My Master nods again and disappears into her ship. Okay. I can do this. I went on a solo mission with Cas before and we did fine. Granted, she knew who I was, I wasn't partially responsible for governing a planet, and we weren't staying at least two and possibly four years.

"Come, young Naberrie. Bring you to your friend, I shall."

I nod and follow Master Yoda to the front of the Temple where Cas is waiting in civilian clothes. It takes a lot of my self-control to not run and hug her. We haven't seen each other since our solo mission years ago and we've both grown up a lot. If my math is right, she's twenty-one, which is insane because I'm only sixteen. If I didn't feel young and insecure before, I certainly do now.

"Master Yoda," she bows.

"Young Noornil brought you Lady Amidala, I have."

This time, she bows to me. "My lady."

Wow. That's weird. Time to turn on the court voice. "Hello."

"The Jedi Council has assigned me to protect you as part of my padawan training and I will do my best to do so."

I want to bang my head against a wall. I turn to Master Yoda. "Surely that isn't necessary?"

"Go with you, Noornil shall."

Okay. Well, it was worth a try. I nod. "Very well. We should get going. I'm sure my sister is looking forward to seeing me again. Thank you for the protection, Master Yoda."

He nods and walks back into the Temple leaving Cas and I alone. Well, this just got really awkward but I better make the best out of a terrible situation. I'm going to see what she's like when she's on a mission and be slightly, okay, very annoying.

Cas lowers the ramp of the ship and gestures inside. "This way, Lady Amidala."

I grab my bag and place it down on the first empty ship I come to. Then, I take the co-pilot's seat in the cockpit.

"I don't think you ever told me your first name," I say as she starts the takeoff procedure.

"Cas." She hesitates. "I apologize. This is my first mission without another Jedi and I'm afraid that I'm just slightly nervous."

Okay. Screw it. I trust Cas and me trying to hide who I am from one of my closest friends is going to be way too hard. Plus, it means she'll be a lot less bodyguard-y and won't be mad at me when she finds out because she will find out eventually.

I nod. "It's fine. I understand. After all, I'm returning home for the first time in years and I'm a little nervous as well."

My friend takes the ship up toward the atmosphere. "If you don't mind me asking, my lady, why haven't you returned before now?"

I smile. "I think that answer will have to wait until we're in hyperspace."

"Okay..."

The reason I don't just tell her now is that there's a chance, a slim one but a chance nonetheless, that someone has tapped into our ship and is listening to our conversation. However, once we're in hyperspace, no one can spy on us. Thankfully, I don't have to wait long because Cas is such a good pilot and knows how to avoid all of the planetary traffic.

"I believe I owe you an answer but before I tell you I need you to promise me that you will not tell anyone else, no matter what they do to you."

Determination glazes across her face. "I promise."

"Good because otherwise, we were going to have a very hard few years."

I get up from my seat, step into the hall, let Cas tell the droid to take over, follow me, and grab my lightsaber through the slit in my dress.

"How did you-"

I cut her off by igniting my signature purple blade. "Hey, Cas. It's been a while."

"Tessa!"

I put away my lightsaber and stash it back into the holster under the dress. "Yeah. Surprise."

The older girl wraps her arms around me. "You look so grown up!"

I smirk and return the hug. "Are you saying I looked like a child before?"

"Yes," she responds flatly. "Probably because you were one."

"Rude. But, um, for what it's worth, I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess. My sister never should've made me her proxy."

She laughs. "Oh, this is good. I always thought you were a little princess and now you are one!"

I glare. "Not funny Cas. The idiotic choice my sister made has gotten us both separated from our Masters, stuck on Naboo for at least two years, and forced me into relearning how to govern a planet!"

Cas puts her arm on my shoulder. "Hey, look, you're Tessa freaking Naberrie, you can handle this. Besides, you'll have me."

I roll my eyes. "Because you'll be so helpful."

"With governing a planet and fancy dinners? No. I prefer to fix ships and spar. But with knowing who you are, who you really are, well, I'll be the only person on that planet who does because as much as your sister may pretend that she knows you, she doesn't."

I groan and sit on one of the couches. "Not helping, Cas."

She plops down beside me. "Well, you're definitely not going to like this then. There's a small possibility that this assignment could act as our Trials."

This is exactly what I was worried about. "You're right. I don't like it."

