A black Delta-7 with silver lining landed smoothly on the pad outside the House Black mansion.
When Galahad stepped out, a servant was already waiting.
"Young Master," the servant said with a bow. "Master Balin is waiting for you in his office."
Galahad nodded."Then let's not keep him waiting."
As he walked toward the mansion, he passed the House Black guards. They stood straight and alert, armed with DC-15 blasters supplied by BlasTech Industries.
Among them were HK-51 assassin droids.
The HK-51 was developed from the older HK-50 model that Galahad had once found in a crashed ship. After bringing it to Czerka Arms, a new version was created. The HK-51 units were still deadly, but calmer and better at following orders.
They still had their sarcastic personality—but now they rarely showed it.
These droids now served as guards, protecting House Black's estates and holdings.
When Galahad entered the office, his father, Balin, was sitting behind his desk, reading through papers and datapads scattered across it.
"Father," Galahad said.
The servant bowed to Balin and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.
"I can't believe it's been years since I last came back."
"Well, you've been busy becoming a Jedi," Balin replied without looking up. "And I doubt you came back just to see your old man."
He set the paper down and looked at Galahad carefully.
"Padmé, I think."
Galahad let out a small huff as he sat down.
"She's my friend," he said. "One of the few true friends I have."
Balin raised an eyebrow at that.
Silence filled the room for a moment before Galahad sighed.
"Fine," he admitted. "My only friend."
"That's what I thought," Balin said.
"Enough about me," Galahad said quickly, before his father could continue. "How has the House been doing? I hope the new Queen won't be a problem for us."
"How would she be?" Balin replied, shaking his head slightly. "Just because we supported Padmé in installing the ion pulse cannons, or because we pushed for the expansion of the Royal Naboo Security Forces—" He paused. "Even if that expansion was rejected in the end."
"And many of the Royal Houses didn't like us for it," Galahad added with a small smirk.
Balin gave him a sharp look but did not deny it. Instead, he steered the conversation back.
"There is talk among the Royal Houses," he said calmly, "that the new Queen intends to appoint Padmé as the representative for Naboo and the other worlds of the Chommell sector in the Galactic Senate."
He watched his son closely as he spoke.
A faint smile formed on Galahad's lips.
He had already known this would happen. In his previous life, Padmé became a senator after her reign. But knowing it as history was different from hearing it now—real, immediate, and personal.
Even with all his foreknowledge, he still felt proud.
"She'll do well," Galahad said quietly. "Better than most."
"But you know she made enemies while serving as Queen," Balin said, his brows furrowing. "Especially the Trade Federation. They will not simply forget Naboo. They may act against her."
Galahad nodded slightly. He remembered what was to come—assassination attempts, political pressure, and danger from men like Nute Gunray, who would never truly forgive the humiliation he suffered during the crisis.
"I believe she will endure," Galahad replied, his faint smile still present. "She's intelligent. Strong. And she learns quickly. Whatever they try, she'll adapt."
Balin studied his son carefully.
"You speak with great confidence."
"I have faith," Galahad said simply.
"And after all, the droids I gifted her aren't for display," he continued. "I hope she keeps them close at all times."
When the HK-51 units entered production, Galahad had personally gifted Padmé five of them to serve as her private guards. Though she accepted the gift, the Royal Naboo Security Forces had not been pleased. To them, it felt like a quiet statement—that their protection was not enough.
"Well," Balin said, rubbing his beard thoughtfully, "she does bring them whenever she leaves the Palace. In fact, she even had them repainted."
Galahad blinked. "Repainted?"
"In Naboo colors," Balin replied with a faint smile. "White and royal blue. Gold trim along the plating. They look less like assassins now… and more like ceremonial guardians."
Galahad allowed himself a small chuckle. That sounded like her—always aware of image, always balancing.
Balin studied his son again, sharper this time.
"You are very protective of her."
Galahad did not deny it.
===
On the second day, Galahad arrived at the Theed Royal Palace alongside his father and several senior members of House Black to attend the coronation ceremony.
The palace stood bright against Naboo's clear sky, its white stone and golden domes shining in the sunlight. Nobles from across the planet had gathered, their banners and colors filling the grand plaza. Royal guards lined the pathways in perfect formation.
Galahad wore formal House Black attire beneath a light outer robe. Though he was a Jedi Knight, today he stood as a son of Naboo—as heir to House Black.
As they entered the main hall, music echoed softly through the chamber. Nobles, and representatives from across the Chommell sector filled the balconies.
And not far from the central dais, he spotted her.
Padmé stood among the dignitaries, no longer Queen—but no less commanding. The years had refined her presence. She carried herself not as a ruler now, but as something more deliberate.
Their eyes met briefly across the hall.
Galahad saw the light in her eyes the moment she recognized him. It was subtle—quickly masked beneath composure—but he knew her well enough to see it.
He allowed himself a small smile.
Then, just for a heartbeat, he gave her the faintest wink.
Padmé's lips twitched, almost imperceptibly, before she straightened, returning to the serene expression expected of a former queen and future senator.
Galahad's own expression shifted just as quickly. The warmth faded into the calm, disciplined look of a Jedi.
The ceremony proceeded with all the grandeur Naboo was known for—measured words, elegant music, and the formal crowning of the new monarch beneath the golden arches of the Theed Royal Palace.
