A/N: There are a few unexpected surprises in this chapter. A few reveals. All which set up more angst/drama in the future. Again, I refer to things that happened in The Boy Next Door, so if you haven't read that, you might be a little confused. But I hope you get the gist.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Anakin's light snores were the first thing Padme heard when she woke on Christmas morning, and as she turned her head to gaze upon his sleeping form, a bemused smile crossed her face. She couldn't have wished for a more perfect gift. She knew she would want nothing again in her life if she could always wake up with Anakin beside her. He was lying on his stomach, head turned to breathe hotly on her face, one arm casually flung across her waist, the other pillowed under his head. Golden hair tousled from sleep, lips parted just enough for her to glimpse the tips of his perfect, white teeth. He was stunning. She longed to kiss him but was afraid to rouse him from his peaceful state, so, instead, she cast her eyes to the long, warm, heavy arm draped across her midsection.

Her inquisitive fingers darted out, lightly mapping the smooth, golden terrain dusted with fine blond hairs that were almost white in the dim, wintery morning. He didn't stir. With equal gentleness, she lifted his arm enough for her to slide out and join her family downstairs. As she rose to stand, she felt him grasp her fingers and mutter something unintelligible under his breath. It sounded an awful lot like her name, but was muffled with sleep so it was difficult to tell.

Padme paused and faced him. His blue eyes were open, groggy from sleep. "It's alright, Ani," she told him fondly. "Go back to sleep. I'm going downstairs."

Suddenly, she was yanked backwards and his arms were wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her back down onto the bed and against his chest. She laughed softly when he buried his nose into her hair. "No."

"Anakin…" she chastised light-heartedly, rolling in his arms so they were pressed together, chest to chest. He nuzzled into her cheek, adorably possessive and Padme couldn't not touch him, her fingers dancing across the nape of his neck. It was such a luxury, to have him here, beside her, and for her to be able to touch him like this. To feel his hard, smooth flesh under her eager fingertips. Real. Firm. Solid. Real. Every time he was ripped from her, she longed for this and this alone. Just his presence, which had such a powerful effect on her soul. He was like the very oxygen she breathed and without him she was suffocating.

"No," he groaned against her cheek. "Stay." His eyes remained closed.

It was oh so tempting. Padme had always struggled to resist Anakin when he pleaded with her like this. Particularly when she wanted it just as much, to laze away the day with him and do absolutely nothing, since they had so little opportunities to do just that. Yet, she couldn't. Her family would be waiting for her. It wasn't fair.

"We can't stay in bed all morning," she insisted, her hands coming to rest on his shoulders as if to push him away. Her body protested strongly. The lure of his warm arms around her was strong. "It's Christmas. The girls will be up and – " she never got to finish for Anakin silenced her with his mouth in a slow, lazy kiss. One of his hands trailed up the line of her spine to cradle the back of her neck, tilting her head just enough for him to further delve into her willing mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed and she returned his passion reverently, letting her fingernail lightly scrape over the hard ridge of oblique muscle that peaked out from the waistband of his pants. It was some time before they parted for air, and even when they did, Anakin continued to smooth his lips over her skin, like he couldn't get enough of her. It was so sweet and tender and Padme couldn't help but smile.

He stopped just long enough to whisper, "Merry Christmas angel," and stared deep into her eyes. Padme though she could drown in those exquisite pools of blue. There was something so thrilling about hearing him say those words. It was their first Christmas together and such a special moment for both of them, and yet it held the promise of many, many more.

Instead of saying that though, Padme simply smiled, her hand coming up to brush stray curls from his eyes before taking his face in both hands. "Merry Christmas, Ani." The grin that broke out on his face was almost blinding in its beauty and she couldn't look away. He was simply gorgeous.

"Hmm? What's gorgeous?" Anakin's mouth quirked into a teasing smile and she blushed fiercely as she realised she had spoken aloud.

"Y-you," she whispered in partial embarrassment and he burst out laughing, running his fingers through her hair.

Anakin shook his head. "It's you who's the gorgeous one, angel," he told her, leaning in to kiss her lips softly and she hummed in pleasure. "You're so beautiful I can hardly stand it." His eyes were bright and serious and she felt her heart constrict in her chest. Honestly, what did she ever do to deserve him? He was an absolute god-send.