"Think about it, we've been separated from our Masters, you're being sent home and forced to deal with stuff that you haven't had to worry about in a decade, I'm supposed to be some guard handmaiden thing and that means patience, not to mention the fact that someone will inevitably try to kill either you or your sister, and we'll have to be insanely careful to not let anyone know who you are."

I nod. "You're right, so now we really can't mess up."

Cas rolls her eyes. "Please. Like you were ever going to mess up."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She shakes her head. "You really don't know do you?" I shake my head, now very intrigued. "Tess," my friend says, using my nickname that I begrudgingly accepted, "ever since you arrived at the Temple, you've been great at everything and I know you'll be great at this."

"Everyone keeps saying that but I just can't stop doubting myself. No matter what my Master or anyone says."

"Well, at least we balance each other out. I'm a little too confident and even though you're amazing, you're not."

I nod. "Hey, would you mind helping me out of this dress? I want to train or move or do something and it'll just get in the way."

"Sure, Princess."

I hit my head on the wall. "This is going to be a long mission."

Cas helps me get the dress off by pulling it off my head and I readjust my lightsaber strap. Then, I look up at Cas who is staring at me.

"What?" I ask as I remove my loose shoes.

"Girl, have you looked in a mirror lately?"

I shake my head. "Nope. There's not really time when you're training with Wookiees or freezing your butt off on Hoth. Why?"

She laughs. "You look good, that's why. Very 'I'm an amazing Jedi, don't mess with me' vibes. Plus, the silver outfit helps. If the whole diplomatic way doesn't work, you could always just stare them into submission."

"Hilarious. Move."

Cas backs up and I kick up into a handstand. Once I have my balance, I take my right hand off the floor and remain upside down on my left hand. Then, to make it even harder on myself, I start doing pushups (an exercise the Wookiees were unreasonably fond of).

"Show off," Cas grumbles.

"We have to have at least a few hours until we get to Naboo. You should join me."

"No thank you. I am going to read over the thousand different etiquette rules I'm supposed to know that don't."

I kick down and jog over to her. "Wait for me! I don't know them either!"

"Come on then, let's get this mess started."

After a few hours, Cas groans and kicks back in her chair. "Okay. This is ridiculous."

I nod in agreement. "Believe me. I'm not entirely thrilled that you'll be stuck with me literally every moment of every day for the next few years either."

"But I'm a Jedi! Shouldn't these, like, not apply?"

I shake my head. "Master Yoda reached a deal with Padmé so that you would work on your training in a fully immersive experience and in exchange, you would help ensure that this transition goes smoothly. To my knowledge, I don't think Padmé wanted you to come at all. She's doing this as a favor to the Council and to me."

"Wait. That means I have to wear the stupid outfit too because if this is immersive then I can't be a Jedi either."

For the first time all day, I laugh. "Yes! Revenge is sweet!"

"Oh shut up Tessa. According to the file, I can keep my braid so people will know I'm a Jedi in training and that I'm here training but I'm not supposed to display my lightsaber or use it because your planet has a big thing against violence."

My bad mood returns. "At least you get to keep your braid."

"Hey, at least try to be happy. You are seeing your sister again after all."

"Sure but I haven't seen her in ten years."

"Tess, I don't think she would've made you her proxy if she didn't want to see you. You know, she seems pretty stubborn. Pulling your sister out of the Jedi life is no easy feat, especially for a fourteen-year-old."

I punch her lightly in the shoulder. "Hey! I was fourteen when I went on my mission with you to Mon Cala."

"Yes, and if I recall, we almost got shot."

"We're here now aren't we?"

"Yes but we better not get shot at or I'm blaming you."

Suddenly, an alarm goes off throughout the ship, and Cas groans.

"What?" I ask, worried that we're about to be shot at.

"We're almost there so we need to get you into that dress and both of us back into character because I'm not supposed to know you too well."

I nod and toss her the dress. "Help me?"

"Of course, my lady."

"Hey Cas, you remember when we met each other on Mon Cala and became friends?"

She smiles, picking up what I'm saying. "Of course, my lady but let's not mention the getting shot at part to your sister."

"Agreed. I'm so glad the Jedi Council decided to assign me someone I've met before otherwise this would be completely awkward."

Cas laughs as she fastens up the back of my dress. "I think awkward doesn't even begin to cover it, my lady."

Back in the dress, I catch my reflection in one of the ship's metal walls and gasp because, well, I look like a princess. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Then I remember what Cas said about my 'warrior look' that I'm wearing under this dumb dress and feel a little better about myself. I'm shaken out of my self-pity by Cas emerging from her room, where she went to change, in a handmaiden outfit and cloak.

