakin was lost in his aspirations when a knock at the door startled him.
"It's time," Sabé said as she poked her head inside.
The sandy haired boy quickly followed her out of the room. They walked through the most spectacular halls of the palace en route to the Grand dining room. The floors were marble with elaborate golden designs and huge smooth columns lined the hallway. Hanging from the walls were paintings that portrayed great events in the history of the Naboo. While he wasn't familiar with what they symbolized, each was breathtaking nonetheless. With each new spectacle, Anakin would pause to admire, causing Sabé to have to gently nudge him back towards the dinner.
They finally reached their destination. He had yet to explore this part of the palace and he wasn't disappointed. Two huge polished wooden doors guarded the entrance into the room. As Anakin entered, he immediately noticed the ceiling was painted like the sky, in the soft blue that encircled the planet with random clouds extending the length of the room.
Several round marble columns lined the room's periphery, acting like giant frames for the frescos on the walls. Each area had the likeness of a different ruler in all their royal adornments. The dining table itself was enormous, which was able to seat at least seventy-five guests. It was made out of cherry wood and the seats were all hand-carved and spectacular. At the head of the table, he noticed that the Queen's chair was wider and possessed arm rests unlike the others.
Noticing Anakin was once again standing captivated; Sabé gently grabbed his hand and guided him to his seat. Since he was the guest of honor, he was placed immediately perpendicular to the Queen's chair. On his left, the Supreme Chancellor and former Senator Palpatine was already present. He was discussing something with other court members when he noticed Anakin take his place at the table.
"Welcome, young Skywalker" he said with a sinister smile.
"Greetings sir" spouted Anakin, curious why this man made him feel so unnerved.
Across from Anakin sat two young women. They briefly acknowledged his presence and returned to a seemingly intense discussion. Later he would learn that the young lady directly in front of him was eighteen year old Jamillia, the newly elected Princess of Theed. Next to her was Lady Corrina, a rich noble with aspirations of replacing Palpatine in the Senate.
Anakin began to panic when he noticed the many different eating utensils lay out before him. Looking concerned he caught Sabé's eye and motioned for her to come over.
"What do I do with all these?" he whispered to the handmaiden. "I've only used those two," as he pointed to a small spear and knife. "But what are all the rest for?"
Sabé smiled as she whispered back, "Just watch everyone before each course and you'll figure it out."
Anakin nodded and turned his attention towards the end of the table. At least fifty people were present and all were elaborately dressed. Whenever he caught anyone's eye, they would graciously bow his or her head in acknowledgment. The boy was excited, but terribly intimidated at the moment. He relished that people knew who he was and didn't seem judgmental of his former station. However, he did feel unworthy, causing him to squirm uncomfortably in his seat.
Noticing something wrong, Chancellor Palpatine leaned closer to the boy. "Is everything alright, young Skywalker?"
Not as bothered by his presence, Anakin responded, "Yes sir, I uh…." He paused briefly, then a sad look took hold of his face. "I was just remembering my mother's stories of elegant dinners with lots of food."
Palpatine grinned wickedly. "Is it my understanding that your mother is still on Tatooine?"
"Yes, sir," Anakin responded sadly. "But soon, Pad-I mean, her highness and I will return to free her," he said with hope in his voice.
The Supreme Chancellor did not require sensitivity in the Force to perceive the strong attachment that existed between the boy and his mother. A potential weakness…One that could be exploited. "How splendid," Palpatine remarked sourly. Now wanting to test him, he remarked, "I'm sure you would not be eating this well had the Jedi taken you with them."
Anakin frowned at the reminder of their rejection, causing his anger to rise momentarily.
Noticing that he had offended the boy, Palpatine snidely whispered, "I meant no offense, child. I
simply meant that court life here on Naboo is very different than that in the Jedi Temple. I apologize if I offended you."
Anakin lied. "No offense taken, sir."
Palpatine, pleased at his response studied the boy briefly. "I heard that you recently came into possession of a lightsaber." He paused briefly to observe Anakin's wide eyed expression. I know a thing or two about lightsaber dueling. Perhaps I could show you some techniques sometime?"
Wondering how the Chancellor knew about him possessing Master Qui-Gon's lightsaber, but fearing the answer more than the question, Anakin asked "But, you aren't a Jedi."
Palpatine stared at him, uncertain of what the boy could sense. "Jedi aren't the only ones who know how to use that weapon. At the Royal Academy, I received training using many types of arms including the famed Jedi lightsaber."
Anakin felt embarrassed at his question and nodded in agreement. The Chancellor, now pleased that the boy seemed unaware of his intentions, quietly said, "However, you must not tell anybody. It's not something that I announce to just anybody."
Confused, but still thankful for his apparent interest, Anakin grinned eagerly. "I would appreciate any help you could offer and I will keep your secret safe."
