Anything For Them

Home pt. 2

"So let me get this straight. You married a Jedi, not just any Jedi, but the chosen one! You then had twins, faked your own death and lived in a swamp for six years?" Sabé asked.
"You forgot some details but I suppose so," Padmé responded, her hands tight together.
"Wow." Sabé dropped onto the bed beside her and chuckled.
"Is this what happens when I'm not here?" She laughed.
Padmé chuckled. "I'm lost without you it seems,"

The two women stopped laughing and fell into silence. Sabé held her friend's hands in a tight, reassuring grip.
"In all seriousness, I'm proud of you. You've done right by your kids, even if it meant you can't give them the life you wanted to,"
Padmé remembered the plans she and Sabé had discussed. She was going to go to Naboo and they would build the nursery together while she waited for Anakin to come. The twins would grow up in her old home, visiting the beach and playing in the gardens.
It wasn't until Sabé wiped away a tear on her cheek that Padmé realised she was crying.
"Sorry," she laughed softly, smiling through her tears. They sat quietly for a moment as Padmé collected herself.

"Well," Sabé stood up and clapped her hands together. "As much as I wanted to see you, Obi Wan actually called me for another reason." Sabé walked over to the old wardrobe and pulled the doors open. She turned around and smiled, holding her arms out. "We're going to make you look amazing."
Padmé stood up and looked at all her old dresses. For the past few years she had worn the same few simple clothes everyday.
"It's been so long since I've dressed up," she chuckled. Her hand found a gorgeous floral yellow dress and memories ran through her mind. Each  dress seemed to hold a different memory.
"You're making you first public appearance since you 'died', so you need to show them you're the same queen you were when you ruled," Sabé told her.
"Shouldn't I worry more about what I'm going to say?"
"You know what, how about I decide on your dress while you get ready for your speech tomorrow?"
"I have a speech tomorrow?!" Padmé shouted. This had not been mentioned to her.
"Obi Wan didn't tell you? He thinks it's important to address the people as soon as possible." Sabé said, flicking through the gowns.
"I guess I'm leaving the dress up to you since apparently I have a speech to write." Padmé huffed.

~~~

After getting the twins to bed, Padmé sat at the old desk with a pile of scrunched up papers in the bin beside her. She ripped up her latest speech in frustration. Writing used to come so naturally to her, but not writing in a few years had made her rusty. There was a soft knock at the door, probably someone who knew the twins were asleep. She put the pen down and stood up.
Obi Wan stood there, an old data pad in his hands. "They found this in one of the old chests, we thought it may help you with your speech."
"Yeah, thanks for the advanced notice, by the way," she replied, sarcastically.
"My apologies Padmé, but I have the upmost faith in you. All you need to do is explain why you faked your funeral and why you have returned. The people will rally with you if you speak from the heart, as you always do."
Padmé sighed, taking the data pad. She found all of her old speeches, from her time as queen to her days as a senator.
"I'll leave you to it, good luck Padmé." Obi Wan bowed his head and left.
She stared down at her old speeches, suddenly being hit with inspiration. With newfound determination, she sat down, determined to write one of her best speeches yet.

Hi guys, sorry for making you wait. So what did you think of the Rise of Skywalker? I loved it but I still wished they had mentioned Padmé. Oh well. Thanks for the support and I'm excited about the next few chapters!