The words caught in her throat, along with her breath, and she couldn't even utter a response. He had rendered her, Padme Naberrie, speechless. So, instead of talking, she expressed her feelings in the only way she knew how to. She kissed him. It was passionate and consuming and electrifying, and she poured her entire soul into him, leaving her vulnerable and exposed in his arms but it was everything she could have wanted.

He didn't speak. He didn't have to. His unspoken affirmation of love hung in the air between them, swimming in the depths of his eyes. This morning, this moment, was perfection and Padme didn't want to leave it. She could have spent hours up there in her bedroom, with Anakin, doing nothing but getting lost in his eyes and his love, where the only thing that mattered was that she was his and he was hers and they were together. But, as always, there were expectations, and it was with a heavy, and reluctant sigh, that Padme removed herself from Anakin's arms and took his hand, pulling her up with her.

"Come," she beckoned, tugging him towards the door. "We should go."

Her family were already awake and waiting for them when they arrived downstairs, and Ryoo and Pooja let out delightful squeals when they realised they would finally get to open their Christmas presents. As the two girls emptied their stockings and began unwrapping their gifts from 'Santa Claus', Padme and Anakin took a seat on the sofa. The atmosphere was so full of love and light and happiness as presents were exchanged. It was much warmer than those isolated Christmas mornings spent with her father.

From her mother, she received new perfume, which had a delicious, fruity scent to it that she immediately adored. Sola had given both her and Anakin matching, ugly, Christmas sweaters as some sort of joke, which had made Anakin roar with laughter and then he'd donned it proudly, grinning at Padme. The sight was ridiculous; it was thickly woven, a dull maroon colour, with a picture of an orange cat in a Christmas hat printed on the front. Padme giggled at the sight and, at both Anakin and Sola's immediate insistence, pulled it over the top of her pyjamas.

"Aw, you two look hideous," Sola laughed. "It's adorable."

Padme rolled her eyes at her older sister, who she could swear acted so much younger than she was, sometimes. "Thanks, Sola."

Her sister merely winked. "What? It's not fair for you two to be the most attractive couple in the world. I had to bring you back down to our level."

At her comment, Anakin grinned smugly, all arrogant and puffed up and Padme sighed, elbowing him in the stomach. "Careful there, sis," she warned. "You don't want to go making Anakin's head any bigger than it already is. It might explode." She poked her tongue out at him when he huffed proudly.

"She's just pointing out the obvious, Padme. I can't help it that I'm gorgeous." He directed it at her, and she had the urge to hit him, knowing that he was making fun of her and her previous comment in the privacy of her bedroom. He liked to tease her, it was one of his greatest pleasures in life. And he had no trouble expressing that joy. Padme knew she shouldn't let herself react to his games, but she did, every time. It was almost too easy for him.

He must have sensed her irritation, for he pressed a kiss to her temple and then placed something small in her hand. It was box. And not just any box. A Tiffany's box. How could any girl mistake that signature, teal blue of one of the most revered jewellery stores in the world? Her eyes widened as she realised what she was holding, gaze flicking between him and the box. Her mother and sister let out equal gasps of intrigue as they watched her trembling fingers take the silken, white ribbon and pull it, casting it into her lap. Swallowing the lump of surprise that had formed in her throat, Padme bit her lip and opened the lid.

"Oh, Ani…"

There, lying on a bed of teal velvet, was the most beautiful bracelet she had ever seen. The silver sparkled brightly, so shiny that she could see her astonished face reflected in each rounded bead. At a juncture between two beads, was an equally delicate, equally bright infinity sign, joining it together. Her eyes grew moist as she regarded it. It was too much, far, far too much. She knew that money was an issue, and with constantly flying to Boston, Anakin wasn't in the best financial position. It must have cost him dearly for something so beautiful. Her bottom lip trembled and when she finally tore her eyes away from the bracelet to look up at him, the slightly worried look in his eyes almost made her break down into tears.

Not caring that she was in front of her family, she threw her arms around his neck, crushing his body as close to her as was physically possible and muttered his name over and over into the crook of his neck. His hands rested on her hips and he pressed a sweet kiss to her hair.

"Anakin, you… you shouldn't have. It's – I don't…" she stammered as she tried to tame the wave of emotions that were surging through her.

"Do you like it?" he asked her, uncertain and insecure, eyes searching her face.

