Chapter 13 – Brilliant

"What do you think, my lady?"

Padmé scanned the room with febrile eyes. She felt a bit dizzy and her chest was uncomfortably tight.

"It… it's very big," she managed.

"I suppose," Typho said meekly. From the edge of her vision, she saw him share a look with Sabé. "Security won't be an issue, if that's what –"

"No," she interrupted, her voice louder than intended. "I mean… I have every faith in your capabilities, Captain."

"Thank you, my lady."

Typho sounded concerned. She was doing a poor job containing her anxiety. Spinning around to face her subordinates, Padmé attempted a reassuring nod.

"I'm just a bit nervous, that's all."

Sabé knit her brows together. "But my lady, being a senator is nothing compared to being a queen," she said. "You are more than ready for this job."

"I know," Padmé said absently. "I… of course. You're quite right, Sabé."

But she wasn't. Sabé had no idea how different this was for her, and consequently, how terrifying it was.

A mechanical ding sounded in the empty office. Sabé and Typho turned at the waist to see the door open, and Padmé was relieved to be free from their gazes when she gasped at her master's unannounced arrival. He wore navy blue robes of elegant brocade which swished against the bare floor as he approached. Upon meeting her gaze, Palpatine smiled brightly and swept his arms out to his sides.

"My congratulations, Senator," he said. "Forgive me for not being there to greet you at the docks. I had a meeting this morning which I could not miss."

Padmé forced a smile. "There's no need to apologize, Chancellor."

Her words were hollow. Upon arriving on Coruscant, she had been desperately looking forward to being greeted by her master, yet he had not been there. His absence had disheartened her, and his excuse further worsened that dismay. Had he really not been able to get out of that meeting? Was she really that insignificant to him?

"A word in private, perhaps?" Palpatine suggested. He spared apologetic looks for Typho and Sabé. "This will only take a minute. The senator and I have a small item to discuss."

"Of course, Your Excellency," Typho said.

Sabé was less accommodating. "My lady?" she asked her.

"Go ahead," Padmé said.

Sabé spared the Chancellor a look before following Typho out of the office. The door closed behind them and Palpatine took a step toward her. His genial expression faltered a fraction.

"What is wrong, my dear?"

"Nothing," she insisted automatically.

Palpatine took another step. "You're upset," he observed. "I can always tell when you're upset."

Padmé bit down on her tongue. There was little point in denying it. "I'm scared, Master."

"Of what?"

She spread her arms out wide. "Of this! Of being a senator! Of being alone!"

"Alone?"

Her lower lip trembled. "You think I'm ready for this, but I'm not. I'm not like you, Master. I can't do this!"

Palpatine grabbed her by the shoulders, his firm grip mitigating the tremors running through her. "What makes you think I won't help you? Won't be there for you? I always have."

"I know, but –"

"But nothing. You have nothing to worry about, Padmé."

He gave her shoulders a squeeze, eliciting a small smile from Padmé's reluctant lips. "Alright," she said.

"Alright," he agreed. Releasing her, Palpatine looked around the office. "A bit sparse, but I'm sure you'll have fun sprucing it up. The queen will foot the entire bill, so don't hold back." He gave her a wink and stepped away. "Contact me if you ever need anything."

"Yes, Master."

He turned around and was about to leave when Padmé called after him.

"Master… thank you."

Palpatine glanced over his shoulder. His eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. "You're not alone, Padmé. You never will be."

The door opened, and the Chancellor departed. In his wake, the new senator was placed at ease. She released a breath, looked out the windows, and nodded to herself. Palpatine was right; her fears were unfounded. She would be fine.

Because she had him. And she always would.

Δ Δ Δ

Padmé paced slowly and deliberately, one foot in front of the other, toes brushing against the opposite heel with each measured step. She spun on the balls of her feet, the slick floor making her feel like a figure skater, and began her umpteenth length across the cell.

All things considered, Padmé felt remarkably calm. Yesterday had been horrible – the worst day of her life by far. Yet here she was: alive and well. For as long as she could remember, she had been anticipating the future. That one great question loomed above her wherever she went: What would happen when Palpatine finally defeated the Jedi and their identities would no longer have to be secret? As a little girl she had desperately looked forward to that day, but as a grown woman Padmé had dreaded it more than anything. Yet now that it was nearly upon her, she felt nothing but apathy.

