Chapter 103

Yrena and Yona's last target for recruitment was Padme Amidala, known throughout the Galaxy as the Face of Liberty. Her reputation has greatly improved the image of the Terran Ascendency, making her a valuable addition to their cause.

As a prominent member of the Terran Ascendency, she has the power to implement much-needed changes on different planets affected by the war.

During this period, she maintained close communication with Alexander as he was her superior. As a designated high-ranking diplomat, she was given a significant escort and her own personal ship from Naboo.

To ensure her safety during her travels across the galaxy, Alexander also sent two members of the Order of the Guardian Knights to accompany her.

She had spent countless hours talking to Alexander, and they had grown close enough that she now felt at ease calling him by his name. She made it a point to visit Lehon whenever she could, attending meetings as the Protector of liberty.

Despite Alexander's role as Emperor, there was no romantic connection between them. Instead, their friendship was based on shared ideals and values.

Yrena and Yona were en route to Naboo, where Padme was meeting with the new Queen. The space station above Naboo was nearly finished being constructed and the Naboo Royal Navy was currently training at the Terran Naval Academy on Lehon.

From a distance, one could spot the Naboo Royal Fleet patrolling the system with their ships that they had recently acquired from the Terran Ascendancy.

Yrena and Yona had reached Naboo and made their way to the Palace to pay their regards to the Queen before meeting with Padme. After a brief conversation with the new Queen, they headed over to see Padme, who was currently staying as a guest in the Palace.

In her room, Padme heard a knock at the door and asked who it was, wondering if it was the Queen returning to speak with her further.

The attendant announced, "My Lady, Lady Yrena and Lady Yona have arrived to see you."

"Please, let them in," Padme replied as she rose from her seat and made her way to the door to greet her guests.

As soon as the door opened, Yrena and Yona entered with beaming smiles on their faces. The three of them embraced warmly.

"It's lovely to see both of you again. How have you been?" Padme asked.

"We've been well. Recently, we've had more free time than we know what to do with, so we're often bored out of our minds," replied Yrena with a laugh.

Padme suggested, "You should join me for some of my travels around the Galaxy. It's always a lot of fun."

Yona responded, "We might just take you up on that offer."

Before Padme could reply, Yrena interjected, "But first, we have a proposition for you."

Eager to hear more, Padme asked, "Sure, what is it?"

Yrena continued, "Well, as we are currently in a time of peace, it is important for His Majesty to consider the needs of the Terran Ascendency. So, we have compiled a list of potential candidates who may marry him." Yrena explained the situation further to Padme.

Padme expected this to happen, as Alexander was a highly sought after bachelor in the Terran Ascendency. Many females tried to seduce him when they met him, but he always managed to avoid their advances.

Padme had seen it firsthand during her visits to Lehon, where females from various races gathered outside the Palace hoping to see Alexander, but never getting the chance.

Padme knew this was inevitable. She asked, "So, who will marry him?" Yrena handed her a data pad with a list of names. Padme scanned through them until she saw her own name. Surprised, she looked up at Yrena and Yona and nervously questioned, "Why is my name on here?" Yona responded, "Because we have decided that everyone on this list, including you, are the only ones worthy of marrying him." Padme stumbled on her words as she suggested, "But what about someone else?"

Yona spoke up, "I've noticed the way you look at him and how you talk to him. You may not have realized it, but you always find a way to keep the conversation going with him. And when you're looking at him, I can see it in your eyes." Padme was speechless.

She hadn't even realized it herself, but she did try to prolong their talks and couldn't help her gaze from following him whenever they met. Yona continued, "Right now, you're probably thinking about all the things you do when you see or speak to him." Yrena added, "The wedding isn't for a few months, so you still have plenty of opportunities to confirm your feelings for him."

Padme shook her head, trying not to let the others influence her. "I'm not convinced that these feelings are what I believe them to be, so I'll put them to the test and see if they hold true," she declared, unsure of whether her attraction to Alexander was genuine.

Yrena and Yona exchanged a smile and smoothly shifted the conversation to another topic. Padme made no attempt to bring up the previous subject; she wanted to keep her mind unclouded and avoid dwelling on her uncertain emotions.