THALIA

Naboo was beautiful. The lush green forests and grasslands gave way to mountainous plateaus where domed buildings sat on the edges of waterfalls. As the Millennium Falcon touched down on the palace's sandstone landing pad, Thalia lead the way down the ramp towards the crowd of waiting staff.

"Your highness. It is an honor to have you as our guest." Governor Sio Bibble smiled warmly, taking her hand in both of his. "Come. The Queen awaits."

The Governor lead them through the extravagant marble palace, past towering windows and through heavily adorned archways until they reached the throne room where Queen Amidala was sitting in front of a huge stain glass window. She wore a striking red gown with glowing bulbs around the train and her hair was shaped around her head in a half moon.

Fully aware of the Jedi watching her, Thalia stepped forward and bowed her head.

"Your majesty, I am honored by your invitation and I thank you for your generous hospitality." Thalia said, straightening up to meet the Queen's eyes.

"It is my honor to have you here." She replied in a hard, clipped tone. "There is something I wish to discuss with you, but for now allow me to show you around Naboo."

It wasn't long until Thalia strolled beside the Queen through one of the palace's many squares. Obi Wan and Qui-Gonn followed a few steps behind.

"Your planet has one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen, your majesty." Thalia began.

"Please. Call me Padme." She cut-in, her low, even tone was gone, replaced with what seemed to be her lighter, natural voice.

"…Padme. The sandstones reminds me of my own home." Thalia finished. As soon as the words left her mouth she felt a sudden wave of longing for her home planet. She'd been away almost two months…and she missed it.

"How are you Thalia? Really?" Padme asked.

"Honestly, I miss my home and these past weeks have not been what I expected." Thalia said, glancing over her shoulder to make sure the Jedi weren't in ear shot. "I've been dragged into far too much Jedi business for my liking. We went after Count Dooku, the council had a meltdown over the Force and I had to fight off having my planet occupied by the Republic. I can't help but think my becoming involved with them is even more dangerous that staying on Troska." She finished, taking in a deep breath after her long sentence. Then realizing what she'd just said, added. "I do apologise. I did not mean to lay all that on you."

"Well, it's clear you needed to say it to someone." She said through a smile and Thalia gave her an apologetic look. "I suppose, there haven't been any direct threats to you since the Jedi arrived, so perhaps that means their protection is working. I agree that getting involved in Jedi business is a mistake on their part, but other than that you've been safe."

"I admit, that thought had not crossed my mind." Thalia said and it was true. Since she'd left Troska with the Jedi, there had been no bounty hunters, no corrupt politicians, and no one after her. However, that still didn't mean she felt completely at ease around the Jedi. She felt like she had to be even more alert because there were risks coming from places she'd never encountered before. More than ever she felt that something bad was on the horizon.

Thalia was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Padme watching her closely.

"Thalia." She said suddenly, pulling the Princess out of her thoughts. The Queen stopped walking to face her and take her hand. "You are safe here. I assure you. Now, ignore these anxieties for a moment and join us for a royal Naboo banquet. I assure you they are not to be missed."

"You're right, Padme. After all, a life lived in fear is a life half lived." Thalia agreed, shaking herself to put a smile on her face.

When Padme said baquet, Thalia had underestimated the scale on which this occasion would take place. The whole palace was a buzz with excitement as cooks ran between kitchens and staff busily decorated the ballroom.

Thalia was to be escorted by the Governor, and she fiddled with her ring as she waited in the chambers she'd been given. She was wearing a strapless royal blue gown, which had a rounded neckline and had tiny crystals covering the entirety of the piece, creating a glittering effect every time she moved. Her pink hair was piled on top of her head in a messy crown with the remainder hanging down her back. She felt very overdressed, not so much for the occasion, but for the circumstances in which she was there. For protection. It felt strange to have a big celebration, but the worlds continue to turn no matter what happens, so when the Governor met her at the door she had to compose herself.

The pair wound their way through the corridors of the palace and eventually arrived outside the heavy oak doors to the ballroom where everyone was waiting inside for the entrance of Thalia and the Queen.

"You look beautiful." Padme said beside her, before straightening and replacing her soft smile with a stern, unemotional look and the doors opened.