It was only natural. Padmé was and always had been powerless. Her fate was never her own to control. The past few months had been the aberration to that reality. In her fury, she had deceived herself into thinking she could deviate from her master's track. How foolish she had been. All she had managed to do was hurt herself and all those around her. Padmé wouldn't make the same mistake twice. She would stay in this cell, make herself comfortable for the time being, and wait for her master to rescue her. Because the next time she defied him, it wouldn't be herself and Anakin who suffered. It would be their children.

They were all that mattered now. Losing Anakin was devastating, but she couldn't dwell on it. All she could do was move forward and do what she could to keep her children safe. That meant cooperating in full with Palpatine. The irony was cruel. All this time she thought she had been working to protect them from him, but now she was entirely reliant on him for their salvation. Could he be trusted? Would he really be there for her when the time came? She had to believe that he would.

The cell door opened without warning. Too distracted by her own thoughts, Padmé hadn't seen a pair of Temple Guards arrive in the hallway. They entered the cell and Padmé gasped when she saw who was standing between them.

"Sola!"

Her sister rushed forward and enveloped her in a hug. Even through the dampened Force, Padmé could sense her despondency.

"Oh Padmé," she said in her ear.

Padmé shook her head against Sola's shoulder. "It's alright, Sola," she said. "I'm alright."

She pushed herself away and offered Sola a weak smile. Her sister dabbed at her eyes, clearly unassuaged by Padmé's assurance. "How can you say that?" she asked. "None of this is alright. It's horrible!"

There was no way she could explain herself, so Padmé didn't bother trying. "What are you doing here?" she asked instead.

"The Jedi let me check in on you," Sola said. "I want to know if you're being properly treated."

"They're treating me fine," Padmé insisted.

"Are they giving you enough to eat? Caloric requirements increase in the third trimester, especially with twins."

"I'm sure they will accommodate my needs," Padmé said blandly.

"What about exercise? You need to be able to exercise."

"I'm a prisoner, Sola. I can't exactly go for a run, can I?"

Sola shook her head. "That won't do. It's unacceptable."

"Considering the circumstances, the Jedi have been more than generous."

"Considering the circumstances?" Sola echoed. "This is completely unjust! They have no right to imprison you. You've committed no crime!"

Padmé licked her lips and looked away. Sola fundamentally did not understand what was happening. She didn't know anything about the history between the Jedi and the Sith, and Padmé wasn't going to be the one to explain it to her.

"You and I both should be grateful they didn't execute me," Padmé said blackly.

That seemed to sober Sola's temper. She turned away to look out the hallway where the two Temple Guards were standing at attention.

"What happens to you after the babies are born?" Sola asked.

It was a question Padmé had avoided thinking about, being so far in the future. But it wasn't really. Padmé had five months to go, four most likely if they arrived early as twins so often did. What would happen to her then? She had to believe it wouldn't take that long for Palpatine to rescue her, but there was no way of knowing.

"They won't take my children, Sola," Padmé said. "That's the one thing I will not allow."

"But Padmé –"

"You think me helpless because I'm in a cage?" She shook her head, features hardening. "The Jedi think they are in control, but they are mistaken."

Sola stared at her with parted lips. Her expression was difficult to discern. Was it apprehension? Or perhaps more likely resigned skepticism. It wouldn't be an unwarranted reaction. From Sola's point of view, Padmé was entirely subject to the whims of the Jedi. She had no idea that there was a very powerful ally outside these walls who at this very moment was plotting to destroy them.

Sola's taut features smoothed out and she sighed loudly. "I failed you," she said.

Now it was Padmé's turn to be confused. "What do you mean? You didn't fail me."

Sola took a step forward and grabbed her by the forearms. "But I let you down! I should have protected you!"

"Sola, this is so much bigger than you. Bigger than anything you've ever known. There's nothing you could have done."

Sola bowed her head. "I know," she said. "I just wish I could help."

Padmé was reminded of her mother who had said something very similar to her. It gave her pause as she reflected on how deeply her family cared for her. Their love for her was unequivocal.