"If you laugh, I will let you get shot."

I try to stifle my laugh the best I can. "I technically don't need your protection, Cas. Speaking of which, can I fly the ship in?"

"No my lady, I'm afraid that duty belongs to me."

This time, I laugh as we head back to the cockpit. "Or you just don't want me to touch your ship."

"That too."

Cas brings us out of hyperspace gently and then proceeds to fly down to the planet's surface.

"Naboo," I whisper in awe of finally being back.

All of a sudden, I feel incredibly nervous. Before, joking with Cas, I was fine. But now, I'm panicking just a little. Breathe. Control your emotions. Breathe.

"My lady, are you alright?"

I nod and the pit in my stomach gets worse as we enter the atmosphere. "Just nerves."

"Remember what I said earlier, you're Tessa Naberrie and you can do this."

"I'm not worried about the missions," I respond, surprising myself a little. "I'm worried about seeing my sister again."

"Well, that I can't help with but I doubt she'd go through all of this if she didn't want you here. Also, open your eyes. We're here."

I honestly had no idea my eyes were closed and when I open them, it's strange. Part of me wants to cry because I'm back on Naboo, the stronger part of me is telling myself to get it together, but the main part of me is focused on my sister standing anxiously outside, waiting for me.

I swallow and grab my bag. "Let's not keep them waiting. Is your lightsaber hidden?"

She nods, grabs her bag, and though she thinks I can't see her do it, she swallows her nerves too. This is going to be fine. Everything is going to be fine. I wonder if the guards would let me train with them. I'm going to have to do something to stay active and I doubt Padmé would appreciate Cas and I sparring in her palace.

"Tessa!"

My head shoots up from the floor. "Sorry. Open the door."

She nods and the doors slide apart to reveal my home planet. The second I step off the ship, Padmé is running to me and embracing me in a hug.

"I missed you!"

I awkwardly place my arms around her waist. "I missed you too. This is Cas, my friend, and bodyguard apparently."

Cas bows. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."

Padmé nods. "The honor is mine."

She starts walking and I follow her uncomfortably. "So, when's the coronation?"

"Tomorrow," she breathes out shakily.

Cas and I look at each other panicked because according to our information, it wasn't supposed to be for a few days. Then again, we've both learned the hard way that we can't always rely on the information we've been given. Awesome. There are already problems.

I put my hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you'll be fine. The people wouldn't have chosen you if they didn't think you would do a good job."

Cas tries to stifle her laugh from behind us but fails. "You would do well to listen to your own advice, my lady."

"Yeah, well, I'll get right on that," I snap back. "Sister, is there somewhere we could talk privately?"

"Of course. This way."

Out of nowhere, someone comes running toward us and I have to consciously remind myself to not draw my lightsaber and so does Cas although her hand goes to her leg before she stops it.

"Uh oh," Padmé says.

I'm starting to feel a little worried as he gets closer. "Uh oh, what?" I ask moving my hand to my leg like Cas.

"I'm about to be in a lot of trouble."

He's mere paces away from us. "Are we in danger or not?" I demand.

"Oh, sorry, no."

Cas and I breathe deeply and remove our hands from our legs.

"Queen Amidala! You cannot leave your guards!" the man yells.

I turn and face my sister. "You ditched your guards? Really!"

"I wanted to meet you by myself," she retorts. "Captain Panaka, this is my sister and her bodyguard Cas."

He bows stiffly. "It's an honor to meet you, my lady."

I smile softly. "The honor is mine and thank you for at least trying to protect my younger sister."

Once again out of nowhere, a young woman comes sprinting out to meet us. That must be one of her handmaidens and guards one of which, I look around to see if she is the girl that closely resembles my sister, acts as her body double.

"Your highness, do try to not leave me again," Padmé's lookalike says as she nears us. "Ah, you're her sister. It's nice to meet you, my lady."

All of these introductions are getting exhausting. "It's nice to meet you too..."

"Sabé."

"Sabé. Well, this is Cas, my bodyguard."

We all exchange more greetings but eventually, Padmé leads us into one of the many wings of the palace.

"Sabé, you can stand guard outside the door while I speak with my sister. I assure you, nothing will happen."

Cas nods. "I'll go with you."

My sister looks panicked but I nod. "Of course. We won't be long."

