"King Amidalo is young and corrupt. You will find controlling him will not be difficult." ~ Lady Darth Sidious to Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation
…~oOo~...
(The speech)
"FOR TOO LONG, queens have solely reigned over Naboo. Naturally, I cast no aspersions upon the century of rulership given us by our queens. But I say that if the last administration has proven one thing, it's that it is time that kings have a say once more.
After all, was it not King Chaian who ushered in a golden age of peace between us and the Gungans below in our waterways? Was it not Good Prince Isith who coordinated efforts to make our mining colonies on Onoam safer, more effective, and far more humane? Indeed, it was. These two men prove excellent examples of kingly and princely leadership to which I've aspired since I was young.
"Of course, many will say that I am very young yet. But if age were the measure of wisdom, then why was decades-ago Queen Sarai elected at only thirteen, the same age as I am today? No, indeed, my people. Age isn't the measure of wisdom. Wisdom is the measure of age. And an age of kings is due to have its say for Naboo.
"It is time we step forward into this new age with boldness, with grace, and with faith in the peaceful way we have long held so dear. I, Prince Amidalo of Theed, don't propose that I could usher in such a golden age as King Chaian did or bring the level of monumental change Prince Isith brought. However, I do promise to uphold the tenants of our treasured world and work my hardest each day on those reforms which matter most to all of us.
"Thank you."
The time will come. I, Amidalo, prince of Theed.
…
(The reflection)
When the makeup goes on, I don't recognize myself anymore. I am no longer myself. And this is fitting, because I do shed the skin of Padmee Naberrie in order to take on that of Prince Amidalo. The white powder and the ruby lips and the grand vestments of office obscure the boy, and the boy becomes the prince.
And the prince shall soon become the king.
The prince of Theed… It's a step towards the kingship of which I've long dreamed. So close… and yet so far. Because I'm a prince of Theed next to a princess of Theed.
But I won't give into anxiety. I make good points. The polls show my popularity. I am better trained. Princess Telané is entirely crushable.
As a matter of fact, soon a rather unfortunate… rather slanderous… piece of news will be revealed about her… Unfortunate. But necessary…
The time will come. I, Amidalo, prince of Theed.
…
(The why)
My determination to become king began when I was very young. I can't say when exactly it started. All I know is that the Refugee Relief Movement sparked it. My father would take me to suffering and dying worlds… where I witnessed suffering of which I'd never dreamed in my young life on Naboo. Yet I always volunteered to come again. It was then that the determination solidified. Like Sheeva Palpatine, I would carve out a political career on my planet, regardless of my family's relative unimportance. She'd proven names didn't matter so much as will.
And it was my will that I should be king. There was so much to be done just on my planet alone. I wanted so much to help.
That much… hasn't changed. I have. It's a long story. An arduous one. But… in short… after enough time in the Junior Legislature and in politics at large, I came to a realization: decency is rare in this life. Yes, this illusion was one I once held: that people were inherently good and deserved chances. But then I spent time in politics.
Ergo, decency is rare. Decent politicians are even rarer.
So… in order to do decent things… I must not be decent. Not in the climb, anyway. Not in my heart. And it doesn't much matter, does it? Because the only people I am hurting are those who deserve it—and I am hurting them in such fashions they would never suspect me. I, Amidalo, prince of Theed: idealist and purist and luxuriously naïve youngling.
The prince is both a lie and a truth. The lie: that I am so naïve. The truth: Once I am king, I will make up for everything. Everything.
And I will be king soon.
The time will come. I, Amidalo, prince of Theed.
…~oOo~…
A/N: PLEASE REVIEW!
In your review, let me know if you would like to see a story where the genders of Padmé, Palpatine, and Anakin are reversed. It would begin with Amidalo's election as king and end after the time of Revenge of the Sith. Believe me: it wouldn't stay the same story we got before…
Thank you for reviewing and letting me know.
Warmly,
Rivkah