Harley and Aphra had fallen silent, competing to devour the palace pastries, while Zero Three and BT helped each other fit new parts. The little tea room soon grew quiet.
Just a few minutes later, Apailana hurried into the room behind Ailai. She wore an opulent black gown that swept the floor. It was mourning dress.
After taking the throne, she had announced a change to the electoral law, abolishing the four-year term. She would find Padmé's killer.
Until she had her revenge, she would not step down. She would govern forever in mourning dress, never marry, never seek pleasure, and devote all her love to Nabu and Nabu's Queen Amidala.
She truly was Padmé's little fangirl—the obsessive kind.
That had its advantages. The moment Apailana saw the former queen, she knew she was real. Apailana had been only twelve when she took the throne and was now nearly forty, yet she still remembered every detail about Padmé, down to her scent and the look in her eyes.
"Your Majesty." She hurried over and clasped both Padmé's hands, a restrained smile appearing on her heavily powdered face. "I'm so glad you're back. While you were gone, I managed to preserve Nabu's independence."
"No, you're Your Majesty." Holding her hands, Padmé shook her head with a touch of emotion. "The last time I saw you, you were still a little girl. Now you're a capable leader. I know Nabu's situation, and I understand how hard it is to maintain its independence within the Empire."
Yes, Padmé was growing wistful again. She only wished Leia were as clever as Apailana.
"What I've done is nothing compared to what you did for Nabu. I should return the throne to you at once."
Now middle-aged but never married because of her vow, Apailana sat