The Shadows Star: Book 2

24: Royal Politics

She looked in the mirror and saw Padmé in a gorgeous sunset-colored dress that was attached to cuffs around her arms and neck. Her hair was styled back and framed her face perfectly. Sombra's jaw dropped to the floor and she looked her up and down. "Maé, you look stunning."
Padmés cheeks tinged pink at the compliment and she walked up behind Som and hugged her shoulders. She stared at their reflection in the mirror and kissed Sombra on the cheek, "I don't look nearly as stunning as you, Som. I think our poor Anakin might just implode when he gets a look at you. You must pick this dress!"
Sombra rolled her eyes but her cheeks burned at the thought. "Oh alright, this dress it is."
Padmé and the attendants squealed happily and Padmé began directing them on Sombra's hair. Her curls were now on full display, with only part of it pulled into braids to crown her head.
As the attendants worked on Sombra's hair, Padmé chimed in with excitement. "Som, we're going to turn some heads today! Anakin won't know what hit him!"
Sombra blushed again, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "Honestly, Maé, you're making this sound like something that it isn't. We're focused on the mission. That's all."
Padmé chuckled, "Maybe, maybe not. Like I said before, it comes when you least expect it. I just think you deserve to look and feel your best, especially after all you've been through."
Once the finishing touches were done on Sombra's hair, Padmé stepped back to admire her handiwork. "There, perfect! You look absolutely radiant, Som. Now, let's go check on Anakin. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees you."
Sombra smiled and followed Padmé out of the room, excited and slightly anxious about the day ahead. As Sombra and Padmé entered the room to find Anakin struggling with the unfamiliar Naboo clothing, Sombra couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Anakin, not used to such elaborate attire, had somehow managed to get himself tangled in a cape.
"Oh, Skywalker, you've really outdone yourself," Sombra teased, grinning as she approached him.
Anakin blushed and tried to extricate himself from the cape, his hands fumbling. "Yeah, well, this isn't exactly my usual attire. Jedi robes are much simpler."
Sombra stepped closer, her nimble fingers deftly helping him with the cape. "There you go," she said with a grin, adjusting it to sit perfectly on his shoulders.
Anakin finally managed to look up at her, and his words faltered as he took in her breathtaking appearance. The deep blue dress accentuated her curves and her radiant smile. He was momentarily speechless.
Sombra noticed his reaction and decided to tease him a bit. "Cat got your tongue, Skywalker?"
Anakin cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I, uh, you look... I mean, you look really... beautiful."
Padmé watched the exchange with a knowing smile, enjoying the awkwardness between the two. Sombra simply smiled, her cheeks slightly pink. "Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself, darlin'."
With everyone dressed and ready, they made their way towards the throne room to meet the queen.
They enter the throne room and are greeted by Queen Jamilla, her advisors, handmaidens, and guards. The queen gently takes Padmé's hand into her own and says, "We've been worried about you. I'm so glad you're safe, Padmé. I am also happy to see you, Padawan. I heard that you were injured in the explosion, and it warms my heart to see you well."
Padmé and the Jedi bow respectfully before the Queen. Sombra directs herself to the queen, saying, "Your Majesty, I am deeply honored and humbled by your genuine concern for my well-being. Thank you."
"Thank you, Your Highness. I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote," Padmé adds.
Sio Bibble, one of the queen's advisors, turns to Padmé and remarks, "Given the circumstances, Senator, you know it was the only decision Her Highness could have made."
The queen gracefully moves to sit on her throne, inquiring, "How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the separatists?"
Padmé settles among the advisors, and Sombra and Anakin stand behind her. She answers with a frown, "Thousands. 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! There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic!" Sio exclaims.
The queen nods sadly and asks, "Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the Republic?"
"Not if they feel threatened. The separatists don't have an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is they will turn to the Commerce Guilds or the Trade Federation for help," Padmé says with concern.
"The armies of commerce! Why has nothing been done in the Senate to restrain them?" Sio questions.
Padmé's expression becomes resigned as she admits, "I'm afraid that, despite the Chancellor's best efforts, there are still many bureaucrats, judges, and even Senators on the payrolls of the Guilds."
Sio's indignation is palpable. "It's outrageous that, after all of those hearings, and 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. Do those money mongers control everything?"
The Queen turns to her counselor and says calmly, "Remember, Counselor, the courts were able to reduce the Federation's armies. That's a move in the right direction."
"There are rumors, Your Highness, that the Trade Federation Army was not reduced as they were ordered," Padmé informs her.
The queen seems almost resigned, her face becoming much more serious as she stands. "We must keep our faith in the Republic. The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."
"Let's pray that day never comes," Padmé says as she stands with the Queen, while Anakin and Sombra walk behind.
The Queen changes the subject, saying, "In the meantime, we must consider your own safety."
The Queen's Councilor turns to face Anakin, "What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?"
Sombra interrupts before Anakin can respond. "Anakin's not a Jedi yet, Counselor. He's still a Padawan learner, as I am. I was thinking—"
Anakin feels slighted and blurts out, "Hey, hold on a minute!"
Sombra, growing frustrated with Anakin's interruption and unacceptable behavior, retorts, "Excuse me! I was thinking we would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."
Anakin's ego is bruised, and he responds defensively, "Excuse me?! I am in charge of security here."
The queen and councilor share an uncomfortable look at the increasingly awkward situation. Sombra, annoyance at a peak, can no longer stand by.
"Anakin, the senator's life is at risk. I can assure you I know the planet well... that is why we're here. I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of my knowledge in this instance," she says as calmly and politely as possible.
Anakin takes a deep breath and forces a smile. "Sorry, Your Highness. Milady."
The queen clears her throat and continues, "Perfect. It's settled then."
As they begin to walk out, Sombra catches Anakin glaring at her, and she lets down her poised expression for a moment to glare back.
'To avoid any further misunderstandings, I'll be taking the lead on security. I have been on this mission for months. Remember, this is real life, not just an exercise. Let's work together," she gently imparts through their bond. Anakin's eyes soften in response, taking her words to heart.
The queen stops Padmé at the exit for a final word. "Padmé, I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave... your family's very worried about you."
At the mention of Padmé's family, Sombra straightens up and listens in. She has always loved the Naberrie family since the moment she met them months ago. Padmé, on the other hand, visibly cringes but maintains a smile. "Thank you, Your Highness."