The Golden Butterfly

Chapter 8

Ellie's POV

We got off of the transporter arriving at the palace of Theed. We were walking through the palace grounds. I was happy to be back here because this feels like the only home I could live in. 

"If I grew up here, I don't think I'd ever leave." Anakin commented. 

"I doubt that." Padme laughed. 

"No, really." Anakin replied. "When I started my training, I was very homesick and very lonely. This city and my mom were the only pleasant things I had to think about." 

I bet he want to say me but thank God didn't because he didn't want to make me feel anymore uncomfortable than he already did.

"The problem was the more I thought about being away from her, the worse I felt. But I would feel better if I thought about the palace. The way it shimmers in the sunlight or the way the air always smells of flowers. And the soft sound of the distant waterfalls. The first time I remember seeing the Capital, I was very young. I'd never seen a waterfall before. I thought they were so beautiful. I never dreamed one day I'd live in the palace." 

"Nice to have something good to think about." I mumbled under my breath. 

"What was that, Ellie?" Padme perked up as she looks at me. 

"Nothing!" I gasped before chuckling nervously, "So, I heard they tried to keep you as Queen for a third time." I changed the subject again. 

"Yes. But I wonder back then if I was even ready to be Queen. But I was relieved when my two terms were up and they wanted me to become a Senator. But then again, I'm not sure I was old enough to be ready." Padme spoke. 

"Hey, you served your people so well that they tried to keep you." I smirked. "I wasn't surprised that the Jedi Council wanted me to become a Jedi Senator. I wasn't sure I was ready to take that task in hand." I huffed. 

"How did you become a Jedi Senator?" Anakin asked, being curious. 

"I just finished another mission with Master Windu when they wanted to talk to me about something very important. Then, I was surprised to see the newly elected Queen of Naboo, Padme, the rest of the Senate as they all wanted me to become a Jedi Senator, of course I didn't refuse, but looking back, I was wondering if I was ready to become one since I was already known as the Butterfly of the Force." I explained. 

"I agree with them." Anakin said. "I think the Republic needs you and you do amazing work as the bridge between the Jedi and the Senate. I'm glad you chose to become the Jedi Senator. I feel like things are going to happen in our generation that will change the galaxy in profound ways." 

"I was more than happy to train you to become a Senator. You're the person we need to bring the change within the Republic." Padme agreed. 

"I think so too." I smiled. 

TIME SKIP

"We've been so worried about you and Senator Cullen, Senator Amidala." Queen Jamilia said as we walked up to greet her with a hug. 

I developed a friendship with her as I was undergoing my training to become a Senator as I supported her in her campaign to become Queen. She often sought me for advice and approval with Padme's help, of course. 

"I'm so glad you two are safe." She said with a smile as we pull away.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Padme said as we made our way to our seats. "We only we could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote." Anakin stood behind us, in between us. 

"Given the circumstances, Senator Amidala, you know it was the only decision Her Highness could have made." Sio Bibble said. 

"How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the Separatists?" She asked. 

"Thousands." I spoke. "And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war." 

"It's unthinkable!" Sio Bibble exclaimed. "There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic!" 

"Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the Separatists back into the Republic?" Queen Jamilia questioned. 

"Not if they feel threatened. My guess is they'll turn to the Trade Federations or the Commerce Guilds for help." Padme answered honestly. 

"It's outrageous! After four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis." Sio Bibble spoke out. 

"We must keep our faith in the Republic." Queen Jamilia calmly said. She stood up, making who has been sitting down to stand up, including me and Padme. She walked over to us as we begin to walk side by side to the door. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it." 

"Let's pray that day never comes." I replied. 

"In the meantime, we must consider your own safety as well as Senator Amidala's." Queen Jamillia declared. 

"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi, to protect our Master Jedi Senator and Senator Amidala?" Sio Bibble asked Anakin. 

"Oh, they're not Master Jedi. Anakin and Ellie are still Padawan learners. But I was thinking-" Padme spoke. 

"Hold on a minute." Anakin interrupted, annoyed and irritated. 

"Excuse me!" I glared at him, causing him to get even more irritated. "Continue, Padme." 

"Thank you, Ellie. I was thinking we could stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated." Padme suggested. 

"That sounds like a good idea." I agreed with a smile. 

"Excuse me." Anakin said, rudely. "I'm in charge of security here, Milady." 

"And this is my home. I know it very well. That is why we are here." Padme pointed out. "I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of my knowledge in this instance." 

'And you are causing a scene, Anakin. Trust us, we will be okay at the Lake Country.' I spoke through the Force.

He let out a deep breath as we were right as all eyes were on us. "Sorry, my lady." Anakin apologized with Padme, before looking at me and through our bond, he said, 'I trust you.' 

"Perfect. It's settled then." She said before telling Padme, "Padme, I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening, and he hopes you will visit your mother before you leave... your family is very worried about you and Eliza." 

"Thank you, Your Highness." I smiled before stating, "I bet Shmi is worried about us as well." 

That immediately caught Anakin's attention as he would be seeing his mother again. "Yes, I had a chance to explain to her what was going on and she's worried to death about you two." 

"Then, we will visit them right now before leaving for the Lake Country." Padme replied. 

"We will freshen up before meeting with Shmi and Padme's family. Thank you for everything, Your Highness." I added. 

"You are welcome, miladies. Stay safe." Queen Jamilia smiled at us.