You and Anakin entered the meeting room of the palace, a room you knew all too well. Queen Jamillia gave you a soft smile from her seat on the throne. Sio Bibble was there as well as a few other advisors. Handmaidens and guards stood around the room. Anakin noted the high respect everyone had for you as you both entered the room. It was clear everyone thought highly of you and he couldn't help but be in awe of how far you have come.

"We've been worried about you." Queen Jamillia said as you walked up to greet her. She wrapped her arms around you in a hug. You had developed a friendship with her, after supporting her in her campaign to be Queen. She often sought out your advice and approval, given that she was the one who took your rightful place as Queen of Naboo after Padmè. Queen Jamillia knew the people of Naboo wanted you to be where she sat and she would be lying if she said she didn't want you to be in her position. But nonetheless, she always kept you in the loop of everything going on in Naboo and was very happy you were serving as Jedi Senator.

"I'm so glad you're safe, ____." Queen Jamillia smiled as you both pulled away.

"Thank you, Your Highness." you said as you made your way to your seat. "I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote." you commented as you sat down. Anakin stood protectively next to you.

"Given the circumstances, Jedi Senator, you know it was the only decision Her Highness could have made." Sio Bibble said. Queen Jamilla turned to you with a serious face.

"How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the Separatists?" she asked.

"Thousands." you sighed. "And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war."

"It's unthinkable!" Sio Bibble exclaimed. "There hasn't been a full scale war since the formation of the republic!"

"Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the Separatists back into the Republic?" Queen Jamilla questioned further.

"Not if they feel threatened. My guess is they'll turn to the Trade Federations or the Commerce Guilds for help." you answered honestly. You felt Anakin trying to understand everything being discussed, but he was content as he looked between you and the Queen.

"It's outrageous! After four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis." Sio Bibble spoke out. You and Queen Jamilla shared a look as she spoke.

"We must keep our faith in the Republic." Queen Jamillia calmly said. She stood up and everyone sitting down, including you, stood up with her. She walked over to you and you both started to walk side by side to the door. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."

"Let's pray that day never comes." you replied as Anakin followed behind you.

"In the meantime, we must consider your own safety." Queen Jamillia declared.

"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi, to protect our Master Jedi Senator." Sio Bibble asked Anakin. You answer before he could, feeling irritation come from him.

"Oh, we are not Master Jedi. Anakin and I are still Padawan learners. But I was thinking-" you said.

"Hold on a minute." Anakin interrupted, annoyed and irritated. You were under his protection, not the other way around.

"Excuse me." you said sternly as you eyed him, causing him to get even more irritated. "I was thinking we would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."

"Excuse me." Anakin said rudely to you, ignoring the confused feeling from you. "I'm in charge of security here, Milady."

"And this is my home. I know it very well. That is why we are here." you pointed out. "I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of my knowledge in this instance."

You are causing an unnecessary scene, Anakin. Trust me, we will be okay at the Lake Country.

You said to him through the Force. Anakin let out a deep breath, you were right. He was causing a scene as all eyes were on you both. You weren't mad at him, but you were asking him to put his trust in you just as much as you trust him. Any other Force users would have definitely felt the battle of control between you and him. You give him a look and Anakin gave you a side smile. You won this time.

I trust you.

Anakin's voice said in your mind before he replied out loud for the rest to hear. "Sorry, Milady."

You gave a slight nod of your head before turning around and walking down the few steps of the room with Queen Jamillia.

"Perfect. It's settled then." she said to you. "____, I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening and he hopes you will visit your mother before you leave... Your family is very worried about you."

Anakin watched for your reaction. You just smiled softly, but he felt a slight annoyance from you. Probably because you still didn't fully believe you were in as much trouble as you were and you didn't want your parents to worry. But he also felt happiness from you.

"Thank you, Your Highness." you replied. "I will visit them right now before leaving for the Lake Country." you replied. Anakin's stomach dropped slightly from nervousness. He was going to meet your family and he knew he wanted to make a good impression on them. You turned to look at him and Anakin looked clammy and very nervous. You tilted your head at his reaction before turning back to the Queen. "We will freshen up before meeting with my parents. Thank you for everything, Your Highness."

Queen Jamillia smiled at you before you gave her a curtsy. "You are welcome, ____. Stay safe."

~

"You're nervous." you commented as you and Anakin walked along the palace hallways. The handmaidens had prepared a room for you to change in and one for Anakin across the hall from yours.

"I'm meeting your family." Anakin breathed out. "I'm meeting your parents for the first time."

"I've met your mother." you smiled at him. "It will be no different. There's no need to be so nervous. They will love you, especially since you are my Jedi protector right now."

Your words had no use on easing his nervousness. You stopped walking and took Anakin's hands in yours. "Anakin, it will be okay." you said with a reassuring smile. "It'll just be a quick lunch before we head out to the Lake Country. You're a Jedi, you have faced far scarier, more nerve wracking events."

Anakin nodded his head as he gave you a nervous smile. You sent a calming feeling to him as you gave his hands a squeeze. "You're right." he finally said as he let your calmness take over his feelings.

"I know." you smirked. "I also thought you wanted to get to know me better?"

"I did."

"Well, you are about to get to know about my family and many things only they, Padmè, and the council of Naboo knows."