How foreign.

"You help more than you know," Padmé said, echoing the sentiment she had shared with Jobal.

The corner of Sola's lips twitched, but she didn't fully smile. A tear escaped her eye and Padmé brushed it away with the pad of her thumb.

"Have you heard from Mom?" Padmé asked in an attempt to shift Sola's attention.

Sola shook her head. "The Jedi only just released me."

"What about Sabé and Typho? Did they get released too?"

"I don't know about Typho, but they kept Sabé."

"Why?"

"Not sure. Technically they can hold her for another forty-eight hours. Maybe they still have some questions." Sola glanced to the door and lowered her voice. "She doesn't know anything, does she?"

"Honestly, I have no idea," Padmé said. "I doubt she'll cooperate, even if she does."

"She is quite loyal, isn't she," Sola said.

"For some reason," Padmé muttered.

The sound of footsteps in the hallway had both sisters looking away. Three of the four Jedi who interrogated her yesterday led a contingent of clones toward her cell. Anakin was absent, his role in the proceedings assumed by the Kel Dor Master Plo Koon. The door opened for a second time, and the Jedi Masters filed into the cell. When they stepped aside Padmé saw who the clones were escorting.

"Trooper, if you would set the table down here," Windu instructed. "Ms. Tano, I will ask you to take a seat."

Ahsoka didn't meet Padmé's gaze as a clone trooper unfolded a white table. Another behind him produced four folding chairs and set them down, two on each side.

"Thank you, Troopers. You may leave us."

The clones saluted before departing. They passed the Temple Guards on the way out and marched down the hallway.

"Ahsoka," Obi-Wan said, gesturing to the opposite end of the table.

Ahsoka shuffled forward, her limbs shackled with energy binders as Padmé's had been the day before. Realizing she couldn't pull out the chair for herself, Padmé stepped forward to do it for her.

"Thanks," Ahsoka mumbled.

"Senator Amidala, you may take a seat as well," Windu said with a sweep of his hand. He then snapped his fingers together. "Your handmaiden may leave."

The Temple Guards entered the cell behind Plo Koon, their double-bladed lightsabers brandished in their gloved hands. To her right, Padmé felt her sister stiffen.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said.

"Sola, it's okay," Padmé said. She slipped her hand into hers and gave it a squeeze, but Sola didn't fold.

"I'm not leaving without an assurance that I'll have visitation rights," she said.

"Visitation rights?" Windu echoed.

"Senator Amidala is my patient," Sola said with her chin inclined. "Are you really going to deny a pregnant woman medical attention?"

Windu and Yoda looked at each other. "Unusual, these circumstances are," the Grand Master said. "Deliberate on this matter, we will."

"While you deliberate, I will stay," Sola said.

Padmé stared at her sister in awe. She knew Sola was strong willed, but never could she have thought her capable of standing up to the most prominent members of the Jedi Council. Her fervent loyalty was inspiring, and made Padmé more than a little emotional. How lucky was she to have Sola at her side?

"Very well, Ms. Naberrie," Windu said. "You may stay for now."

"Thank you," Sola said in a clipped tone.

Obi-Wan stepped forward toward the table. "A chair for you, ma'am," he said. Picking up the chair, he walked it around the table and set it down on the opposite side.

Sola turned a bit pink. "Oh, um… thank you."

Padmé allowed her sister to sit down before taking a seat herself in the middle. As she scooted forward, Padmé again tried to catch Ahsoka's eye. Her apprentice refused to look at her, gaze fixated on her bonded wrists which she had rested on the table.

"Ms. Tano, you have agreed to cooperate with us, is that right?" Windu said, sitting down at the one chair on the other side of the table. Obi-Wan and Plo Koon stood on either flank while Yoda paced a circular pattern around them all as he had done the other day.

"I will tell you what I know," Ahsoka said in a hollow voice.

Windu flashed her a triumphant look, but Padmé was unconcerned. Ahsoka didn't know anything of worth. Padmé's hesitation to share with her Sidious' identity had proven to be wise. Of course, Ahsoka did know about her relationship with Anakin, but she doubted she would share that with the Jedi. She would never betray her former master like that.

"Tell us why you were on Mandalore," Windu said.