Palpatine smirked as he leaned back in his chair to resume his conversation with the other dignitaries. All too easy.
Sitting uncomfortably, Anakin examined closer the various utensils that lay before him. When he saw the other handmaidens enter the room, followed by the Queen, he promptly stood on his feet.. Everyone in the room stood as Captain Panaka announced, "Please honor her majesty Amidala, Queen and savior of the Naboo!"
The guests applauded as she made her way to the head of the table. With a gentle nod, everyone returned to their seats as Saché and Rabé helped her sit down. Amidala was dressed in an emerald green gown with a pattern of gold points that twinkled when the light would hit it.
For the first time, Anakin saw her wear the crown that symbolized her office. It was a headpiece made of pure gold with four different colored gems on the front. The Queen's hair was pulled back and was largely hidden by the crown as she wore the traditional white face paint with touches of red on both her checks and the mark of remembrance on her bottom lip. He also noticed something very familiar hanging from her neck. She was wearing the pendant that he made out of japor snippet.
She's absolutely radiant Anakin admired. His vacant look caused Padmé briefly to come out of Amidala's stoic persona to ask if he was alight. Anakin managed a slight nod as she returned to her royal disposition.
A small band of musicians quietly entered the room and began playing music to entertain the esteemed guests. Noticing both Rabé and Yané were standing for enough away, Anakin leaned towards Amidala. "You look beautiful tonight, your majesty." Amidala graciously smiled and acknowledged his compliment without breaking character. Anakin thought that Padmé was probably not going to come out again tonight.
By the time the final course was served, Anakin had eaten more than he ever had in his past ten years of life. While he continued to eat, he listened to the range of conversations about him. Chancellor Palpatine was discussing the finer points of senatorial procedures with the Queen and Princess Jamillia. Lady Corrinia noticeably tried to get into the talk several times, but none of the others seem to acknowledge her opinions.
Governor Bibble, who was seated next to Lady Corrinia, nodded his head in respect to Anakin as they caught each other's glances. He then turned to discuss with the rest of the table the pour of support and sympathy that was gained in the Galactic community due to their recent ordeal. The Queen smiled to herself when hearing this, but didn't comment.
When Amidala noticed that her guests were finished with their dinners, she stood up to address the gathering. "Honorable friends, we have experienced some of the worse things that a peaceful society such as ours can ever endure. It is with great humility and thanks that I honor you all tonight for your roles in saving our way of life. Many contributed to this day, but one in particular I wish to recognize because he is not Naboo." Amidala looked at Anakin and commanded, "Anakin Skywalker, please stand before me."
To say Anakin was near a panic would have been an understatement. At this moment he probably would have been more comfortable amongst a pack of Tuskan Raiders rather than stand before all these strangers. With his legs shaking, Anakin respectfully bowed as he approached the Queen. "I am here, your majesty."
Amidala nodded solemnly. "Anakin Skywalker, for your actions on Tatooine and during the battle for Naboo's freedom, I hereby bestow upon you the honor of High Protector Knight of the Naboo, with all the rights and privileges that accompany that title as well as those of any free subject of the crown."
Anakin had an ear to ear smile as he heard the word free. It was a moment he aspired for all his life. He then bowed again to the Queen. "I am honored, your highness. Thank you." With everyone staring at him, the boy was glad that Rabé had given him a few quick lessons on proper etiquette. He would have a lot of new programming to put into Threepio once he got him back to help him learn everything else he needed to know for his new life.
As Sabé and Eirtaé approached Anakin, they slipped a deep purple pillow in front of him.
"Kneel on the pillow, Ani," whispered Sabé.
Anakin knelt before Amidala. Rabé approached the Queen carrying a beautifully decorated silver vibrosword, resting on another royal purple pillow. Amidala grabbed the sword and placed the point over his head.
Before continuing, Amidala announced, "In honor of our hero, I will speak the invocation in Basic." The audience nodded approvingly while many in the rear stood up to get a better glimpse of what was about to occur.
"In the name of the great spirits, land and people who are Naboo, I knight you into the Order of High Protectors of our planet. Arise, Lord Skywalker." As Anakin stood up, a soft smile stretched across Amidala's painted face. She then carefully turned the vibrosword around so that the handle faced the boy.
"This vibrosword is a symbol of your knighthood. May it guard your life as you protected and will protect the Naboo," declared Amidala.
Shooting a quick glance over at a nodding Sabé, Anakin pulled the vibrosword away from the Queen and ceremoniously held it out towards the audience. The crowd erupted in applause. The former slave felt uncomfortable with the accolades causing him to fidget in place. Noticing his discomfort, Amidala made a subtle gesture to Eirtaé who quickly went over to Anakin.
"I can put your sword in a safe place, Ani."