Sabé looks between us and nods. "Very well."

The three of us quickly slip into my new room and make sure it's not bugged, the curtains are drawn, the windows set so that we can see out but no one can see in, and that no one can hear us before I re-embrace my sister.

"Padmé, it's good to see you."

She returns the embrace and gestures to Cas with her head. "Is it safe?"

Cas laughs and plops down on one of the elegant couches. "Don't worry about me, your highness. Tess told me the second we made it to hyperspace."

Padmé raises her eyebrow at me. "You did what?"

"Cas and I have been friends since I left Naboo. She won't tell anyone."

"Got that right, princess."

I roll my eyes and turn back to Padmé. "She's also super annoying and you should ignore her."

Cas chucks a pillow at me, I catch it with The Force, and I throw it back so hard she falls onto the bed trying to catch it.

"Ow."

"Woah," Padmé breathes out.

I smirk. "The great Cas Noornil defeated by a pillow. Your Master would be so disappointed."

She gets up to the bed and comes over to Padmé and I. "Yeah, well your Master sounds like she would kill me if I even tried to train with her so it's no surprise her apprentice can best me."

I fake a gasp. "Was that a compliment?"

"Don't let it go to your head."

Padmé laughs. "You two seem close."

I return her laugh and sit down on the couch at the foot of the bed. "We are but don't let the way we act fool you. She used to hate me."

"Hate is a strong word but yes, we weren't friends. Your Majesty, if I may, your sister is perhaps the most talented, determined, stubborn, and way too good for her own good person I've ever met in my life."

I smirk. "I will take that as a compliment too. Anyway, enough about whether or not Cas hates me, what about you?"

"Um, I did the Apprentice Legislature, became Princess of Theed, and became Queen. That's really it."

Cas laughs from her bed that's on the opposite side of the room from mine. "'That's it?' Jeez, you two are really alike. Always belittling your achievements."

"We're supposed to be humble," I shoot back.

"We're also not supposed to doubt ourselves so I think we both have some things to work on."

I turn back to Padmé. "Like I said, please ignore Cas. However, in this case, she's right. You are not the youngest to become Queen but you are young. Padmé, the people have faith in you, I have faith in you."

"You signed the character witness form two years ago," she whispers. "That was the first time I had anything from you since you left beside your letter."

I look at Cas; she nods and takes the signal to leave the room and go to the bathroom to give us some privacy.

I lower my voice in case Cas decides to eavesdrop. "Padmé, Jedi aren't supposed to form attachments so I couldn't contact you. In fact, it's a miracle I'm here now. Nonetheless, I never stopped caring. I often meditated and focused on you and was able to see how you were doing in school and other things. I may not have been here, but I've always been with you and when I leave, I will always be with you. Okay?"

She nods. "Yeah. Um, the Coronation is in the morning so someone will pick you up for breakfast. I picked out a dress for you and it's in the closet."

"Wonderful. You know, as Queen, you should let me wear pants."

"No."

Cas re-emerges from the bathroom. "Your highness, what about me?"

Padmé shakes her head and switches to acting like a queen. "No. My deal with Master Yoda involves a fully immersive experience for both of you so no pants."

"Fine." Cas gets a scary grin on her face. "Your highness, would you like to see what your sister looks like as a Jedi?"

I see the queen switch turn off and the fourteen-year-old girl part of her turn back on. "Yes please."

Cas' grin grows even wider. "Sorry Tess, but your Queen has spoken."

I groan and let her help me out of the dress. Although I'm not a fan of Padmé seeing me as a Jedi, it certainly feels better to just be in my training clothes.

"Wow, Tessa. You look fierce."

Cas throws off her dress to reveal her tight training clothes and I look at her. "What? It was a good idea! No offense your highness but I'm not a big fan of dresses."

Padmé points to our lightsabers, clearly not offended. "Can I see?"

"No," I say.

"Yes," Cas responds at the same time.

I glare at Cas. "It's too big of a risk. Someone could see."

She sighs and removes her hand from her holster. "You're right. My apologies, Your Majesty."

Padmé smiles. "It's fine." She heads for the door and Tessa and I fasten the luxurious robes around us but before she reaches the door, she turns back around. "Oh, and you can wear pants for breakfast."

Cas bows. "Thank you, your majesty."

I elbow Cas and smile at Padmé. "I'll see you tomorrow."

She hugs me again. "It's good to have you back."

I return her embrace but don't say anything. I'm not so sure.