Chapter 2
Mira

It had taken a considerable amount of time, with every tick of the clock echoing through the starship, but eventually we reached a distance from my home planet of Lothal that brought a semblance of comfort to my tightened chest. The journey had been fraught with tension and urgency, my heart thumping in my chest like a drum beating to the rhythm of the engines as we hurtled through the vast emptiness of space. I cautiously approached the cockpit, the fabric of my elegant, flowing dress whispering against the cool metal floor with each step, my mind racing with the gravity of our escape.

The absence of my personal guard was a stark reminder of the chaos we had left behind, but I was acutely aware that the events that had transpired in the hangar had not been mere happenstance. The unmistakable energy of the Force had surged through me, a power that, even when kept hidden, marked me as a target ripe for exploitation or destruction. My father's legacy as the liberator of Lothal was now intertwined with my own burgeoning abilities, creating a dangerous confluence of notoriety and vulnerability.

As I stepped into the cockpit, my eyes met with those of Finn, the concerned gaze of my guard's sibling. He sat attentively, his hands resting on the controls with the ease of a seasoned pilot, the dashboard lights casting a warm glow on his features.

"Are you okay, Your Highness?" he inquired gently, the question laden with the weight of shared understanding.

I paused, placing a hand against my forehead as a dull ache began to pulse. "I will be," I replied, my voice a soft sigh. "Just a headache. Today has been...overwhelming."

With a nod of his head, he gestured towards the seat beside him. "Why don't you take a moment to rest?"

The cockpit was a symphony of lights and sounds, a testament to the advanced technology that allowed us to traverse the galaxy. I lowered myself into the co-pilot's chair as the ship shuddered slightly, indicating our entry into Naboo's atmosphere. The planet grew from a distant speck into a swirling mass of blue and green, a stark contrast to the barren wasteland I had just left.

"I'm okay," I assured him, though the tremor in my voice betrayed my nerves.

Finn nodded solemnly. "I know you are. You're made of stronger stuff than you realize."

With trembling fingers, I reached for the holoprojector, the cold metal a stark reminder of the gravity of my situation. The device hummed to life, casting a holographic image before us. There, in a shimmer of light, was Padme Amidala, Queen of Naboo, dressed in an evening gown that shimmered with the elegance of a starlit night.

"Padme," I began, my voice a soft caress. "I'm so sorry to disturb you. I know it's late."

Her eyes widened with surprise, then softened into a warm smile. "Mira, it's no trouble at all," she replied, her voice as rich and soothing as a symphony of the stars. "What brings you here?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat, the words sticking like burrs to my dry lips. "Lothal... there was an attack. The king..."

Her expression grew solemn. "I heard. Is there anything I can do?"

"Could... could I possibly seek shelter with you?" I ventured, my voice a mere whisper, hopeful yet tentative.

The Queen's smile grew warm, enveloping me in a warmth that seemed to span the light-years between us. "Of course, dear. I'll send a detachment of my best guards to escort you."

With a final nod of gratitude, I deactivated the holoprojector, the room plunging back into the stark reality of the cockpit. Finn's hand rested on my shoulder, a silent offering of comfort.

"You have good friends, Your Highness," he murmured.

I offered him a weak smile. "Yes, let's just hope it's enough."

The unspoken fears hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the precarious nature of our situation. As the starship descended towards the welcoming embrace of Naboo, I couldn't help but wonder if the warmth of friendship and the strength of the Force would be enough to shield me from the storm that raged across the galaxy.

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The moment we touched down on the lush, verdant landscape of Naboo, the majestic palace loomed into view, its grandiose architecture gleaming under the soft glow of the setting twin suns. The air was thick with anticipation as we approached the gleaming white structure, surrounded by the tranquil waters of the nearby lake. An armed escort, dressed in the royal guard's crisp, navy-blue uniforms adorned with gold trimming, stood at attention, their eyes reflecting the fiery hues of the descending suns. The head guard, a stoic and distinguished Gungan, stepped forward, his expression unwavering yet respectful.

As I disembarked from our transport, the head guard's gaze met mine, and he offered a curt nod of acknowledgment. "Your Highness, we have been expecting you," he said, his deep voice resonating with the formality of his greeting. Finn, ever the gallant escort, handed over my luggage to the head guard, who took it with a deft touch that belied his robust frame.

Turning to Finn, I felt a swell of affection and concern for the brave soul who had brought me here. "Remember, my friend, the path of valor often leads through the thicket of danger," I whispered, gripping his forearm firmly. He nodded, a solemn expression crossing his weathered features, and bent down to place a chaste kiss upon the back of my hand.

"Your Majesty," he murmured, his eyes filled with a quiet resolve. With a heavy heart, I watched him ascend the ramp of the sleek, silver starship, its engines purring gently, a stark contrast to the quiet of the evening. The vessel's hatch sealed with a hiss, and with a final roar, it launched skyward, leaving a trail of light that soon disappeared into the deepening twilight.

The head guard's gaze returned to me, a hint of warmth in his usually stoic demeanor. "Your Royal Highness, the Queen Padmé awaits your presence," he said, gesturing to the low-slung speeder that hummed patiently beside us. We sped off towards the palace, the wind whipping through my hair as we navigated the serene pathways flanked by ancient, towering trees that whispered secrets of the planet's storied past.

Upon our arrival at the grand hangar, the scene unfolded like a painting come to life. Padmé descended the grandiose staircase, her flowing evening gown of emerald silk fluttering around her like a gentle breeze, her hair cascading down her back in a wave of dark, unbound curls. The warm light from within the palace cast a soft glow on her features, highlighting the concern etched upon her brow.

As I stepped from the speeder, she rushed towards me, her eyes filled with a blend of relief and maternal affection. "Mira," she breathed, her voice a soothing balm to my soul. I fell into her embrace, the dam of my emotions breaking free, and wept openly, the weight of recent events crashing down upon me. Her arms tightened around me, and I could feel the comforting rhythm of her heartbeat, a steady reminder of the friendship that had spanned years and galaxies.

When my sobs subsided, and my breathing grew steadier, she pulled back, her thumbs gently wiping away the tears that stained my cheeks. "Thank you, Padme," I murmured, my voice raw from the outpouring of emotion. "Thank you for welcoming me into your sanctuary."

Her smile was warm, her eyes kind. "Of course, Mira. You are always welcome here," she assured me, her voice a gentle caress. She then took my hand, her touch a silent promise of support, and led me away from the chilly evening air into the welcoming embrace of the palace. "Come, the nights of Naboo are quite brisk. We must get you inside, where it is warm."