You woke with the sunshine in your eyes and soul. This was it. The first day of the last week was upon you. You had a thousand ceremonies to get through, yes, but once it was over, you would no longer be queen. You would be a regular citizen of Naboo, free to live a peaceful and regular life with your husband.

You turned over to face Anakin, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully. It was such a rare occasion that he didn't have nightmares that you didn't want to disturb him. Instead, you gently played with the curls that fell in front of his face.

You wanted to cry from happiness every time you were able to have moments like this. Even since you secretly married, Anakin was often away, fighting in the war. He had to invent stories and practically beg the council to allow him to come home for the week. To keep up appearances you had invited your family friend and his former master Obi-Wan Kenobi to the ceremonies. You were always finding loopholes, dodging obstacles, and jumping through hoops to be with Anakin; but it was worth every second. At times, the life you lived seemed like a dream, and you had trouble believing it was real.

Anakin's beautiful blue eyes fluttered open, and when he saw you he smiled. "Good morning, your majesty," he greeted you with his ridiculously endearing morning voice, brushing your hair away from your face.

"Good morning, master Jedi," you laughed, caressing the side of his face.

"Day one," Anakin pointed out. "Are you ready to be Miss Amidala again?"

Your face twisted comically. "I was only ever Miss Amidala for my campaign. Part of me wishes that I could be Miss Naberrie again. But never mind," you decided. "As long as we're together I'm happy." You sat up, reluctant to start the day.

Anakin took your hand gently, his thumb rubbing circles over the top of it. "We could stay together all morning," he suggested.

"That would be lovely," you sighed. "But I have so much to do today. I can't--"

Anakin sat up and kissed you softly on the mouth to silence you. When he pulled away, your foreheads were still pressed together. "Never fear. I understand," he promised. "We still have the night, don't we?"

You bit your lower lip in an impish grin and hopped out of bed. You placed yourself at your vanity, taking in the mess before you. "What are you and Obi-Wan getting up to while you're here?" you asked as you ran a brush through your hair. Since your security had been re-established, you had insisted that your handmaidens let you complete your own morning routine.

"I'm not sure," he admitted as he pulled himself out of bed. You couldn't help but subtly admire his chiseled form in the mirror. Perhaps the best decision he ever made was to sleep without a shirt. "He hasn't mentioned anything, and I don't exactly have any plans I can tell him."

You hummed absently in reply.

"I can tell when you're watching me," Anakin reminded you with a smirk.

You shook your head."You're far too confident, Master Skywalker," you accused as you walked to your closet.

"And why shouldn't I be?" Anakin responded with a shrug. "I have the best life in the galaxy and the most amazing wife. I wouldn't mind if this moment never ended."

As if on cue, the intercom buzzed. "Senator Amidala is here to see you, your majesty," your security informed you.

You breathed a sigh of relief. Padmé was one of the few people that knew about you and Anakin. You pressed the button on your nightstand."Send her in," you instructed.

Padmé entered with an air of urgency. "I'm sorry to interrupt," she began. "I wouldn't if there was another choice, but Secretary Nalex is causing a stir again."

Anakin groaned. He had a special dislike of Nalex. You thought it was ridiculous to hold a grudge against the man, especially since he had been married in the past few months. Still, you had argued enough about it that you didn't care to berate him.

"What exactly is going on?" you inquired, a little scared to know.

"He's rambling on about the constitution," she explained."He's requesting that you make an appearance immediately."

You rolled your eyes. "I'll be there shortly," you promised. "If you could go ahead of me and try to make sense of what he's saying, Padmé...?"

Padmé nodded and hurried out the door.

You tuned to Anakin and smiled apologetically. "And I was planning on taking my sweet time getting there." You quickly dressed in a bluish-gray gown and retrieved your makeup from the vanity. "Just to remind you, Master Jedi" you began, "since you seem to have trouble remembering-- there are rules after I put this makeup on."

Anakin pouted ever so slightly. "I hate the rules," he announced. It wasn't news.

"Anakin," you sighed. "After I put on this makeup, our relationship is strictly professional. There are to be no inside jokes, no innuendos, no touching, no calling me by my name, and no secret looks."

"No secret looks?" Anakin repeated.

"Very few secret looks," you corrected. "And to avoid yesterday's mess, don't mention things that we did together that other people weren't there to witness. Padmé can only cover for you for so long. It's a miracle that rumors haven't surfaced yet."

"I'm sorry that I love my wife," Anakin teased.

