Author's note I am working on chapter 37 of my SVU Barson story Single and Seeking. Remember, I am always working on a story. Thank-you for reading.
2 thoughts ran through Padme's mind when she heard the gray door lock. How am I going to escape this house, and what is going to happen to me? She gripped her truck so tightly it hurt her hand. She wasn't sure how long she stared at the door in stunned silence before she heard Neel speak. "I will not hurt you, young lady Padme. You're going to be here awhile. Get comfortable, put your truck in the room you slept in last night. It's your room now, and then come back here. We need to get more acquitted,
"No Sir. Padme was terrified, but she managed to keep her voice steady. She silently vowed to herself never to show Neel fear. "Please send me home."
"I can't do that."
"You won't Sir, there's a difference."
"Lady Padme, there is nothing for you on Naboo at this time. Now. please do as I ask. Put your truck away."
"No Sir, I want to go home!"
2 droids walked toward her, and Neel directed them. "Take the truck from her, and put it in her room." Before Padme could respond, she felt the truck she had gripped so tightly being taken from her. Both droids quickly moved down a hall to the room Neel called hers. Padme was now alone with him. "I promise you, young lady Padme. You are safe here." Neel said walking closer to her.
"How much did Tejas sell me for?" Padme asked . She wondered if she could ever forgive the teacher who betrayed her, she was so angry, but her voice didn't show it, her voice displayed no emotion.
"That's not important. He did what is best for you."
"He did what was best for himself." He got rid of me, and he got paid for it.. How many credits am I worth to you?"
"Come with me." Neel said quietly.
"You didn't answer the question,"
"It's not worth answering. Come with me He said as he moved closer and grabbed her hand, He led her out of the room, and down a hallway to his left, at the end of that hallway Padne saw double doors. When she and her captor reached them, he let go of her hand , and opened the doors. Padme thought of running. but where to? "Get in that room. It is time for our interview." She felt Neel push her into the large room. "Sit down."
Padme walked to a gray chair with a red cushion. "You pushed me, I thought you said you wouldn't hurt me."
"I did say that and I meant it. Did I hurt you?"
"I don't like being manhandled." Padme replied.
"Did I hurt you?" Neel repeated.
"No."
"Then sit down."
Padme did as she was told. She folded her arms across her chest and spoke. "Shouldn't you have interviewed me before you brought me? What if I'm not what you want?"
Neel ignored her questions, and asked his own. How long did you live with Tejas?" He stood in front of her, and stared into her brown eyes intently.
Padme looked down. 6 years." She whispered..
"And in that time what did he teach you?"
"You already know. He was teaching me how to be a good queen."
"Did you ever leave the house in 6 years, did you go to other planets?"
"Not often."
"I presume Tajas never taught you how to clean, and cook?" Look at me Padme. Her eyes shot up, she wished he wasn't so close. From the smell of him, she determined he was in desperate need of a bath."
"No he didn't. If you want a maid, I am of no use to you."
"Tejas said you cook well."
"I didn't learn it from him."
"I see. Tejas said he taught you to paint. Is that true?"Padme looked away from him, she didn't say a word. "I know you don't like being questioned, Lady Padme, but it's my job to pick up where my friend left off."
"I was training to serve my people as their queen, That is no longer my reality, I will never be queen. Whatever, my teacher taught me is now useless. Send me home."
"Lady Pame, it is my job now to make sure you not only survive, but that you strive in this galaxy. Thr training you received is not useless. However, I do feel I need to warn you my training will be different,,, and it may be... difficult for you, but in the end you will have a blessed life.. I will be teaching you how to be the perfect wife."
"I'm not ready for marriage."
"You're right, Lady Padme. You are not ready now. When I finish training you, you will be."
"I'm not marrying you."
"Stand up." Neel directed. Padme stayed seated. Stand up on your own, or I will make you. Do you want me to call the droids in? They will do anything I tell them to do. Stand up!" Remembering the pain Neel's droids had recently inflicted on her she stood. "Go to the middle of the room," he continued. Padme slowly did as he instructed. "turn around, and spin. Again, Padme did as she was told, when she finished Neel was standing in front of her again. He touched her
cheek, and it took everything in her not to flinch. You're training will begin tomorrow." He almost whispered.