- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 -

only love can hurt like this.

REGINA HATED POLITICS. That was one thing she had always had in common with Skywalker. No matter what differences they'd had, politics was always something they agreed on... Even if neither had wanted to admit it.

But now, Regina found herself in the middle of a political debate between Padmè–a dear friend of hers–and Queen Arianga of Conques. Sitting there was growing tedious. Padmè would put a good point forward or an in-depth explanation only for it to be stomped on by the queen and Senator Trues, who seemed to have the queen's ear. The other senator–Senator Rtuet–seemed to be on Padmè's side, backing her up. But the queen wouldn't listen, not with Trues in her head.

And everyone was getting frustrated.

"I'm beginning to think this is a waste of time," whispered Breaker quietly to Regina and Blue as they observed the negotiations. Well, they weren't even negotiations. The queen had agreed to nothing at all, and it seemed that she didn't want any part in the Republic.

"Quiet, Breaker," Blue said firmly. "Senator Amidala is putting up a fair fight."

The commander was right. Despite the opposition, Regina noticed her friend making good points, ones that would make any reasonable being consider joining the Republic's side of the war effort.

Just when Regina felt she couldn't take anymore of the deliberation, the politicians called for a recess. It was agreed that they would be treated to a feast in honor of their visit and Queen Arianga would announce her decision in the morning. It appeared that Padmè had presented all of her points... or she had given up. Whatever the explanation, Regina found herself walking beside the senator on their way to the quarters that they'd been designated.

After dropping Padmè off in her rooms–leaving bodyguards to protect her–Regina went to her own quarters, the door over. Regina knew that the clones would head to the barracks prepared for them and that the duo wouldn't complain, but she wished they'd been given better rooms. They, too, were there as guests, not to be a part of the honor guard. But Regina kept her mouth shut, hoping their quarters weren't too far from where she and Padmè were staying.

Regina immediately collapsed on her bed, stretching out on the fluffy cushions of the mattress. It had been a long time since she'd laid on a bed like this. Her bed in the apartment she shared with Anakin was similar, but she hadn't experienced such luxury since Naboo. And she has to admit that it was nice.

Staring up at the ceiling, Regina found her hand enveloping her wedding band as well as her mother's necklace. Both gave her comfort, and when she was in an uncomfortable position she loved the reminder of what each was. Her mother's love and his love.

There was a knock at her door.

Regina stuffed the chain back under her Jedi robes and stood to her feet, answering the door within the minute. Outside stood Padmè, already changed for their evening dinner.

"Are you ready to go?" the senator inquired, giving Regina a look that said that she knew the Jedi wasn't.

"Don't worry, Padmè, I fully intended on freshening up," Regina assured her friend, closing the door behind Padmè.

"And your hair," Padmè added. "You may not be able to wear anything fancy, but you will let me do something with it. We need to look dignified; we're playing a part, much like on some of those undercover missions you've been on." Padmé looked at Regina knowingly. "These people... they're more difficult than I had imagined. The impression we make on them tonight is of the utmost importance."