You rolled your eyes, the whisper of a smile on your face. "Go," you instructed. As an afterthought you added, "Out the back way."

"We've been married a year, Y/N," he reminded you, placing a kiss on the top of your head. "I think I know by now to go out the back way. I'll see you tonight. I love you."

"I love you, too," you returned. Once he left, you applied your makeup and glided out of your room, into your lounge where just a door separated you and your handmaiden's apartments. You entered the hallway where your handmaidens already waited idly. On seeing you, they arranged themselves into a row with spectacular neatness and discipline. "Good morning, ladies," you greeted them.

"Good morning, your majesty," they returned in unison.

"The day is going to begin rather early," you informed them. "My presence has been requested in the throne room."

With your friends behind you, you entered the throne room. The Advisory Council all rose to their feet out of respect and made no sound until you sat on the throne. You scanned the council with a calculating gaze. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was a special guest among them, though you weren't sure why. You hadn't invited him to the council, but you supposed that you would not deny him a chance to offer his advice. "Secretary Nalex," you began, turning to the man in question. "Please do me the honor of telling me why you have requested my presence."

Nalex stood. "Your majesty, I move that we call an emergency meeting of the Advisory Council."

"I'm afraid that I must second the motion, your majesty," Palpatine concurred. "For the good of our people, of course." You weren't sure who had given him a license to do such a thing, but everyone seemed to accept it, and you were in no mood to contest it.

"Proceed," you instructed.

"Your majesty," Nalex began. "We are in the middle of a war, and our planet yearns for stability and strength. To be frank, nobody respects the candidates for your position."

"I have already endorsed the candidate I feel is best, Secretary," you reminded him.

"I understand that, your majesty," Nalex assured you. "But it's not flattery when I say that if you continued to serve, it would offer both the security that our people want and the leadership that they need."

Padmé interrupted with a pointed glare at Nalex. "Your majesty, what Secretary Nalex is so reluctant to tell you is that he would have you amend the constitution and continue your term."

"Alas, I admit it," Nalex snapped back. "Your majesty, the people love you. To them, you're approachable, and you can banish me to the Outer Rim if your reign doesn't mark you as sensible. In these trying times, I would say that your wisdom and leadership is more than indispensable; it's vital."

"Your majesty," Padmé began her counter statement. "Secretary Nalex's plan does fix an immediate problem, but it could mean catastrophe for future generations. If you take the liberty of extending your term, what will stop a corrupt leader from extending theirs indefinitely? The people will see it as a mad grab for power, and may even see you as that corrupt leader."

"On the contrary, Senator Amidala," Nalex answered smugly. "The people are asking that her majesty does continue her term. There have been petitions, rallies, protests: all desperate attempts to keep her on the throne."

"Her majesty has a week left on the throne," Padmé pointed out. "How could she possibly amend the constitution in that time?"

"There is a way," Chancellor Palatine informed. "There is a law, forgotten by time, that states that in her farewell address, the queen may issue a decree that -- if the advisory council is in agreement -- must be carried out totally. If there is already an amendment written before the address, it will become completely legitimate; and her majesty will extend her term."

"And I've already written the amendment," Nalex added. "All we need is a decree from her majesty."

You had been silent too long. "Enough," you interrupted. "I have heard all that I need to."

There was a brief moment of silence before Nalex inevitably spoke up. "Will you extend your term then, your majesty?"

"I do hope that you consider me wise enough to take time to consider this, Secretary," you replied.

"Of course, your majesty," Nalex assured you. "Forgive me. I meant no disrespect."

"Then this meeting is adjourned," you announced. "I hope that you and your wife will be our guest for dinner, Secretary."

"I'm honored, your majesty. Azilé and I will certainly be there," Nalex accepted.

"Chancellor Palpatine?"

Palpatine smiled. "It would be an honor and a privilege, your majesty."

"Until then," you concluded. "Senator Amidala?"

"Yes, your majesty?"

"Walk with me," you instructed. Together, you, your sister, and your handmaidens walked out of the throne room. You maintained silence for a decent amount of time as you made your way to the fountain where you and Anakin had first confessed your love for each other. Once you reached it, you turned to your handmaidens. "Please leave us," you requested.

Once they were all out of earshot, you sat on the edge of the fountain and let your emotions spill over. "I can't do this, Padmé," you announced, unable to keep from crying. "I can't do what they're asking."

"Oh, Y/N," Padmé began, sitting next to you and pulling you into a hug. "Sweetheart, you don't have to."

"I know," you responded. "But I know this goes beyond what Nalex and Palpatine want. Maybe it's what the people need. I know that they asked you to amend the constitution. What did you do?"