She beamed at him through moist eyes. "Oh, Ani, it's beautiful." Her fingers traced each silver bead as though it was the most delicate of flowers. It was gorgeous. She did not deserve something so precious. Anakin took her wrist, smoothing his fingers over the bone, before pulling it into his lap. With gentle hands, he removed the bracelet from the box and fastened it around her wrist and she simply watched, awe-struck. Never had she received anything like this before. Not even Clovis had spoilt her with such lavish gifts. Though, she knew, it wasn't the gift that mattered. She turned her wrist over to admire the little infinity symbol and felt all those emotions come rushing back. Infinity. Forever. This bracelet wasn't just a Christmas gift. It was a symbol, a symbol of Anakin's infinite love for her and she traced the figure eight lovingly, unable to keep the smile off her face.

Anakin ran a hand through his hair, looking adorably sheepish. "Aayla helped me go shopping. I mean… I chose it but – I didn't know the size and, well, I wanted a girl's approval, you know? In case you, well – in case it was hideous or something. But – "

She put her hand on his knee and his ramblings ceased when she squeezed his thigh affectionately. "It's perfect." The brilliant smile he gave her in return made her want to kiss him. Instead, she rose and retrieved a gift from under the tree, placing it in Anakin's lap. "I feel awful," she told him, quietly. "You got me something so wonderful and I – " her voice trailed off as Anakin ripped open the packaged and his eyes widened. Padme bit her lip nervously as she watched him.

"Padme…" he muttered, his voice slightly awestruck, as he pulled out the box set of Game of Thrones. His blue eyes were round and dancing with anticipation and he beamed at her. "This is… amazing! Can – can we watch it now?" He was almost bouncing in his seat, and the look was so adorable that Padme couldn't help but laugh.

"No, Anakin," she shook her head with a bemused smile. "Later."

His eyes narrowed just slightly. "But I'm so far behind," he complained dramatically. "I'm only up to season three. Rex has been threatening me with spoilers all semester!"

Padme rolled her eyes at him. Sometimes he acted like such a child. "Well, why didn't you just Netflix it then and catch up?"

Anakin paused, blinking at her with his mouth open, and cocked his head to side just slightly. "But you're not with me. It's our thing." The simplicity of it, as though it was the most obvious answer to Anakin, made her heart flip inside her chest. Our thing. It brought a smile to her face. Whenever they were together, usually tangled up in bedsheets and exhausted from lovemaking, they would burn through a couple of episodes together. Anakin was borderline obsessed. He would talk to Padme for hours afterwards about fan theories and plot holes and she would listen, watching the way he would light up, so endearing. She felt she could watch him for hours like that. He was just so fascinating.

It was then that Sola coughed loudly, forcing the two of them to look away from each other. Padme's cheeks grew hot as she realised she had locked eyes with Anakin for several minutes without blinking and she hadn't even noticed. He tended to have that effect on her. It was then that Anakin announced he needed to go back home and spend the morning with his mother. Thanking her for his gift, he kissed Padme sweetly on her cheek and ducked out the door and she watched him leave, a dreamy smile on her face. Oh, how much she loved him. It frightened her sometimes, in its intensity.

She was brought back to life when she felt the weight of the sofa dip, and her sister sit beside her, reaching for her wrist. Padme watched, not really paying much attention, as Sola oohed and aahed over the beautiful bracelet. Her mind was elsewhere. She didn't deserve Anakin. Not truly. He treated her like a goddess, as though she was the most important treasure in the world. The way he regarded her, sometimes she wondered what she looked like through his eyes. He was determined to believe she was perfect, yet Padme knew otherwise. She was far from perfect.

"Well, aren't you a lucky girl," Sola quipped, flashing her a smirk. "I feel like you could learn a thing or two from Anakin, honey," she directed the comment to her husband, who was sitting on the floor with Ryoo, helping her dress her Elsa doll as Pooja sat in his lap. Darred looked up at his wife and rolled his eyes.

The rest of the morning was spent preparing Christmas lunch, listening to her nieces adorable, high-pitched voices sing Let it Go and For the First Time In Forever at the top of their lungs. While it was cute the first four times, after the tenth, Padme was thoroughly sick of everything to do with Frozen. When she mentioned this to her sister, Sola simply groaned and mumbled something under her breath about some girl called Daisy's stupid Frozen birthday party.

