Handmaiden

Chapter 7

Sabé spent most of the night worrying about money. It wasn't uncommon for her to agonize over finances, as she did when she lived with her parents. Since farmers did not make much money, Sabé helped out around the farm when she could, so that her parents didn't have to hire extra help. When she was old enough to leave home, she went to Theed and tried to get a job at a restaurant. After that was unsuccessful, Sabé applied to be a servant in the palace. Padmé saw her cleaning in the throne room, and started up a conversation as the Queen. She moved Sabé to the handmaiden position, and the two became fast friends.

This entire scenario with money worried Sabé. She couldn't exactly send the guards and pilots to find jobs without raising questions from the locals, or putting them in danger. There was nothing on the ship to trade that was of value. Sabé saw no way out of this mess that didn't end in bloodshed.

From the floor behind the throne, Rabé stirred. She sat up, tugging Sabé's sleeve.

"Are you awake, Sabé?"

"Yes," Sabé replied. "Go to sleep, Rabé, you'll need it."

Rabé scooted forward, her dark eyes framed by purple bags. She looked shockingly vulnerable to Sabé. "Sabé, have I ever told you that I have a brother?"

"I just knew about Masha. She was the one who became a singer, right?" Sabé said, trying to recall information about Rabé's family. All she could remember was that Rabé did not like them, though none of the girls knew why.

"A dancer, actually. But I have a brother too. Harlan. And he's here, Sabé. He's a pilot."

Sabé's brows furrowed. Why didn't Rabé talk about her brother? If he was a pilot, they might have even interacted with him at one point.

Rabé bowed her head. "My relationship with Harlan is very complicated. I'm not sure how I feel about him being here."

"It's better than him being captured, right?" Sabé asked. "I mean, he's still your brother."

Sabé never had siblings. Her parents never planned to bring children into the world. They wanted to simply make a living, which was hard enough for two people. Adding more to the mix was a death wish. Yet when she was born, they loved her fiercely. Sabé wished for siblings as a child, siblings who would take the burden off of some of her chores and play with her when their parents were working. She didn't understand what happened with Rabé and Harlan, but at least Rabé had siblings.

Tears clouded Rabé's eyes, and she swallowed them back. "Yes, of course. You're right. I will wake Eirtaé and we can fix your hair and makeup." She spoke formally, coolly.

"Rabé, what did I say?" Sabé asked, but could not continue as the door opened.

It was Captain Panaka, smoothing his uniform out. He was flanked by the Jedi apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Both men had flushed cheeks, and tightly-knit brows.

"Your Highness, I am sorry for the intrusion, but the Jedi has news," Captain Panaka said, with a slight sneer directed at Obi-Wan.

"May we tend to you while you listen, My Queen?" Rabé asked, as Eirtaé retrieved the makeup bag from the stack of their things.

Sabé nodded, smiling briefly at Rabé, who avoided her eyes. Disheartened, Sabé turned back to face Captain Panaka and Obi-Wan. "What is it, young Jedi?"

Obi-Wan stepped forward as Captain Panaka watched him with piercing eyes. To his credit, the younger man stood tall. "Qui-Gon has figured out a plan for money, Your Highness. It involves betting on the local pod race."

"And what is a pod race?" Sabé asked. Eirtaé was in front of her now, applying more lipstick. Behind the throne was Rabé, brushing out her hair.