Padmé shook her head. "We weren't at war when I was queen," she reminded you. "You're so strong, Y/N. You're stronger than I could be. This decision is yours."

"You don't like the idea, though?" you questioned.

Padmé hesitated. "If you decide to do it, I'll support you completely."

You sat another moment in silence. "What about Anakin?" you pointed out. "It's not fair to him, is it?"

"This isn't about Anakin," Padmé insisted. "When he leaves the Jedi Order to live a regular life with you, you can make it about him."

There was little in the galaxy more comforting to you than having your sister close by, her arm around you, and supporting you as sisters should. As you let her words settle, you felt like maybe you could do it if you had to. The fact that you were considering it made you a little sick, but if it was for the good of the people, you would be able to put it aside.

"I should probably reapply the makeup," you remarked. You were sure it was running down your face in an undignified manner.

"I wasn't going to say anything, your majesty," Padmé answered.

You both stood and you hugged her again. "I love you so much, Padmé," you sighed.

"I love you, too, sweetheart," she returned. "Now, go."

You went back to your room, where you found your handmaidens cleaning up, one of their many chores. "Your majesty," one shocked girl began. "We're so sorry to intrude. We didn't think you'd be in here for hours."

You held up your hand. "Never fear," you commanded. "I wouldn't have disturbed you at all except..." You gestured to the mess of paint on your face.

Essa, your youngest handmaiden, stepped forward, the paint in her hand. "I was about to put this away, your majesty."

You took it from her and patted her gently on the cheek. "Thank you, Essa. You're a darling." You sat at your vanity and began to reapply it.

For a moment, all was quiet as your handmaidens returned to their usual chores. That was until you heard a sniff and one of your older handmaidens softly scold "Essa..."

"I can't help it," she whispered back, her voice choked with tears.

You turned around in your seat. "Are you alright, Essa?"

Essa immediately straightened and brushed away a rogue tear. "Oh, I'm alright, your majesty," she assured you.

You walked over to sit on your bed and gestured for her to do the same. Once she was next to you, you put a comforting arm around her. "You can tell me anything, dear. Don't worry."

She hesitated a moment longer. "Well... it's just that..." She took a deep breath before continuing. "You've been so kind to me-- to all of us. I hate that we're losing such a wonderful queen."

You thought through what you were going to say. "It will be alright. I'm not as wonderful as you think. I have made more mistakes than I want to admit, and I have a feeling that I've yet to make my last one. There have been better people on the throne, and there will be better people in years to come. But I am glad to have had this opportunity to serve you. If I have been kind, I hope that whoever follows me to the throne follows that example."

"I think it might be better if we all followed that example," Essa laughed through her tears. "I just want what's best for our people. I trust you to choose what's best, your majesty."

"That is one of the highest compliments you could offer me, Essa," you informed her. You sat a moment, frustrated, though you couldn't show it. You felt like a solution was right before you, arms outstretched, waiting for you to grab on. A headache was starting to form at the back of your neck. And to believe that you only had a week to figure it all out.

You cleared your head and stood. "Ladies, I would be most appreciative if you would lay out a dress for this evening's dinner. Thank you." With that instruction, you left.

Much of your work could be done from your office, and since you had allowed emotions back into your life, you had become incredible at multitasking. You could work and worry at the same time. A few rallies didn't mean that your extended term was what all the people wanted. Though, you had to admit that even the candidate you endorsed would not have been your first choice for a ruler. And what about everyone you loved-- who loved you? You knew that what Padmé said about Anakin was true, but you couldn't help wonder if doing such a thing was cruel. What would he think?

Dinner came too quickly and not quickly enough. You dressed for it and went before the press. Yes, every detail of your last week in office would be revealed in various media. From fashion statements to statements of the political nature, no stone would be left unturned. Even as you walked downstairs, cameras flashed and droids rushed to ask you the questions that their masters had told them to. The political figures you had invited to dinner were already being assaulted with question after question, but when the press saw you, they flocked to you.

One droid rolled forward and questioned in its artificial voice, "Your majesty, your sister Senator Amidala was betrayed to Nute Gunray by the Rodian government, and the senate continues to dispatch supply convoys to the planet. What do you have to say about this?"

You had been expecting such questions, and wasted no time in answering. "Over fifteen years ago, our people, too, were desperate for food and supplies. The Rodian government did what they thought was best for the people at the time. I will remind you that Onaconda Farr was instrumental in the capture of Gunray, and is a great friend of the Republic. Perhaps you would do better to ask Senator Amidala about the affair."