"You'll get used to this when you have kids one day, little sister," she sighed. "Three years ago it was Tangled. Before that it was The Little Mermaid. Every time I took Ryoo to a public swimming pool, she'd swim around and sing at the top of her voice." Though she made a face, Padme could tell that Sola found it endearing, and watched as her eyes drifted into the living room, to see her daughters dancing around Darred with gleeful smiles on their little faces.

Once the turkey was in the oven, Sola took Padme upstairs to her bedroom and gave her a soft parcel wrapped in pale pink tissue paper.

"Sola…?" she fingered the delicate wrappings.

Shrugging, her sister smiled. "This is your real present. I didn't want you to open in front of the girls… or mom for that matter." There was a mischievous lilt in her voice that worried her, just a little, and she sceptically ripped open the tissue paper, and her mouth parted as she realised what it was. Sheer fabric of the palest blue. Her favourite colour. She pulled the garment from the wrappings and couldn't help the little gasp slipped past her lips. It was a chemise, with tiny straps and a little triangular top that flared into an A-line skirt. Paired with it was a pair of lace panties of the same pale blue. It was the most delicate and beautiful item of clothing she'd ever held.

"Oh my…" she whispered, unbelieving. Never had she ever owned something so… luxurious before. Something sexy.

Sola beamed. "I know blue is your colour. I thought you deserved to own something like this; something to make you feel like a woman. Might spice up the bedroom." At that comment, Padme's mind was suddenly occupied by an image of Anakin's expression as she stood in this before him, and her face grew hot. "From what I hear, though," Sola continued slyly, "you don't need any help in that department."

Padme blanched and glanced timidly at her sister, swallowing when she noticed the curved, questioning eyebrow. "W-what do you mean?"

Scoffing, Sola crossed her arms and frowned. "Really, Padme. The kitchen?" Padme flushed in humiliation and averted her eyes. So, she had found out. "You couldn't have kept it in your pants until you were in your room?"

"I'm sorry," she pleaded, not knowing what else to say. She felt terrible. Humiliated. Embarrassed. "It just sort of… happened. Sola, I swear, if I'd known Pooja was there, I wouldn't have – "

Sola dismissed her apology with a wave of her hand. "She didn't know what she saw." With a heavy sigh, she placed her hand on Padme's shoulder. "Look, I understand. I really do. I was young once too, you know. But, could you just, while we're here at least, keep it in the bedroom?"

Padme nodded immediately, muttering sincere apologies again and again until Sola told her to give it a rest. Regardless, Padme made a solemn vow to not let her desire for Anakin lead to any more uncomfortable situations whilst her nieces were present. She could be strong enough for that, surely.

When they went back downstairs, her mother informed her that Christmas lunch would be ready in about an hour, and asked Padme to run next door and tell Shmi. Nodding, Padme did just that. She was eager to see Anakin's mother, to tell her what a wonderful son she had and how grateful she was to have him in her life. The woman deserved a medal, she found herself thinking with a smile, having raised him all on her own for twenty years.

When she knocked politely on the door and it eventually opened, she expected to see Shmi, or Anakin smiling at her from inside. Instead, when it opened, she looked up into the unfamiliar face of a man she didn't recognise. It wasn't Shmi's husband. It definitely wasn't Anakin. He was short, with greying hair that was receding at his temples and a curved, hooked nose. Eyes of a deep amber peeked out from underneath thick, hooded eyebrows. There was almost an intimidating presence about him, but when he looked on Padme, his facial expression softened and he smiled at her.

"You must be Padme," he said, holding out his hand.

Nodding, Padme took it. "Hello," she said politely, though her mind was reeling. Who was this man? What was he doing here? How did he know who she was? She'd been to Anakin's house countless times during the summer and had never caught even a glimpse of him.

Before she had a chance to ask the burning question, Anakin's head appeared in the background, and he called her name, rushing towards them happily. Though she was pleased to see him, she flicked her eyes back to the strange man before her, as if prompting Anakin to begin introductions. He blinked several times, before understanding her intent and gave a curt nod.

"Padme, this is my uncle," he said, gesturing to the man. "Sheev Palpatine."

"Oh. It's nice to meet you." Her gaze fell on Anakin, surprised that she had never heard of a Palpatine before. She hadn't even known he had an uncle. If he had, where had he been all of Anakin's life? Why hadn't he helped Shmi raise him? But she knew better than to ask such questions, even of Anakin. They were far too personal.