"Padmé sent me there," Ahsoka answered.

"For what reason?"

"To recruit Maul to her side."

"To fight the Jedi?"

Ahsoka shook her head. "Not the Jedi."

"Then whom?"

"She wanted his help to defeat her own master."

"And who would that be?"

"I don't know. She said his name was Darth Sidious."

A calm Padmé met Windu's glare. "You lied to us," he growled. "You said you were the master and Dooku was your apprentice."

Padmé smirked. "Oops."

Windu flared his nostrils. "We will give you another chance to tell the truth."

"Where's Anakin?"

Windu frowned. "Pardon?"

"He's not here. Where is he?"

"Skywalker has other matters to attend to," Obi-Wan answered.

Padmé looked up at her husband's closest friend. "Is that so?"

She could tell from Obi-Wan's tense posture that this was not true; Anakin's absence was no mere coincidence and Obi-Wan very well knew that. She had long suspected that Obi-Wan had knowledge of their relationship, but intentionally turned a blind eye – whether for his own sake or for Anakin's, she did not know.

"Stop deflecting," Windu snapped. "Who is Sidious?"

"My master," Padmé said.

"Who is he?"

"He?" Padmé repeated, her eyes wide with mock innocence.

"Is Sidious not a man?"

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"He is," Ahsoka piped up. She gulped when Padmé swiveled her head to look at her. "She told me he was a man," her apprentice squeaked.

"Thank you, Ms. Tano," Windu said.

"Some victory, Windu," Padmé said acidly. "That little bit of intel sure narrows it down."

She could tell she was getting under the Jedi's skin. He spread his hands on the table and released a frustrated breath.

"What else can you tell us, Ahsoka?" Plo Koon asked.

"That's all I know," Ahsoka said. "I only spent a month with Padmé. She tried to train me in the dark side, but I resisted."

"Then why did you go to Mandalore on her behalf?"

Ahsoka's face drained of color at Windu's question. "I… I don't know."

"You don't know?" Windu repeated, his tone dour.

"I…" Ahsoka turned to her for the first time. "I thought I could help her."

Padmé blinked twice, thoroughly caught off guard by this.

"What do you mean by that?" Obi-Wan asked.

Ahsoka looked away. "When I was still a Padawan, I thought I knew who she was. I considered her my friend."

"She tricked you," Plo Koon said.

Ahsoka pursed her lips together tightly and ducked her head. "No, I don't think she did," she said. A heavy silence followed this statement. Padmé stared at her unblinkingly while the Jedi traded puzzled looks. "She's not who I thought she was, but…" Ahsoka trailed off, her expression pained as she looked up to meet Padmé's gaze. "I think she can be a good person still. I wasn't wrong to call her my friend."

Padmé was stunned. What had made her say that? After everything she had done to her? Was there something Ahsoka saw in her that Padmé didn't? Was it the same something that Sola saw? That her mother saw? That Anakin might still see?

"You consider yourself friends with a Sith?"

Windu's dark voice broke the delicate silence. Ahsoka's head snapped to the Jedi Master, her expression hardening.

"I see the light in her even if you cannot," she said.

Windu seemed flabbergasted. "She is a Sith!" he exclaimed, pointing a rude finger at Padmé. "No Jedi would consider a Sith their friend."

"Then I am no Jedi."

Windu's fist dropped to the table with a thump. He stood up abruptly from his chair.

"No," he said icily. "It is clear that you are not."

Incensed, the Jedi spun on his heel and stormed out of the cell past the Temple Guards. His colleagues seemed to be flummoxed by his reaction, Plo Koon and Obi-Wan sharing perplexed looks. Yoda ceased his pacing to watch, a most displeased expression on his aged face.

"Are we done here?" Padmé asked. She was still buzzing from Ahsoka's words. Had she really meant that?

"It seems we are," Plo Koon said. He and Yoda departed, but Obi-Wan remained behind. His arms were folded and his expression grim.

"What's going to happen to me?" Ahsoka asked him.

For the first time, Padmé noticed the bags under Obi-Wan's eyes. He looked dreadful.

"I don't know," he said. Rubbing his forehead, he took a step toward the table. "For what it's worth, I believe in your innocence. But it's not my opinion that counts."

