My many thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing. My apologies for the delay in this update, but Darth RL has been especially Sithly lately. An extra special thanks to my new beta reader Geo3 who graciously has taken up the position on a permanent basis. Hope you all enjoy!

Doreenthatshot: Thanks for the vote of cofidence. More surprises are in store! Thanks for reading!

Quillian: Thank you so much for your kind review. I'm thrilled to know that you like the concept of this story. As for Shmi's and Anakin's language, yes, it is a combination of Spanish, French, Latin with a twist of Italian.

Stanfield Skywalker: Thanks for your Thanksgiving greetings. Hope yours went well. Lots was definitely happening in the previous chapter, but I promise all will be revealed in due time ;). Thanks for reading!

Jedi Knight Anakin Solo: Glad to know you were surprised. As for Siri's true intentions...keep reading to find out. Thanks for reading. More coming soon!

Emerald Green Knight: Happy to know you enjoy my answers to your questions even though I know they aren't always clear. Thought of droping the hint line from last time as my way of saying thanks ;). Anakin is growing up quickly and as we know, a difficult path awaits him as Palpy is undoubtingly making his plans. I agree, he still needs guidance and hopefully Obi-Wan will provide it. As for Palpy unable to hide himself, all I will say is that he is in control of when he can and cannot be seen so always remember his moves are contemplated well in advance. In reference to Siri, there is EU basis of what I'm covering, but the subtle twists and turns that will stem forth from that are of my own madness. Thrilled to know you enjoyed the chapter. Hope you enjoy this next one.

LordZero: Thanks so much. Siri is a dynamic character, capable of many things that aren't always readily apparent. Thanks for reading!

Nini the Electrocuted Sheep: I had to laugh at your last review. More is here :)

Pokey: I am humbled that you enjoy my writing. Always makes a writer and his muse happy. Plus, I wouldn't exactly call Siri...evil...an opportunist maybe, but certainly she hasn't turned to the Darkside or anything like that. Thanks for reading!

Imaprincess1: Thank you so much for you kind comment. Your update is here :).

Fortune Zyne: You had me cackling at work with your comment. Yes, Siri seems to have betrayed her Jedi heritage. Thanks for reading.

Optimus Primal: Jedi Maximal: Glad you like the twist. Thanks for reading!

Mizra: Hmm..interesting premise but no, Siri and Krayn have nothing to do with our two favorite Sith. Thanks for reading!

Ghostreaper181: Nice to see you emerge from anonymity ;). Lots is happening and this is only the beginning. I agree with you that Anakin should listen to his mother, but that should probably also extended to Obi-Wan as well. Time will tell. I appreciate you taking time to read!

Black's Phoenix: Even in her absence, Siri's influence is having a profound impact on Sabe's and Obi-Wan's relationship. Thanks for reading!

Hieiko: All shall be revealed in time. Thanks for reading!

NothingFeelsGood: Thanks so much for reading. I always appreciate your comments.

LetNys: I appreciate your note of support. Thanks for reading and more is coming soon!


Anakin stood silently behind Eirtaé and Saché while they reported to the Royal Court. "We were unable to identify the majority of the dead given the tremendous damage to their bodies. But we were able to confirm that former King Veruna and most of his attendants were among them," Eirtaé reported.

"Most?" the Queen asked curiously.

Saché nodded. "There was one—a Landis Gentree who was unaccounted for."

"It is likely that his body was destroyed beyond recognition," Eirtaé added.

"Do you have any indication who those people were and what they were doing?"

Anakin moved to a spot between the handmaidens, clearing his throat before he answered. "No, Your Majesty. However, they were carrying high powered blaster rifles that are sold in the Outer Rim. Our guess is that they were mercenaries. Their purpose still remains a mystery."

Amidala sank into her throne as she considered his report. Veruna had desperately wanted to speak to her at the Florenza castle to tell her something of grand importance. Did his end have something to do with what he knew? She sighed deeply. "And what of the communications logs?"

"They were erased," Saché answered. "Even the backup storage discs were cleared, suggesting…"

"…that somebody knew enough where to find them and how to bypass the normal lockout protocol," the Queen pointed out.

Panaka, who had been standing off to the side, quietly listening finally spoke. "Your Highness, we have to consider the likelihood that they were ordered by Veruna to either capture or kill you."

