A/N- Thank you for the reviews and follows! Here is our next chapter! This chapter is entirely a flashback.
Chapter 15
Location: Queen Amidala's Chambers
Day 21 Month 1 20 BBY
( Padme's POV)
I hummed a sweet tune as I brushed the curls flopping down onto my shoulders. My pride and joys my mother once said. I smile as the sunlight of the beginning dawn would soon come. I bite my lip in anticipation of the day ahead. I had decided last night I would reveal the truth of my identity to Anakin. He needed to know his beloved is not just a handmaiden- but a Queen of an entire planet. And in truth- I'm not willing to give up on our relationship. I love him and I want to offer him a way we can be together.
The sacrifice would be my crown. I would resign as Queen and live a normal life. I would not reveal to the public our relationship in any form. But we can continue to see one another without the prying eyes of the holovideos when possible.
Though there is still the problem of my father. My father is a well-known figure in the public arena. If he ever discovered my relationship with a Jedi Knight- he'd have a temper tantrumn in a heart beat. He'd make sure Anakin is exiled out of the Jedi Order and I'd never see him again.
I keep calm and continue my Nabooian tune as the sun begins to rise. I hear footsteps behind me and I am about to order my handmaidens to my closest for today's wardore, but instead, I find Sabe' and Rabe' eyeing me with concern written on both of their faces.
Sabe's golden hues meet mine and she reaches for my hand. I know that expression on her face- it is one of pure sorrow. I frown with the change in their mood and I request, " Sabe' what has happened?"
Sabe' and Rabe' eye each other before Sabe's eyes land on mine again. She whispers, " Your majesty there has been terrorist attack on one of your cruisers this morning."
The terror rises within my chest as I think of Anakin. I hope he wasn't on board at the time of the attack. I ask, " How many lives were lost?"
Rabe' states, " Ten, including three handmaidens; Rache, Sache and Padme."
My eyes land on Rabe's in confusion. " Padme' was not on board this morning. There is no evidence of her body on the ship, how can she be listed among the dead?"
Sabe' eyes me and grasps my sleeve and replies, " Milady, it is too dangerous for us to allow you out of our sights now. It is best that your decoy name is considered among the dead."
I frown upon hearing this and I snap, " This was not your decision to make. I demand to know why you added my decoy's name to the list of the dead."
Sabe' squeezes my wrist as she whispers, " We are aware of her-your relationship with a certain Jedi."
I throw her hand off my own as I retort, " And? You had no right to act in this way! My personal life is of my choosing!"
Rabe' sighs and Sabe' who never snaps back at me, replies sharply, " No, Milady it is not of your choosing! You chose to be the idol of many- your personal life is exposed and if anyone were to find out about your affair, it would be a disater for both of you! You have to chose, between your people or him."
I bite my lip now in a sour mood. Tears escape my eyelids as I demand, " So you chose for me."
Sabe's golden eyes express her pity for me. She knew of the sacrifices I had to make for my people. I know she is right in the pit of my stomach. I care for Anakin deeply, but if I resign from my position, this means that my people will suffer- suffer with a ruler who may not be as generous and compassionate as I. Someone willing to use their personal taxation laws to gain assests as the newly elected King or Queen of Naboo. I know many souls such as these- who would jump upon hearing of my resignation.
I suck in the harsh air of my room as tears descend down my cheeks. I hastily wipe them away and firmly demand, " If it is in the best interest of my people that Padme' Naberrie is considered a casualty of terrorism, then so let it be. I need to see the families of the dead- to console them. Be quick and find me a dress to wear-something in black would do."
Rabe' whirls on her feet and heads for my closet. Sabe- my handmaiden and best friend enters my space and embraces her arms around me. She whispers aganist my cheek, " Milady, I'm so sorry- I know how much you care for the young Jedi, but this is for the best. You shall see in time."
I say nothing as she holds me tight aganist her.
Location: Hanger Bay, Theed, Naboo
Day 21 Month 1 20 BBY
( Anakin's POV)
The smoke has cleared from the debris of the ship which had blown an hour ago. Several patrol units are scattered around the area, scouting through the debris for bodies- no one had survived the attack. My fingers close the eyes of an unknown handmaiden whose body has been completely burnt- her face has third degree burns and she is unrecognizable.
My heart aches in my chest as my eyes land on nine other bodies scattered throughout the hanger bay. Ten people were brutally murdered- DNA tests had to be done to figure out the deads' identity. A list of names was provided to me a few moments ago- a list I did not want to peer at. Several of the Queen's Handmaiden's were sure to be listed on the victims list- and I worried for Padme's name to appear on the list. If her name appears on the list-I don't know what I will feel. I don't know what I shall do.
" Anakin-I need your aid." Master Obi-wan's voice calls me back to the present.
I peer out of the corner of my eyes as he speaks to one of the Queen's Body guards. His eyes remain concerned about whatever topic they're speaking about. I stand from my kneeling position as Master Obi-wan finishes speaking to the guard. He comes forward and pulls me aside, and eyes the people surrounding us.
He whispers, " The Queen is safe, she was in her chambers this morning."
I shrug and fake a sigh of refief knowing the Queen is safe. She is our charge and we must keep her safe as we investigate the attempts on her life.
Obi-wan continues, " There have been some developments as to who was aboard the ship-Anakin I'm afaird you are familiar with one of the victums."
I close my eyes as I feel my heart ache. She can't be gone- I feared her name would be on the list. I bow my head and hold back the ache in my chest as I lie, " The handmaiden Padme'- I saw her name appear on the list."
Obi-wan bows his head as I open my eyes. He pats my shoulder and suggests, " I know you befriended her when we arrived a few months ago. I'm sorry you've lost a friend Anakin."
I nod numbly. She was more than my friend- she meant more to me than I could have ever hoped. I whisper, " Did they identity her body?"
Obi-wan shook his head and replies, " Her body was burnt heavily- her face is unrecognizable."
I swallow hard and peer back at the black bagged bodies that lie in a line. I didn't want to see her body. I don't need the reminder that she's gone- the woman I could have seen myself wake up to every morning for the rest of my life. I would have left the Jedi for her- I know that now.
To Be Continued.