"He flew in last night," Anakin explained.

Palpatine nodded. "I honoured to finally meet you, my dear. Anakin has told me so much about you. I hope you don't mind if I join you and your family?"

Padme shook her head and flashed him a bright smile. "Of course. The more the merrier. We have more than enough food." She then turned her attention back to Anakin and informed him of her mother's message and he ducked back inside, calling to Shmi. She and her husband soon appeared and the five of them headed over to Padme's house.

Anakin walked up ahead with his uncle, and Padme fell into step beside Shmi, watching the interaction curiously. She'd never seen him so… happy before. There was a bounce in his step and he was talking with such animation, his hands waving around enthusiastically and, when he looked back at her, the grin on his face was so wide that all she could do was try to return it with as much gusto.

"My brother has been living in Russia for many years," Shmi explained as they walked. "It's good for him to be in Anakin's life again."

Padme smiled. "He certainly looks happy. I've never seen him so…"

"Alive?" Shmi suggested and there was this enormously proud glint in her eyes.

"Yes," she agreed.

Shaking her head, Shmi sighed happily. "My dear, that is the way he looks when he talks about you. Ani loves you very much."

Hearing such words from Anakin's mother made her pulse race and her chest feel lighter than air. "I love him too. He's just so…" she beamed up at Shmi, her eyes growing moist with affection. "You have a wonderful son. I just want to thank you."

The woman reached out and took Padme's hand, her eyes shining, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "No, darling Padme, it's me who should be thanking you." Her voice was thick with emotion. "You've been the best thing in Ani's life. He's… he's become who he's supposed to be and it's all because of you."

Padme felt undeserving of such praise. There was nothing she could say to that, nothing at all, and so she didn't. They walked in silence and Padme felt happier than she had in a long time. As though she was, truly, part of something that was bigger than anything she had expected.

As they entered the house, her mother approached her, holding a small parcel, and handed it to her daughter. "This came for you the other day," she explained. "I forgot to give it to you."

Padme raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Who's it from?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. She wasn't expecting any gifts. Unless it was from her father.

Jobal shrugged, before turning around and tending to the turkey that lay on a pan in the oven. "I'm not sure. It's come from Boston though, so maybe one of your Harvard friends."

That confused Padme even more. She'd already received her gift from Dorme. Who else could possible send her a gift, and know that she was staying with her mother. The burning curiosity inside her bubbled to the surface, and she quickly opened it. It was a Christmas tree decoration; which was even more bizarre. A dove with an olive branch between its beak. A peace symbol. That only added to the confusion.

Something dropped to the floor, a card, and when she bent to retrieve it, her breath caught in her throat. She recognised that handwriting. No, it can't be. Her fingers trembled as she opened the card, eyes scanning the page frantically. Padme squeezed her eyes shut, as though she couldn't believe what it was she was reading. Her blood was pumping loudly through her veins, and she thought she was going to be sick. This couldn't be happening. Not now.

Jobal frowned. "Are you feeling alright, sweetheart?" she asked, concerned.

Nodding, Padme flashed her a weak smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit dehydrated I think. Do you mind if I lie down a bit?"

"Of course, dear."

As she went to move into the living room, she felt her sister follow her, hot on her heels. They were barely out of sight, before Sola's hand flew to her shoulder and spun her around, scanning her face intently with a sharp frown.

"Who's that from?" she demanded. "You're as pale as a ghost."

Biting her lip, Padme handed Sola the card, unable to form words.

Padme,

It's Christmas. It's the season for forgiveness. At least, it's the season for second chances. If you're feeling overly festive, give me a call. There are things that need to be said. Things that have been unsaid to long.

R.C.

"R.C?" Sola asked, flipping the card over to see a phone number scrawled on the back. "Who's R.C?"

It took everything Padme had to keep her voice under control as she muttered the words, "Rush Clovis."

The name caused Sola to swear under her breath, her expression hardening and her fists clenching. Padme could see that she was about to rip the card in half, and hurried snatched it from her fingers. "Who the fuck does he think he is, contacting you now?" she growled aggressively, and Padme sincerely hoped that neither of her nieces were in ear shot.