"That is a possibility." Amidala pointed out, her expression remaining neutral. Yet, we must assume that not everyone was killed, hence the altered records. Someone is still alive and knows what happened."

"It seems then that the danger is not over," Panaka observed. "I recommend that we raise our security alert to level one."

The Queen was about to protest when Anakin interjected, "I also agree, your Highness." He paused for several moments as the focus of the entire Royal Court shifted in his direction. Shuffling his feet nervously, he continued, "…although I didn't sense anything after we landed. The fact that I felt nothing more was strange in of itself."

"Strange? How?" The Queen prompted.

"Usually all human events register a presence in the Force, no matter how minor. Ordinarily it is just background noise so one learns to ignore it. But what I experienced at the palace was something different." Anakin took in a deep breath of air, quickly collecting his thoughts. "At first I felt a terrible presence. Then it suddenly disappeared. It was like someone was deliberately hiding what happened."

Although Amidala was entranced by his observations, Captain Panaka rolled his eyes. "Despite Lord Skywalker's feelings, prudence dictates that we assume a more defensive posture."

"Who could be powerful enough to hide such a terrible thing in the Force?" Queen Amidala asked, seemingly ignoring the Captain's plea.

Anakin shrugged slightly. "I don't know, your Majesty. In all my studies I've never read about any Jedi in history even remotely capable of such a thing."

Governor Bibble who had remained silent throughout the deliberations, interjected, "The Jedi did report that the creature they vanquished in the reactor chamber was a Sith Lord. Could it be that another remained hidden on Naboo?"

All eyes returned to Anakin as he responded. "They never admitted any knowledge of a second Sith," he admitted. "But from what I've learned from my studies, there are always two."

"Couldn't you sense him if he was here?" Sabé asked.

"I believe so—someone that powerful would be hard to miss," Anakin responded confidently. "But if it is capable of hiding an event from the Force, I would imagine it could also hide itself."

Clearing his throat dramatically to gain attention, Panaka reiterated, "Based on this, your Highness, we should raise the security alert and consider alerting the Jedi."

Amidala raised her hand to stop him. "I do agree we should elevate our defenses. However, I do not wish to create a panic. For the time being, we will go to security level two." She then looked thoughtful while adding, "As for the Jedi, I will take that under advisement."

Panaka nodded begrudgingly as he stomped through the exit to enact the Queen's order. She then turned to her handmaidens and Anakin. "Thank you for your reports. The file will remain unresolved. For the meantime, focus your efforts on confirming the status of Veruna's lost attendant."

Anakin, Eirtaé and Saché bowed simultaneously and echoed, "Yes, your Majesty."

As they turned to leave, the Queen called out, "Anakin would you stay behind a moment?" The boy nodded as he returned to the middle of the room.

When the court had dispersed, leaving Padmé and her closest friends a nervous smile broke through the normally impassive white mask of the Queen. "I am relieved that you and the others returned without incident."

Anakin smiled happily as he was now speaking with his friend. "As gruesome as our task was, I did find the whole thing exhilarating."

Padmé shook her head. "Not an everyday happenstance to be sure."

He nodded solemnly, marveling as he stood to face her. Anakin never ceased to be amazed at how so much beauty could be contained within such a tiny person. The events of the past several days instantly disappeared as he focused on the way the setting sunlight illuminated Padmé's dark brown eyes. He could lose himself in them for hours if given the chance. With his focus lost, he unconsciously answered, "Yes, it was just as rare as you."

"I beg your pardon?" Padmé asked, her eyebrow cocked.

Anakin, realizing his slip, shook his head then rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Forgive me, your Majesty. I haven't slept well."

Shrugging off his unusual comment, Padmé nodded and placed her hand gently on his shoulder.

"Surely you must be exhausted. Get some rest. We are leaving early in the morning."

"Where to?" Anakin asked curiously.

"Remember the Harvest Festival begins tomorrow and we are going to my parents' house."

Snapping his fingers, he replied, "I can't go. Master Obi-Wan comm'd to say he will be on planet by tomorrow."

Padmé grinned mischievously. "It's alright. Invite him to join us."

Anakin bowed excitedly as he hurried out of the room in order to prepare for the trip. Meanwhile, Padmé turned to witness an astonished look radiating from her closest friend. She surmised that if looks could kill, she'd be flat on her funeral pyre at that very moment. Padmé smirked at Sabé. "You can't say I never do you any favors."