The boy looked up at her confused; however, he didn't protest as she took the vibrosword out of his hand and she left the room to secure it.
Each member of the Royal Court then took this gesture as an opportunity to congratulate Anakin. In awe, Anakin politely acknowledged their praise then returned to his place with a strange grin. Amidala, while still smiling at Anakin, gave an approving nod towards Governor Bibble; he then rose to address the audience. "Honorable guests, it is with profound humility that I have been charged with the recitation of the High Protector history."
He flashed a quick smile at Anakin as he continued. "Before Naboo became a democracy, it was a haven for members of royalty from all over the known galaxy. At that time, Naboo was a small farming outpost, without any true system of government. The deposed leaders then established a monarchy that would sit in governance over the planet. They also formed the Order of the High Protector Knights that whose duty was to ensure the safety of the royal family, as well as defend the people of Naboo."
Sio paused briefly, nearly chuckling aloud as he noted the wide eyed amazement coming from Naboo's newest hero. "Throughout the ages, their numbers diminished and they were eventually replaced by the Royal Guard with the advent of Naboo's democracy. Over time, the deeds of many of these High Protectors became legend and one of our first elected Queens reinstituted the Order, but now as a title commended upon one who demonstrated unequivocal valor in service to the people with complete disregard for his or her own life."
Governor Bibble then focused his attention solely at Anakin. "Only twenty people since the reinstitution of the honor have received this. And from now, until the day you are no more, you will be an exalted free subject of the crown."
Anakin was in stunned disbelief. He was a Knight of Naboo and everyone at the dinner came tonight to honor him. Although he should be happy, Anakin began tearing up. Amidala was beaming proudly at him, but all he could muster in return was a quivering smile. With all eyes returning to the Queen, she again stood, but this time she directly addressed Anakin.
"Honored guests, it is also tradition for the leader who grants this status to give the new Knight a gift. While I am prepared to do that momentarily, I must ask that you excuse us." She paused as she observed the curious glances. "Because it is something that can not be brought in easily."
Amidala shot a mischievous glance at her little friend who tilted his head and had a look full of curiosity. She then held out her hand to Anakin so he could escort her from the room. As the dinner guests rose to their feet, the young Queen added, "Thank you honorable guests for attending. Please enjoy the rest of your dinners, as well as the beautiful music from these wonderful musicians." The conductor bowed in appreciation of her acknowledgment. She then nodded at Anakin and he led her out of the room, followed closely behind by the Queen's handmaidens.
It was nighttime in Theed. The natural lighting that normally filled the halls of the palace were absent, which made navigating difficult, but manageable. Anakin was escorting Amidala followed the five handmaidens who carried large candles to illuminate the passageway. For most of the walk, neither spoke. Anakin was still taken aback by what just happened and believed he was in the midst of a dream. Meanwhile, Padmé, who could now separate herself from her regal duties, was taking in the evening's events.
The handmaidens led Amidala and Anakin to the entrance to the main ship hangar. At the doors they stopped and Amidala removed the crown from her head and handed it to Sabé. The chief handmaiden, as well as the others bowed and left them alone. Smiling at Anakin, she pulled out the pins supporting her hair and let it descend upon her shoulders. Anakin's eyes were fixated on her, but surprisingly he remained silent. She then grabbed his hand as she entered the code with the other to open the doors.
The hangar itself seemed as if it was not the same place that tenuously held the fate of Naboo only a few days prior. The Queen's royal starship, used in her escape and return during the crisis, was now safely docked. The NS-1 starfighters that survived the space battle were also secured at their stations.
As Padmé and Anakin walked around her ship, he immediately noticed a black vessel parked near the hangar's doors. This ship was spear shaped and was sleekly styled. It also had a globe-like projection forming the rear where the pilot controlled the ship with two wings extending outward.
"Totally wizard! Whose ship is that?" asked a fascinated Anakin
"Why yours, of course" replied Padmé calmly. "This is my gift to you."
"Wow, where did you get it? It doesn't look Nubian at all"
"This ship belonged to the Sith Lord that had come to Naboo in aid of the Trade Federation. Our security forces found it as they were searching the region for any remaining resistance." The Queen paused momentarily to see the mesmerized stare of her little friend as he was taking in every inch of the ship. "After the Jedi inspected it, they decided to leave it since it served no further use for them"
"So I can fly it whenever I want?" asked a very impatient Anakin
"Captain Olié will train you to fly it. Once he's satisfied, then you can take it out on your own." Padmé said while grinning at his excitement
Anakin's head was swimming. This was just too much for him as he stood dumbfounded. Noticing her friend in a daze, the Queen asked "Is something wrong, Ani?"
"Is this a dream?" He meekly asked.
