A small child sat in a vast hallway, silently crying to herself. He was gone, forever with no return.

Eleven-year-old Aubree was like no other child. She had been blessed with talents much like her father's. That reminded her…her father…

She buried her head into one of the pillows, as she curled up in the window seat. She had a lovely home, but every aspect of it reminded her of him. The beautiful paintings that hung from the walls, and the very photos that surrounded them.

Aubree had been raised in a wonderful home, provided with so much that she was afraid of having too much. She had been blessed with her life with someone special to her: her own father.

She recalled being told the story, how he had told her. It was one that was grim, yet joyful for the two of them.

Embers engulfed the walls of the once freighter. He did not one anyone aboard this vessel, but part of his soul grieved for the lost people. So many had been onboard, judging by the size.

His thoughts were disrupted by a single, spine-tingling cry in the night. Then another. And another…

He raced through the dying the flames, as he pushed aside rubble. He knelt against the soot, as a small bundle lay buckled into the remains of a seat.

Curiosity consumed him, as he reached out to touch it. He lifted the folds, as he realized what lay within.

A small child, barely a week old, gazed up at him with astonishing blue eyes that seemed to pierce him. Much like…

His own!

He studied the child carefully, lifting the seat buckle off of it. His hands trembled, as he cradled the babe against him.

"Sh…It's alright now, you're safe…" he cooed, his dark hair falling in his eyes. The babe smiled up at him, making a gurgling noise.

Palo marveled at the tiny hands and feet, even the curly hair on it's head. He studied the blankets, seeing a name printed on them.

" 'Aubree'", he read, smiling warmly. "So you're a little girl? Wow…I guess your mummy and daddy are gone…I'm sorry, little one."

He searched the remains carefully, unable to find anyone else alive. "I can't leave you here. How about I take you with me?"

The little girl slept against his chest, soft snores coming from her lips. Palo gazed sadly at the dying flames, as he began to walk down the road.

Little did he know that within the next few days, he would then discover the child was his own.

Aubree wiped her eyes, as she leaned her head against the wall. Why had sickness plagued her innocent father? There was nothing he could do to stop it, and above all, he did not deserve that fate.

A woman burst through the doors, not even acknowledging Aubree's presence. She strode down the hallway, even sending the cat into the shadows to hide.

Alora was none other than Palo's wife. And Aubree's stepmother. She was none other than the cruelest being on the face of the galaxy.

From the moment Aubree met her, she knew that she was trouble. Alora had a history of marrying into money, and only for it. It sickened the child, especially how her father had been tricked in such a manner. She knew he wanted to give Alora a chance, and she seemed to cast a spell on the young man.

Aubree hated Alora as much as Alora hated her. The woman despised the little girl, seeing her as a distraction and a waste of money. Of course, she never told Palo of this. Instead, she seemed to enjoy tormenting the girl, often causing her trouble.

But now Aubree had to LIVE with her? And be raised by the witch? How could she live in such a manner? How would she survive with such a terrible life?

Aubree was already aware of the woman's plot. Actually, she was well aware of how her father died. Alora had a poison that came from kinrath blood, and was lethal to someone who swallowed it. And she had a feeling that Palo had been poisoned in one of his drinks…

Aubree had no way of stopping it. She made the discovery after his death, finding the substance in his drink when inspecting everything that could have lead to the illness he had been forced to fight for a year.

She knew that now Alora had to finish the job, and that meant getting rid of her. She might have enough time to plan an escape. And solve the mystery that surrounded her life that she wanted to one day solver: who her mother was.

Padme Amidala paced in her apartment, her eyes focused on the datapad in her hand. Tears flowed down her face, as she studied the letter there. How had her old friend perished in such a manner?

The most shocking part of all: her daughter was alive! She had recalled the day that had ripped her heart out of her chest, the suffering that had fed upon her heart.

The doors opened, as Sabe and a familiar guard stepped into the room. Padme smiled warmly at them, used to having them arrive frequently. Though her sadness still ached at her, she tried to remember that her child was receiving the best…

"Your Highness, we have received terrible news," The guard explained, staring at the marble floors. Sabe narrowed her eyebrows, unaware of what he was talking about.

"Captain Panaka, do explain," she urged, surprised at such the coldness his tone was filled with.

The guard gazed over at the Queen, his eyes filled with remorse. "I… We have received news that a freighter crashed and burned on Alderaan…The one that had been carrying your daughter…" he managed to say.

Padme gasped, tears flooding her cheeks as she stood up. She shook her head, refusing to believe it. "No…Nothing happened to my little girl…Aubree has to be safe!" she insisted.

Sabe saw her friend starting to shake, as she held her tightly. "Panaka, were there any survivors?" she asked quietly, rubbing Padme's back.

"Not that we are aware of. But I will report if a list is posted…My condolences, your Highness," he whispered, as he quietly exited the room.

Sabe helped Padme into her bed, patting her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Padme. Is there anything you need?"

The girl shook her head, staring at the edge of her bed. Sabe nodded, as she slowly walked out and towards her room.

It was after the door clicked shut, that her heart was broken, and Padme found herself sobbing into her pillow. Not a single thought other than her daughter occurred, and not a slightest bit of sleep occurred for her for at least that night.

In the letter, Palo had given her full custody of Aubree. Padme thanked the Force, but raising a girl on Coruscant would be no easy task. Especially as a Senator, and above all, the recent attacks on her. How could she protect her?

She was given directions to his home, and where he had been. All along, you were on Alderaan…she thought. She was happy that he had made some progress with his art, and even built his own home.

She had moved on from their past love, but she did smile when he wrote of how he still loved and missed her. He had not changed, but war, battle, and politics had given her courage and strength. And a little boy who saved her home planet had mended her heart.

Padme gazed across the room, spotting R2D2. "Hey R2?"

The blue astromech droid whistled, rolling over towards her. She smiled, gently patting his dome. "Want to go on an adventure?" she asked with a grin.

Remember the rule: (hehe…thanks for the words, swpaintergal!)

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