That evening, the palace transformed.
The grand halls were illuminated by chandeliers of soft crystal light, musicians playing near the balconies as nobles, senators, and off-world delegates gathered for the celebratory banquet honoring Naboo's future.
House Black, due to its wealth and political influence, quickly became one of the centers of attention.
Representatives from shipping guilds, trade consortiums, and even quiet envoys from major corporations sought an audience with Balin. Some came openly; others approached with subtlety. All had the same goal—maintain favor with one of the most financially powerful Elder Houses.
And naturally, interest extended to its heir.
Galahad found himself politely engaged in one conversation after another. Compliments about his reputation in the Outer Rim. Subtle inquiries about his activities as a Jedi. Veiled attempts to gauge House Black's future political stance.
He answered carefully.
Measured.
Neutral.
Not giving any sign or view that will resulting House Black to be attach on any factions or ideals.
Yet even as he spoke, his awareness remained elsewhere.
Across the hall, Padmé moved with practiced grace among diplomats and planetary officials. Though no longer queen, her presence still drew attention. If rumors were true, her appointment to represent Naboo in the Galactic Senate was only a matter of time.
For a brief moment, between conversations, their eyes met again.
Galahad did nothing more than offer a small, polite smile before he was pulled back into discussion with the representative of the InterGalactic Banking Clan.
Throughout the evening, Galahad found no opportunity to speak privately with Padmé. The crowd, the formalities, and the constant stream of dignitaries kept them apart.
The situation only became more complicated when Queen Réillata formally announced that Padmé would take on the role of representative for Naboo and the other worlds in the Chommell sector.
With this announcement—and the formal induction ceremony scheduled for the next day—Padmé's schedule became busier than ever. She was constantly receiving visitors: some seeking her aid for their worlds, others merely hoping to make her acquaintance.
Even for someone who had once ruled as Queen, her new duties left little room for rest—or for personal moments.
Only after four days did Padmé finally have a quiet moment to meet with a friend.
"So," Galahad said, settling beside her in the lush House Naberrie gardens, "how do you find your new job?"
Padmé leaned back slightly against the stone bench, letting her gaze wander over the meticulously kept flowers and fountains of the garden. A small smile tugged at her lips as she considered her answer.
"It's… different," she admitted softly. "I thought being Queen was difficult, but representing Naboo—and the other worlds in the sector—is something else entirely. There's always someone needing your attention, always a decision that could affect millions."
Galahad nodded, listening carefully. "I can imagine. And the politics… they must be relentless."
"They are," she said, her tone half-amused, half-weary. "I have to balance diplomacy with practicality, with justice… and sometimes, with people who would rather see me fail."
"But you'll manage," Galahad said confidently. "You've always had a mind for these things. And you've never been afraid to stand up for what's right."
Padmé glanced at him, her smile softening. "And you? How have you been, Silver Knight? Still wandering the galaxy, keeping people safe in your own… unique way?"
Galahad chuckled quietly. "I've kept busy. The Outer Rim isn't as quiet as people think. Trouble finds those who look for it—or sometimes, those who don't. But it's… fulfilling. And I've had the Force guiding me, as always."
Padmé's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "And have you found what you're looking for out there?"
Galahad paused, considering his answer carefully. "I think I'm still searching," he said after a moment, "but I've learned a lot along the way. About people, about duty… and about myself."
Padmé nodded, leaning back to study him for a moment. "I'm glad you're here," she said softly. "Even if it's only for a little while."
Galahad allowed himself a small, rare smile. "Me too, Padmé. Me too."
"So… how long will you stay before leaving again?" Padmé asked after a short pause, her tone curious but tinged with amusement.
"Well," Galahad said slowly, savoring the moment, a playful glint in his eye, "lucky for you… I'll be accompanying you to Coruscant."
Padmé blinked, surprise flickering across her face before a soft laugh escaped her. "You mean it? You'll leave your wandering for that long?"
"As I said, lucky you," Galahad replied with a small smile. "I've been summoned back to the Temple, so that's why I'll be going with you."
"Why do they want you back?" Padmé asked, tilting her head slightly, her expression thoughtful—though in Galahad's eyes, it only made her cuter. "Is something important happening? Or… is it because of something you've done?"
"Now, now," Galahad said, shaking his head gently. "You should focus on your new duty, not my problems." He reached out and rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Besides, I've served the Order for some time now. I'll know if it's something I did that…"
He trailed off, letting the words hang in the air, his eyes meeting hers with a calm but knowing gaze. The rest, he thought, didn't need to be said. She would understand.
"Fine then," Padmé said with a small smile. "I leave for Coruscant tomorrow, so make sure you're ready by then."
Galahad nodded. "I'll be ready. Don't worry about me."
They spent the rest of the afternoon walking through the gardens, talking quietly about Naboo, the people they knew, and the small changes the planet had seen since her reign.
When the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the fountains, Galahad finally stood.
"I should prepare for the journey," he said. "We have a long trip ahead of us tomorrow."
Padmé nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'm glad you're coming with me. It makes this… less overwhelming."
Galahad gave a small, reassuring smile. "I'll make sure you're not alone."
As they walked back toward the palace, the sky deepened to twilight, and for a moment, all the worries of politics, duty, and the galaxy felt far away.