Meanwhile... in the castle
King Ruwee was beside himself.
His youngest daughter Princess Padme still refused to pick a husband. He wasn't getting anywhere with his adopted daughter Caroline either.

"Just once, I'd like to see Padme not reject a man. Or that Caroline not turn her nose up at every man who seeks to dance with her."

"Ruwee, perhaps we should not rush our girls to marry." Queen Jobal said. "The law does not require them to marry, and therefore if they choose not to, they do not."

"They must. Sola has not visited in months, and I would very much like to see more grandchildren before I'm gone." Ruwee said.

"Please, Dear. Our girls are independent young women. They can think for themselves and find proper men when they like."

"Nevertheless. After them, they need another heir to the throne."

"Your Majesty, if I might suggest." Threepio, the royal protocol droid said. "If you were to perhaps introduce your daughters to every eligible bachelor in the kingdom, it would increase the chances of finding suitable men for the princesses."
____________________
("Hold up!" said Lamenta. "Why is Threepio still a droid but R2 a dog?"
"Astromech droids can't give kisses the way a dog does. Besides, Cinderella had animal friends, and didn't have a twin originally." Gabby said.
"Good point."
"Can we just get back to the story please?")
____________________
Once all the house chores were done, Anakin and Carmine headed out to town to run the errands.
The twins brought the horses to help them carry some of the stuff, and Artoo came too.

"Alright, Artoo." said Anakin, holding out the envelope. "Take this to the mailbox while I get the bread."

Anakin left with Sapphire to get the bread while Carmine and Harmony went to pick up Savage's suit.

Carmine waited outside for the tailor to have his order ready. While he waited, he happened to have his guitar with him. He hardly ever had time to play it at home, so he took the chance to play it now.

Carmine played his guitar and sang his parents' song. Harmony swayed to the sound of Carmine's beautiful singing voice. She and Anakin knew better than anyone else that Carmine dreamed of being a singer. The only problem was he had stage fright. Anytime people came around, he got scared and stopped his music. Anakin was an exception, seeing as they were twin brothers, and in a way, it was like singing to himself.

No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing,
The dream that you wish
Will come true

"You have a beautiful voice." said a female voice, startling Carmine.

Carmine nearly dropped his guitar as he was startled.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."
Carmine looked up and saw the owner of the voice. They wore a brown cloak, their hood concealing almost their entire face, but Carmine could tell it was a young woman, and she had lovely blue eyes.

Carmine couldn't help feeling astonished by this beautiful girl's eyes.

"I was just walking by, and I couldn't help overhearing your singing." said the girl.

"I-I-I'm Carmine." said the boy, very nervously.

"Nice to meet you." said the girl.

"I don't usually sing in front of people."

"Why not? You're obviously talented."

"Thank you. I don't know why. I just... I just get so nervous. My parents used to sing that song to me and brother. It was our lullaby."

"They sound like wonderful people."

"They were. Now it's just me and Anakin. And our stepfamily."

"I'm sorry. I'm sure your stepfamily must care for you though."

"Pfft! They've got an odd way of showing it." Carmine almost laughed.

Meanwhile, Anakin looked through the market for just the right bread. He did not want a repeat of the time he was supposed to get sourdough rolls but was given pumpernickel by mistake.

"Aha! There you are." Anakin said, finding what he was looking for.

But just as Anakin was about to pick up the desired bag, another hand touched his. A hand attached to a wrist with a blue bead bracelet.
Anakin looked up to see a hooded figure in front of him. He froze when he looked at them. Despite the blue hood, he could make out just enough to see it was a young woman with beautiful brown eyes.

"Are you an angel?" said Anakin.

"What?" chuckled the woman.

"You know, the most beautiful creature in the known universe?" Anakin smiled charmingly.

"You are a funny man." said the woman.

"Anakin's my name." He brushed a bit of his hair back. "Charm is my game."

"That's very kind, but I'm not in a hurry for that kind of thing, if you know what I mean."

Just then, the clock chimed outside.

"Ugh! Speaking of rushing. My stepfather's gonna bust my butt if Carmine and I aren't home to finish the chores and cook lunch."

And Anakin rushed to pay for the bread and find Carmine so they could get home.

"Carmine! Time to go!" Anakin called, getting onto Sapphire.

"Oh, I'd better go." said Carmine. "Maybe I'll see you again?"

"Won't be easy, but I'll try." said the girl.
And so, the twins rushed home on their horses, just barely making it in time. And they got right to getting the other chores done, starting with Carmine tuning the piano and then sweeping in the music room as Palpatine began music lessons with his sons.
____________________
Oh sing sweet nightingale
Sing sweet nightingale
High above me

Savage sang as Palpatine played the piano and Maul played the flute. But he sang way off-key, making Carmine cover his ears.

Oh sing sweet nightingale
Sing sweet-

"Stop, stop, stop!" Palpatine demanded.

"Father, I'm just singing." Savage said.

"And you sound like a constipated pelican!" Palpatine then saw Carmine sighing with relief as the noise stopped. "Carmine, come here!"

Carmine approached.

"Yes, Stepfather?" said the boy.

"Sing the same song as Savage." Palpatine said.
Carmine was a bit surprised by that order. He'd never actually been asked to sing by his stepfamily.

"And..." Palpatine played the piano again. And Carmine sang.

Oh sing sweet nightingale
Sing sweet nightingale
High
Oh sing sweet nightingale
Sing sweet nightingale
Oh sing sweet nightingale
Sing sweet
Oh sing sweet nightingale
Sing
Oh sing sweet nightingale
Oh sing sweet
Oh sing

Unlike Savage, Carmine's singing was clear, on-key, and passionate.

"See, Savage, my son?" Palpatine said. "That is the vocal talent that will find you a suitable lady."

"I'd be happy to give Savage some vocal lessons, if that would help?" Carmine smiled.

Carmine saw this as a chance to finally gain some respect around here. But, his stepbrothers only saw that as a threat.

"You trying to make me look bad?" Savage growled, approaching Carmine.

"N-No! Of course not!" Carmine whimpered, backing up quickly. "I only wanted to offer some help. A few lessons couldn't hurt."

Savage then grabbed Carmine by the front of his shirt. "No, but I can hurt you!"

Luckily, Anakin came in.

"Leave my little brother alone!" Anakin said angrily, defending his twin.

"You dare to speak to my brother that way?!" said Maul, looking ready to attack with his flute.

"Mess with me, but don't mess with my brother if you value your life." Anakin growled.

"That is enough, all of you!" Palpatine said angrily, before the guys could start brawling.

Just then, there was a ring at the door.

"Saved by the bell." Anakin said, motioning for Carmine to run.

Anakin then took the chance to go down and see who was at the door. And outside was the clumsy messenger Jar Jar, who tripped on the front stairs and lay on his stomach at the door.

"Meesa bring muy important message from his royal majesty!" said the gungan, getting the letter out.

Carmine took the letter, while Anakin helped Jar Jar up.

"You okay?" Anakin asked.

"Tanking you. Meesa fine." Jar Jar said, and left.

"What is that?" Anakin asked, looking at the envelope.

"Whatever it is, if it came from the king, it must be important." Carmine said.

"Well, we'd best not keep it from stepfather." Anakin said. "Let's go."

The twins went back upstairs together to await to hear what was in that envelope.