The next day, I sit in fresh linen on an unfamiliar bed, the twins' cots beside me, and gaze out the window. We're on a large asteroid, Polis Massa, in its medical facility. Outside countless stars twinkle in the darkness – endless possibilities.

I turn from the window and lean over to caress my babies' soft heads and marvel at their tiny fingers. One blonde, one dark-haired. Both dearer to me than my own life, than the career I've left behind, than their father ever could be. I want every freedom for them. But I am not yet ready to plan for their future in the shadow of an Empire.

Obi-Wan has told me that he brought me here as soon as he could after I lost consciousness. He is yet to tell me what has become of Anakin; I have been otherwise occupied.

A knock at the door and Dormé enters with a tray of food.

"Good morning," she smiles. "How's your first day as a mother so far?"

I smile back. "Blissfully peaceful, though I expect that will be interrupted soon enough."

"I believe breakfast in bed is in order." Dormé sets the tray on a nearby table and passes me a generous bowl of porridge lavished with honey. "Not much in the way of Nubian food here, but porridge is always a staple. May I?" She gestures at Leia, who is gurgling herself awake. I nod and Dormé lifts my daughter in her arms.

"Please Dormé, tell me what news you have. Did my family make it to the capital?"

"Yes, they did. Sola's husband was working a night shift, so we had to leave him behind, but I took the rest of them in the shuttle to the palace. It took a bit of convincing, but they are familiar enough with your life being threatened that it didn't seem too far a stretch that they might also be in danger. Queen Apailana's head of security was displeased by the early hour, but we were able to have your parents, your sister and her children accommodated. Then Master Obi-Wan contacted me from his starfighter to say that he had confronted Anakin and you were unconscious. He told me Naboo was not safe for you right now and gave me the co-ordinates for this medical facility. You were in labour when I arrived."

I nod, absorbing this. "I am glad my family is safe with the Queen. I pray they remain so. Queen Apailana is clever and strong; I doubt she will bow immediately to Imperial rule or turn over my family if asked. But I hope we do not have to put her in a position where she must make such a choice."

Luke wakes and starts to cry.

"One step at a time, Padmé. You can't solve every problem at once. And you don't have to do it alone."

I sigh, set aside my half-eaten porridge and gather up my squirming son. "Are you hungry, little one? Because I can solve that problem."

I put him to the breast and he feeds greedily. Soon enough, Leia too is hungry. Once they are both fed and burped, Dormé insists I finish my porridge and rest some more.

"Master Obi-Wan did mention he would like to discuss possible next moves with you, but I told him you need plenty of rest after giving birth – and the past few days you've had."

"Perhaps this afternoon," I suggest, torn between exhaustion, the perfection of my two small children and fear for the wider galaxy.

I am feeding Leia again later when there is another knock at the door. "Come in," I say, and Obi-Wan enters. He smiles as Luke blubbers at him.

"Padmé, congratulations on the birth of your children. Unfortunately, there is still much to discuss. I was hoping you could join me in the meeting room shortly. Dormé could perhaps watch the twins."

I go to protest that Dormé should also be present, as my advisor, even the twins too, as they go where I go. Then it occurs to me that he will be delivering the news of Anakin's fate. This is something best spoken of between old friends.

"Very well. I will finish feeding these two and put them down for a nap, then summon Dormé."

Obi-Wan nods grimly. "See you soon, Milady."