"They think she's a Sith," Padmé said.

Obi-Wan considered her with sharpened eyes. "Can you blame them for being suspicious?"

Padmé stood up and leaned forward with her hands pressed against the surface of the table. "They never believed in her. Any allegation against her is considered as fact! The Jedi treat her as guilty before proven innocent!"

"I don't. Neither does Anakin."

"But you said it yourself, it's the Council's opinion that matters, not yours." Padmé stood up straight and pushed her chair in. Taking a few steps to her right, she walked behind Sola and approached Obi-Wan. "I think you're a good man, Obi-Wan. An honest one. Anakin sure thinks you are. So how do you stand the hypocrisy?" Obi-Wan stiffened when she walked behind him, her breath no doubt hot against his neck as she leaned into his ear. "You know this is wrong. You know the Order is corrupted beyond repair."

"I know no such thing," Obi-Wan said.

Padmé snarled. "Don't be a fool." Backing away, Padmé resumed her circumnavigation of the table. "I know you aren't as slavishly obedient to the Council as you make it seem."

"What are you insinuating?"

"You withhold information from them."

"You don't know what you're talking about," Obi-Wan scoffed.

Padmé stopped behind Ahsoka's chair and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Don't I ?"

Obi-Wan gave her a furious look. "Don't delude yourself into thinking I am your ally," he said.

"Not mine, but perhaps someone else's. I believe this may be a friend of a friend situation, if you understand my meaning."

"No, I don't think I understand at all."

Padmé clucked her tongue. "A pity." Her hand slipped off Ahsoka's shoulder as she paced away. "Your arrogance will be your downfall."

"No, it will be yours," Obi-Wan barked. With that, he spun around and left the cell with a flourish of his robes. Behind him, the red ray shields flickered to life and the door sealed itself shut.

"Moron," Padmé mumbled.

There was a grating sound as Ahsoka awkwardly pushed her chair out and turned at the waist to look at her. "I'm not getting out of here, am I?"

"The Jedi won't be the ones to release you, that's for sure."

Ahsoka's brow twitched. "Are you saying someone else might?"

"Have patience, my apprentice," Padmé said with a small smile. She sauntered over toward the bunk, feeling surprisingly light all of a sudden.

She heard Ahsoka getting to her feet, Sola quickly standing up as well to assist her. "I failed, Padmé. I had Maul in my sights, but he fled when the clones turned on me."

Padmé arched a brow. "What do you mean he fled?"

"He left the planet. Bo-Katan had full control over Sundari when I was arrested."

Interlacing her fingers together, Padmé turned slowly on her heel. She gave Ahsoka a long look. "Maul is no longer in charge of Mandalore," she said slowly.

"That's what I said."

Padmé nodded and looked away. A sly smile spread across her lips, the gears spinning in her mind at sonic speeds. Maul was gone… Dooku was dead… she was here.

And just like that, it all clicked.

"Brilliant," she said.

"What is?" Sola asked.

Padmé couldn't help it. She began to laugh, softly at first, but soon it devolved into a maniacal cackle.

"Oh, he's brilliant!" She clapped her hands together and doubled over. "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

"Padmé?"

She had underestimated his genius. All this time, she thought she had been playing him at his own game, but really he had been playing her. In every action she had taken, she had unwittingly strengthened his hand. And now she was here, exactly where he wanted her.

Brilliant.

Yet in equal measure, it was terrifying.

Palpatine had positioned everyone perfectly like they were Dejarik pieces. And now that they were exactly where he wanted them, he would strike on his real target: Anakin.

And as she wrapped her arms around her abdomen, Padmé realized how he would do it.

Brilliant.

And terrifying.

Palpatine had won. Of course he had.

But maybe… maybe she could stop him yet.

Author's Note: Thank you all for reading. I understand the ending to this chapter might seem a bit strange. Next chapter will explain Padmé's thought process. After that chapter I will be taking a break from uploading. I have my hands full at the moment with my classwork and my other story (Twin Suns). Fear not, I don't plan on abandoning Protégé! I am very excited for the conclusion to this story (which is quite close). I want to take the proper time to write it, however. So again, thank you all for reading, and I'll see you on the other side.