My handmaidens are all swift, efficient movement. Hanné folds my plainest garments – and a couple of choice outfits I cannot part with – while Esmé packs books. Dormé packs my daily essentials – toiletries, medicines – and Irdé is busy at her datapad, making arrangements. I am left with the task of choosing only a few sentimental items to bring with me into my new life.

It's overwhelming, sitting here on a bed I have slept in for six years, sometimes shared with Anakin, and deciding what to leave behind. I have been preparing for this day for months, and yet it catches me unawares. Everything feels bigger, more sudden than I expected, too drastic, though I know it is time.

Obi-Wan took his leave only two hours ago. Irdé gave him a commlink, one paired to her own, so that if Anakin visits my apartments she can contact Obi-Wan. I also told him the location of my "not-lake house" in case I am ever in need of his aid – a secret only he, I and Dormé carry.

Dormé kneels before me now, takes my hands in hers. "Are you okay, Milady?"

I sigh. "I don't really know how to answer that question right now."

"You are doing a big, hard thing. An important thing. We must move quickly, yes? Or would you like us to delay?"

I squeeze her hands. "Thanks Dormé. Speed is important. The sooner we leave, the less likely we encounter Anakin. I will set my feelings aside until we are away."

She smiles and returns to her own task. I turn to the bedside table and open the draw where I keep my most precious treasures. A bracelet gifted to me by my sister, hand-beaded when we were children. The small book of folk tales my parents gave me when I first took Senatorial office, so I would be reminded where I come from. Somewhat abstract drawings by my nieces and nephews for my birthday one year.

And a japor snippet carved by a nine-year-old from Tatooine.

It feels heavier in my hands than a pendant should. Slowly, I pull it from the draw and stand, holding my belly. I walk over to the balcony, wind whipping stray hairs from my face. For a moment I simply stand there, a wordless prayer on my lips. Then, holding my hand out over the drop, I open my fingers and let the japor snippet fall, tumbling, a glinting gold speck, until it is no longer visible. Until it has joined the other mislaid junk on Coruscant's distant surface.

A shaky breath escapes me. It is done. Anakin and I are over.

A weight lifted from me, I pack my sentimental items, then join my handmaidens in the central room of my apartments.

These faithful women who have served me tirelessly for so long, given so much of themselves. Tears spring to my eyes as I realise this is goodbye.

"Thank you," I say, nodding to each of them in turn. "I do not deserve such loyal, generous service as you have given me these past six years. My career would not be what is has been without you. I would not be alive without you. Without Cordé. I owe you all so much."

"We have given it gladly, Milady," Esmé insists, and is met with enthusiastic nods from the others.

"This has not just been a job but a calling. It is an honour to serve the Senator for Naboo," adds Hanné.

I bow my head to accept their kind words. "Dormé and I will fly to Naboo, where she will then deliver my resignation to the Queen," I tell them. "You are no longer in my employ; you are free to go from this place, to return to your homes and families, once we have departed."

Irdé steps forward. "We have spoken of this, Milady, and we have decided to stay. We will maintain the façade that you are still residing here, though confined to your apartments by illness, for a week or two, to cover your escape. Besides, I must be here to alert Master Obi-Wan in case we have an unwelcome visitor."

I shake my head vehemently. "The risk is too great. You heard about the Temple. None of you is safe if Anakin comes here, even with what protection Captain Typho can offer."

"It has already been decided," Hanné says firmly. "We will take one last risk for you, Milady."

Overcome, I hug them all, and I am not the only one crying.

And so, Dormé and I board my Nubian shuttle, the scant few belongings necessary for my new life loaded into a very empty cargo bay. On the boarding ramp, I glance back at the place I have called home, at the people who have made it feel that way. With a final wave, I leave Coruscant for the last time.