The flight to the Naberrie homestead was especially quiet since an invisible wall of tension was erected between Sabé and Obi-Wan. Padmé tried her best to engage the two estranged lovers in conversation, but both politely answered her questions then returned to their respective silences. Anakin could sense their pain and longing through the Force and wished that they would release their pride so that they could finally be happy again. Unable to tolerate their unspoken misery, he finally asked his mother to share stories from her youth to fill the silence.

Upon their arrival, Ruwee separated everyone into groups to work on removing the ripened grapes from the vines. Sabé inaudibly groaned when she was paired with Obi-Wan. She shot an icy glare at Padmé who she knew had something to do with the selection. It wasn't that she wanted to remain estranged from him; rather, she feared her resolve would waver being in such close proximity. Not wanting to make a scene though, Sabé graciously took her supplies and headed out to the fields, followed closely by Obi-Wan.

The Naberrie vineyard stretched for several kilometers from their home. Numerous rows of vines with bushels of grapes needed to be removed before they could be processed. While the majority of the work was automated, the family honored the ancient tradition of the harvest—to give thanks to the spirits for their continued blessings by working the land with their own hands.

Upon reaching their working area, Sabé immediately immersed herself in removing the grapes from the vine; meanwhile, Obi-Wan stood close by, observing silently. Contorting her face in agitation, Sabé released a deep huff. "Don't you have something better to do than to stare at me?"

Obi-Wan stirred briefly before answering. "My apologies, Milady. I have never harvested grapes before.

"I'm sorry," she replied, her face dropping. "I didn't mean to sound so harsh."

"No, I should apologize. Perhaps I should have asked Mister Naberrie to place me elsewhere."

Sabé gently laid down her tools and rose to her feet. "I shouldn't speak to you in such a way. You've been nothing but kind since our parting."

"Despite what happened, I've never stopped caring about you." Obi-Wan retorted, taking her hand.

She trembled slightly as she felt his warm skin against her own. Her heart began to race as their eyes met. Everything at the moment seemed to disappear as she knew in her soul that he was the only one for her. None of the previous warnings seemed to matter as she became lost in his eyes. Sabé smiled as she reached for his free hand.

Obi-Wan sighed in contentment as he drew closer to her. All she wanted was to be with him—the man that she was still in love with—to make everything all right once again. Drawing near, she could feel his warm breath against her mouth as she closed her eyes in anticipation. Sabé could feel the soft brush of his lips against hers and was about to immerse herself with him when she heard her name being shouted out.

"Lady Sabé! There you are," called out Threepio. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

The chief handmaiden clenched her jaw, backing quickly away from Obi-Wan. "What is it?" she asked angrily.

"Her Highness asked if you or Master Kenobi required additional assistance?"

Obi-Wan flashed a knowing grin at Sabé as he softly grabbed her clenched fists. He then turned to the protocol droid. "No thank you, Threepio. We can manage on our own."

"Very well, sir. But please, don't hesitate to comm he if you need anything."

"We won't," Sabé growled, staring icily at the droid. "Now leave!"

Threepio shook his head slightly as he returned towards the main house. "Humans," he mused aloud. " Such strange creatures; I will never understand them."

Sabé sighed as reality flooded back into her consciousness. Her worst fears of what would happen if they were alone together were nearly realized. She pulled further away from the still grinning Jedi to pick up her tools. "Shall we continue…with our chores?"

"Of course," he responded, shrugging his shoulders as he returned to work.


Several hours later, Anakin maneuvered himself over to Sola and Padmé. They were cackling about something as he approached.

"Hi Ani. How's your gathering coming along?" asked an amused Padmé.

"Fine except I could do without Threepio's hourly reports on Sabé's and Master Obi-Wan's progress."

Sola and Padmé turned to each other and laughed heartily before the young monarch asked, "And what has he observed?"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "The same as earlier. They are working diligently, but Threepio computed a ninety percent probability that they were about to engage in a human mating ritual."

Sola raised an eyebrow. "A human mating ritual?"

Padmé shook her head amused. "It is not what you think. I had Anakin program him to see if they were going to kiss."

