Chapter Eighteen
Jango

The throne room of Lothal's royal palace stretches before me, a grand testament to power and authority. Yet, as I stand here beside Senator Amidala, my focus narrows to the figure who has just entered—Queen Selene herself.

Her presence brings an immediate shift in the atmosphere. The air seems to crackle with an unspoken tension, a stark contrast to the warmth emanating from Senator Amidala beside me. I observe the young monarch carefully, my trained eyes picking up on the subtlest of details.

Queen Selene moves with a grace that belies her youth, each step measured and deliberate as she approaches us. Her attire, a seamless blend of regality and practicality, speaks volumes about her character. This is not a ruler content to sit idly on a throne; she's a woman of action.

As our eyes meet, I'm struck by the depth of emotions I see there, carefully masked behind a veil of diplomatic neutrality. Recognition flashes in her gaze—she remembers me from her coronation. It's a memory I too carry, the weight of it settling uncomfortably on my shoulders.

Her welcoming demeanor catches me off guard. There's a gentleness to her expression, a warmth in her slight smile that seems at odds with the circumstances of our meeting. It's unexpected, given the history between us—or rather, between her and my former employer.

I can't help but wonder if she knows the full extent of my connection to Dooku, to the man responsible for her father's death. The thought sends a chill down my spine, despite the temperature-controlled environment of my armor.

As she nods in acknowledgment, I return the gesture, keeping my expression neutral and my voice carefully modulated. "Your Highness," I say, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. There's a world of unspoken tension in those two simple words.

The bounty Dooku placed on her head flashes through my mind—a sum so substantial it could set a man up for life. It's a testament to her importance, to the threat she poses to his plans. Yet here I stand, ostensibly offering her aid instead of collecting that tempting reward.

The irony of the situation isn't lost on me. I'm acutely aware of the delicate balance I'm treading. On one side, my professional reputation and the potential for an enormous payday. On the other, the opportunity to forge new alliances, to perhaps chart a different course for myself and my son.

As Queen Selene prepares to speak, I brace myself for whatever may come next. Will she maintain this facade of cordiality? Or will she confront the bantha in the room—my connection to her father's killer?

The weight of my armor suddenly feels oppressive, a physical reminder of the barriers between us. I find myself oddly hoping that this young queen, with her unexpected warmth and steely determination, might see beyond the cold exterior of the bounty hunter before her.

In this moment, standing in the opulent throne room of Lothal, I realize that this encounter could be a turning point. Not just for Queen Selene and her planet, but for me as well. The choices made here today could ripple out, affecting the galaxy in ways none of us can foresee.

As I await her words, I remain outwardly calm and collected. But beneath the armor, my heart races with anticipation. Whatever happens next, I know that this meeting with Queen Selene will be etched in my memory for years to come.

The queen's gaze returns to me, and I feel the weight of her scrutiny. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, seem to pierce through my armor, searching for something beyond the cold exterior of the bounty hunter before her. I stand my ground, meeting her gaze steadily, even as I wonder what she sees.

After what feels like an eternity, but is likely only a moment, she nods to Padmé. Her voice, when she speaks, is measured and controlled. "I see. Well, it's better to secure any privileges for the upcoming event."

The shift in her focus is palpable. Whatever assessment she's made of me, whatever decision she's reached, she's moving forward. I find myself both relieved and oddly disappointed. Part of me had been bracing for a confrontation, for questions about my past allegiances. Instead, she's chosen to accept my presence and move on to practical matters.

But then, she surprises me again. She turns back to me, and the smile she offers is genuinely grateful. "Thank you, Jango," she says, my name rolling off her tongue with unexpected warmth.

Those three simple words hit me like a blaster bolt to the chest. Gratitude is not something I'm accustomed to in my line of work. Suspicion, fear, grudging respect – these are the reactions I typically encounter. But genuine thanks? It's rare enough to catch me off guard.

Before I can formulate a response, she's gesturing to Padmé, and the two women are walking away, their heads already bent in discussion. I'm left standing alone in the vast throne room, the echoes of their retreating footsteps fading into silence.

In their absence, the weight of the situation settles over me like a heavy cloak. I find myself replaying the brief interaction, analyzing every word, every gesture. The complexity of our intertwined destinies is not lost on me. Here I am, once aligned with the man who killed her father, now offering aid to secure her position. The irony is almost painful.

I think of the bounty on her head, the one I've chosen not to pursue. I think of my son, Boba, and the future I'm trying to secure for him. I think of the shifting alliances in this galaxy at war, and where I might find my place in it all.

As I stand there, alone in the opulent throne room, I'm struck by the realization that this moment, this decision to aid Queen Selene, could be a turning point. Not just in the grand scheme of galactic politics, but in my own personal journey.

The gratitude in her eyes, the warmth in her voice when she thanked me – it stirs something long dormant within me. A sense of purpose, perhaps. Or maybe just the faintest flicker of hope that there might be more to my legacy than the cold reputation of a bounty hunter.

I take a deep breath, feeling the familiar weight of my armor, the tools of my trade. But for the first time in a long while, I wonder if they might be used for something more than just the next big payday. As I finally turn to leave the throne room, my mind is already racing with possibilities, strategies, and the potential consequences of the path I've chosen.

Whatever comes next, I know one thing for certain: my encounter with Queen Selene has set in motion events that will reshape not just Lothal, but perhaps the very fabric of the galaxy itself. And I, Jango Fett, find myself at the heart of it all.