skywalker64089- seems like everyone needs to come to their senses. That would make this a very short story, now wouldn't it?

Jedi Princess Jainakin- Thanks!

chimpo- Yeah, it is her fault, as well as Kyp's. Maybe even more so of his because he could tell she was already drunk and upset when she showed up.

InsaneJediGirl-Ta'Chume always was evil!She'll do anything for power. Well, she finally got what she deserved!

Chapter 18

Jaina was stirring in her sleep. A feeling of darkness and pain had washed over her, causing her to cry out in the night. "Jacen," she murmured as she slowly awoke from her sleep. Something had happened with her brother; he was where all of the darkness was hitting her from.

Rising from her bed in the guest bedroom at her parent's house, Jaina threw on her Jedi robe over her sleep clothes. Knowing that she wasn't going to be able to get much more sleep that night, Jaina wandered through the apartment. In the living room there were a few personal mementos that caught her attention. A picture of herself and her brothers right before the start to the war, a candid photo someone had taken of her and her father dancing together at her wedding reception, and a small plaque with mold models of baby Anakin's hands.

Walking back in the direction of the foyer, Jaina ran her hand over the door panel, causing it to open. Stepping into the hallway, she opened herself up to the Force, walking wherever it lead her.

Jaina had been meandering through the palace corridors for nearly half an hour when she came upon a display room filled with what appeared to be statues of some of Naboo's legendary rulers. Out of curiosity she glanced at a few of the kings and queens.

Jaina was about to turn around and leave the display room when one of the statues caught her attention. She didn't know what it was, but something about the model of this former queen struck her.

"Her name was Padme Amidala."

Jaina jumped at the sound of a voice behind her. How did she not realize there was someone else in the room? Turning her head, Jaina was shocked to see that the woman standing behind her was someone she recognized. It was Queen Marishka, the elected teenage Queen of Naboo. "You're majesty," Jaina said with a small bow.

The queen waved her hand, motioning that such formality wasn't necessary. "I know who you are as well," she said in her noble voice. "You are Jaina Solo, the famous Jedi and Yuuzhan Vong goddess. May I ask why you are roaming the halls of the palace at night?"

Jaina was wondering that herself. "I couldn't sleep. I just let my feet carry me here." Turning back towards the statue, Jaina said, "She's beautiful."

"Yes, she was. She was also one of the most famous queens in our history. The people loved her, even after her reign was over. It was a very sad day for Naboo when we learned that she had died so young."

"How old was she?"

"Only twenty-six years old. It was a terrible tragedy."

"What happened to her?"

"No one really knows. Not even her family. She was still pregnant though when she died, so maybe it had something to do with complications."

"She was pregnant? What a shame."

"Yes. Her family was so upset. They didn't even know she was seeing anyone, much less carrying a child. She had been away for a long time serving as a senator on Coruscaunt."

"How long ago was this?"

"Oh, I would say around forty-nine or fifty years ago. My mother's sister was very young at the time, but she still remembers being at the elaborate funeral. The whole planet mourned for her loss."

Jaina brushed her hand across the statue of this remarkable woman. For some reason, she felt a strange attachment towards this woman she never knew. "Why are you out here?"

The Queen smiled. "Sometimes I have trouble sleeping too. I'm constantly under a lot of pressure and I don't always know how to deal with it." A single tear slipped down the girl's cheek. "I've been Queen since I was fourteen. I never really had a childhood and I miss my family constantly. But during the day I can push all of those thoughts and pains aside because I am focused on my people; what is best for them. At night, though, my mind wanders. All of my anxieties come out."

"I'm sorry," Jaina said. "I'd never really thought about how tough a job like yours must be. My mother was the last princess of Alderran. I guess she grew up with the same type of anxieties you're talking about. And then after the Rebellion she was Chief of State for several years. A lot of times throughout my childhood she was away. I really resented her for it. I guess I just didn't understand."

Queen Marishka placed her hand on Jaina's shoulder. "It couldn't have been easy growing up without always having your mother there. But she loves you, and that is why she worked so hard to make the galaxy a safe place. For you."

Jaina laughed a bit. "I can see why you make such a great queen. You're wise way beyond your years."

"You want to know something funny," Marishka asked. "I was about to say the same thing about you."

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