<DIV><B>A prequel to the <I>New York Times</I> best-selling novel <I>Queen''s Shadow</I>, further exploring the life of the iconic Padm¿midala<I>!</I></B></DIV><DIV><br></DIV><DIV>When fourteen-year-old Padm¿aberrie wins the election for Queen of Naboo, she adopts the name Amidala and leaves her family to the rule from the royal palace. To keep her safe and secure, she''ll need a group of skilled handmaidens who can be her assistants, confidantes, defenders, and decoys. Each girl is selected for her particular talents, but it will be up to Padm¿o unite them as a group. </DIV><DIV><br></DIV><DIV><B>When Naboo is invaded by forces of the Trade Federation, Queen Amidala and her handmaidens will face the greatest test--of themselves, and of each other.</B></DIV>