Another reporter stepped forward. "Your majesty, some argue that the ethics of producing the clone army are questionable. What are your opinions on this?"

"The ethics are questionable," you confirmed. "The Military Creation Act was opposed by the Naboo from the beginning. Now that the Senate is allowing what is essentially an army of slaves to be grown, it is even more unsavory. But we are at war, and the decision was not ours alone to make."

The reporter continued. "Your majesty, some of these same people propose that the Jedi Order be punished for creating the army. Comments?"

It was then that you felt something familiar. It was like someone gently pushing on the back of your neck, and it was designed to get attention. Anakin sometimes communicated with you through the Force like this. There were only two problems: it often caused trouble for you where none was needed, and you couldn't respond. "I'm here," Anakin announced telepathically.

Back to the subject at hand. "The Jedi that ordered the creation of the army is dead," you reminded the reporter. "And the Jedi Order had no knowledge of the army. They do their part to bring peace to the galaxy, and the Senate does theirs. The Naboo are not against the Jedi, we are against injustices. If the Jedi Order has committed any, let the punishment match the crime."

And so it went on, until you could escape to the dining room with your guests. Before you entered, you noticed Shon Nalex with a man who appeared to be a friend of his. "I gotta go," he announced. "Decisions are happening over dinner." He left his friend dumbfounded.

You wanted to glare at Nalex mercilessly. The man wouldn't leave you alone for a second. As much as you distanced yourself from him, he would hound you about the amendment as subtly as he could until you cracked under the pressure. You wouldn't allow that. No matter your decision, it would not be the result of Nalex's influence.

You took your place at the head of the table, and dinner proceeded with its usual formality. If you didn't speak at all, no one would notice. Thus you retreated into your own mind and fears and anxiety.

You felt Anakin watching you, you could almost feel his concern. With the Force, he once again got your attention. "Are you alright?" he questioned.

You met his eyes. His brows were furrowed in concern, and his lips were slightly parted. You offered a slight nod and the subtlest of smiles that you could tell he didn't buy. You didn't blame him. You never bought that reaction when it came from him.

But that was the end of the secret looks, for Secretary Nalex once again felt the need to draw attention to himself. He stood, glass in hand; and proposed, "A toast to her majesty Queen Y/N Amidala. She is truly kindest, most honest, most caring ruler Naboo has had in decades. Forgive me, Senator Amidala; I mean no disrespect."

Nalex's audience offered a brief wave of polite laughter. "In all seriousness, your majesty," Nalex resumed. "We have been honored and privileged to have you represent us, and I believe I can speak for this entire congregation when I say that we are sad to see you go. We toast your health, your prosperity, and your happiness in the coming years. To the queen!"

The toast echoed across the table as everyone raised their glass. It wasn't as bad as you thought it would be, though you didn't miss Nalex's pointed look when he said he was sad to see you go.

As Nalex sat, you noticed the woman sitting next to him. You had met the new Mrs. Azilé Nalex before, but as you set your eyes on her you noticed something strange. She was oddly familiar to you, as though you knew her on a personal level. You couldn't place your finger on it.

When dinner ended, the Supreme Chancellor monopolized Anakin's attention, as he always seemed to. You were always curious as to why such an important man like Palpatine would take such a special interest in your husband.

As you were wondering, you were approached by Master Kenobi. "I'd like to thank you for the lovely evening, your majesty. It was most enjoyable."

"I'm glad to hear it, Master Kenobi. Have you found everything to your liking? Your suite? The service?"

"Oh, yes," Kenobi assured you. "Anakin and I are very comfortable here. It's much better than what we're used to on the front, as I'm sure Anakin has told you."

You offered a smile. "Master Skywalker has told me very little about the Outer Rim sieges," you lied.

"That's odd," Obi-Wan remarked. "Anakin rarely misses an opportunity to complain about our difficulties maintaining comfort."

It was true. You often had to remind Anakin to enjoy the soft bed he had temporarily instead of focusing on the stiff cot he had ahead of him. Though you could tell he was increasingly having trouble sleeping on your plush mattress.

"Though I suppose it makes sense," Obi-Wan continued. "It seems that this past year, Anakin has little to upset him." He said this with a suspicious tone and a scrutinizing gaze, as though your reaction would be a factor in some bizarre type of scientific research.

"Peculiar," you agreed, curious what Obi-Wan knew. Perhaps he had connected the dots. You wouldn't put it past him. But you wouldn't give him the satisfaction of having his suspicions confirmed; not without Anakin.

