Chapter Thirty
Aiden

As much as I hate leaving Taris when the war is approaching us at high speeds, I have to admit, I am speechless at the beauty and grace of Naboo. I felt so filled with dread being forced to keep away from my home, but now that I'm here, I almost find myself relaxing.

When we first arrived here and I stepped out of the ship, I was hit with a light breeze, carrying the smell of flowers and the sounds of flowing rivers. All around me is green; green trees, green grass, green stems that hold gorgeous flowers of all colors. The waterfall that falls over a cliffs edge next to the Queen's palace is the most stunning color of blue I have ever seen. The sound of the water tumbling down and hitting the lake below is soothing, just as soothing as the songs of the birds flying above us.

We are now sitting in the Queen's throne room in the palace. It's made of a smooth cream stone, with high archways that mark every dark wood door. Red curtains and carpets accent the stone, making the entire palace feel regal and elegant, while feeling open due to the many windows that overlook the waterfall.

It's hard to pay attention to the meeting we are having when we are in a place so beautiful. I glance over to Padmé sitting next to me and catch her eye. She immediately looks away, pretending she wasn't looking at me first. I find myself smiling slightly, trying to listen to the two queens talking to each other.

"With this war there will be refugees all over the galaxy, people going hungry, people dying for a war they didn't want. We are witnessing chaos." Queen Jamilla says solemnly. She's wearing a face of white makeup with prominent red lipstick, a large white headpiece covering her brown hair and a matching white dress flowing down to the floor. Queen Genevieve is wearing a dress she borrowed from Padmé; it's cream near her chest, but slowly becomes blue and purple and pink as the dress reaches the ground. The sleeves are also very low, making most of her arms visible. Her hair is pulled up but a headpiece that goes with the dress. They both look beautiful and strong, every bit a queen.

"I couldn't agree more. I don't want this war anymore than you do, but Count Dooku cannot be allowed to wreak more havoc. He has to be stopped."

Queen Jamilla nods. "Indeed. I am so sorry, Genevieve, about what that horrid man has done to your people. You said that one of the Jedi is working to get your trade ports liberated?"

She nods. "Yes, and I am hoping that we can get supplies to my people soon. Dooku was sending supplies for a while as a way to manipulate my people, but he won't be doing that now. We need clothes and food. Part of why I wanted to speak with you today is because I need help, my people need help," Genevieve says, not trying to hide her desperation for our people's safety. "I was hoping Naboo would provide aid and give my people supplies for the time being. Dooku is sending an army to Taris in an attempt to take over. My people will be more isolated than ever and their lives will be at risk. They are already dying, Jamilla, starving and scared for what's about to happen."

Queen Jamilla reaches forward and grasps onto Genevieve's hand, giving her a putting smile. "Of course Naboo will assist you. We have been allies for centuries, and allies help one another in their time of need. Now, you said that was part of the reason you wanted to speak with me. What's the other part?"

"Dooku will be attacking the major cities of Taris according to Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi. He said we need to evacuate my people from those cities, but they have nowhere else to go. The local villages throughout the planet will have no room to house them, especially if Dooku attacks those villages which I am positive he will. I am asking to send the Taris refugees here until the siege is over. I know it is a lot, but Taris is the most vulnerable it's ever been. I need all the help I can acquire if my people have any chance at surviving this war."

It is a lot to ask, and we all know it. But like Padmé said; Queen Jamilla is a good person and a good queen. She won't say no to another queen pleading to her to help her people. And she doesn't.

"I will help provide you with ships and some of my guards to help escort the people here. I offer up my palace to some of the refugees and I will assign the rest to houses throughout Naboo. I will talk with my advisors and with Padmé and we will devise a plan to send shipments to the villages you spoke of and provide them with food and clothing," Queen Jamilla says, giving Queen Genevieve a reassuring nod. "Naboo will always be a friend to Taris, we will always be here to help."

Queen Genevieve smiles at her, looking on the brink of tears from relief. "And Taris will always be thankful for your friendship."

-

I lean against one of the pillars next to the large foyer windows. These windows give me a close up view of the waterfall, enchanting me with its beauty so much that I don't hear Padmé approach me. I almost jump as I hear her voice.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Padmé says, standing a few feet in front of me and smiling at the cascading water.

I nod, letting out a small sigh. "I have always said that Taris is the most beautiful planet I have ever seen, but Naboo is certainly giving Taris a run for its money."

Padmé smiles at me, turning around and leaning her back against the window, locking her fingers together in front of her. "I had no doubts that Queen Jamilla would say yes to helping Taris. She's a great queen, Naboo is lucky to have her."

"They were lucky to have you, too," I tell her, seeing a blush lightly graze her cheeks. "From what I hear, you were such a great queen that the people tried to change the Naboo constitution to make you stay in office."

Padmé looks down at the floor, shaking her head. "I loved being queen. I loved being able to help my people and make a difference, but if I were to be asked to be queen again I think I would say no."

"Why is that?"

"Because when you are queen, you make the rules and make the decisions but you aren't the one to follow them through. I like being a senator because I get to take the ideas on how to make Naboo and the galaxy better and I get to do something about it. I get to march into the senate building to argue my points and make change myself."

In a very short amount of time I have found myself enchanted by the senator just like I have been enchanted by this planet. Her strength, her intelligence, her drive, it's unlike anything I have ever seen. I almost feel intimidated, and no one has ever made me feel that way before.

"I was honored when Queen Genevieve made me senator. I can make a difference for my people, and that's something I've always wanted to do. But I don't know the first thing about politics or being in the senate," I confess to her, looking back out the window. "I don't want to fail her, I don't want to fail my people."

When I look back at Padmé she is smiling softly at me, stepping a bit closer to me, her back still to the window. "Tell me, why did you start the rebellion on Taris?"

"Because I saw that my people were in trouble and the king wasn't doing anything about it. I wanted to help them."

"That is why you will be a great senator. A senator's duty is to be the voice of their people, to drive the change that our people can't create themselves. Genevieve picked you to be senator because you are a leader, and I have no doubt that you will lead your people to a better future."

I smile at her, feeling a blush form on my own cheeks. "I could use a teacher," I begin, stepping away from the pillar and leaning against the window next to her, our shoulders brushing. "Someone who knows how to be a senator and could teach me how to be the leader my queen already thinks I am."

Padmé grins up at me. "Dealing with the refugees will be a perfect way to teach you. But I have to warn you, I'll be a very strict teacher."

I grin back down at her, bumping my shoulder playfully with hers. "I would expect nothing less, Senator Amidala."

"I insist you call me Padmé," She says.

"Then you will call me Aiden."

Padmé bumps my shoulder back. "I hope you'll find my teachings helpful."

I smile to myself, feeling heat rush down my arm from where her shoulder touched mine. "I have no doubt about it, Padmé."