Touched by his emotion, Padmé placed her hand on his shoulder as he leaned up against her. She then knelt down to look him in the eye. "I'm happy to say that this isn't a dream, Ani."
The boy extended his arms and as tightly as he could, hugged her in thanks. Finally, Anakin let her go, returning his eager gaze back towards the ship. Padmé giggled when she saw the conflict in his face.
"Go ahead and have a look inside."
Before she realized, Anakin released her and raced up the ship's gangplank to enter. Amidala calmly walked after him in order to get a quick peek inside. Her little friend looked to be right at home as he had darted immediately towards the pilot's chair and was studying the controls.
Figuring this would keep Anakin's attention occupied for hours, she cleared her throat to gain his attention. "Well if you excuse me Lord High Protector, I think I will retire for the evening
"Don't you want to look around, Padmé?"
Amidala smiled to herself as she saw the grin of excitement permanently etched Anakin's face. She knew she couldn't refuse. "Allow me to change into something a little less cumbersome and I will rejoin you momentarily."
The boy immediately stopped what he was doing to stand up and bow. Amidala chortled at his growing properness. "Oh Ani, you don't have to be so formal when it's the two of us."
Anakin flashed his lopsided grin at her. "Yes your Maj…I mean alright, Padmé."
Padmé rolled her eyes, causing him to chuckle. She then disembarked, heading for her bedchambers, leaving Anakin to his ship.
It was near the 11th evening bell when Padmé returned to the hangar. She'd forgone her royal adornments in favor of a comfortable light blue shift and pants. When she boarded the ship, Anakin was nowhere in sight.
"Ani?" She called out.
A second later, one of the floorboards slid open as the sandy haired boy popped his head up. "Yes?"
"I thought you might have turned in for the night."
He grinned mischievously as he looked about the cockpit. "There is way too much in here to want to sleep."
Padmé chuckled as she sat down by the open pit. "How do feel?" asked the Queen.
Anakin gave her a lopsided smile as he looked around the ship. His ship. "Never thought I would ever have my own starship with a speeder bike stored inside as well."
Padmé looked surprised at her friend as she didn't recall the Jedi survey team mentioning anything about that. "Speeder bike?"
The boy smirked, motioning for her to follow him to the outer rear of the ship. He pressed on a back panel that immediately opened a large compartment where a black speeder bike deployed.
She looked upon the machine with apparent curiosity as Anakin hopped on. Now beaming, the former slave flipped two switches, activating the cycle's engines, which caused it to float away from the ship.
Now hovering next to her, Anakin looked at the Queen mischievously. "Want to go for a ride, your majesty?"
"I don't think we should. It's getting late and Captain Panaka would be most displeased if we didn't inform him or security," the Queen said, noticing her friend's face lost some of its luster.
He was about to deactivate the engines when she observed, "Then again, I am the monarch and it's not like we'd be gone long."
Anakin's large smile returned as Padmé jumped behind him. It was a tight squeeze. The speeder bike was definitely not built for two, but the boy knew that he could easily remedy this with some special modifications. He then pressed down on the throttle, taking them out of the hanger.
It was a brisk night in Theed as the cool wind blew across their faces. Although Anakin knew that the speeder bike could go considerably faster, he was unwilling to frighten his passenger. Instead, they slowly rode along the periphery of the palace under the soft glow of Naboo's twin moons.
As they approached the base of the Virdugo Plunge, the largest waterfall in Theed, Padmé tapped Anakin's shoulder to stop. Once the two youths dismounted, they both were entranced by the moons' light reflecting off of the crashing waterfall. Anakin had never seen so much water in his life. Both the view and the sound of the water thrashing against the rocks were soothing in addition to the company.
He suddenly felt a great sense of peace enrapture him as he felt the energy of this place. Perhaps this was the Force? Anakin then walked over to sit at the water's edge. Breaking from her admiration of the great fall, Padmé came from behind to set next to him. The two sat watching the streams of water rushing down, lost in their own thoughts. Several minutes passed by before the two started to incessantly yawn. Padmé exhausted looked at her friend as she stood. "I think we should both retire for the evening."
Before Anakin could protest, another yawn escaped his lips, making him reluctantly agree. They then squeezed back on the crescent shaped speeder bike and returned to the hangar. After Anakin stored the speeder bike back, Padmé stood several feet away, admiring his new ship.
"Have you given any thought as to what you are going to name your ship?"
Anakin fired a quick glance towards his sleek vessel before returning a grin at the young woman. "Actually, I have a very good name for her."
"Her?"
"Yeah, all the pilots and spacers that I used to know always called their ships a she."
Padmé softly smiled as she saw a sly grin eclipsing her friend's face. "So what will you call her?"
Anakin now wore an ear to ear smirk as they locked eyes. "Her name is the Angel Queen."
TBC-Thoughts and comments always welcomed