You bade goodnight to your guests and retired to your room. You slipped into your nightgown and between the sheets, trying to fall asleep; but you couldn't seem to even close your eyes.

After some hours alone, you heard the back door open and felt Anakin crawl into bed next to you. "Anakin..." you began.

"I didn't mean to wake you up," he whispered.

You rolled over on your back to look up at Anakin. He was resting his head on his slightly curled fingers, his elbow propped up by the pillow. His hair fell just the way you liked it, so you could study every little twist and spiral. You place your hand on the back of his neck and rubbed it gently. "You didn't," you assured him.

You slowly pulled his face towards yours until your lips connected. For a slow and silent moment you forgot your concerns and lost your sense of time as wrapped you tightly in his arms. The moment ended when Anakin pulled away and rested his head on the pillow like a decent person. "You weren't yourself at dinner," he remarked.

"Ani, I'm never myself at dinner," you reminded him.

Anakin brushed your hair back from your face. "I think you know what I mean."

"It's nothing," you sighed. "It was just the stress of everything that's going on. It's exhausting." It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't exactly the truth. "I'm fine. I promise."

"Would you like to talk about it?" he pressed further.

You closed your eyes and buried your forehead in the crook of his neck. "No..." you mumbled.

"Alright," Anakin said. His voice was barely audible as he began to trace circles on your back. There was little sound. You breathed in unison and you remained as still as you could. When Anakin drifted to sleep, he began to lightly snore. At first you had had trouble sleeping with the noise, but over the past year you had begun to find it difficult to sleep without it.

You wanted to be able to serve your people, but you also wanted a private life. It was a horrific shame you couldn't have both.

Anakin was already gone when you woke up. You pulled yourself out of bed and stood a moment in silence, eyes closed. You could almost imagine the planet was silent and still. You could almost pretend that Naboo would come to a screeching halt. For a moment, you could believe that you didn't have to run to catch up with the rest of the galaxy. That was until the intercom buzzed, and you snapped awake.

"Essa is here to see you, your majesty."

You turned on the intercom. "Send her in," you instructed.

Moments later, Essa entered. "I'm sorry to disturb you, your majesty. Secretary Nalex is asking to see you again, I'm afraid."

"Not a moment's peace..." you muttered to yourself.

"I would like to apologize on his behalf, your majesty," Essa declared. "I feel Shon means well at times, but he is ambitious and that is his folly."

You tilted your head. "Are you familiar with Secretary Nalex, Essa?"

"Why, yes, your majesty," she confirmed. "Secretary Nalex is my brother-in-law."

That explained why Azilé looked familiar to you. Poor Essa... If she could survive being around Nalex, she would survive just about anything. "Well, help me get ready," you instructed. "And you and I will meet with the secretary."

Essa nodded and proceeded to help you like your old handmaidens would've before you married Anakin.

Once you were dressed as the queen you were meant to be, you and Essa met Nalex in the Throne Room. To your relief, your advisory council wasn't assembled, so Nalex didn't mean to cause a scene. "Secretary Nalex," you greeted him.

Nalex bowed. "Your majesty, I apologize for disturbing you once again."

"Think nothing of it," you instructed, though you wished he would think twice before summoning you. "What did you call me here to discuss?" As though you had to ask...

"I believe you know, your majesty," he responded. "With all due respect, we must have your answer. We must start preparing for whatever your decision will be."

You suppressed the urge to smack him. "The people are already prepared should I end my term."

"And if you choose to extend your term? Your majesty, I believe you know what is best for the people. You know you should continue to serve."

This was a new level of irreverence from Nalex. "Remember your place, Secretary," you demanded. "It is not for you to decide what I should and should not do. To say that you know what I will do is more than presumptions; it is impertinent."

Nalex was shocked into silence. You turned to his sister-in-law. "Essa, what is your opinion?" you inquired. "Speak freely."

"Your Majesty, I--" She looked at Nalex who was staring her down. "I believe that you will know what is best for our people, and you are not required to decide what that is until the day you give your address."

You placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you." You turned back to Nalex. "That will be all, Nalex. You're dismissed."

He opened his mouth to protest but shut it promptly. He threw one last dirty look at Essa before spinning on his heel and leaving.

"He's not going to be happy," Essa muttered to herself.

"Essa, I want to thank you for standing up for me," you said. "It couldn't have been easy..."

Essa shook her head. "With all due respect, your majesty, it was easier than I thought it would be. Please forgive my bluntness, but Shon could use an ounce of humility."