"I figured Sabé having him all to herself would lead to something more than kissing." Sola abruptly stopped speaking, realizing Anakin was still there. Padmé covered her mouth and giggled. Changing the subject abruptly, Sola returned her attention to Anakin. "Are you excited about the festival?"

He nodded quickly. "Yes, although I'm not quite sure what to expect."

Padmé smiled brightly as she rose to her feet. "Well, before we head into Venato, we have a little ritual that we perform before the grapes are dumped into the storage vats. I think you will find it interesting."

"To say the least" interjected Sola who Anakin sensed was feeling quite mischievous.

He was about to ask her more when they were called to return to the storehouse where everyone had gathered around the collection vat. It was a round barrel-like structure, several meters in both length and width where the collected grapes were placed prior to being processed. Ruwee stood in front of the group. "My many thanks to our friends for helping us with the harvest. This has always been a very special time for our family and we are delighted that you have joined us. But before I offer our prayers of thanksgiving to the spirits, Sola has something she would like to say."

Sola walked next to where her father was standing. Anakin noticed she was holding something in her hand, but she was making a great effort to keep it hidden. "My dear family, while the harvest is always a special time, this year stands apart because my beloved Darred and I have been blessed once again. We are pregnant with our second child."

Ryoo began clapping merrily causing everyone to chuckle in delight. Sola beamed in pure bliss as her parents and friends embraced her, offering their well wishes and congratulations. When all present returned to where they had previously stood, Sola with a playful grin, requested, "Padmé, please join me." Surprised, Padmé walked over, quietly observing her sister. With a slight smile Sola pulled out a green garland from behind her as she hugged her sister. When Padmé saw the garland, her face became ruddy and her eyes filled with tears.

Sola went on, "in continuing with tradition, when I turned seventeen, our mother gave this to me as a sign of my readiness to seek out my lifemate. Much to my parent's chagrin it didn't happen right away, but thankfully I did find my destiny when I met Darred. And we have been very blessed with Ryoo and soon her new sibling. Now, I give you this garland, Padmé, with the hope that it will lead you to your lifemate, a lifetime of happiness, and of course, many, many children." Sola blinked rapidly as she placed the garland on top of Padmé's head.

Although profoundly moved, Padmé continued to blush, especially when she noticed Anakin staring in utter amazement. She politely smiled and hugged her sister and then her parents. Padmé then turned to look at them. "Hopefully when Naboo no longer requires my oversight, this garland will lead me to my bliss."

When she returned to where she previously stood, she caught Sabé grinning at her wickedly. Irritated, Padmé whispered, "Not one word, handmaiden." Sabé nearly turned scarlet, trying to hide the giggles that were threatening to escape her lips.

Ruwee stepped forward and spoke reverently as he lifted his hands into the air. "May the spirits that breathe life into Naboo and her people continue to bring us good fortune. May they always protect our family and friends and prevent all harm from reaching them. We thank you for this plentiful harvest and for our lives."

Everyone nodded respectfully then Jobal carefully, with Ryoo still in her arms, kicked off her shoes and stepped into the collection vat. Smiling, she waved her hands. "Sola, Padmé, Sabé, come and join me," she instructed before turning her head towards Anakin's mother. "You too, Shmi. No standing around watching with the men."

One by one, each one of the women removed their footwear to enter the vat with Jobal. As they did, Anakin, Obi-Wan and Darred stood fascinated as they stomped away on the piles of grapes. Padmé was play fighting with Sola when Sabé and Shmi joined them. Ruwee joined the other men as they continued to watch the Naberrie women and their friends treading merrily about the vat.

The Naberrie patriarch grinned at the bewildered look on Anakin's face. "They're stomping of the grapes symbolizes their gift to bring life into the world. They then impart that energy into the grapes which will be shared freely with many others. Also they are returning spirit back into the earth, which is a sign of reverence and respect to the planet which all life stems from".

Anakin nodded as he remained captivated at the sight of Padmé being covered from head to toe in grape juice. He had never seen her messy before and yet, she was more beautiful to him now than in many of her formal outfits. Occasionally, Padmé would look in Anakin's direction and wave. He enjoyed seeing her laughing and playing for a little while. Anakin knew how taxing the events of the last several weeks had been for her and was thankful for this brief respite.

He was called out of his thoughts by Ruwee handing him a holocam. "Go ahead and start filming."

