Chapter Nine
Genevieve

"The duchess is very kind," I tell Padmé, pulling my hair back to tie it in a braid. "And Mandalore is beautiful...well the city is. It's heartbreaking to see the scorched surface outside. The civil war here must have been awful."

Padmé analyzes me for a second, before shaking her head softly. "I know what you're thinking. Taris will not share the same fate as Mandalore. You won't have a civil war."

I let out a sigh, my voice dropping lower. "I just keep imaging Taris becoming a lifeless wasteland like Mandalore. I don't think I could bare it."

"Have faith in Anakin and Fallon, they'll figure things out. Have you heard from them?"

I nod, tying off my now finished braid and letting fall down my shoulder. "Anakin informed us last night that a member of the rebellion who goes by Fett has been sent to get me. Apparently he works directly for the supplier for the rebellion. He's the man who murdered my father."

Padmé closes her eyes briefly, sorrow growing in her face as she tries her best to assure me. "You have nothing to fear. Obi Wan will protect you."

I nod, wiping away a tear that threatens to fall down my cheek. "I know he will. I need to go, I'll talk to you later."

Padmé nods solemnly before the transmission is cut, and I'm left alone in my room. Thinking of my father again is sending me into a fit of tears, ignoring all of my protests and rushing down my face like one of the waterfalls of Naboo.

A knock suddenly comes to my door, startling me and making me let out a soft yelp. I wipe at my eyes and clear my throat, trying to look presentable as I make my way to my door. I'm relieved when the person standing on the other side is just Obi Wan.

"I thought you might want to see a bit of Mandalore, your majesty. Would you like to accompany me on a walk?"

I can see a compassion in his features that tells me he knows I was crying. Whether he heard me from his room or can simply sense it, I'm not sure, but I do know some company and a distraction would be lovely. I take in a deep breath, nodding my head. "That would be great."

I walk over to my bed, grabbing my cloak from my suitcase and placing it over myself, making sure I stay hidden as we exit the safety of the palace. The steeets of Mandalore are filled with people bustling about; some in markets, others hopping on transports to get to the higher up buildings, others just enjoying themselves and taking in the light of the sun, even if you can only feel it through the glass ceiling of the container Mandalore is in.

"Forgive me if I'm speaking too boldly," I begin, not being able to put my curiosity at bay for much longer. "But were you and the duchess in a relationship once?"

He shakes his head. "You're not being too bold. We were never together. There was a time when I wanted to be...but it could never happen. As a Jedi we swear never to form attachments."

I feel my eyebrows crease in confusion, turning my attention more diligently to the Jedi. "Why not?"

"Attachment leads to fear, anger, hate. And hate is the path of the Sith. It's not the Jedi way."

I understand the want to expel all fear from you, to avoid it at all costs. Fear doesn't make you a good queen, or a good Jedi. The Jedi teach you to keep your emotions at bay, I only wish I could have been taught those same lessons. "Attachments of any kind? I was hoping you and I could become friends."

Obi Wan smiles widely at me, making my cheeks heat up. I tighten my cloak around me to try and hide it.

"Friendship is not forbidden, your majesty. I would be honored to call you a friend."

I feel a smile curling on my lips. "Then I insist you call me Genevieve. I will not have any friend of mine call me 'your majesty'."

Padmé has never called me that before, and she is the only friend I have. It will be nice to have someone else who talks to me like a person, not a queen.

He nods, a smile curling on his lips as well. "Alright, Genevieve. Then you can call me Obi Wan."

I force my attention away from him, focusing on the citizens walking around me. None of them pay much attention to us as we walk by them. Even the ones who look our way don't seem to care. It's very nice, I don't remember time when I could ever walk through the streets like I was a normal woman.

I see a little girl run through the streets with a small doll in her hands, changing around who I suspect is her younger brother. I smile at these children as they pass by me, turning my head to watch them run towards one of the few trees in Mandalore. But as I turn my head, something catches my attention.

I feel my heart stop dead in my chest. I see someone walking a few feet behind us, wearing dark silver armor with blue accents around the mask. I see images flash before my eyes of my father being shot, of the light slowly leaving his eyes as this silver armored figure stood over him with a blaster in their hand. It's Fett.

I turn my head away, clutching onto Obi Wan's arm, trying to remain calm as I inform him; "I saw him. I saw Fett. He's behind us."

Obi Wan subtlety glances over his shoulder, before returning his attention to me. "You positive that's him?"

I nod. "He was wearing that armor when he killed my father."

Obi Wan lets out a sigh, pointing towards a group of people standing near one of the other trees, talking amongst themselves. They are wearing the same armor that Fett is wearing, almost identical expect for the color. "He's wearing Mandalorian armor."

"Do you think he stole it? Or do you think he's Mandalorian?"

Obi Wan starts looking at our surroundings, analyzing possible routes of escape or cover. "I don't know, but we have more pressing things to deal with now. At least we know he's not here to kill you. If he was he would have tried to by now, not stalk us. I didn't think he would though. They can't achieve anything without you. But I'm sure he won't be gentle when he tries to take you."

"What are we going to do?" I ask him, tightening my grip on his arm.

Obi Wan pauses for a moment, considering all our options. He pats my arm arm softly, giving me a soft smile. "That group over there are Mandalorian soldiers. Tell them who you are and they will escort you back to the palace. I'll confront Fett and hopefully arrest him."

I nod to him. "Be careful."

He smiles at me again, something stirring in his gaze. "Of course, my queen."

He lets go of my arm, nodding towards the Mandalorians towards the tree. I start walking over towards them, glancing over my shoulder to see Fett freezing up, looking between me and Obi Wan as he ignites his lightsaber. Fett takes out his blaster, pointing it right at me. Instinct tells me to duck so I do, watching as Obi Wan jumps in my direction to block the blast with his blade. The blast sends everyone in the streets into panic, letting out screams of terror and running to take shelter. I spot the Mandalorian soldiers going into high alert; escorting the people to different houses and transports. I grab onto one of the soldier's arms, ripping off my hood.

"I'm-I'm Queen Genevieve Daulton, I need to be escorted back to the palace at once." I tell them, trying to keep my voice calm despite the fear coursing through my veins, through my heart.

The soldier nods, gripping onto my hand. "Come with me, your majesty. I'll take you back to the palace."

The soldier's voice is male; sounding very deep and urgent as he begins wrapping his arms around my waist, gesturing for me to wrap my arms around his neck. I give him an incredulous look, but he turns his shoulders towards me, gesturing to the jet pack on his back.

I feel my heart sink into the stomach. Nodding silently, I wrap my arms tightly around his neck, shutting my eyes and bracing myself for what's about to happen.

"Hang on, your majesty." He says, jumping up into the air and shooting off towards the safety of the palace.