The Royal Water Yacht gently skimmed across the surface of the crystal clear lake, barely causing a tremor or a ripple as it hovered just above the water. It's traditional chromium coated hull made it go stunning sight to behold for those fortunate enough to witness it in action, the unblemished exterior gleamed as it passed by. A large, retractable glass dome was positioned around the main deck, shielding its esteemed passengers from the glare of the sun.
Its journey provided the occupants with a grand view of the majestic surroundings, with the verdant mountains and calm valleys acting as vibrant tapestries that shrouded the Lake Country from the rest of Naboo. In the distance, a number of waterfalls could be seen, pouring a steady stream of misty water into the lake below, creating a frothy blanket as it met with the untainted water stream.
Shaaks could be seen ambling across the surrounding grasslands, travelling as far as their weak legs could carry them in search of a desirable food source. Soaring in the blue skies above, numerous species of bird could be seen gliding overhead, their multi-coloured plumes twinkled and glimmered as they passed through the stunning rays of sunlight. The experience was one that was entirely unique to the paradise world of Naboo, one that made it the envy of those forced to live on planets where such sights or vistas were few or far between, or completely non-existent.
A slight turn from the rudder caused the yacht to tilt ever so slight, pointing it directly in line with the richly decorated stone and marble dock that extended out from the land. The repulsors beneath the hull of the yacht slowly died down, reaching a level that ended its forward propulsion, allowing it to use the slow moving current to help glide it over to the dock. When the starboard side of the yacht became parallel with the mouth of the dock the captain gave the order to the ship's pilot to initiate the docking sequence, activating the semi-translucent magnetic clamps that locked with the ones fixed to the dock, holding them in place.
With a quick series of final preliminary checks, the procedures to disembark were immediately put into action, with the crew and royal guards rushing to their prearranged positions, standing to attention as they awaited the arrival of their beloved monarch.
From the bowels of the vessel, the royal procession ascended the wide staircase that led directly from the Queen's personal quarters. The affectionately nicknamed 'Pearl Hats' -- dressed in the traditional plastifibre and Ubese leather uniform belonging to the Theed Palace Guards -- led the way, following the stony faced Captain Panaka, who snapped off a crisp salute to the guards already assembled on the top deck.
Not too far behind them were a duo of the Queen's most fiercely loyal handmaidens, Sabé and the royal wardrobe mistress Dormé. Both were clad in their matching flame coloured ceremonial robes, made from trevella cloth tinted with spectra fade dye, with the garment leaving only the bottom of the faces exposed, disguising the pair's dual role as decoys in the event of a perceived threat being levelled at their monarch. Few outside of Queen Amidala's inner circle were privy to the true identities of the handmaidens, a deliberate measure taken to allow a swap to take place with the Queen if it was required, with each handmaiden possessing a near uncanny resemblance to their friend and monarch.
Finally, the final figure emerged, causing the royal guards to offer her a unified salute. Despite the reasonably warm summer climate, Queen Amidala had chosen to adorn her body with the elaborate clothing worn by the Monarch of Naboo. She wore a billowing burgundy gown that flared out as it reached the surface of the upper deck, with black shed potolli fur offsetting the main bold colour. Her white painted face was framed by a pair of pure gold crown that encompassed her oval shaped face. The Queen's long, luxuriant brunette hair had been styled in an extravagant manner, lifted and curled around a circular form, creating a halo-like ring, creating a striking silhouette.
Stepping onto the upper deck, Queen Amidala let her sparkling brown eyes flick up towards the glass dome, watching as a section split away to reveal the long docking ramp, which immediately lowered itself down to the wide dock. The fresh scent of the lake filled the yacht in an instant, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia for the monarch, memories of her time with her parents and sister in their secluded village. It almost brought a fond smile to her red and white painted lips, but the stoicism that had been deeply ingrained into her during the years leading to her ascent allowed her to maintain her poise.
"Your highness, we've arrived at the Royal Villa, you may begin your departure whenever you desire," Captain Sherrik spoke respectfully, inclining his head after removing his cap.
"Thank you, captain. Please send my regards to the pilot, I can't recall a time where I've made this journey without once feeling the yacht suffer from the turbulence of the water. I was almost convinced that we hadn't departed from Theed," Queen Amidala replied amiably, quickly flanked by Sabé and Dormé.
"Of course, your highness. I hope you find you stay to be both peaceful and pleasant," the Captain smiled, nodding at Panaka as he headed back to the bridge.
The procession crossed the length of the deck and made its way to the durasteel landing ramp, walking in a formation that ensured that the Queen was covered from every possible angle, with the guards keeping their fingers close to the triggers of their weapons. After a short descent along the ramp, they set off towards the winding stone staircase that led up to the main grounds of the resplendent villa.
The Royal Villa itself had been constructed centuries prior, built under the orders of one of Queen Amidala's long deceased predecessors. It was intended to be an official getaway for the current ruling monarch, a means of temporarily escaping the chaos and bluster that came with playing in the political arena, both domestically and on a galactic scale. Much thought had gone into the planning of it, with the architects and assessment teams paying special attention to its strategical location and the view it provided to those residing on its lush grounds. Even compared to Varykino Villa, owned by her family, the Royal Villa stood as a magnificent sight.
The villa consisted of four main structures, each of which served a different purpose when it came to providing sufficient protection for the monarch and the means of creating a calming environment. Three large domes extended close to four storeys high, blending in with the foliage growing from the small cliffside. Each dome provided a security buffer, hosting defenses ranging from sophisticated and state-of-the-art shield generators, to anti-starfighter turrets hidden amongst the treeline. The third contained enough space to host a small garrison of guards if it was necessary to do so, enabling the villa to become a bunker should Naboo threatened by an external enemy force.