Anakin grinned mischievously and begun recording Sabé who tried to take the camera away from him. He moved away from her quickly and got a shot of his mother, who plodded around happily in the vat, waving happily at him. Anakin next focused on Jobal who was helping Ryoo as she hoped around a smaller mound of grapes. She smiled at the camera while grabbing Ryoo's hand to wave as well. Next, Anakin got some images of Sola carefully dancing around in circles as she protectively held one hand over her abdomen.

Finally, he fixated the holocam on Padmé. While still wearing the garland, she attempted to look dignified for him by standing still with her arms crossed; however, her mirth prevailed as she giggled incessantly for the camera. While waving she told Anakin, "Why don't you take off your shoes and join me?"

"I thought only women could stomp grapes?"

Padmé laughed, shaking her head rapidly. "It only has to be started by us; but afterwards, the men are allowed to join, unless they are too above it…like some people I know." She raised an eyebrow at her father and brother-in-law.

Without hesitation, Anakin kicked off his shoes and jumped into the vat. All the women applauded their approval as he jumped about with Padmé holding on to his arm. Sabé and Sola joined them and they wrapped their arms around each other and hopped up and down in unison. Grape juice was being sprayed everywhere, but Anakin was having the time of his life.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan walked over to the edge of the vat and watched silently as Sabé danced about. It warmed his heart to see her happy, if only for a moment. She smiled impishly as she beckoned him to approach. "Care to join me, Master Jedi?"

He chuckled slightly, shaking his head side to side as he pointed to the vat. "You want me in jump around in that?"

"I know it is not a nest of dangerous gundarks, but I promise it could be just as fun" Sabé said with a wry grin.

Obi-Wan smiled as he kicked off his boots and leaped into the vat. The young handmaiden softly beamed as she took his hand in hers, guiding him to the last few uncrushed mounds of grapes. An broad grin creased his face as their synchronous hopping within the vat, morphed into a strange dance causing the two estranged lovers to clasp both hands together as they rhythmically twirled about. Even though their duties would always stand between them, Sabé mused that at least she would have moments like this to cherish forever.


Darkness filled the hallways of the Naberrie homestead as Anakin stealthily navigated his way to the kitchen. Although he had eaten earlier, his stomach apparently had other ideas, making him hungry even for a late night snack. Using the Force made his journey easier; however, he had been so engrossed in getting something to eat, he didn't sense Padmé sitting behind the small kitchen table.

"You're hungry again?" She called out to him.

Nearly hitting his head on the storage container, Anakin turned around to see the young Queen giggling at his expense. He flashed his lopsided grin as he answered, "The shaak steak from earlier didn't hold me."

Padmé nodded knowingly, returning her focus back to the datapad she held in her hands. Becoming curious, Anakin walked over to her. "What are you reading?"

She frowned slighly, setting down the device. "It is a copy of Parliament's proposal for the new defense force."

The boy sighed deeply, taking a seat across from her as he sensed that she needed to talk. "What do you think?"

"It is well contrived and not as inflated as I feared," she answered. "Still, I cannot help but worry about where this could lead."

"The Naboo are good people, Padmé," he said proudly. "All they want is to be able to protect their families from harm."

She bowed her head slightly as she glanced quickly at the proposal. "Time will tell. In any case it will mean changes for us all."

Anakin nodded, slightly tilting his head in understanding. "So you are going to approve it?"

"As soon as I make some revisions, I will petition Parliament to put it to a vote. If it passes, I will make the announcement to our people."

"Do you think that this will help quiet your opponents when the election period begins?"

Padmé shrugged. "One immutable fact that I have learned from politics is that the people are fickle. Don't get me wrong, I love serving them and consider it an honor to govern. That being said, I've had to learn that sometimes you have to do what is in everyone's best interests. That isn't always the most popular thing.

"But if you do that, don't you risk not being re-elected?" the boy astutely queried.

"That is always a gamble," she replied matter of factly. "Remember, it isn't about keeping power and glory, but rather doing good for others so that their lives are improved; even if it is just a little bit, it is worth it."

Anakin smiled as he rose to his feet. "Everything will work out. I promise."

Padmé looked up at him with a forced smile. "I pray that you are right."

TBC-Thoughts, comments and reviews are always appreciated!