You admired her for it. On the surface she seemed so soft and gentle, but there was clearly a side of her that was stronger than anyone could perceive. You expected nothing less of one of your handmaidens.

As far as the rest of your planet was concerned, the rest of your week proceeded without a hitch. Parades proceeded as planned. Ceremonies continued. Inside your palace walls, however, there was a quiet uproar. The end of your reign was either near or another term away, and it seemed that every time you passed someone in the halls they were asking which it was.

You still hadn't told Anakin what you were considering. You weren't sure why you were avoiding it. If you chose to extend your term, he would find out anyway. Perhaps you wanted a personal life so badly that you were willing to hide things. Why could you never learn from past mistakes?

The truth was you had a plan, granted a vague one. It involved the participation of more than one party, and you weren't sure if you could pull it off. You had only talked it over with one other person, but there was no amendment written. The advisory council might not agree to it. Most troubling of all, you weren't sure if it was best for the people.

Your time was running out. Before you knew it, it was only a day before your farewell speech. Only a day turned into only a few hours. The ceremony was early in the morning. You woke up before dawn. You sat at your vanity as you did when you were most troubled and looked over to Anakin who was still asleep. You had to tell him. He deserved to know. You turned back to your mirror and buried your face in your hands. On the day that history had its eyes on you, you didn't feel like existing.

You shivered in the cold of the morning until a warm hand and a familiar cold metal one gently rest on your shoulders, gently massaging. You hadn't even noticed that Anakin had gotten out of bed. "Your hand is freezing, Anakin..." you yawned.

"I'm sorry," he whispered and walked around to kneel in front of you. You absently raised both of his hands to your lips. "When are you going to tell me what's troubling you?"

You had to tell him. He had to know. You squeezed your eyes shut and a stray tear ran down your face. Anakin wiped it away with his thumb and pulled you into his lap. The secrets you kept and the tears you tried to suppress spilled over. It all flowed from you like water from a broken dam. And it was as though a weight was lifted fro your chest and you could breathe freely again. As Anakin listened, he held you close and rubbed your arms.

When you finished, you sat together in silence. The sun would come up in just a little bit. The sky outside your window was already turning from black to gray. Anakin's chin rested on the top of your head and he gently combed through your hair. "Why didn't you tell me, my love?"

"I don't know..." you admitted, your voice hoarse. You let out a short, bitter laugh. "I thought you would hate that I was even considering it."

"Why would you think that?" Anakin whispered, planting a kiss in your hair. "I trust you, and I'll support you, Y/N, whatever you choose." After a moment's silence, he questioned. "What will you choose? Queen Amidala or Miss Amidala?"

"Mrs. Skywalker," you replied without hesitation. "Whatever path I choose."

The blue light of the morning shone through the window and crept down your walls, and you were finally at peace. Finally you were certain what your path was.

Only a few hours later you went before your people and looked out over the crowd. Secretary Nalex sat next to his wife and the Supreme Chancellor on the second row. Just behind you, Padmé stood with your other predecessors. In the front row were guests you had personally, meaning Anakin was there.

You took a breath before beginning. "My friends, my fellow Naboo, a wise queen once said that the galaxy doesn't slow down for anyone, but those who can keep up are called queens. My term indeed seems short compared to the lifetime I would offer you." Nalex sat up straighter, anticipating your next words. "But this is where it comes to an end. It has been my highest honor and privilege to serve you. I hope that I have been kind, for I know I've cared. Every day of my reign was dedicated to your well-being and I don't regret it in the slightest. I hate to leave you now, in this time of war, but my hope is that today I will leave you with the tools to survive.

"In a few hours, you will all be able to vote for the ruler you believe is best. My final official decree is that Essa Relyuhcs be submitted as a candidate in the race. I encourage you all to vote for her. She has every quality that I hope to see in the palace, in Theed, and in all the creatures of Naboo.

"But I cannot decide who you are, and I cannot dictate what you do. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, besides the will of evil.

"I beg you, dear people, to link arms with your neighbors and stand. Stand against the wickedness that the universe has yet to throw at you. Rise above the insults of the corrupt. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. In these trying times you will tread through fire, and you will emerge as pure gold."

You locked eyes with Anakin who was smiling at you. You returned the smile. "And walk with love in every step. Don't mock it. Love is why you fight. Love is what can end wars. It is a powerful force. May it guide you. May kindness guide you. I am looking forward to walking with you hand-in-hand, as equals. I am looking forward to a brighter world."