"I don't know," Padme admitted. She was just as confused as her sister. It had been two years now, since they had broken up. She'd well and truly moved on. The last thing she wanted, or expected, was for him to force his way back into her life. And yet, there was a part of her, a small part, that was burning with curiosity. What did he want to talk to her about? What had he meant by forgiveness and second chances? It appealed to Padme's compassionate heart.

"Throw it out," Sola spat. "Rip it. Burn it. You don't need that asshole in your life, Padme."

Padme glanced down at the card in her hand. She knew what she should do, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. "No," she muttered quietly.

"Padme," Sola gripped her shoulders, almost shaking her. "He broke your heart. Why would you want to see him again? Do you still have feelings for him or something?"

"Of course not," she cried instantly, horrified at the very thought. "I just want to hear what he has to say. I deserve that, after two years, don't you think?"

She was about to answer, when she heard her name, "Padme?" Turning, she saw Anakin peeking his head around the corner, a look of utmost concern on her face. As he strode into the room, she flashed him an overly bright smile, surreptitiously hiding the card from his view. Thankfully, he wasn't looking at her hands. He was too busy scrutinising her face.

"Are you alright?" he asked, worry lacing his voice. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, Ani," she replied immediately, before her sister could interrupt. "Just, family stuff, that's all. I'll be out soon." When he made no attempt to move, she stretched up on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Promise."

Anakin nodded stiffly and left the room. Once they were alone again, Sola turned on her. "What was that about?"

"What do you mean?"

"You haven't told him, have you?"

Padme averted her eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Groaning, Sola crossed her arms, peering at her through narrowed eyes. "Don't play dumb with me, Padme. You haven't told Anakin about Clovis."

"There's nothing to tell," she retorted defensively. "Why would I want to tell Anakin about my ex-boyfriend?"

Sola threw her hands up in exasperation. "Maybe because he broke your heart and it took you a year to get over him?" she said, and Padme winced at the painful reminder. "Or maybe because Anakin has a right to know about your past. That's what you do in relationships. You don't keep secrets!"

She was right. Padme knew she was right. There had been plenty of opportunities over the past six months for her to talk to Anakin about Clovis. But there had always been one, troubling thought that had prevented her. "I'm not keeping it secret," she explained. "I will tell him, I'm just – "

"Scared?" Sola taunted rudely, and Padme glared at her.

"Worried," she corrected. "Anakin's in such a good place right now. He's really got his life together. I don't want to do anything that will jeopardise that."

Sola gawked at her like she was crazy. "What does that have to do with Clovis?"

With a heavy sigh, Padme sat down on the sofa, letting the card fall into her lap. Anakin was very protective of her. If he knew about Clovis, about what he had done to her, she feared for him. She could picture it now, his face growing hard with rage, his fists clenching, his blue eyes flashing, and then he'd exclaim in a fit of gallantry that he was defending her honour, like the knight in shining armour she knew he was. But, still, she was haunted by what he had told her so many months ago, what he'd been arrested for. The images flashes through her mind, but instead of a strangers body, it was Clovis'… beaten bloody, with Anakin standing over him and she trembled. She couldn't put Anakin in a position like that. Not when he had come so far. He'd feel obliged. It wasn't fair.

She explained this to her sister, very slowly, and Sola listened, as Padme poured out her innermost fear. Fear for Anakin, not of him. "He's not worth it," Padme explained sadly. "Clovis is not worth it. Anakin's very protective of me… he'd feel it was only right. I… I can't let him throw away all he's worked so hard for, just because of Clovis."

Sola mulled over her words, suddenly quiet, and Padme waited patiently. "You should still tell him," she muttered. "Anakin has a right to know. He's opened up to you about his past. It's only fair that you do the same."

"I will," Padme promised. "I will tell him. I just – it needs to be the right time."

Sola shook her head in frustration and stood up. "The longer you wait, the worse it's going to be. Don't ruin what you have because you're afraid of what might be," she said wisely. "You should throw out that letter," she added. "You don't owe Clovis anything."

Padme shook her head stubbornly. "I'm not doing this for Clovis," she insisted. "I'm doing it for me. I have a right to know why he did what he did. Besides, he reached out to me. Everyone deserves a chance to be heard, don't they?"

"You're too compassionate for your own good, little sister. Don't let it come back to bite you."

Without another word, Sola left the room.