[It will never be something that Padmé could hold against her. How could she? She wasn't there to raise her, and how could one call someone mother who one didn't even know?]

Bail- [Given Padmé's response, it hadn't been something that she had planned. No, it had always been her intention to raise her child- children- once born, but what she had planned and what the reality was were two completely different paths.]

He- he was a very close friend of mine. We worked together on the Senate and I respected him greatly. It- he was always kind and wise. Breha too.

[And oh. Oh. She swallows softly. Padmé had tried to shield Bail from any backlash, which is why she had not had him sign his name. Given everything that happened, it likely was a good thing that she didn't know, although a part of that does break her heart. Yet she cannot be selfish over that, she scolds herself, knowing that the sun had set and darkness is now spreading across the galaxy. Knowing that Anakin had fallen with it.

There is a shake of her head though at that question. It is not that Padmé is denying it. No, never that.]

Please. Never fear to ask anything of me, Leia, and I will always answer to the best of my ability.

[Honestly and truthfully. Yet, there is a flash of sadness on her features. A part of her wonders if she will ever be as joyous and carefree as she had once been on Naboo, sharing a picnic with a young padawan...]

Not long, I fear. I- I passed shortly after your birth. A few minutes, maybe.