Across the Stars: A Cinderella Story
By Serena Kenobi
Summary: Padme Naberrie once was the princess of Naboo, but now her cruel stepmother has become queen after her father's death. Padme wants to become a senator or rule Naboo, but isn't allowed to even read about polititans or politics. Then, an invitation to a ball for Jedi Knight and hero Anakin Skywalker comes, and Padme is detirmined to thwart her mother's plans and go herself. But what she didn't plan on was falling in love...
Chapter One
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away… there lived a young princess. Her full name was Padmé Naberrie Amidala, and she stayed with her father in a palace on the beautiful planet of Naboo. Ruwee Naberrie's first wife had died, but he remarried again so his daughter could have a mother.
The new mother, along with her two daughters, Sola and Sabé, moved into the palace immediately, and treated Padmé with kindness and civility. But that was only a pretense, and Padmé knew it. However, she was always sweet and good towards them, even though her patience was tried more than once.
Jobal Naberrie began treating Padmé differently as soon as Ruwee had died. He had been in bad health lately, and passed away. Padmé was devastated, but was not given time to recuperate, for her stepmother took away all her lovely things and made her live in a small spare bedroom in small turret at the top of one of the palace pillars. The sisters took over Padmé's place as princesses, and poor Padmé was left to clean and basically fend for herself.
Ten years later…
"Stop that, Sabé, I want that dress!" Sola shouted, throwing a comb at her slightly younger sister.
"OW! MOTHER! Sola threw a brush at me!" Sabé screamed, running out of the room, Sola hot on her heels. The two darted past a few servants and nearly knocked over an eighteen-year old Padmé, who was carrying a box of droid parts in her arms.
"Watch where you're going, you filth!" Sabé yelled as she rushed past her stepsister.
"Yeah, why don't you clean a ship or something!" Sola added, darting after Sabe.
Padmé sighed, rolled her eyes, and continued on her way to the repair shop. It was one of the only places she found comfort and peace. Her old friend Paddy was waiting for her, as usual.
"From your looke, I can tell those two brats are at it again, ain't they?" he chuckled, taking the box from her arms.
Padmé nodded tiredly. "Mmm-hmm," she replied. "My stepmother wants that R2 unit. Do you have it ready yet?"
"Got it right here," Paddy said, walking over to a small blue and white unit. "This here's R2-D2," he stated, "A fine unit, he'll work well for you. But I do have to warn you, he's a bit stubborn."
Artoo let out an indignant beep at that, causing Padmé to smile fondly.
"Nice to meet you, Artoo," she replied. "Now come on, we should go before stepmother has my head. She hates it when I stay out too long." She said goodbye to Paddy and exited the shop, Artoo faithfully following her, beeping happily.
"Yes, I can understand droids," Padmé replied, in answer to one of Artoo's questions. "I've been around them for a long time… I also love to work on them. Not really fitting for a princess, though, and I don't have a lot of extra time."
Artoo whined sorrowfully.
"No, that's okay," she continued, "I'm fine. I've survived this for ten years, and I'll just keep going."
The little droid made a rude noise in reference to her stepfamily.
"Behave yourself, Artoo," she scolded, "Someone might overhear you and report me."
I doubt it, Artoo said.
"Well I don't," Padmé shot back. "My stepmother has guards and servants everywhere."
Good for her, Artoo snorted.
"How do you know so much about my family, anyways?" Padmé demanded, staring down at the droid.
Paddy told me everything, he told her. It isn't right… you're the real princess of Naboo, and heir to the throne!
Padmé shrugged. "I was only eight, for crying out loud," she said, "It wasn't like I could order them to leave…"
Artoo whistled sadly.
"I'm a former princess whose only real friend in the world right now appears to be a droid," Padmé muttered under her breath. "Wonderful."
She and Artoo arrived back at the palace soon after, and she entered the main hall, where her stepmother, Jobal, and the sisters were sitting, eating Genosian cakes and Jawa juice.
"Padmé, get in here!" Jobal shrilly called, causing Padmé to wince. "I want your morning chores done by 0:600."
Padmé nodded and replied, "All right. I have the new droid you've been wanting. His name's Artoo Detoo." She motioned to Artoo, who blew a raspberry at the queen.
Jobal gazed distastefully at the pair of them.
"For Force's sake, Padmé, get that dirty thing out of here and bring it into your room! It appears to be rude and obnoxious. I don't want it in my sight again! Put it to work somewhere… like serving drinks aboard my cruise vessel."
"Or it can be in my room and be my personal servant," Sola piped up hopefully.
"No, my dear, I shall get you a protocol droid for that," Jobal replied fondly, smiling at her daughter, who grinned back. She then turned to Padmé. "What are you staring at, girl?" she snapped abruptly, "Don't stand there looking daft, get out of here!"
Padmé tried not to glare at her and the sisters as they snickered at her, but nodded again and turned around to leave.
"I didn't hear a 'yes, your majesty'," Jobal yelled after her.
Padmé simply ignored her and continued to stride out of the hall, fuming. Artoo followed her, considerably upset.
"I'm doing my chores, what else," Padmé said sharply, glancing at Artoo, who had asked what she was doing now. "After I'm done, then I have to help serve lunch… but after that, I can go to the weapons room and practice my defense moves!"
Artoo beeped another question.
"Well," she continued, "My passion is for politics. I'd love to become queen of Naboo if I ever got elected. But I think I'm a little old now. I would absolutely love to be a senator, and go to Coruscant and serve in the senate."
The droid whistled something else, which made Padmé stare down at him curiously.
"You've been to Coruscant?" she asked. "Have you ever seen the Chancellor… or maybe even a Jedi?"
Yes, both, Artoo answered. Padmé whistled.
"Wow," she said wistfully, "What was the Jedi like? I've always wanted to meet one."
Like any other Jedi, I suppose, was the only reply she got. She wrinkled her nose and glared at him.
"Thanks for the informative answer," she responded sarcastically, "It was really helpful."
The droid just whistled pleasantly.
Very different from what I usually write. Don't forget to leave a review! Flames not allowed.